Big Sky Business with Todd O'Hair

03/11/24 • 41 min

Join us as we visit with Todd O'Hair, the President and CEO of the Montana Chamber of Commerce, in this week's Venture Boldly episode where we dissect the multitude of strategies fueling Montana's economic engine. Todd brings a wealth of experience from his roots on a family ranch to the halls of government affairs, offering a unique vantage point on the challenges and triumphs of advocating for a thriving business community in Big Sky Country. Our discussion spans the state's urban-rural divide and the Chamber's pivotal role in shaping a robust economic landscape through the Envision 2026 plan.
Tune in to hear how the Montana Chamber is steering the ship through turbulent waters of workforce development and the housing crisis—critical issues that are shaping the state's economic future. Todd delves into the innovative solutions being crafted to combat these challenges, including Governor Gianforte's 2023 housing task force initiatives to transform legislation and zoning laws. We also spotlight the work of the Kalispell Chamber in expanding childcare services and discuss how their success stories could be a beacon for similar progress statewide, thereby bolstering support for Montana's working families.
We'll also touch on how Montana is positioning itself on the map with strategic growth sectors like the semiconductor industry, thanks to a possible $50 million planning grant from the Chips and Science Act. Additionally, we'll discuss the vital role businesses play in nurturing civility and fostering bipartisan relationships, especially in an election year, emphasizing how moderated political discourse is key to community prosperity and sustained economic success.
Montana Chamber of Commerce
The Venture Boldly podcast is sponsored by Weyerhaeuser.

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Steady as She Grows: Analyzing the Flathead Valley Economy & Housing Market with James Williamson

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Dive into the hidden dynamics of the Flathead Valley's economy and housing market as we team up with James Williamson from Sage Appraisal and Strategy. With James's expert analysis fresh from a presentation at the University of Montana's local BBER presentation, we dissect the local economic trends that show a slight deceleration yet maintain an upward momentum. We discuss local population growth, revealing its impact on the economic pulse of Kalispell and the Flathead.
We also shine a light on the synergy between housing development and the cost of living in our valley, using the Park Line Trail initiative as a case study in public-private collaboration. James touches on how infrastructure decisions by the public sector influence developers' choices, leading to a new landscape where multi-family and commercial properties gain ground. Simultaneously, we confront the shifting sands of affordability, delving into the escalating divide between homeownership and rental costs, and untangle the threads of everyday living expenses that weave the tapestry of our community's economic fabric.
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Mastering the Business Move to Montana

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Ever wondered how a leap of faith from legal practice to launching a tech business feels? Bill Moseley, CEO of GL Solutions, shares how he pivoted from the world of law and government to the tech frontier, crafting software that transforms regulatory operations. Bill recounts GL Solutions' move from Bend, Oregon to Kalispell, with first-hand insight into the trials and triumphs of transplanting a thriving business and nurturing its growth in its new Flathead Valley home.
Navigating the complex terrain of government contracting and management is no mean feat, yet it's one that Bill and his team at GL Solutions tackle with precision and innovation. This episode peels back the layers of technology adoption in public agencies, revealing how they champion change despite sometimes challenging bureaucratic constraints. Discover the fine balance between guiding government entities towards modernization and addressing the evolving needs of the communities they serve.
We wrap up our interview with reflections that transcend the CEO title. Bill opens up about the essence of mentorship, the power of community involvement, and the grounding influence of Montana's great outdoors on his leadership philosophy.
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The Venture Boldly podcast is sponsored by Weyerhaeuser.