| 1) Export markets are important for Montana’s small businesses, taking advantage of an international market consisting of 95% of the world’s consumers – 80% of the world’s buying power. Export markets hedge against domestic sales slumps and help companies grow and become more competitive in all their markets. Recently, the GFDA Small Business Development Center has been working with several businesses who are exploring exporting as a part of their business model. On September 4th, through our MSU Extension/SBDC Partnership, Export MT, in the Montana Department of Commerce, will be joining us to provide export information and discuss their technical and marketing assistance provided to Montana companies pursuing commercial opportunities. Join us to talk about Trade and International Relations: How Montana Businesses Can Expand Globally. For additional information and registration click here. This webinar is provided free of charge. 2) Christian Leinhauser and Jolene Schalper represented Great Falls and North Central Montana at the Transatlantic Business and Investment Council’s (TBIC) annual conference in Chicago, where they networked with site selectors and economic development professionals from around the globe. These connections are key to building international relationships and attracting future investment to our region. To learn more about how we’re putting North Central Montana on the global map, contact Christian at [email protected] or 1-406-836-0136. 3) It was an exciting week for energy projects in Great Falls! We hosted two site visits from national companies interested in our region. To talk about your project for generation, transmission, and energy use in North Central Montana, contact Kristen Blue at 1-406-788-4989 or [email protected]. | 
