The Session is in full swing!

Bi-weekly news & updates

January 30 | 2025

Listen in to this week's Capitol Connection

Register here to listen in to the live Capitol Connection updates about Hill happenings from the Montana Chamber Government Affairs team: Tuesdays at noon.

Sign up here to receive relevant Montana Chamber policy action alerts from Voter Voice for you to then send an email or text directly to your legislator about how it impacts your business.

Did you miss out on the 2025 Business Days @ the Capitol?

Videos from the two days of this year's epic Business Days at the Capitol themed 'Energizing the Future' featuring keynotes, fireside chats, and panel discussions are available to view now on our You Tube channel.

SAVE THE DATE FOR 2026 Business Days @ the Capitol – January 6-7 in Helena.

VIEW BUSINESS DAYS VIDEOS HERE

Montana's photonics and quantum industries shine at Photonics West in San Francisco this week

Check out the Montana Pavilion at SPIE Photonics West 2025, taking place from January 28–30 in San Francisco sponsored by the Montana Photonics & Quantum Alliance (MPQA), the Montana Department of Commerce, the City of Bozeman, Aurora, Phix, and the Edio Tech Project. Nearly 20 private companies along with the Headwaters Tech Hub and Montana State University are there representing these industries.

MPQA joined the Montana BioScience Alliance, at SPIE BIOS followed by an engaging Global Photonics Alliance Cluster Leaders meeting hosted by SPIE’s Jennifer O’Brien.

On Wednesday, January 28, a joint MPQA and Montana Ambassadors new San Francisco Chapter sold out networking reception was held at JPMorgan Chase downtown. This event follows on the heels of the joint MPQA Montana Ambassadors Trailblazer Speaker Series event in Bozeman at Aurora with a tour of EngineWorks on the MSU Innovation Campus on January 15th.

BBER 2025 Economic Outlook Seminar kicked off in Helena on Tuesday

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.

If you can't make it in person, register for the live broadcast from Bozeman on February 5th.

Celebrating Japan & Montana relations in the Queen City

Last week President & CEO Todd O'Hair, and Matt Olson, Director of Network Engagement attended a networking reception in the Capitol Rotunda with Consul General of Japan, Iyori Makoto along with Lt. Governor Kristen Juras. The evening was hosted by the Montana Department of Commerce and Montana World Affairs Council.

READ PRESS RELEASE HERE

Upcoming Chamber Events

March 5-7, 2025 in Bozeman

The 2025 Montana Women in Business Summit, presented by JPMorgan Chase is less than 6 WEEKS AWAY! We are thrilled to bring together female leaders from across Montana and foster meaningful connections that inspire collaboration, unity, and growth. Watch our Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn channels as speakers and panel discussions are being shared out.

VIEW THE 2025 SUMMIT AGENDA

2025 Governors' Cup Golf Tournament in Kalispell:

Glacier Bank Ace in the Hole Reception & BBQ Thursday, July 31

Stockman Bank Give it A Shot Clay Target Tournament Friday, August 1

And mark your calendars for the Big Sky, Bright Future Economic Summit co-hosted by Governor Gianforte Thursday, October 16 (Bozeman). Registration coming soon!

Member Spotlight

The AES Corporation is a Fortune 500 global power company that operates on four continents. It is the next-generation energy company with over four decades of experience helping the world transition to clean, renewable energy.

Want to know how we accelerate the future of energy for everyone?

We call it global x local.

You might hear other companies say they are both global and local. At AES, it’s true for us in a way that’s impossible for others to claim. We are the only US-based global power company in the world, which gives us a unique set of knowledge to develop and deliver unique energy solutions. Our deep local roots mean that we are completely integrated and invested in the communities where we work. We respect and understand the local culture to deliver greener energy solutions in the way that makes the best sense for each community. Our global reach means we have the ability and responsibility to develop and deliver new solutions, and to do so at scale. We share the experiences we have so that we can bring innovation and a broader range of solutions from one market to another.

To learn more, visit their website, here.

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