Main Street Montana Project Annual Report 2015

The Main Street Montana Project http://mainstreetmontanaproject.com/ is built on a simple notion that Montana
businesses and workers know better than government what is going well
in our state’s economy and what areas need improvement.

It’s with this thought in mind that I asked two of Montana’s top business
leaders, Larry Simkins and Bill Johnstone, to work with Montanans to
put together a business plan for the state – just like a private business
would – that seeks to build on our strengths and address challenges that
have slowed business and wage growth.

Since this plan was released to Montanans last year, my administration
has been hard at work bringing together leaders from key industries in
our state to implement the goals of this plan.

Through these efforts, we’ve taken important steps to ensure that our
workforce has the skills and experience to fill the jobs that will be most in-demand for years to come, to build on our state’s already strong business climate, reinforce the industries that
are the foundation of our state’s economy, market Montana not only as a spectacular tourist destination but also
as a great place to do business, and support the emerging industries that will shape Montana’s economy for years
to come.

There is a lot to be proud of in Montana’s economy today. Last year brought record job growth. Personal income
growth in the state is the fifth fastest in the nation and wage growth is well above the national average. These all
show that Montana’s economy is strong and growing, but we must continue to work hard; the surest way to fall
behind is to quit striving to get ahead.

As we enter a new year of this project, I remain committed to working with private sector businesses to ensure
that Montana’s economy continues to grow for years to come.

Gov. Steve Bullock

Full Report: http://mainstreetmontanaproject.com/Portals/44/MSMP_AnnualReport_FINAL_1.pdf

(Sorry for the delay in posting this but I just became aware of it. Russ)