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Kalispell Chamber Luncheon To Feature Manufacturing And Student Scholarships – 9/18 – Kalispell, MT

WHAT: Kalispell Chamber Monthly Luncheon

This luncheon will feature presentations from Kalispell Chamber staff on eight weeks of manufacturing programming and events this fall, before kicking off a panel of local manufacturing experts who have successfully addressed workforce challenges by implementing internship and apprenticeship programs.

Additionally, in support of workforce training, the Kalispell Manufacturers Alliance, the manufacturing arm of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, will be presenting two, $1,000 scholarships to students currently enrolled in Flathead Valley Community College’s Occupational and Manufacturing Trades programs.

This luncheon will be the kickoff event of the chamber’s eight weeks of programming and events surrounding Flathead Manufacturing Month, the valley’s extended celebration of National Manufacturing Day.

WHERE: Red Lion Hotel – 20 North Main Street, Kalispell

WHEN: Tuesday, September 18, 2018, 11:45am – 1:15pm

WHY: Manufacturing is the fastest growing industry across the state of Montana and in the Flathead Valley. With over 500 unique manufacturers in Flathead County alone, the industry has seen tremendous growth over the last several years. As larger manufacturing companies such as Plum Creek and the Columbia Falls aluminum plant have downsized, smaller, more specialized, high-tech firms have taken root in the Flathead.

The manufacturing industry pays an average of 17 percent higher wages than the average Montana job, yet is still experiencing extreme workforce shortages. In response, the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce has a developed a strong manufacturing focus to help build a skilled and ­­qualified workforce for local companies and to raise awareness about the high-paying, high-tech, rewarding career opportunities in the industry.

WHO: Kalispell Chamber Programming – Available for interviews following the program

Joe Unterreiner – Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, President/CEO

Kate Lufkin – Kalispell Chamber of Commerce Marketing & Communications Manager

Panel Participants – Available for interviews following the program

Kristen Heck – LC Staffing

Jim Wright – PROOF Research

Kyle Cram – Weyerhaeuser

Steven Thompson, Thompson Precision

Laura Gardner – Montana Department of Labor and Industry, Workforce Service Division

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The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce is the longest-standing and leading advocate for the Flathead Valley community and business climate.

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