Economic Development

A stable, well educated workforce, an outstanding location, cutting-edge internet connectivity and an unsurpassed quality of life combine to make Whitefish the ideal spot for business success, both now and in the future!

Add to that a new wave of major private and public investment – and a number of Chamber initiatives designed to strengthen and grow the local economy – and we think you’ll agree ... Whitefish, Montana is where your business ought to be!

Residential development is, indeed, “roaring” in the 2020s, as the local housing market is busier than it ever has been.  Commercial development (and planned development) in Whitefish is just as active, and is approaching levels only seen in the pre-recession “boom” days. Things are particularly hot on Central Avenue and in the downtown core, where new development (and re-development) continue at a blazing pace.

The trend toward three-story, mixed-use buildings shows no signs of stopping, with dozens of new businesses opening up in ground-floor spaces below two stories of short-term vacation rental units.

A dozen new businesses have opened in the last few years at the south end of Central Avenue, but in 2023 the action moved to the north where the new Jeremiah Johnson brewery and restaurant moved into the former Great Northern Brewing Company building, which had been vacant for two years.

Just up the block, the vacant lot at the corner of Central and 1^st Street won’t be vacant much longer, as a new 40-room boutique hotel, restaurant and bar has been approved for development on the site, along with an underground garage with “hydraulic stacking” … kinda like vending machine for automobiles.

Development is also heating up in the 93 South and Wisconsin Avenue corridors, and both of those areas are poised for more of the same in coming years. A half-dozen projects have been completed on Highway 93 South last year, including a new car and RV wash, the new Stockman Bank building, the remodel of Wright’s Furniture and the opening of a new Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep & Ram showroom at Don K Whitefish.

There’s no doubt about it... it’s an exciting time for Whitefish! And the Chamber is focused on three separate-but-equal strategies for enhancing the Whitefish economy:

• Helping existing businesses get the help they need to survive, grow and thrive;
• Welcoming new companies to Whitefish that will complement the existing business community; and
• Identifying and implementing programs, projects and events that enhance the Whitefish visitor experience, and help grow sustainable tourism in the shoulder and winter seasons.

In addition, the Chamber promotes our community on a local, regional, statewide and global basis, in an effort to:

• Attract new business and investment to Whitefish;
• Create new, high-paying jobs through business relocation, new business start-ups and the expansion of existing companies;
• Promote the Whitefish area’s assets to prospective employers, investors and residents; and
• Improve our community by encouraging planned economic development, strong civic leadership, better education and increased cultural and recreational opportunities.

At its annual Retreat & Planning Conference in November, the Chamber Board restated its commitment to working collaboratively with a host of different groups and agencies who share common interests and constituents, including: the Whitefish City Council, Montana West Economic Development, Whitefish Convention & Visitors Bureau, Glacier AERO, Flathead County Economic Development Authority, Big Mountain Commercial Association, Whitefish Housing Authority, Glacier Park International Airport, six other Chambers of Commerce and the Flathead County Commission ... just to name a few.

The Chamber partners with a handful of other local and regional organizations to provide a full menu of economic development and business assistance services to local employers... and to those considering Whitefish as a home for their new—or relocating—business. Our partners include: