Bear Paw Development Corp. celebrates 45th anniversary

Bear Paw Development Corp. http://www.bearpaw.org will celebrate its 45th anniversary this year as a nonprofit organization and also as a federally recognized Economic Development District by the Economic Development Administration.

While formally recognized by the state of Montana in April of 1968 as a nonprofit corporation, Bear Paw obtained its federal 501(c)(3) nonprofit status on May 23, 1969, and was officially designated as an Economic Development District on March 22, 1969.

"Bear Paw Development was the first economic development district in Montana and has the distinction of being the oldest district in the state, and one of the longest-serving districts in the nation," said Paul Tuss, executive director. "We owe a debt of gratitude to those tribal and local government officials, and community leaders, who believed in this organization enough to invest their time, talent and treasure in recognizing the importance of organizing Bear Paw Development to tackle issues related to the growth and economic vitality of northern Montana. For 45 years, we have had excellent support from people who have stuck with us through thick and thin, and for that we are immensely grateful."

The organization’s annual meeting luncheon is noon Feb. 21 in the ballroom of the Student Union Building on campus at MSU-Northern. The cost to attend is $15 per person and reservations are required by today. The keynote speaker will be U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont.

To make a reservation, contact Bear Paw Development at 265-9226 or via email at [email protected].