Tobacco Valley Improvement Association

Eureka, Mont., civic organization.

The Tobacco Valley Improvement Association (TVIA) was begun by high school principal Norman Korn on 1 Nov. 1945. The purpose of the organization was to discuss and, if necessary, to take action to improve the area. Early issues of the group included health insurance coverage, road conditions, economic improvements, and the creation of a hospital. The TVIA formed a number of committees over the years to work on specific projects. Among these were the Committee to Study the Effect of the [Libby] Dam; the Eureka Hospital Committee to oversee management of the local nursing home; and the Koocanusa Highway Association to promote the renaming of primary state highways 40, 93, and 37 to the Koocanusa Highway. In addition, six subject-related boards were established in 1970: Board of Commerce (also called the Board of Trade), Board of Transportation, Board of Historical Research and Preservation (now called the Board of History), the Board of Activities (now the Board of Arts), Board of Economics (now the Board of Economic Development), Board of Health, and the Board of Agriculture. These boards operate independently with elected chairs and committee members. The boards are required to make annual reports to the TVIA board of directors.

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