Mineral County Chamber of Commerce relocates to River St.

The Mineral Independent

The Mineral County Chamber of Commerce held their first meeting of the year on Jan. 19 in their new location at 180 River Street, Jackie’s Flower Shop. The chamber office was relocated from its previous location at 102 River Street, because of costs. In an earlier interview, SuzAnn Galiher, the Chamber’s secretary, said it costs $800 plus utilities per month at their old location. At their new office, it will only be around $150 per month.

Another problem with the old location was that the facility wasn’t open to the public very often. With the move, Jackie Callison will be able to answer the phone, and pamphlets and other town business information, will be available to the public during shop hours.

“The Chamber is struggling to stay afloat,” said Nolan Webber, former Chamber President, last October.

With the cost savings, they will be able to funnel funds back into advertising and further help the businesses in Mineral County. The newly elected officers are President, Jackie Callison; Vice-President, Renee Muser; board members are Ann Troutman, Nolan Webber, Loie Turner, and Roni Haskins.

During their meeting, the group discussed upcoming events, including their annual golf tournament, which will be held in June, the Car Show scheduled for June 3, the Trail Rail Run on June 10, Oktoberfest on Oct. 7, and the Holiday Stroll slated for Dec. 2.

Willy Peck, with Tricon Timber, said that they are working on a project to create a multi-purpose trail system which would run the length of Mineral County. It would run from Ninemile to Lookout Pass. The trail system would include land in the Soldier Butler area near Ninemile, and Jam Cracker from Tarkio to Superior, located on the north side of the freeway. Plans are to have the trails open year-around with access for ATV’s and snowmobiles.

A few new businesses also recently joined the Chamber, including Mike Johnston with Montana River Guides located at Cyr. He was at the meeting and said he would like to see Mineral County attract more tourists and offer more recreational opportunities, like the trail system proposed by Peck.

There are around one hundred area businesses and individuals who are members of the Mineral County Chamber of Commerce, with membership costs based on the number of employees. Their website has more information at montanarockies.org. Meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m.