Ep. 88 – From Downtown to Discover Kalispell: Building Community & Business
What's next for downtown Kalispell? Discover Kalispell Chamber CEO Lorraine Clarno discusses downtown revitalization, favorite winter events, and the Chamber's priorities for 2027—from business advocacy and housing to workforce development and community growth.
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Ep. 83 - Growing Flathead: Building for the Future with Pete Melnick, County Administrator
How does Flathead County manage rapid growth without losing its rural character or overextending taxpayers? Brenden Craig talks with County Administrator Pete Melnick about the pressures shaping local government, including rising service demands, land use, infrastructure, budgeting, and property taxes.
Ep. 81 - Flathead Electric Cooperative: Powering the Flathead with Katie Pfennigs
n this episode of Venture Boldly, we sit down with Katie Pfennigs of Flathead Electric Cooperative to break down the forces shaping the future of electricity in Northwest Montana. From rising rates and growing demand to new power generation investments and the impact of AI and data centers, Katie explains what members need to know.
Ep. 74 - Smart Growth, Strong Community: Inside Kalispell’s Next Chapter with City Manager, Jarod Nygren
Kalispell is growing, and the decisions we make now will shape the next decade. In this episode, City Manager Jarod Nygren breaks down how the city is planning for infrastructure, housing, and downtown vitality to stay ahead of that growth. We discuss long-range planning, permitting timelines, and how clear policies create predictability for residents, businesses, and investors.
Ep. 70 - A Conversation with Kalispell Mayor-elect, Ryan Hunter
Growth is here, and today’s choices will shape Kalispell for decades. In this episode, Kalispell mayor-elect Ryan Hunter lays out a clear, practical agenda: protect waterways, expand attainable housing, improve street safety, and apply predictable standards that support a vibrant Parkline Trail—without overbuilding or fragmentation.
Ep. 66 - Beyond Capacity: The Need for a New Flathead County Detention Center
Sheriff Brian Heino doesn't mince words about Flathead County's jail crisis. The 1987 facility is bursting at the seams, with failing systems, inadequate space, and mounting safety concerns. With over two decades of law enforcement experience, Sheriff Heino offers a compelling insider's perspective on why a new detention center represents not just a building project, but a fundamental community investment.
Ep. 58 - Building the Flathead, with Bill Goldberg, Compass Construction
What does it take to build a construction company that shapes a community? Bill Goldberg, founder of Compass Construction, shares how he went from a 20-year-old entrepreneur to a leader in Flathead Valley development.
Ep. 36 - Flying into the Future: GPIA Growth & Expansion with Rob Ratkowski, Airport Director
There's a massive transformation happening at Glacier Park International Airport. Airport Director Rob Ratkowski provides an insider's look at the ambitious expansion project. With the airport nearly tripling in size to 210,000 square feet, you'll get a front-row seat to the exciting new amenities, including the Goat Haunt Saloon, outdoor patio spaces, and the Flathead Valley's first escalators. Learn how these enhancements, set for completion in June 2026 with phased openings, will revolutionize the passenger experience and meet the growing demand.
Ep. 28 - Steady as She Grows: Analyzing the Flathead Valley Economy & Housing Market with James Williamson of Sage Appraisal and Strategy
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.
Ep. 24 - City Management & Emergency Response Funding with Doug Russell, Kalispell City Manager
In this episode we're talking with Doug Russell, the Kalispell City Manager. Doug, a certified manager and public finance officer, navigates us through the world of local government management and the upcoming 2024 spring vote for a dedicated emergency responder levy in Kalispell.