Forum to share ways to build Troy-area economy

A forum aimed at creating a better economy in the greater Troy area is planned by the Yaak Valley Forest Council Thursday, Oct. 26.

It begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Theater in Troy.

The “Tools for Rural Success” forum aims to share creative ways to build a vibrant economy and will feature three women who will talk about cooperative development, outdoor recreation and geotourism.

Tracy McIntyre of Eureka, a technical adviser for the Montana Cooperative Development Center, will share the basics of the cooperative business model and how it can work for a variety of industries in the Troy area. McIntyre has been on the front line of economic development in the Eureka area. She served 12 years as the lead economic developer for north Lincoln County, averaging over $1 million in investment into community annually and counseling some three dozen businesses every year. Her efforts led to the creation of the Wood Development Center, a business incubator in Eureka where over 20 jobs were created in the first year.

McIntyre recently started her own consulting company, Rural Economic Designs, LLC, to bring her knowledge of community leadership and collaboration, project development and administration, and strategic planning to other rural communities and businesses.

Rachel VandeVoort of Whitefish, the new director for the Montana Office of Outdoor Recreation, will share insight into how the outdoor recreation industry — the largest sector of Montana’s economy — can serve as a path to growth in the Troy area. Born and raised in Whitefish, VandeVoort spent her youth shooting small-bore rifle competitions, fly fishing, hunting and skiing. She accompanied her father on river trips before she entered preschool, tied flies before she could do long division and worked in the local fly shop in exchange for gear before she was old enough to receive a paycheck.

During her time as a trade relations manager for Kimber Manufacturing, VandeVoort interacted with media and industry members to disseminate the Kimber brand. She has frequently served as an expert resource on firearms, defense topics and fly fishing in the media.

Sheena Pate of Columbia Falls, the project coordinator for the Crown of the Continent Geotourim Council, will introduce the geotourism concept and how it can be a tool to build a sustainable tourism industry without sacrificing community values or identity. Geotourism is the kind of travel that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place — its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents.

Pate’s passion for bringing people together to work toward sustaining and enhancing the character of geographical places led her to earn a degree in watershed science from Colorado State University and a degree in environmental studies from University of Montana. She was drawn to the Crown of the Continent 10 years ago because of its distinct communities and access to unspoiled landscapes. It is her belief that geotourism can effectively sustain regional businesses, preserve community character and promote conservation.

There will be a question-and-answer session following each of the speaker’s presentation. Afterward the group will move to the adjacent café space for refreshments and time to visit with presenters.

The Yaak Valley Forest Council was formed 20 years ago because local residents were concerned with the health and management of the forest lands in that area of Northwest Montana. Prior to that there had never been a lasting, organized effort of Yaak Valley-based residents to advocate and implement conservation, and restoration programs focused on the valley’s wildlife habitat, according to the council’s website.

For more information call 406-295- 9736 or e-mail Shawna Kelsey at shawna@yaakvalley.org.