Executive Director: Johnel H. Barcus
Board Chair:
William Morris
Board Vice-Chair: Joe Bremner
Board Secretary: Lola Wippert
Board Treasurer: Rose Bremner
Board Member: Michael DesRosier
Board Member:
Don Barcus
Board Member:
Lisa Bull Shoe
Copyright © 2004-08 Browning Community Development Corporation. Design by CCC.
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Browning joins Glacier County in looking for ways to promote economic growth
Glacier Reporter, June 23, 2005
by Lacy Gillespie
Filling open storefronts in Cut Bank and Browning was the topic of conversation during Browning Mayor William Morris's meeting
with the Glacier County Commissioners Thursday. "The County should look at ways to fill in the nooks and crannies,"
stated Morris.
Filling in the nooks and crannies are part of the plan Morris discussed to help increase or stabilize the economy. Morris hopes
to begin the process by hosting meetings with individuals who have successfully started programs in their own communities.
Whitefish's resort tax and Shelby's proactive approach to grants were cited as possible models for developing the community's
economy.
Another possibility strongly supported by Morris was rebating part of the property tax the County receives back from the state.
This rebate would go to businesses in need of a down payment to start a new business or to help them in their fragile first three to
five years. Morris emphasized the importance of helping these new businesses through their early establishment so they can
become viable businesses.
"The windows used to be full in Browning and Cut Bank," said Morris as he and the commissioners reminisced about the old businesses.
"People say it can't be done, but I think it can," added Morris.
With the population of Browning exceeding 5,000, Morris said he thought if businesses could be established, residents would stay
in the area to shop except for occasional pleasure trips. Currently, a new sit down Chinese restaurant and a deli/coffee shop
are considering making a start in Browning.
Commissioner Mike DesRosier continued to point to the uniqueness of the situation Glacier County, and in particular Browning, has.
DesRosier pointed out Browning is the only town on the Hi-Line with a consistently growing school population. He felt this was
a good indication of the future of economic prosperity for the community.
If Browning can be encouraged to grow economically, this will help Cut Bank. "The better Browning does, the better Cut
Bank does. Cut Bank is staying alive and afloat because of Browning. Cut Bank needs the overflow," said DesRosier.
"As the Mayor, I owe it to the community and you as commissioners owe it to the county, to foster economic development.
We need to be asking ourselves if we are doing everything we can to make this community and county viable," concluded Morris.
BCDC Home Page
BCDC News 2005
BCDC Has Moved Into a New Office Space
Browning joins Glacier County in looking to promote economic growth
BCDC asks county for $ 35,000 to spur local economic development
Browning resident named to board by Gov. Brian Schweitzer
Dr. Barcus appointed to Montana Commission on Community Service
BCDC News 2006
BCDC takes lead in establishing Regional Port Authority in county
BCDC develops jobs through HUD Capacity Building Grant
BCDC urges: ‘Make a difference in your community'
Glacier County Regional Port Authority ready to roll June 1
Browning Community Development Corporation Welcomes
Four New Individuals
Commissioners name Port Authority reps
Glacier County Port Authority hears from Shelby Mayor
on benefits of a successful port authority
Newly formed business alliance promotes Montana's "Indianpreneurs"
BCDC News 2007
Glacier County Commissioners give BCDC $ 20,000
to continue economic development work on Reservation
A revolving loan fund tops the wish list for County Port Authority
First Indianpreneurship™ Business Training graduates honored at BCC
Blackfeet Family Services receives donation of shoes, school supplies
BCDC receives $ 300,000 RHED grant to teach financial literacy
Port Authority looks at planning, property and urban renewal
BCDC News 2008
Port Authority seeks committee members
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