Credit Crunch Trickles Down Locally

“The credit crunch isn't squeezing central Montana tightly, locals say, but it can still be felt. Loans are available for vehicles, homes and small businesses, but impacts of credit voids elsewhere will have an impact. ‘Montana's economy is somewhat sheltered from the rest of the nation's, but we don't have our heads in the sand,’ said Randy Williams, president of the Great Falls market for Stockman Bank. "There will be trickle down." Kyle Eckmann is preparing to open his second Snap Fitness franchise in Great Falls in a couple of months. He owns several of the 24-hour fitness centers, along with Great Clips franchises, in central Montana, opening the first eight years ago. ‘I haven't noticed anything different for us getting financing now,’ said Eckmann, who uses a Montana-based bank. ‘But we've been fortunate enough to have been successful and have a solid track record. I think a start-up business would have a tougher time obtaining financing right now.’”

http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081001/NEWS01/810010302