Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | |
| Eye on the Vote: Montana Chamber Releases 2026 Voter Guide | | |
The Montana Chamber of Commerce has released our Eye on the Vote, a voter guide to help Montana voters make informed decisions in the 2026 election. The guide features responses from candidates running for Congress as well as information on initiatives CI-133 and I-194, and the Montana Chamber’s endorsement of Dan Wilson for Montana Supreme Court.
Explore the guide to learn where candidates stand on issues affecting Montana’s business climate, economic growth, and the future of our state. In addition to our guide, the Montana Secretary of State has prepared a voter guide available here.
Read the 2026 Eye on the Vote at the link below.
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| | Big Sky, Bright Future Summit Kicks Off Today | | | | |
The Big Sky, Bright Future Economic Summit starts this evening with our welcome reception in Bozeman.
Tomorrow is filled with speakers and panels tackling technology, artificial intelligence, defense, innovation, photonics, and more. Take a look at the the full agenda here.
| | I-194 and the Voices of Business in Montana | | |
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recently filed a lawsuit challenging a Hawaii law that broadly restricts businesses, nonprofits and trade associations from speaking about elections and ballot initiatives. The case raises concerns that are central to Montana’s debate over I-194: whether government can broadly restrict organizations from participating in public discussions about issues that affect their members, employees and communities. Read the U.S. Chamber’s announcement.
The Montana Chamber of Commerce, alongside the Kalispell and Billings Chambers of Commerce, opposes I-194 because we believe it goes far beyond addressing undisclosed political spending. As written, the initiative would restrict LLCs and other organizations—including family-owned businesses, farms, churches and nonprofits—from spending money or providing anything of value to influence candidate elections and ballot measures. It could also interfere with the candidate forums, questionnaires and member communications that help Montanans make informed decisions.
We understand the frustration with dark money in politics, and we share the goal of greater accountability. Our disagreement is with the approach. I-194 could silence Montana businesses while leaving wealthy individuals, including those from outside the state, free to spend without comparable restrictions. Questions have also been raised about the initiative campaign’s own funding structure; Montana Free Press reported that much of its early funding came through a nonprofit that was not required to disclose its donors.
Businesses should be able to participate openly in the decisions that shape their future. The Montana Chamber has pursued legal avenues to challenge I-194, and the decision now rests with voters. We encourage members to read the initiative, understand its potential implications and join us in voting NO on I-194. If I-194 passes, today’s newsletter would be illegal and subject the Montana Chamber of Commerce to the penalty of losing its nonprofit charter and facing forced dissolution.
Questions? Contact Montana Chamber General Counsel Charles Robison at charles@montanachamber.com.
Paid for by Montanans for Free Speech, PO Box 5315, Helena, MT 59604, Katie Wenetta Treasurer.
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| Montana Chamber Foundation News | | Cultivating Careers Comes to Missoula on October 28 | |
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The MT Chamber Foundation, along with Missoula County Public Schools, is bringing Cultivating Careers to the Fairgrounds in Missoula on October 28th. We cannot wait to see 30+ business and community partners connecting with the over 500 Missoula County Public Schools 8th grade students and to feel the energy and excitement as the students discover and explore future careers. These businesses create meaningful work-based learning experiences to help students develop the workforce readiness skills for the future.
These community-driven events highlight the power of businesses and schools supporting Career Technical Education (CTE). If you would like to participate, please complete the registration here or contact Workforce Strategist, Michele Holmes, at Michele@montanachamber.com for more information.
| | Follow the Montana Chamber Foundation on Social Media! | |
| Gov. Gianforte Strengthens Montana-Boeing Partnership in India | | |
BENGALURU, India – Continuing his trade mission to India, Governor Greg Gianforte today visited the Boeing India Engineering and Technology Center (BIETC) to strengthen Boeing’s long-standing relationship with Montana and promote opportunities for further aerospace investment, manufacturing, and supply-chain growth in the Treasure State.
“Boeing’s footprint in Montana is proof that world-class aerospace manufacturing can thrive under the Big Sky,” Gov. Gianforte said. “As Boeing looks to the future, we want more of its parts made in Montana, more Montana businesses to support a reliable supply chain, and more Montanans building the aircraft of tomorrow.”
Read the full press release here.
| | Planning Ahead: Small Business Tax Benefits Available | | |
The U.S. Small Business Administration recently shared ways small business owners can take advantage of different permanent benefits available in the Working Families Tax Cuts, including:
- Permanent 20% Tax Deduction for Qualified Business Income
- Immediate Write-Offs for Domestic R&E Expenses
- Write-Offs for Certain Depreciable Business Property and Equipment
- Employer-Provided Child Care Credit
- Expansion of Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) Gain Exclusion
Check out details in the one-pager linked below or at irs.gov.
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Don't delay - registration is open and filling quickly for 2027 Business Days at the Capitol!
Join us in Helena on Wednesday, January 6 though Thursday, January 7 for for insight into legislative priorities from the Governor’s Office, legislative leadership and the Montana Chamber.
| | Miles Community College to Host Workforce & Industry Partnership Summit Oct. 19 | | MSU Centers, Institutes, and Core Facilities Day - Mon. November 9 | | |
Montana State University Research and Economic Development will be hosting it’s first combined Centers, Institutes, and Core Facilities day on Monday, November 9, 2026. MSU invites you and your colleagues to attend.
This event is designed to showcase what Montana State University has to offer in terms of research resources and expertise. They're bringing together some of MSU's centers, institutes, and core facilities to highlight the technologies, equipment, and knowledge available across campus. As external partners curious about what MSU can offer to industry, this event is a great opportunity to connect with the people and resources driving research forward.
The morning's featured presenters will be Dr. Jayne Downey with Center for Research for Rural Education and Dr. Katey Franklin with Center for Mental Health Research & Recovery.
The afternoon will include three tracks in concurrent sessions that include, Montana Area Health Education Center (AHEC), Extreme Biology Institute, Incubator/Prototyping Lab, Social Data Collection & Analysis Services and more.
You're invited to please come and discover how these resources can support Montana's economic vitality whether through specialized equipment, expert consulting, or new partnership opportunities. Stop by, ask questions, and explore everything MSU is doing in research.
Please share this opportunity with others who may be interested. We hope to see you at Centers, Institutes, and Core Facilities day.
| | Do you have news to share about your business or organization? Let us know - we'd love to share it! Send your press releases or articles to Sheridan Hoyer at sheridan@montanachamber.com. | | |
The Montana Chamber welcomes Quality Construction as our newest Visionary level member!
Founded in 1967 by Bill Mytty, Quality Construction Company began our decades-long journey in the construction industry by building residential homes in Western Montana. Thereafter we expanded into commercial and industrial construction, and have built hundreds of successful projects since.
As an established company with the experience and expertise to handle projects that range from $50,000 to $35 million, Quality Construction enjoys a reputation that few companies can — we get the job done right … right from the start.
Learn more at qualityconstruction.com.
| | Are you interested in joining the Montana Chamber of Commerce? Fill out the form below and we'll be in touch! | | This Business Brief is Sponsored by Treasure State Member | | To learn more about Treasure State Membership benefits for your business, contact Matt Olson, Chief Strategy Officer, at Matthew@montanachamber.com | 406.360.6443 | | Follow us on Social Media | | | | | |
