Prior to the summer of 1999, multiple economic development agencies attempted to drive change for the struggling Flathead Valley. At that time, the Flathead’s unemployment rate averaged 7%, almost twice the national average. Industries that had sustained the area, such as timber and construction, were slowing. Local entities in neighboring communities were not collaborating with each other, which limited their ability to address and solve growing infrastructure issues in the county.
In July 1999, recognizing an opportunity to foster continuity the Executive Committee of Montana West Economic Development designed the concept of the county port authority. This plan was subsequently authorized by the Flathead County Commissioners and the Flathead County Economic Development Authority was established.To ensure more equal community representation and collaboration, FCEDA’s board was comprised of leaders from across the county. Equally important, the County set in place the funding necessary for FCEDA to invest in economic infrastructure.
In July 1999, recognizing an opportunity to foster continuity the Executive Committee of Montana West Economic Development designed the concept of the county port authority. This plan was subsequently authorized by the Flathead County Commissioners and the Flathead County Economic Development Authority was established.To ensure more equal community representation and collaboration, FCEDA’s board was comprised of leaders from across the county. Equally important, the County set in place the funding necessary for FCEDA to invest in economic infrastructure.
Flathead Valley Community College
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Weyerhaeuser
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FCEDA took action immediately and brokered its first significant investment in 1999. In partnership with the City of Kalispell, FCEDA purchased 63,000 square feet of the Gateway West Mall and secured a commitment from an inbound call center, Stream, to lease the space. Over the course of its time in the Flathead, Stream contributed nearly $70 million in annual payroll for 2,660 employees. In addition to pay and benefits, each new hire received120 hours of customer service training. Many went on to earn certifications from Microsoft and Cisco. When Stream opted to end its contract early, the call center paid $1.3 million to buy out its lease. The $1.3 million addressed 70% of the remaining building loan. The mortgage was paid off in full soon after. Stream was soon replaced by a new customer service center, Teletech. Teletech is still in operation providing hundreds of jobs, employee benefits and training. Overall, this initial investment stimulated commerce, supported maximum opportunities for employment, and advanced the general welfare and prosperity of Flathead County.
After establishing the infrastructure to attract a local inbound call center, FCEDA turned its attention to other economic development opportunities. The organization continued to responsibly invest public funds into local projects that produced a strong return in job retention and creation, and in infrastructure to attract and retain business. FCEDA’s investments ranged from financially guaranteeing a paved road for a company relocating to the area to partnering with The Glacier Airport Enhancement and Retention Outreach (Glacier AERO) to secure new direct flights. In addition, FCEDA supports expansion assistance for small businesses provided by Montana West Economic Development, which has fostered job creation in numerous industries throughout the county.
After establishing the infrastructure to attract a local inbound call center, FCEDA turned its attention to other economic development opportunities. The organization continued to responsibly invest public funds into local projects that produced a strong return in job retention and creation, and in infrastructure to attract and retain business. FCEDA’s investments ranged from financially guaranteeing a paved road for a company relocating to the area to partnering with The Glacier Airport Enhancement and Retention Outreach (Glacier AERO) to secure new direct flights. In addition, FCEDA supports expansion assistance for small businesses provided by Montana West Economic Development, which has fostered job creation in numerous industries throughout the county.
Nomad Global Communication Solutions
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Glacier National Park
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FCEDA has always been guided by the philosophy of its founding board, and consistently set aside funds in order to be prepared to invest in opportunities that improve the overall economic diversity and business climate of Flathead County. Recently the board decided to pursue improvement of transportation infrastructure by purchasing land on which to build Glacier Rail Park, an industrial park for rail-served businesses. In October 2015, in partnership with the City of Kalispell, FCEDA secured a highly competitive Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant from the US Department of Transportation which will be used to help fund the Core & Rail Redevelopment Project. The Core & Rail Redevelopment includes building the Glacier Rail Park, an industrial park for rail served businesses in Northwest Montana, and improving transportation options in Kalispell’s Core Area.
In the spring of 2016, FCEDA embarked on its largest endeavor to date – building the Glacier Rail Park. The new Glacier Rail Park was constructed on the northeast perimeter of Kalispell, placing rail-served businesses in a safe environment designed for industrial use. Glacier Rail Park offers both onsite tenant leases, team track and eventually transloading opportunities for offsite businesses; making rail an option for more local businesses and the area more appealing for business relocation.
In the spring of 2016, FCEDA embarked on its largest endeavor to date – building the Glacier Rail Park. The new Glacier Rail Park was constructed on the northeast perimeter of Kalispell, placing rail-served businesses in a safe environment designed for industrial use. Glacier Rail Park offers both onsite tenant leases, team track and eventually transloading opportunities for offsite businesses; making rail an option for more local businesses and the area more appealing for business relocation.