Montana Economic Development

Plum Creek received $150 million in cash for approximately 130,000 acres of Montana forestlands in the first phase of the three-phase transaction.

The meetings are organized through the Northwest Area Foundation based in St. Paul, Minn., whose Horizons program has provided nearly $20 million in financial, technical and leadership training assistance to 200 communities across the West since 2002.

"Educators from the school district, MSU-Great Falls and the University of Great Falls have led the charge to find ways to encourage students to think about college and career options earlier and to coordinate their programs into smooth career pathways," said Brion Torgerson, CEO of Torgerson’s implement dealership and board member of the Great Falls Chamber of Commerce. "Now local business managers need to step up and drive the boat by telling the educators the specific types of job skills and worker traits they need."

Since 1974, the Montana Film Office has been assisting features, tv shows, commercials, documentaries, still shoots, and music videos. We offer a range of services.

The Agriculture Development Council oversees the Growth Through Agriculture program, the source of funding the council uses for project investments. The GTA program provides financial assistance to develop new products or innovative ideas that enhance Montana’s agricultural industry.

“These funds will play an important role in helping Hamilton officials plan for the future,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer. “As our communities grow, so does the need for sustainable public infrastructure.”

“It’s shaping up to be an economic storm that won’t skip over Montana,” BBER director Patrick Barkey said. “It will be a challenging year for businesses, households and governments alike.”

Billings is HOT!

Ron Zellar with the Montana Department of Agriculture said his agency and the Schweitzer administration remains confident the state can support one or possibly two processing plants for camelina.

"The timber industry has been hit hard during these difficult economic conditions and now it’s more important than ever to leave no stone unturned when exploring additional opportunities to help diversify the economy in Western Montana. These grants are a great first step in that direction", says Labor Commissioner Keith Kelly.