MEDA conference members visit eye-opening companies in Sidney, Montana

The attendees had the pleasure of being introduced to three amazing companies in Sidney, Montana.   For some of us the drive was longer than most but the rewards of learning more about Fairview Honey (A really sweet company), Basin Precast (Things are really tipping up) and PCS Insulation (That’s a wrap) were well worth it. 

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Irish Team Builds Fastest DNA Computer Without Electricity

Maynooth University researchers developed a DNA computer that performs calculations using natural molecular interactions without continuous power. This breakthrough could transform energy use in computing, a key concern for Montana businesses facing rising energy costs.

Google Takes the A.I. Data Center Race to Outer Space

Next Thursday, Google is sending an experimental satellite into orbit that will have enough computing power to answer simple A.I. queries from space.

Montana Department of Commerce Praises Billings for Downtown Revitalization Success

The Montana Department of Commerce highlighted Billings as a thriving community with strong ties among developers, entrepreneurs, and property owners. Their report commends the Downtown Billings team as trusted partners and champions of local economic growth.

Flathead Judges Clash in Partisan Montana Supreme Court Race

Amy Eddy and Dan Wilson face off for a Supreme Court seat as Montana’s judicial elections grow more partisan. Voters will also decide on a measure to keep judicial races nonpartisan.

Only 36 Percent of Montanans Approve State’s Direction

A recent Montana Free Press-Rutgers Eagleton poll reveals widespread dissatisfaction with the state’s top elected officials, highlighting deep partisan divides and mixed approval ratings across key political figures.

Montana Supreme Court Clears Butte-Silver Bow Data Center Vote for November Ballot

The court overturned a retroactive deadline change, allowing Butte-Silver Bow residents to decide on data center construction. This ruling emphasizes local voter control amid new state laws affecting land use initiatives.

Montana State, University of Montana report bigger fall enrollment

Montana State University and the University of Montana both reported enrollment growth several weeks into the fall semester.

With $1 billion federal funding X-energy advances small nuclear reactor production

The Amazon-backed firm is aiming to build up to 144 of its novel Xe-100 reactors as the U.S. government seeks to revitalize an industry beset by rising costs. The project awaits key regulatory approvals and could influence future energy strategies nationwide.

Montana Career Opportunity – Loan Specialist – Bear Paw Development Corporation of Northern Montana

This position is responsible for communicating with loan applicants to elicit information; investigate applicants’ backgrounds and verify references. Assemble and review all loan applications and required documents to ensure completeness of loan information. Prepare loan…

How to pronounce ‘McGough’? You know…. the one in Montana

McGoff? McGoo? Mc…what? Don’t worry, Raleigh’s got it covered. Watch as we settle the great name debate and share what it really means to be part of McGough!

The Forest Business Newsletter Returns: Bigger, Better, and on Substack

The world’s most popular forest products industry newsletter relaunches with a splash

This Canadian Robotrucker Says Its AI Now Drives Highways Without Advance Training

Waabi said it completed the first fully autonomous truck run without the system previously practicing the 300-mile drive in simulation or relying on new real-world data.

Montana Teachers: Attend the OpTeC conference for free. Why is this so important for you and your students?

Optics and photonics show up in technologies students encounter every day, from cell phone cameras and lasers to fiber optics, medical imaging, remote sensing, advanced manufacturing, environmental monitoring, and astronomy. Teachers will leave with current examples, local connections, and new ways to help students connect classroom concepts about light, waves, and engineering to Montana-based STEM careers.

Great Falls Development Alliance Upcoming Business Trainings

Check out the upcoming trainings!

Prospera Navigator 2026 Events and Trainings

Are you starting to feel like all marketing is beginning to look the same? Between trendy templates, recycled ideas, and endless “best practices,” it can be hard to know how to make your business feel polished and professional without spending a fortune—or blending in with everyone else.

Women Face $54 Trillion Wealth Transfer Unprepared and Overwhelmed

Women will inherit the majority of a historic $54 trillion wealth transfer but many lack confidence in managing these assets.

Montana One of the Best States for Small Businesses  Because of It’s Tax Advantage Benefit.

Income tax cuts are reshaping the small-business map. However, experts say tax rates are only one factor entrepreneurs should consider before relocating.

Bozeman, Montana based Zoot Enterprises supplies technology to some of the world’s largest banks and digital payment processors.

If you are comparing the best mobile app development companies in USA and beyond, the seven firms below are a practical starting point.

How much money do I actually need to bring in each month? J. Vader Consulting – 9/24 – Virtual

You know how to run your business or organization. You make payroll, cover expenses, pay vendors, keep programs or projects moving, and figure out what needs to happen next. But do you know the number you’re aiming for?

Flathead Electric Cooperative completed a $700-per-panel solar project with a utility-scale battery backup.

The new 200-kilowatt solar project includes a utility-scale battery to reduce peak demand costs and reserves panels for low-income households. Early results show the array meets output goals and saves thousands during high-demand periods.

Gold Statues and Staff Cuts: How Trump Has Disrupted America’s Parks

Maintenance projects have been put off around the country and resources diverted to the president’s favored projects in Washington.

Montana Voters to Decide on Revoking Corporate Charters in 2026 – A Form Of Soft Secession

Montana plans a ballot initiative challenging the Citizens United ruling by stripping charters from noncompliant corporations. This move reflects growing state resistance to federal policies and has broad voter support.

Lincoln, Montana-based Hi-Country Snack Foods Halts Operations Owing Thousands to Suppliers

The Lincoln-based company has paused production and left suppliers and former employees unpaid, raising concerns about financial stability and accountability in Montana’s local food manufacturing sector.

Why Humanities Majors Are Winning the AI-Era Job Market

The winning move for humanities graduates and career changers is not to abandon their degree but to pair it with practical AI literacy, then reframe their reasoning and writing skills as the human layer that makes AI tools actually useful.

Missoula AI Company ‘CubCloud’ trying to bring Tesla Cybercabs to Montana

“I’m pretty comfortable with it now. It’s a way better driver than any human. It’s a better driver than me. It makes better decisions than me,” he said.

Nvidia’s Jensen Huang on artificial intelligence

In this web exclusive, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang talks with CBS News’ Jo Ling Kent about the exponential growth of AI, industry warnings about its power, and why he disagrees with recent calls to slow down development.

White House Moves to Take Control of N.I.H. Grants

Discussed at a highly contentious meeting at the White House on Friday, the directive aims to create a new external committee with the power to veto awards in the nation’s vast biomedical research portfolio that do not conform to Mr. Trump’s political agenda, according to people with knowledge of the effort.

Want to Entice New Residents to Rural Communities? Offer Cash, for a Start.

“Why put all our focus on businesses when we can just recruit people, go after families?” Ms. Gourley said. “They’ll bring their jobs with them, which means income that is coming in from everywhere else into our county.”

GFDA Top Ten for 9/20/26

Thinking about finally starting that business, or expanding the one you have? You’ll need a plan and financial projections. Clients of our Small Business Development Center get free access to LivePlan, a best-in-class business planning tool, plus an advisor who builds the plan with them. Contact business advisor Rich Gannon to get started at 1-406-836-2078 or [email protected]

Sip ’N Dip Lounge “No. 1 bar in the world worth flying for.” Thrives with Mermaids and Nostalgia in Great Falls, Montana

For 35 years, Sip ’N Dip Lounge has captivated visitors with live mermaids and a unique tiki bar experience. Its long-term staff loyalty and retro themes create a cultural landmark that draws tourists from beyond Montana.

Positively Montana – The Best of Montana Making a Difference In Your Community

Do you know somebody who is doing good or making a difference in their community? Our Positively Montana team would like to hear about them. Please fill out the form to let us know about positive things happening in Montana.

New Tyrannosaurus Rex Fossil Challenges Century-Old Dinosaur Anatomy Views

The discovery of Rex Junior, a nearly complete sub-adult T. rex skeleton, offers unprecedented insights into the dinosaur’s structure. This find could reshape how paleontologists interpret Late Cretaceous fossils, including those in Montana.

Can Reading Make You Happier?

“Come, and take choice of all my library/And so beguile thy sorrow.”

Reality bites when it comes to choosing which school your child should attend.

Good morning. One of the most challenging decisions parents face is where to enroll their child in school. Today we look at how one mother approached that choice.

Montana Career Opportunities – Downtown Billings

DBA Members Currently Hiring

Bobcat Ventures – Investment Fund

Bobcat Ventures is a Montana State University student-led venture fund that leverages its unique position within the Montana entrepreneurial ecosystem to source and support early-stage startups across the 406.

Employers aren’t giving up on computer science grads. Here’s what they want instead

The market for CS students isn’t collapsing. It’s evolving.

What should I ask my candidate? Register for our September 28 Webinar!

When a candidate comes to your door asking for your vote, what will you ask them? Join us to get ideas on what you can ask candidates about healthcare, school funding, taxes, and more.

Missoula Talent Available – Successful technical leader with over twenty years of experience in innovative research, development, design, manufacturing, testing, and management

Technical leader and PhD mechanical engineer with 20+ years of product development, process development and optimization, designing products, executing verification and validation (V&V) programs, and independently assessing technology and manufacturing readiness across highly regulated, multi-domain environments — medical devices, in-line pipeline inspection, X-ray imaging systems, diagnostic instrumentation, and biomass processing.

Montana’s ‘Check This Out’ – Text your guests. Keep your seats full.

New restaurants are closing at record rates, and waiting for walk-ins is waiting to fail. We make filling seats quick, easy, and profitable. Check This Out lets you send texts to your guests in seconds, offer smart incentives, and grow your guest list—without constantly managing it.