MEDA -Montana Economic Developers Association

• How Will Ending Reservation Requirements at Some of Our National Parks Like Glacier Impact Montana?

  Montana businesses and communities near Glacier could face shifts in visitor flow and parking dynamics under the new system. The reliance on shuttle tickets and parking time limits might affect local tourism patterns, especially given Montana’s rugged terrain and dispersed population, which influence transportation and access preferences in ways distinct from more urbanized markets.

• Polson Chamber of Commerce – LOCAL Events, Sales & Opportunities are here!

  The Polson Chamber of Commerce Mission Statement: To serve, support and strengthen our members by enhancing the business climate, promoting our area, and fostering a sense of community.

• The Leading Edge, February 2026 Leadership Montana – LAST CHANCE TO APPLY! Flagship Class of 2027 Applications Close February 28th

  LAST CHANCE TO APPLY! Flagship Class of 2027 Applications Close February 28th
  Time is almost up to share the magic of Leadership Montana. Flagship applications close February 28th, and this is the final opportunity to help us build another exceptional class.

• Eleven data center developers in talks with NorthWestern, group says

  Butte-Silver Bow raises concerns about ‘boom-bust risk’ for data centers

Bear Paw Development Montana

• Fort Benton, Montana tourism grant beginning to show results

  A $1.25 million state tourism grant is funding planning, branding, trail improvements and more as Fort Benton works to grow its visitor economy

• Montana Ranchers find reliable processing access through producer-owned co-op in Havre, Montana

  In recent years, limited processing capacity has posed a challenge for Montana producers.

Missoula, Montana Chamber of Commerce

• Swan Valley community members now have framework for area development in Missoula County, Montana

  The Swan Valley Neighborhood Plan encompasses roughly 250,000 acres.

• Nonstop Flights from Missoula to Chicago: A Game-Changer for Montana Travel

  This isn’t just another flight on the departures board. It is a fundamental shift in how Missoula connects with the rest of the world.

Big Sky Economic Development Montana

• Eastern Montana Intrigue: Stolen Data Center Plans, Lawsuits, 1,000 megawatts of power

  Before Quantica Infrastructure announced their plans for a data center south of Broadview last summer, another developer had its own plans in the works since 2020, according to a lawsuit filed Jan. 9.

Flathead Valley Community College Montana

• Flathead Valley Community College President Jane Karas to Retire at the End of 2026.

  During her tenure, she oversaw historic growth at the college, expanding the campus from four to 13 buildings and increasing academic offerings to more than 114 programs.

  In a press release, FVCC also credits Karas for strengthening community partnerships, raising millions of dollars for scholarships, and establishing FVCC as a key cultural and educational hub for the region.

Montana Ambassadors

• New Montana Ambassador Members Only Commons Launched – State and community-wide news feeds, groups, events, and a directory for member profiles.

  The new platform gives added strength and resources to the valued Ambassadors who represent their state and community every day to streamline communication, foster connections, and support economic growth in Montana.  Are you a potential Ambassador?

Montana Business

• Google promises its upcoming Texas data center won’t use any water limiting water consumption except for critical campus operations like kitchens.” What about toilets?

  Interestingly, Bloomberg’s Brooke Sutherland noted that a recent report published by water technology company Xylem Inc. and Global Water Intelligence showed that data centers don’t actually use way more water than other industries’ facilities. They also aren’t causing local residents’ water bills to rise the same way their electricity costs are going up, by way of higher demand and higher prices in their area.

• USDA Reports 15,000 Small Farms Closed or Consolidated Last Year In The U.S.

  The U.S. lost 15,000 small farms in 2025 due to being sold or consolidated. Although Wyoming has avoided major losses, Farm Bureau president Todd Fornstrom said, “When you get rid of so many small farms, you’re taking rural people out of rural America.”

Montana Housing

• Realtors fear ‘unintended consequences’ of homestead tax reform for Montanans

  “You don’t buy a rental property to write a check every month,” Stoner said.

• Many Montana landlords haven’t filed to avoid second-home tax

  Tenants could see rent increases if landlords fail to apply by next week’s deadline.

YOUR MONTANA CAREER

• University of Montana Pre-Law Program Achieves Two Years of 100% Law School Placement February 24, 2026

  “Pre-law advising is about preparation and consistency,” Le Bihan said. “Students who engage early and stay focused tend to do well.”

• Montana Career Opportunity – Law Registrar, Alexander Blewett III School of Law – University of Montana

  The Alexander Blewett III School of Law invites applications for a Law Registrar to lead academic records, registration, scheduling, exam administration, and graduation certification for the law school. The Law Registrar works collaboratively across the law school and campus to support student success from matriculation through graduation and bar certification.

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

• Montana Tech to host free Summer Environmental Engineering Camp for high school students – 7/27-31

  Designed for driven students entering their sophomore through senior years, the all-expenses-paid residential camp invites participants to explore environmental engineering through field activities, laboratory work and collaborative design projects led by Montana Tech faculty.

• NASA-Inspired STEM Adventure for Montana High School Students — Apply by February 28!

  Montana Aerospace Scholars (MAS) is a free, NASA-supported program where high school students tackle real-world aerospace challenges and explore STEM careers. Scholarships are available for the Summer 2026 residency. 🚀 Apply by February 28!

University of Montana & Montana State University Tech Transfer

• New resources support entrepreneurship community at Montana State

  The MSU Launchpad, Jabs Entrepreneurship Center, and Sustainable Enterprises Initiative are all available to support students, faculty, staff and alumni.

VR/AR, Blockchain, Bitcoin, Artificial Intelligence, The Internet of Things and Montana

• Montana’s first cyber warfare officer strengthens state defense

  Cyber incidents now trigger state-level emergency authorities just like floods and wildfires. This new capability strengthens Montana’s ability to respond when state and local systems are being attacked or have been compromised.

MATR Newsletter Supporters: