Montana SBDC Network Update
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The Montana SBDC Network has some new faces! Your Regional offices have new Regional Directors who were brought on to help serve Montana's Small Businesses and to help grow each region. Of Montana's 10 Regions, 3 Regions have seen new Directors and one Region welcomes a new Business Advisor. The Lead Center also saw a change to their Public Relations Specialist position.
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Tracy Baker- Miles City
Regional Director
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Tracy Baker joined the Montana SBDC, hosted out of the Miles Community College (MCC), as the Regional Director for the Miles City area in September 2018. Prior to joining the Montana SBDC Tracy worked as the Executive Director for the Miles City Area Economic Development Council and a Loan Officer for South Eastern Montana Economic Development Corporation. In cooperation with Miles Community College, Tracy doubles as the Workforce Development and Community Outreach Coordinator for MCC.
As the Small Business Development Center Regional Director in Miles City, Tracy assists entrepreneurs from 9 counties in business planning, financial assistance, market research, and loan packaging assistance. She also advises existing businesses on marketing, growth and retention, infrastructure development, and financial analysis. Baker recently complete the National Development Council Economic Development Finance course.
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Tom Walker- Bozeman
Regional Director
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Tom Walker joined the Montana SBDC, hosted out of MSU, as the Regional Director for the Bozeman area in September 2018. Prior to joining the Montana SBDC, Tom worked as the Vice President of Business Affairs for Fortune 500 company Time Warner Cable. He has also served in a number of capacities in venture capitalism, financial services and mergers and acquisitions for companies both large and small.
As the Small Business Development Center Regional Director in Bozeman, Tom assists entrepreneurs in the Gallatin and Park Counties in business planning, marketing, financial analysis, loan packaging assistance and technical assistance. He also advises existing businesses to ensure they plan, thrive, and grow. Tom’s extensive knowledge of business at so many levels gives him a uniquely qualified focus to help any business at all stages. Tom has an Accounting degree from Indiana University and an MBA from UCLA.
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Ryan Loomis- Helena
Regional Director
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Ryan Loomis joined the Montana SBDC, hosted out of Helena College, as the Regional Director for the Helena area in September 2018. Prior to joining the Montana SBDC, Ryan worked as an Assistant Store Manager for a large retail store in Helena. In cooperation with Helena College, Ryan doubles as the Workforce Development and Community Outreach Coordinator for Helena College.
As the Small Business Development Center Regional Director in Helena, Ryan assists entrepreneurs in 3 counties in business planning, marketing, financial analysis, and technical assistance. He also advises existing businesses in marketing, market research and growth and retention. Ryan’s professional experience lends a well-rounded approach to small businesses. Ryan has a Bachelor’s in Business Administration- Marketing and Management from the University of Montana and is currently working towards his MBA.
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Tyler Menzel- Great Falls
Business Adviser
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Tyler Menzel joined the Great Falls Development Authority (GFDA) as the Marketing Associate/SBDC Business Advisor in September 2018. Prior to joining the team of GFDA, Tyler worked in Development, Marketing and Communications for Great Falls College MSU. In addition to the day-to-day, Tyler has also consulted with numerous local not-for-profit organizations as a consultant to develop and implement marketing strategies for start-up organizations.
As a Small Business Development Center Advisor in Great Falls, Tyler counsels entrepreneurs throughout the Sweetgrass Region on their digital presence and marketing efforts. He also advises existing businesses to ensure that they are maximizing profits through their marketing efforts. Tyler’s areas of expertise include: marketing and communications, branding, digital and social media and web design. He is both WordPress and GoogleAd certified. Tyler is a 2013 graduate of the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NT. He earned a master’s degree from The Julliard School in 2015. As an entrepreneur, he has run a private music studio out of his own home for the past three years.
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Lexie Hildebrand- Lead Center
Public Relations Specialist
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Lexie Hildebrand joined the Montana SBDC’s Lead Center in October 2018. Prior to joining the Montana SBDC, Lexie worked as an independent marketing consultant for businesses in the Bitterroot Valley. Creating content and marketing for a variety of events and businesses, Lexie developed a well-rounded marketing and graphic design background.
As the Small Business Development Center Public Relations Specialist at the Lead Center, Lexie leads the marketing effort for all Montana SBDCs. Working closely with the 10 regions, Lexie develops marketing strategies to help reach SBDC target markets. Lexie’s areas of expertise are digital and social media marketing, graphic design, and branding. Lexie holds a certificate in Hub Spot InBound Marketing. Lexie is a 2018 graduate of the University of Montana with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration- Marketing.
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Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Montana Department of Commerce.
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