The List: June 2025

The List: 10 Things BLDC Checked Off in the Last Month

1. Tech Hub Talk at Butte Brewing We hosted Tim VanReken, Courtney McKee, and John Beltrone of the Headwaters Tech Hub for a packed community info session. It was a powerful conversation on the future of economic development and photonics in Butte.

2. Business Recruitment is Heating Up We refined our recruitment marketing materials and responded to several Requests for Information from the Montana Department of Commerce business attraction team.

3. Flying High with ESGR BLDC Executive Director Kelly Sullivan joined Butte employers for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) “Boss Lift” ride on a Chinook helicopter. 🇺🇸

4. SelectUSA Summit in Washington, D.C. Kayla Lappin attended the summit and Montana Coffee at the Capitol, meeting with prospective businesses and Montana’s congressional delegation. Follow-up meetings are already underway!

5. Another $1M for Brownfields Cleanup We’ve been awarded $1 million in new Revolving Loan Funds for Brownfields redevelopment. Big thanks to Melissa Wanamaker for securing this critical investment!

6. Strategic Plan Survey Results Are In 227 survey responses = powerful data. Explore the Top 4 Strategic Themes and Top 4 Community Priorities: View Strategic Priorities

7. New Membership Levels Launched Our 2025 Membership Drive is live! With new tiers and benefits, there’s never been a better time to support economic development in Butte. Join Now

8. Global Connections in Education We helped host the Community College Administrators Program (CCAP), welcoming Ecuadorian educators focused on technical training to Butte.

9. Lights, Camera, Butte! Thank you to Intermountain Health St. James Hospital, for your recent grant to the BLDC! We’ll use those funds to create a first-class video marketing campaign that will focus on what makes Butte, Butte! The videos will feature our healthcare sector, education, industry, small business and so much more.

10. Homebuyer Classes Are Back! Our HUD-certified instructor, Brennan Hammer, taught his first in-person class since 2024. Next class coming in September—just $60/person or $95/couple (includes dinner!).