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A message from Todd O'Hair, President and CEO
The Montana Chamber’s Annual Meeting set new records last week. Record attendance. Record sponsorships. And certainly, record enthusiasm.
The enthusiasm began building as the Montana Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors elected Courtney Kibblewhite as Board Chair for the 2022-23 cycle. Courtney is Vice President and co-owner of Northern Broadcasting System, a family owned and operated media company that includes the Northern Ag Network and Northern News Network. Courtney was handed the gavel by former Chair, Matt Jones with BNSF after a year of strong growth at the Montana Chamber, including record setting event attendance, sponsorships and new members.
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At the Montana Chamber Foundation, Angela Murdo with Anderson ZurMuehlen (AZ) was elected President of the Foundation Board of Directors. AZ is the largest Montana based accounting and business advisory firm and Angie has been with AZ for more than 20 years. Lanny Hubbard, immediate past President of the Foundation was at the helm during unprecedented growth at the Chamber Foundation, including record setting attendance at the Chamber Foundation’s Governors’ Cup golf tournament and more than doubling the number of Youth Entrepreneur teachers across the state.
The Montana Chamber of Commerce and Montana Chamber Foundation had an exceptional year under the leadership of Matt Jones and Lanny Hubbard respectfully. And with the new leadership of Courtney Kibblewhite and Angie Murdo, you can expect this next year to build on that success!
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MONTANA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
BUSINESS DAYS AT THE CAPITOL
JANUARY 2-3, 2023 | HELENA MONTANA
Every January, the Montana Chamber hosts Business Days at the Capitol. This event coincides with the start of the legislative session with a focus on legislative and public policy issues relevant to business. Traditional seminars include “Eggs & Issues” with the legislative leadership and “The Last Word” by the Governor.
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Last week was a busy one in Bozeman!
TU: MONTANA MANUFACTURING INNOVATION SHOWCASE
W: BOARDS OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS (3) & CHAMBER ANNUAL MEETING AND MANUFACTURING AWARDS
TH: HYUNDAI / NEW HORIZONS STUDIO TEAM RANCH EXPERIENCE
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On Wednesday all three of the Chamber Boards gathered for a collaborative meeting to review our 2022 accomplishments and refine our strategy for 2023.
Then, almost 200 people attended our Annual Membership Meeting and Governor Greg Gianforte presented 2022 Manufacturer of the Year awards.
Followed by a lively and entertaining Keynote Speech from Charlie Cook!
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Manufacturer of the Year: Diversified Plastics, Missoula
Value Add Ag of the Year: Hi-Country Snack Foods, Lincoln
Innovator of the Year: GTUIT, Billings
Startup of the Year: BioSqueeze, Butte
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HELPING BUSINESSES EXPAND AND GROW |
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The Montana Bankers Association thanks Governor Gianforte, Montana Board of Investments for Down Payment Assistance Program
Within a few hours of opening the portal to lenders submitting applications for Round II of the Montana Board of Investment’s Down Payment Assistance Program, the full $43 million allotted to the program had been fully subscribed last week, representing loan assistance to 72 Montana businesses seeking to expand facilities, purchase equipment, and hire additional employees.
“Governor Gianforte has recognized the value of using ARPA funds to the extent possible in helping businesses expand and grow,” said Cary Hegreberg, President/CEO of the Montana Bankers Association, which assisted in crafting the program with the Montana Board of Investments. “Working with private sector lenders, the Board of investments is sharing risk and making it more feasible for small businesses throughout the state to expand and compete. Montana Bankers appreciate the support and assistance we’ve gotten from the Administration and the BOI in helping small business customers,” Hegreberg said.
For more information on the program and the criteria used for eligibility, go to www.investmentmt.com
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2022 JUDICIAL SCORES REVIEW |
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Wondering how Supreme Court justices rank for business? The only business scorecard on Supreme Court justices is prepared by the Montana Chamber of Commerce and available at MontanaChamber.com
Click here to review individual justices’ evaluations in comparison to the pro-business position.
One of Montana’s most important elections is the race for Supreme Court. It doesn’t get a lot of attention, but the Supreme Court has an outsized impact on entrepreneurs, businesses, farmers and ranchers.
Paid for by Montana Chamber of Commerce, Charles Robison Treasurer, PO Box 1730, Helena Montana 59624
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For many years, the best kept secret in Montana was how great of a place Bozeman is to live, work, and play. Now, the secret is out. With a strong economy and a highly educated workforce, it is no surprise why more and more companies have chosen to call Bozeman home. The city has found a unique niche blending the assets of a large land-grant university with easy access to the outdoors to create a vibrant culture and thriving economy. |
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Montana Chamber of Commerce holds annual membership meeting...
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Governor Gianforte Unveils Agenda to Increase Housing Supply and Build a Stronger Workforce...READ MORE
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Montana Contractors Association education program receives national recognition... READ MORE
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New workforce training program focuses on technology careers for MSP inmates...READ MORE
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Flathead Co. businesses look to invest young to combat skilled labor shortages...READ MORE
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Montana State receives $10 million gift to support agriculture and youth programs...READ MORE
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THIS BUSINESS BRIEF IS SPONSORED BY |
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