A disastrous fire season hit Montana's businesses hard, and students and employers alike are feeling the effects of a quiet tourist season. According to a report released last week by the Montana Department of Commerce, about 20 percent of those figures came from Missoula and Ravalli Counties. As of last week, the DOC received loss reports from 75 businesses in Missoula County, and 84 in Ravalli County. The Small Business Administration received 911 registrations for economic injury disaster loans from fire-impacted businesses as of last week.
Many experts feel that is just a drop in the proverbial bucket.
With a loss of revenue, businesses have less money to pay employees, many of whom are UM students. Goldsmith keeps an average of 17 UM students on staff, he said. Goldsmith's newest venture, the Waterfront Pasta House, was definitely hard hit by a lack of tourists as well, he said. Lacey Marks, disaster and emergency services coordinator for the Bitterroot Valley, feels that many businesses still don't know what the full impact will be. Potter said that everyone working at the Kingfisher is either currently taking classes at UM or is an alumnus.