A packed two-week Top 22!

1) Week to week we talk about the exciting successes of entrepreneurs, businesses and developers in our region, but on a quarterly basis we get our report card on how we’re doing in building a stronger overall economy. JobsEQ released data for 2023Q1 that documents the Great Falls MSA (Cascade County) increased employment by 3.1% over the four quarters ending 2023Q1, hitting the highest employment level on record. Local average annual wages increased by 8.1%, compared to 6.4% statewide and 2.8% across the nation. This enabled our average annual wage to reach 76% of the national average for the first time. Since GFDA was founded, our MSA’s average annual wage has increased from 63% of the national average to 76% while our cost of living has fallen from 93% to 87% of the national average. Our long term goal is to get our average annual wage above our cost of living. We’ve closed the 30 point gap to 11 points.

2) Over the four quarters ending 2023Q1 total wages earned in the Great Falls MSA increased by 11.5% or $208 million. That adds significant spending power for local consumers. The number of business establishments (not including self-employed) increased by 9% with 250 new businesses, both according to JobsEQ data.

3) Jolene travelled to Colorado to network with site selectors focused on transportation and logistics. The Logistics Forum has very limited participation and gives us the chance to really connect with and learn from industry experts. We were invited to attend through Tim Feemster, one of our strategic plan consultants. Questions, reach out to Jolene 1-406-760-4481.

Much More….