Engage with the MT Chamber: The Voice of Business at the Capitol | |
Day 1 of the 69th Legislative Session is January 6, 2025, and we are ready having outlined our 2025 Legislative Priorities which you can view here, but we will need you to speak up during the session to share stories of how laws will impact your business. | |
Sign up for the Voter Voice Platform
Please join us in building our community of business advocates leading into the 2025 Legislative Session.
Sign up to receive relevant action alerts for you to then send an email or text directly to your legislator.
We ask for your email so you can receive these alerts and your address to match you with your district's senator and representative.
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As a Montana Chamber member, to listen in on our weekly updates about happenings at the Capitol, block out Tuesdays at noon each week of the Session for our Capitol Connection livestreams.
We will be sharing registration details soon.
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Travel Industry Rotunda Day
SAVE THE DATE: Mon, Jan 13th
Montana State Capitol, Helena
The Montana Travel Association is proud to partner with the Montana Chamber of Commerce, the Montana Lodging & Hospitality Association, KOA, Montana Dude Ranchers Association, Montana Outfitters and Guides Association, the Montana Restaurant Association, Big Sky Chamber of Commerce, the Montana Department of Commerce, and community and regional Destination Marketing Organizations to host legislators for the Travel Industry Rotunda Day to talk about Montana's visitor economy.
The lunch is open to the public.
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Tourism is a leading industry for Montana attracting 12.5 million non-resident visitors who inject $5.45 billion into the state's economy and support over 66,000 jobs.
Montana's visitor economy success is not accidental, but rather the result of policy over the years that provides an industry-driven revenue source through the state-levied bed tax which also supports the general fund, state assets, state programs and grants, and community promotions. Join us in the Rotunda to share stories of impact with your lawmakers.
Potential partners who want to be involved can email mtta@mttravel.org.
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Thanks to those who joined us at the 2025 Legislative Reception | |
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A packed room of 150 people turned out for the 2025 Legislative Reception in Billings co-hosted with the Billings Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Billings, and Big Sky Economic Development.
It was an excellent opportunity to engage directly with Montana legislators and make valuable connections before the 69th Legislative Session kicks off in January.
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Corporate Transparency Act Blocked
Yesterday, a federal court in Texas issued a nationwide injunction halting the implementation of the Corporate Transparency Act’s (CTA) beneficial ownership reporting requirements. Therefore, unless and until an appellate court overrules or narrows the injunction, no businesses are obligated to comply with the reporting requirements.
What every small business needs to know about the Corporate Transparency Act here.
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BBER 2025 Economic Outlook Seminar - Coming to 9 Cities in Montana
Jan 28th - Mar 12th
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Check website for cities/dates
8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Registration is $99 / per person
It includes lunch and two printed publications: The Montana Economic Report and a slides presentation booklet.
Groups of 5 or more may attend for $70 per person. Continuing education credits are available.
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The Bureau of Business & Economic Research's 2025 Economic Outlook Seminars will once again be held around the state in January – March. The changes that that lie ahead are an especially apt theme for this year’s programs, because looking backwards, it’s clear that many things have changed over the 50-year span that BBER has put these annual programs on in communities around the state. The track record of prognosticating helps keep things in perspective during this time of rapid technological change.
Forecasting our economic future is never easy, but you could make the case that putting those projections together this year will be especially difficult. That’s because layered on top of all of the familiar sources of uncertainty – from recession risks to global political strife – comes a curve ball from the world of computing technology that could profoundly change how we do our jobs and how the economy will operate.
When in the mid-1990s computers finally started to defeat the world’s strongest chess players, it was more of a novelty than anything. But advances in computing power and machine learning, under the general rubric of artificial intelligence (AI), have spawned an avalanche of innovations and investments that mimic what human brains do at higher speeds and lower costs. AI is no longer future-speak. Companies are using it right now in ways that may surprise you.
It is perhaps ironic that a technology many of us fear will eliminate jobs may wind up helping all of us find and retain better workers instead. AI-based tools hold the promise of getting deeper into skills needed to do jobs effectively and getting beyond credentials to assess the skills candidates possess. In tight labor markets, could this be a solution that proves its value?
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Tickets available for Lawmakers' Appreciation Reception on Wed, Jan 8th | |
January 8-9, 2025 in Helena |
2025 marks the SILVER ANNIVERSARY of the Montana Chamber of Commerce's Business Days at the Capitol, the premier event to bring together business leaders and policymakers.
Daytime seminars at Business Days are SOLD OUT. However, tickets are available for the Lawmakers' Appreciation Reception returning to the Helena Civic Center
Lawmaker Appreciation Reception
Wednesday, January 8, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Tickets are $100 / per person
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To get put on the WAITLIST for Business Days (Registration $225) email Stacye Dorrington at stacye@montanachamber.com. | |
NEW THIS YEAR
Join us for a night of fun at the card table to support the Montana Chamber Business PAC!
This is NOT included in Business Days at the Capitol Registration. Find out more here!
Reserve your spot by December 27, 2024, by emailing stacye@montanachamber.com.
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MT WIB Summit Supports Childcare Policy Initiatives for MT Businesses | |
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This week, Sheridan Johnson Hoyer, our Government Affairs Specialist is attending the National Child Care Innovation Summit: Business Leaders in Action, cohosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and EPIC (Executives Partnering to Invest in Children).
During the event, the Employer Child Care Navigator where businesses can fill out a questionnaire and get personalized recommendations on how to address their childcare needs was launched. View it here. We and our partners like Summit Sponsor Montana Childcare Business Connect: Zero to Five, (Caitlin Jensen, Executive Director pictured at left with Sheridan) who advocate for childcare solutions are here to help.
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Thanks to all who joined us at the “Montana Trailblazers’ Toast: A Kick-off to Ladies’ Night”
Sponsored by Clearwater Credit Union
Nearly 50 women gathered at Sky Oro in Bozeman's Cannery District to connect and continue to build community before heading to Downtown Bozeman for the 2024 Ladies' Night.
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To get put on the Registration ($495) WAITLIST or to discuss SPONSORSHIP opportunities for the MT WIB Summit, email Candace Strauss at candace@montanachamber.com.
We are looking to host #Trailblazer events in Billings and Missoula in the New Year. If interested in learning more, again contact Candace.
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Employee Relations During the Bustling Holiday Season
By: Ryan Callan, MS, SHRM-SCP, CCP
The holiday season can be a joyous time of year, filled with festive decorations, gift-giving, and time spent with loved ones. It is also a crucial time for businesses, as many experience increased sales and customer traffic.
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On top of these changes to our normal routines, weather conditions and the loss of daylight often increase the challenges we face. Amidst the bustling chaos, tactful employee relations can get overlooked or become tactless.
Maintaining positive employee relations is essential for any business, as engaged and happier employees are more productive and provide better customer service. During the holiday season, when your employees are thin, dealing with customers, extended working hours, and shortened work weeks, it is especially important to focus on employee relations. By specifically engaging with staff, you will increase the likelihood of a successful holiday season for both your business and your employees.
One key aspect of employee relations is effective communication. Employers should clearly outline expectations and schedules during the busy holiday season. Providing your employees with a detailed plan and clearly communicating any changes to their regular work schedule can help reduce stress and confusion. Regular team meetings can also be beneficial to address any specific concerns or challenges during the holiday season. By fostering open and transparent communication, employers can create a positive and supportive work environment.
In addition to communication, employers should also consider recognizing and rewarding their employees' hard work during the holiday season. Whether it be through bonuses, gift cards, or extra time off, showing appreciation for employees' efforts can go a long way in boosting morale and motivation. Recognizing exceptional performance internally (or publicly), such as an employee of the month program or a scheduled holiday party, can also be a great way to make employees feel valued and appreciated.
Another crucial factor in holiday season employee relations is work-life balance. The holiday season can be particularly demanding for retail and service industries, with extended working hours and increased customer demands. Employers should be mindful of their employees' well-being and encourage time off to rest and recharge. Offering flexible scheduling options, such as allowing employees to swap shifts or offering alternative work arrangements, can help alleviate some of the stress associated with the holiday season pressures. By promoting work-life balance, employers can contribute to improved employee satisfaction and bolster retention.
Training and development should not be neglected during the busy holiday season. Ideally provided in advance of the bustling season, preparing employees with additional training on handling customer inquiries, managing stress, or conflict resolution can equip them with the necessary skills to deal with their job’s unique challenges which arise during these months. By investing in their employees' professional growth and development, employers can improve overall customer service and employees’ job satisfaction.
Finally, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment is important during the holiday season. Expressing appreciation, encouraging kindness, and engaging in team bonding activities (such as holiday parties or gift exchanges) can help create a sense of camaraderie among your staff.
It is our team’s hope and wish that your holiday season will be a joyous and successful time for both your business and your employees.
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Big Sky Resort Area District (BSRAD)
A resilient Big Sky means stable employment opportunities, sustainable tourism, and a community that can support itself through thick and thin. The influx of tourists and seasonal residents brings economic benefits but also stresses local resources. Ensuring that the infrastructure can handle these fluctuations is key to maintaining our quality of life. BSRAD plays a pivotal role in fostering this resilience.
In 1992, the general electorate of the Big Sky Resort Area voted to adopt a Resort Tax to be charged on “luxury” goods and services not deemed “necessities of life.” In 1998, the general electorate of the Big Sky Resort Area voted to create a District for local administration of the Resort Tax. Resort Tax is collected and remitted by local businesses operating within the District. The locally elected Board of 5 volunteer Directors strategically invests funds to address critical community needs. The District is administered by a small paid staff hired by the Board of Directors.
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Read the BSRAD FY24 Impact Report here.
To learn more about the organization, visit their website here.
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This Business Brief is Sponsored by Treasure State Member | |
To learn more about Treasure State Membership benefits for your business, contact Matt Olson, Director of Network Development at Matthew@montanachamber.com | 406.360.6443 | |
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