Sara visited a Native woman-owned meat processing business, C+C Meat Processing in Babb. Owner Christina Flammond provides vital services to local ranchers and hunters, and serves as a teacher and cultural knowledge keeper. She is one example of an outstanding female entrepreneur who is making a difference in the community and local economy. If you know an exceptional female business owner who deserves recognition, nominate them for a GFDA Fire Within award by March 31!
We've started to strategize for the Opportunity Zone 2.0 designations. Here is a screen shot of four census zones in Great Falls that will likely qualify to be designated. We also have several likely eligible rural census tracts in the region. Watch your email for our upcoming OZ task force meetings.
Congratulations to Jolene Schalper, GFDA's Executive Vice President, on being chosen for the 2025 Athena Leadership Award! The Athena Leadership Award is given to a female community leader who has acheived the highest level of professional excellence, contributes time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community, and actively assists others, particularly women, in realizing their full leadership potential. Well deserved!! Thank you to the Athena leadership of the Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.
Congratulations to Berkshire Hathaway Energy Montana (BHE Montana) on the successful energization of the Glacier Battery System, a major investment in Montana’s energy infrastructure. Located near Cut Bank, the Glacier Battery System represents a $100 million investment in advanced energy storage technology. With a capacity of 75 megawatts for two hours, the system will provide critical grid support, enhance reliability across the region and support BHE Montana’s participation in the Western Energy Imbalance Market.
Ignite 2026 was a great event to kick-off the year! In case you missed it, we sent out our Ignite recap in a two-part series.
GFDA has earned the 2026 Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, our seventh consecutive year earning the highest level of transparency for American non-profit organizations. Transparency is one of our core values.
The draft Growth Policy for the City of Great Falls has been released for public comment. The Growth Policy will shape the future of Great Falls. The draft is open for public comment until February 28th. Three workshops are being held this week. Learn more at the Future of Great Falls.
Leaping into 2026 -- the future of Great Falls Montana is what we make it!
As we close out 2025, let's celebrate the people who make things happen -- our clients, investors, partners, students, colleagues, and incredible staff team. Thank you for making 2025 a great year!
Homegrown Dental's new building in Great Falls is almost completed, one of many commercial developments underway in 2025.