Montana Economic Development

At a time when many of the jobs available in Yellowstone County are in the service sector, there are still a few heavy manufacturers calling this area home. By JOHN FITZGERALD Of The Gazette Staff…

Natural attractions are the No. 1 reason that tourists choose to visit Montana

"The more we can do to strengthen the region and put ourselves on the map, the better," he said. "There’s reason to be optimistic, but we also need to be realistic."

In more than 30 years working in the field of economic development, Tony Preite has been involved in myriad projects. By MICK HOLIEN of the Missoulian The former regional director of the U.S. Department of…

The Governor has decided to use the discretionary component of the federal Workforce Investment Act funds to continue a program that provides grants to Montana businesses in order to provide incumbent worker job training to…

The governor suggested that entrepreneurship and innovation are badly needed because the industries that have provided jobs for generations in rural parts of the state — agriculture, timber, tourism and mining — won’t sustain outstate Minnesota’s… (Montana’s as well)… residents and communities in the future.

Outside magazine has picked Montana State University as the fifth best university in the magazine’s annual "Top 40 College Towns" poll. The list, which ranks colleges and universities that combine the best intellectual and outdoor…

"It is my hope that the Chamber of Private Enterprise will become an organization that is highly respected to speak out on economic issues and key questions of what government on the local level should and should not be doing," Koopman said. "I also hope that we are feared by those who would threaten our freedom."

(This is an excellent example of why bringing in entrepreneurs who can develop new companies and business models is a major opportunity for rural communities. Take a look at http://www.comehomemontana.org for a model that brings back the best and the brightest.- Russ)

Sidney has always had a resilient spirit. The people of this area have never been afraid of hard work and sacrifice. This facility once again proves that eastern Montana has the characteristics that are needed to ensure economic success.