MATR Newsletter – January 29, 2021
The state with the best education wins!

Missoula, Bozeman, Helena working on green tariff with NorthWestern Energy – could help spur renewable energy development in Montana

“We see this is the most promising near-term opportunity to get new, large-scale renewables built in Montana to achieve our 100% clean electricity goals,” said Diana Maneta. “We see this is a great step in the right direction.”

Reflecting Community Priorities In Economic Development Practices

This white paper addresses ways community groups, businesses, philanthropies, economic developers, and governments can work together effectively to ensure that community goals and priorities are reflected in economic development practices.

Missoula Valley Internet Co-op – first impressions of our service from our first connected customers – 1/30 – 6PM – Online

During this call we will be discussing the launch of our service that took place in December 2020, hear first impressions of our service from our first connected customers, and discuss our greater plans to expand our service coverage area across the Missoula and Bitterroot valley’s.

Today’s MATR Newsletter is sponsored by:

Northwestern Energy

Western Energy Institute – Customer + Corporate Symposium – Virtual – March 8-10
Join over 250 energy professionals to discuss the latest energy industry trends and best practices in corporate and customer services.
Missoula, Bozeman, Helena working on green tariff with NorthWestern Energy – could help spur renewable energy development in Montana
“We see this is the most promising near-term opportunity to get new, large-scale renewables built in Montana to achieve our 100% clean electricity goals,” said Diana Maneta. “We see this is a great step in the right direction.”

Great Falls Development Authority

Coming to the Great Falls Region in 2021!
Don’t miss new announcements, project updates, COVID resource updates, trainings, and other tools – sign up for our email list.

MEDA -Montana Economic Developers Association

Missoula Regional Small Business Development Centers February Presents
Missoula Regional Small Business Development Centers provides tools and guidance to help small businesses succeed in Mineral, Missoula, Ravalli, and Sanders counties.

The Telecommuting and Gig Workforce in Montana

The 5 Cities Ready to Build With Remote Workers in Mind
The co-living company Common has announced the cities vying to host the company’s “Remote Work Hub,” aimed at snaring digital nomads fleeing more expensive markets.

Next Generation Broadband in Montana

Missoula Valley Internet Co-op – first impressions of our service from our first connected customers – 1/30 – 6PM – Online

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte

Keeping the climate conversation alive in Montana
The former governor Bullock’s Climate Solutions Council built a roadmap for action and investment. Will Gov. Gianforte run with it, or will it languish on a shelf?
Gianforte focuses on pandemic, economy in first state of state speech – Democrats respond
Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte gave his first State of the State speech Thursday, which focused heavily on the COVID-19 pandemic but also promised major actions to boost the economy and reduce government regulations.

Housing

Private company, nonprofit team up to build housing in Big Sky
“Getting inventory into the marketplace that’s dedicated in perpetuity for long term rentals for people who are living and working in Big Sky is really an important part of the equation to help solve this problem,”

Montana Business

Blackfoot Communications connects you to more.
Our mission is to connect people, businesses and communities.

Visit Montana

Watch Now: A tour of Dunrovin Ranch in Lolo, Montana
We’ve created an atmosphere where people are partners, not passengers, with our horses, and there is always time for play. Come and explore what is happening at the Ranch

Wyoming Business

New supercomputer in Wyoming to rank among world’s fastest
The new machine’s maximum speed per second will be roughly equivalent to each person on Earth completing a math equation every second for an entire month.

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

Montana State University awarded $3.5 million for advanced battery research
Montana State University is poised to push the boundaries of energy storage technology as part of a $10 million effort involving universities, national labs and industry partners.

City Club Missoula

City Club Missoula Presents: COVID-19: One Year Later Date : Feb 08 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Zoom Video Conferencing (FREE)
Registration coming soon.

Transportation

President Biden to replace entire federal fleet with electric vehicles
President Joe Biden has announced his administration’s plans to replace the entire federal fleet with electric vehicles. According to his remarks while signing the “Made in America” executive order, all the new electric cars will be made in the United States.
Could Smart City Tech Fix Railroad Crossing Traffic?
The age-old problem of traffic backups at railroad crossings is getting the smart city treatment in Lima, Ohio, a city well known for heavy rail traffic and the lengthy delays that come with it.
Berkeley to Remove Parking Requirements for Residential Properties
The Planning Commission also recommends adopting maximum parking limits and instituting transportation demand management requirements for residential land uses.
Google Maps adds EV route planning feature that’ll be familiar to Tesla drivers
You no longer have to do the math on how many miles between charging stations and if your battery will make it that far. And because this is Google Maps, you can see nearby shops and food options near each charging stop.