[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 24 (Monday, February 10, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S850]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    BEAR PAW DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

 Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, today I wish to honor Bear Paw 
Development Corporation of Northern Montana, which celebrates its 45th 
anniversary this month. Bear Paw Development is a proven leader in 
providing economic and community development solutions to challenges 
faced by northern Montana's small businesses and local and tribal 
governments. On behalf of all Montanans, I commend Bear Paw Development 
for its 45 years of outstanding work to build economic momentum and 
institutional support to ensure a brighter future for our State.
  Bear Paw Development Corporation, one of the oldest federally 
recognized economic development districts in the Nation, provides 
information, technical support and hands-on assistance for northern 
Montana, helping business owners and local leaders take hold of their 
potential and build on their success. The dedicated employees of Bear 
Paw Development assist our communities in every aspect of planning and 
development, from providing business loans and small business 
counseling to facilitating investment in critical infrastructure 
projects.
  As a farmer, I have a special appreciation for their work in value-
added agriculture. Bear Paw serves as one of four centers in the 
Montana Food and Agriculture Development Center Network, working with 
farmers to create greater market access so that Montana agricultural 
products can compete on a global scale.
  Working with local governments, Bear Paw coordinates millions of 
dollars of investment every year into infrastructure. Through the 
construction of drinking water systems, wastewater systems, bridges, 
and other community infrastructure projects, Bear Paw's work is vital 
to the residents, communities and businesses of northern Montana.
  Since the creation of Bear Paw Development's revolving loan fund, 
they have assisted hundreds of small businesses with their financing 
needs to either start a new business or expand an existing one. In 
total, through more than 330 individual loans, Bear Paw Development has 
disbursed $21.7 million to businesses in northern Montana, helping to 
create or retain a total of over 1,240 jobs.
  Over the next 45 years, I fully expect Bear Paw Development to 
continue its historic and significant success in the areas of business 
growth, alternative energy, workforce development, community 
improvement, and of course, agriculture. Its continued commitment to 
the economic growth and diversification of northern Montana will 
continue to be a shining example of the role economic development 
districts can play throughout our country.

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