New businesses flood into city

POLSON – City Manager Mark Shrives said the Polson economy is on the verge of a boom.

The O’Reilly’s is already open west of Walmart across Highway 93.

And in the next few weeks Kalispell Regional Medical Center, Valley Glass and Walgreens will soon open nearby.

Shrives said a developer poured the footing for an eagerly awaited hotel.

He and many others believe it will be a Red Lion Hotel but Pam Scott, of the chain’s media relations department, said it’s not a done deal.

“A developer is building a hotel in Polson but he can franchise with anyone he wants to,” she said. Adding that franchising with Red Lion, “could definitely be a potential.”

She does not know the timeline for construction or franchising, yet.

Shrives was also happy to announce that Taco Bell is ready to submit plans.

“And residential building permits are up as well,” Shrives said at a recent Polson Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

He believes the new businesses will attract families who will move here for the jobs.

Chamber President Rob Turner said local businesses had a solid summer that built some momentum.

“Economically most of our businesses have experienced an uptick in the market over the past six to 12 months,” Turner said. “But the economy is cyclical and therefore is good to be cautiously optimistic.”