HomeMy WebLinkAbout13- Northern Rocky Mountain Annual Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and Progress Report Dec 2013NORTHERN ROCKY MOUNTAIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
Annual Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) And
Progress Report
This report was reviewed by the NRMEDD Executive Board and Strategy Committee
12/31/2013
Contents
Grantee, Project Number and Report Period ............................................................................................... 2
I. Adjustments: .............................................................................................................................................. 3
II. Report: 2013 ............................................................................................................................................. 4
III. Evaluate ................................................................................................................................................. 16
IV. Schedule: ............................................................................................................................................... 19
Attachment A – NRMEDD Board of Directors ............................................................................................. 26
Attachment B - CEDS Committee ................................................................................................................ 28
Attachment C - NRMEDD Employees/Staff ................................................................................................. 29
Exhibit A - TOPS Team Marketing Brochure ............................................................................................... 30
Exhibit B – Letter Gallatin County and City of Bozeman supporting the TOPS team ................................. 32
Exhibit C – Flyer, “Grow Your Business” Event ........................................................................................... 33
Exhibit D – Letter to Jodie Duncan regarding Grow Your Business Event .................................................. 34
Grantee, Project Number and Report Period
Grantee: Northern Rocky Mountain Economic Development District
Project Number: 05-83-05315
Period covered by the report: January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013
I. Adjustments, Board Lists, Staffing:
a. In 2023 there were no adjustments made to the NRMEDD CEDS document.
b. Board lists and Staffing: A copy of the NRMEDD Board of Directors (Attachment
A) and the CEDS Strategy Committee (Attachment B) have been formatted to EDA
requirements and attached as indicated. The NRMEDD Employee/staff listing is
attached (Attachment C).
II. Report: 2013
Task A - Planning Task
A1. Facilitate planning and needs assessment processes for cities,
counties, groups, and organizations involved in community and economic
development, as requested or designed. Assist, whenever possible, in
locating available funding resources for these entities for their respective
planning efforts.
1. Accomplishments achieved: NRMEDD has been active in its work to
facilitate planning and needs assessment processes in both of its member
counties. As example, the District has formed a Team of Professionals
(TOPs) team to support major business consulting. It has also supported
the Gardiner Arch project, the West Yellowstone Studies Center project,
the City of Bozeman North Park development project and formation of the
Montana Outdoor Industries Association. Additionally, the Gallatin
County needs assessment has been launched aimed at measuring specific
needs of local businesses.
2. Quantifiable deliverables: The NRMEDD TOPS team currently has 29
members. West Yellowstone Studies Center has been launched with
participation of several national universities. The City of Bozeman, North
Park has been packaged for sale and is entertaining offers to purchase.
The Montana Outdoor Industries Association has had its initial meeting,
prepared a marketing video and is structuring its organization.
3. Difficulties encountered: The needs assessment process identified a
weakness in business support services available to Tier 2 companies
(companies that have been in business more than two years, typically
have more than $1 million in sales). There was a need for complex
marketing, Internet Technology, finance, human resources, social media
and other consulting services.
Task B - Technical Assistance Tasks
B.1 CEDS Implementation and Updates: Continually gather key economic
data points for the CEDS Annual Report and implement priorities of the 2012
CEDS. In-kind staff support (Planner and Grant Officer) will provide
assistance in reviewing the CEDS and technical support to updating and
implementing the 2012 CEDS.
1. Accomplishments Achieved:
Goal 1: Promote economic diversity, entrepreneur growth, and business retention
and expansion throughout the District
Objectives:
a) Understand baseline business health across the District: The District has
initiated its annual business survey in Gallatin County. This survey builds on
the survey conducted in Park County in 2012. The survey has gathered
information on business health and needs and serves as a tool to connect
businesses with local resources. Additionally, the District has put significant
resources into buildings its “Team of Professionals”, a private sector
collective that provides direct business assistance to those clients requesting
service through the business survey. A copy of the District’s flyer promoting
the TOPS team is attached along with a letter from the May of Bozeman and
the Gallatin County Executive encouraging companies to benefit from this
service.
b) Retain and expand existing business by supporting the Business Expansion
and Retention (BEAR) programs in Gallatin and Park Counties: The BEAR
programs in both Gallatin and Park Counties have helped almost 50
businesses in 2013 and continue to be a value-add to the District and
community.
c) Provide direct support to specific entrepreneur growth clients: The District
has taken on a number of entrepreneurial growth clients and is providing
direct coaching as well as connecting those clients with its Team of
Professionals.
d) Encourage expansion of the tourism/recreation industries:
i. the District has worked closely with the Town of West Yellowstone and
the West Yellowstone Economic Development Council to expand its
tourism base to include the education and research community.
Specifically, the District has supported WYED in its initial work in
setting up the Yellowstone Studies Center Consortium, including
hosting the initial meeting and setting up the initial Consortium board.
ii. Additionally, the District has worked directly with the City of Bozeman
to launch an “outdoor industry sector”. Specifically, the District helped
produce a video showcasing the outdoor industry sector and is
organizing initial meetings with primary outdoor sector companies to
create a steering committee and outdoor industry association.
Goal 2: Foster Effective Transportation access and support development of major
transportation assets like the railroad, airport, and highway systems
The District is working with Gallatin County to assess the economic impact of
the I-90 Airport Interchange (currently under construction).
Goal 3: Create a skilled, highly educated, permanent, and full-time workforce for
local businesses.
The District is supporting the development of Gallatin College workforce
programs by gathering information in its annual business survey about
education needs.
Goal 4: Serve as a District-wide forum for coordinating economic development
discussion and initiatives.
Hold regular forums with other partners to discuss ED opportunities in the
District: The District has used its quarterly Board meetings to host a variety
of community partners in discussions about economic development
opportunities around the District. Presenters at these meetings include
representatives of Montana State University, downtown Bozeman developers,
business associations, outlying communities, the airport, and the non-profit
community. The District has also held quarterly informal meetings of all the
economic development practitioners in area. Finally, the District is
coordinating a “Grow Your Business” day in December 2013, inviting a
nationally-known speaker and providing opportunities local businesses to
connect with economic development resources across the District.
Goal 5: Promote the use of technology to advance economic development activities
Increase connectivity and broadband opportunities: The District has hosted
monthly meetings of the Gallatin County/Bozeman Area Broadband Steering
Committee and has been instrumental in coordinating the initial stages of a
partnership with the Montana Economic Revitalization and Development
Institute in Butte to construct a fiber network in Gallatin County.
Goal 6: Build on our unique natural assets to develop and enhance our tourism
industries
1. Accomplishments Achieved:
As noted above, the District has provided direct support to the Town of West
Yellowstone for the past several months in light of the exit of the Executive
Director for the West Yellowstone Economic Development Council. The
District has been primarily responsible for advancing the “Yellowstone
Studies Center Consortium” project, and has successfully hosted the initial
meeting of the Consortium, including creation of a Board of Directors and
recruitment of initial Consortium members.
2. Quantifiable Deliverables:
a) Creation of the District’s Team of Professionals to support its work
supporting and retaining businesses and entrepreneurs in the region.
The District has secured multiple contracts for TOPs Team members
and is working with a variety of clients
b) Launch of the Gallatin County business survey in 2013
c) Successful implementation of the BEAR programs in both Gallatin and
Park Counties. The BEAR teams have successfully worked with over
50 clients in 2013 and continue to recruit team members and meet
with new businesses.
d) The District has successfully worked with a number of entrepreneurial
growth clients in a coaching capacity in 2013.
e) The District successfully hosted a Yellowstone Studies Center
Consortium retreat in Fall 2013, creating a board of directors and
recruiting initial Consortium members.
f) Creation of an “outdoor industry sector” video showcasing the work of
the outdoor sector in Bozeman and Gallatin County; additionally, the
District is hosting initial meetings of a nascent “outdoor sector industry
association” beginning Fall 2013.
g) The District is currently under contract to provide economic impact
assessment for the airport interchange for I-90, currently under
construction.
h) The District has successfully hosted 3 quarterly meetings for the NRM
EDD Board of Directors, using those meetings to showcase the work of
a variety of partners.
i) The District will also host the first annual “Grow Your Business” Day in
December 2013.
j) The District has hosted eight Broadband Steering Committee meetings
in 2013 and is actively coordinating discussion with the Montana
Economic Development and Revitalization Institute in Butte to explore
construction of a broadband fiber ring in the Gallatin Valley.
3. Difficulties Encountered: None.
Goal 7: Maintain and enhance the District’s physical infrastructure:
1. Accomplishments Achieved:
The District has been active in supporting the Gallatin County TIGER grant
and the related Yellowstone International Airport I-90 Interchange.
2. Quantifiable Deliverables:
a. A Project Map was prepared showing the project area and its 2 mile
radius
b. A system was created to assess the baseline number of jobs and
business license filings and new jobs added. No job impacts and no
licenses are reported for 2013. The reporting period ends 8/31/2013
and a date prior to job creation activities. Please note, in future years
the NRMEDD will report the following:
c. The City of Belgrade will provide an annual report that reflects the
business license filings from Sept 1 through August 31 of each
reporting year.
d. IMPLAN based reports will measure the economic impacts of the
construction related activities.
e. Square footage of Residential space located within the 2 mile project
buffer area:
A total of 1,508 Records showing square feet of project area
Residential Space on or about 8/31/13.
A total of 447 Records showing square feet of project area
Mobile Home Space on or about 8/31/31
f. Square footage of commercial space located within the 2 mile
project buffer area:
A total of 1,128 Records showing square feet of Commercial
Space located within the 2-mile project buffer area on or about
8/31/13.
A total of 180 Records showing square feet of Airport space
within the 2-mile project area on or about 8/31/13.
Valuation report that shows the valuation of property within the
project area.
3. Difficulties Encountered:
There are not datasets available that specifically match the project
area and its related 2 mile radius buffer zone. Coordination was
necessary with state and Gallatin County GIS departments to identify
the project area and the related existing commercial and residential
facilities, their square footage and valuations.
B2. EDA Applications. Provide administrative and application assistance to
interested EDA grant applicants, as requested. In-kind staff support (Planner)
will be provided to prepare EDA and other applications as required by the
District.
1. Accomplishment Achieved:
The NRM EDD successfully worked with the West Yellowstone
Economic Development Council to become a co-applicant to their
grant. This allowed NRM EDD to assist WYED in successfully
completing its grant requirements to create business and strategic
plans for WYED as well as the Yellowstone Studies Center Consortium.
2. Quantifiable Deliverables:
The application was successfully submitted and approved and work will
be completed by November 2013.
3. Difficulties Encountered: None.
B.3 : District-Wide Business Assessments: Work with the Montana Business
Expansion and Retention (BEAR) Program to coordinate selected economic
development activities with applicable programs, provide business
assessments, gather key data inputs, identify and correct critical business
needs, and coach ready-to-grow businesses. The assistance will be for
three primary objectives as follows:
a. Launch a District-wide business assessment aimed at gathering key information
about the economic health of the small communities that make up the District
(Bozeman, Livingston, Gardiner, West Yellowstone, Big Sky, Wilsall, Clyde
Park, Belgrade, Manhattan, Cooke City and Three Forks). The assessment will be
benchmarked against the 2008 economic downturn. The results will enable the
District to provide specific reporting to the impacted communities showing how
companies are faring, or not faring, since the downturn, when companies turned,
or will turn the economic corner, and what industry sectors are impacted.
b. Identify at-risk companies; or companies that possess one or more immediate
needs and then work to address individual business risks. Mitigation is provided
by a District-formed network of service providers comprised of job service,
manufacturing assistance, financing resources, business housekeeping services
(Internet technologies, business plans, marketing etc).
c. Identify 'economic gardening' candidates; companies that are profitable and meet
a select set of criteria where an investment of time and resources would likely
produce explosive growth.
(a-c). In-kind staff support (Planner) will be provided on each of the above three
items to coordinate the District-wide business assessment, risk mitigation and
search for economic gardening candidates.
1. Accomplishment Achieved:
The District continued its business assessment activities in both Gallatin
and Park Counties. Businesses who indicated needs were either referred
to the NRMED TOPs team, engaged by the NRMEDD Coaching services or
referred to other economic development services. NRMEDD has formed a
network of service providers including the Prospera Business Network, the
Montana Community Development Corporation, Job Service for both
Gallatin and Park Counties, the City of Bozeman, the Montana
Manufacturing Extension Service and other. The NRMEDD TOPs Team
(Team of Professionals) is also actively engaging with clients in both
Gallatin and Park Counties. In 2013 the District initiated its Gallatin
County business survey and is actively gathering information about both
the economic health of the district as well as identifying economic
gardening candidates for direct assistance (see Exhibit A). Finally, the
BEAR program has continued to meet with a variety of clients and provide
business counseling and assistance.
2. Quantifiable Deliverables:
The NRM EDD has formed its TOPS team and has begun administering the
Gallatin County business assessment survey. The District has currently
identified over 45 requests for its business assistance program and has
begun providing direct services. The BEAR program has worked with 50
companies in 2013 and provided almost 300 hours of direct counseling for
businesses.
3. Difficulties Encountered:
The biggest challenge related to this program has been developing effective
marketing materials that both explain the program and compel businesses
to participate.
B4: Education and Promotion of Economic Development Activities in
support of the District’s Public Agencies.
Interact on a regular basis with the eight cities and two county
commissions/councils regarding local planning, infrastructure, codes, and
development needs and concerns. In-kind staff support (Planner) will respond to
planning, infrastructure, and development needs of public agencies located in
Gallatin and Park Counties.
The District will partner with select public agencies to sponsor a workshop or
conference to promote the value and benefits of economic development throughout
the region. EDA funds will be used to solicit by competitive proposals or bid the
selection of a speaker for the conference and pay for travel. The speaker will
create awareness of the District activities by promoting the value and benefits of
economic development.
1. Accomplishment Achieved:
The District successfully launched the first ‘Grow Your Business’ event. The
overall concept was to host a speaker who could address the need for local
businesses to join in community economic development and also introduce
the many resources available to grow and support local business. The “Grow
Your Business” Conference was held December 5th, 2013 with venues in both
Bozeman and Livingston (See flyer attached). The featured speaker was
nationally known Maury Forman who spoke to engaging the business
community in economic development and also worked to foster a greater
awareness of District activities including its TOPS team, broadband efforts
and other programs. The District was the host agency, however, several
organizations participated in the two events including:
Participated in both Bozeman and Livingston
Prospera Business Network
Montana Community Development Corp
Northern Rocky Mountain Economic Development District
The NRMEDD Team of Professionals (TOPS Team)
Job Service Department of Labor/BEAR
SCORE
Montana Manufacturing Economic Partnership
Bozeman Only
o MSU Extension Service
o Early Child Community Council
o Greater Gallatin United Way
o Health Department
o Bozeman Downtown Partnership
o Big Sky Chamber
o Belgrade Chamber
Livingston Only
o Vision Livingston
o Livingston Chamber
o Shift Empowerment
o OPA and Child Family Services
o Fire Department
o School District
o Community Health Partners
2. Quantifiable Deliverables: The conference was held Dec 5th, 2013
3. Difficulties Encountered: The event drew unexpected support from the
business community whose financial contributions were sufficient to pay
the speaker and his travel. Subsequently, the District will not be using
EDA funds for this event. Program income was realized. A memo
outlining the specifics of the event, sponsorships and program income is
attached.
B.5 Regional Cooperation.
Participate with the regional economic development professional’s network in
response to the area’s needs and issues. Attend selected in-state and local
economic development meetings, trainings, or conferences. In-kind staff support
(Planner) will provide assistance to activities that promote regional economic
cooperation.
1. Accomplishment Achieved:
2. The NRMEDD has facilitated two working sessions that involved all the
major economic development services located in Gallatin and Park
County. The meetings have included the attendance of Prospera Business
Network, the Montana Community Development Corporation, the BEAR
program, the City of Bozeman and the RC&D. The agenda has facilitated
each organization outlining its projects, priorities, frustrations and
opportunities.
3. Quantifiable Deliverables:
The efforts have reduced organizational conflict and duplication.
4. Difficulties Encountered: None.
B.6 Montana BEAR program:
Coordinate selected economic development activities with applicable programs
supported by the Montana BEAR initiative. In-kind support (Planner) will assist in
the management and coordination of the BEAR program for both counties.
1. Accomplishment Achieved: The BEAR program has successfully worked
with 40 clients in 2013 and provided almost 150 hours of direct business
counseling.
2. Quantifiable Deliverables: The BEAR program has successfully worked
with 40 clients in 2013 and provided almost 150 hours of direct business
counseling.
3. Difficulties Encountered: None
B.7 Measure Impacts:
As appropriate, measure program impacts using IMPLAN based datasets that are
specific to the Gallatin and Park County markets. The economic analysis will
measure economic impacts in terms of gross economic output, gross county output,
labor dollars, jobs, and taxes impacted
1. Accomplishment Achieved:
The NRMEDD has provided economic impact analysis for several
organizations. The reports, based on IMPLAN datasets, have enabled
members to better understand the economic ‘footprint’ of projects they
had invested in or were considering. The reports provided gross
economic outputs, gross county outputs, labor income, jobs, capital
income and indirect business taxes.
2. Quantifiable Deliverables:
In 2013 reports were prepared for the City of Bozeman North Park, the
Gardiner Arch gateway project and confidential business inquiries.
3. Difficulties Encountered: none
B.8 Technical Support – City of Bozeman:
Provide technical assistance to the City of Bozeman in support of two major District
contracted projects. The following assistance will be provided for the first project
which has three components: a) study the job impacts of a proposed industrial
park; b) gather data to compare impact fees in the local market against competitive
markets, and c) assist the City in formulating a strategy to promote an existing
industrial park.
a. EDA funds will be used to solicit by competitive proposals or bid the
selection of a consultant to assist with #8 a, b, and c, including the job impacts of
the industrial park, gathering data to compare impact fees and in formulating a
strategy to promote the industrial park.
1. Accomplishment Achieved:
a. North Park advisory committee was formed of local developers. Two
meetings were conducted to evaluate the Park and suggest strategies for
development.
b. Data was gathered on how other communities assess and collect
impact fees. A consultant was hire to review the NRMEDD
recommendations. A final report with recommendations was submitted to
the City of Bozeman.
2. Quantifiable Deliverables: The Committee recommended that the City sell
the property and refrain from being a ‘property developer’. The City
elected to hire a broker and sell the property.
3. Difficulties Encountered: None
B.9 Technical Support – City of Bozeman Downtown Partnership:
For the second contracted project, the District, will help the City of Bozeman, and
specifically the Downtown Bozeman Partnership, to gather key data on downtown
tenants, property owners, and resident customers. The outputs of this study will
enhance tools for retaining and attracting key businesses and formulating growth
strategies.
1. Accomplishment Achieved: Two major surveys were designed and
distributed within the target area; a total of 124 businesses responded to
the surveys. The first survey was to building owners. It sought to better
understand what space was being used for (retail, storage, commercial,
housing), its annual rental return and the approximate terms for each
space. A second survey was launched to understand the average sales
per square foot and labor costs.
2. Quantifiable Deliverables: Important information relating to the
Downtown Bozeman physical buildings and their tenants.
3. Difficulties Encountered: None.
B.10 E-coaching and other economic development opportunities:
Work with individual companies and several unique projects including broadband
development, industry cluster groups, and establishing a pool of local and
professional advisors. The District will continue to advance these and other
opportunities that arise during the coming year. In-kind staff support (Planner) will
assist in providing targeted e-coaching services to select companies within the
NRMEDD District.
1. Accomplishment Achieved: The District serves as the umbrella
organization for the local Broadband Steering Committee and is actively
participating in conversations with the Montana Economic Revitalization
and Development Institute to negotiate a possible solution that would
construct a fiber network within the borders of the District. The District
has also created its network of professional advisors (the Team of
Professionals) and is actively working with clients. The District is also
actively working with the City of Bozeman to create an outdoor industry
association to directly support the outdoor industry sector in the District.
2. Quantifiable Deliverables: TOPs team formed; Broadband Steering
Committee actively meeting and engaged in exploring broadband
solutions; film showcasing the outdoor industry sector is produced; first
meeting of the outdoor industry sector was held in early December 2013.
3. Difficulties Encountered: None
B.11 Grant financial reporting and activities related to grant management
of the NRM EDD EDA grant:
In-kind staff support will be provided and documented throughout the project by
two Gallatin County Staff. In-kind staff support (Grant Officer) specifically will
provide technical support for the District’s grant management activities including
financial reporting and progress reports on the scope of work.
a. EDA funds will be used to solicit by competitive proposals or bid the selection
of firm/company to assist with tax preparation, bookkeeping, and tracking
monthly expenditure reports.
1. Accomplishment Achieved: The District has complied with its reporting
requirements, both for the fiscal and also the program elements of the
EDA grant.
2. Quantifiable Deliverables: To date, all program and financial reports have
been provided and accepted by EDA and the member organizations.
3. Difficulties Encountered: none
III. Evaluate
The 2012 NRMEDD CEDS document identified seven performance measurements
with which to evaluate its performance:
1. Implan-based economic analysis of economic development programs initiated
and implemented by the District.
Response: The NRMEDD prepared impact analysis for the City of Bozeman
and the City of Livingston, as well as select non-profit organizations. These
reports were used to help value the economic contributions of select
businesses and non-profit organizations.
2. The number of businesses that participate in our retention, expansion, and
recruitment programs.
Response: NRMEDD has three primary expansion and retention programs:
the BEAR program (Business Expansion and Retention); the District’s
entrepreneur coaching program; and the District’s Team of Professionals
(TOPs Team). The three programs work at different scales: the BEAR team
works with small businesses that have basic business needs; the E-Coaching
program works directly with business owners and entrepreneurs; and the
TOPs Team works with larger businesses with complex needs. Both the E-
Coaching program and the TOPs Team have only recently become
operational while the BEAR Team has worked with clients all year. In 2013,
the three programs have worked with the following numbers of businesses:
BEAR Team clients: 51 businesses
E-Coaching clients: 6 companies
TOPs Team clients: 35 companies (includes TOPS clients that were
referred to other business resources).
3. The number of jobs directly and indirectly retained, attracted, or attributable
to District programs.
Response: The reactivated NRMEDD completed its first full year in 2012.
The objectives are to organize resources, fulfill the CEDS strategy including
formation of important business development infrastructure. These
combined resources are working to sustain and build companies.
4. The level at which we comply with our Technical Assistance grant award and
administrative conditions.
Response: The District has made significant progress on all aspects of the
Scope of Work and has complied with the Technical Assistance Grant Award.
The report above details the work of the District over the past 12 months and
how each aspect of the Scope of Work has been complied with.
5. The number of jobs created after implementation of the CEDS.
Response: None.
6. The level and frequency to which District staff interacts with communities
within the region to provide assistance toward mitigating identified
infrastructure deficiencies.
Response: The District has worked closely with all communities in the
District on a variety of issues including infrastructure. First and foremost, the
District has served as the umbrella organization for the Broadband Steering
Committee, a group of community leaders in both the public and private
sector dedicated to improving the capacity of broadband infrastructure in
Gallatin and Park Counties. Both Gallatin and Park Counties as well as the
City of Bozeman have taken an active role in this project and the District has
provided significant support to these local governments to make progress on
this project.
The District has also been contracted to provide impact analysis of the I-90
airport interchange for Gallatin County to better understand the economic
impact of that infrastructure improvement.
The District has also conducted impact studies for community institutions
such as the Bozeman-Yellowstone International Airport to help them
understand the economic impacts of various expansion plans.
7. The level and frequency of participation by government, business, and
community leaders in projects.
Response: Participation by government, business, and community leaders
in projects has been extremely high. The District’s Team of Professionals
(TOPs Team), for example, is comprised of 25 local business leaders such as
vice presidents of local banks and the CEO’s of various companies. TOPs
Team members are engaged in working directly with local businesses to
provide mentorship and technical and strategic assistance.
Likewise, the District has sponsored several public events over the past year,
including both the first annual “Grow Your Business” Event held in December
and the kickoff event for the Bozeman Outdoor Industry Association. Both
events were introduced by local elected officials (the mayor of Bozeman as
well as Gallatin County Commissioners). The District also led the West
Yellowstone Economic Development Council’s Yellowstone Studies
Consortium kickoff event in October 2013. Several West Yellowstone
government, community, and business leaders were involved in the planning
for this event as well as the execution. A last example is the team of private
sector and community leaders the District convened to help advise the City of
Bozeman on its North Park development project.
Finally, the District’s Board remains involved in all projects currently
underway. The District’s Board is comprised of a number of community
leaders and meets quarterly; those quarterly meetings serve as forums for a
variety of local projects that all have significant local impact. Leaders from
the nonprofit community, the health services community, the University, real
estate, and others have all presented to the Board to give an overview of the
wide variety of work happening across all sectors of Gallatin and Park
Counties. Likewise, the District’s Executive Committee is fully involved in
District projects, meeting quarterly to provide strategic guidance at a formal
level but also working directly with the District on a variety of projects.
IV. Schedule:
The following represents the District’s goals and action plan over the next year.
Goal 1
Promote economic diversity, entrepreneur growth, and business retention and expansion
throughout the District
Note: Green represents High Priority projects, Yellow represents Medium Priority, Blue
represents low priority
Objective Lead
organization and
implementation
plan
Expected
results
Performance
measures and
evaluation
indicators
Number of
expected
jobs
created
Potential
Funding
Sources
Schedule
Understand
baseline business
health across the
District
NRM EDD -
Conduct annual
business health
survey
Creation of
baseline data
to understand
business
health,
especially in
relationship
with the
national
recession
Survey
administered,
data collected
Unknown EDA
planning
grant
and local
match
2013 -
2018
Retain and expand
existing businesses
NRM EDD -
Provide services
to existing
Bozeman BEAR
and Livingston
BEAR programs
Businesses
throughout the
District are
given direct
help by District
staff
District tracks
its
involvement
with BEAR
clients
Unknown EDA
planning
grant
and local
match
2013 -
2014
NRM EDD - Set
up satellite
economic
development
functions in
outlying
communities
The District
effectively
expands its
work to all
communities
within its
borders.
Creation of
satellite
teams
Unknown EDA
planning
grant
and local
match
2013 -
2018
Provide direct
support to specific
entrepreneur
growth clients
(both
entrepreneurs and
existing
businesses)
NRM EDD -
Develop formal
entrepreneurial
growth program
to serve
companies with
high growth
potential
Gallatin College
will develop a
Professional
Certificate in
Entrepreneurship
Businesses
throughout the
District with
high growth
potential
expand
Number of
businesses
who become
entrepreneur
growth
clients,
success of
those clients
Unknown EDA
planning
grant
and local
match
2013 -
2018
Plan for expansion NRM EDD and The industrial, Industrial and Unknown EDA 2013 -
and creation of
industrial and
technology parks
City of Bozeman -
Assist with
development of
the Mandeville
Farms property
manufacturing,
and technology
sectors are
diversified and
expanded
technology
parks are
created,
businesses
are located
planning
grant
and local
match
2018
MSU Innovation
Campus -
Development of
MSU Innovation
Campus
The technology
sector is
diversified and
expanded
Technology
parks are
created,
businesses
are located in
them
Unknown EDA
planning
grant
and local
match
2013 -
2015
NRM EDD –
explore
possibilities of
industrial park
development
along I-90
corridor across
the District
The industrial,
manufacturing,
and technology
sectors are
diversified and
expanded
Impact
assessment
conducted,
policy
decisions are
made
Unknown EDA
planning
grant
and local
match
2013 -
2018
Encourage
expansion of the
tourism/recreation
industries
City of Bozeman
and NRM EDD –
support tourism
and recreation
clusters
Develop and
expand the
existing
tourism,
recreation, and
outdoor
products
cluster
Expansion of
tourism,
recreation,
and outdoor
products
industry
Unknown EDA
planning
grant
and local
match
2015
Promote and
encourage
companies in the
District to buy and
supply regionally
NRM EDD will
develop a
program
promoting the
value of buying
locally
Local
companies will
be connected,
local dollars
retained
Program
created
Unknown EDA
planning
grant
and local
match
2013 -
2018
Provide for or
conduct research
and feasibility
studies to identify
new development
opportunities
NRM EDD will
use IMPLAN
datasets to
identify impact of
new
development
opportunities
Development
opportunities
will be
identified
Studies
conducted,
opportunities
identified
Unknown EDA
planning
grant
and local
match
2013 -
2018
Identify business
opportunities
based on the
substantial flows
of income to the
regional economy
from retirees,
second-home
owners, and other
non-earned
income sources
Feasibility studies
in transportation
and health care
sectors
conducted
Development
opportunities
will be
identified
Studies
conducted,
opportunities
identified
Unknown EDA
planning
grant
and local
match
2013
Identify business NRM will work Transfer of Opportunities Unknown EDA 2013 -
opportunities
based on the
substantial flows
of income to the
regional economy
from retirees,
second-home
owners, and other
non-earned
income sources
with local
partners to
identify local
transfer of
wealth
opportunities
wealth
opportunities
will be
identified,
partnerships
will be
developed
identified planning
grant
and local
match
2018
Create upgraded
job opportunities
and private
investment by
recruitment of
new businesses
and industries to
diversify the
regional economy,
strengthen various
economic clusters,
and enhance other
goals and
strategies
NRM EDD will
partner with
Prospera and
local
communities to
recruit new
businesses to the
economy
New
businesses will
be recruited,
the local
economy
diversified, and
new jobs
created.
Number of
business
opportunities
identified
Unknown EDA
planning
grant
and local
match
2013 -
2018
Assess key retail
trends and sales
patterns and
identify major
property owners
NRM EDD will
assist in
conducting local
studies to gather
key data inputs
Data will assist
in the efforts to
site new
business
opportunities
Data
collected,
studies done,
strategies
crafted to site
new business
opportunities
Unknown EDA
planning
grant
and local
match
2013
Assist in studies to
evaluate local
impact fees and
their relation to
economic
development
NRM EDD will
assist targeted
communities
assess their
impact fees
Data will help
local
municipalities
make informed
decisions about
impact fees
Data
collected,
studies done,
impact fees
modified or
adopted
Unknown EDA
planning
grant
and local
match
2013
Goal 2 Foster effective transportation access and support development of major transportation
assets like the railroad, airport and highways systems
Objective Lead
organization and
implementation
plan
Expected
results
Performance
measures and
evaluation
indicators
Number of
expected
jobs
created
Potential
Funding
Sources
Schedule
Participate in
regional
transportation
planning to
ensure
transportation
Transportation
Coordinating
Committee,
NRM EDD-
meetings held
with MT Rail
New
opportunities
for
development
along major
transportation
Meetings held,
development
projects
identified
Unknown EDA
planning
grant and
local
match (for
2013 -
2018
needs are
being
addressed and
priorities
selected
support
economic
development
and community
plans
Link, Bozeman-
Yellowstone
International
Airport to
identify
opportunities
corridors,
expanded
relationships
between
transportation
agencies and
NRM EDD
EDD
portion)
Identify
development
opportunities
associated with
major
transportation
systems
NRM EDD will
conduct impact
analysis and
feasibility studies
for major
transportation
systems
New
opportunities
for
development
identified
Studies
conducted,
opportunities
identified
Unknown EDA
planning
grant and
local
match (for
EDD
portion)
2013 -
2015
Goal 3 Expand the capabilities of a skilled, highly educated, permanent, and full time workforce for
local businesses
Objective Lead
organization and
implementation
plan
Expected
results
Performance
measures and
evaluation
indicators
Number of
expected
jobs created
Potential
Funding
Sources
Schedule
Continue
developing
Gallatin
College
programs
Gallatin College Workers will
be trained in
relevant
skills for
local jobs
Programs
established,
students
enrolled and
graduated
Unknown EDA
planning
grant and
local match
(for EDD
portion);
Montana
State
University
2013 -
2018
Leverage
applicable
state and local
workforce
investment
and
development
strategies
JobService and
NRM EDD will
expand
opportunities for
the Incumbent
Worker Training
Grant Program
and On-the-Job
Training program
Gallatin College
will develop
professional
certificates to
increase skill
development
Existing
businesses
and
workforce
training
groups will
access funds
to train
employees
Number of
clients going
through IWT
and OTJ
programs
Unknown EDA
planning
grant and
local match
(for EDD
portion);
Local
JobService;
Montana
State
University
2013 -
2018
Identify
relevant
workforce
development
needs through
annual
business
survey
NRM EDD will
administer
annual business
survey
Gallatin College
will conduct a
regional
workforce needs
assessment
every three to
four years
New
businesses
workforce
needs will
be
identified;
programs
will respond
Survey
conducted
Unknown EDA
planning
grant and
local match
(for EDD
portion);
Montana
State
Univesity
2013 -
2018
Goal 4 Serve as a District-wide forum for coordinating economic development discussion and
initiatives
Objective Lead
organization
and
implementation
plan
Expected
results
Performance
measures and
evaluation
indicators
Number of
expected
jobs
created
Potential
Funding
Sources
Schedule
Efficiently
expand the
District’s work
into all outlying
communities
NRM EDD will
create several
satellite teams in
the outlying
communities of
the District to
support ED
activities
Efficient use of
District
resources to
provide
support
network
throughout
the District
Creation of
satellite
teams,
number of
clients served
in outlying
communities
Unknown EDA
planning
grant and
local
match
2013 -
2018
Hold regular
forums with
other partners to
discuss ED
opportunities in
the District
NRM EDD, city
and county
partners,
Prospera –
forums held to
discuss
economic
development
opportunities
throughout the
District
Opportunities
for economic
development
identified,
public
perception of
economic
development
improved
Forums held,
development
opportunities
identified
Unknown EDA
planning
grant and
local
match;
funding
from local
partners
on as-
needed
basis
2013 -
2018
Increase the
capacity of local
governments
and county-
based
development
groups to plan
for desired
futures, and
improve the
level of
NRM EDD will
work closely
with local
government
partners to
identify and
support local
business
development
opportunities
New
opportunities
identified,
relationships
strengthened,
capacity
strengthened
Opportunities
identified,
partnerships
developed
Unknown EDA
planning
grant and
local
match;
funding
from local
partners
on as-
needed
2013 -
2018
communications
and cooperation
among and
between them.
basis
Goal 5 Promote the use of technology to advance economic development activities
Objective Lead
organization and
implementation
plan
Expected
results
Performance
measures and
evaluation
indicators
Number of
expected
jobs
created
Potential
Funding
Sources
Schedule
Increase
connectivity
and
broadband
opportunities
NRM EDD and
local partners -
explore
possibilities of
alternative
funding sources
for broadband
expansion
Broadband
Steering
Committee
formed,
connectivity
strengthened
across the
District
Broadband
Steering
Committee
formed and
active;
Number of
users
connected,
connections
strengthened
Unknown EDA
planning
grant and
local match;
Montana
State
University;
City of
Bozeman;
local
business
partners
2013 -
2016
Measure and
evaluate
economic
impacts
NRM EDD will
use IMPLAN
software and
data to conduct
economic
impacts for
clients around
the District
Impacts
understood,
opportunities
identified
Number of
studies
conducted
Unknown EDA
planning
grant and
local match
2013 -
2018
Goal 6 Build on our unique natural assets to develop and enhance our tourist industries
Objective Lead
organization and
implementation
plan
Expected
results
Performance
measures and
evaluation
indicators
Number of
expected
jobs created
Potential
Funding
Sources
Schedule
Assist startup,
expansion, and
retention of
viable tourism
operations in
gateway
communities
across the
District
through
various
economic
NRM EDD will
work with local
partners and
select clients to
Identify and
assist in the
introduction of
new types of
tourism in
gateway
communities
across the
New
sources of
tourist-
based
income and
job benefits
will be
identified
Number of
tourism
operations
helped, jobs
created
Unknown EDA
planning
grant and
local
match
2013 -
2018
development
tools and
services
District
Goal 7 Maintain and enhance the District’s physical infrastructure (To be completed according to local government
budgeting processes and capital improvements planning allows)
Objective Lead organization
and
implementation
plan
Expected
results
Performance
measures and
evaluation
indicators
Number of
expected jobs
created
Potential
Funding
Sources
Schedule
Bogart pool
repairs
City of Bozeman Park
improvements
New pool
constructed
Unknown City of
Bozeman and
various state
and federal
sources to be
determined
2013
Attachment A – NRMEDD Board of Directors
1. Government
Representatives
Name Jurisdiction Position
Steve Caldwell City of Livingston City Commission,
Chairman
Sean Becker City of Bozeman Mayor
Earl Mathers Gallatin County County
Administrator/appointing
by commission
Joe Skinner Gallatin County County Commissioner
Marty Malone Park County County Commissioner
David Rowell Town of Manhattan Mayor
Brit Fontenot City of Bozeman Economic Devel.
Director/appointed by
mayor to represent City
of Bozeman
Pierre Martineau Gallatin County Commissioner
Russ Nelson City of Belgrade Mayor
Brian Sprenger Gallatin Field - Airport Manager appointed by
Gallatin Field airport
board, special purpose
unit of local government
Gene Townsend City of Three Forks Mayor
Bill Berg Community Council Council member -elect
James Bennet
City of Livingston City Commission, Vice
Chairman
Mark Shyne ** MT Mfg. Extension Service Director, appointed by
MSU chancellor
2. Non-Government
Representatives
A. Private Sector
Representatives
Name Company Position
Tony Martel Martel Construction Owner
Bill Simkins Simkins-Hallin Lumber CEO
Scott Pogh NW Farm Credit VP-Relationship Mgt.
Don Seifert TerraSentia Mineral LLC Owner
Lew Wilks Three Peaks Ranch Owner
Peter Fox
ArcaSearch Corporation
Western Region Sales
Manager
B. Stakeholder Organization
Representatives
Name Organization Position
Dr. Paul Lachapelle Montana State University Faculty Member
Debra Youngberg Belgrade Chamber of
Commerce
Executive Director
Don Gimbel Vision Livingston* President
Al Maurillo Montana Job Service Manager
* Vision Livingston
Downtown Partnership serves
a chamber of commerce
function for the area
Members at Large
Stuart Leidner Prospera Business Network Executive Director
Cheryl Ridgely Bozeman Deaconess Hospital Dir. Of Community
Outreach appointed by
hospital board to serve
Calculations Number Percent
Government Representatives
(51-65%) 14 54%
Non-Government Members (35-
49%) 10 38%
A. Private Sector - 6
B. Stakeholder Groups - 4
Members at Large 2 8%
Attachment B - CEDS Committee
Private Sector Representatives Position Organization
Don Seifert Owner TerraSentia Mineral LLC
Lew Wilks Owner Three Peaks Ranch
Matt McCune Owner Autopilot Design
Mike Hope Owner Ferraro's Restaurant
Tony Martel Owner Martel Construction
Bill Berg Owner Cool Works
Joe Skinner Owner Story Creek Enterprises Inc.
Peter Fox * Manager ArcaSearch Corporation
Heather Belamy Manager NorthWestern Enery
Representatives of Other Economic Interests
Chris Naumann Executive Director Downtown Bozeman
Partnership
Debbie Berg Director MT Job Service
Pierre Martineau Elected Official - Mayor Town of West Yellowstone
CEDS Committee Calculations Number Percent
Private Sector Representatives (at least 51%) 9 75%
Representatives of Other Economic Interests
(no more than 49%) 3 25%
Total Committee Membership 12 100%
*Peter Fox is appointed by the owners to
represent the ArcaSearch Corporation
Attachment C - NRMEDD Employees/Staff
Rob Gilmore, Executive Director, NRMEDD
Exhibit A - TOPS Team Marketing Brochure
Exhibit B – Letter Gallatin County and City of Bozeman supporting the
TOPS team
Exhibit C – Flyer, “Grow Your Business” Event
Exhibit D – Letter to Jodie Duncan regarding Grow Your Business Event
December 9, 2013
Ms. Jodie Duncan, Program Specialist
EDA
410 17th Street, Ste. 250
Denver, CO 80202
Re: Memo to File – Grow Your Business Event
Dear Jodi,
The following is offered as clarification of NRMEDD “Grow Your Business” event held in Bozeman
and Livingston Montana on December 5, 2013. This memo relates to the Scope of Work for the EDA
Planning grant:
The 2013 approved scope of work states that the District will sponsor a workshop:
a. The District will partner with select public agencies to sponsor a workshop or
conference to promote the value and benefits of economic development throughout the
region. EDA funds will be used to solicit by competitive proposals or bid the selection
of a speaker for the conference and pay for travel. The speaker will create awareness
of the District activities by promoting the value and benefits of economic development.
The related Section E, Budget and Staffing supplement anticipates a budget expenditure to support
the workshop:
$1,500.00 District Economic Development Conference. In compliance with
Technical Assistance Task 4 (Education and Promotion of Economic Development
Activities in support of the District’s Public Agencies) in 2013 the District will conduct a
conference to create awareness of the District’s activities, the value of economic development
to local economies and the District’s role in regional economic development. Funds will be
used to hire speaker and provide for travel expenses. The City of Bozeman has offered use of
its convention space and has offered to provide the lunch. A speaker has not yet been
identified, however; the selection of a speaker will be competitive and in accordance with
federal procurement guidelines. The details associated with a speaker/travel expenses are not
known at this time.
The Grow Your Business event had two unexpected sponsors, First Interstate Bank and
NorthWestern Energy both provided monies to help to underwrite costs of the two-city
event. EDA program monies were not needed to pay travel or speaker
expenses. Approximately 120 businesses and guests attended the Bozeman function. A
charge of $10 was collected for those that wanted meals. A total of 105 meals at a cost of
$1,050.00 were pre-purchased by the NRMEDD and available at the door based on pre-
registration requests (no EDA monies were used for the purchase of food). A total of $550.00 in
program revenue was collected. Several meals were provided complementary to sponsors and
special guests. All of the program revenue was/will be deposited into the NRMEDD bank
account and will be used to help pay for the program meals.
A separate and similar event was held on the same day in Livingston, MT. Approximately 60
businesses and guests attended the event. There was no charge to attend the Livingston event
and refreshments were provided. None of the income earned from the Bozeman event was
used to pay for the Livingston event. The costs associated to the Livingston event were paid for
by private sponsors.
Rob Gilmore, Executive Director
NRMEDD