MATR Newsletter – February 9, 2023
The state with the best education wins!

Today’s MATR Newsletter is sponsored by:

Montana Career Opportunities – Executive Director – Discover Anaconda
The Executive Director for Discover Anaconda is responsible for administering and managing Discover Anaconda staff, budget, and designated Board of Directors (BOD) processes. The ED leads Discover Anaconda’s…
Missoula County Public Schools school board votes to restart superintendent search process
“We want somebody who was ready to hit the ground running,” Hobbins continued. “While these candidates definitely have a lot of great experience, they don’t have the experience running a…

Montana Archer Wins BIG ( $57,000) in Archery World Series in Las Vegas
It is a sport that relies on physically being able to draw and release the bow. But, it is more of a mental sport than it is physical. As archers tend to battle their brains in an attempt to achieve proper form and steady their aim.

Kalispell and Whitefish to Receive $680,000 in Federal ‘Safe Streets for All’ Grants
Both cities will create action plans to address safety and traffic concerns on city streets

LAST CALL for February Trainings with Prospera
If you or someone you know has been helped by Prospera, pay it forward by donating to the foundation or joining our membership family.

‘Montana PBS Reports: IMPACT’ to premiere new episode Feb. 9 at 7PM Childcare and Food Banks
Viewers can watch the new episode at 7 p.m. Feb. 9 on montanapbs.org/live or from the Montana PBS Facebook page at facebook.com/MontanaPBS.
Eight Steps To Creating A Successful Startup Business Plan
This article will walk you through the eight essential steps to creating a successful startup business plan.
Video – About Accelerate Montana
Accelerate Montana offers a broad range of programs to benefit businesses and individuals alike – regardless of where you live or work in Montana. In order to meet our mission of accelerating economic potential, we have assembled teams who can support, guide, and consult with you on your business or help guide you in your career.
Applications due Feb. 17 for 406 Labs spring incubator program at Montana State University
All Montana residents and MSU students, faculty, staff and alumni are eligible for the program.

SafetyFestMT will be presented virtually on March 6th-10th, 16th, & 17th.
This popular event provides education, awareness, and connection to positively impact the safety and health of Montanans in the workplace!

The University of Montana 2023 Community Lecture Series “Research, Inquiry and Ways of Knowing” is returning to campus Feb. 21 through March 28 in person and online. No charge for High School Students
Join us in person or participate online as our presenters tackle topics with the theme of “Research, Inquiry and Ways of Knowing,” to reflect UM’s “R1” research status. Q&A will…
‘Yellowstone’ spin off ‘1944’ to be filmed in Bitterroot Valley
“Every year these productions are hiring more and more Montanans,” Fields said. “And that’s essential.”

Montana remains one of two states without distracted driving laws
Republicans such as state Sen. Jeremy Trebas not only don’t support a statewide ban, but they also want to overrule Missoula and the 14 other Montana cities, towns, and tribal governments that have enacted bans on hand-held cellphone use while driving.
Missoula to Legislature: Let cities decide rules around plastics
“HB 407 is a ban on specific things they (the Legislature) don’t want us to make decisions on,” said Lee Brown, a 25-year high-school teacher from Missoula. “We’re asking to give local control to communities so they have the ability to maintain a clean and healthful environment in the state of Montana for future generations.”
“Last Best Constitution” now available on Montana cable stations
My latest Montana history video series, “Last Best Constitution,” went public Wednesday February 1 on Helena Civic Television (HCTV).

This Week at Strong Towns – End Parking Mandates & Subsidies
Here are some of the best stories, analysis, and podcasts on this subject to support ending parking mandates in your community.

How Deadly is Your Community’s Streets? New Data Tool from USDOT Shows the Hard Truth
A new federal tool helps Americans see at a glance exactly how deadly traffic violence is in their community — and how their neighbors stack up.

VIDEO PREMIERE ‘but where will I park?’ : Friday, February 10 at 5 pm Eastern
To thank you for being an email subscriber, here’s a preview of the upcoming Strong Towns video documentary about Fayetteville, Arkansas, one of the first U.S. cities to repeal parking minimums.

Heat pumps are defying Maine’s winters and oil industry pushback
Fossil fuel industry groups say the technology isn’t ideal for the state’s climate. Mainers aren’t buying it.
Minnesota Utilities to Go Carbon-Free by 2040 – Alaska to Consider Carbon Offset and Sequestration Program
If signed by the governor, a new state law would require all utilities in the state to switch to renewable energy within two decades.
Plan Now For Home Efficiency Federal Rebate Programs
Federal rebate programs offer significant financial incentives to people who replace fossil fuel powered appliances.

What is Google Bard? Here’s what you need to know about company’s new AI experience.
Bard initially will be available exclusively to a group of “trusted testers” before being widely released later this year, according to a Monday blog post from Google CEO Sundar Pichai.