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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.
continuedpage8>>
FVCCOffersAccessforAffordableHigherEducation
September Luncheon features new skill development opportunitiesIntoday’seconomicenvironment,skilldevelopmentandaffordableaccesstohighereducationaremorecriticalthanever.FlatheadValleyCommunityCollegeexperienceda15percentincreaseinenrollmentlastyearandearlyindicatorssuggestevenhigherincreasesin2009-2010.AttheChamber’sSeptember15luncheon,Dr.JaneKaraswillhighlightprogressattheCollegeonskilldevelopmentandstudentachievementandnewcurricularofferings.
ThiseventissponsoredbyFlatheadElectric.
continuedpage8>>
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.
continuednextpage>>
AdVANCEd MEdTECh, INCChrissieClemons~Owner1845Hwy93South,Ste230Kalispell,MT59901Email:[email protected]:www.advancedmedtech.comPhone:406-752-4003Fax:406-752-4005
AdvancedMedTechprovidesnursecallaccesscontrol,surveillance,infantabduction,massnotification,Intercom&wanderingresidentsystemsforhealthcarefacilitiesinWashington,Montana,Idaho,Oregon&Wyoming.
BuSINESS BROkERAgE, LLCJohnVanderlaan~Owner97ENicklausKalispell,MT59901Email:[email protected]:www.mtbbroker.comPhone:406-755-1708
WesellbusinessesinNWMontana.Wealsodobusinessvaluations(NationalAssociationofCertifiedValuationAnalysisNo.980007)
gLACIER NATIONAL PARk FuNdJaneRatzlaff~ExecutiveDirector4029thStreetWColumbiaFalls,MT59912Email:[email protected]:www.glaciernationalparkfund.orgPhone:406-892-3250Fax:406-892-3252
GlacierNationalParkFundistheofficialfundraisingarmforGlacierNationalPark.
PAPER ChASE COPy CENTERWindyVernon~PrimaryContact7EastOregonStKalispell,MT59901Email:[email protected]: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) [email protected]
Business Expansion and RetentionBridgette Evans, Program Manager(406) [email protected]
Leadership FlatheadJill Seigmund(406) [email protected]
Small Business Development CenterChris Parson, Director(406) [email protected]
Flathead Job Service Workforce CenterMora McCarthy, Business Resource Consultant(406) [email protected]
Montana Manufacturing Extension CenterBill Nicholson, Manager(406) [email protected]
Flathead Valley Community CollegeJodi Smith, Workforce Training Director(406) 758-2809 (Wednesday’s only)[email protected]
Flathead Convention and Visitors BureauDori Muehlhof, Executive Director(406) [email protected]
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:[email protected]: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
continuednextpage>>
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
>>fromcover
generation,especiallywhencoupledwithadvancingtechnology.
Eventually,FlatheadElectricCooperativehopestousetheresourcetopartiallysupplyitsloadgrowthandthegeothermalactivityinneighboringLakeCountyiswellsituatedfordistribution.FEChopestocollaboratewiththeConfederatedSalishandKootenaiTribalCouncilandMissionValleyPowersincethesiteisontheFlatheadReservationandinMission’sservicearea.
UndertheAmericanRecoveryandReinvestmentAct,theCo-ophasappliedforadditionalfundingtocontinueexploringthefeasibilityofgeothermaldevelopmentinWesternMontana.
FECExploringGeothermal
>>frompage7
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
9
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 [email protected]
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:______________________________________________________
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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.
