Random Thoughts on the Local Scene
I know I am late to the party on these, but oh well...
John Kramer Leaving For Iowa
This hurts. It could really set us back. The only glimmer of hope I see is that we have a very well-constituted, professional board now at GFDA, and I am hopeful they will recruit a good replacement. (Although I have heard rumors that they have not handled this issue well with his number two man, Steve North, keeping him in the dark so that North is learning developments in his organization by reading the Tribune.)
The Kramer article said: "My frustrations are not with Great Falls...The frustration I have is that I don’t like losing deals.
“' We don’t have the statewide tools,' Kramer added, noting others states are able to offer more financial incentives to lure prospective new employers. Such incentives include job training funds, location incentives and low-interest loans. “ There are a lot of these clients we don’t even get to talk to, we are so restricted,” Kramer said.
While he declined to discuss specific instances Thursday, Kramer recently expressed frustration with state economic development officials and Gov. Brian Schweitzer after a medical transcription company offering good- paying jobs chose an Oklahoma location."
I previously bitched about this topic; where the hell is Governor Schweitzer's leadership on this issue? (I have also heard rumors that Evan Barrett, the Governor's 'go to guy' on economic development, has routed some of Great Falls' leads to his hometown of Butte!)
No Second Wal-Mart
The reasons why Walmart bailed are unknown. But how about this quote from Bill Bronson, the head of our planning board: "'I still remain concerned about the impact that particular business has on communities,' said Planning Board Chairman Bill Bronson, who voted to turn down the Wal- Mart request. 'I don’t think it’s a good impact for the community, and I think this is positive news.'" [Emphasis Added]
Let's see. Someone wants to spend millions of dollars in our community and offer jobs to locals, and when they change their mind, our local planning leader thinks this is "positive news?" Am I the only one who thinks that, just perhaps, this sends the wrong message about economic development? We in this community need to have a debate: do we want to grow or not? If so, we need a new planning board!
Another 200K
The City failed in its bid to buy Northwestern Energy. You might recall that we spent $200,000.00 toward our efforts, and the City "planned to recoup the money if the sale to Montana Public Power was consummated, but that didn’t happen. As a result, each city will be out that amount of money."
Oh well. Can't blame 'em for trying, right? Just throw it on the pile with the half a million we lost on the Explore: The Big Fiasco.
10 comments:
How did Bronson get his job?
Wal Mart bailing leaves the door open for Costco. The only downside to that is, people will leave their low paying crummy jobs in droves to go to work for Costco only exacerbating the labor shortage.
I believe Bill Bronson was nominated by the City Commission.
By the way, I should point out that I know Bill fairly well, and have a high opinion of his competence and intelligence. I can't agree with him on this one, though.
Evan Barrett, who is a very talented guy for whom I respect, has some very conflicted interests here.
Before he took the job as the State's ecomomic develoment director, he had virtually the same job as Kramer in Butte. It only makes sense that his view of economic development rises and sets within view of the Berkely Pit.
I am not happy about Kramer leaving either. However, his leaving does present us the opportunity for the GFDA to prove its professionalism. Do they do the job right and find another adult to fill Kramer's shoes, or do they play politics and take a connected local? Our economic future cannot be dependent on one man.
And don't those conflicted interests fall at the feet of Governor Brian Schweitzer?
Certainly serves at his pleasure. I am beginning to wonder if Schweitzer sees Great Falls as anything other than a red-headed stepchild.
Great Falls is about as relevant as Glasgow.
Cool. Where are you from?
Outside of Lake and Flathead counties, the only real growth is along the I 90 corridor.
Even the Manager of Wal Mart admitted in last Sunday's paper that they cant staff the current Wal Mart much less a second store. Meanwhile, 86 miles down the road in Helena, Costco is opening a store which will go head to head with a new Sam's Club. A new Lowes is also under construction.
Great Falls is only a notch above Butte on the economic food chain.
Your pessimism is interesting, but someone misplaced. How familiar are you with economic growth in G.F.?
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