Bear Paw Development talks about success in 2018

The head of Bear Paw Development Corp. discussed at its annual meeting Thursday the work the economic development agency did in the past year and planned a celebration of its history this year.

Bear Paw Executive Director Paul Tuss said the agency, the first authorized in Montana and one of the first in the nation, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Rather than celebrating it during a meeting, Tuss said, he wants to wait until the summer to celebrate because of the warmer, nicer weather.

“Also maybe being able to do something outside,” he said. “Do something more celebritory than a business meeting, so stay tuned for that.”

2018 was a good year, Tuss said.

“Thanks for all your support for the past year,” he said.

Some of the highlights Bear Paw Development had in the last year were coordinating $2,843,998 in funds through grant writing, revolving loan fund investments, bank financing and other sources for business start-ups and expansions, and community enhancements, including government infrastructure.

Some of the projects it worked on include helping new owners purchase and operate Boxcars Restaurant and Bar, the opening of Montana Timber and Iron south of Havre, Vizsla Brewing in Havre, Studio Stiles and Total Fitness in Malta, assisting Havre Fire Department in purchasing a new fire truck and assisting Big Sandy in revamping its water system.

Bear Paw Development also helped create or retain 56 jobs through business advising, technical assistance, business lending and project management.

Since Bear Paw Development started in 1969 it has approved 386 loans to entrepreneurs to finance business start-ups and expansion.

This year, Tuss said, the organization had a number of local photographers take photos for the annual report. He said Bear Paw Development had a Facebook photo contest where people could submit from local amateur photographers. He added that he thought it turned out well.

He complimented the staff at the economic development agency

“You’ve got a great core staff here at Bear Paw Development that are doing, I think, really good work for this area of northern Montana,” Tuss said.

He added in the past year Bear Paw has filled several job openings, with former employees moving on to opportunities outside of the company.

“I certainly want to publicly thank the staff that are here and those that aren’t here for their hard work,” he said.