In the wide-open spaces of Flathead County, zoning and planning have not previously been big issues. But in the recent annual survey of Kalispell businesses by the area Chamber of Commerce, growth management came out the top concern.
According to a Chamber official, large and small businesses have expressed the need to plan for growth in order to make sound business and investment judgments, mainly in response to recent development projects and large retail projects under consideration in the area.
Improving highway and air transportation were the second most important issues facing business owners. Survey respondents also cited tax reductions, finding a qualified workforce and increasing health-care costs as important.
The survey polled 92 businesses, with most responses coming from the service sector, followed by retail shop and those working in finance, insurance and real estate. More than half the surveyed businesses employ fewer than 10 workers.
—Kathy Cobb
