Burke takes reins as KRDC director

After 11 years leading the Kootenai River Development Council (KRDC), Paul Rumelhart stepped down Dec. 1 with former Deputy Director Brigid Burke  filling his role as executive director. 

“Both KRDC and Lincoln County Port Authority are very appreciative of Paul’s many years of hard work and dedication to economic development in Lincoln County,” Burke said. 

Calls for comment from Rumelhart went unreturned. 

In her new position Burke will also report to the Port Authority, which hires KRDC to do its financial and administrative duties. Burke said she looks forward to cultivating new economic avenues for Lincoln County, adding that opportunity can come in various forms.

“I never would have projected Libby to be a good spot for a golf car manufacturer,” Burke said, referring to LiV Golf Cars, Inc., a company that recently received a $368,000 grant and plans to produce state-of-the-art, lithium ion-powered golf cars. The company plans to begin hiring early next year. 

In her first weeks on the job, Burke focused on the development of Cabinet Mountain Brewing Company, a microbrewery that plans to open a downtown location next year. She also mentioned interest in the acquisition of a small pellet mill and the refurbishing of a finger jointer.

“We need to diversify our economic base,” Burke said. “We have railroad access, which is a big asset. We are also in a good area to work with the Canadian oil sands. We are never going to get away from our reliance on natural resources.”

Libby Mayor Doug Roll acknowledged the difficult times during which Rumelhart sought to spark economic activity.

“I’ve known Paul for a number of years and he has been trying his hardest since the mill shut down,” Roll said. “He was involved in the Memorial Center from the start. It was a tough time to do what he does. The whole country is looking for economic development.”

Former City Councilman D.C. Orr was critical of Rumelhart.

“The Port Authority operated out of the public’s view,” Orr said. “We’ve seen some spectacular failures. We spent $350,000 on a broadband study and got nothing out of that. Paul’s been weak on getting the public to know what’s going on. I hope that changes with Brigid.”

Burke believes Libby can attract the human capital it has lost to neighboring areas if only a few more jobs can open up. Burke herself moved to Libby two years ago with her husband, Brandon, who works as a dentist. 

“I was ecstatic to find something I could apply my accounting skills toward,” Burke said. “This is just a land of opportunity.” 

Burke said multiple times that “economic development does not happen in a bubble,” stressing the need for a positive, community-wide message about Libby.

“I am receptive to any type of business that would like to locate here, treat employees well and pay good wages,” Burke said. 

Naomi Rebo, executive director of the Libby Area Chamber of Commerce, looks forward to Burke’s new role.

“She brings a fresh voice that can invigorate the community,” Rebo said.