Flathead Business Watercooler

Business Matters! Chamber Luncheon   

Join the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce for their monthly chamber luncheon where local professionals gather to share a meal, hear from dynamic speakers, and engage in conversations that strengthen the community. It’s the perfect place to stay informed, build relationships, and be part of the progress happening in Kalispell. Takes place on Jan. 20 from 11:30 to 1 p.m. at the Red Lion Hotel located at 20 North Main St. in Kalispell. $30 for members and $45 for non-members. Register at business.kalispellchamber.com/. 

Coffee Connect     

Join the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce for the Flathead Valley's premier morning networking and relationship-building business meeting. Takes place on Jan. 23 from 8 to 9 a.m. at Home Instead, located at 1060 North Meridian in Kalispell. Register at business.kalispellchamber.com/. 

Online business promotion  

The Wachholz Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center at Flathead Valley Community College is holding a Demystifying Digital Promotion Workshop with Julie Walz on Jan. 29 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.  

This hands-on workshop is for Montana business owners and entrepreneurs who want straightforward guidance on how to promote their business online in a way that feels natural and effective. Participants will learn how to identify where their audience actually looks for information, clarify their core message and apply it consistently across digital platforms. Walz is the founder of IWD406, a Montana-based platform focused on supporting, amplifying and honoring women who are making a meaningful impact in their communities.  

The workshop is free and open to the public. RSVP to this event and sign up to receive updates from the Wachholz Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center at wiecmt.org. 

Property tax survey 

The Montana Chamber of Commerce is preparing for the 2027 Legislature and is seeking information from business owners regarding property taxes. It’s conducting a survey of businesses asking to provide information about how property tax changes are impacting them. The survey is available at tinyurl.com/46se9zxw.  

State sales tax talk 

How would a sales tax affect Montana’s economy? How much revenue could it generate, and could it meaningfully reduce property taxes? Could it be designed to target tourists and reduce the impact on local residents? That’s exactly what University of Montana's Bureau of Business and Economic Research economists and keynote speaker, Bob Story, executive director of the Montana Taxpayers Association, will be discussing during the 51st annual Economic Outlook Seminar. The event makes its stop in Kalispell on Feb. 10 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn. To register, visit economicoutlookseminar.com.  

Women in Business 

The Montana Chamber of Commerce is hosting the third annual Women in Business Summit, March 4-6, in Bozeman. Join business leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers from across Montana for two-and-a-half days of inspiration and actionable insight. The Women in Business Summit features dynamic keynotes, panels, and breakout sessions focused on leadership growth, business strategy, advocacy, and civic engagement. Hear from distinguished speakers alongside Montana’s top executives, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. For information, visit https://tinyurl.com/39jpxxvv