Discover Kalispell celebrates manufacturing with events

The Discover Kalispell Chamber’s Manufacturing Alliance Manufacturing Month tours continue throughout October.

Participants have the opportunity to take part in exclusive facility tours and events hosted by leading local manufacturers and employers. These tours provide a firsthand look at how products are made, the technology driving production, and the high-quality, high-paying careers available right now in Northwest Montana.

Manufacturing is a cornerstone of the local economy. Flathead County leads the state in manufacturing earnings, with companies producing everything from semiconductor equipment, timber products, and concrete components to firearms, beverages, skincare, building materials, and more. Together, these industries showcase the innovation and talent that position Montana on the national manufacturing stage.

One of this year’s signature events is the Flathead Manufacturing Symposium and Manufacturing Luncheon which will be held at Flathead Valley Community College on Oct. 21. The symposium brings together experts from the Montana Department of Commerce, Montana Manufacturing Extension Center and in the education, legal, finance and workforce fields to deliver an impactful, information-filled event geared toward the local manufacturing community and manufacturing ecosystem. The manufacturing luncheon will feature information about the trades charter school and a manufacturing panel presentation featuring Terri Chichester from Montana Global Health, Amber Pacheco Holm of Fiber Reaper, and Tim Anderson from Invader Concepts. 

An additional signature event, the Flathead Timber Tour, will take participants on a journey from forest to finished product on Thursday, Oct. 23 from noon-5 p.m. The tour includes a visit to an active Weyerhaeuser logging site to learn about forest management practices and sustainable harvesting and a guided tour of F.H. Stoltze’s Columbia Falls lumber mill, Montana’s oldest family-owned sawmill. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited.

Register for the manufacturing symposium, luncheon, and tours at: https://business.kalispellchamber.com/mfgtours