FVCC shows oomph as economic force

A recently completed fiscal study on Flathead Valley Community College confirmed what many of us already suspected — the campus and its students are a major force behind Northwest Montana’s economy.

The independent study showed that the college contributed a whopping $93.6 million in added income to the region during the 2015-16 fiscal year. That accounts for about 1,800 jobs regionally.

While we’re not totally surprised by these impressive numbers, we were taken aback by the remarkable impact FVCC alumni have on the local economy. According to the report, about $65.6 million of the total added income is generated by alumni employed in the regional workforce. FVCC President Jane Karas said this can be attributed to the college’s work to partner with local businesses and industries — helping keep graduates in the area.

“So many of the people that come to the college stay here and work here and pay taxes and give back to the community,” Karas told the Inter Lake.

Karas said the purpose of the study was to simply reaffirm the college’s importance as an asset to the community — a point that needs no debate.

Thinking of the troops

For the last decade, Magazines for Troops has been on a mission to let soldiers deployed around the world know they’re not forgotten.

Through the dedication of volunteers and private donations, the locally based nonprofit has packaged and shipped boxes of magazines to troops overseas. This simple gesture has provided thousands of troops a connection to home while offering an important reminder that family and friends are thinking of them.

We applaud this effort and hope that folks across the valley can find a way to help the cause, whether through magazine donations or much-needed cash contributions.

To learn more about the project, visit online at www.magazinesfortroops.com.