BUSINESS NEWS AND FUNDING

City urged to think outside the box – "The three T’s of economic development are technology, talent and tolerance" Richard Florida

"If a good business climate was all that mattered, then everybody would be moving to Buffalo," Florida said. "If you look at where companies are going today, it’s some of the most expensive cities in the world — New York, Chicago and San Francisco." "To me, the three T’s of economic development are technology, talent and tolerance," he said. "But you need all three. Too much emphasis on technology and you wind up like Pittsburgh. Too much tolerance, and you’re Miami or New Orleans — great places to visit, but you can’t work there."

Leadership, Tax Issues Hamper Growth

But staying alive, and taking its place with Seattle, Austin and San Francisco on the list of hot U.S. cities propelled by the talent and creativity of their population, are two quite different things.

Governor issues an invitation – Ted Kulongoski, reversing the late Gov. Tom McCall’s stance, says Oregon is open to new residents and businesses

Later, Kulongoski said Oregon’s economy cannot grow without an influx of residents and business entrepreneurs.

Vanderbilt turns ideas into new companies

”We’re in the base-hits business,” he said.

”Some people say, ‘can’t you just hit home-runs?’ It’s a matter of having a lot of at-bats, a lot of companies in the pipeline.”

National parks are key players in region

If the federal government won’t provide sufficient resources, then partnerships with state and local governments, individuals, conservation and recreation groups, businesses and Indian tribes will become increasingly important.

Nampa’s DDI will be making homes smarter – Startup inks deal for distribution of network device

DDI makes a device that networks all electronic and wireless components in a home, from a personal computer or laptop to a DVD player to a cell phone. The networking allows for automation of those devices through a central location.

Tribal corporation combines fish waste, sawdust to make compost

"This program is designed to spur economic growth by producing high-value products from commodities,"

Economic Gardening – An Entrepreneurial Approach to Economic Development

We have had many communities visit us and inquire about the program over the years. In an effort to provide a concise summary of our original thinking and the evolution of that thinking during the first years of the program, we present here a synopsis of our experience.

What You Need to Know About Your Competitors

Knowing these aspects of your competitors’ businesses
can help you maintain competitiveness. To really grasp
a competitive edge, though, try to find out information
on the following

Rules Change Entrepreneurial Activity

"…home-owning families are 35 percent more likely to own businesses if they live in states with high or unlimited homestead exemptions rather than low homestead exemptions. Families who rent are 29 percent more likely to own businesses if they live in high exemption states."

MATR Sponsor (view all)

The MDT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program encourages and supports the participation of companies owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals in transportation contracts.

MATR Supporters (view all)

As the hub of learning, creativity and innovation in Northwest Montana, Flathead Valley Community College is expanding

Great Falls trade area. Competitive for food, ag, bioprocessing, energy, and support. Closest U.S. metro area to Calgary. Untame Your Entrepreneurial Spirit!

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