Havre mall gets a new manager

The company that owns Holiday Village Shopping Center has chosen a replacement for mall manager Tiffany Korb, who is stepping down this month.

Taking over for her at Holiday Village will be local business owner Brenda Friede. Friede, a Chinook native, has worked for 24 years at several retail and grocery chains. She co-owns the Milam Floral shop with her mother, Lynette Friede.

Randy Gans, a spokesman with Security National Properties, said this morning that Friede's experience as a business owner will be helpful as the new mall manager. The Eureka, Calif.-based company owns Holiday Village.

"Our feeling is that we wish Tiffany the best with her new position and are extremely excited to have someone as qualified as Brenda to join our staff at the shopping center," Gans said.

Friede's first day as mall manager will be Monday. During the past week, she has been working with Korb to make the transition smoother.

Korb is going to work for Bear Paw Development Corp.

The duties of the mall manager include generating mall traffic, assisting with lease agreements, performing various administrative duties and maintaining the 23-acre mall property. The mall manager must also work with the Merchants Association, which is made up of businesses in the mall, Korb said.

Friede said this morning she is eager to take over as mall manager, adding that she is "up to new challenges." She said the most challenging aspect of her new job will be following in Korb's footsteps.

Korb is credited for bringing businesses to two of Holiday Village's three anchor spots during the last year. Their opening has prompted an influx of new business to the mall. She said she is confident Friede will be able to continue the trend.

"I feel much better about my career change knowing that Brenda has the experience and energy to take over this position. She will be a huge asset to this community," Korb said.

Friede moved to Havre six years ago when she and her mother purchased the floral shop. Prior to that she worked for grocery chains in Missoula and Livingston.

Friede will continue to work part time at Gary & Leo's IGA in addition to being mall manager. She said balancing work between the mall, the floral shop and IGA will be a challenge, but that she is up to the task.

"You can never be busy enough," she said.

Korb has been property manager for Holiday Village Shopping Center for the last four years. Prior to that, she spent eight years as the mall's marketing director.

On Monday, she begins work as the director of Bear Paw Development Corp.'s Small Business Development Center, which provides free, confidential and professional business counseling services to people interested in starting a new business or expanding an existing one. The development center also provides classes to people in need of developing a business plan.