City Commissioner Joe McKenney - Serving our Community

01/05/2025

1/5/25 – News and economic development report from our friends at Great Falls Development Alliance.

1) The Station District Bar & Eatery, on the downtown Great Falls riverfront next to the Station District Lofts plans to open January 17th; see KRTV. Afishianados Aquarium Solutions, started by George Juan Spigner, will be maintaining the 400 gallon aquarium in the Ocean Star Seafood Co. restaurant set to open later this month in Great Falls; see KRTV. Kenny Sikes has opened High Plains H20 water hauling business serving the Great Falls region; see KRTV.
2) We are hosting a housing forum on Tuesday, January 14th at 10:00 AM at Great Falls College in Room B101 and on Zoom. Our speaker, Nathan Bilyeu, will explain some of the tools other Montana communities have used to create the critical infrastructure needed to support new housing development. Nathan is a nationally recognized bond counsel and has been involved with several Montana projects helping communities navigate the tools available within state guidelines. Join us on Tuesday, January 14th or online and join the conversation. Register here for the January 14th housing forum!
3) Teton Pass Ski area west of Choteau opened this week and will honor all passes that were purchased last season when they were forced to close due to lack of snow, see Choteau Acantha. Ryan Pfeifle, founder of Farm Power Malt, has created a distillery called Farm Alazana; see KRTV.
4) Our GFDA Small Business Development Center has been onboarding the Downtown Great Falls Winter Cohort Participants. The Winter Cohort runs January 28th - April 8th. During this three-month period, the Cohort meets every other Tuesday from 8:30-10:00 AM. The group sessions include connection around business topics, business skills trainings and a time for solution think-tanks where the Cohort participants assist fellow small business owners in problem solving while applying skills and strategies. There is no charge to be a part of the Winter Cohort. If you are interested in learning more about our Cohorts, please reach out to Deb McGregor, GFDA Small Business Development Center Regional Director at 1-406-750-0314 or [email protected]. We look forward to starting additional Cohorts in Spring 2025 and Fall 2025.
5) Zero to Five Montana is offering a one-time grant opportunity for Montana employers to develop employer-sponsored child care programs. Grants range from $10,000 to $100,000; applications are due February 7th Apply Here. Great Falls Public Schools is holding a Job Fair on January 22nd. See more details on both and much more in The Electric's Business Bites.
6) Are you a specialty crop (ie anything not wheat, barley, oilseeds, or soy) producer or processor? Or do you work with specialty crop producers or processors? If so, please not that the 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant is now opened. Applications are due by Feb 28th, 2025 at 5:00 pm. If you would like to discuss your project or find other funding opportunities for your value-added ag project, reach out to Anna at [email protected] or 1-406-590-1301.
7) The Great Falls Business Improvement District has grants available for businesses and property owners located in the BID. Contact Kellie Pierce at 1-406-727-5430 or [email protected]. Stay ahead of the curve in Downtown Great Falls! Our new monthly newsletter, "Investing in Downtown Great Falls," delivers monthly insights and opportunities for business and building owners downtown. Sign up today! Questions? Contact Nicki at [email protected] or 1-406-750-2099.
8) Are you hiring? Our Hot Jobs Program is the perfect platform for employers to share their job openings! By sending us your listings, your opportunities could be featured on our Hot Jobs blog and shared across our social media channels for maximum visibility. Relocating with a partner or family member? Our Trailing Partner Program ensures no one gets left behind. Many times, for someone to accept a position, their partner also needs a job secure – and we’re here to help! Send us their resume (with permission), and we’ll share it within our network. You never know who’s hiring! Let’s work together to make Great Falls the perfect place for new opportunities. For more information contact our Marketing and Communications Officer Katie Carvell at 1-406-217-7635 or [email protected].
9) Manufacturing in Montana grew 9.6% in 2024 and has grown 80% since 2017. Download the Montana Manufacturing Report Executive Summary and Full Report produced by the Bureau of Business Economic Research at the University of Montana.
10) Are you interested in exploring government contract opportunities but unsure where to start? Great Falls Regional APEX provides the tools, knowledge, and guidance needed to navigate the government marketplace. We simplify the key steps of registration, research, and response, streamlining the process to ensure your business is prepared for contract opportunities. Whether you’re new to contracting or looking to expand your reach, we can help you identify opportunities, build valuable connections, and achieve your goals. To learn more, contact Shannon Clancy at [email protected] or 1-406-868-8343 and Mariah Liebing at [email protected] or 1-406-217-2174.
11) Several communities in our region won planning grants from the Montana Department of Commerce's Coal Endowment Program. Congratulations to the Belt, Choteau, Cut Bank, Fort Belknap, Fort Benton, and Havre!
12) We closed on a $466,700 loan from First Interstate Bank that helped us finance the purchase of land for the Great Falls AgriTech Park. We continued working with multiple prospects attracted to Great Falls by the Park.
13) Interested in joining GFDA’s Investment Committee? This is your chance to make a meaningful impact on the economic growth and vitality of the Great Falls region. Whether you’re passionate about local development, building connections, or creating new opportunities, your voice is essential. Reach out to Jenn at 1-406-781-9499 or [email protected] to learn more and take the first step in strengthening our community’s future!
14) 2025 is off to a strong start, fueled by the support of our investors and public partners who make our work possible. Learn more about them by viewing this short video. Recent investments include: Advance Division—Culligan Water Conditioning; Leadership Division—TD&H Engineering; Pacesetter Division—Aquasource Drilling; Community Division—Jerry Hood; Supporter Division—Morrison-Maierle, Inc. We’re proud to have such a dedicated team behind our mission to grow the region. If you’d like to join our efforts and make an impact, contact Investment Director Jenn Gallmeier at 1-406-781-9499 or [email protected].
Super excited for a great 2025!
GFDA

01/01/2025

Dawn McKenney and I hope this year brings you closer to your dreams and inspire you to reach new heights. Wishing you a year filled with peace, joy, and abundance. Here's to a year of new beginnings and wonderful memories. Happy New Year 2025!

12/30/2024

News and economic development report from our allies at Great Falls Development Alliance.

Here is our Top 10 highlights for calendar year 2024!
Well, Top 11 -- really tried to keep it to 10.

1) Primary Sector. Montana Renewables secured a $1.44 billion conditional loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy to expand its sustainable aviation fuel refinery in Great Falls by 150 million gallons per year. Berkshire Hathaway Energy Montana started construction on a 75MW battery storage system and announced plans to construct a 100MW solar farm in 2025. Sustainable Oils won a $30 million USDA grant to validate camelina as an ultra-low carbon renewable fuel stock. Pasta Montana added an additional processing line. Montana Specialty Mills expanded its oil seed processing facility in the Great Falls Agritech Park. Ardent Mills expanded its facility in Shelby's Port of North Central Montana. Construction started on the Weapons Generation Facility at Malmstrom AFB. Hybrid Steel Design expanded their Ft. Benton facility. Construction stared on the new VACOM facility in Lewistown.

The McLaughlin Research Institute won a $13.8 million NIH grant to launch the Center for Integrated Biomedical and Rural Health Research. The Institute became part of Touro University and was renamed the Weissman Hood Institute. The Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians announced a major Event Center and Resort development in Great Falls.

2) Entrepreneurship. We celebrated 52 business openings in the region in our Top 10's this year and 8 business purchases. We recognized 31 awesome female entrepreneurs with Fire Within Awards. We organized the first of a new cohort entrepreneur program with 10 Downtown Great Falls entrepreneurs participating. We held our first annual Entrepreneur celebration and the first gathering of our Angel Network. We started a new spotlight series featuring veteran-owned businesses and launched a new entrepreneur start-up class called Idea to Income. We are partnering with Great Falls College to bring the Goldman Sachs 10,000 businesses program to the region. We became a Grow with Google partner.

3) Housing. Tenants started moving into the Station Lofts Apartments on the riverfront of Downtown Great Falls. Construction started on the Baatz Permanent Supportive Housing development and the Carter Commons affordable senior housing project in Great Falls. More units were developed in the Aurora Apartments and final details were competed on the Arc Apartments. Predevelopment progress was made on the Elmore Roberts building remodel. The 92-unit Bayview riverfront housing development in Great Falls secured land use approvals. Plans were announced to renovate the Franklin School Apartments in Great Falls.

4) Commercial Development. Ponderosa Solutions bought a lot in the Great Falls AgriTech Park and constructed a rail transload facility. We sold three lots in the AgriTech Park to Admiral Beverage, Best Oil, and Steel, Etc.

Great progress was made on construction of the Towne Place Suites and four new businesses opened in the West Bank Urban Renewal District. Clearwater Credit Union purchased property in Downtown Great Falls to construct a branch. Big Dipper Ice Cream, Sidequest, Daydream Boutique and Studio Stiles were amongst the businesses that opened in Downtown Great Falls. Morrison-Maierle and Stahly Engineering opened new offices and Hometana doubled its space downtown. Plans to create The Station District Food Hall downtown were announced.

Investments along Great Falls commercial corridors included Joan Fabrics, Tony Roma's, Wendy's and Republic Coffee. We provided 8 free brownfield environmental assessments of properties in Cascade County totaling $82,856. Assessments included the Cascade Senior Center, Robyn's Nest Daycare, and Union Bethel AME Church.

5) Community Enhancements. The City of Great Falls opened the Scheels Aim High Big Sky recreation center and natatorium. The City finished exterior renovations of the Great Falls Civic Center. Robyn's Nest Daycare opened its new expanded facility. Great Falls Public Schools opened its CORE charter school. Construction started on the Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing. TDS completed its first residential fiber installation in Great Falls. Ziply Fiber began installing a 50 gig symmetrical fiber network in Great Falls. Benefis Health System earned approval of its new Internal Medicine Residency Program. Treasure State Outdoors opened a kayak rental kiosk in West Bank Park on the Missouri River in Great Falls. The Little Shell Tribe opened its food distribution center. The Great Falls Clinic announced their campus master plan and purchased the former Centene property. The new Judith Landing State Park on the Missouri River was approved. The History Museum opened the Owen and Gayle Robinson Research Center. The Bureau of Reclamation broke ground on the $90 million St. Mary's Diversion Dam Replacement Project.

6) Gap & Bridge Financing. We had a lending year totaling $10,329,025. We closed $3,077,900 in GFDA gap and bridge loans, issued $1,197,935 in loan commitments that will close in 2025, and committed $323,200 in brownfield redevelopment grants. We financed Enbar's purchase of the Great Falls Voyagers, Showdown Montana, Robyn's Nest Daycare, Yarn and Honey, and Rising Wolf Outfitters. We closed $746,000 in SBA 504 loans, including the new Mountain View Physical Therapy center in Downtown Great Falls, and issued $4,984,000 in SBA 504 loan commitments. We were selected to participate in an Indigenous Equitable Lending Leaders national cohort in partnership with the U.S. Economic Development Administration. We were also invited to participate in climate lending efforts of the Opportunity Finance Network.

7) Business Development. Our business development officers worked 175 project leads and with 130 prospects. They served 950 companies, recording 7,845 activities with these companies. We made 4 out of state visits to prospects and hosted 12 prospect visits to the Great Falls trade area. We conducted 10 out of state lead generation trips pitching the region to targeted companies and site selection consultants.

8) Business Technical Assistance. Our Small Business Development Center advised 325 clients, providing 1,439 free counseling hours. 126 of these clients were rural. Our clients started 25 new businesses and secured $5,948,609 in private capital. Our SBDC offered 26 trainings with 144 participants. Our APEX Accelerator provided government contracting advising to 168 clients with 562 free counseling hours. These clients one $46,490,978 in new government contracts. Our Food & Ag Development Center served 175 companies and provided 10 trainings.

9) Partnering. We recognized 15 outstanding partners with GFDA Ally Awards. We signed a cross-border partnership agreement with Economic Development Lethbridge. We partnered with many businesses and organizations to welcome the second class of the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine. Our APEX Accelerator increased its partnering with MAFB. The Homebuilders Association of Great Falls, NeighborWorks Great Falls and the Great Falls Association of Realtors partnered with us on funding the housing market assessment. We participated as reviewers in 6 accreditation visits for the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). We took an 11-member community team to the IEDC annual conference in Denver with aspirational stops in Billings, Cheyenne and Greeley. IEDC chose Great Falls to host its first ever Rural Retreat to be held in June, 2025. Jolene joined the board of IEDC and Brett joined the board of the National Association of Development Organizations.

We are partnering with the Montana Department of Agriculture to create a series of food safety videos for food processors across the state, with the Montana Pulse Committee to commission a market assessment for pulse crop processing opportunities in Montana, and with Great Falls Tourism on hiring a public relations firm to help us pitch Great Falls. We supported NeighborWorks Great Falls application to serve over seven counties in the region with the new state Community Reinvestment Organization program. We increased our involvement in and financial support of the Defense Alliance.

10) Strategic Planning. We published in-depth market analyses of energy and logistics markets for the Great Falls trade area and for Downtown Great Falls. We published an updated housing demand market analysis and an analysis of the economic impact of population growth for the Great Falls commute shed. We updated our Economic Development Strategy, increasing our strategic actions from 46 to 60. We commissioned a study to identify and evaluate potential rail industrial sites in the region. Great Falls Tourism completed its Tourism Master Plan and Strategic Plan and Central Montana Tourism completed its Tourism Resiliency Plan. The City of Great Falls launched an in-depth update of its Growth Policy.

11) Capacity. We brought 8 fantastic new people onto the GFDA staff team and hired 1 more who will start next month. Team members earned 4 new professional designations. We secured $5,925,486 in new loan capital and a $1,000,000 line of credit to support lending. We won $717,227 in new grants to support our economic development work. We purchased 38 acres of land for the Great Falls AgriTech Park and optioned 42 additional acres.

If I haven't mentioned your business or project, please forgive me. So much has been accomplished across the region this year that we could write a long book!

Register now to join us for Ignite 2025, happening on January 10th at The Newberry in downtown Great Falls! This annual event will feature presentations from businesses or organizations beginning construction, expanding, or opening in 2025, highlighting the exciting growth and innovation in our region. Networking starts at 7:30 AM, followed by presentations at 8:00 AM. If your business or organization has a project to showcase, reach out to Christian Leinhauser at [email protected] or call 1-406-836-0136 to get involved. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and learn more about what’s ahead for North Central Montana!
Happy New Year!
GFDA

12/25/2024

Dawn and I are sending you our heartfelt hopes for a Christmas filled with laughter, love, and the company of those you hold dear. Wishing you peace and happiness.

12/24/2024

Update concerning City of Great Falls Animal Shelter.

GREAT FALLS, Mont. - Starting January 1, 2025, the City of Great Falls Animal Shelter will be the sole provider of pet licenses within city limits. This change aims to

12/23/2024

News and economic development report from our allies at Great Falls Development Alliance.

1) The Little Shell Tribe announced plans to develop a major event center and resort on the northwest side of Great falls. The Little Shell Event Center & Resort on Mount Riyal will include a 200-room hotel, a 30,000 square foot indoor water park, a 10,000 square foot event space, a bowling alley, an arcade, a gaming facility, several dining options, and a 9,700 seat arena for entertainment and sports! See KRTV. Download Project Flyer and Tribe's Press Release. The project will achieve several of the priorities identified through recent tourism and economic development strategic planning, creating significant economic impact and making our market more competitive to attract meetings and events, concerts, visitors, and talent, as well as offering great amenities for our regional quality of life.

2) We had 2 site visits from developers pursuing new housing projects in the Great Falls market. Both visitors gave feedback highlighting the team of partners all aligned toward making more housing possible. Thank you to the Great Falls City Staff, and our partners for banding together to help projects move to the next stage. If it is time for your project to move to the next stage, reach out to Jake Clark at 1-406-403-4937 or [email protected].

3) Congratulations to Choteau’s Magon Miller who will be purchasing Meraki Coffee on January 1st and will be renaming it “Latte Lane” – see Choteau Acantha.

4) Great progress is being made on the Baatz Permanent Supportive Housing project being developed by NeighborWorks Great Falls and Homeward in Downtown Great Falls; see KRTV.

5) We met with a large, multifaceted developer considering a significant project in our area. Great Falls stood out as an exceptional opportunity due to its robust infrastructure, including high-speed fiber, reliable power, and comprehensive utility infrastructure. The developer was particularly drawn to North Central Montana, with the AgriTech Park emerging as a standout location for its strategic advantages. If you know of businesses or developers interested in exploring opportunities in Great Falls, contact Christian Leinhauser at [email protected] or 1-406-836-0136. Let’s showcase why Great Falls is the perfect choice!

6) Congratulations to our first Downtown Great Falls cohort participants who have completed their three-month cohort experience. This amazing group of entrepreneurs and small business owners have been dedicated to learning, growing, sharing and thriving! We are so proud of the hard work put in by our Fall 2024 Cohort group: Inge’s Fashions, Grae + CO, Ferrin’s Furniture, The Runway Salon, The Gittin Store, Firefly Salon and Spa, Escape the Falls, Let’s Play Games and Toys and Studio Montage. This group has been so inspired with the cohort that they will continue to meet on a monthly basis. Our next downtown cohort begins on January 28th. We will be meeting from 8:30-10:00 AM every other week for a three-month time period. There are a total of six group sessions and in between these sessions, the entrepreneurs have access to 1/1 sessions with Business Advisors from the GFDA Small Business Development Center. There is no cost to be a part of the cohorts. Each cohort is limited to 10 participants. We will continue adding cohorts as long as the demand for these amazing experiences exists. If you would like to learn more about the cohort experience, please reach out to Deb McGregor, Regional Director, GFDA Small Business Development Center at [email protected] or 1-406-750-0314.

7) We closed a loan of $120,000 to Wink Advertising for the purchase of equipment to support their new business venture. We are thrilled to provide funding to this Woman, Veteran, and Native American-owned business, especially considering the challenges many startups face in securing financing. This opportunity was made possible by participation in the State Small Business Credit Initiative 2.0. If your startup is trying to obtain the funding it needs, don’t hesitate to reach out! Contact Jill Kohles at 1-406-590-1056 or by email at [email protected] to explore your options.

😎 Montana State Parks & Recreation Board approved acquisition of land to create the Judith Landing State Park that will provide public access to the Missouri River near the confluence with the Judith River; see KRTV.

9) We met with a local developer to pool expertise and strategies to keep an exciting new project on track for success. Large developments are often years in the making before we see dirt moving and it takes a whole team to help tell the story of Great Falls and to get buy in on our future. Hint: you may want to attend or tune in to IGNITE 2025 for an exciting announcement. Take advantage of our team and tools for your big idea, reach out to Jake to get the conversation going 1-406-403-4937 or [email protected].

10) Register now to join us for Ignite 2025, happening on January 10th at The Newberry in downtown Great Falls! This annual event will feature presentations from businesses or organizations beginning construction, expanding, or opening in 2025, highlighting the exciting growth and innovation in our region. Networking starts at 7:30 AM, followed by presentations at 8:00 AM. If your business or organization has a project to showcase, reach out to Christian Leinhauser at [email protected] or call 1-406-836-0136 to get involved. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and learn more about what’s ahead for North Central Montana!

11) Congratulations to Grae & Co on their 1st anniversary! Just one year ago, KRTV covered the grand opening, and since then, the Ferrins’ deep connection with the Great Falls community has been at the heart of their success. Their decision to open in the heart of downtown reflects their commitment to continue to energize downtown Great Falls. If you are interested in starting a business in Downtown Great Falls, we can help! Contact Nicki at 1-406-750-2099 or [email protected].

12) Are you interested in exploring government contract opportunities but unsure where to start? Our Great Falls Regional APEX provides the tools, knowledge, and guidance needed to navigate the government marketplace. We simplify the key steps of registration, research, and response, streamlining the process to ensure your business is prepared for contract opportunities. Whether you’re new to contracting or looking to expand your reach, we can help you identify opportunities, build valuable connections, and achieve your goals. To learn more, contact Shannon Clancy at [email protected] or 1-406-868-8343 and Mariah Liebing at [email protected] or 1-406-217-2174.

13) With Montanan organic product sales nearly doubling between 2017 and 2022, the organic market proves to be an important part of Montana's agriculture. To celebrate the organic producers in Montana and discuss some of their shared challenges and opportunities, the Montana Organic Association hosted their 22nd annual convention in Great Falls. GFDA's Food and Ag Development Center Director attended to network with producers and processors and learn additional ways the Development Center can support the work being done in our region. If you are a producer or processor dealing with distribution issues or would be interested in a marketing class to learn additional ways to tell your story, please reach out to Anna at [email protected] or 1-406-590-1301.

14) Congratulations to Myra Blonde of Blonde Farms of Montana LLC on being awarded an Agritourism Grant from the Montana Department of Commerce to expand her farrowing barn.

15) Starting a farm or value-added ag business has the same challenges and opportunities as any other business. To explain some of the 'bags' that every business should keep in mind as they start and grow, GFDA's Regional Small Business Development Center Director, Deb McGregor, partnered with GFDA's Food and Ag Development Center Director, Anna Flies, to share resources available to all businesses in our region. To watch the recording, go HERE. A big thank you to all our service partners and local businesses who made the first six months of our Tuesday Trainings such a success. To check out some of the other great trainings and success stories from this year, check out this playlist HERE.

16) Congress approved the National Defense Authorization Act which authorized $258 million for construction at Malmstrom AFB which supports nuclear weapons operations, a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted troops, and a 4.5% pay raise for the rest of the military. Congress also approved reauthorization for the Economic Development Administration, incorporating many improvements we have advocated for through the International Economic Development Council and the National Association of Development Organizations.

17) We participated in the Transatlantic Business & Investment Council's annual recap and 2025 outlook, gaining valuable insights into trends in transatlantic trade and investment that will help us leverage our region's strengths for economic growth and diversification. Our focus on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is crucial as it allows North Central Montana to attract international opportunities and partnerships, driving job creation and fostering innovation in our regional economy. For more information on connecting globally, contact Christian Leinhauser at [email protected] or 1-406-836-0136.

18) Save the date! On Tuesday, January 14th at 10:00 AM (Great Falls College Room B101) we are hosting an open forum presentation and discussion on tools used to support new housing infrastructure throughout Montana. More details to follow.

19) Join our Great Falls Regional APEX and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) at the SpringHill Suites, Big Falls Room, on Thursday, January 23rd, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM, to explore exciting business opportunities with the U.S. Forest Service. You’ll have the opportunity to network, present your capability statement, and connect directly with USFS representatives and potential partners. This is your chance to stay competitive and ready for the 2025 season. To register CLICK HERE! If you need to create a new capability statement or just update an existing one, contact Shannon Clancy at [email protected] or 1-406-868-8343 and Mariah Liebing at [email protected] or 1-406-217-2174.

20) Interviewed public relations finalists with Great Falls Tourism and selected the firm to work with Great Falls Tourism and GFDA to pitch Great Falls for visitor, talent, and entrepreneur attraction. With the help of Great Falls Tourism, selected three finalist firms for the Recreation & Entertainment Market Analysis we plan to commission next month.

21) We received the $1,000,000 program related investment check from the Otto Bremer Trust. These funds will be used to provide gap and bridge loans, addressing financing needs that conventional lenders cannot or will not meet. This loan capital is essential to help complete the financing for critical economic development projects in the region. If you have a project that has a financing gap, reach out to Jill Kohles at 1-406-590-1056 or [email protected].

22) We received the $10,000 check from the High Stakes Foundation to support our work with the Food & Ag Development Center. These funds will be used for enhancing local agricultural processing for job creation & food access for the North Central Montana region.

23) Interested in joining GFDA’s Investment Committee? This is your chance to make a meaningful impact on the economic growth and vitality of the Great Falls region. Whether you’re passionate about local development, building connections, or creating new opportunities, your voice is essential. Reach out to Jenn at 1-406-781-9499 or [email protected] to learn more and take the first step in strengthening our community’s future!

24) As we wrap up 2024, we can’t help but look back on all the incredible progress made throughout the region! There is a lot to celebrate. Our work supporting some of these projects wouldn’t be possible without the support of our dedicated team of investors and public partners. Learn more about them by viewing this short video. Recent investments include: Pacesetter Division—United Materials; Community Division—All Around Construction Great Falls; PowerGas Corporation. We couldn’t do what we do without them. If you’d like to learn more about becoming an investor, reach out to Investment Director Jenn Gallmeier at 1-406-781-9499 or [email protected].

Momentum is building in our market!