Governor Martz Releases "Roadmap for A New Economy"

Building on Montana’s current strengths is the best tool for
focused economic growth, according to Governor Martz, who today released the
administration’s "Roadmap for A New Economy". The "Roadmap" provides an
operating plan for the state to bring new, better-paying jobs to Montana.

"Those of us who have the opportunity to call this beautiful state home know
firsthand the challenges and opportunities that businesses face on a daily
basis," said Governor Martz. "We cannot take our economy for granted. A
vibrant economy, made up of strong businesses, lends itself to healthy
communities and a high quality of life."

The roadmap addresses administration initiatives in the following areas:

* Identifying regional strengths, and focusing Montana’s resources on
growing complementary businesses in those areas.

* Strengthening the knowledge, skills and abilities of Montana’s workforce,
and recruiting businesses to the state that match those abilities.

* Increasing collaboration between private industry, higher education, state
government and economic development groups to bring more technology to the
companies who create jobs.

* Ensuring that the structure of Montana’s state and local government
economic development groups supports measurable, long-term wage growth
across all industries.

* Creating and maintaining a competitive business environment where
companies that utilize Montana workers and technology can prosper.

* Developing and expanding a comprehensive strategy to attract businesses
that complement Montana’s workforce and business strengths.

The "Roadmap" provides benchmarks for each area, outlining progress to date,
and goals for the next year, five years and ten years to ensure that
initiatives are moving in a direction that will truly benefit the state’s
economy for the long term.

"Montana’s economic future is important to us all," said Chief Business
Officer Dave Gibson. "To affect long-term improvements in our economy, we
simply must make fundamental changes in the way we attract and retain the
businesses that create jobs in our state. This roadmap brings us one step
closer to achieving that goal."

Copies of "Roadmap for A New Economy" are provided through the Governor’s
Office of Economic Opportunity by calling 406-444-5634. The Roadmap is also
available on the web at http://www.state.mt.us/gov2/content/econdev/Roadmap.pdf or
http://www.discoveringmontana.com.

Contact:

Dave Gibson

[email protected]

444-5634