Picture the Progress ’03- A 6 part series exploring western Montana’s business environment.

While manaufacturing has taken a back seat to other areas of the state’s economy the past few years, Montanans are learning new and creative ways to compete.

By Rob Chaney- Missoulian

The ancient meaning of “progress” was a king’s annual journey through the realm to inspect the condition of his subjects and lands.

In Montana today, such a journey would show much of the modern sense of the word, as the Treasure State’s industries and economy have undergone some wrenching changes. The last 10 years in particular have seen Montana’s leaders shift from providers of raw materials to creators of new products.

Manufacturing made up almost half of western Montana’s economic base in the 1970’s. The sector gave up much of that dominance as the state’s timber industry shed workers and suffered economic setbacks. Today, manufacturing accounts for just a quarter of the jobs and income of Montana’s seven western counties.

But just as flowers and shrubs replace big trees burned in a forest fire, Montanans are turning to smaller, more diversified industries to keep busy. Lumber mills retooled to produce custom wood products. Food and drink makers reached out to national markets. And the state’s university system put new emphasis on turning its scientific research into job-producing businesses.

As more Montanans take hold of their economic destinies, they are learning they must compete on a global playing field. They must also weather problems like currency exchange rates that are beyond their control.

Just as they are finding new niches for manufacturing talent, Montanans are fortifying the foundations of their growing health care industry and rethinking their position in the nation’s transportation and communications network. They are looking for ways to energize the extensive public institutions of schools and government that employ so many of the state’s citizens. And they are charting new course for retail sector that drives so much of urban growth.

Starting today (Tuesday 9/22) the Missoulian’s Progress Report will explore western Montana’s business environment. It will seek out the trends that have driven the state’s new successes, and spotlight the decision-makers and risk-takers who lead their industries. That’s what progress is all about.

Tuesday 9/22- Manufacturing

Wed. 9/23 Health Care

Thur. 9/24 Transportation, communication and high-tech

Fri 9/25 Government and schools

Sat. 9/26 Retail and Service

Sun. 9/27 New and expanding businesses

(The reports are not yet available electronically. If you’d like to obtain the printed versions, please contact (406) 523-5200 or Circulation at -Russ)