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GFDA Quarterly Investor Letter
“Stay focused on your mission, remain steadfast in your
pursuit of excellence, and always do the right thing.”
Mark Esper
Greetings!
Here is a brief overview of recent and new GFDA initiatives.
These quarterly letters assume you are following our weekly Top 10 and monthly Board and Council reports. If you are not on the Board and Council distribution list and would like to be added, please email Tracy Heggem at Tracy@GrowGreatFalls.org
Annual Report
We’ve recommitted to producing an annual report and published our FY2025 Annual Report last month.
Housing Loan Capital
We’re working with developers to try to get eight housing developments into construction this coming season with more in early planning for next year. Capital gaps remain one of the biggest challenges. Our Executive Committee has given us to go ahead to seek an additional $3-4 million of loan capital to help fill the gap.
Great Falls AgriTech Park
We are working with the City of Great Falls on a bond that would provide the funds for the construction of the third phase of infrastructure for the Park which will open four more lots for businesses. We recently purchased an additional 42 acres for future Park expansion.
Childcare Market Assessment
We expect the assessment to be completed and published this month. This will update the market assessment we commissioned in 2021. Similar to the housing market assessment update we did in 2024, we have made progress on childcare but expect the market update will indicate we have much more to do to expand our workforce.
Central Montana Defense Coalition
This week you will receive an important appeal from us to become a founding investor in our new regional defense advocacy effort, the Central Montana Defense Coalition. GFDA has worked in partnership with Cascade County, the Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, City of Great Falls, Great Falls International Airport, state and federal leaders, and defense community partners across the country to put together a effective advocacy effort to support this significant part of our economy that is critical to our national security and global peace.
New Task Forces
We are launching four new task forces and invite you to get engaged.
River Activation
This task force will brainstorm ideas of how we get more activity and investment on and beside the urban river corridor in Great Falls. Contact Shauni Seccombe if you would like to be involved or have suggestions of who we should connect with; Shauni@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-788-6867.
Data Centers
This task force will explore how we can attract data center development that produces the greatest positive economic and community impact. Contact Kristen Blue at Kristen@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-788-4989.
Defense Industry Market Assessment
This task force will commission a market assessment to identify growth opportunities in the private defense industry that we could be competitive in attracting to the Great Falls trade area. Contact Christian Leinhauser at CLeinhauser@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-0136.
Opportunity Zones
This task force will develop plans to secure designation of Opportunity Zones in our trade area and develop strategies to attract private investment in the zones. Contact Jake Clark at Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-403-4937.
Platinum Seal of Transparency
For the 7th consecutive year, we have earned the highest level of transparency seal from Candid, the online resource for nonprofit organizations and foundations. You won’t find another economic development organization or Community Development Financial Institution that has open Board, Council and Executive Committee meetings, posts monthly agendas, minutes, financials and loan portfolio reports, or communicates as often and in as great a detail as GFDA. This is part of our commitment to engage our regional community to help achieve our mission to grow diverse economic opportunities that enhance quality of life.
Team Great Falls
GFDA and our many valued partners keep growing and strengthening Team Great Falls. Here is an updated GFDA Investor Honor Roll, updated GFDA Board & Council List, and updated High Plains Financial Board List.
If you are ready to re-invest or join TEAM Great Falls as a GFDA Investor, please call or email Jennifer Gallmeier at 1-406-781-9499 or Jenn@GrowGreatFalls.org
THANK YOU for your continued support and engagement!
Please let me know if you have any questions, concerns or leads!
Brett
Brett Doney
President & CEO
BDoney@GrowGreatFalls.org
1-406-750-2119
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