Organization and Staff

The SEMDC Staff

Jim Atchison – Executive Director

Jaimi Balsam – Small Business Development Center Director

Julie E. Korkow – Grant Administrator/Planner

Mike Coryell – Loan Officer/Executive Director MCAEDC

Pam Hill – Secretary/Receptionist

Emily McKee – Planning Support

Our Organization

We are a group of concerned counties and communities in Southeastern Montana who came together to provide local financial support for economic development. The group formed the Southeastern Montana Development Corporation (SEMDC)and has been providing services since July 1997. This joint participation of counties and communities allows for synergy and prevents duplication of efforts, while providing a vehicle agency located locally to receive funding and administer services for economic development.

Current supporting members of the Southeastern Montana Development Corporation, contributing $1 per capita annually are Custer, Powder River, Rosebud, and Treasure Counties; the cities of Colstrip, Forsyth, and Miles City; and the towns of Broadus and Hysham.

Non-Profit Status

Southeastern Montana Development Corporation (SEMDC) has had a non-profit tax-exempt 501 (c) 3 status from the IRS since it merged with the Treasure Foundation in 1998. Copies of the SEMDC Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws and Revolving Loan Fund Policy/Procedures, can be supplied upon request.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of Southeastern Montana Development Corporation (SEMDC) includes a representative from each government (four Counties and five Cities/Towns), appointed by that government entity. They meet at least quarterly or as needed and have the final vote or authority directing the staff and projects. Two members represent two unincorporated communities (Ashland and the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation), appointed by the county. One member represents Treasure Development, one member represents the Miles City Area Economic Development Council (MCAEDC), one member representing Chief Dull Knife College, and the Board of Directors appoints two at-large members for a total of sixteen Directors.

The Board of Directors is comprised of nine (9) elected officials (63%), plus one elected official representing and appointed by the Northern Cheyenne Indian Tribe and five private citizens (37%). Currently, twelve (12) men (80%) and three (3) women (20%) are serving on the Board. Minority representation is currently two (2) Directors (14%) which is consistent with District percentages. Each Director is assigned one or two areas of interest to represent the district.

Board of Directors: 2010 Roster

Private Sector Representatives (At least 51%)

Any senior management official or executive holding a key decision-making position, with respect to any for-profit enterprise.

Non-Government Representatives (35-49%)

1. Private Sector Representatives: Any senior management official or executive holding a key decision-making position, with respect to any for-profit enterprise. (At least one required)

1. Stakeholder Organization Representatives: Executive directors of chambers of commerce, or representatives of institutions of post-secondary education, workforce development groups or labor groups. (At least one required)

At-Large Representatives (0-14%)

Other individuals who represent the principal economic interests of the region.

(No minimum required)