Stevensville, Montana Main Street Association Closing Nov. 30

Some factors contributing to the SMSA closure are businesses who had been large annual donors changing hands; more nonprofits in the valley competing for donors, sponsors and volunteers; and businesses having more competition locally and online. According to Roach, SMSA has been unable to reach sustainable funding with their current business model.

The Stevensville Town Council and business leaders have applied to the Department of Commerce for funds to bring in outside expertise for a larger conversation about needs, priorities, and options for collaboration and alternative business models.

“Stevensville is a wonderful community and I truly enjoyed many aspects of the job,” she said. “I’m glad to see the businesses stepping up and taking ownership in the process — to be successful, any Main Street Association or similar organization needs the business owners in the driver’s seat.”

MICHELLE MCCONNAHA [email protected] and Stevensville Main Street Association