MATR Newsletter – August 21, 2023
The state with the best education wins!

To laugh often and much; 
to win the respect of the intelligent people 
and the affection of children; 
to earn the appreciation of honest critics 
and endure the betrayal of false friends; 
to appreciate beauty; 
to find the best in others;  
to leave the world a bit better 
whether by a healthy child, a garden patch,
or a redeemed social condition; 
to know that one life has breathed easier  
because you lived here. 
This is to have succeeded.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Today’s MATR Newsletter is sponsored by:

Come Home Montana

Montana Career Opportunities – 9-1-1 Communications Specialist, Detention Officer – Ravalli County
Join Our Team There are over 100 individuals serving in both paid and volunteer positions within the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office

MEDA -Montana Economic Developers Association

How a New Program is Helping Small Cities Transform Their Transportation Systems
Last year, a consortium of organizations lead by Bloomberg Philanthropies quietly launched a sprawling resource called the Local Infrastructure Hub, which provides communities under 150,000 residents with a full slate of “grant application boot camps,” peer mentorships, and expert design guidance aimed at making their bids for federal funding as competitive as possible.
Best of Montana Moment: Philipsburg candy store attracts customers from all over the world
The Sweet Palace is a business venture of co-owners Shirley Beck and Dale Siegford.
Towns could save themselves from wildfire — if they knew about this money
Less than 10% of communities facing wildfire risk have a protection plan.
Child-Care Prices Are Rising at Nearly Twice the Overall Inflation Rate
Drawing on a decade of data, the 10th annual Care.com Cost of Care Report is our most comprehensive research yet. Uncover cost trends and valuable cost-saving strategies for your child care needs.
From Policy To Prosperity: Solar Is Supercharging American Communities After One Year Of Energy Incentives
As companies build out their operations and work to meet the unprecedented demand for American-made clean energy, Americans are seeing billions of dollars flow into their communities.
Tester Secures Nearly $5 Million for Montana Clean Water
Funding will go toward drinking water projects, treatment, storage
Montana Child Care Business Connect – 9/13-14 – Fairmont Hot Springs
The inaugural Fall Summit provides the attendee with professional development opportunities to support existing child care providers, as well as inspiration and learning for employers and community leaders to invest in and support child care systems in their communities.

Great Falls Development Alliance

Great Falls Development Alliance Top 10 for 8-20-23
GFDA relies on the continued support from our investors & public partners. Learn more about them. It’s through partnerships like theirs that we are able to make a lasting impact on our community.

Montana Business

Flathead Electric Co-op awards over $33K for community projects
This funding will help purchase new Tasers, repair a fence, purchase playground safety flooring and more.
Social Media Posting for Small Business – 9/26 & 10/24 – Missoula
Want to make sure your time spent posting on social media is efficient and effective? In this course, you will learn the seven layers of an excellent social media post, including examples of each layer.
Insurance companies put on notice regarding coverage in low-risk fire areas in Montana
Insurance companies have been given notice that any refusal to renew or issue policies based on wildfire risks for properties not located in high-risk fire areas violates Montana Insurance Code.

Next Generation Broadband in Montana

The Online Problem That Isn’t Being Solved
If you live in rural America, your Internet access can still be hard to come by. States can change the situation.

Housing

Bozeman CoHousing – Subsidized Housing Opportunity For First Time Home Buyers
Bozeman CoHousing is looking for someone to join our community of new, high quality and energy efficient private homes.

Government News & Events

Reforms Are Coming to American Road Design
The federal government is in the final stages of updating outdated regulations that contribute to the traffic safety crisis. Here are the key changes we’ll be looking out for.

North Dakota Business and Economic Development

Data Centers Love North Dakota. Should North Dakota Love Them?
North Dakota is considered one of the best states for mining cryptocurrency, but the high energy use that comes with it has some skeptical of its benefit to the state.