Montana Economic Development

Montana Department of Commerce Director Mark Simonich announced that the Department has selected fourteen Montana communities to receive $200,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for local planning projects. The CDBG funds come…

The center had a record year in 2003, helping 31 businesses — most of them new — in Flathead, Lake and Lincoln counties with projects worth a combined $8.2 million, creating 83 jobs and retaining 53 others.

Bennett said he’s already on track to shatter that record after one quarter in 2004. So far this year, he’s helped seven businesses with projects worth a total of almost $6 million, creating 50 new jobs and retaining 86.

We must recognize that a growing global economy creates new opportunities to access new customers and rapidly growing markets overseas.

The center will provide students with technical education in the metal-working trades, using the latest computer-controlled machine tools from Haas Automation of Oxnard, Calif. Projects will be managed and operated by students in the general engineering program at Montana Tech and used by students throughout the Montana University System.

"We don’t need to build economic centers in Ravalli County – we can use hub cities we already have," he said.

"It’s in the beginning stages," he said. "But hopefully it catches on."

Montana communities interested in assessing
their tourism potential and the role tourism plays in their local economy
are invited to apply for three positions open for the 2004/2005 session of
the state’s Community Tourism Assessment Program (CTAP).

The role of higher education isn’t specifically to promote economic development, but that is one of its undeniable benefits.

Dave Gibson said the proposals should be considered part of the state’s long-term strategy for economic revival, even if they all can’t be funded in a single year.

Creativity is fundamental to being human and is a critical resource to individual, community and economic life. Creative communities are vibrant, humanizing places, nurturing personal growth, sparking cultural and technological breakthroughs, producing jobs and wealth, and accepting a variety of life styles and culture.