KALISPELL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CONVENTION AND VISITOR BUREAU

2016FACT SHEET

YEAR FOUNDED:1904

POPULATION SERVED:Kalispell - population 23,000

Flathead County, Montana – population 95,000

Kalispell Trade Area – population 150,000

NUMBER OF MEMBERS/

ECONOMIC IMPACT: 700 members. These members employ over half of the workforce in Flathead County, Montana.

MISSION STATEMENT:The central mission of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce is the cultivation and development of entrepreneurs and communities through the spirit of enterprise.

BACKGROUND:The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1904 and is a corporation formed under the laws of the State of Montana and incorporated on January 19, 1942. The Kalispell Chamber is a voluntary organization of businesses and professional men and women who have joined together for the purpose of promoting the civic, commercial, and industrial progress of the community.

PROGRAMS:In 1987, the City of Kalispell designated the Kalispell Chamber as the nonprofit tourism agency to represent the City. Consequently, the Kalispell Chamber administers Kalispell’s lodging facility use tax and tourism business improvement district assessment.

In 1991, the Kalispell Chamber Foundation was created and began operating under provisions of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The purpose of the Foundation is to stimulate interest and involvement in economic and community development, economic education, leadership training, and community research.

In 2005, twenty-two economic, community and workforce development professionals formed a collaborative partnership with a focus on supporting existing businesses and the business leaders who have made a commitment to Flathead County.

In 2010, the Kalispell Tourism Business Improvement District was established. The District is comprised of hoteliers in and around Kalispell City limits and provides funding for tourism marketing, sales, and promotion through an assessment of $2.00 per room night.

In 2013, the Manufacturers Alliance was created to inform policymakers, legislators, the media, and the public about manufacturing’s vital leadership in innovation, job opportunity, technological progress and economic vitality. It is comprised of manufacturing members of the Kalispell Chamber.

CHAMBER BRAND:Collectively, these and other activities are referred to as the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitor Bureau because the Chamber is the best known, most dominant brand and is the foundation upon which the other programs are built.

STAFF:

Joe Unterreiner CCE, President and CEO

Dawn Jackson, Meeting and Convention Sales Manager

Diane Medler, CVB Director

Jaime Stephenson, Administrative Assistant

Janet Schwalk, Accounting

Kate Lufkin, Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Katie Brien, Administrative Services Manager

Laurel Ekern, Leadership Flathead Program Manager

Margit Baake, Membership Development and Sales Manager

Meche Ek, Visitor Center Coordinator

Mike Jackson, Business Expansion and Retention Program Manager

Vonnie Day, CVB Administrative Assistant

2016 PRIORITIES:

  1. Reaccredit with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
  2. Create tourism and hospitality alliance
  3. Support operating partnership with Young Professionals
  4. Implement digital marketing campaign for high tech business
  5. Enhance member value resulting in net member growth

2016BUDGET:$2.1 million

CHAMBER TAX ID:81-0154268; tax exempt under section 501(c)(6) of the IRS code.

FOUNDATION TAX ID:36-3887380; tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code.

CONTACT INFORMATION:15 Depot Park, Kalispell MT 59901

406-758-2800 voice; 1-888-888-2308 toll free

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