MATR Newsletter – August 13, 2021
The state with the best education wins!

Corona Virus Information

• Vaccine Refusers Risk Compassion Fatigue – Medical Professionals are Getting Fed Up With People Who Won’t Protect Themselves

  After the horrors that health-care workers have endured during the pandemic, many are struggling to sympathize with people who won’t protect themselves.

Montana Department of Commerce

• Census releases detailed 2020 counts — with an asterisk

  Montana population growth over the past decade has been driven by urban counties, census results indicate. But between pandemic disruption and a new privacy measure, the count’s details may be imprecise.

Northwestern Energy

• Northwestern Energy CEO Robert Rowe On Montana’s Energy Infrastructure

  Today’s guest is Robert Rowe, CEO of Northwestern Energy, provider of electricity and natural gas to over 700,000 residential and business customers in Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska.

Big Sky Economic Development

• Big Sky Economic Development Presents a Three-Part Experience for the 2021 Annual Meeting – 10/7 – Billings

  Edge of the Plains Documentary Screening

City of Bozeman Economic Development

• Bozeman tops 50,000 people; Gallatin County leads Montana in population growth

  The data put Bozeman’s population at 53,293, an increase of more than 16,000 people since the 2010 Census, when the city’s population was 37,280.

Great Falls Development Authority

• U.S. Census Confirms Great Falls Population Growth

  The United States Census today released 2020 census date that indicates population growth in the Great Falls MSA (Cascade County) of 3,087 people from 2010 to 2020.

MEDA -Montana Economic Developers Association

• We’re all all-full: The limits of our growing population

  We have “hit the wall” on our myopic approach to how much more we can squeeze from already over-extended systems.

• Shrinking Rural America Faces State Power Struggle

  As the new round of Congressional redistricting is around the corner, rural areas with diminishing populations might see that reflected in less power in statehouses and Congress.

• Free 2021 Northwest Economic Development Course – At Home Edition, v2.0 – 8/24-26 – 8 – 10 AM MST – Online

  Join us online August 24-26 for three free, interactive and engaging sessions led by experts in their industries. Sign up, show up, and share experiences from your community!

• Today’s TED Talk – How COVID-19 reshaped US cities

  Highlighting examples from across the United States, environmental designer Kevin J. Krizek reflects on how temporary shifts — like transforming streets into places for dining, recreation and community — can become permanent fixtures that make for more livable and sustainable cities.

The Telecommuting and Gig Workforce in Montana

• Why lower salaries for remote workers is wrong

  In yet another sign that even the most futuristic companies can’t find their asses from their earholes, Google (as well as Twitter and Facebook) are planning to cut pay to those working remotely, lowering salaries based on how far from the office you live.

Next Generation Broadband in Montana

• Biden won big on broadband, but allies fear local governments lost out

  Some of the measure’s staunchest supporters say they are frustrated by what wasn’t included in the bill: provisions to encourage municipal broadband — Internet service that is partially or fully owned by local governments.

Visit Montana

• Groups raise $500,000 in fundraising match to support Yellowstone bison conservation

  The program provides an alternative to sending bison to slaughter in order to manage the population within the park.

Funding and Building your Business

• Marshall Goldsmith’s 3-Step Process to Becoming a Better Leader

  The executive coach on why effective leadership can depend on how you respond to feedback.

21st Century Education Initiative – “You Should Care…”

• Deadline Approaching: Red Ants Pants Foundation Girls Leadership Program – Applications close on August 15, 2021 so please help spread the word!

  The dream of building a program to bolster leadership among high school girls in rural communities has been years in the making. And, thanks to your support, we are proudly embarking soon on our 4th year of the program!

Rural Communities

• Big Ideas for Small-Town Revival

  A local developer rescued his hometown in Ohio from decades of stagnation. Now he is taking his approach to other struggling communities around the Midwest.

MSU Leadership Institute & UM Global Leadership Initiative

• Young people hold the key to creating a better future

  On International Youth Day, the executive chairman and founder of the World Economic Forum urges optimism.

Miscellaneous Ramblings

• Someone In Colorado Is Putting The Funniest Signs, And The Puns Are Priceless (70 New Pics)

  Without freedom of speech, we wouldn’t know who the idiots were.

Transportation

• Who Is The “Go To Guy” for Roundabout Questions in Montana

  Believe it or not, there is actually a guy. A roundabout expert guy for the state of Montana. His name is Gabe Priebe, and he says the answer as to why Roundabouts are better, is simple.

• How to Solve a Parking Problem Without Breaking the Bank

  “What’s the next, best small thing we can do?”

Energy and Climate Change

• Live, work and shop at this green building in France

  The Partenord Habitat Plot in the Porte de Valenciennes neighborhood in Lille, France, eliminates the idea of a pollution-creating commute to work. In this design, office space, housing and retail areas are all integrated into one.

• As Climate Change Intensifies, Whitefish, Montana Eyes Clean Energy Economy With a ‘Sustainability Coordinator”

  In Montana, Whitefish is not alone in its efforts to pursue a climate action plan, joining Missoula, Helena, Bozeman and Red Lodge in adopting plans; however, those other municipalities have also created sustainability planning and coordination positions.

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