Lake County Community Development Corp

The Lake County Community Development Corp is located right on Main Street in down town Ronan but I'm not so sure many know of its existence or location let alone the programs that might be available to assist in such things as business development and training.

Executive Director Billie Lee will be on hand at Thursday's Ronan Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon to make known ways that LCDC benefits not just Lake County and the Flathead Indian Reservation but also Sanders and Mineral County.

They offer programs to benefit local and regional outreach, business development services, marketing and financial assistance partially through such things as workshops, training and one-on-one business planning assistance.

Since being formed in 1995, LCCDC have played a part in infrastructure, affordable housing and economic development projects worth more than $58 million which created or retained some 500 jobs, wrote board member Todd Bassett of Glacier Bank on the group's website.

The mission is to enhance the quality of life and economic well-being of all residents through such wings as the Food Enterprise Center, and Cooperative Development Center.

Lee and Jay Preston established the organization in 1993 after she returned to the area after 30 years in Chicago where her career took her from consulting with inventors and small businesses to partnering in a hydroponic farming venture.

The monthly Chamber luncheon is held the first Thursday of each month at the Ronan Golf Course. Lunch is available for $8 and you do not have to be a Chamber member to attend.