Kalispell Chamber Supports HB 232, Flathead Valley Community College and Workforce Needs

The Kalispell Chamber supported HB 232, revising laws for dual enrollment at community colleges, heard on Monday, January 30 before the House Education Committee. The Chamber’s representatives in Helena stood as a proponent for the Chamber, clarifying the ability of community colleges, including Flathead Valley Community College, to offer dual credit curriculum.

Flathead Valley Community College is an invaluable partner of the Kalispell Chamber and community in working toward meeting growing workforce needs. Recently, FVCC completed the Nursing and Health Sciences Building to support area healthcare job training and new manufacturing equipment and faculty have been added to meet the demand for training in the areas of wood products, high-tech, and firearm manufacturing.

"Workforce preparedness is a high priority for the Kalispell Chamber this legislative session. HB 232 will put community colleges on the same footing as the Montana University System for dual credit curriculum, which improves student success and lowers family’s educational expenses," says Joe Unterreiner, President of the Kalispell Chamber.

This wording will clarify the community college’s ability to serve high school students, which FVCC has done for the last 20 years, and teaching over 700 area high school students during FY’16.