Jay

Jay Garner Addresses Annual Meeting

Leadership in Both the Public and Private Sectors Critical to Economic Growth

October 15th, Kalispell, MT

Leadership is the first and foremost requirement for successful economic development according to Jay Garner of Garner Economics, an economic development firm in Atlanta, GA.  Mr. Garner addressed a group of over a hundred business and community leaders at the annual Montana West Economic Development Dinner. 

Defining economic development as wealth building, Mr. Garner explained that communities that are successful at attracting new businesses, encouraging existing business and nurturing start-ups are those that come to the table totally prepared with careful research, available resources and an executable plan.  The process of identifying appropriate industries and businesses to recruit is not one that is easy or inexpensive, but it is possible and recommended for areas that are serious about sustainable business development.

Successful communities have identifiable traits in common.  Both private businesses and the local governments must have a vested interest in economic development and the citizens must have a common vision of the future.  Communities must be nimble and have resources at the ready for when opportunities present themselves.  Most importantly leadership must be strong, united and accomplished at consensus building. 

Montana West Economic Development’s board also approved the new 2010 executive board members.  Karen Witt, U.S. Bank; Rita Braun, Braun & Company; Clint Walker, His & Hers Publishing, Pierre Kaptanian, 1st National Bank of Montana; Jeremy Peresta, Parkside Federal Credit Union; and Jason Spring, North Valley Hospital were nominated by the membership and approved by the board for two-year positions. 

Tim Kluesner, Kalispell City Councilman, won the original piece of artwork donated by Marshall Noice. 

For additional information about Jay Garner’s visit, view these articles.

“Leadership Makes Communities”, Daily Inter Lake, October 16th

“With New CEO, Montana West Economic Development Looks to the Future”, The Flathead Beacon, October 19th