Forecast for local economy: Sunny

This week I was thinking about writing about politics and the presidential nominating process. But I'm still trying to sort out the candidates and decide who will get my vote come November. So let's get back to something of more local importance, at least early in 2008, and that is the economy.

I have attended each of the monthly economic development meetings sponsored by the Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce since I moved to the Flathead in mid-July. Tuesday's meeting had a different atmosphere than the first five that I absorbed. It was by far the best attended meeting since August. There were 13 people there representing an array of local businesses. And it was time well spent.

As are other areas of the Flathead Valley, Columbia Falls is seeing growth. Although it's winter time, new businesses are opening in town.

As early as March, Anne Scott-Markle will have all her space at Imagine Health Wellness and Wisdom Center, located at 305 First Ave. W. filled. Aaron Zum Mallen is the latest to open a practice in the versatile building. He specializes in Ortho-Bionomy, and health and wellness counseling. Around the first of February, Paul Coats will offer basic health care in the Imagine Health building. A woman could offer acupuncture there within the next couple of months.

Kristin Voisin plans to open a wood-fire pizza restaurant in uptown Columbia Falls later this year, as early as July. According to Barry Conger of the First Best Place Task Force, Kristin had a similar business in Whitefish, which she sold. The restaurant is tabbed for the corner of Seventh Street and First Avenue West.

Chamber President Lyle Mitchell, the State Farm agent in Columbia Falls, said that a new gas and wood stove store is moving into the Old City Hall building on Nucleus Avenue. Word has it that an antique store is going into the former Linc's Automotive building on Highway 2.

Speaking of the First Best Place Task Force, the group is moving ahead with a proposal to purchase the former First Citizen's Bank building on Nucleus Avenue. The building could be called the Glacier Discovery Center; it would be geared toward interpretive education.

City Manager Bill Shaw said that the Boys and Girls Club of Glacier Country fundraising auction is set for Saturday, Jan. 26 at the Red Lion Hotel in Kalispell. Club director Alan Sempf said the fifth annual "Wrap Your Arm Around A Kid Benefit Auction" begins at 5 p.m. In other important news, Sempf said the closing on the purchase of the former Saint Matthew's Episcopal Church building by the Boys and Girls Club was to be held Tuesday afternoon. Shaw said that the club had received pledges for donations totaling $157,000 to go toward the purchase. The club is still raising funds for operational costs, with the auction and other fundraisers.

The Boys and Girls Club auction goes head-to-head with the Close-Up auction, also on Jan. 26. It is scheduled for the Blue Moon, and is the primary fundraiser for the Close-Up program at Columbia Falls High School.

Mike Strotheide with Montana West Economic Development said that the sixth annual Economic Forecast of the Flathead breakfast is set for Jan. 30 at the Red Lion Hotel in Kalispell. Strotheide said that MWED is starting an "E2" program, about how to start and develop a business.

In other upcoming events, Dee Brown of Canyon RV said the Hungry Horse-Glacier View Ranger Districts are hosting an open house on Thursday, Jan. 24 at its new district office building in Hungry Horse, from 4 to 8 p.m.

Chamber Executive Director Carol Pike reported during Tuesday's meeting that the Chamber had received a $75 donation from the Columbia Falls Junior High Student Council for Christmas decorations. Pike also mentioned that Columbia Falls High School is hosting the State Speech and Debate Meet the weekend of Jan. 25-26. CFHS hosts the Divisional Meet this Saturday.

Both those school events will bring a lot of people to town and will be a boost for our economy.

Carol Blake of North Valley Hospital said that digital mammography will be available at the facility within 30 to 45 days. Carol added that Carla Herrmann, marketing specialist at NVH, is retiring and her position will be open soon.

Local barber Barbara Jenkins spoke about the May 3 Arbor Day celebration in town. That could be preceded by an art show and auction to serve as a fundraiser for Arbor Day. Barbara will be joining Sally Petersen in hosting the next Business After Hours on Thursday, Feb. 7 at Funtastic Finds. That will have a Valentine's Day theme.

Gary Sparr of Glacier Bank shared information about real estate sales. He said there was a sale of 179 homes in 2007, compared to 252 through December of 2006. Gary said that sales are slower in the whole (residential) real estate market.

Bill Dakin of RE/MAX Mountain View said that there is a demand for "decent homes" under $200,000. He added that people who are buying property now are "the end users" and "there is no speculation going on."

Bill Shaw said that building permits are down, although Western Building Center is adding a truss assembly business at its location on Highway 2. That will mean 12 to 15 new jobs, Bill said.

It may be winter in the Valley, but things are hopping. It's a good sign for our economy.

Joe Sova is the managing editor of the Hungry Horse News.