Chamber SnapshotVisitor’s Center Information Requests: March‘08 YTDPhonecalls 639 1787Walk-ins 1194 465VACATION Packets 8 19 Inquiries 82 262RELOCATION Packets 0 8 BasicRelo 17 79 PhoneBook 0 6

Chamber Website Activity:UniqueVisits 42,537TotalVisitors&InfoRequests 45,163

May2008

AtaGlance>> LUNCHEON/NOON Tuesday,May20,2008 RedLionHotel,Kalispell 20NorthMain “CountyCommissionerForum”

>> UNWIND Tuesday,May6,2008 Hostedby:MuseumatCentralSchool 1242ndAveE,Kalispell 5:00-6:30pm-and- Wednesday,May21,2008 Hostedby:HiltonGardenInn 1840Hwy93S,Kalispell 5:00-6:30pm Note: 2 UNWINDS per month until further notice.

InThisIssue1 Luncheon CommissionerCandidateForum RehbergCanadianTradeMission2 NewMembers3 NewMembers, continued Sen.BaucusAugustTradeConf.4 NewMembers, continued Renewals5 UNWINDs Grace’sRetirementParty6 AprilCalendar7 NewChamberWebsite8 WebPagePackages8 RewardingTalent9 RewardingTalent,continued10 BrownBagSeries11 LeadershipFlathead Pre-ReleaseForum12 RetentionRealtities

continuedonpage4>>

RehbergtoLeadMayTradeMissiontoCanadaMontanaRep.DennyRehbergwillleadseveralMontanabusinessrepresentativesandtheMontanaWorldTradeCenteronatrademissiontoEdmonton,AlbertaattheendofMay.

AsRep.RehbergnotedintheChamber’sMarchluncheon,theGreaterEdmontonAreaisexperiencinganeconomicboomduetotheincreasedenergyproductionactivityoftheoilsands,threelargeregionsnorthofEdmontonproducingbitumen-aheavy,tar-likecrudeoil.

CountyCommissionerCandidateForumLuncheon features all three candidates for commissioner race

TheMay20luncheonwillbeacandidateforumforthecountycommissioner’sracefeaturingallthreecandidatesforthatoffice:GaryHall,JimDupont,andStevenQunell.TheprogramissponsoredbyTheDailyInterLake.Candidateswillhave5-7minutestomakeopeningstatementsandwillthenrespondtoquestionsposedbyapaneloftheDailyInterLakeeditorialstaffincludingFrankMiele,editor;MikeRicheson,countyreporter;andLynnetteHintze,BusinessJournal.

ThiseventwilltakeplaceTuesday,May20,11:45–1:30attheRedLionKalispellCenterHotel.Luncheoncostsare$15eachformembersand$20eachfornon-members,or$110perreservedtableofeight.Thepublicisinvited.Reservationsarerecommended.Call758-2800orinfo@kalispellchamber.comforreservationsandsponsorshipopenings.

KalispellAreaChamberofCommerceMissionStatement

ThecentralmissionoftheKalispellChamberofCommerceisthecultivationanddevelopmentofentrepreneursandcommunitiesthroughthespiritofenterprise.

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OfficersMark Lalum, Chairman of the BoardCenex Harvest StateBob Schneider, Vice Chairman of the BoardFirst Interstate BankTerry Kramer, Secretary/TreasurerKramer Enterprises, Inc.Jeff Wilson, Immediate Past ChairmanProperties Northwest Real Estate

Directors

Clay Binford, Nomad TechnologiesDick Buchanan, Byte SavvySusie Burch, Flathead Valley Community CollegeKris Carlson, A+ Plus HealthcareSteve Clawson, Wells Fargo BankNancy Davis, Prudential FinancialJohn Dudis, Crowley Law FirmTom Kurdy, The Daily Inter LakeJim Lehner, Plum Creek Timber CompanyTom Lund, Rocky Mountain BankTom McElwain, Stewart Title of KalispellDave Mitchell, CTA Architects & EngineersDenise Nalty, Nalty Real EstateCheri Nelson, Express PersonnelJim Oliverson, Kalispell Regional Medical CenterKen Sugden, Flathead Electric CooperativeSteve Thompson, Semitool

Ex-officio Directors

Jim Patrick, Kalispell City ManagerMike Pence, Flathead County Administrator

Professional Staff

Joe Unterreiner, President . . . . . . . 758-2800Bridgette Evans, Director of Member Services . . . . . . . . 758-2801Cary Aubrey, Executive Assistant . . 758-2803Vacant, Receptionist . . . . . . . . . . . . . 758-2800Lad Barney, Small Business Development . . . . . . . . . . . . 758-2802Doug Bolender, Government Contracting Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 755-4221Jill Seigmund, Leadership Flathead Program Manager . . . . . . . . 758-2810

Consultants

Carl Schweitzer - Helena LobbyistJanet Schwalk – BookkeepingJCCS – Audits & TaxCarol Edgar – Media & Public Relations

NewMembersPleasewelcomethesenewmemberswithyourbusiness.

NW Athletic Cheer, LLC NicoleLevelsmier406AshRoad,Kalispell,MT59901Email:nwathleticcheer@yahoo.comWebsite:www.nwathleticcheer.comPhone:871-6548

NWAthleticCheerisacompanythatbelievesinthetruthofleadership,etiquette,andeducation.“Wefocusoneveryaspectofacheerleaderandwhatitmeanstobeanationalrepresentativeoftheircity,”saidNicoleownerofNWAthleticCheer.“Wehavegreatideas;ourAll-Starteamswillcompetearoundthenationthroughsponsorships,andfundraisers.Awardingthosewithdedicationtotheprogrambycompetinginaninternationalcheerleadingworldwhichisgrowingbyleapsandbounds.”

Staging with Finesse DeniseSLangford~Owner357BrownRd,Kalispell,MT59901Phone:257-4384Cell:871-8009

AsanAccreditedStagingProfessional,ASPIworkwithhomeownersandRealtorspreparinghomesforsale.Stagingmakesahugedifferenceforeveryhomegoingonthemarketforsale,itsnotjustforvacanthomes.Ispecializeinworkingwithwhatthehomeowneralreadyownsbutindifferentwaysandpossiblyindifferentroomstotrulyshowthebestfeaturesofthehome.Bydoingthisitcanworkforjustaboutanybudget.Whenyourhouseisstageditismoreinvitingandappealingtotheperspectivebuyersoittypicallywillsellfasterandformoremoney,rememberfirstimpressioniseverything!

Swiftcurrent Consulting & Accounting PC BrienKrepsPOBox667,Kalispell,MT59901Email:bkreps@swiftcurrentaccounting.comPhone:(406)755-5428Fax:(406)756-1457

R Porch ConstructionRogerPorch~Owner 690NMeridianRd,Kalispell,MT59901Email:roger@rporch.comWebsite:www.rporch.comPhone:755-8028

continued>>

3

NewMembers >>frompage3 Kalispell,USChambersTeamwithSen.BaucusforAugustTradeConferenceinKalispellTheKalispellandUSChamberswillteamwithUSSen.MaxBaucustopresentaconferencetitledTradeRootsonAugust12-13.TradeRootsisanationaltradeeducationprogramdedicatedtoraisinggrassrootssupportandpublicawarenessabouttheimportanceofinternationaltradetolocalcommunities.Throughstrongpartnershipswithassociations,localchambersofcommerce,economicdevelopmentgroups,andthebusinesscommunity,TradeRootstakesthe

North Fork Roofing Construction, LLC ArnoldMorrison~OwnerPOBox2724,ColumbiaFalls,MT59912Email:nfrc@bresnan.netPhone:897-2316Cell:314-1406

NorthForkRoofingandConstruction,LLChasyoucoveredspecializingincedarshakes,asphaltshinglesandmetalroofingwiththeaddedabilitytobuildorrepairnecessaryitemstoseetheprojectthroughtocompletion.OwnerArnoldMorrisonhasworkedasacarpenterforcloseto15years,ofwhich,hehasownedNorthForkRoofingandConstruction,LLCformorethanayear.Arnoldcontinuestokeepupwithcurrentandnewmaterialapplicationsbyattendingprofessionalseminarsasneededtobeproficientinthejobsathandandinthefuture.TheseclassesalsoprovideArnoldwiththeknowledgetoeducatecustomersabouttheirchoicesofroofingsystems.ReputableareacontractorshavechosenNorthForkRoofingandConstruction,LLCtoapplytheroofingsystemsintheIronHorseandTheHomesteaddevelopments.Exceptionalexperience,qualityandsatisfactionarewhatyoureceivefromNorthForkRoofingandConstruction,LLC.CallArnoldonhiscellat314-1406orhomeofficeat897-2316.

Thurston Orthodontics P.C. TomThurston~Owner125CommonsWay#1,Kalispell,MT59901Phone:752-3737

Full Throttle Entertainment & Northern Lights Laser Tag ParkCharles&KimberlyOvecash4966Hwy93S,Whitefish,MT59937Email:overca11@centurytell.netWebsite:www.fullthrottleentertainment.comPhone:406-250-8902Fax:406-862-0541

Ladies and gentlemen, start your parties!Ifyouwanttorevupapartyorcorporateevent,gobigtimewithFullThrottleEntertainment.Wecanturnanordinaryoccasionintoahighlymemorableexperience!Imaginehostingyourownstockcarracingeventwherepartyguestseachhavetheirownremotecontrolracecars.Or,asailingregattawhereyouracesailboatsonaclosedcourse.Or,engagingasagroupinhighlyrealisticmodernmilitarycombatscenarios.

FullThrottleEntertainmentspecializesinbringing“overthetop”activitiesandentertainmenttoyou–foranyeventyouhaveinmind.We’reallaboutonething:sharingfuntimestogetherinuniqueanddifferentways.

Lee Selders ConstructionLeeSelders~OwnerPOBox1402,ColumbiaFalls,MT59912Email:selders1@centurytel.netWebsite:www.leeseldersconstruction.com

LeeSeldersConstructionhasbuiltavarietyofbuildingsintheFlatheadValleyoverthepastseveralyears.Specializinginresidentialconstructionandframing,LeeSelders

continued>>

Chamber’smessageofpromotingfreeenterpriseandindividualopportunitytocommunitiesacrossthecountry.ThisconferenceispartoftheKalispellChamber’syear-longfocusonaccessingnewmarketsthroughtradeandtheresourcesthatareavailabletohelpbusinessesrealizethatopportunity.RegistrationinformationwillbeavailableinMay.Forinformationonsponsorshipopportunities,callJoeat758-2804.

US Senator Max Baucus

Constructioncanhelpyoubuildyournewhousefromstarttofinish.Heisqualifiedtoadviseyouonanybuildingproject.Hecanalsohelpyouaddapersonaltouchbyassistingyouwithlandscapingthatwillcomplimentthenaturalsettingofyourhome.

Red Eagle AviationJamesPierce~Owner1880Hwy93S,Kalispell,MT59901Email:jim@redeagleaviation.comWebsite:www.redeagleaviation.comPhone:755-2376Fax:755-5231

RedEagleAviationoffersHelicopter&AirplaneFlightInstruction.Wealsocharteraircraftforbusinesstrips~backcountrytrips~scenicflightsandphotography.RedEagleAviationalsohasfullaircraftmaintenanceandfuelserviceaswell.

KmartSteveWilson~Manager2024USHwy2,Kalispell,MT59901Email:sm7030@searchc.comWebsite:www.kmart.comPhone:752-4261Fax:752-4843

4

AprilRenewalsNewMembers >>frompage3

“ThisisagreatopportunityforMontanabusinessestoexplorethepotentialforincreasedexportstotheEdmontonarea,”saidRehberg.“Approximately$40to$70billiondollarsisexpectedtobeinvestedinAlberta’senergyindustryoverthenextsevenyears,andthatinvestmentcouldopenalotofdoorsforMontana’sbusinesses.” AccordingtoastudycommissionedinpartbytheEdmontonEconomicDevelopmentCorporation,bitumenproductionfromAlberta’soilsandsregionsisexpectedtomorethantripleinthecomingdecade,fromonemillionbarrelsperdayto3.5millionbpd.CompaniesareexpectedtogreatlyincreasethebitumenupgradingcapacityintheGEA,leadingtocapitalinvestmentsininfrastructure,maintenanceandenvironmentalservicesalongwithothereconomicdevelopmentinallsectorsofthelocaleconomy.“CanadaisMontana’snumberonetradingpartner,andwiththecurrencyexchangerightnow,thisisagreattimeforMontanabusinessestoexpandintotheCanadianmarket,ortoincreaseexistingexportstoCanada,”saidArnieSherman,ExecutiveDirectoroftheMontanaWorldTradeCenter.“Edmontonisattheforefrontofthatopportunity.”BusinessesinterestedinjoiningRehbergontheEdmontontrademissionshouldcontactMontanaWorldTradeCenterat406-243-6982.

Rehberg >>frompage1

10PlusYearsMontanaRaftCo/GlacierGuidesMuseumatCentralSchoolNorthwestMontanaAssociationofRealtorsSuper1Foods

5to9YearsBergCustomHomes&DesignFirstNationalPawnOHSBodyShopPre-PaidLegalServices,Inc

1to4YearsBetHarim,JewishCommunityofFlatheadValleyBloomin’FlowersandGrassBryanSchuttArchitects.PCGrouseMountainLodgeHiltonGardenInnKalispellJD’sSprinklerSystemsKalispellDairyQueensIncKalispellMontanaLogHomesMcCrorieHeating&CoolingIncMikeGrachekAgencyIncPowderHornTradingCoSierraPacificWindowsWestVentureProperties

US Representative Denny Rehberg

5

UNWINDMarch 26, 2008Springlikeweather,anewmoteland“ThisisFun”andfunitwasonWednesday,March26,2008,whentheUNWINDwasheldatFunBeverage.PaulWachholzandBrianClark,togetherwiththeirstaffshowedallofusthatattendedthebestoftimes.Thetoursoftheplantwereveryinformativeandwerethebuzzoftheevent.ThankYousoverymuch.Winnersofdoorprizeswere:BeachTable,ChairandCooler-TerryBoney,TerryBoneyInc;GolfBag-RochelleFantino,WellsFargo;andGrill-MaryLeeOliverson,PropertiesNWRealEstate.BobNadvornick,ColdwellBankerWachholz&Co,tookhomethecashfromSplitthePot.AgainThankYouFunBeverage.

UNWINDApril 16, 2008AnothergreatUNWIND,thesehostsarewonderful.ThankYouRockyMountainBank,TomLundandstaff.Thefollowingwinnersalsothankyou:MikeStrotheide,MontanaWestEconomicDevelopment-GolfBasket;BarbaraKelly,FirstInterstateBank,CoffeeBasket.JoWelshofAllianceTitlewastheSplitthePotwinner.ThankYouagainRockyMountainBank.

TheMayUNWINDS(yesmorethanone)willtakeplaceonTuesday,May6,2008,attheMuseumatCentralSchool,1242ndAveE,KalispellandonWednesday,May21,2008weUNWINDatHiltonGardenInn,1840Hwy93S,Kalispell.Theseeventsarefrom5:00to6:30pm.Seeyouthere.

RetirementParty!After19yearswiththeKalispellChamberofCommerceGracehasdecidedtoretire.Friday,May8thfrom4–6:30pmattheKalispellChamberofCommerce,15DepotPark,Kalispell,wewillhaveaRetirementPartyinherhonor.Pleasemarkyourcalendartocomebyandsaygoodbye.WewillhaveHorsd’œuvresandbeveragesforthattimewithfestivitiesbeginningat6:00.Wewillhavethankyousandagiftpresentation.Ifyouhaveanyquestions,contactBridgetteatbridgette@kalispellchamber.comor(406)758-2801.

GetInContactCallBridgettetofindouthowyoucanbenefitfromalltheactivityonthechamberofcommercewebsite406.758.2801.

Grace is on the job - 1988!

Chamber Board Chairman, Mark Lalum warms up the crowd.

Paul Wacholz, narrates the successful history of the Fun Beverage Company

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

AllMeetingsareatTheChamberunlessotherwisestated.

Sunday

Watch for these events in June

4 Education&Communication15 Father’sDay20 FirstDayofSummer

LeadershipFlatheadMeeting

4:00-5:00pm

SuperHostReading8:30am-12:30pm

KalispellDowntownAssociation

12:00pm-1:30pm

ExecutiveBoardMeeting

7:30am–8:30am

Luncheon@theRedLion11:45am–1:00pm

FlatheadCommunityFoundation~4-5pm

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

May2008ChamberCalendar

Agri-BusinessCommittee

7:00am–8:00am

AmbassadorMeeting4:00pm–5:00pm

Unwind@MuseumatCentralSchool

5:00pm–6:30pm

EducationandCommunication

Committee8:00am–9:00am

May Day

Mother’s Day

Memorial DayChamber Closed

JSECBoardMeeting10:00am–12:00pm

CommunityExpressLoanFair

11:30am–1:30pm

MTManufacturingExtensionCenter

Meeting2:00pm–6:00pm

NaturalResourcesCommittee

7:00am–8:00amTransportation

Committee~4-5pmUnwind@Hilton

GardenInn5:00pm–6:30pm

BoardMeeting7:00am–8:00am

CoffeewithPlumCreekSession

9:00am–10:00am

6

7

CHAMBER LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE AND MEMBER DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Visit: WWW.KALISPELLCHAMBER.COM 

and check out what is new with theKalispell Chamber. Remember Chamber

Members...login and update your member information for your chance to win an IPOD Shuffle courtesy of Vann’s.

You have to fill out the form to be entered in the drawing.

8

Steve Gross, US Chamber of Commerce - April 2008Despitebadeconomicnewsandglobalconcernsaboutrecession,anewMercersurveyrevealsmostorganizationsarenotleaningtowardextremesofcostcutting,butarefocusedonthelongterm.

Employerscutjobsby63,000inFebruary2008—themostinfiveyears—andtheeconomicnewsintheUnitedStatesbecameastudyingloomifnotdoom.TheU.S.LaborDepartment’srecentreportnotedwidespreadjoblossesinconstruction,manufacturingandretailing,lossesthatfaroutweighedanygainsinhealthcare,educationandotherstrongsectors.Thisunderscorestheimpactofthehousingandcreditcrunchesandrocketingoilpricesontheoveralleconomy.Further,theloomingthreatofrecessionintheU.S.hastouchedmarketsworldwideandpointsatthebroadeconomicvulnerabilitythatisabyproductofglobalization.

Yet,downturns,recessionsandperiodsofeconomicstagnationmustbeviewedincontext.Economiesendurecycles,andinnovativecompaniesrisetothechallengebycreatingpositivechangeandfreshopportunities.Morethananything,theonsetoffinancialhardshiptestshumancapitalstrategiesandforcesorganizationstotakeahardlookattheirpeople,aswellashowtheyviewhumanresources—asanexpensetobecutoranassettobemorewiselymanaged.

Mercer’srecentCompensationandStaffingImplicationsofaChangingEconomicClimatesurveyaskedhowHRplansandtalentmanagementprogramsregardingstaffinglevels,compensationbudgets,incentiveopportunitiesand

RewardingTalentIs Long Term Thinking, Talent Management, More Popular and Useful in a Tough Economy

continued>>

Economy Package•AddyourLogonexttoyourlistingintheBusinessDirectory•DisplayyourWebsiteLinknexttoyourlistingintheBusinessDirectory•PriorityPlacement•EnhanceyourInformationPage−1600characterdescription−eightphotos−fivebulletpoints−logo−maplink−20keywordsChooseallthreeoptionslistedaboveforonly$29permonth.Special*$14permonth

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•FreeAdDesign&Re-design•AdDisplayTracking•EnhancedListing:-eightphotos-1600characterdescription-fivebulletpoints-logo-maplink-20keywords•GoogleSearchOptimization•2AdditionalBannerPagesChooseallthreeoptionslistedaboveforonly$149permonth.Special*$89permonth

Complete ChamberMaster Sponsorship•BusinessCategoryBannerAd•Quick-LinkResultsBannerAd•Alpha/KeywordListingsBannerAd•TopPriorityPlacement•Logonexttoyourname•AdditionalWebsiteLink•RecognizedasaSponsor•FreeAdDesign&Re-design•AdDisplayTracking•EnhancedListing:-eightphotos-1600characterdescription-fivebulletpoints-logo-maplink-20keywords•GoogleSearchOptimization•4AdditionalBannerPages•BusinessDirectorySearchAd-Premierpage-largerbannersize-verylimitedavailabilityChooseallthreeoptionslistedaboveforonly$229permonth.Special*$129permonth

*In order to qualify for the early participation special, all packages must be purchased by 06-2-2008 or the end of the campaign.

ChamberMasterPackagesInanefforttogiveyoumorecontroloveryourmembershipinformationaswellaspromotionalbenefitsforyourbusinesstheKalispellChamberofCommercehaspartneredwithChamberMaster.WewouldliketoannouncetoourmembersthatourChamberMasterrepresentative,AshleyDelong,willbemeetingwitheachofourmembersatourupcomingMemberBenefitSaleCampaignfromMay19ththroughJune27th.FormoreinformationpleasecallBridgette

9

HR Strategy Initiatives

TheMercersnapshotsurveyalsoindicatesemployersareconsideringorareinstitutingbroadHRinitiativesasaresultoftheuncertaineconomicclimate.Responsessuggestcompaniesaretakingactionorpreparingtotakeactiontoprotectandstrengthentheirtalentprograms.Forexample,morethan40percentoftheUnitedStatesandCanadianorganizationsindicatetheyareconsideringorimplementinginitiativessuchascreatingnewtalentsourcingprograms,buildingpipelinesofhigh-valuecandidates,retaininghighperformersandmaintaininghistoriclevelsofemployeeengagement.InCanada,increasingtraininganddevelopmentprogramsalsowashighlighted(slightlylesssointheU.S.).OtherinitiativestooptimizeHRefficiency,recalibrateperformancetargets/policiesandenhanceincentiveprograms,alsowerecitedbyasignificantshareofsurveyrespondents.Overall,theMercersurveysuggestsemployershavelearnedlessonsfrompreviousdownturnsandarelessproneatthisstagetoquicklyinstituteextrememeasures.Instead,theyappeartobefocusedonmanagingaggregatestaffcostsratherthanscalingbackexistingcompensationplans.Andwhileonlyasmallnumberofemployersmaybeexpandingincentiveeligibilityoropportunitywithinexistingplans,mostaretryingtoensuretheyhaveappropriateperformancetargets,measuresandpoliciesinplace,ortheyarelookingatneworenhancedvariablepayprograms.Perhapsthemostencouragingnewsofthissurveyisthemajorityofemployersarenotexhibitingaknee-jerkresponsetotoday’seconomicuncertainty,butareinsteadlookingmorestrategicallyattomorrowandfocusingonthetalentacquisitionandretentionstrategiesthatcansustaintheirbusinesseswellintothefuture.

>>frompage8RewardingTalentotherpeoplestrategy-relatedactivitiesmayshiftinanticipationofnear-andmedium-termeconomicchanges.Withmorethan400surveyresponsesfromAmericanandCanadianemployers—andglobalresponsesbeingtabulated,asofthiswriting,fromsome2,000employers—thedominantmessageis:Whileorganizationsareconsideringaconservative,plannedapproachtomanagingaggregatestaffcosts,fewarereducingplannedcompensationbudgetsorinitiatingpayfreezes.ItappearsHRprogramsrelatedtotalentacquisitionandretentionarereceivingmorecarefulemphasisandattention.

StaffingandCompensationStabilityForexample,thesurveyaskedwhetherrespondentsconsideredorinstitutedchangestostaffinglevelsasaresultofthechangingeconomicenvironment.ThemajorityofU.S.andCanadacompaniesplannochange.ButoneinthreeU.S.organizationsareconsideringorinstitutingstafffreezesordownsizing,whileonly17percentofCanadiancompaniesareconsideringthesameactions.Sofar,theperceivedfocusofeconomicdownturnisU.S.-centric.

Further,only16percentofU.S.respondentsand9percentinCanadaaretakingorconsideringcompensationbudgetactions,whileonly7percentoftheorganizationsineithercountryaretakingorconsideringsalary-freezeactions.Approximately10percentareconsideringorimplementingincentive-opportunityoreligibility-coveragechanges.

Asforwhoconsideredorinstituted2008compensationbudgetchangesinanticipationofachangingeconomicenvironment,asignificant85percentofU.S.employersindicatedtheyhavemadenobudgetchangesinanticipationofaslowereconomy;inCanada,theproportionwas91percent.Thisleaves

arelativelysmallpercentageofU.S.andCanadianorganizationsthatareconsideringorhavealreadyreducedtheircompensationbudgetssincethelastquarterof2007.

Avoiding Extremes

Despitegrowingeconomicuncertainty,companieshavetoconsiderwhetherextremeresponsessuchassalaryandhiringfreezesordownsizingsarereallytherightthingstodotoensurelong-termbusinessresults.Organizationstendtobebetteroffiftheytakeaholistic,total-rewardsapproachandembracemoresurgical,strategicoptions,suchasallocatingincentivestofocusmoreonhigh-performanceandhigh-potentialemployeesratherthanonthosewhohaveyettodeliverontheirpromises.

Sincemeasuressuchaspayfreezesaffectbothhighandlowperformers,it’simportanttodiscriminateintheallocationofrewards.Forexample,evencompaniesthatmustenactsomesortofwagefreezeneednotfreezeallpay.Freezingthefirst3.5or4percentofsalariescanprotectthehighestperformersfrombeingnegativelyimpactedandcanhelpensureretentionofthoseemployeesacompanycannotaffordtolose,especiallyoncetheeconomyrebounds.

Takingatotalrewardspointofview,whichencompassesbasepay,benefits,careerdevelopmentandworkenvironment,companiesarebetterofflookingtowardthefuture—withappropriatefocusonsuccessionandcareerplanning—ratherthanleapingatshort-termfixes.Thisisawaytoshelterhigh-valueemployeesbyprovidingthemwithastrongsenseoffutureopportunitywithintheorganizationoncetheeconomicpendulumswings.Italsohelpsemployersrecognizemorepreciselywhatemployeesvalue—moreflextime,forexample,asopposedtocash.

10

BrownBagSeries:BlueprintforBusinessFocus on Abilities: Benefits to Hiring People with Disabilities

Basket Business Ribbon Cutting

Wouldyouliketohaveanabundanceofqualified

applicantstofillyourfulltimeorsummerhiringneeds?Wouldyouliketoovercomethecommonnotionthatthelaborforceisshrinking?Ifso,expandingyourdefinitionofthelabormarketandfocusingonapplicantandemployeeabilitiesprovidesthesolution.Youneedtoattracttalentedemployeesfromanexpandeddefinitionofthelabormarket.Therearestrategiesthatwillhelpmakeemployeesmoreproductiveandwillhelpyouinhiringknowledgeableandmotivatedpeople:· Challengesandbenefitsofworkplace

diversity· Focusonabilities· Commonmyths· Teamwork· Barriersandaccommodations

Thismonth’sfacilitatorandpanelistsare:Facilitator:KellyHarris,PresidentofPerformanceSolutionsConsultingServices,LLC.KellyreceivedherBSBAinMarketingandManagementInformationSystemsfromtheUniversityofNevada,LasVegas.Shehasextensiveexperienceinorganizationaldevelopmentandtraining,specializinginhelpingbusinessestodeveloppositivecultures,performancemanagement,leadership,

diversityandguestservice.Shehasworkedwithallindustries,withastrongemphasisonthehospitalityindustry.Kellyfocusesonbalancingemployerproductivitywithemployeesatisfaction.SheisacertifiedinstructorforAchieveGlobal(ZengerMiller)andDevelopmentDimensionsInternational,Inc(DDI).Panelist:MarcyRoberts,Owner/DirectorofMontana’sEmploymentOpportunities.Marcyhasownedherownbusinessfor3years,workingwithindividualswithdisabilitiesasanindependentproviderfortheStateofMontana,VocationalRehabilitation(VR).For10yearsshewasaVocationalSpecialist/VocationalCoordinatorforWesternMontanaMentalHealthCenterworkingwithindividualswithsevereandpersistentmentalillnesses,and3yearsasaMentalHealthSpecialistforPathwaysTreatmentCenterworkingwithadultsandchildrenwithaddictionsandmentalillnesses.Inaddition,Marcyalsoprovideseducationforemployersaboutindividualswithdisabilities,providesjobdevelopment,jobplacement,jobcoachingandfollowalongwhileaclientisemployed.Panelist:RobertaSmithisaVocationalRehabilitationCounselorandSupervisorfortheStateofMontana,DPHHS.ShehasbeenwiththeDepartmentfor3.5years,butintheRehabilitationfieldfor23years,

sinceobtainingCRC.Herspecialtyisprovidingservicesforhearingimpaired/deafindividuals.

MonthlyBlueprintforBusinessSuccessbrownbagsessionsfeaturebusinessprofessionalsfacilitatinginformativediscussions.Attendtoreceiverelevantinformationandopportunitiestoexchangepeer-to-peersuccessesandchallenges.

Whoshouldattend?Employersinterestedingrowingandevolvingmoreeffectiveorganizations.Why?· Exchangingideas,insightsandreal-

worldsolutionsdirectlyimpactsyourbottomline.

· Makingbetterdecisionsquicklyrequiresmoreandbetterinformation.

· Utilizingallavailableresourcestooperateandgrowissmartbusiness.

· Engagingandenergizingyouremployeeshelpsmakeyourbusinesssuccessful.

Date: Wednesday,May14,2008Time: Noon–1:00pmLocation:TheSummit 205Sunnyview,KalispellCost: Nocost!RSVP: TerriHaueter@758-6279or thaueter@mt.gov

Flathead Quilters Guild Ribbon Cutting

11

LeadershipFlathead“Recreation,Tourism&Culture”wasthethemeofApril’sLeadershipFlatheadsession.TheClassof2008beganthedayinWhitefishatthenewlyrenovatedCentralSchoolAuditorium,wheretheyheardfromrepresentativesfromtheBigforkSummerPlayhouse,AlpineTheaterProject,andWhitefishTheaterCompanyontheeconomicimportanceofcommunitytheater.LaterinthemorningtheClassheardfromthedirectorsofourlocalConventionandVisitorBureausontheopportunitiesandchallengesofmarketingtheFlatheadValleytoanationalandinternationalaudienceonashoestringbudget.AfteradeliciouslunchatCraggyRange,thegroupwalked

totheWhitefishBranchLibrarywheretheyheardfrompanelsonthevitalroleourpublicandrecreationallandsplayinmaintainingastronglocaleconomy.DidyouknowthatFish,WildlifeandParksissolelyfundedbylicensefees?Andthat67percentofthelicensefeescomefromnonresidents?ThedayendedwithatourofthebeautifulConradMansionMuseuminKalispellandapresentationbyStewartHarveyoftheFlatheadLibraryFoundationontheeconomicimpactoftheartsontheFlatheadValley.Let’sjustsayit’sbig!

Here’s what the Class of 2008 had to say at the end of the day:∙Attendacommunitytheaterproductionthissummer,whetherit’satthehighschool,

theBigforkSummerPlayhouse,FlatheadValleyCommunityCollege,WhitefishCentralSchool,ortheO’ShaughnessyCenter.Thereisalotoftalentinthisvalleyandseveralfinetheaterstoshowcaseit.

∙ThecooperationamongthelocalConventionandVisitorBureausisimpressive.TheirgoodworkisevidentinthenumberofvisitorstotheValleyin2007,despitetherecordhighfuelprices.

∙WhitefishMountainResortcannotsurviveonliftticketsalesalone,andmustdeveloprealestatetoremainaviablecompany.ItisacaseinpointthatthereisatenuousbalancebetweenkeepingthistheLastBestPlaceandattractingthevisitorswerelyontokeepoureconomystrong.

Thankyoutothissession’ssponsors:FlatheadElectricCoop,FirstInterstateBank,FlatheadConventionandVisitorBureau,WheatMontana,andCraggyRange.

NOW ACCEPTINGs APPLICATION FOR THE CLASS OF 2009Doyouknowanup-and-comingcommunityleaderwhoisinterestedinmakingtheFlatheadValleythebestplaceitcanbe?Submithisorhername,company,andmailingaddresstoinfo@leadershipflathead.comandwewillsendanapplicationandinformationabouttheprogram.ApplicationdeadlineisJune15,2008.Formoreinformation,callJillSeigmundat758-2810oremailinfo@leadershipflathead.com.

Forumplannedonpre-releasecenterproposalCityandcountyofficialswillholdaforumforpubliccommentonaprisonpre-releasecentertheMontanaDepartmentofCorrectionsisproposingfortheKalispellarea.Thepublicmeetingisscheduledfor7p.m.onMay8attheExpoBuildingattheFlatheadCountyFairgrounds.

Membersofalocalworkingcommitteewillanswerquestionsandhearconcernsfromresidentsabouttheproject.The12-membercommitteewasappointedjointlybytheKalispellCityCouncilandtheFlatheadCountyBoardofCommissionersinJanuary.

Pre-releasecentersholdprisoninmatesnearingtheendoftheirsentences.Theyaredesignedtohelpinmatesholdjobsandgraduallyre-enterthecommunityunderstrictsupervision,saidKerryPribnow,thepre-releasecentercontractsmanagerfortheDepartmentofCorrections.Someoffenders,however,aresentenceddirectlytopre-releasefacilities.Correctionsofficialshaveemphasizedthat,duetobothKalispellandFlatheadCountyzoningordinances,thepre-releasefacilitywouldnotbeplacedinaresidentialarea.

Theproposedpre-releasecenterwouldbeoverseenbyacommunity-basedboardofdirectors,accordingtotheworkingcommittee.Ascreeningbodymadeupoflocallawenforcementofficials,communitymembers,representativesfromDepartmentofCorrectionsandthepre-releasecenteritselfwilldeterminewhichoffenders,includingsexoffenders,wouldbeaccepted.

“Thedepartment’sgoalistointegrateoffendersbackintocommunities,andthelocalscreeningcommitteeensuresthatyoudecidewhoiscomingtoyourcommunity-basedfacility,”saidPribnow.Leadership Flathead’s Class of 2007

15DepotParkKalispell,MT59901

PRSRTDU.S.Postage

PAIDKalispell,MTPermit#13

RetentionRealitiesGrow Employees, Grow Your Business!A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS MUST……growandimprovethebottomline. …engageandmotivatestaff. …recognizethatyoucan’thaveonewithouttheother.

Plugging In – Creating Opportunities for Growth

Learn: •Whatismentoring. •Howtodesignamentorprogram. •Howtoimplementamentorprogramthatwillprovidegrowthtoemployees.

Presenter: KristinDonahueispassionateaboutemployeeretention!SheisabusinessconsultantandownerofEmploymentDimensionsConsultingServices,LLC.Kristin’sworkbackgroundincludestimeasaRetentionSpecialistforalarge(2800+)healthcaresystem.ShehasheldvariousotherHumanResourcerolesandhasservedastheSocietyforHumanResourceManagement(SHRM)representativeontheNorthernColoradoHumanResourceAssociation(NCHRA)Board.KristinholdsaMastersdegreeinHumanResourceDevelopmentfromColoradoStateUniversity.Keepinggoodemployeesiscriticaltothelongtermhealthandsuccessofyourbusiness.Retainingyourbestworkersisdifficult!

Retention Realities is an educational series focused on helping employers learn how to engage and grow key employees.

Date: Wednesday,May28,2008 Time: 10:00am-1:00pmincludesLunchprovidedbyQdobaMexicanGrille Location: FlatheadValleyCommunityCollege,Arts&TechnologyBuilding, Room139 Cost: $25.00Individualregistration $20.00each2ormoreregistrationsfromthesameorganization To Register:MoraMcCarthy@758-6241ormmccarthy@mt.govor www.employflathead.com

TheSocietyforHumanResourceManagementhasapprovedeachtwo-hoursessionfortwohoursofgeneralPHR/SPHRorGPHRrecertificationcredit

CoffeewithPlumCreekMay27LearnaboutPlumCreekanditscurrentoperationsinMontana.GetacloselookatPlumCreek’sbusinessmodel,andhowithaschangedoverthepastfewyearstoincludelandsalesandrealestatedevelopment.Don’tmissthisinterestingpresentationbyJimLehner,PlumCreek’sDirectorofCommunityAffairs.Questionsarewelcome.TheopenhouseisTuesday,May27,9-10am,intheChamberConferenceRoom.