Hike & Dinner At a Glance Superintendent · 9/9/2009  · Jodi Smith, Workforce Training...

JUNE/JULY‘09 YTDPhoneCalls: 1,499 4,323Walk-ins 1,862 3,264VACATIONPackets 15 30Inquiries 214 630EmailInquiries 38 107RELOCATIONPackets 8 21Basic 84 246PhoneBooks 2 11Chamber Website ActivityUniqueVisits 11,933 31,127TotalVisits 15,669 39,787

Chamber SnapshotVisitor’s Center Information Requests:

September2009

AtaGlance>> Chamber Closed,September7

SEPTEMBER LuNChEON>> Tuesday,September15,2009 Flathead Valley Community

College -ArtsandTechnology Building Kalispell,MT Fromnoonto1:30PM>> SponsoringanUNWINDisagreat

opportunitytoshowcaseyourbusinesstootherChamberMembersaswellasthecommunity.Therearestillafewdatesleftopenfor2009.ContactUNWINDChairAshleyKingat406-755-4271toscheduleyourUNWIND.

GetInContactCallBridgettetofindouthowyoucanbenefitfromalltheactivityontheChamberofCommercewebsite406.758.2801.

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FVCCOffersAccessforAffordableHigherEducation

September Luncheon features new skill development opportunitiesIntoday’seconomicenvironment,skilldevelopmentandaffordableaccesstohighereducationaremorecriticalthanever.FlatheadValleyCommunityCollegeexperienceda15percentincreaseinenrollmentlastyearandearlyindicatorssuggestevenhigherincreasesin2009-2010.AttheChamber’sSeptember15luncheon,Dr.JaneKaraswillhighlightprogressattheCollegeonskilldevelopmentandstudentachievementandnewcurricularofferings.

ThiseventissponsoredbyFlatheadElectric.

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InThisIssue1 FVCCOffersAffordableEducation InformativeGlacierParkHike/Dinner2 July/AugustNewMembers BestoftheFlatheadBusinesses3 July/August, continued July/AugustRenewels4 UNWINDs5 StockSale6 SeptemberCalendar7 FairParadeWinners CoopExploresGeothermal8 CoopExploresGeothermal,continued AffordableEducation, continued

GlacierParkHike/Dinner, continued MissiontoChinaPre-TourBriefing Sen.BaucusvisitstheFlathead9 BrownBagSeries BoardofDirectorNominationsOpen ExpresstotheOrient-Annual

ChamberBanquet10 BEAR-MidYearReport NationalHealthCareSign-onLetter11 GovernmentAffairsBriefs CostofLivingFigures12 AnnualBanquetBasketSign-up AmoréSalonRecognized LuncheonMeetingsResume HoteliersOrganizeTourismDistrict

Hike&DinnerwithParkSuperintendentSeptember 119:30am - 7:00pmOnFriday,September11,GlacierNationalParkSuperintendent,ChasCartwright,willhostahikefromLakeMcDonaldLodgetoSnyderLake.Hikersandnon-hikersareinvitedtojoinusforano-hostdinneratLakeMcDonaldLodgelaterthatafternoon.ThishikeandourtimewithSuperintendentCartwrightwillprovideanopportunitytodiscussandbetterunderstandtheimplicationsofapotentialwildernessdesignation,SunRoadconstructiondelays,and

KalispellChamberofCommerceMissionStatement

ThecentralmissionoftheKalispellChamberofCommerceisthecultivationanddevelopmentofentrepreneursandcommunities

throughthespiritofenterprise.

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OfficersBob Schneider, Chairman of the Board, First Interstate BankTerry Kramer, Vice Chairman of the Board, Kramer Enterprises, Inc.Jim Lehner, Secretary/Treasurer, IndividualMark Lalum, Immediate Past Chairman, CHS

Directors

Dick Buchanan, Byte SavvySusie Burch, Flathead Valley Community CollegeKris Carlson, A+ Plus HealthcareNancy Davis, Prudential FinancialReed Gunlikson, R Gunlikson CPA’sScott Hagel, Crowley Law FirmDave Harvey, Sportsman’s Ski HausTom Kurdy, The Daily Inter LakeTom Lund, Rocky Mountain BankDave Mitchell, CTA Architects & EngineersDenise Nalty, Nalty Real EstateCheri Nelson, Express Employment ProfessionalsJim Ness, Glacier BankJim Oliverson, Kalispell Regional Medical CenterLoren Sallee, Loren’s Auto RepairKen Sugden, Flathead Electric CooperativeSteve Thompson, Semitool

Ex-officio Directors

Mike Pence, Flathead County AdministratorJane Howington, City Manager

Professional Staff

Joe Unterreiner, President . . . . . . . 758-2804Bridgette Evans, Director of Member Services . . . . . . . . 758-2801Cary Aubrey, Executive Assistant . . 758-2803Diane Bebee, Receptionist . . . . . . . 758-2800Chris Parson, Small Business Development . . . . . . . . . . . . 758-2802Doug Bolender, Government Contracting Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 755-4221Jill Seigmund, Leadership Flathead Program Manager . . . . . . . . 758-2810

Consultants

Anderson, Baker & Swanson - Government AffairsEdge Communications - Media & Public RelationsJCCS - Tax & Audit CounselJanet Schwalk - Bookkeeping

July&AugustNewMembersPleasewelcomethesenewmemberswithyourbusiness.

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AdVANCEd MEdTECh, INCChrissieClemons~Owner1845Hwy93South,Ste230Kalispell,MT59901Email:chrissie.clemons@advancedmedtechinc.comWebsite:www.advancedmedtech.comPhone:406-752-4003Fax:406-752-4005

AdvancedMedTechprovidesnursecallaccesscontrol,surveillance,infantabduction,massnotification,Intercom&wanderingresidentsystemsforhealthcarefacilitiesinWashington,Montana,Idaho,Oregon&Wyoming.

BuSINESS BROkERAgE, LLCJohnVanderlaan~Owner97ENicklausKalispell,MT59901Email:john@mtbbroker.comWebsite:www.mtbbroker.comPhone:406-755-1708

WesellbusinessesinNWMontana.Wealsodobusinessvaluations(NationalAssociationofCertifiedValuationAnalysisNo.980007)

gLACIER NATIONAL PARk FuNdJaneRatzlaff~ExecutiveDirector4029thStreetWColumbiaFalls,MT59912Email:jane@glaciernationalparkfund.orgWebsite:www.glaciernationalparkfund.orgPhone:406-892-3250Fax:406-892-3252

GlacierNationalParkFundistheofficialfundraisingarmforGlacierNationalPark.

PAPER ChASE COPy CENTERWindyVernon~PrimaryContact7EastOregonStKalispell,MT59901Email:pchase@paperchasecopycenter.comPhone:406-752-4944Fax:406-752-4955

Congratulations to the following Chamber members for making the 2009 “Best of the Flathead” businesses:NorthwestAutomotiveInc.,BlueCanyonKitchenandTavern,Perkin’s,PrudentialGlacierRealEstate,PropertyNorthwest,WestVentureProperties,Amore’,OgleLawFirm,Moose’s,MackenzieRiverPizza,MontanaCoffeeTraders,Costco,KalispellVFW,Super1Foods,Rosauer’s,Sportsman&SkiHaus,J.C.Penney,GlacierBank,WhitefishCreditUnion,FirstNationalBank,MountainWestBank,EisingerMotors,KalispellToyota,DePratuFordandVolkswagen,FirstNationalPawn,HockadayMuseumofArt,BuffaloHillGolfClub,HumaneSocietyofNorthwestMontana,HabitatforHumanity,AmericanRedCross,FlatheadFoodBank,FlatheadIndustries.

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>>frompage2July/AugustNewMembers Flathead Regional Business Center Partners

15 Depot Park Kalispell, MT 59901 (406) 758-2800 (406) 758-2805: Fax

Kalispell Chamber of CommerceJoe Unterreiner(406) 758-2800joe@kalispellchamber.comwww.kalispellchamber.com

Business Expansion and RetentionBridgette Evans, Program Manager(406) 758-2801bridgette@kalispellchamber.comwww.nwmontanabear.com

Leadership FlatheadJill Seigmund(406) 758-2810seigmund@centurytel.netwww.leadershipflathead.com

Small Business Development CenterChris Parson, Director(406) 758-2802sbdc@kalispellchamber.comwww.kalispellsmallbusiness.com

Flathead Job Service Workforce CenterMora McCarthy, Business Resource Consultant(406) 758-6241mmccarthy@mt.govwww.employflathead.com

Montana Manufacturing Extension CenterBill Nicholson, Manager(406) 756-8329bnicholson@coe.montana.eduwww.mtmanufacturingcenter.com

Flathead Valley Community CollegeJodi Smith, Workforce Training Director(406) 758-2809 (Wednesday’s only)jsmith@fvcc.eduwww.fvcc.edu

Flathead Convention and Visitors BureauDori Muehlhof, Executive Director(406) 756-9091dori@fcvb.orgwww.montanasflatheadvalley.com

Flathead Community FoundationMarc Lorenzen, Board President(406) 756-9047info@flatheadcommunityfoundation.orgwww.flatheadcommunityfoundation.org

Kalispell Chamber FoundationJoe Unterreiner(406) 758-2800

July/AugustRenewals10 Plus YearsAAbleFishingCharters&ToursAlamo/NationalCarRentalsAlumaGlass,IncChambersDrillingCompanyChristensenMooreCockrellCummings&AxelbergCresentElectricSupplyDeptofNaturalResource&ConservationDominosPizzaGlacierParkBoatCoGMACMortgage,LLCKalispellMontessoriSchoolsMasterpieceCarpetOneFloor&HomeMerrillLynchMorrison-MaierleIncMountainWestBankofKalispellNationalFloodServicesNormsNewsNorthwestPortablesLLCNorthwesternEnergyPapaMurphy’sTakeNBakePizzaSterlingTitleServicesRLKHydroIncRockyMountainHiRVPark&CampgroundSilvertipEngravingWheelerJewelryWildRiverAdventures

5 to 9 YearsFlatheadLakeCharterServiceKitchentoKitchen-ShamrockCateringMoonlightingDetectiveAgencyParkSideFederalCreditUnionPellaWindows&DoorsSpringHillPressLLCVann’sWhippsLLCWirelessConnection

1 to 4 YearsAffectiveNeurosciencesCollectionCenter/CheckriteCountrywideHomeLoansDudleyTreesEscrowServicesFlatheadFoodBankNationalQuikCashPersonnelPlus!ConsultingScottStubbertMasonryIncTorrentTechnologiesInc

PaperChaseisalocallyownedandoperatedfullservicecopycenterprovidingmanyservicessuchas:highvolumeandlitigationcopies,scanning,desktoppublishing,binding,businesscards,faxservices,whilewelcomingwalk-incustomers.

STONEgROuNd BAkERy, INCRonaldandEvelynSanta~Owner38VelvaDriveKalispell,MT59901Email:santaej@yahoo.comPhone:406-257-0312Fax:406-257-0312

StonegroundBakeryprovidesanexcellentfoodserviceforyourestablishment.Featuringafullrangeofbreads,dessertsandnutritiousmeals.

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FairUNWIND-August20

Crowd gathers to view the Grand Champion Stock Sale animals and eat wonderful pig.

Grand Champion winners recognized

UNWIND-ComfortInn,July22

Folkswere‘Bustin’Loose’inDepotParkonAugust20attheannualFairUNWIND.42gallonsofpop,36gallonsofwater,26.5lbsofpotatosalad,24lbsofmacaronisalad,24lbsofgreensalad,24lbsofcookies,lotsofrolls,andanentirepigwasconsumedbythe‘ravenoushordes’.ManythankstoFarmtoMarketPorkforprovidingandservingthepigagainthisyearaswellasrepresentingusastheGrandMarshal’softheFairParade.TheGrandChampionandReserveChampionhogs,lambsandsteerswerealsoondisplay.Thisyear’sFairUNWINDwas

sponsoredbyTireRama,CrowleyFleck,WesternStatesInsuranceandValleyBank.DoorPrizeswerewonby;ChristopherVernon-PaperChaseCopyCenter,LarryBauer-ThreeRiversBank,KarenPorteous-InvestmentCentersofAmerica,DianeBrosseau-FlatheadBusinessJournal,LindseyNix-HUBInternational,DebbiePierce-AllianceTitle&Escrow,ClintComo,GaryAlexander-WesternStatesInsurance,JohnBaker-HagadoneDirectories,DonnaShirley-InsuredTitles,MargitGericke-Lilienthal,PatKing-GoldRushClothing,

KellieDanielson,MontanaWestEconomicDevelopment,KarenKing-GoldRushClothing,GretchenAlexander-KalispellOBGyn,DianaBlend-BridgeSourceCapital,RitaBlades-HomeOptions,EricMcElmurry-HagadoneDirectories,KimM.-hagadoneDirectories,JuliKouby-ValleyBank-MaryMcCracken,MarkLalum-CHS,JudySharpe-AspenInsurance,JevonClark-TheAnimalClinicofKalispell,TomDiSisto-HagadoneDirectories,KariGabariel-CityofKalispell,PatriciaMcGlynn-MMSUExtension,Richard“Grif”Griffin-CenturyTel,MarkHensley-ValleyBank.

TheJuly22UNWINDwasheldatKalispell’snewComfortInn(formerlyRodewayInn).SummertemperaturesdidnotdeterattendeesastheyenjoyeddeliciouspastadishesandpizzapreparedbyAnna’sItalianGrille.Atourofthenewlyremodeledroomsandsuiteswasavailabletoanyoneattending.Winners:50%offroomcertificateswerewonby;DuaneLarson-CityofKalispell;LinseyNix-HubInternational;LeonardFalk-Reliv;andWadeElder-CityofKalispell.AcertificateforafreenightatComfortInnwaswonbyDougPeters-CompleteRestoration.JohnBakerofHagadoneDirectorieswonagiftcertificateforAnna’sItalianGrille.SplitthePotwaswonbyPamKennedyofGreatBearBuilders.

Ambassadors greet UNWIND attendees and making them feel welcome

Winner John Baker is congratulated by Comfort Inn Manager Arlinna Wolfe

Attendees gather and nibbled on great food as they awaited the festivities to

begin

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MarketStockSaleNets$272,300The daily Inter Lake

Salesof4-HandFFAbeef,hogsandlambstotaledmorethan$272,300atSaturday’sNorthwestMontanaFairmarketstocksale.Thegrandtotal,$272,356,wasdownabout$74,100fromlastyear.OnSaturday,212animalsweresold,including32beef,45lambsand135hogs.Lastyear,buyersbidon216animals.“Pricesaredownjustabitthisyearbutarestillexcellentcomparedtootherareasofthestatethisyear,andcomparedtothethree-tofive-yearaverageforthissale,”saleclerkandFlatheadFFAteacherJustinHeupelsaid.“Studentsreceivedanexcellentpremiumandincentivetoraiselivestock.”

FOLLOWINg IS A BREAkdOWN OF ThE SALES By CATEgORy:

• Beef averaged $3 per pound, down 23 cents a pound from 2008.

GrandchampionmarketbeefwinnerAnnaLybecksolda1,237-poundsteerfor$5.25perpound,foratotalofabout$6,494,toSuper1Foods.

ReservechampionmarketbeefwinnerLaneLittlesolda1,298-poundsteerfor$4.25perpound,foratotalofabout$5,516,toSuper1Foods.

• hogs averaged $3.46 per pound, down 90 cents from 2008.

GrandchampionmarkethogwinnerStaceySchuelensolda258-poundhogfor$8perpound,foratotalof$2,064,toBobWhiteandD.A.Davidson.

ReservechampionmarkethogwinnerKarlHellwigsolda280-poundhogfor$7.50perpound,foratotalof$2,100,toNAPAAutoParksinBigfork.

• Lambs averaged $6.20 per pound, down $1.46 from 2008.

GrandchampionmarketlambwinnerBaileyBrubakersolda133-poundlambfor$11.25perpound,foratotalofabout$1,496,toWesternOutdoor/Norm’sNews.

ReservechampionmarketlambwinnerDanielleSkonardsolda133-poundlambfor$9perpound,foratotalof$1,197,toVandevanterMeatsandMeatsSupply.

Grand Champion Hog; Stacey ScheulenBuyer: Scott Hadwin, owner of McDonalds

Friend of the Stock Sale Award Winners Phil and Judy Olson

Grand Champion Lamb; Bailey Brubaker

Buyer: Western Outdoors & Norms News

Grand Champion Steer; Anna LybeckBuyer: Super 1 Foods

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30

AllMeetingsareatTheChamberunlessotherwisestated.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

September2009ChamberCalendarChamberCalendar

BEARMeeting4:00pm-5:00pm

NaturalResourcesCommitteeMeeting

7:00am-8:00am

TransportationCommitteeMeeting

4:00pm-5:00pm

Education&Communications

CommitteeMeeting

8:00am-9:00am

Board Meeting7:00am – 8:30

AgribusinessCommitteeMeeting

7:00am-8:00am

AmbassadorMeeting

4:00pm-5:00pm

YoungProfessionalsBoardMeeting

4pm-5pm

KalispellDowntownAssociation

12:00pm-1:30pmLeadershipFlathead

Meeting3:00pm-5:00pm

Tourism&BusinessImprovement

DistrictMeeting4pm-5pm

ChamberLuncheonFVCC

11:45am-1:30pm

FlatheadRegionalBusinessCenter

Meeting9:00am-10:00am

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GrandparentsDay

Labor DayChamber Closed Patriot Day

Autumn Begins

Watch for this event in October

13 ChamberLuncheon,HiltonGardenInn11:45am-1:30pm

HikeandDinnerwiththeSuperintendentLakeMcDonald

Lodge9:30am-7:00pm

ExecutiveBoardMeeting

7:30am-8:30

FairParadeWinners“ThankyoutoalltheBusinessesandIndividualswhoparticipatedinthe2009NWMontanaFairParade!”

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Great Chief, Jack King, Valley Bank Grand Marshal’s, Duane and Jeannette Braaten, Farm to Market Pork

Business Man of the Year, Terry Kramer, Kramer Enterprises, Inc.

Best of Show, Flathead Valley Community College

CoopExploresGeothermalDevelopmentFlatheadElectricCooperativecouldbeginexploratorydrillingforageothermaldevelopmentprojectinHotSpringsasearlyas2010iffundsarriveasexpected.InJuly,Montana’sCongressmanDennyRehbergannouncedthattheCo-opwouldreceive$491,000fortheproject,whichwasincludedintheEnergyandWaterAppropriationsSubcommitteebillforFiscalYear2010.Rehberg,amemberofthesubcommittee,saysthefundingrepresentsaninvestmentinan“AlloftheAbove”energysolution,whichisthebalancedapproachhesupportstomeetAmerica’senergyneeds.Inaddition,Rehbergsaysthatresearchisimperativeindevelopingalternativeenergysourcesandhe’sproudtosupportaprojectthatcouldleadtojobsinNorthwestMontana.Inapplyingforthefunding,DirectorofEnergyServicesfortheCo-op,CherylTalley,notedthatalmosteverystrategicenergyplanintheU.S.callsformorerenewableenergy,addingthat“geothermalfitsthebill.”

KenSugden,FlatheadElectricGeneralManager,saysthegeothermalprojectmakessensefortheCo-oponanumberoffronts:“Itproducesasteadysupplyofenergy(asopposedtovariablesourceslikesolarandwind)sothereisnotaproblemintegratingtheoutputintotheelectricsystemandtheHotSpringsareainLakeCountyappearstobeagoodsourceofgeothermalenergy.”Expertsprojectthatadequatewaterandheatisavailableintheareaforelectric

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Business Woman of the Year, Kristen Heck, LC Staffing

Kalispell Chamber Ambassadors

MissiontoChinaPre-TourBriefingOctober28YouareinvitedtojoinusforaPre-TourBriefingofMissiontoChina2010.TheinformationalmeetingwillbeheldonWednesday,October28,attheHiltonGardenInnfrom6:00–7:30pm.Thiswillbeanexcellentopportunitytolearnmoreaboutthis10-daytriptoChinafor$1,999perperson/doubleoccupancy.Ticketsaregoingfast!Thetripincludes:• Internationalanddomesticairtravel• 5-starand4-starhotels• Threefullmealsperday• Deluxemotorcoachforinter-city

transfersandtours• English-speakingtourguides• Admissionticketsandtours• Airporttaxesthroughoutthetrip• Businessmeetingopportunityand

networking

Itinerary:Day1-Seattle/Beijing:Yourtripstartsin

SeattleDay2-Beijing:ArriveinBeijing,transferto

hotelandenjoydinnerDay3-Beijing:TianAnMenSquare,

ForbiddenCity,SummerPalaceDay4-Beijing:GreatWallandMingTombsDay5-Beijing:LamaTemple,Templeof

HeavenDay6-Beijing/Shanghai/Suzhou:

LingeringGardens,TigerHill,EmbroideryMuseum

Day7-Suzhou/Hangzhou:EconomicDevelopmentZone,LingyinTemple

Day8-Hangzhou/Shanghai:WestLakecruise,arriveinShanghai

Day9-Shanghai:YuGarden,EconomicDevelopmentZone

Day10-Shanghai/SeattleA$300depositperpersonwillholdyourseat.Ticketsaresellingfastwithonly15seatsontheMarch27thtripandapproximately65ontheMarch29thtrip.ContacttheChamberforfurtherinformationorsimplystopbythePre-TourBriefingforfurtherdetails.Youcanalsovisitourwebsiteatwww.kalispellchamber.comandfollowthelinkonthehomepage.

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HigherEducation

Theluncheonisscheduledfornoon-1:30pmonSeptember15attheFlatheadValleyCommunityCollege–ArtsandTechnologyBuilding.Luncheonticketsare$16eachforChambermembersand$21fornon-members.Tablesofeightmaybereservedfor$120.Ticketsarepurchasedinadvancebycalling758-2800oratwww.kalispellchamber.com

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generation,especiallywhencoupledwithadvancingtechnology.

Eventually,FlatheadElectricCooperativehopestousetheresourcetopartiallysupplyitsloadgrowthandthegeothermalactivityinneighboringLakeCountyiswellsituatedfordistribution.FEChopestocollaboratewiththeConfederatedSalishandKootenaiTribalCouncilandMissionValleyPowersincethesiteisontheFlatheadReservationandinMission’sservicearea.

UndertheAmericanRecoveryandReinvestmentAct,theCo-ophasappliedforadditionalfundingtocontinueexploringthefeasibilityofgeothermaldevelopmentinWesternMontana.

FECExploringGeothermal

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transitsystemchallenges.PubliccommentintheseissuesisdueattheendofSeptember2009.LookformoreinformationonHikeandDinnerwiththeSuperintendentinfutureissuesofKalispellChamberE-newsandatwww.kalispellchamber.com/programs_events.

ParkHike&Dinner >>fromcover

OnAugust26,theKalispellChamberBoardofDirectorsandBoardofAdvisorswerepleasedtowelcomeSen.BaucustotheChamberforadiscussiononfederalissuesthatimpacttheFlatheadeconomyandjobrecovery.“Nolegislationwillpassthateliminatesthesecretballot”,theSenatorsaidwhenaskedaboutcardchecklegislationnowpendingbeforetheSenate.Therewereseveralquestionsregardinghealthcare.TheSenatorstated,“Therewillbehealthcarereformthisyear–thePresidentiswaitingtoseewhatwecando.Therearenodealbreakers”.TheKalispellChamberrecentlysignedanationalletteronhealthcare(seepage10)reformurgingcautioninaddressingthisdifficultproblemandemphasizingcostreduction,accesstoaffordablecare,andoppositiontoanewgovernment-runinsuranceplan.Regardingclimatechangelegislationanditspotentialtoincreaseenergycosts,Sen.Baucusstatedthatheis“notsurecapandtradewillcomeupthisyear.Healthcareissucking

upalltheoxygen”.Therewasconcernexpressedaboutgrowthoffederaldebtandaboutthepotentialimpactonmoneysupplyandinflation.SenatorBaucuscommentedthathedidnotexpecttoseeanotherroundofStimulusfundingduetotheseveryconcerns.OtherissuesdiscussedweretheBypassandhighwayfunding,regulatoryreform,tortreform,ColumbiaFallsAluminum’senergycontractwithBPA,thenewlysoftwoodlumbertariffonCanadianimports.TheChamberappreciatedtheopportunitytomeetwiththeSenatorBaucusandlooksforwardtocommunicatingtheimpactoftheselegislativeproposalsonjobrecoveryinKalispellandNorthwestMontana.

Sen.BaucusMeetsFlatheadBusinessLeaders

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Fewbusinessescansaythattheyhaveescapedtherecenteconomicslowdown.Companieshavehadtocutexpenses,trimforecasts,andidentifyanypossiblecost-savingmeasures.Employeestypicallyformthebulkofacompany’scost,thereforemanybusinesseshaveneededtoanalyzestaffing,compensationandbenefits.Often,companieshavehadtolayoffemployeesorcuthoursofcurrentstaff.

Againstthisbleakbackdrop,thetopicofemployeeretentionandengagementseemstobeirrelevant.Howdoesacompanythinkof“retaining”anemployeewhilealsoconsideringlayoffs?Well,don’tgiveup!Employeeengagementandretentionisasimportantasever!

September’sBrownBagsession“EmployeeEngagementinaSlowEconomy”willaddressthefollowingtopics:· Low-costandno-costemployee

engagementstrategies· Cuttingemploymentexpenseswhile

stillcommunicatingtoemployeeshowvaluabletheyare

· Layingoffemployeeswithdignityinhopesofpreservingtheirloyaltyinthefuture

· Communicatingtheeconomicnecessityofpaycuts,hourlyreductionsorlayoffstoemployees

This month’s facilitator:Facilitator:KristinDonahuebelievesthatthekeytosuccessinbusinessishelpingothersfindsuccessinthemselves.Kristinistheowner/leadconsultantofEmploymentDimensionsConsultingServices,LLC,ahumanresourcesconsultingfirmfocusedonemployeeretention.Kristinhasnineyearsexperienceinthehumanresourcefield.BeforemovingtotheFlatheadshespentfiveyearsasaRetentionSpecialistwithalargehealthcaresystemof2800+employeesinFortCollins,

BrownBagSeries:BlueprintforBusinessSuccess

Colorado.KristinalsospenttimeatNorthwestHealthcareasanEmployeeRelationsSpecialistandisanadjunctfacultymemberoftheContinuingEducationDepartmentofFVCCteachingsupervisoryskillsandbusinessdevelopmentworkshops.

KristinholdsaMastersdegreeinHumanResourceDevelopmentfromColoradoStateUniversity.SheiscertifiedasaSeniorProfessionalinHumanResourcesbytheSocietyforHumanResourceManagement.SheisalsoacertifiedThomasConceptinstructorandHumaNextpresentor.Kristinhasprovidedcustomizedtrainingandworkedwithbothlargeandsmallbusinessesonalltypesofhumanresourceprojects.

MonthlyBlueprintforBusinessSuccessbrownbagsessionsfeaturebusinessprofessionalsfacilitatinginformativediscussions.Attendtoreceiverelevantinformationandopportunitiestoaskquestionsoftheprofessionalsandnetworkwithpeers.

Whoshouldattend?Employersinterestedingrowingandevolvingmoreeffectiveorganizations.Why?· Exchangingideas,insightsandreal-

worldsolutionsdirectlyimpactsyourbottomline.

· Makingbetterdecisionsquicklyrequiresmoreandbetterinformation.

· Utilizingallavailableresourcestooperateandgrowissmartbusiness.

· Engagingandenergizingyouremployeeshelpsmakeyourbusinesssuccessful.

Date: Wednesday,September9,2009Time: Noon–1:00pmLocation:TheSummit 205Sunnyview,KalispellCost: Nocost!RSVP: TerriHaueter@758-6279or thaueter@mt.gov

Employee Engagement in a Slow Economy – How to Cut Costs but Keep Commitment

BoardofDirectorNominationsOpenNominationsarenowopenforgeneralmembersinterestedinservingontheboarddirectorsoftheKalispellChamber.ThetermofofficeisthreeyearsandcommencesonJanuary1,2010.Interestedcandidatesshouldcompleteanapplicationandreceiveadescriptionofresponsibilities.ThedeadlineforsubmissionisFriday,September11.Forfurtherinformation,pleasecontactJoeUnterreinerat758-2800.

SavetheDate!105thAnnualBanquetThursday,November19thisthe105thAnnualChamberBanquetattheHiltonGardenInn.SocialHour:5:30-6:30pmandDinner/Programfrom6:30–9:00pm.Ourthemethisyearis‘Express to the Orient’ inanattempttogivelocalstheopportunitytolearnmoreaboutChinaanditseconomy.Ticketsarelimited,buyatableandgetadiscount!Ticketsare$60/personoratableof8for$440.

At this years banquet we will be giving away one ticket to our trip to China! Thisisa$1699valueandyouMUSTbepresenttowin!Don’tmissyourchancetogoseethewondersofChinaattheexpenseoftheChamber.Therearealsoopportunitiestosponsorthebanquet!Gotowww.kalispellchamber.com/membership/marketing_sponsorshipformoredetailsorcallBridgetteat(406)758-2801.

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BEARMid-YearReport2009AsofMay31,2009theBEARCommunityPartnershadconductedatotalof224interviewshadbeencompletedonatotalof208companies.InJuneof2009,FlatheadValleyCommunityCollegepresenteduswiththeopportunitytohaveaninternworksolelyontheBEARprogramrevisitingandinterviewingasmanyoftheexistingbusinessesinthesystemaspossible.

DaleTolley,FVCCintern,begantheprocessbyworkingwiththeBEARpartnerstoestablishfivefocalpointstoobtaintheinformationwewerelookingforduetotheeconomicdownturn.

Ofthe208companies,16hadbeenrecentlyinterviewedsoweexcludedthem.26hadinvalidinformationorweredeemedoutofbusinessandoftheremaining166companiesDaleattemptedtocontactthemviaphoneoremail.Ofthe166companies36companiesweresuccessfullyupdatedandinterviewed.

Fromtheinformationgatheredthefocusofthebusinesseshasdrasticallychangedfromayearago.Whereworkforceavailabilitywasonceahugeconcern,lessthan14%ofthe36businessesre-interviewedfeelworkforceavailabilityispoor.Retainingemployeeswasalsoalargeconcernayearagoandnow77%ofemployersfeelitiscurrentlyanissueaswellasemployeerecruitment,59%donotfeeltheyhaveissuesfindingemployees.

Inall,employersaretryingtostayoptimisticaboutthefutureoftheirbusinessandtheeconomy.Theyareworkingtomaintainthestafftheycurrentlyhaveandsomeareevennottakingpaythemselvestoensurethathappens.

ForafullreportpleasecontactBridgetteEvansatbridgette@kalispellchamber.comor758-2801.

USChamberofCommerceNationalHealthCareSign-onLetter – Sent by the Kalispell Chamber on August 13, 2009

TOTHEMEMBERSOFTHEUNITEDSTATESCONGRESS:

Theundersignedchambersofcommerce,associations,andbusinesses,

representingmillionsofemployerswhocreatejobsandprovidequality,

affordablehealthinsurancetotensofmillionsofAmericans,wishtourge

cautioninaddressingoneofthemostdifficultproblemsfacingournation

today-reformingthehealthcaresystem.

Collectively,wearededicatedtoimprovingournation’shealthcaresystem,

especiallyintermsofloweringhealthcarecosts,improvingthequalityof

care,andmakingsureeveryAmericanhasaccesstoaffordablecoverage.

However,webelievethatthelegislationcurrentlybeingconsidered

wouldnotimprovethesystem,butjeopardizethepartsofthesystemthat

currentlywork.Infact,thesebillsdonothingto“bendthecostcurve”rather

accordingtoDougElmendorf,directorofthenonpartisanCongressional

BudgetOffice,the“curveisraised.”

Thecreationofanewgovernment-runinsuranceplanisastepinthewrong

direction.Employerscurrentlysufferasignificantcost-shiftfromexisting

publicprograms,andtheprogramdescribedinHouselegislationwould

significantlyincreasecostsforeveryAmericanwhopurchasesprivate

insurance.Wedonotbelievethatthegovernmentplanwillbeafair

competitor.Becauseoftheincreasedcostsandlackofcompetitioncaused

byagovernmentplan,employerswillnotbeabletocontinueofferingtheir

currentplans,whichcovermorethan170millionAmericans.

Wearefurtherconcernedwithaproposaltomandatethatemployerseither

providehealthinsuranceorpayhugefinesorpayrolltaxes.This“payorplay”

mandateisespeciallybadbecauseemployersarealsorequiredtopaythe

majorityofemployeepremiums.Evenwithsomeexemptions,thisprovision

willkillmanyjobs.Marketforcesandemployerautonomyshoulddetermine

whatbenefitsemployersprovide,ratherthanCongress.

ThebusinesscommunityiseagertoworkwithCongresstoreformthe

healthcaresystem.Businesses,asprovidersofhealthcarebenefits,continue

toseehealthcarecostsrisefarinexcessofGDPgrowthorinflation.

Innovativebusinesseshavevaluableoutcomestosharewithlegislators

aboutapproachestheyhavedevelopedtohelpdrivequalityandcontrol

costs.WeurgeCongresstofocusonconsensusareasthatcanaccomplish

oursharedgoals.Chiefamongtheseshouldbeinitiativestoimprovequality

andlowercosts,introducingfairregulationoftheinsurancemarket,and

buildingarobustmarketplaceforconsumers.

Webelievethatresponsibleandconstructivehealthreformthatweallcan

supportcanbeenactedthisyear.WecallonCongresstoenactreformsthat

improvethehealthsystemwithoutjeopardizingthosewhocurrentlyhave

coverage.Sincerely,KalispellChamberofCommerce

11

GovernmentAffairsBriefskALISPELL ByPASS –TheMontanaDepartmentofTransportationisclosetosecuringalloftheneededright-of-wayforthesouthernportionoftheKalispellBypass.Currently,$35millionisbudgetedforthisprojectthroughacombinationoffederalhighwayfundsandfederalstimulusdollars.Iftheprojectcontinuestoprogresswell,portionsoftheroadconstructionawardedforconstructionthisyear.

hIghWAy FuNdINg–TheFederalHighwayTrustFundwasreplenishedwith$7billionjustbeforetheAugustrecess.Thiswillprovideenoughfundstocarryfederalcommitmentsthroughtheendofthefiscalyear(September30).SenatorBaucusisaleadnegotiatorincraftingthereauthorizationofthefederal6-yearbill.

hEALThCARE REFORM–Thechartbelowdetailsthemajordifferencesbetweenthethreehealthcarereformbills. house Energy and

Commerce CommitteeSenate health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee

Senate Finance Committee

Revenue raisers

Passed July 31 Passed July 15 Still being negotiated

government- yes. yes. yes.run insurance Individual yes. yes. Likely.mandate Individualsmustpurchase insuranceorpayapenalty basedonincome.

yes. Employersmustpay65 percent of family premiumsorpayapenaltybasedonpayroll.Exemptssmallbusinesseswithlessthan500,000onpayroll.

Employer mandate

yes. Employersmustpay60 percent of family premiumsorpay$750foreachemployeewhoisnotofferedcoverage.

No. Likelytoincludeafree-rider provisionthatwouldcurrentlyoffercoveragetoreimbursethegovernmentforemployeeswhoswitchtoinsurancepurchasedthroughanexchange.

Originalbillimposesasurchargeonindividualswithincomesabove$280,000andfamiliesabove350,000.

Committeedoesnothaveauthorityoverraisingrevenue.

Consideringimposinganexcise tax oninsurancecompaniesthatsellpoliciesinexcessof$21,000ayearforfamilycoverage.Insurance

formsYes.Bansrejectionbasedonpreexistingconditions.

Yes.Bansrejection. Likely.

Medicaid expansion

yes. Tohouseholdsearninglessthan133percentofthefederalpovertylevel.

yes. Toindividualsearningupto150percentofthepovertylevel.

yes. Toeveryoneearningunder133percentofthefederalpovertylevel.

Subsidies to buy insurance

yes.Tohouseholdsearningupto400percentofthefederalpovertylevel.

yes. SameasHouse. Likely. Tohouseholdsearningupto300percentofthepovertylevel

TheWashingtonPost,August6,2009TheHouseandSenatewillbebackinsessiononSeptember8th.Withhealthcarereform,climatechangelegislationandcompletingtheremainingappropriationsbillsallontheagenda,weexpectthisfalltobeverybusy.Wewillcontinuetotracklegislativeandappropriationsactionandprovideyouwithupdatesastheyoccur.

CITy COuNCIL ELECTIONS–TheGovernmentAffairsCommitteewillconductinterviewsofcandidatesincontestedCityCouncilracesinSeptemberandOctoberfocusingonkeygrowthandemploymentissuessuchasimpactfees,economicdevelopment,taxes,andthebudget.TheOctober13ChamberLuncheonwillfeatureaCandidateForumforthesesameracestoprovideanopportunityformembersandthepublictogettoknowthecandidatesandtheirviews.

FlatheadCountyCost-of-LivingFiguresforSecondQuarter2009ReleasedInformationreleasedbytheKalispellChamberofCommercerevealedthatcost-of-livingintheFlatheadCountyis2.2percentabovethenationalaverage.

TheFlatheadCountycost-of-livingindexmeasuresdifferencesbetweenareasinthecostofconsumergoodsandservices,excludingtaxesandnon-consumerexpenditures.Itisbasedonmorethan60itemsforwhichpricesarecollectedquarterly.Localdataiscombinedwithinformationfrom320othercommunitiestocreatetheACCRACostofLivingIndex.ACCRAisthenationalassociationofcommunityandeconomicresearchprofessionals.OtherMontanaareasparticipatinginthesurveyincludeBozemanandMissoula.

TheACCRACost-of-LivingIndexfortheKalispellregionduringthesecondquarterof2009isasfollows(averageof320totalurbanareas=100):

Composite. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102.2Groceries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119.5Housing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.8Utilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85.7Transportation. . . . . . . . . . . . . 104.3HealthCare. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101.7Miscellaneous . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101.1

15DepotParkKalispell,MT59901

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AnnualBanquet–Nov.19th,2009Gift Basket Sign Up FormGiftBasketDonationsarealsobeingacceptedatthistime.Eachgiftbasketshouldbevaluedat$50.00ormore.Thebasketsareabighiteveryyearandwillbepresentedatthebanquet.

Ifyouareinterestedindonatingagiftbasket,pleasecompleteandreturnthisformtotheChamber.OremailMonyawithWestOneBankmmccully@westonebank.comor(406)752-9998.Formoreinformation,ortoarrangebasketpickupcall(406)758-3561.

Returncompletedformsto:KalispellAreaChamberofCommerce,15DepotPark,Kalispell,MT59901,Fax:(406)758-2805

Please Note!! Formsmustbereceivedby10/16/2009

BusinessName:_______________________________________________________

ContactPerson:______________________________________________________

PhoneNumber:______________________________________________________

City:________________________________________State:_______Zip: _______

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LuncheonMeetingsResumeinSeptemberTheSeptember15thChamberluncheon,FVCCOffersAccessforAffordableHigherEducation,willhighlightprogressattheCollegeonskilldevelopmentandstudentachievementandnewcurricularofferings.ThisprogramissponsoredbyFlatheadElectricCooperative.

OnOctober13th,theChamberwillhostMeettheCandidates,aforumtomeetthecandidatesincontestedracesforKalispellCityCouncilandMayorattheHiltonGardenInn.

PhotocreditstoLynnetteHintze.

ComplimentsonYourAward!CongratulationstoAmore’SalonandDaySpaforbeingnamedasalonofdistinctioninthenationallyacclaimed“SalonsoftheYear”interiordesigncompetitionsponsoredbySalonToday.OwnedbyDevonandTracyAnderson,Amore’islocatedat355thAveW,Kalispell.Stopbyandseetheirsalonandsayhello!

HoteliersOrganizeTourismDistrictAtanorganizationalmeetingonAugust5,KalispellhotelierstookactiontoasktheCityofKalispelltoallowthemtoformaTourismBusinessImprovementDistrict.ThisDistrictwouldprovideauthorityforhoteliersinKalispelltoassessafeeperroomnightinthecity.Thesefundswouldbeusedtopromote,advertise,andsellconventionandtourismbusinessintheCityofKalispell.ThistourismfundwouldbeadministeredbytheKalispellChamberofCommerce.ThenextstepistosecurethesignaturesofhotelownersneededtopresenttoCityCouncil.