Montana Economic Development

“It’s basically pulling together our collective strengths and making Montana a much bigger player in the national and world markets.”

"It’s a real testament to the professionalism of our staff, the commitment of our local government members and the great partners we have developed in both the public and private sectors," Paul Tuss, Bear Paw Development’s executive director .

The town’s Chamber of Commerce recently signed on with the Montana State University Community Design Center to plan its makeover.

After Schweitzer announced his determination to put Montana in the energy-producing business, the crowd greeted his suggestions with enthusiastic applause.

"The governor has said from the beginning, if this cannot be done cleanly, he’s not interested in it," said Eric Stern, senior counselor to the governor. "The question is: Does the party doing it make that commitment? We’re going to make that commitment."

“There was definitely a seed planted in our community and it was well worth it,” Penn said of the council’s decision to request proposals.

Governor Schweitzer strongly supports assistance to local agricultural companies. “Helping Sustainable Systems, LLC will keep good paying jobs in Roosevelt County,” said Anthony J. Preite, Director, Montana Department of Commerce. “The purchase of Montola will help sustain the grain market for current local growers.”

"We’re much more sophisticated now," said Liz Marchi. "We have a forward-looking sense of the economy as well as of the educational and developmental partnerships that will move the Flathead from survival to success. We also have a board that’s looking for an expanded agenda of economic development."

How does your city measure up? Check out the best U.S. cities for entrepreneurs.

What it really seems to come down to, when you press developers hard enough about their clients’ motives, is that Montana remains relatively unpopulated. Never mind that the elbow-room sales pitch is quickly eliminating the very thing it’s selling.