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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

