WCVB board positions open to non-residents

Whitefish business owners or those in senior management positions who live outside of city limits can now serve on the Whitefish Convention and Visitor Bureau board.

City council voted unanimously March 4 to allow two board members who reside outside of the city’s zoning jurisdiction, but within Flathead County to be on the board. Those members must have an ownership interest or hold a senior management position at a business located within the city.

“The WCVB has been considering this for a few years,” said WCVB Director Jan Metzmaker. “If you have a business in Whitefish, we feel like you should have a voice.”

WCVB board members voted 7-1 in favor of changing regulations to allow members from outside Whitefish’s jurisdiction.

Metzmaker said the board has no fears of the city being “taken over by outside interests.”

“We think these people would be great contributors,” she said after rattling off a long list of business owners or those in senior management positions who live outside of the city.

One of those mentioned was Sandy Nogal, an owner of McGarry’s Roadhouse restaurant on Wisconsin Avenue. She would like to participate on the board, but lives in Kalispell. She told council that while her home isn’t here, her business investments are.

“Let’s open [the board] up to participation from folks who can do a good job,” she said.

Board chairman Nick Polumbus agreed.

“We’re looking to broaden the pool of talented people to contribute,” he said.

Polumbus suggested a potential downside is whether someone from outside of the city would always have the best interests of Whitefish in mind.

“But I hope we ask that question of anyone, whether they live in Whitefish or not,” noting that council appoints board members after an interview process. “For me it’s, ‘Are you willing and able, and do you have skin in the game.’”