Montana Business

"Once I get the stores open in Biloxi, Tucson and Boise, that will add some credibility."

The tables are turned. There has, perhaps, never been a time in which entry-level workers have been so sought after and possess so much control over their employers.

Their success and meteoric growth were honored this year when they made Entrepreneur magazine’s Hot 500, a list of the fastest growing small businesses in the nation.

Resorts like Paws Up that expand on the dude ranch concept are reporting increased bookings, another signal that luxury travel remains one of the strongest and fastest-growing segments of the tourism industry.

In fact, it’s likely some agents are making as much as Blue Cross’ top executives, who last year earned anywhere from $200,000 to $480,000 in salary, bonuses and other compensation.

"People think of minor league baseball as a little enterprise, but we’re a good-sized business, and growing."

As the scramble for workers continues in Billings, businesses have been forced to become increasingly creative and accommodating to stay competitive.

Last week, Sonju and his two sons, Jon and Jason, were in high spirits when they landed another client with big pockets: the federal government.

"For a long time, extractive natural resource industries did have a strong impact on Montana’s economy," she said, "but as population grew and jobs became more diverse, the welfare of the economy of the state has become far less dependent on extractive natural resource industries, with jobs in other industries, particularly services, taking a larger role."

The six-member board of directors of NorthWestern, the largest electric-and-gas utility in Montana, also approved ample compensation for its own members, totaling more than $1.6 million in cash and stock.