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Chamber unites Butte economic groups
At least eight groups in Butte have formed to promote economic development but only recently have they started working together.
The change, under the heading Team Butte, is part of an effort led by Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marko Lucich.
Associated Press
The goal is bring the groups together so they know what the others are doing.
"Essentially, what it’s intended to be is a name that indicates we are all working in one direction," said Rick Edwards, who works for NorthWestern Energy and is involved with several economic development efforts. "We all have one basic goal and that is the betterment of Butte and southwest Montana."
Recently, Team Butte sponsored media advertisements urging support for the economic development levy, which Butte residents will vote on Tuesday. Donors paid for the ads.
Lucich said Butte and area people have often asked him what groups are doing for economic development and why the groups don’t appear to work together.
Team Butte is also used collectively to help alleviate concerns over turf issues by economic development groups.
"We’re trying to remove that," Lucich said. "If we do good, we all do good."
Team Butte has no bylaws, mission statement or finances. It doesn’t have meetings. Most of the people involved know each other from workshops and other gatherings.
Lucich said Team Butte hopes to help attract and retain businesses.
"It’s in the beginning stages," he said. "But hopefully it catches on."
Lucich is credited with the Team Butte term, patterned off a concept he saw at a convention.
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