Montana Economic Development

I’ve always said our backcountry wilderness areas contain something more valuable than oil, gold, silver or copper. Future generations may be wiser than us and learn to interpret its value better than we can, but after a lifetime of outfitting, I’d like to think that in wilderness we may find the soul of mankind.

That is why we need to save it. That is why we need to set aside our differences and support the Forest Jobs and Recreation Act. Thank you, Sen. Tester, for your leadership.

Montana, with no sales tax, placed third on the list.

Glacier Wind Farm created more than 350 construction jobs. It is estimated the Rim Rock project will create more than 500 construction jobs.

At a time when many businesspeople are forced to get creative or reinvent themselves, entrepreneurship becomes key. And, as Danielson reminds, “Montana is an entrepreneurial state.”

A proposal by Becky Jennaway was one of the first to gain traction. She suggested that the community form a cooperative to buy and operate the Lazy JC. With the help of the Montana Cooperative Development Center in Great Falls, a steering committee recently finished the paperwork necessary to get the co-op rolling.

One director bought himself a $61,000 Range Rover and a feather bed, as well as an iPod for his 15-year-old son. Another picked up a new Mercedes-Benz for $67,000. All the purchases were made with the help of a 50% tax credit, courtesy of the good people of Iowa.

"This will make it easier for those Montanans who are upgrading their skills and those seeking part-time work to get the support they need as they go through this process," says Commissioner Kelly.

"Research is a key component of economic development," said Governor Brian Schweitzer. "To increase Montana’s participation in the global economy, it is important that we continue to support projects with a high potential for commercialization across all business sectors."

The grant money will go to help the center create cooperatives in small communities.

The purpose of the hearing is to inform the public of the methodology MDT applies to set the DBE goals.