Business Beat: Openings, closings relocations and expansions

Communities are shaped by the businesses that operate within them. And if you want to get a sense of how a local economy is doing, it helps to keep track of new businesses opening shop, those that are moving to new locations and those that are shutting down. 

So, we will make it a priority from this point forward to alert our readers to all of the moving and shaking that happens in the Libby and Troy commercial districts. Some of it will be good news. Some will be bad. But, hopefully, all of it will be interesting. 

I’ll kick it off with good news. 

A group of local artisans opened Montana Gallery USA on Nov. 10 in the former Verizon Wireless building on south Highway 2.

The gallery features a wide range of gift items, including handcrafted furniture, jewelry, candleholders, quilts and clothing accessories. Everything in the gallery was made in the USA, and nearly 95 percent of the products were created by local artisans. 

Beth Kumle, Sharron Rudig and Sue Kamena opened the gallery to give artisans from Libby, Troy and the Yaak an opportunity to showcase their talents and make a few bucks along the way. So far, 24 artisans have joined the co-op and have products displayed at Montana Gallery USA.

The co-op is accepting new artisans every day. The monthly fee is $20. All proceeds from the sales go directly to the artisans. 

The gallery also has an area designated for arts and crafts classes, such as basket weaving, beading and quilting.  On Saturday, the gallery will host its first sewing class for anyone who wants to learn how to make their own scrappy Christmas wall hangings. 

The building itself has an interesting history. Before it was home to Verizon, it was owned by Hilda Hatlen, a well-known painter who used the building as her personal gallery. Hatlen’s house was located on the property until it was demolished just prior to the opening of Montana Gallery USA.

Stop in and wish the artisans good luck in their new venture. And make sure to grab a homemade cookie and cup of tea at the door. 

Another bit of exciting business news: Managhan’s Furniture Clearance Center will be moving to a new location at the end of this year. 

All of the furniture in the big yellow building on south Highway 2 will be relocated to a storefront next to the Managhan’s Furniture store on Mineral Ave. 

Mark and Amber Managhan recognized an opportunity to consolidate their operations after Kevin Martin closed Libby Video about four months ago. Martin, by the way, is now operating Mountain View Productions in Whitefish. Martin’s dad, Bob, has been selling antiques and other unique items from the storefront for the past several months. 

The Managhans have agreed to lease the former Libby Video storefront from Bob Martin for the next year. The lease agreement includes an option to buy the 2,800-square-foot building.

The big yellow building includes about 9,000 square feet of space. The Managhans were using about 4,500 square feet for their clearance center, with the rest being used as cold storage and as a storefront for Big Sky Business Supply. 

The Managhans will continue to use part of the big yellow building as storage space, but Rick Tuin, owner of Big Sky Business Supply, is planning to expand his operation within the building to include a new line of products. Tuin, who is Amber Managhan’s brother, says it’s too early to announce the details of his expansion plans. So, stay tuned to find out what new items he will bring to town. 

Here are a few other local business tidbits.

Frank’s Pharmacy has changed its name to Granite Pharmacy. Eric Beyer, who owns two Granite Pharmacy stores in Frenchtown and Philipsburg, purchased Frank’s Pharmacy in August 2011. He continued operating as Frank’s Pharmacy in Libby during the ownership transition and is now changing the name to create continuity with his Granite Pharmacy brand. 

Bo Ho Beads has closed its storefront on Mineral Ave. for the winter season, but the business continues to operate in the home of owner Stephanie Fredin. A sign on the store window says customers can call 293-2299 or email sfredinbb@gmail.com to place orders or to make a shopping appointment. 

Shoo Fly Fishing has opened a new storefront in Troy. The business offers a range of custom-made fishing tackle, rods and trolling plugs. Owners Steve and Denise Kalb have operated out of Missoula since 1997, and the couple recently expanded the operation to include a location on Highway 2 in Troy. 

The Glacier Bank expansion project is well under way on California Ave. with an expected completion date of March 15, 2013. The frame of the 6,000-square-foot building is taking shape now as the bank prepares to move from the 4,300-square-foot building next door that has been its home for many years. The old building will be demolished after the transition, and that section of the property will be used for landscaping and parking. 

I will be on the lookout for business news in the coming months, but I’m going to need your help. Please give me a heads-up on any business updates by calling 293-4124 or emailing mbunk@thewesternnews.com.