MEDA -Montana Economic Developers Association

News Catrgory Sponspor:


Welcome to MEDA: Leadership Dedicated to Building Montana's Economy

$9.4M Washington Foundation Gift Aims to Keep Best Teachers in Montana

“This gift has the potential to transform K-12 education in Montana, giving our children the support they need to thrive and empowering our educators,” UM President Seth Bodnar said.

The Art of Storytelling – Guy Kawasaki

Remember, a well-crafted narrative is not just about conveying information, but about taking your audience on a journey that enlightens, inspires, or moves them in some way.

New Entrepreneurship Centers Are Popping Up Across the Country

The initiative stems from Right to Start, a nonprofit focused on cultivating American entrepreneurship. Its main message is that everyone should have “the right to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, a right to start.”

New Tool Helps Local Governments Hire Displaced Federal Workers

“If there’s ever a time to bring mission-driven talent home, it’s now,” says Quinton Lucas, mayor of Kansas City. Lucas is one of a growing number of local leaders engaging with a new tool that can help them connect with federal workers who have been displaced or are looking for a change.

2025 RMT-REACH PILOT AWARD PREAPPLICAITON SUBMISSIONS OPEN MONDAY, JANUARY 6

RMT-REACH intends to fund four pilot projects with up to $50,000 in direct costs each in this application cycle. 

Big Sky 55+ Montana Legislative Update – Today 1/6 6PM – Online

Join Big Sky 55+ Chair Terry Minow; Vice Chair
Jon Ellingson; Lobbyist Margie MacDonald, and
special guests Mary Sheehy Moe and Sen. Emma
Kerr-Carpenter for our first Virtual Town Hall of
the 2025 Legislative Session. This will be a fast-
paced and informative overview of the issues and
the political landscape.

5 Employment Law Changes Set to Hit the Workplace in 2025

New legislation and ongoing legal battles mean employers have a lot to keep on top of this year, from pay transparency to workplace safety issues.

The future of coal country: Landscape on the brink of change

Montana’s energy economy pits traditional industry against renewable opportunities with billions of tax dollars at stake.

Climate change’s hidden cost: Mental health crisis among Montana’s farmers and ranchers

“To maximize public health preparedness efforts, interventions are warranted to provide climate adaptation education and therapeutic outreach specific to agricultural workers experiencing economic struggle in the context of climate change.”

Baby boomer homeowners fear losing their properties as they spend down their savings

“I’ve gotten over the anguish, the humiliation of having to go to the Missoula food bank,” she said. “I actually like going there now, and I tell them how great they’re doing.”

MATR Sponsor (view all)


Dorsey & Whitney - An International business law firm, applying a business perspective to clients' needs in Missoula, Montana and beyond.

MATR Supporters (view all)


As the hub of learning, creativity and innovation in Northwest Montana, Flathead Valley Community College is expanding

Montana Bioscience Cluster Initiative - Collaborative program design and execution and integrated programs fostering innovation, technology commercialization, entrepreneurship and sustainable small businesses

Big Sky EDA- Building Businesses and Creating Jobs in the Greater Billings, Montana area