Montana Economic Development

Do take a minute to read the MEDA Online News for August so that you will be up-to-date on a variety of issues and opportunities.

The conference is focused on improving coordination between local and
state economic development agencies, in an effort to create more
productive relationships and greater economic benefits for Montana
communities.

It may rub some of us wrong to think we’re losing our “freedom” to use as much water and energy as we want. But in the bigger picture, it should be obvious that the hard choices are upon us. We either cut back on our consumption and pollution or, in the not-too-distant future, we lose the very things we love most.

"Personal note: I have attended many economic development trainings in the past 14 years. No doubt about it, the Heartland Center Hometown Competitiveness workshop is the best training I have ever received. The price is incredible at $125.00 – and you can submit for a MEDA Scholarship (before August 1st) too! Thank you, MDOC for bringing this training to Montana." Gloria O’Rourke, MEDA

Only time will tell, he says, but he wonders if deep pockets like Foley’s will start influencing local elections, like Whitefish’s upcoming mayoral and city council races.

"This is the first time ever I’ve been able to call my dad in Missoula and tell him I’m almost there," said Lee Ann Schmidt, 34, of Great Falls. As Schmidt spoke, her boyfriend’s daughter, 16-year-old Allie Dunlop, was busy texting her best friend on her pink Razr.

The mission will help Montana business cultivate new markets and develop stronger relationships with existing clients through prearranged one-on-one meetings.

The program includes information on trends in today’s global economy, market entry strategies, financing mechanisms and resources, trademark and intellectual property protection tools, and much more.

The Commerce WIRED program has nearly $3.5 million in grant funds available annually for customized worker training for businesses working with universities, colleges, high schools, and other training providers on specialized bio-product training and curriculum development. The program will also provide grants for WIRED eligible job training programs or projects that will enhance and expand the bio-product industry in the WIRED region.

The Montana World Trade Center at The University of Montana and U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg will lead a trade mission to South America Aug. 11-18. Stops are planned for Buenos Aires, Argentina; Sao Paulo, Brazil; and Santiago, Chile.