Business in downtown Missoula is off to a slow start for the year amid a turbulent economy nationwide. Consumers are holding their money closer amid an uncertain economy, Linda McCarthy, executive director of the Downtown Missoula Partnership, said.

Numerous Canadian paddling teams canceled reservations for this summer, she said, adding some Canadians are uneasy about traveling to the state, citing economic instability and safety.

Federal cuts also led to canceled conferences, McCarthy told NBC Montana.