Comments sought on economy plan in Kalispell on Friday (Missoula in the morning)

Local residents have an opportunity to influence Montana’s economic development strategy on
Friday.

By William L. Spence
The Daily Inter Lake

That’s when Kalispell native David Gibson, head of the Office of Economic Opportunity, will hold a
listening session on Gov. Judy Martz’s draft economic development plan.

"We need a good turnout at this session," said Jobs Now Director Elizabeth Harris. "The plan is
only as good as the comments, particularly in terms of its priorities."

Following a brief overview of the proposal, Gibson’s staff will conduct small group discussions, so
people can present their concerns and ideas more informally.

Topics will include issues such as work-force development, technology and infrastructure, energy,
agriculture, and business development.

Gibson or Kurt Alme, head of the Department of Revenue, also will discuss tax reform.

"The most important thing I can do in the next 12 months is get our tax policy in line with our
neighboring states, so we can recruit businesses without getting slammed," Gibson said in
February during a presentation here to the Montana Association of Counties.

The state also must do a better job of providing the labor skills that businesses need, he said
then.

Education and worker skill levels are the deciding factors that make a company choose one
location over another, Gibson said, yet Montana "is the only state in the nation that has no
money set aside to bring a company in and help train their workers."

Dramatically streamlining the regulatory and permitting process is another important element in
the governor’s plan, he said. There also must be the recognition that traditional industries and
"new economy" firms will both be important Montana’s to the future.

"We won’t get where we want to go unless we bring everyone along," Gibson said.

The governor’s draft economic development plan can be viewed over the Web at
http://www.discoveringmontana.com/gov2/textonly/econdev/default.asp

Friday’s listening session will be held at Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish from 4-7 p.m. The
event is free, and the public is encouraged to attend.

"This is an opportunity for business and community leaders and citizens to provide input," Gibson
said in a press release. "It’s important that everyone participate in the development of this plan,
and this session is one way for them to do so."

People also may provide feedback over the Web, or call the Office of Economic Opportunity at
(406) 444-5634.

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