The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce will host the first planning meeting for Manufacturing Day at 8:30 a.m. Thursday in the Chamber’s board room.

Manufacturing Day, beginning Oct. 2, is a nationwide event. It’s a chance for manufacturers from different sizes and industries to give tours of their facilities, share advice and address modern issues in their industries.

Flathead Valley events, seminars and discussions run over several days until the Flathead Timber Tour on Oct. 22.

“Manufacturing is one of our top two basic industry categories,” said Joe Unterreiner, Kalispell Chamber president. “I think people are always surprise to learn the breadth of manufacturing we have around here.”

Last year’s event showcased nine facility tours and discussions involving 320 people. This year, 10 firms have signed up for tours and roundtable discussions. They range from Kalispell Brewing Co. to Flathead Valley Community College to Applied Materials.

“People take a lot of pride in the things that are made locally,” Unterreiner said. “The manufacturers here provide high wages for this valley.”

The meeting is the first step in planning Flathead Valley Manufacturing Day. The second step will be a Sept. 22 luncheon.

Manufacturers can also sponsor the October event. Those interested in sponsorship can email [email protected] or call Katie Brien at 758-2803.

Thursday’s meeting is open to the public. For more information, call communications director Courtenay Sprunger at 406-270-2949.

Reporter Seaborn Larson may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at [email protected].