Exports fueling regional economy

Montana’s economy is chugging along at a clip not seen since the energy boom of the 1970s, thanks in part to developing economies in other countries, a University of Montana economist said Sunday.

Energy is obviously having a major effect on this latest boom but so is the quieter export of metals from Montana, including copper, lead and zinc, said Paul Polzin, director of the Bureau of Business and Economic Research.

Unlike the boom of the 1970s, this one is driven by demand more than supply, which means the good financial times are likely to last longer than a more supply oriented economy, Polzin said.

By MIKE STARK
Of The Gazette Staff

Full Story: http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2006/06/12/news/state/40-economy.txt