Montana Economic Development

The longer that Missoula waits to take bold steps to bolster its local economy, the greater the loss to this "brain drain."

In a contentious meeting Thursday with Ravalli County commissioners, Montana Commerce Director Tony Preite defended his department’s handling of a new federal and state stimulus program for the timber industry.

North Central Montana Transit begins service

August 24, Monday

The study, "Drilling for Workers: A Workforce Assessment of the energy industry in Eastern Montana’s WIRED
Region," examines the economic challenges in the WIRED region, the future of the energy industry in Montana, and the skills and training needed for Montana’s energy jobs.

“The State of Montana has put these funds to good use in record time. Quick Start is benefiting Montana’s schools, students, teachers and citizens. Through these funds, we are putting people to work, reinvesting in our economy, improving efficiency, increasing public safety, and making a cleaner, healthier Montana.” Governor Brian Schweitzer

PSC Vice Chairman Ken Toole says a new $4 billion federal grant could help bring high speed Internet to small towns. He said it’s a missed opportunity for Qwest.

"We are honored to receive this award", said State Director Drea Brown. "The specialists and students work hard to make this program what it is today; our goal at JMG is to help students secure a good job or post-secondary education that will lead to a meaningful career once they graduate high school."

Gary Cunningham from the Northwest Area Foundation, Curtis Holloman from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Dana Miller from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust and Bill Vesneski from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, accompanied by Montana representatives Kelly Bruggeman from the First Interstate Foundation and Lynda Bourque Moss from the Foundation for Community Vitality, spent the day in Glendive, visiting with community leaders and local foundation representatives.

Montana West Economic Development is partners with many great organizations around the valley and is happy to share the following information about business learning opportunities in the Flathead.

Montana Department of Commerce Director Anthony Preite will present a total of more than $5.7 million dollars in Montana Distressed Wood Products Industry Recovery & Stabilization (WPIRS) loan funds to Montana wood products companies during a two day tour, on Thursday, August 13, and Friday, August 14, 2009.