Pippin Resigns Directorship of Two Rivers Economic Growth

Former county commissioner Dave Pippin has resigned his position as executive director for Two Rivers Economic Growth after approximately one month in the position.

The outgoing director cites adjusted priorities and a desire to be useful to the citizens of Valley County in other ways, particularly in rural areas and elsewhere throughout Valley County and outlying areas.

“I like what Two Rivers is doing,” Pippin told the Courier, “but I

just want to be more involved in the well-being of our rural areas.”

Pippin describes much of the work he’s undertaken during his short time with the organization as clerical, and emphasizes his potential utility to area residents as an active figure in the community at large.

“When we lose our rural and outlying communities,” Pippin explains, “we’re in trouble. We need to look at what it’s going to take to keep schools going in Opheim and Nashua, for instance.”

With the potential for upcoming bison release in the area, Pippin cautions the community to keep an eye on agricultural production, as it provides a considerable financial base for schools and other critical programs and services. “We have a tremendous ag community here, and we need people to defend it. If we were to lose our cattle producers, I don’t know who is going to step up and fill the role they play in funding services for our communities.”

Two Rivers President Chris Helland is positive about looking forward. “We have two qualified applicants and we're pretty optimistic about both of them. We’re sad to see Dave leave, but we know he’s planning to promote economic development on his own. We absolutely plan to work together and help him in any way we can.”

Pressed about the work he accomplished during his time with Two Rivers, Pippin lists relaunching the organization's website, addressing clerical concerns, and liasing with Gregg Gianforte, who came to the Cottonwood on June 11 with the “Bring Our Families Back” tour (see COUNTY MATTERS, Page 2A).

Pippin qualifies his departure simply as a desire to make better use of his time with an increased potential for productivity and flexibility.

“I fully expect to use Two Rivers with my own projects and bring them regular reports whenever I come across things that could be useful to them.”