Venture Boldly Jennifer Cronk

Join Joel Rosenberg, banking executive and Executive Director of Highlander Track, as he unfolds the story of this legacy, free youth track and field and cross-country program's impact in the Flathead Valley. Established in the '70s by Jack King and Three Rivers Bank of MT, Highlander Track has evolved into an annual signature spring youth event for kids ages 6-12, nurturing not just physical prowess but also instilling valuable life skills in young athletes. Joel provides a multifaceted view on the growth of the program, especially its explosion in popularity in recent years.  We also touch on the program's recent evolution into a 501(c)(3)and opportunities for volunteering and support.

Links
Highlander TrackThree Rivers Bank of MontanaFollow the Discover Kalispell Chamber on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @kalispellchamber, and on twitter @KalispellChambr.
© Kalispell Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved. 406.758.2800 | info@kalispellchamber.com

Ever wondered how a leap of faith from legal practice to launching a tech business feels? Bill Moseley, CEO of GL Solutions, shares how he pivoted from the world of law and government to the tech frontier, crafting software that transforms regulatory operations. Bill recounts GL Solutions' move from Bend, Oregon to Kalispell, with first-hand insight into the trials and triumphs of transplanting a thriving business and nurturing its growth in its new Flathead Valley home. 

Navigating the complex terrain of government contracting and management is no mean feat, yet it's one that Bill and his team at GL Solutions tackle with precision and innovation. This episode peels back the layers of technology adoption in public agencies, revealing how they champion change despite sometimes challenging bureaucratic constraints. Discover the fine balance between guiding government entities towards modernization and addressing the evolving needs of the communities they serve.

We wrap up our interview with reflections that transcend the CEO title. Bill opens up about the essence of mentorship, the power of community involvement, and the grounding influence of Montana's great outdoors on his leadership philosophy. 

Links
GL Solutions: Regulatory Software Solutions | Licensing and Permitting Software (glsolutions.com)GL Solutions- GL Suite Software & Services | LinkedInOregon tech company relocating to Kalispell | Daily Inter LakeBill Moseley | LinkedIn
The Venture Boldly podcast is sponsored by Weyerhaeuser.
Follow the Discover Kalispell Chamber on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @kalispellchamber, and on twitter @KalispellChambr.
© Kalispell Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved. 406.758.2800 | info@kalispellchamber.com

Join us as we visit with Todd O'Hair, the President and CEO of the Montana Chamber of Commerce,  in this week's Venture Boldly episode where we dissect the multitude of strategies fueling Montana's economic engine. Todd brings a wealth of experience from his roots on a family ranch to the halls of government affairs, offering a unique vantage point on the challenges and triumphs of advocating for a thriving business community in Big Sky Country. Our discussion spans the state's urban-rural divide and the Chamber's pivotal role in shaping a robust economic landscape through the Envision 2026 plan.

Tune in to hear how the Montana Chamber is steering the ship through turbulent waters of workforce development and the housing crisis—critical issues that are shaping the state's economic future. Todd delves into the innovative solutions being crafted to combat these challenges, including Governor Gianforte's 2023 housing task force initiatives to transform legislation and zoning laws. We also spotlight the work of the Kalispell Chamber in expanding childcare services and discuss how their success stories could be a beacon for similar progress statewide, thereby bolstering support for Montana's working families.

We'll also touch on how Montana is positioning itself on the map with strategic growth sectors like the semiconductor industry, thanks to a possible $50 million planning grant from the Chips and Science Act.  Additionally, we'll discuss the vital role businesses play in nurturing civility and fostering bipartisan relationships, especially in an election year, emphasizing how moderated political discourse is key to community prosperity and sustained economic success.

Montana Chamber of Commerce

The Venture Boldly podcast is sponsored by Weyerhaeuser. 
Follow the Discover Kalispell Chamber on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @kalispellchamber, and on twitter @KalispellChambr.
© Kalispell Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved. 406.758.2800 | info@kalispellchamber.com

Dive into the hidden dynamics of the Flathead Valley's economy and housing market as we team up with James Williamson from Sage Appraisal and Strategy.  With James's expert analysis fresh from a presentation at the University of Montana's local BBER presentation, we dissect the local economic trends that show a slight deceleration yet maintain an upward momentum. We discuss local population growth, revealing its impact on the economic pulse of Kalispell and the Flathead.

We also shine a light on the synergy between housing development and the cost of living in our valley, using the Park Line Trail initiative as a case study in public-private collaboration.  James touches on how infrastructure decisions by the public sector influence developers' choices, leading to a new landscape where multi-family and commercial properties gain ground. Simultaneously, we confront the shifting sands of affordability, delving into the escalating divide between homeownership and rental costs, and untangle the threads of everyday living expenses that weave the tapestry of our community's economic fabric.

Links
Bureau of Business and Economic Research PresentationHeadwater Economics ReportSage Appraisal & Strategy (sage-appraisal.com)BBER


Follow the Discover Kalispell Chamber on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @kalispellchamber, and on twitter @KalispellChambr.
© Kalispell Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved. 406.758.2800 | info@kalispellchamber.com

 Join us as Lorraine Clarno, President and CEO of the Discover Kalispell Chamber, shares an exciting look into the Chamber's 2024 initiatives. From the strategic relocation to Main Street to a strong emphasis on a vibrant downtown and a focus on education, this episode is your personal roadmap to understanding the growth and vitality being cultivated in our town.

We tackle the complexities of expansion with a keen eye on the infrastructure needs, property values, and the delicate dance of honoring heritage while welcoming new energy. Lorraine provides a nuanced perspective on the proposed levy that could be the linchpin for our emergency services, detailing how these investments are not just about maintaining safety but also about the prosperity of Kalispell Valley. If you're concerned about how the community's rapid development is impacting local services, you'll find this discussion both enlightening and essential.

Finally, step into the heart of community engagement with us as we explore the Chamber's educational advocacy and the power of transparent communication in dispelling public misconceptions. We celebrate the Chamber's 120th anniversary, a testament to its enduring commitment, and wrap up with touching on the Chamber's other key programs.

The Venture Boldly podcast is sponsored by Weyerhaeuser.
Follow the Discover Kalispell Chamber on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @kalispellchamber, and on twitter @KalispellChambr.
© Kalispell Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved. 406.758.2800 | info@kalispellchamber.com

Evan Eleff from the Sports Facilities Companies joins us to dissect potential impact of a tournament-quality sports facility in the Flathead Valley.  We'll touch on the economic, social, and community benefits that such a development would entail—not just a mere venue for sports, but a powerhouse for local businesses during shoulder seasons and a catalyst for stronger community ties. Evan brings to the table a wealth of knowledge, backed by a comprehensive market study commissioned by Discover Kalispell, illustrating the vibrant future that could await residents and visitors alike through strategic sports tourism.

This episode isn't just about the 'what' but also the 'how'. We explore the nuts and bolts of making a sports complex a reality, delving into the intricacies of public-private partnerships that marry the best of both worlds—public investment and private sector acumen. With 85% of modern projects adopting this approach, listen in to understand how a strategic blend of stakeholders, from healthcare to hospitality, are shaping the future of recreational spaces across the country.  Evan offers a roadmap from feasibility to fruition—ensuring that these ventures are built on solid ground, with commitments secured and the community's pulse at their heart.

The Venture Boldly podcast is sponsored by Weyerhaeuser. 
Follow the Discover Kalispell Chamber on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @kalispellchamber, and on twitter @KalispellChambr.
© Kalispell Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved. 406.758.2800 | info@kalispellchamber.com