This week the Chamber’s Bioscience Alliance met with members of the Flathead state legislative delegation to help advance an agenda for this growing industry sector in Montana and the Flathead Valley. The top three goals that came out of the session were the establishment of wet lab facilities in the Flathead, access to capital, and building additional workforce capacity. “There is growing awareness across the state for the tremendous potential of the bioscience industry to create good paying jobs in Montana and improve the lives of people across the globe,” said Ron Zook, chairman of the Alliance and CEO of Swan Valley Medical.

Formed in July 2019, the Bioscience Alliance was created to advance this industry sector in the Flathead Valley through policies and projects that support businesses, researchers, investors, and workforce development. The group consists of 26 businesses and organizations including Two Bear Capital, Kalispell Regional Healthcare, Expesicor, Swan Valley Medical, along with state partner Montana Bioscience Alliance, and others. We appreciate the support and involvement of influential members of our state legislative delegation who shared their expertise on the ways that the state can help support this important work. Legislators included Senate President Pro Tem Mark Blasdel, Rep. Mark Noland, Rep. Frank Garner, and Rep. Dave Fern.

The Kalispell Chamber will keep you updated on the work of the Bioscience Alliance and how our member businesses are creating jobs and investment in the Flathead Valley. For more information on the impact of this industry in Montana, click here.