Bear Paw Development annual meeting set in Havre

Economist to provide regional analysis at Bear Paw Development annual meeting

HAVRE – Patrick Barkey, director of the Bureau of Business and Economic Research at the University of Montana, is the keynote speaker at the Bear Paw Development Corporation annual meeting at noon on Feb. 18 at the Boys and Girls Club of the Hi-Line in Havre, 500 1st Ave.

Barkey has served in his current position since 2008 and has been involved in economic forecasting and policy research for more than 30 years.

Barkey previously worked as the director of the Bureau of Business Research at Ball State University in Indiana for 14 years, and his recent research has focused on the economic impact of energy development, the property tax treatment of the telecommunications industry and on the economic impact of trade with Canada. Barkey holds a B.A. and a Ph.D. is economics from the University of Michigan.

“We are very pleased to be able to bring one of Montana’s preeminent economists to the Hi-Line to discuss the nuances of our regional economy, and to provide us with some context about what makes our regional economy tick,” said Paul Tuss, executive director of Bear Paw Development. “Bear Paw has worked with Dr. Barkey before with regard to the impact that international trade with Canada has on the economy of northern Montana. He is familiar with our area and the economic drivers that keep our Main Streets alive and kicking.”

Barkey’s presentation is entitled “The Economic Outlook for Northern Montana and Beyond: An Analysis of Our Regional Economy.”

The cost to attend is $15 per person and reservations are required. To RSVP for the luncheon, call Bear Paw at 265-9226 or e-mail at mburhcard@bearpaw.org.

In addition to Barkey’s presentation, Bear Paw will also discuss the impact the nonprofit corporation had on its region last year, introduce new Board members for the organization and distribute copies of its 2015 Annual Report.

“We look forward every year to celebrating the partnerships that make our work possible. While we certainly have a lot of positive news to share about the investments we helped to coordinate for the communities we serve, we know our work doesn’t exist in a vacuum,” Tuss said. “Our Annual Meeting is a great time to reflect on past successes, but to also look forward to continuing the good work we have been involved with for more than 45 years in our region.”