Economy

Kalispell is the trade and health-care center of Northwest Montana, a dynamic, prosperous economy, where people travel to shop, receive medical care and conduct business.

Education, government, health services, forest products, manufacturing, engineering, tourism and retail thrive and balance the local economy.

Flathead County is Montana's third most populous and second-fastest growing with an estimated population in 2006 of over 85,000. From 1990 to 2000 the county's population surged by 26 percent. Growth estimates project that by 2015 the county's population will reach 100,000 (NPA Data Services Inc.)

The county is a montage of three distinctive incorporated cities, Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls, as well as several small towns. Kalispell, the county seat, is the state's seventh largest city with a population of 20,000 and a growth rate of 22 percent since the U.S. 2000 census - its population is estimated to hit 25,000 by 2015. Greater Kalispell is home to over 34,000.

Commercial development has reached epic proportions in the past few years. On Kalispell's north side three-quarter million square feet of major retailers and restaurants have been built to keep pace with the area's booming real estate growth.

In 2005 the city issued over 100 permits for $27.4 million in commercial construction. An additional 35 permits were issued for another $46.5 million in 2006.

The Spring Prairie Center is in the second of three phases. A new entertainment and retail complex, Hutton Ranch Plaza, opened in 2008. The 46-acre development features a $9 million 14-screen movie theater with stadium seating.

The Kalispell Fire Department has also expanded, adding the $3.1 million Fire Station 62 in 2006. A third station is in the planning phase. The gateway to Glacier National Park with an international airport, Kalispell has a vigorous tourism draw. With two major ski areas and Flathead Lake, the area retains a well-trained, productive work force.

Flathead County supports the most diverse economy in the Rocky Mountain West. Major private employers include Kalispell Regional Medical Center, Plum Creek Timber Company, Semitool, Workplace Inc., TeleTech and Winter Sports, Inc.

Small businesses employ over 70 percent of all employees in Montana. In Flathead County self-employment is the fastest growing income sector. As of 2006, the civilian labor force was 45,000, a 15.6 percent increase from 2000, and evenly divided between white- and blue-collar occupations.

Through its affiliated agencies and economic development programs the Flathead Regional Business Center vigorously promotes small business and entrepreneurship under the guidance of the Kalispell Area Chamber of Commerce.

In Kalispell, reasonable taxes and regulations, accessible transportation, advanced telecommunications, available commercial sites and competitive utilities make it easy for businesses of all types to be successful.

Economy

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