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Stellantis Unveils Driverless Electric Delivery Vehicle Concept

The idea is aimed at the last mile, but Stellantis is also looking at places where the autonomous vehicle can operate in a more controlled environment. Factories, hospitals and airports are among the possible applications.

Farm Electrification Needs Tailored Energy Solutions Beyond Tractors

Effective farm electrification depends on addressing diverse equipment and operational demands rather than just replacing diesel tractors. Montana’s agricultural sector could benefit from a staged, needs-based approach aligned with local infrastructure and energy use.

Over 150 Tribal Leaders Unite at the Flathead Reservation to Tackle Cross-Border Mining Pollution

Over 150 Indigenous and government representatives gathered to address mining contamination threatening waterways along the U.S.-Canada border. The conference highlighted the urgent need for accountability and restoration efforts to protect shared river ecosystems.

NIH Funding Lawsuit Halts Over 4,000 Research Projects Nationwide

“This isn’t just illegal, it hurts every person served by this research and unravels years of work by the scientific community,” Shalini Goel Agarwal, special counsel at Protect Democracy, said. A class action lawsuit claims NIH blocked grants opposing certain political views, canceling thousands of projects. Montana researchers may face similar challenges if such screening practices spread.

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

Scott Marland [email protected] 801.898.7619 Profile I am a successful technical leader with over twenty years of experience in innovative research, development, design, manufacturing, testing, and management. My work has been in medical devices, in-line pipeline…

Cost of liquor licenses in Missoula may be affecting local businesses

Going out to eat and enjoying a cold beer or cocktail is a classic tradition. However, serving and selling that beverage in Missoula takes more work than consumers realize.

J. Vader Consulting – Helping nonprofits, small businesses, and startups untangle operational challenges and build practical systems

You started this for a reason. Somewhere along the line, the day-to-day got in the way.

Montana State to present research at Red Lodge community event Oct. 6

“This is an inaugural event to bring research happening on campus and in our research facilities around the state to communities throughout Montana,” Veselik said. “We look forward to engaging with cities, towns and communities around the state to have conversations about MSU research and how we are impacting the lives of Montanans.” 

Cryogenics boot camp at Montana State’s QCORE provides students with intensive training

The camp was developed in response to a growing need for professionals experienced in operating, maintaining and troubleshooting the ultra-low temperature, low-noise environments in which quantum technologies operate.

Nearly 75% of Montana voters oppose new AI data centers due to electricity and local concerns.

A recent poll shows nearly 75% of Montana voters oppose new AI data centers due to fears of rising electricity costs and environmental impacts. This opposition is influencing legislative efforts and could shape the future of AI infrastructure in the state.

Carroll College Inaugurates Jennifer Glowienka as 20th President

Carroll College formally inaugurated Dr. Jennifer Glowienka as the school’s 20th president, marking a historic milestone as she becomes the first woman fully appointed president in the college’s history.

Montana State to host expansive career fair in Bozeman on Sept. 30 – Career Events from Sept. 15 to Oct. 1

Montana State University is hosting an expansive university career fair on campus this fall, upholding an annual tradition that showcases both student talent and the many employers from industries across the state seeking to employ Bobcats.  

The Snowbird Fund – Addressing the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women in Montana

The Snowbird Fund was established at the Montana Community Foundation by Montana businesswoman Whitney Williams. Whitney recently opened the fund, the first of its kind in Montana, after hearing from, among others, a Crow tribal member, Grace Bulltail, whose 18-year-old niece, Kaysera Stops Pretty Places, was found murdered in Big Horn County in August 2019.

Trillium Cooperative – A Native-led, women owned cooperative helping communities and organizations

Trillium Cooperative is built on the foundation that stronger communities are created when people come together. As a worker-owned team, each of us brings unique experience and equal voice to our work, ensuring collaboration, equity, and accountability at every step.

Your coffee adventure(s) start here. Treeline Coffee

Enjoy a damn fine cup of coffee, gear up with our top of the line brewing equipment, or style your next quest with our custom swag.

Montana State University will host a free, public lecture focused on school funding in rural states on Monday, Sept. 28, on the MSU campus.

The free event is open to the public and will begin at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28. An online viewing option will be available.

City reaffirms contract with Missoula Economic Partnership

“MEP has been a crucial partner for the city as we have created a much more diverse economic base in our city compared to decades ago, when it was not diverse and recessions could hit the city very hard,” said council member Gwen Jones.

GFDA Somewhat Quarterly Investor Letter

With Labor Day behind us, we’re quick-marching forward. Our window of opportunity is wide open. We are determined to make the most of it and keep opening new windows of opportunity for the Great Falls region.

This startup just raised $32 million to build solar farms using robots—and much less land

Planted’s approach doubles how much solar power is produced per acre.

Data Centers in Montana:  The Pros and Cons – 10/27 – Bozeman

Join us for an informative evening presentation by regional experts and moderated by MSU Prof. Eric Raile highlighting the various elements involved in building and maintaining data centers here in Montana. Can data centers be good neighbors?

Join us for Prospera’s Women’s Business Showcase in Downtown Bozeman on September 30th from 4:00-7:00 PM!

Join us to hear from experienced women entrepreneurs and to learn how to grow the business skills you didn’t know you need!

Montana Heritage Center Unveils $107M Renovation with Indigenous Focus – Its Smallest Room Says a Lot About the Thought That Went Into Designing the Space

The Helena museum expanded by 70,000 square feet and integrated Indigenous perspectives throughout its exhibits. A Tribal Stakeholders Group helped select artifacts and shape interpretive text, embedding Native values into the architecture and displays.

Glacier Processing Co-op Revitalizes Montana’s Only USDA Meat Plant

The cooperative’s $200,000 upgrade and planned expansion will boost local processing capacity and support 40 Montana farms. This effort addresses long-standing bottlenecks and strengthens regional meat supply chains.

Montana Tech has named its first chief artificial intelligence officer

Professor Chad Okrusch will lead Montana Tech’s approach to artificial intelligence, from classroom guidance to preparing students for careers increasingly shaped by AI. “AI is a unique disruption to both the social and technological system,” Okrusch said. “It’s changing everything we do in higher education.”

Tell Us Something is in 9 days! We’re so excite to be sharing these stories “Pursuit of Happiness.”with you! 9/23 –

From hilarious misadventures to heartfelt breakthroughs, come experience the transformative power of human connection and authentic community.  

Did you know there were 3 Headwaters organizations focusing on economic development in Montana?

We really must love the name Headwaters.

UMaine-led $20 million EDA Tech Hub investment fuels Maine’s forest economy

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced today that Maine’s Forest Bioproducts Advanced Manufacturing Tech Hub has been awarded $20 million to accelerate commercialization of advanced forest bioproducts and strengthen Maine’s forest economy.

Montana middle school educators invited to apply (due Friday, Oct. 2) for a free quantum curriculum and training program from Montana State

Through QuantumClub, educators from five Montana organizations will receive free virtual training on an engaging science, technology, engineering and mathematics – or STEM – curriculum that aims to introduce quantum science and technology concepts and careers in an accessible way. The program features collaborative learning, discussions, and hands-on art and science projects.

Missoula’s Sunday Streets creates people-powered Higgins Ave – 9/20 – Bring your bike

Missoula is proud to be part of this rich tradition of reframing one of our city’s largest public spaces – our streets!  Join us for this year’s event which returns to downtown along Higgins Ave. and Beartracks Bridge, bringing the street to life on Sunday, September 20th from 12 to 4 p.m.

MPG Ranch Newsletter: Issue XIII

MPG Ranch promotes conservation through research, restoration, collaboration, and education.

Bison Numbers Soar Thanks to Wyoming Ranchers and Market Demand

Wyoming ranchers and entrepreneurs have driven a remarkable bison recovery by combining commercial incentives with conservation. This model shows how market forces can support species revival beyond traditional public efforts.

Cattle Rancher Finds Heads of Lettuce More Profitable Than Heads of Cattle

Dwight Koehn transformed his cattle ranch into a thriving hydroponic produce business, now delivering fresh lettuce and herbs across Wyoming and Montana. His innovative approach offers a model for agricultural adaptation in the region.

Bannock County, Idaho Rethinks – May Reverse Solar and Wind Energy Ban This Fall

The county commission is considering a new ordinance to allow solar, wind, and nuclear development after a 2024 ban. This shift highlights local debates over clean energy, property rights, and economic benefits amid rising energy demand.

Why San Francisco’s pedestrian scrambles are spreading

The unusual design of the pedestrian scramble is a deceptively simple rethinking of the street that makes crossing safer while letting people move with greater freedom.

Signup for Bitterroot Business Classes & Trainings

Classes will focus on topics such as business operations, workforce, finances, marketing, technology, and business growth—with opportunities to learn, ask questions, and connect with other local professionals.

GFDA Top Ten for 9/13/26

GFDA continues to move business attraction projects forward across our region by connecting prospects with the local, state, and federal resources that can help make an expansion or relocation successful. We have a robust toolbox of financing, site selection assistance, workforce resources, and other support to help companies evaluate opportunities and invest in the Great Falls region. If you know of a company considering an expansion or new location, connect with us so we can put these resources to work. Reach out to Christian Leinhauser at [email protected] to 1-406-836-0136.

Video of First Ride in Tesla Cybercab. Are You Ready For the Future?

No steering wheel. No pedals. The Tesla Cybercab is a fully autonomous Level 4 self driving car. You are not in control at all, you have zero responsibility for its actions. You can watch movies, play on your phone, work, ANYTHING while it drives. You can even have a few adult beverages then call a Cybercab and it’s perfectly legal. All settings are saved to your Tesla account so when you call the next Cybercab your AC temp, seat settings, Spotify logins, etc are all saved. 

New Federal Act Boosts Manufactured Housing Affordability Nationwide

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act aims to ease barriers and improve financing for manufactured homes. This could reshape housing policy and offer cost-effective solutions, especially for states like Montana facing affordability challenges.

Stimson Secures Permanent Protection for 130,000 Acres of Montana Forest

Stimson Lumber Company finalized a 20,629-acre easement that ensures sustainable timber production and preserves wildlife habitat. This conservation effort also guarantees public access and supports local economic activity across Lincoln, Mineral, and Sanders counties.

Grand Valley State Unveils $166 Million Tech Hub Amid Controversy

The Blue Dot Lab project aims to transform tech education and boost regional jobs but faces criticism over cost and transparency. Groundbreaking is planned for fall 2026 despite concerns from faculty and students.