Veteran developer Reetz to assist Lovell Inc.

Is a formal economic development effort still viable in Lovell? That’s what longtime economic development professional Dave Reetz will find out over the next few weeks as a consultant to the Lovell Inc. economic development organization.

With longtime Lovell Inc. CEO Sue Taylor taking a job in Montana in the wake of a decision by the Big Horn County Commissioners and most county municipalities to not fund ongoing economic development efforts called for in a countywide strategic plan, Lovell Inc., which had expanded its role as Grow Big Horn County over the last two years, is facing an uncertain future even as the organization returns to its roots, focusing once again on Lovell.

[caption id="attachment_10036" align="alignright" width="190"] Dave Reetz[/caption]

Only the Town of Lovell has appropriated funding for the organization in the 2015-16 fiscal year budget, budgeting $20,226 as requested by Taylor and the board of directors, but that amount, without the county and other towns and even if allocated by the town, is not enough to sustain the organization, leaving the future of the organization in doubt.

Rep. Elaine Harvey, a member of the Lovell Inc. board, suggested that the board ask Reetz, former president of the Powell Valley Economic Development Alliance and known as the guru of small-town economic development in Wyoming, to assist Lovell Inc. with assessing the future of economic development in Lovell. After meeting with the Lovell Inc. board on July 2, Reetz agreed to help Lovell Inc. continue forward by developing a comprehensive report on the viability of economic development in Lovell.

Reetz met with the board again Monday to formalize a professional services agreement that will include the report and interim executive director duties for the organization on a part-time basis.

Over the next few weeks, Reetz plans to get out into the community to seek input about the best course of action for the future of economic development in Lovell.

“It’s time to recalibrate and reanalyze where we’ve been and where we’re going,” Reetz said. “I’m very impressed with what Lovell Inc. has done since the time I helped form it seven years ago, working with Bart (Grant) and Mayor (Bruce) Morrison.”

Reetz helped the Town of Lovell in the formation of Lovell Inc., working with Morrison and then town administrator Grant.

“I’ve been following the work of Lovell Inc. through the years, although I retired from Powell Valley Economic Development Alliance in 2008,” Reetz said, “and I had a chance to work as a colleague with Sue before retiring from the bank (First Bank of Wyoming) and going into real estate.

“I’ve been involved with marketing and selling properties in Big Horn County, so I’ve stayed active in the market and in community directions because I’ve marketed properties in all of North Big Horn County, including Lovell.”

Reetz said he will get out into the community talking to leaders, business owners, industry leaders, educators and “anyone who wants to share their opinion,” he said, working on the report through the end of September.

While working on the assessment, Reetz will also act in the capacity of executive director, backing up Taylor through the end of July before she moves to Montana full time, then working as interim director to keep the office functioning and handling any administrative duties that come up.

“I’m very positive about the future of economic growth in Lovell,” Reetz said. “I’ve watched the activities of Lovell Inc. and want to give recommendations and suggestions on how to build on the successes and initiatives Lovell Inc. has undertaken – and spur new ideas for job creation and business growth.

“I’ve had the good pleasure of working with a number of groups and organizations over the years in the Lovell area, and it won’t take me long at all to get up to speed with this project. I have a lot of background and experience to lean on to come up with a plan for the future. But I will come at it with fresh eyes.”

Reetz said he also wants to reach out to young people in the community.

“I know each generation has its own views and I want to incorporate ideas of the youth and younger adults in that vision,” he said.

Biography

Reetz served as Dean of Administrative Services at Northwest College in Powell for 10 years before moving to First National Bank and Trust (later First Bank of Wyoming) for 18 years as vice president and member of the senior management team. He retired from the bank in 2008, then served on the board of directors until July of 2014. He joined his wife, Glo, as a co-owner and sales associate of the Real Estate Connection in Powell in 2008 and remains active in the company in a management capacity.

Over the years Reetz served as president of the Powell Valley Economic Development Alliance, president of the Powell Valley Chamber of Commerce, a leader in the Powell Downtown Development Project, secretary/treasurer of the private economic development firm Powell Incorporated and founder, president and executive director of the Heart Mountain, Wyoming, Foundation. He also has served on numerous national, state and local committees and boards, earning many honors and awards along the way.

Town Council

During Tuesday night’s town council meeting, Rep. Harvey explained the current status of Lovell Inc. and said the board decided to contact Reetz, who has been in economic development for most of his working career. The message, she said, was “Help! Come and help us evaluate where we are.” She said he accepted a contract as a consultant and executive director and requested a work meeting with the council after Reetz understands the situation better to help decide how to proceed.

Harvey turned the time over to Sue Taylor, who thanked the council for their support of the organization and herself for the last seven years. With funding no longer able to support a full-time director, Taylor has taken a position with Beartooth Resource Conservation and Development – a five-county economic development district in Montana with headquarters in Joliet. She is currently working part-time for both Lovell Inc. and Beartooth during a transition period that ends on July 31.

“It’s hard to leave,” Taylor said.

Reetz spoke next, explaining his background in economic development and his enthusiasm for working with Lovell Inc.

“I’ve always enjoyed working with your community,” he said. “Economic development really has been a huge part of my life, even when I was with the college. My principle aim is job creation and business growth.

“I’m coming into this with fresh eyes. I was in on the beginning of Lovell Inc. and was on the interview committee for Sue. Elaine called me and asked for a comprehensive report on whether the organization should continue and in what form. I’m big on private/public financing. There are ways to build and leverage funds you have generously provided us.”

Reetz said he is more interested in results than activities and is used to providing accountability reports that clearly spell out how an organization is succeeding.

“I propose something like this so you can say we got a lot of bang for our buck,” he told the council, adding, “Your input is essential to where we’re going.”

He said he will work through the end of September, promising to produce a “well-thought-out plan” so the town will know “where the next steps are.” He said the comprehensive report will include strengths and weaknesses as well as threats and opportunities for economic development.

Reetz will accept very little compensation for his work, he said, acting as part-time executive director and preparing the report for a total of $1,560 or about $8 per hour.

“I really love our community – the North Big Horn Basin – and offer my assistance,” he said. “It’s a labor of love for me. Ihighly respect what you’ve already done and want to build on it.”

By David Peck