MAEDC Newsletter

Article Index:

GSA Schedule Training: MonTEC Facility Sept. 25

MAEDC Accomplishes Goals, Progress Continues:

Big Sky – Big Events: The River City Roots Festival and the Festival of the Book return to Missoula in September

Economic Impact Studies Regarding Wildfires

Press Release: Governor Brian Schweitzer to Present Checks in Missoula Sept. 4

MAEDC Newsletter - 8/31/2007
Go To MAEDC Web Site

Impact Studies Regarding Wildfires, Progress Report, GSA Training Schdule and more!

GSA Schedule Training: MonTEC Facility Sept. 25

Montana PTAC has returned to the MonTEC facility, and is wasting no time in offering workshops and training for area businesses.  Missoula PTAC offers services in Beaverhead, Butte/Silver Bow, Deer Lodge, Granite, Mineral, Missoula, Powell and Ravalli counties. All businesses are engouraged to attend.

On September 25 from 8am to 4pm a free training workshop will be offered in the MonTEC conference room concerning applying and securing GSA Schedules.  General Service Administration (GSA) Schedules offer a five year renewable contract for commercial goods sold to the federal government.

For more information on GSA Schedules, visit
http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/contentView.do?contentId=8202&contentType=GSA_OVERVIEW

Again, this training is provided free of charge. RSVP is required. To reserve a seat, please contact Sharon Daily, Missoula PTAC Sub-Center Manager at 406-532-3207 or at ptac@maedc.org ...

CLICK HERE TO VIEW TRAINING FLIER:

MAEDC Accomplishes Goals, Progress Continues:

9 months ago, to begin the 2007 work-year, MAEDC staff worked together to establish a list of goals, or Work Plan, for the coming year. The following is a synopsis of those goals accomplished and those that remain active.

OBJECTIVE

A.1. Increase membership:

Ongoing: MAEDC active members have increased from 68 in 2006 to 90 in 2007 – Chella Markovich continues to contact new prospective members

A.2. Increase membership income

Ongoing: MAEDC Membership income was $135,750 as of 8-31-07, – Chella Markovich continues to contact new prospective members

A.3. Establish membership categories

Accomplished: All members are now listed under categories on the MAEDC website

A.4. PortFol implementation

Accomplished: MAEDC Loan Staff has implemented and continues to utilize Portfol Software for loan and payment tracking

A.5. Automated payment system

Accomplished: MAEDC has implemented borrower ACH, giving those participants a ¼% rate reduction as incentive

A.6. Annual meeting

Accomplished: More than 100 members attended the 2006 Annual Meeting. A recap of the meeting can be found in News on MAEDC’s website

A.7. Web site update

Accomplished: MAEDC’s website using Pyron Technologies’ Content Management System went live in March of 2007

A.8. Outsource payroll

Accomplished: Payroll Data currently handles all payroll functions for MAEDC

A.9. Reorganize data storage system

Ongoing: A date in early September has been set to reorganize the MAEDC server. A file management class was taken by all MAEDC staff in preparation for this task. The Loan and Grant Administration Department has began this task by organizing loan and grant files on the server.

A.10. Explore acquisition of loan doc software

Accomplished: MAEDC purchased ARTA Lending Software in August of 2007, and will train for and implement the system during September, 2007.

B.1. BEAR project

Ongoing: MAEDC staff continues to participate in the BEAR project. Currently, Jessica Allred is working on the BEAR website, and is on the MEDA BEAR Working Group. Eric Hanson, a member of the Marketing Committee, has been active in logo and material design. Financial assistance has been provided.

B.2. Re-design Profiles

Accomplished: The Community Profile has been updated with tables and graphics. The Winter 2006 edition is available on out website.

B.3. Continue to publish Profiles

Ongoing: The Winter 2006 Edition is currently available on the MAEDC website. With staff turn-over, MAEDC has continued to compile information for the profiles. The Winter 2007 edition will be out shortly

B.4. Assessment of MAEDC activities

Ongoing: Assessment of MAEDC activities and dissemination of these assessments to our constituencies continue.

B.4. Select award recipients

Accomplished: DIRECTV and Spiker Communications received the CP Higgins and Frank Worden awards

B.5. Market Technology Park

Ongoing: MAEDC has created marketing materials and has attended seminars and conferences in aims to market the technology district. Currently there are three potential projects that MAEDC continues to work on for possible location.

B.6. Work with Airport Authority

Ongoing: MAEDC has met with the Airport Authority to tour available sites on Airport land. MAEDC continues to work with companies in need of real estate.

B.7. Implement e-newsletter

Ongoing: A monthly e-newsletter is disseminated by MAEDC through the Pyron Technologies website

B.8. Assist Play Ball with Tax Exempt Financing

Ongoing: MAEDC continues to work with Play Ball Missoula to establish tax exempt status for the stadium. MAEDC has also renegotiated terms on the outstanding loan with Play Ball.

C.1. Lend RLF funds for job retention and creation

Accomplished: MAEDC has lent $165,000 in EDA funds, in addition to the $200,000 match from the EDA RLF for the City of Missoula Brownfields RLF. The three borrowers include Goomzee, Corp, Millsite Revitilization Project, and a bridge loan for Endobiologics. $247,500 of IRP dollars have been lent in 2007 to borrowers including Family Health Pharmacy in Ronan and Polson, and Majestic Bus Services in Hamilton.

C.2. Expand relationship with CRF

Ongoing: MAEDC continues to work with local companies on financing projects that may fit CRF programs. MAEDC currently has several project proposals into CRF.

C.3. SBA 504

Accomplished: Heading feedback from local lenders, MAEDC and the Treasure State CDC made the decision to dissolve the CDC for lack of interest in the area. MAEDC continues to package 504 loans for alternate lenders.

C.4. Cleanup of Sawmill Site

Ongoing: With unexpected costs from DEQ and other sources, MAEDC and the City of Missoula have approved a request from MRP to extend the amount of the loan $125,000. MAEDC continues to monitor the progress of this important project, and look forward to its completion.

C.5. Recapitalize Brownfieds RLF

Ongoing: MAEDC continues to attend training and is dedicated to creating a regional Brownfields loan fund. Although an earlier application to recapitalize the City of Missoula Brownfields RLF was unsuccessful, there are hopes that the completion of the Millsite Cleanup will strengthen future application.

C.6. Regional Brownfields RLF

Ongoing: MAEDC continues to work with surrounding counties and with the City of Missoula to assess the feasibility and administration of a Regional Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund.

C.7. Assist Bitterroot Task Force

Ongoing: MAEDC has initiated in a contract with ECONorthwest to perform the Economic Impact Study regarding the proposed Bitterroot Resort. A draft copy will be available for comment in October of 2007. MAEDC will continue to post updates on its website.

C.8. Terra Echos

Ongoing: Awarded funds from the USDA RBEG and the MT DOC BSEDTF, MAEDC continues to work with Terra Echos to draw funds for reimbursement on engineering expenses incurred.

C.9. Assist Aquila Vision with OTTER project

Ongoing: MAEDC staff packaged a loan request to the Missoula County RLF for AquilaVision earlier this year, and continues to work with the company on issues such as cash flow and financial statements.

C.10. Assist Nutritional Labs with possible expansion

On hold: On behalf of the company, this project has been put on hold. The possibility of expansion remains on the table, but currently other priorities are being pursued.

C.11. Corn Products and GTC Nutrition

Accomplished: MAEDC met with HR and management from GTC Nutrition and explained the possibilities of worker training and other incentive programs. The company did not pursue application.

C.12. Seeley Lake Infrastructure

Accomplished: MAEDC Intern Katie Black performed an LMI study in the Seeley Lake area. MAEDC continues to participate, as requested, in this project.

C.13. Global Entertainment

Accomplished: MAEDC has connected Global Entertainment with organizations like the Convention and Visitors Bureau and the County Fair Board.

C.14. DIRECTV and RMBI Monitoring

Accomplished: MAEDC has successfully completed job monitoring reporting for the DIRECTV project. Monitoring was ended at the creation of 1012 jobs. MAEDC continues to work with RMBI, having applied for and received an extension on worker training funds and continues to monitor job count.

C.15. Additional CDBG funding for Missoula Cnty.

Accomplished: MAEDC assisted in the application for Missoula County for additional funds from CDBG to fund the purchase of the DTV building. The application was denied; MAEDC aided the County to close-out the CDBG.

D.1. Renewal of PTAC Contract

Accomplished: In July of 2007, Sharon Daily was hired as the new Missoula MTPTAC SubCenter Manager. She is currently operating in the MonTEC building.

D.2. MonTEC Occupancy

Ongoing: New tenants in 2007 include Lupine Logic, the Missoula Cultural Council, Geodata Services, Celcorp and IDIIL. Chinook Wireless has vacated the building to a facility on Mullan Road. Occupancy has not fallen below 70% in 2007.

D.3. Refinance MonTEC Debt

Ongoing: The MonTEC Board and MAEDC staff continue to work on tax exempt status for a possible bond issue. MonTEC hopes to draw funds from an active construction loan for the addition of a full-service biological laboratory.

D.4. Establish Affiliate Membership for MonTEC

Ongoing: MAEDC staff attended the National Business Incubator Association Conference in Seattle, WA earlier this year. A strategy to establish an affiliated membership program is ongoing.

D.5. Technical Assistance for MonTEC Tenants

Ongoing: MAEDC staff continues to search out conferences and workshops to help MonTEC developing companies. The renewal of the MT PTAC contract will begin to produce workshops on Government Contracting.

D.6. Complete Security Improvements

Ongoing: Considering cost and applicability, the MonTEC Board of Directors have elected to hold off on additional security improvements at this time.

D.7. Secure Funding from MonTEC Earmark

Ongoing: MAEDC staff secured a $198,000 Earmark earlier this year for the construction of a biological laboratory within the MonTEC facility. An environmental review process must be performed before funds can be dispersed.

E.1. CRDC Administration

Ongoing: 2006 CRDC funds have been dispersed and policy for 2007 funds is being discussed.

E.2. Establish Governance Group

Ongoing: The establishment of a governance group is being discussed between the participating counties.

E.3. Participation in BREDD

Ongoing: MAEDC continues to provide match hours to the BREDD project. Participation with the BEAR project and the integration of Ravalli and Mineral counties into the BEAR website also helps to promote BREDD. MAEDC staff also contributed to the work sessions and input concerning the new CEDS (Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy) document. Financial assistance has been provided from CRDC funds.

Throughout the year, MAEDC staff has participated in these and other tasks, including reporting, recruiting efforts, new administrative and management policy implementations, reorganization of file maintenance standards and electronic information storage standards, and even managed to spend a day building a house with Habitat for Humanity.

If you are interested in hearing more about these or other MAEDC projects, please contact our office. We look forward to the continued effort of improving the Missoula area economic environment.

Big Sky – Big Events: The River City Roots Festival and the Festival of the Book return to Missoula in September

Although we have bid farewell to Downtown Tonight and Out to Lunch for the summer, there are still plenty of activities going on downtown.

Two events planned for September, the River City Roots Festival and the Festival of the Book, have daily activities for the whole family.

The River City Roots Festival is in its second year in Missoula. Promoted and produced by the Missoula Downtown Association in conjunction with a team of partners (click here to see list of partners http://rivercityrootsfestival.com/info.php ), the festival aims to attract 10,000 people downtown this year. Activities scheduled include an all day music stage, a demonstration at the MOBASH Skatepark, Theatre in the Streets, a 4 Mile Walk/Run, a Juried Art Show and additional activities for families and the kids. The River City Roots Festival will run September 15^th and 16^th. Click here to see a schedule of events: http://rivercityrootsfestival.com/schedule/index.php

The Festival of the Book will run from September 13^th through the 15^th in multiple downtown Missoula venues. The Festival of the Book is in its eighth year in Missoula, and is produced by Humanities Montana. Special events include a Celebrity Defin-athon with Mayor John Engen and a “host of other celebrity vocabularists”, an Author Reception and Silent Auction, a book signing with Governor Brian Schweitzer and Jag, Gala Readings, and much more. For a complete schedule click here: http://www.bookfest-mt.org/schedule.htm

It is events like these that help to contribute to the appeal of Missoula, and our Downtown. We encourage you to go experience a reading, take in live music, and try food from your favorite vendor, or maybe from a vendor you’ve not tried before. MAEDC commends the Missoula Downtown Association and Humanities Montana for their part of keeping the Missoula Downtown vibrant.

Economic Impact Studies Regarding Wildfires

The Governor has called the second special session of 2007; he is asking the legislature to appropriate an additional $55 Million to fund the 2007 wildfire seasons.

Wildfires in Montana have claimed 158,596 acres in 2007 as reported by InciWeb: Incident Information Systems Online. In a smoke-filled valley, Missoula has felt the repercussions of the fires, and places like Seeley Lake are only beginning to know the extent of the affects as evacuations throughout the state have disrupted businesses and residents alike.

In 2002, the Missoula Area Economic Development Corporation sponsored two studies concerning affects of the 2000 Wildfire Season: Economic Impacts of Wildfires and Hazard Reduction Treatments on the Forest Products Industry of Montana and Ravalli County, and Estimated Loss to Tourism Industry from the Wildfire Disaster of 2000. The studies were funded by a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

Included in these studies is an evaluation of the potential economic benefits of hazard reduction treatments. By making these studies available, MAEDC hopes to encourage further dialogue concerning these important influences on some of the state’s key economic industries. The study on the impact of the fires of 2000 on the forest products industry includes the following statement: “The strategic-scale implementation of a comprehensive fire hazard reduction program would create numerous economic as well as ecological benefits for Montana. The most obvious and perhaps most important benefits would be reduced fire hazard across the state and improved ecological condition of forests altered by disrupted fire regimes. Economic benefits would include a sustainable supply of timber, which would in turn lead to increased employment opportunities and revenues for landowners implementing the treatments.”

Click on the following links to view:

Economic Impacts of Wildfires and Hazard Reduction Treatments on the Forest Products Industry of Montana and Ravalli County

Estimated Loss to Tourism Industry from the Wildfire Disaster of 2000

Press Release: Governor Brian Schweitzer to Present Checks in Missoula Sept. 4

September 4, 2007

Press Release

Missoula, MT—The Missoula Area Economic Development Corporation (MAEDC) is pleased to announce that Governor Brian Schweitzer will be in town on Tuesday, September 5^th to present ceremonial checks representing state financial assistance to three significant projects in the Missoula area.

At 1:30 pm, the Governor will be at Sunny Meadows east of Missoula to formally award $325,000 to the local water district for improvements to its system. The grant was approved by the Legislature, with funding through the Montana Treasure State Endowment Program. As the Certified Regional Development Organization for Missoula and Ravalli Counties, MAEDC wrote a letter in support of this project.

At 2:30 p.m, Governor Schweitzer will be at the Montana Technology Enterprise Center to recognize the award of $5,175,625 in Low Income Housing Tax Credits through the Montana Board of Housing to HomeWORD, Inc., for the organization’s project at the former location of the Liberty Lanes Bowling Alley. This funding assistance will enable HomeWORD to demolish the old bowling alley and build 35 affordable apartments. HomeWORD, a nationally recognized organization that incorporates, green, energy efficient, and Montana-made products and resources, has provided 75 affordable homes to Missoula families, and a total of 149 homes statewide, including this project, the Liberty Lanes.

Immediately following the HomeWORD presentation, the Governor will present a check to MAEDC for $22,000, which will be used to assist TerrEchos, Inc., a tenant in the MonTEC incubator, and S&K Electronics in Pablo with preparation of a manufacturing plan for a covert perimeter security system being developed by TerraEchos, Inc. According to the company’s founder, Dr. Alex Philp, this product, “ADELOS,” is a commercialization of the U.S Navy’s “BLUE ROSE” (Battlescape Land Undersea Extensible Rayleigh Optical Scattering and Electronics). TerraEchos, Inc. has the only license to this technology. The software for this product will be developed by TerraEchos, Inc. and a partnership has been developed with S&K Electronics for the manufacturing. The State’s planning grant is matched with a $25,000 USDA RBEG grant to complete the manufacturing plan.

In order to successfully commercialize this technology and manufacture the ADELOS product as an integrated, turn-key hardware and software package, TerraEchos, Inc. is working closely with S&K Electronics (SKE) as the lead manufacturing partner. SKE is located in Ronan, MT, 45 miles north of Missoula, MT, and has been actively involved with GCS Research and newly formed TerraEchos, Inc. in the evaluation, design, and manufacturing plan for the ADELOS product line.

SKE is the largest contract-based electronic manufacturing company in the State of Montana, and has the capacity and knowledge-based necessary to successfully produce the units for TerraEchos, Inc. The primary principal associated with this collaboration is Mr. Larry Hall, President of SKE. Mr. Hall has been actively involved in the joint assessment and manufacturing due diligence associated with ADELOS, and has assigned key project managers and associated electronic engineers to the program in order to provide a manufacturing pathway for the technology.

Dick King, MAEDC President/CEO, stated that the three projects represent the cornerstones of sustainable and prudent economic development policy. “The project at Sunny Meadows will address high priority infrastructure needs in the district, HomeWORD’s project is a major step forward with regard to the community’s need for affordable housing, and the TerraEchos/S&K Electronics project has the potential to great many high quality jobs in Montana.”

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