Elizabeth Doney Havre Daily News edoney@havredailynews.com
It is evident that Havre is thriving. With the unemployment rate down to 3.5 from last year’s 4.3, there are nearly 500 successful businesses in town. During 2006, a lot of new businesses have opened shop, begin construction and changed ownership or locations. It’s no wonder Havre is known as, “northern Montana’s trade and transportation hub for the state’s Hi-line region!” It’s a time to reflect and celebrate the expansion of business in Havre, especially the new companies with the courage follow their dreams through the challenges that small start-up businesses face. New businesses opened in 2006 AmericInn, located at 2520 U.S. Highway 2 W., owned by Dave Clausen and Tom Patrick, opened for business in July. Fifth Avenue Grind, located at 1615 Fifth Ave., owned and operated by Susie LaSalle and Lori Nault opened its doors in August. Liberty Rental & Payday Loans, located in the Atrium mall, owned by Brandon Moomey opened in November. Photography by Charles, located in the Atrium mall under the ownership of Charles Cottrell, has been open for business since October. Big Sky Images, an art gallery located in the Holiday Village Shopping Center owned by Ken Cyr officially opened in November. Latte Da, located at the Holiday Village Shopping Center, owned by Misty and Don Jenkins, opened in May. Real Estate Client Referral, located at 305 3rd Ave., Suite 213 in the Masonic Temple, owned by Larry Eslick opened in October Cage Tattoo Studio, located at the Atrium Mall, owned by Dave and Deb Gackle opened in April. Dave’s, a family entertainment center located at the Atrium Mall owned by Dave Shaw and Dave Gackl opened in December. Karen’s Pet Sitting, owned by Karen Datko opened for business in October. Custom Collision Repair 1710 First St, NE, owned by Chris Preputin opened in January. Shangri La, 400 First St, owned by Bob Williams opened in January. Mountain West Farm Bureau, located at 517 Second St., owned by Karen Bowen and opened in June. Town Tax, Inc., is now owned by Lorraine and Darrel Pester since June. Hi-Line Lanes, located at 1920 U.S. Highway 2 E., has a new owner, Ron Tompt and reopened for business in October. Alltel Velocity Wireless, located at 621 First St. W., now owned by Mark Blades and John Baroch since November. New business locations in 2006 Physical Therapy Down Under moved to a new location at 820 Second St. W. since June. Candy Bouquet, relocated to the Atrium Mall in October, owned by Wendy Gerky. Julie’s Hallmark, now located in Atrium Mall, owned by Julie and Bob Bergren re-opened in November. Adams Chiropractic Clinic, P.C., owned by Tom Adams, moved to 638 First St. W. in July.
