Chamber updating Whitefish economic blueprint
The Whitefish Chamber of Commerce has checked off a number of items on its economic development to-do list and is now looking to update their priorities for the next five to seven years.
The chamber is in the process of gathering suggestions for ways it can diversify the local economy, while continuing to support existing business. About 20 people gathered for workshop last week to discuss the chamber’s Whitefish 2020 Plan, which is touted as an economic development blueprint for the city.
Chamber executive director Kevin Gartland recalled that three years ago about 65 people gathered to attend a similar meeting.
“People felt some urgency then to talk about the future,” he said. “However, when times are good that’s when we really need to look forward because the economy could turn again. The focus needs to be three to five years, and where we will be then.”
The current plan details existing business expansion, new business attraction and tourism industry solidification.
A number of ideas for improving the economy were discussed during the brainstorming session. Among the suggestions were increasing affordable housing, diversifying the economy, adding industrial business, adding downtown parking, promoting the city’s assets and increasing cooperation between the county and its cities for economic development.
GJ Hensen said he wants the Flathead Valley to be strong as a whole.
“The mentality is that our communities have boundaries,” Hensen said. “The more we can bring people here to spend money year in and year out, I’m all for that.”
Hensen, who owns Celebrate Event and Party Rentals, said the Montana Dragon Boat Festival on Flathead Lake is an example of an event that filled hotel rooms across the valley.
Jeff Raper, a real estate agent with National Parks Realty, said the housing market is improving and is active again with sales.
“But we have a really strong need for an affordable product,” he said. “We have a lack of inventory for what people who work here can afford.”
Ron Clark, with Innovative Timber Systems, said he would like to see more diversification of the economy and movement beyond tourism. He suggested attracting retirees to the area.
“I keep hearing promoting the shoulder seasons, but you have to have a better base of people who will be here year-round to spend their money,” he said.
Michael Jamison, with the National Parks Conservation Association, said he believes business development should be targeted in the same way tourism promotion already has been to a specific audience.
“The geotourism approach that the state has rolled out has done a really good job. It used to be a shotgun approach of getting all the tourists. They decided we want those tourists because they want to come here,” he said. “We have to do the same thing with economic development.”
Jamison also noted that tourism can lead to jobs beyond those at a restaurant or motel.
“We have to better define tourism,” he said. “Tourism is what brings a person here to begin with, and then maybe they come back and build a second home or primary home, and maybe they bring their business here.”
Former city councilor Turner Askew said the city has to be mindful of the “unintended consequences” of its regulations. He noted Hurraw! lip balm’s plan to relocate to the Whitefish Independent High School, but because of zoning regulations the business may not be allowed to operate there.
“We have to be attractive to businesses wanting to come here,” he said. “We have to make it easier for them — not harder.”
The chamber’s trustee program has dedicated its time to putting the goals of the 2020 plan into action. A number of projects have already been implemented included creating the chamber’s new website, publication of the annual Whitefish Guide, creation of a business development center at the chamber offices; research into a summertime public bus service; and creation of the Great Northwest Oktoberfest.
The chamber will compile the ideas from the workshop and update the 2020 plan.