About
MWED & FCEDA
The MWED Mission
Montana West Economic Development (MWED) is a private, non-profit organization working throughout Northwest Montana and its communities to promote economic diversity, job growth, and healthy businesses.
The Montana West Economic Development office is located in beautiful downtown Kalispell.
44 2nd Ave W | Kalispell, MT 59901
Our Staff
Jerry Meerkatz
President & CEO
Jerry brings an extensive range of expertise to his role at Montana West. During his 35 year career in business management, he held leadership roles in tech industry giants including Hewlett Packard and Compaq, as well as ushering a start-up company to success. His experience in that enterprise company fueled Jerry’s passion to help new and expanding local businesses thrive.
• 406.257.7711 Ext. 4
Christy Cummings Dawson
Government Contracting Advisor
Christy has an MBA and a BA in Political Science. She brings years of experience in both the public and private sectors and has worked on a number of projects that bridged the two. Her experience includes wildland firefighting, local economic development, and planning/community development. She enjoys assisting local business owners in gaining government contracts throughout the US.
• 406.257.7711 Ext. 5
Stephen Walter
Loan Officer
Stephen is an Indiana native living in the beautiful state of Montana. He is passionate about small businesses, helping the community, and growing awareness of opportunities. He loves spending time outdoors and enjoying what this beautiful state has to offer.
• 406.257.7711 Ext. 1
Lara Russell
Accounting Manager
Lara maintains the highest standard of accuracy and accountability in overseeing Montana West and Flathead County EDA funds. With degrees in Economics and Business Administration, a background in the brokerage industry as a fully licensed Financial Professional, and accreditation as a Certified Public Financial Officer through the Government Finance Officers Association, Lara brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in her role at Montana West.
• 406.257.7711 Ext. 6
Ben Thiem
Membership Director
Ben joined Montana West as Membership Director in May 2021. Before joining Montana West, Ben served as the Director of Member Services at the League of Chicago Theatres for 17 years. In that role, he was the point person for 250 companies overseeing their membership, communications, grant-writing, and professional development programming. Ben and his wife Kristin are excited to be members of the Flathead Valley community.
• 406.257.7711 Ext. 2
Lisa Mey
Office Manager
Lisa brings over 30 years of experience as an Office Manager and Bookkeeper for private businesses and nonprofit agencies to her role at Montana West. Originally from the East Coast, Lisa moved to the Flathead Valley in 2017. She is excited to help local businesses grow and succeed.
• 406.257.77111 Ext. 7
Our Executive Committee
Jason Williams
Flathead Electric Cooperative
Chair
Don Rich
Cornerstone Wealth Management Partners
Past Chair
Tom Moody
Northwestern Energy
Vice-Chair
Ty Weber
Logan Imaging North
Treasurer
Dennis Beams
Glacier Bank
Member-at-Large
Beckie Christiaens
Flathead Valley Community College
Member-at-Large
Our Directors
Don Bennett
Freedom Bank
Matt Baldwin
Daily Inter Lake
Kellyn Brown
Flathead Beacon
Brent Brown
Greenway Development Group
RG Dickey
Swank Enterprises
Derrick Woodward
Nomad GCS
Scott Nicholson
First Interstate Bank
Tagen Vine
Logan Health
Ryan Jones, PE
Morrison-Maierle
Our Advisors
Rebekah King
Bigfork Chamber of Commerce
David Fetveit
Lakeside/Somers
Doug Russell
City of Kalispell
Pam Holmquist
Flathead County
Lorraine Clarno
Kalispell Chamber of Commerce
Laura Gadwa
Columbia Falls Chamber of Commerce
Kevin Gartland
Whitefish Chamber of Commerce
Connie McCubbins
Evergreen Chamber of Commerce
Susan Nicosia
City of Columbia Falls
Our Relationship with Flathead County
Economic Development Authority
The Flathead County Economic Development Authority serves as Flathead County’s economic development arm. The Flathead County EDA responsibly invests public funds into local projects producing a strong return in job retention, creation, and infrastructure to attract and retain businesses. The seven Flathead County EDA Board of Directors are appointed by the county commissioners, these individuals possess years of business, entrepreneurial, public affairs, and real estate experience with track records of success. Montana West contracts with the Flathead County EDA to provide professional staffing, management, and the execution of economic development programs for Flathead County. By joining forces, the collaboration creates efficiencies for budgets, personnel, and communication. Find more information about FCEDA at their website, www.flatheadcountyeda.com
