Nomination of Mr. Jim Atchison

for the

The Anthony J. Preite Champion of Economic Development Award

Community Impact – 25 points

Jim has led the charge to manage economic development efforts for the region during a “roller coaster” of economic development challenges including:

o A major oil and gas “boom and bust” from 2010-2017

o A major dislocation of more than 200 jobs with the closure of Units I and II of Colstrip electrical generating plants in January, 2020

o In 2012, near the end of June, the Ash Creek fire exploded in Rosebud and Powder River counties, leaving a moonscape of 249,562 acres – making it one of the largest fires in Montana history. It took 39 structures, including many homes on or near the Northern Cheyenne Reservation.

o In August of that year, another group of fires in the southeastern part of the state,

called the Rosebud complex, ate 171,444 acres and 10 structures.

o Floods in three of the four of SEMDC’s Counties in 2018 and 2019

o The COVID-19 Pandemic

Contribution to Organization – 25 Points

Jim’s response to these challenges was to open his “famous” economic development “tool box”

o Jim has established revolving loan funds through EDA and SSBCI and manages them for the Eastern Plains region besides that of SEMDC to help retain and create much needed jobs and to support much needed business development in Eastern Montana

o Jim led the efforts to create an economic diversification strategy for Colstrip in response to closure of Colstrip Units I and II

o Jim has spearheaded the development of countless community and economic development projects to support the four-county SEMDC region

o Under Jim’s direction, SEMDC currently maintains an active roster of 36 major projects

to address disasters, dislocations and other economic development challenges - half of them funded within the past twelve months for a total of more than 16 million dollars in the past 18 months

o Jim led the efforts of the region to garner over $3.7 million of the funding through the recent Commerce DLA Program to benefit the region’s cities, counties, and school districts in the SEMDC region as they respond to downturns in the oil and gas, coal, and timber industries in the region

o Collaborates with virtually every possible state, federal, and regional resource providers and programs including, EDA, SBA, Montana Department of Commerce, USDA/Rural Development, SBDC, the Eastern Montana Economic Development Coalition, among many others

o In response to the “negative press” associated with Colstrip, Jim is leading a regional marketing program to offer a more accurate picture of the this beautiful and dynamic region in Southeastern Montana

o His support of the successful and unique annual Energy Open which serves as a “trifecta” of facilitating business networking, showcasing the region’s energy industry, and raising money for the SEMDC programs

o With a staff of only 4 FTEs, including himself, Jim and his “bare bones” staff, is currently managing 36 major projects and initiatives which includes 53 actual and potential funding sources

Service to MEDA – 25 points

o Jim is well known in the halls of the Montana State Capitol as he has faithfully made the 350-mile one-way trip to Helena in support of Montana’s economic development programs a countless number of times each year. His effective support for these Programs include his now famous and effective “tool kit” presentations to legislative committees. These trips have been taken in the worst of weather conditions that Montana can “dish out”

o His demonstration of effective local economic development has led his area legislative delegation to wholeheartedly and consistently support Montana’s economic development programs

o Jim always demonstrates impeccable professional and personal integrity thereby reflecting his positive image on the economic development profession within Montana

o Jim has been a positive force and a strong “team player” in Eastern Montana

o He maintains an unwavering support for economic development and his fellow professionals engaged in the profession

o He has Served as a board member of MEDA for over 19 years

o Has served on the Montana Economic Development Advisory Council for a number of years

Demonstration of Achievements – 25 points

Nomination letters of endorsement are encouraged to provide specific details and

examples of the impact of the individual nominated. Support materials are also

welcome to accompany the nomination.

1. Herb Kulow, previously with Montana Board of Investments

2. Jason Rittal, MACO

3. Martin DeWitt, SBA

4. Doug Martens, Rosebud County Commissioner

5. Cover Letter – John Williams, Mayor, City of Colstrip

jkorkowTypewritten Text

MACo

Montana Association of Counties S e r v i n g M o n t a n a C o u n t i e s S i n c e 1 9 0 9

2715 SKYWAY DRIVE, SUITE A, HELENA, MT 59602 (406) 449-4360 Fax (406) 442-5238

www.mtcounties.org

August 11, 2020

Montana Economic Developers Association

118 E. Seventh Street, Suite 3F

Anaconda, MT 59711

MEDA Awards Committee and Board of Directors:

It with great pleasure that I write to personally recommend that Jim Atchison of Southeastern Montana

Development Corporation be strongly considered for the Anthony J. Priete Award. I can think of no other

economic development professional that acts with more dedication, passion, and cooperation in the economic

development world than Jim.

As the former Executive Director of the Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation I had the pleasure

of working with Mr. Atchison directly. His efforts in forming the Eastern Montana Impact Coalition with his

neighbors was instrumental as the region experienced significant growth due to natural resource development.

The effort resulted in tangible resources for the region, but most significantly solidified cooperative

relationships amongst the regions.

In addition, Mr. Atchison, recognizing the limitations of capacity in the Eastern Plains region, was willing to

extend his team’s abilities and provide Revolving Loan Fund management services, strengthening both the

Eastern Plains region and SE Montana as a whole. That agreement was further leveraged when, through Jim’s

leadership, SEMDC’s USDA loan funds were also extended to be available in the Eastern Plains region, again a

selfless move for the good of a greater region. The same can be said when he housed the SBDC and when

additional RLF funds were made available by Congress and the state elected to be selective in who could be an

eligible applicant. SEMDC was eligible, EPEDC was not, but Jim was more than willing to help, and, in fact, a

significant loan was made through SEMDC in the EPEDC region.

There are numerous other stories related to advocacy for economic development programs at the state and

federal level, his advocacy for his region and its communities, or his willingness to lend a hand or advice to

fellow economic developers, but I know you all know and I also know that you have all been touched by Jim

and his selflessness in the economic development world.

Please support the nomination of Jim Atchison for the Anthony J. Priete award. He certainly has earned it.

Respectfully,

Jason Rittal

Deputy Director

Herb Kulow 1413 Cole Avenue Helena, Montana 59601 406-495-8456 herbkulow@gmail.com

The Montana Economic Developers Association 118 E. Seventh Street, Suite 3F Anaconda, Montana 59711 Attention: Gloria O’Rourke, Coordinator Subject: Nomination of Mr. Jim Atchison for the Anthony J. Preite Champion of Economic

Development Award Dear Gloria, I met Jim Atchison about 20 years ago after joining the Montana Board of Investments. He is a likeable guy yet very professional. His control of financial matters has been proven by his ability to endure and lead his community thru continued economic stress. He is creative in finding sources of funding for his economic area, through grants, loans, and community participation. More importantly, he has used these funds to create, save and help his economic community’s businesses. I have specifically seen Jim use the Board of Investments’ Intermediary Relending Loan Program (IRP) and leverage that money to acquire federal matching funds three times the amount he received from the Board of Investments. That is creative. Additionally, Jim helped the State of Montana lead the nation in the distribution and funding of State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) loans to help small businesses throughout his market area in Montana. Jim leveraged over three quarters of a million dollars to create over 25 new jobs with loans to a grocery store on the reservation, an assisted living facility, a unique equine facility and helped existing businesses expand and new business start-ups. His creativity and resourcefulness are only a couple of his leadership skills. If I would have had an opportunity to offer Jim a job working with me at the Montana Board of Investments, In-State Loan Program, I would not have hesitated to add such a talent to the Board of Investment’s staff. I recommend Mr. Jim Atchison as the recipient of the Anthony J. Preite Champion of Economic Development Award. Respectfully, Herbert J. C. Kulow, Retired Senior Portfolio Manager In-State Loan Program Montana Board of Investments

Letter of Support for Jim Atchison

MEDA selection committee:

It is my pleasure to support Jim Atchison for the Anthony J. Preite Champion of Economic Development

Award as he has been a trusted colleague for almost 15 years. I have had the opportunity to work with

Jim on several different projects over the years and in a variety of capacities.

The first time that I met Jim he was going around the state talking to different economic developers to

determine best practices in the industry around the state. His purpose on that mission was to do what

is at the core of Jim, and that is to make sure that he is bringing the best opportunities for the people

within his region. He also does this for the overlying prospect to bring economic activity to the state of

Montana.

Working with Jim on a project was through regional collaboration with the Eastern Montana Brownfields

Coalition (EMBC). As Jim might tell you, “there is no coalition without coal!” This effort of the EMBC

brought together 15 counties having access to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funds that would

help identify, assess and redevelop contaminated sites in the area. This created the opportunity to

partner with state agencies, local officials and state representatives to work towards statewide

collaboration to further leverage local programs. Again, increasing the potential for economic activity in

the state of Montana.

One of the loftiest projects that I got to see Jim in action on was the Eastern Montana Impact Coalition.

This brought together 16 counties to address the impacts of energy development in eastern Montana

and managed to leverage Economic Development Administration funds with the largest Big Sky Trust

Fund planning grant in the state at the time. The intent was to identify needs, prioritize projects and

secure funds for development to accommodate the energy industry in Montana. This could increase tax

revenue create jobs and business opportunities throughout the state.

Through all the collaborative efforts involving Jim, he has continually been a resource for his fellow

economic developers. He has proven this through his service as a MEDA board member, presenting at

conferences and working with legislators to further the economic agenda of the organization. Not to

mention he did host the best hat wearing MEDA conference in the state and there has been no other

dog and pony show like it since!

Over the last few years the economic environment has continually changed in the communities that Jim

serves. Jim has worked to secure loan funds, planning dollars and industry professionals to better the

communities. Most recently, during the pandemic, he has made sure that he has the most current and

accurate information to assist his communities with relief funding.

Jim fully deserves the recognition in Montana for carrying and sharing all those tools in his “toolbox”

and helping Montana prosper. His efforts assist industries that generate millions of dollars for Montana

which create access to funding sources for libraries, schools and business across the state.

Sincerely,

Martin DeWitt

Atchison - A. J. Preite AwardJim Atchison MEDA Award