Data Center Ballot Initiatives Proposed in Montana Communities

Registration Open for Midyear Economic Update Tour by BBER

Don't miss the conference 406 Transfusion: Injecting youth into the care continuum on Oct 13-14 at Fairmont Hot Springs! This dynamic two-day event brings together international speakers and key partners to strengthen the Montana healthcare talent pipeline through creative solutions and career-connected learning. Learn more and register here: https://cvent.me/MyyVyo.

The Montana Chamber Foundation is a proud partner of the Work-based Learning Collaborative!

KALISPELL, Montana – Flathead Electric Cooperative is completing several major infrastructure projects across its service territory this summer to strengthen the electric system, improve reliability and prepare for continued growth across Northwest Montana.

As a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative, Flathead Electric invests in the local system on behalf of the members it serves. The work includes substation upgrades, new transformers, underground line work and power line reconductoring in areas including Whitefish, Bigfork, Lakeside, Hungry Horse, Kalispell and the Swan.

Congratulations to this Montana Chamber member, Flathead Electric Cooperative, on making these investments for the reliability of our electric grid! Read the full press release at the link.

At Lone Mountain Land Company's recent annual community open house, President Matt Kidd outlined the company's vision for Big Sky's future, highlighting continued investments in workforce housing, family-friendly amenities, childcare, infrastructure, and thoughtful long-term growth. Kidd emphasized collaboration with community partners to address challenges while supporting a thriving year-round economy.

President Matt Kidd serves on the Montana Chamber Board of Directors, and Lone Mountain Land Company is a valued Montana Chamber member, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening Montana's business climate and communities. Read more in the news from Explore Big Sky linked below.

2026 Montana Chamber Foundation Governors' Cup Golf Tournament | Thursday, July 30 - Saturday, August 1

The 37th Annual Governors' Cup Golf Tournament will tee off with the Montana Chamber Foundation and Glacier Bank's Ace in the Hole Reception & Barbecue. Set in the beautiful Flathead Valley, the event serves as the largest networking and business development gathering. Open to the public, this is your opportunity to forge connections with over 600 professionals and policy makers.

Thursday, July 30, 2026

Flathead Valley Community College

5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Contact stacye@montanachamber.com for sponsorship information.

For non-golfers looking to participate in the Ace in the Hole and leverage your time in the Flathead, we are excited to announce the 3rd Annual Stockman Bank Give It a Shot Trap Shooting Tournament on Friday, July 31. Spend the day at Flathead Valley Clay Target Club competing and meet up with your golf enthusiast friends in the evening.

Zero to Five to Host Montana Childcare Business Connect Summit at Fairmont Hot Springs, July 28-29

We know strong and supported early childhood systems lead to better outcomes for children, families and communities. The annual CONNECT Summit is an opportunity for child care business owners and professionals to connect with peers and gain increased business and leadership knowledge. This event is also a unique opportunity for Montana employers, community leaders and economic developers to discover partnership opportunities and learn about strategies to support and build robust child care infrastructure statewide.

The 2026 CONNECT Summit, Inspiring Leadership - Nurturing Community, will be held July 28-29 at Fairmont Hot Springs. Summit registration is free and rooms at Fairmont Hot Springs are being offered at a discounted rate... but they won’t last! Learn more and register here: Summit | Zero to Five



Speaker bios, the summit agenda, and other important info is online at Summit | Zero to Five

Respect in the Workplace: Tips to Make It Happen 

Written by: Bryan Peterson, Executive Vice President

How can it be so difficult at times to treat others in our workplace with decency and respect? Times can be difficult in our world of flux and uncertainty right now. As employees struggle with having to do more with less, pressures can mount. Adding external factors, such as issues at home, financial stressors, or relationship concerns, can pour more fuel on the fire. Most employees are not very effective at leaving their personal “baggage” outside of work.

Even in difficult times, there are some simple things we can remember to do to make sure we treat those around us with the respect that they deserve.

• Show an attitude of gratitude- a simple “Thank You” or a quick note of thanks can go a long way in letting someone know they are valued. We concentrate so much on trying to fix what is wrong that we forget to tell someone when they are doing well. The more positive reinforcement we can share, the more likely we are to see good performance and behavior repeated by our employees.
• Practice humility- there will be times when we disagree with a decision or know that we have the right answer. The key to this piece is how we disagree or show our confidence. There is a big difference between being assertive and confident versus boastful and arrogant.
• Listen before speaking- listening is the key to effective communication. If you listen effectively, you will send a message to the person across from you that they are valued and respected. You will not spend your time ruining work relationships by asking them to repeat everything because you were not paying full attention. Engage with your speaker by practicing active listening skills and show them that you care.
• Think before speaking- exhibit emotional intelligence. Think about the message you need to deliver before you deliver it. How will this impact the person I am speaking to? What is the best way I can communicate this so that my message is understood? Can I keep my emotions in check as we discuss this?
• No public criticism- criticism should be given constructively, and in most circumstances, not in front of others. Show others respect by holding confidential conversations in a quiet, private setting.
• Be on your best behavior- courtesy should be the norm, not the exception to the rule.

We spend so much of our waking hours at work. Why would we not want to make our work time as enjoyable and tolerable as possible? Simple practices that will help with this include: be courteous and thoughtful to those around you, be considerate of others’ feelings, be willing to apologize, and be willing to forgive unintentional wrongs.

Treating each other with respect in the workplace must be a two-way street. A respectful workplace does not mean being best friends, but a respectful, courteous and professional environment should be the expectation. What are you doing to ensure you are meeting others halfway?

This week the Montana Chamber is spotlighting the renewal of one of our oldest members, D.A. Davidson. This home-grown financial powerhouse has been supporting us since 1964!  

D.A. Davidson is a financial services partner committed to delivering confidence for what’s next. We provide personalized expertise with the strength to scale, guiding individuals and institutions through key moments. By combining deep expertise with an eye to the future, we help turn decision-making into lasting impact.

Learn more here: https://www.dadavidson.com/About-Us

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