Under new leadership for part of 2023, the Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation continues to show itself successful in its efforts to work with businesses and government entities to secure funding for projects in five counties across eastern Montana.

EPEDC Executive Director Terra Burman provided a presentation to the organization’s Board of Directors during its annual meeting at Yellowstone River Inn in Glendive at the end of January.

Burman made it a point to introduce herself alongside Teresea Olson, a community development specialist for the EPEDC, as they are both relatively new to their positions; less than one year.

Former executive director Beth Epley resigned from her position in June, leaving it to Burman who worked under her for about six months.

Olson joined the organization in December, succeeding Lizzy Robinson of Terry. There remains two open positions within the EPEDC, including a second community development specialist and the food and agriculture development specialist.

“Teresea brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit and healthcare with her in her new role, so I think that she has such a commitment to our communities and I know that she’ll align seemlessly with (EPEDC),” Burman said.

The EPEDC was renewed as a Certified Regional Development Corporation through the Montana Department of Commerce for the next four years, a feat that furthers its mission to support businesses in the region and help them grow.

“It definitely underscores our commitment and recognition to keep delivering on our promises of economic development in our area,” Burman said.

Throughout 2023, the EPEDC had a hand in administering $1,289,000 in grant funding to businesses, government entities and individuals and worked with a total of 36 clients by the end of the year.

Some of the grants secured include three Value Added Producer Grants totaling $549,999. The VAPG grants cover expenses such as shipping, freezer space rental and more, “things that really eat up the budgets of someone who is trying to start a small business,” according to Burman.

“That total … was put back into our communities,” she said. “They worked really hard to get those grants and it’s not a small feat to be able to do that.”

The EPEDC also hosted various trainings and presentations in conjunction with the Food and Agriculture Development Center through the Great Northern Development Corporation, Small Business Development Center and childcare experts from across Montana, to name a few.

“We’ll continue those partnerships so that we can continue to see what we can do for our communities,” Burman said.

As Burman and Olson look ahead to 2024, they are excited to continue working on projects with area businesses and organizations, including Prairie County and its efforts to restore the Milwaukee Bridge; a strategic trail plan for the City of Glendive and the Badlands to Badlands Trail, to name a few.

“There were a lot of lessons learned in 2023 in terms of just navigating the systems, understanding what grants can be used for what, how to leverage dollars and I think that we’ll continue to grow in that way and work on our partnerships with everyone,” Burman said.