MATR Newsletter – August 26, 2022
The state with the best education wins!

Welcome to Bear Paw Development

• Bear Paw’s Quarterly Newsletter – Paw Prints – A quarterly newsletter to keep you informed

  Bear Paw Secures $2.1 Million in Brownfields Funding

Montana Department of Commerce

• Eight Montana Businesses Receive More Than $1.5 Million in Grants for Planning, Job Creation

  “Montana is one of the fastest growing economies in the nation. The sustainability of our future economy is driven by the ability of our businesses to compete locally, nationally, and internationally and grow market share with high value products and services,” said Montana Department of Commerce Director Scott Osterman.

• Montana Building New Business Relationships with Lithuania

  The Montana Department of Commerce, in conjunction with the Montana Photonics Industry Alliance (MPIA) and the Lithuanian Laser Association (LLA), have partnered to produce a series of virtual seminars designed to promote education about the laser, photonics, and optics industries while developing a network of business and academic contacts between Montana and Lithuania.

Northwestern Energy

• How the sweeping Inflation Reduction Act could transform energy development in Montana

  Industry stakeholders describe the Biden climate bill’s potential impact and promise.

MEDA -Montana Economic Developers Association

• Montana Department of Labor and Industry – Assistance for Business Clinics – Various Dates and Locations

  The Assistance for Business Clinics are designed to provide new and established businesses, accountants, bookkeepers, human resource professionals and attorneys with updated information on topics such as: Montana Department of Revenue’s new Form MW-4 and their E-Services, Unemployment Insurance Tax requirements, workers’ compensation coverage, Independent Contractor regulations, using Labor Market Information to make business decisions, the Registered Apprenticeship Program, tax incentives, minimum wage, overtime, new hire reporting, child support services, USERRA laws and regulations.

• Montana DEQ – Public Notice of Regulatory & Permitting Barriers to Housing Creation Subtask Meetings – 8/31 – Zoom

  The third meeting of the Regulatory and Permitting Barriers to Housing Creation Subtask of the Governor’s Housing Task Force will be held on Wednesday, August 31, at 1:00 p.m. via Zoom. The public is invited to participate in the meeting online by clicking the button below at the time of the meeting.

The Telecommuting and Gig Workforce in Montana

• Montana State University Community Development Remote Work Certificate Program News and Updates

  Participants of the ROI course come away feeling like they are equipped to find a remote job according to results of a survey of participants after they have completed the course.  Here are some additional tidbits from the Utah State University Extension evaluation:

Next Generation Broadband in Montana

• City grants TDS a cable franchise to operate in Missoula, compete with Charter

  TDS plans to connect more than 35,000 homes and businesses in the greater Missoula area to its fiber network. The company will also provide all-digital TV services, TV+ and a variety of phone options.

• Starlink is getting cheaper ahead of ‘increase connectivity’ event

  Many users are reporting a reduction in prices.

Montana Business and Govt. Agency Collaboration Success

• Let’s Improve Missoula’s Reserve Street – Missoula mayoral applicants are encouraged to participate – 8/30 – 9AM – Zoom

  Missoula mayoral applicants are encouraged to participate in our Aug. 30th Reserve St. Public Working Group meeting over Zoom. Citizens are interested in engaging with applicants and learning about why you’d like to serve. Meeting preregistration details are here.

Montana Business

• A ‘Tsunami of Shutoffs’: 20 Million US Homes Are Behind on Energy Bills

  Surging electricity prices spur worst-ever crisis in late utility payments.

Incubators and R&D

• Concrete made with shredded PPE gear offers up to 22% higher strength

  RMIT’s researchers haven’t been afraid to get creative when thinking up new approaches to concrete, turning to everything from tires, to lobster shells to steel slag for inspiration. Last year, they also showed how disposable face masks could be worked into stronger recycled concrete aggregate for road layering.

• Psilocybin ‘trips’ combined with therapy reduce alcohol use, study finds

  The psychedelic compound psilocybin, commonly known as “shrooms” or magic mushrooms, may help people who struggle with alcohol dependence better manage their drinking, a new study found.

Government News & Events

• How to Make the Most of the New US Climate Tax Credits

  This week, we tell you how to claim tax discounts by upgrading your home, switching to an EV, and decarbonizing your life.

• In some cities, on-demand public transit is replacing old-fashioned buses

  Transit agencies say they want to be more flexible and responsive, offering an alternative to riders who may face long bus waits and transfers. They’re also hoping to attract new riders who may not live along bus routes.

American Prairie

• American Prairie education center highlights downtown Lewistown, Montana

  In the heart of Montana’s “Save the Cowboys” country, the nonprofit American Prairie has established a state-of-the-art educational center in a historic downtown building.

Careers

• The Top 10 Most In-Demand Skills For The Next 10 Years

  Want to make yourself indispensable to future employers?

Transportation

• Western Governors’ Association provides recommendations for Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Standards

  “The West possesses unique characteristics that pose many challenges that a one-size-fits-all approach cannot address,” the letter read. “WGA encourages the FHWA to leverage state partnerships when considering minimum standards to the NEVI Formula Program.”

• California moves toward banning new cars running only on gas by 2035

  The major climate regulation to be proposed by the car-clogged state could have far-reaching effects on the auto industry

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