Missoula Expo Center feasibility study gets under way. Board members seek input from community

The president and director of a Chicago-based consulting firm will be in Missoula for three days this week to begin formal planning for an exposition center.

Rob Hunden and Robert Smitherman of Hunden Strategic Partners, which specializes in destination attractions, will meet with dozens of stakeholders and civic leaders starting Monday.

It’s the beginning of a feasibility study to decide if, where and when Missoula wants to build a year-round indoor facility fit to hold sporting events, livestock and trade shows, and other events.

“This is about all of Missoula and everybody who lives here, not just the business sector,” said Kim Latrielle of the Montana Exposition executive board. “We want to hear from everybody.”

She urged anyone who wants to give their input to contact her at [email protected] or 544-9722, or talk to others on the expo board.

For more information, contact Montana Exposition Center, 2925 Palmer St., Suite A, Missoula, MT 59808. Or call (406) 544-9722 or (406) 543-6623.

The Montana Exposition Executive Board members are: John Riley (ISCS) co-chair, [email protected]; Bill Bouchee (First Security Bank) co-chair; Dale Mahlum (Mahlum Ranch), [email protected]; Dirk Visser (Allegiance); Stacey Mueller (Missoulian), [email protected]; Tim Winger (Southgate Mall) [email protected]; Kim Latrielle (The Missoula Chamber of Commerce), [email protected] or [email protected].

By KIM BRIGGEMAN of the Missoulian

Full Story: http://missoulian.com/articles/2009/06/14/news/mtregional/news08.txt

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Anthony Preite, Director

Montana Department of Commerce

301 S. Park, P.O Box 200501

Helena, MT 59620-0501

RE: Pledge of support from the Missoula City Council for the Montana Exposition Feasibility
Study’s request for matching funds from the Big Sky Trust Fund.

Dear Mr. Preite,

Please accept this as an endorsement by the Missoula City Council for the allocation of Big Sky
Trust funds to the Montana Exposition Feasibility Study.

The Missoula City Council believes this study could result in expanded opportunities for
Missoulians seeking employment, schools wanting to host sporting events, groups wanting to
host industry conferences, local businesses through increased non-resident retail shoppers and
our city coffers through increased tax revenues.

We are encouraged with the fiscal restraint exhibited with the project. Detennining the
feasibility, building a smaller facility with expansion plans when and if the project can be selfsustaining.

We are committed to working with community members, organizations and area businesses to
allow for a positive outcome to this study. Please support our request for matching funds for the
Montana Exposition Center Feasibility Study submitted by Missoula Area Economic
Development Corporation.

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Montana Department of Commerce to reconsider Missoula Exposition Center grant to help pay for $50,000 feasibility study. Center would help promote Missoula http://matr.net/article-34508.html