Help wanted: Billings-area businesses struggling to hire, keep workers

The North Dakota oil fields — and the promise of big paychecks — have lured hundreds of workers away from the Yellowstone Valley, leaving Ronquillo and other businesses struggling to compete. Montana wages have also been traditionally low compared to other states, creating a "brain drain" of skilled talent, state officials say.

In Montana, worker shortages, particularly in the service sector, are putting the brakes on an otherwise fast-moving economy. The business television network CNBC recently ranked Montana as the 33rd top state for business, just barely ahead of Alabama, largely because of a workforce shortage.

By Erik Olson

Read more: http://billingsgazette.com/business/features/help-wanted-billings-area-businesses-struggling-to-hire-keep-workers/article_1eda58a6-0af0-5a46-bc2f-b7f13b68617b.html#ixzz39LSmf5Kx