Montana Economic Development

Yellowstone County’s economic development agency is asking its members to help grow a pot of money that has been earmarked to spur future job growth.

Please take the survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Q9HFGC8

"Small businesses are the driving force behind job creation in Montana and across the country. That’s why I fought so hard for a Small Business Jobs Bill that was tailor made for them – with investments like this one to give small businesses the extra boost they need to break into new markets around the world and create more jobs here are home," Baucus said.

"We can rewrite the cycle of boom and bust in the Bakken by planning ahead and getting all hands on deck, which is what this project will help us do."

The building-by-building restoration has taken more than three decades, but Montana Avenue has now been largely transformed into a friendly neighborhood filled with fine restaurants, art shops and nightclubs.

"With 95 percent of the world’s consumers living outside of the United States, exporting gives small businesses the opportunity to reach new markets, increase sales and create jobs," said SBA Administrator Karen Mills.

The report states that passage of the bill would have no negative impacts on the local economies.

BREDD’s director said that the company has "chosen not to take the traditional industry-specific path…Please go ahead and return the money to the grantor. We won’t be engaged in that type of feasibility study."

"We have dissimilar goals," said Commissioner Greg Chilcott. "They are focused on what’s happening in Missoula."

MEP executive director and president James Grunke also was pleased with the response, noting that 100 resumes would have been considered a strong signal.