Latest news with #DougRussell
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kalispell Council begins search for new city manager
Jul. 7—Kalispell City Council is expected to start the process of replacing outgoing City Manager Doug Russell on Monday. Russell was named city manager of Lakewood, Washington last month. He is expected to step into his new job on Aug. 25. A subcommittee of four members of Council will be formed to facilitate the search for a new city manager, an effort that could include hiring a recruitment firm. Council meets July 7 at 7 p.m. in City Hall, 201 First Ave. E. COUNCIL WILL vote on approving an accessory casino at a forthcoming downtown steakhouse. Truyen Tran, on behalf of 214 Main Kalispell LLC, is seeking a conditional use permit to open a casino inside the future 214 S. Main St. restaurant. Known as the Mountain Prime Steakhouse, the restaurant is expected to take up about 11,000 square feet while the casino — separated with walls — will come in at 960 square feet. The property is located within the central business zoning district which allows restaurants and bars but requires a city-issued permit to run a casino. No exterior changes to the building are expected to be made. Tran is also the owner of Blue Samurai Sushi Bar and Grill downtown and several other ventures in and around Kalispell. The Kalispell Planning Commission gave the green light to the proposal following a public hearing in June, but some board members expressed reservations about placing a casino on Main Street. The Corwin Motors dealership is also seeking Council approval to expand in North Kalispell. The Corwin Brothers Properties, LLC is asking for business zoning and annexation of 7 acres of land running up along the Stillwater River. The project would include construction of a car reconditioning shop. The proposal earned the Planning Commission's support last month. COUNCIL WILL consider revising police and fire impact fees after a new report recommended raising them to fund capital improvement projects. The body held a work session in May and a public hearing in June regarding the fees. Councilors were divided over raising them so public safety departments could meet the level of service required versus keeping costs low with the goal of attracting more development. Impact fees are one-time charges on new developments to compensate for the burden added to public infrastructure and services. The fees shift some of the cost onto new customers, saving preexisting users from bearing the brunt of development. Council is expected to decide whether to approve a new collective bargaining agreement with the International Association of Firefighters Local 547 after the most recent agreement expired in June. The association represents all 32 firefighters for the city, according to the union's website. The agreement will run through June 30, 2028 and establish a first-year base wage based on a market analysis, with a 4% adjustment for fiscal years 2027 and 2028, according to a memo from Russell. It would also allocate training funds for paramedic certifications. COUNCIL IS expected to vote on reimbursing expenditures for upgrades to the city wastewater treatment plant from State Revolving Fund bonds. The city has completed preliminary designs for the upgrades and is looking to hire a construction contractor, according to a city memo. Reporter Jack Underhill may be reached at 758-4407 or junderhill@
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
MassMutual Ventures and Crane Venture Partners announce expanded partnership
A bold step forward: Crane to oversee $450 million in Europe and Asia-Pacific funds, strengthening global support for early-stage founders BOSTON, LONDON and SINGAPORE, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MassMutual Ventures (MMV) and Crane Venture Partners announced today that they have entered into an agreement for Crane to administer MMV's Europe and Asia-Pacific (APAC) funds, totaling $450 million and including 40 portfolio companies. MassMutual Ventures has been a minority investor in Crane since 2018 as well as an anchor investor in all Crane funds. 'This agreement marks the next evolution in MassMutual Ventures' longstanding relationship with the Crane team that was established seven years ago,' said Doug Russell, Managing Director and Head of MassMutual Ventures. 'Crane's unwavering focus on founders and vast network and expertise will be invaluable for both current and future portfolio companies in Europe and APAC. We look forward to continuing to work with Crane in this new capacity, leveraging the strengths and capabilities of both of our organizations.' MMV will continue to manage its existing portfolio of over 60 companies based in North America and Israel and invest in new companies through its Boston-based MMV US and MMV Climate Tech Fund teams. 'We've always believed that early conviction and long-term commitment are the keys to venture success. This expanded partnership is a massive vote of confidence in our approach—and in the founders we have and will continue to back,' said Krishna Visvanathan, Co-founder and Partner at Crane. 'We're proud to take the next step with MassMutual Ventures and build an even stronger bridge for global ambition across Europe and Asia-Pacific.' As part of the transaction, which is expected to close later this year pending satisfactory completion of customary conditions, Crane Venture Partners will oversee all existing Europe and APAC investments as well as manage all new Europe and APAC investments, with MMV continuing to hold positions in all existing portfolio companies. About MassMutual VenturesMassMutual Ventures (MMV) is a multistage venture capital firm investing globally in financial technology, enterprise SaaS, healthtech, climate technology and cybersecurity companies. We help accelerate the growth of the companies we partner with by providing capital, connections and advice. With our deep expertise and extensive network, MMV helps entrepreneurs build compelling and scalable companies of value. For more information, visit About Crane Venture Partners Crane makes high-conviction investments in foundational technologies at the earliest stages, backing ambitious founders from inception through seed. Our commitment extends beyond initial funding—we remain deeply involved as trusted partners, offering hands-on support through critical company-building moments and helping founders refine go-to-market strategies and scale globally. Since 2015, we've backed category-defining companies across post-quantum security, robotics, infrastructure software, developer tools, and AI systems. With a global perspective spanning the UK, Europe, the US, Israel and Asia-Pacific, we help exceptional founders build companies that redefine what's possible. First to believe. Last to leave. For more, visit CONTACT: Media Contacts: MassMutual Ventures: Chelsea Haraty chelseaharaty@ Crane Venture Partners: David Oro david@
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
MassMutual Ventures and Crane Venture Partners announce expanded partnership
A bold step forward: Crane to oversee $450 million in Europe and Asia-Pacific funds, strengthening global support for early-stage founders BOSTON, LONDON and SINGAPORE, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MassMutual Ventures (MMV) and Crane Venture Partners announced today that they have entered into an agreement for Crane to administer MMV's Europe and Asia-Pacific (APAC) funds, totaling $450 million and including 40 portfolio companies. MassMutual Ventures has been a minority investor in Crane since 2018 as well as an anchor investor in all Crane funds. 'This agreement marks the next evolution in MassMutual Ventures' longstanding relationship with the Crane team that was established seven years ago,' said Doug Russell, Managing Director and Head of MassMutual Ventures. 'Crane's unwavering focus on founders and vast network and expertise will be invaluable for both current and future portfolio companies in Europe and APAC. We look forward to continuing to work with Crane in this new capacity, leveraging the strengths and capabilities of both of our organizations.' MMV will continue to manage its existing portfolio of over 60 companies based in North America and Israel and invest in new companies through its Boston-based MMV US and MMV Climate Tech Fund teams. 'We've always believed that early conviction and long-term commitment are the keys to venture success. This expanded partnership is a massive vote of confidence in our approach—and in the founders we have and will continue to back,' said Krishna Visvanathan, Co-founder and Partner at Crane. 'We're proud to take the next step with MassMutual Ventures and build an even stronger bridge for global ambition across Europe and Asia-Pacific.' As part of the transaction, which is expected to close later this year pending satisfactory completion of customary conditions, Crane Venture Partners will oversee all existing Europe and APAC investments as well as manage all new Europe and APAC investments, with MMV continuing to hold positions in all existing portfolio companies. About MassMutual VenturesMassMutual Ventures (MMV) is a multistage venture capital firm investing globally in financial technology, enterprise SaaS, healthtech, climate technology and cybersecurity companies. We help accelerate the growth of the companies we partner with by providing capital, connections and advice. With our deep expertise and extensive network, MMV helps entrepreneurs build compelling and scalable companies of value. For more information, visit About Crane Venture Partners Crane makes high-conviction investments in foundational technologies at the earliest stages, backing ambitious founders from inception through seed. Our commitment extends beyond initial funding—we remain deeply involved as trusted partners, offering hands-on support through critical company-building moments and helping founders refine go-to-market strategies and scale globally. Since 2015, we've backed category-defining companies across post-quantum security, robotics, infrastructure software, developer tools, and AI systems. With a global perspective spanning the UK, Europe, the US, Israel and Asia-Pacific, we help exceptional founders build companies that redefine what's possible. First to believe. Last to leave. For more, visit CONTACT: Media Contacts: MassMutual Ventures: Chelsea Haraty chelseaharaty@ Crane Venture Partners: David Oro david@ in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Kalispell City Council mulls hazard mitigation plan during work session
Jun. 9—Kalispell City Council on Monday will discuss adopting a state-approved hazard mitigation plan after previously postponing the vote to give Councilors time to read the 500-page document. Council convenes on June 9 at 7 p.m. in City Hall, 201 First Ave. E. The 2024 Western Montana Region Hazard Mitigation Plan is meant to serve as a policy and program blueprint and "identify and reduce long-term risks from disasters or natural events" across Montana, according to city officials. Development of the Flathead County portion of the plan began in 2022 and was approved by the state and Federal Emergency Management Agency earlier this year. When it last came before the Council in April, Councilor Sid Daoud successfully lobbied his colleagues to delay voting on the plan. He said then that he was uncomfortable voting on it without having read the document in its entirety. Flathead County, Columbia Falls and Whitefish have already adopted the plan, which opens up grant opportunities for hazard mitigation projects in 2025. City Manager Doug Russell told Council in April that the city currently has no hazard mitigation projects on the docket. Reporter Jack Underhill may be reached at 758-4407 or junderhill@
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
U.S. Census: Gallatin, Flathead County add most residents in Montana
The Flathead County Courthouse in Kalispell, pictured on Dec. 31, 2024. (Micah Drew, Daily Montanan) Gallatin and Flathead were the fastest growing counties in Montana between 2023 and 2024, while the city of Kalispell has grown nearly 25% since 2020, adding more residents than any Montana city, according to the latest population growth data from the U.S. Census The federal government last week released the latest population counts for the nation's more than 3,000 counties, as well as all incorporated cities and towns. In Montana, 32 of the state's 56 counties saw a population increase, concentrated in the state's western counties, while the mostly eastern counties that saw population declines did so by just over a thousand cumulative residents. As a whole, Montana added 5,931 new residents between July 1, 2023 and July 1, 2024, for a total state population of 1,137,233. The state's growth rate of .52% was slower than the national growth rate of 1%, partly due to a last-in-the-nation level of international migration, and far lower than in recent years. Between 2020 and 2021, Montana added a whopping 19,000 new residents. The United States has added 3,304,757 people between 2023 and 2024. In the last release of census data, Gallatin and Flathead counties added 1,055 and 1,032 new residents, respectively, the first time since the population boom began in 2020 Flathead County hasn't led in raw numbers. But the northwest county had a higher rate of change at .91% compared to Gallatin's .84%. Broadwater County had the highest percentage population increase in the last year, 2.96%, and over the last four years, with 22.2%, but the county's 8,302 residents makes it just the 27th most inhabited in Montana. Since 2020, however, Flathead County has led the state in sheer number of additional residents, adding more than 10,100 to Gallatin's just over 8,000 and Yellowstone County's 6,800. Meanwhile, Kalispell, the county seat of the Flathead, added 1,125 new residents between 2023 and 2024 for a population of 31,296, a nearly 4% increase stemming from the city's annexation of new developments and migration into the area. Bozeman added the second most residents, 788, followed by Billings (686), Missoula (557) and Helena (360). Of the state's most populous cities, Great Falls, Havre and Sidney all lost residents. Kalispell's growth is even more drastic over the last four years. Between 2020 and 2024, the city added 6,218 new residents, a 24.8% increase that ranked the city 39th in the nation for growth among cities with more than 20,000 residents. Helena, which grew by 8.2%, and Bozeman, which grew by 8.1%, ranked in the 260s. Kalispell City Manager Doug Russell said seeing the actual numbers isn't a big surprise for the people who have been working to accommodate the rising population. 'We've experienced that large growth in person over the years,' Russel said. Russell said that planning for increased growth is key to keeping city services and infrastructure at a level to handle the demands of a rapidly growing population. 'Our public works department has done a really great job updating facilities plans on a routine basis and updating growth models to to anticipate where we'll need to prioritize infrastructure projects,' Russel said. Among the major infrastructure projects Kalispell has prioritized in recent years are construction of a new water tower to bolster the municipal water storage and working with the state transportation department to address potential bottlenecks along major transit corridors, such as W. Reserve Drive, along the city's north end. Russell said the city is currently updating its land use policy, which will allow city officials to prepare for the next round of anticipated growth. If Kalispell's growth trend continues, it could soon overtake Helena and Butte-Silver Bow in size. Just north of Kalispell, Whitefish has also grown by nearly 20% since 2020, adding 1,481 residents, while nearby Polson and Columbia Falls have grown 9.6% and 7.4%. Belgrade, a suburb of Bozeman, one of the state's least affordable cities, is the only other large city in Montana to exceed 20% growth, adding 2,265 residents since 2020. On the other end of the spectrum, Montana's smallest incorporated town, Ismay, has stayed exactly the same, with 21 residents since 2020, according to Census data. A call placed to the only publicly listed phone number in Ismay, the Ismay Community Church, did not get a response on Tuesday to verify the town's 21 residents. Two other incorporated towns in Montana showed flat growth rates since 2020, both on the Hi-Line in Phillips County — Dodson, which increased from 126 residents to 127 in 2023, but then returned to 126 in 2024, and Malta, which has fluctuated around 1,853 residents for several years. Nationally, of the 10 fastest growing cities in the country, six are in Texas, and one each is in Florida, Utah, South Carolina and North Carolina. Forney, Texas, added 15,079 residents between 2020 and 2024, a 62.2% increase. The nation's fastest shrinking city was Big Spring, Texas, which lost 14% of its population. The U.S. Census Bureau data breaks out changes to county population by natural change — the difference due to birth rates and death rates — and net migration into and out of a county. While Flathead and Gallatin counties each grew by roughly the same 1,000 residents between 2023 and 2024, they did so in vastly different ways. A quarter of Gallatin County's increase was due to a younger population. The county's birth rate was 1,141 people while only 686 individuals died during the year of record. Meanwhile Flathead, Missoula, and Yellowstone counties had almost equal numbers of births and deaths in their communities, trends that extend back to 2020. Flathead County's primary source of growth is new residents moving to the county. Ninety-nine percent of new residents between 2020 and 2024 relocated to the area, while just three-quarters of new Gallatin County residents did. Both on the eastern side of the state, Montana's two least populous counties, Treasure and Petroleum, with 739 and 535 residents respectively, saw the largest population percentage decline in residents. Petroleum lost 18 residents in 2024, six from a higher death rate than birth rate, and 12 who moved out of the county. Treasure County dropped by 28 residents, gaining two from natural change, but losing 30 to relocation. The state's largest county, Yellowstone, with 171,583 residents, is more populous than the state's 36 least inhabited combined.
