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Great Falls Proposing to Host Annual Ironman Races Starting 2027

The Great Falls Tourism Business Improvement District proposes hosting Ironman triathlons for three consecutive years, pending city approval. This initiative could reshape the city’s tourism strategy and bring significant economic benefits.

The 4 next big things in food and agriculture, applied AI, in wellness and fitness, and in consumer tech for 2026

There’s a lot getting developed….

The VBX Keginar series “What Comes After the Transformer?” – Every Thursday Starting 10/8 – Missoula

What is a Keginar, one might ask? It is one part seminar, one part beer, and completely Missoula. All techies and AI-nerds invited!

Are You Positive You’re Registered to Vote??? – Check with the Montana Voter Portal

Now is the time…go online to MT Voter Portal (or voterportal.mt.gov), put in your name and birthday, check your voter registration info, track your ballot and look at your sample ballot. 

Montana Ranch Uses Virtual Fences to Track 1,750 Cattle Amid Wildfires

The Holland family employs satellite-based collars to monitor their herd in remote grazing lands, enabling faster responses to wildfire threats. This technology bypasses connectivity issues and could transform livestock management in Montana’s rugged terrain.

Data Center Moratoriums

Tracking state-level data center legislation across the United States

Missoula County Voice (What are the similar sites in other Montana communities?)

Welcome to Missoula County Voice, Missoula County’s online engagement platform. Local government works best when we hear from community members like you, so please leave comments, participate in surveys and polls and let us know what you think!

CoBuild Montana – We bring people, programs, and mentorship together in one place

CoBuild Montana is focused on solving Montana challenges by developing accessible, replicable solutions that create economic opportunities, jobs, and stronger communities.

The VBX Keginar series “What Comes After the Transformer?” – Every Thursday Starting 10/8 – Missoula

What is a Keginar, one might ask? It is one part seminar, one part beer, and completely Missoula. All techies and AI-nerds invited!

Electric Vehicles Could Power Grids During Peak Demand

European trials show parked EVs returning energy to grids using bidirectional charging technology. Montana businesses may benefit from this innovation despite unique local challenges.

Montana State University Research and Economic Development will be hosting it’s first combined Centers, Institutes, and Core Facilities day on Monday, November 9, 2026.

Join us for the Research and Economic Development Centers, Institutes and Core Facilities Day, an event designed to showcase what Montana State University has to offer in terms of research resources and expertise. We’re bringing together some of MSU’s centers, institutes, and core facilities to highlight the technologies, equipment, and knowledge available across campus.

‘Absolute Blow’: After Nearly 50 Years, Hulett Family Sawmill To Shut Down

After nearly 50 years of operating in Hulett, Bearlodge Forest Products has announced it will shut down after Oct. 31. “This is an absolute blow” to a community with deep ties to Wyoming’s timber industry, says Sen. Ogden Driskill.

Wyoming Industry Leaders Say Manufacturing Jobs Can Stop Youth From Leaving State

Wyoming Business Alliance Dir. Renny McKay says Sheridan is an example of what a manufacturing center can look like.

Ukrainian Kopychyntsi and Bozeman, Montana Officially Become Sister Cities

This partnership did not begin with a document – it is built on four years of working together. Over this time, Bozeman residents have raised funds for Kopychyntsi, while American volunteers have travelled to Ukraine, supported the local hospital and delivered medical equipment. Architects and Montana State University have also joined the cooperation, and one volunteer from Bozeman even stayed to live in Kopychyntsi.

Today a group of us launched Founded Colorado. (This should be a great idea for every state including Montana)

Our mission is straightforward. We make sure Colorado companies are at the table when policy is shaped. We bring real operating experience to proposed laws and to the rules that put them into practice, so they protect Coloradans and work for the Colorado companies that have to comply. We want to be the place lawmakers and partners call when they want a straight answer about how a new idea will play out. Our constituency is all companies based in Colorado.

Loneliness Cuts Nearly Six Years From Healthy Life Expectancy

Get out of the house and talk to people no matter what age you are.

Livingston, Montana city commission temporarily suspends film permit amid controversy

A film production has transformed downtown Livingston, prompting protests and concerns over road closures, access to a local food pantry and the project’s political themes.

Missoula Public Library’s M-CAT offers free podcasting classes and equipment

Neil Wells, a community media mentor and one of the instructors, said the setup gives people access to tools they likely could not buy on their own.

Rural Data Centers Are in for a Big Federal Tax Break

The new rules “may significantly lower barriers for large-scale, capital-intensive projects in rural areas—most notably hyperscale data centers,” said a statement from Ways and Means Committee chair Jason Smith last year. “The economic case for building data centers in designated rural opportunity zones becomes far more compelling” with the new program, he continued.

The surprising downside of high-performing employees

“Being capable is valuable for a long time in your career, but as you elevate into leadership, it becomes much more about building capacity around you,” Cohen says.

Walker Genealogical Research –  Discover Your Heritage and Family History

You want to know your heritage and family history, but you don’t know where to start and don’t have time to research. With my expertise, we’ll find the information to build your tree or solve a family mystery. You’ll receive a report that documents your heritage, and have a legacy to share with your family.

Driverless delivery vans could soon take to French roads

“By paving the way for the official approval of autonomous delivery robots, our country is confirming its position among the most advanced in this field.”

GFDA Top Ten for 10/4/26

Great Falls attracted 1 million visitors in 2025 setting a new record

Missoula’s Great Burn Brewing Needs a New Building. Do you or someone you know have a solution?

Great Burn is losing its building. Does anyone know if there’s anything we can do to stop this?

Heat Killed 16,000 in Germany and 8,000 in France This Summer

According to the latest figures from the Robert Koch Institute, which monitors public health and epidemics, heatwave-related deaths reached 16,000. Of these, data through September 13 show that “around 9,600” deaths occurred during the week of June 22, the hottest week ever recorded in Germany, and “around 4,200” during the three weeks from late July to mid-August.

Beyond Party – Montana First

If we want to keep our republic, we have to work for it.

Headwaters Tech Hub Leadership Transition

I am honored to step into the role of Interim Regional Innovation Officer, and I want to start by thanking Tim VanReken for his great leadership and service to Montana.

MMEC – MANUFACTURING MONTH 2026 – Celebrating Montana Manufacturers

Throughout October, organizations across Montana will host tours, workshops, forums, networking events, and educational programs to connect, learn, and celebrate the impact of #ManufacturinginMT.

Hellgate Venture Network – SAVE THE DATE: October 15th – Monthly Meet-Up

We thank you for your support of entrepreneurship in the Missoula area and beyond.

SBA – SBIC program – Invitation to Lenders, Venture Fund Managers, and University Tech Transfer Offices – 10/6 – Online

The SBA Great Plains and Rocky Mountains Regions are hosting an information session for investors, fund managers, and financial institutions to learn more about the SBA – Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) Program, licenses, and benefits. This is not intended for small businesses or entrepreneurs seeking SBIC investment.

The nation’s first federal tax-credit scholarship program, set to launch Jan. 1 and help cover private- and public-school expenses.

By 2030, officials estimate the program could generate nearly $26B annually, funding about 2.2 million scholarships. See how school vouchers work and the debate surrounding them.

Former Missoula-based Icon Jonathan Weber founder and editor of NewWest.Net: Reading & Signing 10/6 – Fact and Fiction

‘City on the Edge: Technology, Politics, and the Fight for the Soul of San Francisco’ An “absorbing” (San Francisco Chronicle) and “fascinating” (Financial Times) account of San Francisco’s meteoric transformation into a global capital of technology, and how the same creative and political forces that gave rise to its boom now threaten to destroy what made it great.

Text-to-give for your next event with Eventgroove

Text-to-give lets your guests donate from their seats: they text your keyword, tap the link, and give without leaving the room. No app to download, no line at the donation table, no waiting until they get home.

Frontier Angels- WHAT’S NEXT?! Montana — September 2026

Montana’s monthly briefing on startups and emerging tech — from Frontier Angels.

2027 Made in Montana Trade Show Application Now Open 

The trade show is a unique selling opportunity for Made in Montana businesses, incorporating a wholesale day as well as a public retail day.

CubCloud AI applies to host Montana’s first fleet of Tesla Cybercabs starting with Missoula

Surratt says he hopes for a future where all cars are autonomous. “My nephew and niece, they might not have to drive cars at all if they don’t want to,” he said. “Traffic will be safer. People will drive safer. People will get places quicker.”

Salish Kootenai Students Launch $10,000 Scholarship Fund to Support Incoming Freshmen Class

Business students at Salish Kootenai College are raising funds to support incoming freshmen with the Future Bison Scholarship. Their efforts aim to ease financial burdens and encourage enrollment in business programs while strengthening the local community.

EU Proposal Could Help Cities Restrict Short-Term Rentals

The European Commission is proposing a framework to help tourist cities restrict short-term rentals where they can show a sustained impact on housing affordability, potentially easing overtourism.

Public schools see ‘money on the table’ in education tax credit designed for private school choice

A small but growing set of organizations — school districts, charter schools, public school foundations, start-up nonprofits, and after-school providers — is working to turn a tax credit primarily designed to cover private school tuition into a benefit for public school students. The extent of their success could determine how many children are ultimately helped by the tax credit, and influence whether more Democratic governors in particular opt their states into the program.

Big Sky 55+ – You’re Invited to our Fall Conference! “Gathering Wisdom, Building Power: United We Stand” – 11/17 – Missoula, Montana

A one-day conference in Missoula, Montana to celebrate intergenerational power, hone our truth-seeking skills, and level up on the issues that will be decided in Montana’s 2027 Legislative session.