Bear Paw Development requests input on economic priorities

Press release

Bear Paw Development Corp. is seeking input from area residents regarding economic and community development priorities for northern Montana.

The organization is currently updating its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy — CEDS — and is reaching out to individuals who reside in their five-county, two-reservation area.

“We really want a good idea of what people think are the strengths and weaknesses of our regional economy and the type of projects that help make our communities stronger, all with the goal of creating even better places to live, work and invest,” Samantha Chagnon, Bear Paw’s director of community planning, said. “Especially in this time of economic uncertainty created by the COVID-19 crisis, we want the insight of area residents for ideas that will help the local and regional economy bounce back and become more resilient.”

Chagnon said input through the survey will provide direct content for Bear Paw Development’s 2020 CEDS. The CEDS is an important planning tool for local communities and provides guidance to organizations, groups, and local governments on priorities for future community and economic development projects.

Residents are strongly encouraged to complete the survey and provide input. Every area resident who completes the survey is eligible to win a $100 gift card that will be awarded to one individual selected randomly. The survey can be found online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NorthernMT_CommunityEconomicSurvey or by visiting the Bear Paw Development homepage at http://www.bearpaw.org . The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete, and responses must be submitted by May 29.

“By completing this important economic development survey, respondents are helping us better understand our regional economy and the priorities they have for making northern Montana an even better place to build a business and raise a family” Chagnon said.

Residents interested in learning more about Bear Paw Development and keeping up-to-date with the CEDS process can visit Bear Paw’s website at http:?//www.bearpaw.org .

Bear Paw Development Corp. is a regional non-profit corporation organized to assist with the economic and community development priorities in Liberty, Hill, Blaine, Phillips and Chouteau counties and on the Rocky Boy’s and Fort Belknap Indian reservations.