Copper T's Mark Huntington pays off $3000 COVID loan as Butte develops tech hub

The Economic Development Committee of Butte-Silver Bow convened on May 7, 2025, to discuss several key initiatives and updates regarding local business loans and community development efforts.

One of the primary topics was the status of COVID-related loans issued to local businesses. Mark Huntington, owner of Copper T, successfully paid off his loan, which was celebrated by committee members. However, two other borrowers, Casey McConnell of Table Mountain LLC and Michael Windham of It's Greek to Me, have not yet settled their loans, with Windham's outstanding balance noted to be around $3,000.

The committee also announced plans to hire an additional employee in the loan department to manage increasing workloads, with a job posting expected next week. This move reflects the growing demand for support in the local business community.

In terms of strategic planning, the committee reported a positive response to recent surveys, with 227 completed, surpassing their goal of 225. The feedback will be utilized to refine community development strategies, focusing on four key themes identified from the survey results.

Additionally, the committee discussed their participation in the EDA's Region 8 conference in Denver, where they learned about the continuation of their partnership planning grant, which is set to last until April of next year. This grant is crucial for funding various activities, and the committee plans to reapply for it to secure future support.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of enhancing the local business environment, particularly through the Uptown master plan and Business Improvement District initiatives. These efforts aim to attract more businesses and improve the overall appeal of the historic district.

Looking ahead, the committee is set to host a Headwaters Tech Hub event next Tuesday, featuring discussions on technology opportunities for Butte. This event aims to engage local leaders and foster connections that could benefit the community's economic landscape.

Overall, the meeting underscored the committee's commitment to supporting local businesses and enhancing economic development in Butte-Silver Bow.