Entrepreneurship Center officially opens

Ravalli Republic January 26, 2010 by Jeff Schmerker

Call it official — the Ravalli County Entrepreneurship Center is now open for business.

Officials, supporters and clients turned out last week to mark the occasion with speeches, tours and snacks.

Opening of the $3.4 million center marks the end of a multi-year effort to bring a small business incubator to the county. One tenant – Falcon Asset Management – is ready to move in and the county hopes that other businesses will use the center as a launching pad.

“Even in the best of times we need to be building for the future,” said Royce Engstrom, the University of Montana’s vice-president for academic affairs.

Much of the praise at Thursday’s event went to Julie Foster, the director of the county’s economic development authority.

“We can’t tell you how much we value you,” said County Commission Chairman Greg Chilcott to Foster. “This is really special for us.”

Falcon had considered other spots for their property management company – including Seattle – but decided on Hamilton and has not regretted the move, said company spokesman Charlie Oliver.

“We made a conscious decision to come here,” he said. “This county and Western Montana really needs economic prosperity, and there’s nothing like paying jobs.”

John Rogers, a regional director for the U.S. Economic Development Administration, said with the center in place the county’s future is bright.

“I see great things coming out of this project,” he said. [MORE > link to Ravalli Republic article]