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MATR Newsletter – June 1, 2026
The state with the best education wins!




University of Montana’s John Ruffatto Startup Challenge Breaks Record for Participants – Flathead Fragrance Co. Wins

The event saw Schafer Bungay of Flathead Fragrance Co. win $15,000, highlighting growing interest in Montana’s startup scene. This milestone reflects an expanding entrepreneurial network across the state.

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Montanans Rely More on Social Media for News in 2026 – City Club Missoula Presents: Local Voices, Local News: Today & Tomorrow of Local News in Western Montana – 6/8 – Library

A new survey reveals 71% of Montanans now get news from social media, marking a major shift toward passive consumption and ideological divides. This trend could reshape how businesses and leaders engage with the public across the state.

 



The Great Depopulation – Global Birth Rates Drop Below Replacement Level in 2023

For the first time in history, global fertility rates have fallen below the replacement level, signaling major social and economic changes worldwide. This shift challenges previous population growth assumptions and could impact labor markets and services even in Montana.


Today’s MATR Newsletter is sponsored by:

Missoula, Montana Chamber of Commerce

  • 2026 State of Missoula – 6/11- Missoula Chamber of Commerce

    The State of Missoula will offer you an exclusive look into the future of Missoula and what each organization and Government entities see as the future of our community. Please join us as we look into the future of our Missoula and Montana communities.

Great Falls Development Alliance

  • GFDA Top Top for 5-31-26

    Why You’ll Love Living in Great Falls Montana, a new video produced by Livability has gone live. Thank you to Benefis Health System for sponsoring this! Links to the video and our digital Livability Great Falls magazine can be embedded in your talent recruitment efforts, contact Jamie Rapley at [email protected] or 1-406-217-9210.

Prospera

  • Prospera Navigator 2026 Events and Trainings

    People management is some of the most rewarding and demanding work we will tackle in our careers. During this course, we will break down essential management principles and equip you with practical tools to navigate real-world management challenges.

University of Montana College of Business

Montana Business

Montana’s American Prairie

YOUR MONTANA CAREER

Montana Energy and Transportation

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

2025 Montana Legislature and Politics

  • High-Severity Fires Are Natural and Vital for Montana’s Forests

    Research shows 85% of western conifer forests naturally endure mixed- to high-severity fires, essential for ecosystem health. Ecologist Richard Hutto challenges the Forest Service’s focus on low-intensity fires and logging, urging a rethink of Montana’s forest management strategies.

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



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