Montana Economic Development

Missoula International Airport has hired a business development specialist to help broaden the airport’s financial base so it’s less dependent on the fluctuating airline industry.

Companies from 14 different industry sectors said that overall they plan to have a revenue increase in the coming year of 12.6 percent — a rate much higher than the national economic growth rate, said Rich Semenik, dean of the Montana State University College of Business.

"There’s such an energy and spirit about a small start-up business," he said. "There’s a spirit of hope and a can-do attitude that can be very refreshing."

The tourism industry now recognizes that seeking experiences of this kind plays a major role in travelers’ selections of places to visit and things to do.

The Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR)program is part of The Montana Standard’s Blueprint for Change effort to move forward on economic development.

Upcoming restaurant is example of potential By JO DEE BLACK Tribune Staff Writer Once she decided to strike out on her own, entrepreneur Julie Meyer lined up enough financing and cash to build a $500,000…

Members hoping to capitalize on potential of customs, FedEx By JO DEE BLACK Tribune Staff Writer The agenda for Great Falls International Airport Authority’s board meeting Tuesday sounded a lot like an economic development caucus….

"I think that’s where the real growth of the economy comes from … the small bunch of entrepreneurs who start a business or who take an existing company and expand it," said Tutskey. "You’re not going to grow business in Missoula by trying to hit the home run and bringing in a big employer who’s going to come in with 1,000 employees."

“This is a valuable service we can provide to Montana for little money using our existing in-house capabilities,” Running said. “We plan to keep updating and improving the site as much as possible.”

How to improve an economy?

Consider the following: Presentation, promotion, preservation and positive attitudes.