Bear Paw Development has $21.7 million impact on region in 2015

Press release

Bear Paw Development Corp. recently released its Annual Report for 2015, which chronicles the impact the nonprofit economic and community development organization had on its region of northern Montana over the past year. 

The impact figures were released as part of the organization's annual meeting.

  "Last year was a banner year for the impact we were

able to have on the rural area we serve in northern Montana," said Paul Tuss, executive director of Bear Paw. "By any measure, being able to coordinate $21 million for projects that will make this region more attractive, more livable

and more economically competitive is a big deal."

Through its team of economic development professionals, Bear Paw Development was able to coordinate more than $21.7 million in funds for projects in the organization's five-county Economic Development District. These funds were utilized for business start-ups and expansions and for community enhancements, including local government infrastructure. Bear Paw also helped the private sector to create or retain 84 jobs through the work of its Loan Department and Small Business Development Center, which provides counseling and trainings to business owners and prospective entrepreneurs.

Tuss said that, for every one dollar of investment the organization received in 2015 from area local governments, Bear Paw was able to leverage an additional $241 from outside sources. These investments went directly into projects that assisted local communities to become more stable and economically diverse.

"From a return-on-investment perspective, last year was a good example of how Bear Paw Development looks for every opportunity possible to help finance efforts in the public and private sectors that will leverage local resources," Tuss said. "By securing funding from the state and federal government, area banks and other sources, we are able to make good projects become a reality."

"For almost 50 years, Bear Paw Development has worked with local and tribal governments, private industry, and our state and federal partners to make sure that northern Montana continues to be an outstanding place to raise a family and build a business," he added. "We are pleased with the positive impact we were able to have last year, but also know our work must continue to meet the ongoing challenges and opportunities that exist in this very special place. We look forward to continuing that work for years to come."