Friday, 18 September 2009 05:48
The Big Sky Economic Development Authority (EDA) and Economic Development Corporation (EDC) are launching a new look and marketing approach, as well as adding a new focus to their development efforts.
The opportunity for renewable energy development is great for Billings, said EDA/EDC Director Steve Arveschough. “Our goal is two-fold,” he told members at a joint meeting of their executive committees last week. “Billings is a good hub for that sort of thing, as a headquarters for the companies, themselves, and as a location for the support businesses for warehouses and supplies.” Both kinds of businesses will be targeted as prospects for recruitment efforts.
The two development agencies which serve Yellowstone County have contracted with a wind energy expert, Rhyno Stinchfield, President of Stinchfield & Assoc., and CEO of Montana Wind, said Arveschough, to direct them in how to credibly approach this market and prepare promotional materials. The contract is a limited one, in which Stinchfield is compensated only for the hours he works with them.
Linda Beck, who heads the recruitment effort for EDA/EDC, reported that they receive leads from the World Economic Development Association, which Stinchfield will help vet, to make sure that they are credible companies
Interest is already strong among wind energy companies. They recognize that Montana is a prime state for wind energy development, said Arveschoug. One company, with whom the agency has already had contact, is looking at developing 13 wind energy sites “across the country, and was looking at Montana.”
They know that without transmission lines being built none of it will happen, but “they know Montana is a great place for wind development.” explained Arveschoug. It is hoped that transmission lines will be developed over the next three to four years; but in the meantime these companies are identifying sites and talking to land owners, said Arveschoug.
Arveschoug said that he consulted with Rick Reid of MDU and Debbie Singer of Northwestern Energy, both of whom have been very involved as members of boards for EDA and EDC, “on the whole concept of wind energy development and the potential for new business prospects.” He said he did not, until last week, “involve them in our discussion with Rhyno. We did have a larger-group meeting last week that was very helpful to me in better defining our process and proposed outcomes, with Rick and Debbie’s input. We do want to continue this work because I think there are some real opportunities, long-term, for us to attract small businesses that are working in the renewable energy sector. However, this effort does need to include the direct input of our current energy partners and I will make an extra effort to reach out to those partners.”
Executive committee members agreed that the opportunity holds promise, but advised, “Don’t lose sight of development opportunities in Montana’s traditional natural resources.”
“Creating Montana Business Opportunities” is how Big Sky EDA/EDC will brand itself in the future. Executive Committee members weighed on the new logo which will emphasize that it’s “Big Sky” EDA and not “BSEDA.” Whether to go with a blue or orange color scheme was also discussed. The proposal will be presented to the boards at their next regular meeting.
Brandon Berger, who oversees the loan program for EDC, explained how they plan to adjust the board membership to comply with the representation requirements of the US Small Business Administration. Ad hoc representatives for the EDA board, including Chamber of Commerce President John Brewer, City Councilwoman Jani McCall will be asked to be full board members, as well as naming others to represent the Realtors Association and the colleges. A slate of candidates will be recommended for approval to the full board, he said.
It was further reported that Big Sky EDA’s closing on the final loans for the GE Building is still pending, awaiting the resolution of a signage-requirement of the State Department of Justice. There is the possibility that GE will be interested in a second phase to their Billings facility, but not for another couple years, said Arveschoug.
The EDA/EDC Board will accept the Master Plan for the East Billings tax increment finance district at their regular board meeting.
EDC’s annual meeting will be held on Oct. 14, 11:30 a.m., at the Crowne Plaza, with Terry Holzer, Manager of Yellowstone Valley Electric Cooperative, as guest speaker.
The joint meeting of the executive committees closed the meeting for the last agenda item, which Arveschoug said had to do with a personnel issue.
