Ignite highlights Great Falls projects in 2023

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Ignite 2023

A total of 18 companies and partners presented at Ignite 2023, sponsored by PayneWest Insurance! We heard from healthcare, education, manufacturing, and more! Here's a look at the major announcements and projects moving forward in 2023!

Ignite Announcements

Montana Specialty Mills

Montana Specialty Mills announced a $15 million expansion at Ignite 2023! The oil seed crush and refining plant will be growing from current processing of 50 tons per day to 150 tons per day. “The expansion will benefit the producer and the customer as we will be able to leverage the Great Falls area and state to execute a successful farm to table strategy,” said Dave Loboy, President of Montana Specialty Mills.

Pasta Montana

Pasta Montana announced a $7 million expansion including an additional short goods line to keep up with demand for their premium pasta. "We are out of short goods capacity, that is where we are seeing the rapid increase in our demand. The new line will increase our factory production by about 25 percent, increase staff by 15 full-time employees and have a significant local impact with the build-out and installation. We will be fully operational by February of 2024,"said Randy Gilbertson, COO and Plant Manager.

Project Updates

Great Falls Clinic: Wayne Gillis presented on Great Falls Hospital's surgery and cancer center completed expansion and the hospital expansion when completed will include additional 58,800 square feet be added to the hospital and 125 new jobs. Great Falls Hospital expansion will add jobs to the community.

Touro University: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, being built near Benefis Health System's main campus and McLaughlin Research Institute, is accepting applications for its program set to open in July. Elizabeth Palmarozzi, Dean of the Great Falls program, talked about the economic impact of the university and the research partnership with McLaughlin Research Institute.

The Gibson: Ty Rollins provided a timeline for the downtown boutique hotel which is expected to be completed in the Spring.

University of Providence: UP provided an update on two programs. The university announced it will launch an Applied Math Program in the fall, and is accepting applications for a their Traditional BSN Nursing Program.

TDS Fiber: The company will soon be providing internet, television, and phone services.

Alluvion Health: Presented on the Roosevelt Project in Great Falls. The vacant elementary school located at 2501 2nd Avenue North will serve as a health center for Alluvion Health's autism spectrum services and pediatric services.

Great Falls International Airport: Presented on the airport's light industrial park and upgrades to the terminals. The industrial park will provide space for large industrial and logistics spaces. The first units are expected to be complete by this summer

MSU College of Nursing: The $101 million donation by Mark and Robyn Jones will enable Montana State University to build five new buildings across the state, including in Great Falls near Touro University and the Benefis Health System main campus. They aim to break ground on the building this year.

Montana Renewables: Ron Colwell provided an update on the company's hydrogen unit set to be completed this year and the completion of a pre-treatment unit.

Rib and Chop House: The steak house will be located at 21 Third Street North and aims to be open by Spring of 2023.

Arc Apartment Homes: One building of the 216 unit multi-family ARC Apartment Homes, operated by Farran Realty Partners, is occupied. The company is accepting applications for the next phase of the project.

The Great Falls Civic Center: The facade initially scheduled for the completion is now expected for July of 2023.

Pines & Plains Realty: The realty company is open in opening this month with a focus on a one-on-one mentorship program for aspiring agents and agents looking to get their brokers license.

Malmstrom Airforce Base: Col. Daniel Voorhies, Vice Commander of the 341st Missile Wing spoke about deferred maintenance on base as it relates to the project that will replace the Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missile system.

Community Early Education Center: Announced they are expanding from 48 spots to 140 by 2024 and will remain in the community rec center.

JS Fitness & Wellness: The owner of JS Fitness & Wellness talked about the services provided at private training facility in Great Falls

WATCH THE RECORDING HERE

Let's get more projects in the pipeline!

Contact Jake to discuss your new business or expansion project!

Jake Clark

Vice President

Great Falls Development Authority

1.406.403.4937

Jake@GrowGreatFalls.org

Vision

Hungry to Grow the Great Falls region

Mission

Grow and diversify the Great Falls regional economy.

Create higher wage career opportunities.

Improve market competitiveness.

The first economic development organization in the Rocky Mountain West to earn accreditation from the International Economic Development Council.

GFDA is a certified Community Development Financial Institution and a 501(c)3 charitable organization. High Plains Financial is a certified Community Development Corporation that offers SBA 504 loans statewide. GFDA and High Plains Financial are Equal Opportunity Employers and Lenders.

GFDA is proud to host a Montana Small Business Development Center, a Montana Procurement Technical Assistance Center, and a Montana Food & Ag Development Center. We are also proud to provide office space for MSU's Montana Manufacturing Extension Center.

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