2012 MEDA Gubernatorial Forum And Annual Meeting, 2/28-29, Helena, Montana

The agenda is ready and registration is now open for the 2012 MEDA Gubernatorial Forum and Annual Meeting. Prior to the kick-off luncheon at Noon, February 28th, at the Red Lion Colonial in Helena, you have the option of attending two pre-conference events: USDA/RD Energy Stakeholders Meeting or the 2012 BEAR Roundup.

Attached are all of the agendas, registration and lodging details, or visit MEDA’s website http://www.medamembers.org/MEDASpringAGendaDraft.pdf . You also have the option of securing an exhibit table.

Here are a few highlights:

USDA/RD Energy Stakeholders Meeting

2012 BEAR Roundup

Gubernatorial Candidates answer three questions (see questions below)

MEDA Membership Dinner

Exhibits

Social Media Demo

Plan to join us and register today! http://www.medamembers.org/MEDASpringAGendaDraft.pdf

gloria

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MEDA Legislative Priorities to Date

A recent poll of the 500+ individuals that subscribe to MEDA’s listserve listed the following as top priorities:

* 88.1% Continued investment in state economic development programs

* 83.7% Continued investment in business development financing programs

* 82.5% Support of workforce training for new and existing workers

* 82.1% Energy development and supportive community infrastructure

MEDA Gubernatorial Forum 2012 Candidate Questions

QUESTION #1:

MEDA Members have identified the importance of the continued investment in Montana’s ongoing and effective state economic development programs. These important economic development tools fall into the following categories;

1. Regional and local economic development.

* An example would be support for Certified Regional Development Corporations.

2. Business financing programs.

* Examples would include the Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund, the Growth Through Agriculture Program, the Indian Country Economic Development Program, and the Montana Board of Research and Commercialization Technology.

3. Business technical assistance programs.

* Examples would include the Small Business Development Centers, the Food and Agriculture Centers, the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center, the Trade & International Relations program, the Montana Technology Innovative Partnership, the Montana Cooperative Development Center and the Energy Promotion and Development Program.

4. Workforce training.

* Examples would include the New Worker Training Program and the Incumbent Worker Training Program.

Many of these programs were initially funded in the 2000 Special Legislative Session. MEDA members have worked tirelessly to convey the importance of these economic development resources to the Governor and the Legislature so that they will continue to support the investment in these business development programs that are key to Montana’s economic success. What would you do as Governor to strengthen and expand Montana’s investment in these key economic development tools?

QUESTION #2:

A properly trained workforce is critical to the continued growth of Montana’s economy. Economic developers across Montana depend on the Primary Sector New Workforce Training Program and the Incumbent Worker Training Grant Program to provide key funding for business employee training. Although touched on in the last question, please tell us how you would ensure the continued availability of these funds and what else would you do over the next four years to strengthen and expand our workforce training efforts?

QUESTION #3:

Montana and Montana based companies have invested heavily over the past decade in the development of and expansion of alternative and traditional energy production. Energy production plays a huge role in Montana’s economic future. What will you do as Governor to support and encourage the continued growth and development of this key industry across the state of Montana?

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Gloria O’Rourke, Member
Montana Economic Development Services, PLLC
118 E. Seventh St.; Suite 2A
Anaconda, MT 59711
Ph: 406.563.5259 Cell: 406.490.0462
Fx: 406.563.5476

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