Citing the flurry of new COVID-19 cases reported in the state of Montana in recent days, the Blackfeet Nation yesterday decided to prohibit tourists from accessing Glacier National Park's popular East Side entrances for the rest of the 2020 tourist season.

     The decision effectively closes park entrances and access points at Two Medicine, St. Mary's, Many Glacier, Cut Bank Creek and Chief Mountain, all of which are reached via roads on the Blackfeet Reservation.  Vehicular access to the park this summer will be limited to the two west Side entrances, at West Glacier and Polebridge.

     In addition, Park officials said Thursday that the Going-to-the-Sun Road won't open to private vehicles before the Independence Day Holiday, as plowing, guardrail installation and other necessary roadwork is still underway.

     CLICK HERE to read the Flathead Beacon's full report on the closure of Glacier Park's East Side for the summer tourist season. 

     After taking a three-month "COVID Holiday," FishBIZ -- the Chamber's quarterly business news magazine -- returns next month with an edition focusing on what's in store for Whitefish this summer ... and beyond!

So what's new with you?  Let us know ... we'll spread the word!

     The only thing constant is change, and the changes have certainly been constant the last three months.  So email  [email protected] and let me know what's new, fun and exciting in your world, and we'll include your Member Updates in FishBIZ.

     Display advertising in FishBIZ is a great way to get your message directly into the hands of more than 1,000 local business owners and managers, and it's affordable ... just $125 for a quarter-page ad, $200 for a half-page or $350 for a full-page, full-color ad.

     If you're interested in advertising your business, an upcoming event, a summertime sale or special "member-to-member" discount, hit me with an email or call the Chamber office at 862-3501.  But do it quick ... the ad deadline is Monday June 29!    

     Downtown workers used to doing the "Central Avenue Shuffle" to avoid getting parking tickets are gonna have to clean-up their act, as implementation of the City's new Parking Management Plan begins in less than a week.

     "Reparking" is the official name being given to the practice of moving employee cars or trucks a short distance every 2-3 hours in an effort to foil the "parking police."  That game will now be a little bit tougher to play, as vehicles re-parked in the same block (or parking lot) will now be ticketed as if they'd never moved at all.

     The City's goal is to ensure that customers of downtown businesses can find convenient parking, encourage the "turnover" of high-demand parking spaces, and discourage local workers from shuffling their vehicles.

      CLICK HERE to see the full "Downtown Parking Q&A" prepared by the City, which includes details on the "no reparking" policy and a map that identifies where your workers can park all day long without fear of getting ticketed.

     The Flathead County Agency on Aging is asking for your help in identifying the needs and concerns of our community's older population ... especially in times of public health emergencies and natural disasters.

     The quick, 12-question survey focuses on the impacts which the COVID-19 crisis has had on our older population, and letting them know about the programs/services available locally to help them through these trying times.

      CLICK HERE to take the survey today, and forward the link to your older staff members, friends and family who've been affected by the current health crisis.  Those who respond by July 10 will be entered into a drawing to win one of five $25 gift cards ... just make sure you spend it locally!