MATR Newsletter – May 8, 2019
The state with the best education wins!

Bringing the Crowd Back to Main Street Bozeman, Montana

Cinnamon Janzer reports on a “renewed nationwide focus on small-town downtowns and Main Streets,” exploring the recent planning work of Bozeman, Montana as a primary example.

“Life is a great canvas – throw all the paint on it you can.”
Danny Kaye

Today’s MATR Newsletter is sponsored by:

Montana Department of Commerce

Governor Bullock Signs Bill to Support Montana Business Growth and Entrepreneurship
Reauthorization of business development tools to help small businesses expand footprint and support jobs

Northwestern Energy

NorthWestern Energy Seeks Montana Renewable Energy Projects
Proposals must meet all CREP criteria established by Montana statutes and administered by the Montana Public Service Commission.

The Telecommuting and Gig Workforce in Montana

CBS Sunday Morning Video – Work remotely? Tulsa, Oklahoma wants you (and your laptop) to move
Take your laptop to Tulsa, and they’ll pay you $10,000 to move there.
Gig Economy Protections: Did the EU Get It Right?
The rules define beneficiaries as “workers in casual or short-term employment, on-demand workers, intermittent workers, voucher-based workers, platform workers, as well as paid trainees and apprentices.”

2019 Montana Legislature and Politics

Montana Governor Bullock Signs Bill Inspired By Havre Small Business Owner & Sponsored By Havre Legislator
“This certainly has been one of my favorite bills to work on,” Bachmeier, a Havre Democrat, said shortly after Bullock signed the measure.
Although future funding is uncertain, Anaconda and Butte preschool programs plan to continue
Efforts to expand preschool funding and to create a statewide pre-K program were unsuccessful this session, forcing state-supported programs like those in Butte and Anaconda to brainstorm how they can penny-pinch over the next two years to stay afloat.

Montana Economic Development

Bringing the Crowd Back to Main Street Bozeman, Montana
Cinnamon Janzer reports on a “renewed nationwide focus on small-town downtowns and Main Streets,” exploring the recent planning work of Bozeman, Montana as a primary example.
Most of America’s Rural Areas Are Doomed to Decline
Since the Great Recession, most of the nation’s rural counties have struggled to recover lost jobs and retain their people.

Montana Business

141 PHOTOS: Exploring the wild side of Montana’s Hi-Line
An incredibly peaceful and awe inspiring place to visit
Missoula beekeepers develop app that ‘listens’ to a hive’s health
Since 2006, 20 percent to 40 percent of bee colonies in the United States have suffered “colony collapse.” So scientists are always looking for a better means of assessing the health of a hive.

Developing a more Entrepreneurial Montana

Great Falls, Montana high school students compete for scholarships in the community wide ‘Electric City Shark Tank’
The event, based on ABC’s business-themed reality show, will take place 5/9 at 5:30 p.m. in Heritage Hall of Great Falls College.

Funding and Building your Business

Earn It!Know Your Value and Grow Your Career, in Your 20s and Beyond
A straight-talking guide for the newest members of the workforce, with road-tested advice for landing a job, navigating the new world of work, establishing a personal brand, and getting the recognition (and money) you deserve.

Regional Economic Development

Evaluation provides insights on effective state incentives
The MEDC team should be commended both for requesting an in-depth assessment of its incentive program and for providing the research team exceptional access to information that enabled a meaningful analysis.
STEM funding boosts state economy…in Oklahoma
We are a state that seems ready to seize the moment and leverage the quality of life and business-friendly advantages here to add innovation and technology-based economic development to Oklahoma’s list of “greats.”

Regional Business News

Details of Tesla’s new Insurance program start to leak
Tesla is launching an insurance company to insure its vehicles
Chasing Amazon: The store of the future is already here as retailers up their tech game
From holograms that greet shoppers at the door to a robot that alerts workers when products are running low, technology has become a prime battleground in the fierce fight to woo shoppers year round.

Idaho News & Events

Idaho Governor Little Awards 15 Community Development Grants
“Idaho Commerce is focused on helping our communities and their citizens improve their local infrastructure and quality of life,” said Idaho Commerce Director Tom Kealey.
Idaho state controller upgrades open government website
Residents will be able to review everything from which agency spent the most on pizza to who has the highest salaries in each county, Idaho State Controller Brandon Woolf said.

Wyoming Business

Wyoming’s tourism industry accounted for $3.8 billion in spending last year
“Throughout 2018, Wyoming’s tourism industry maintained its excellence in welcoming visitors with the state’s beautiful scenery and innovative events,” Diane Shober, executive director for the Wyoming Office of Tourism

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

How to Teach Kids to Be Independent Thinkers
Students often don’t know why they’re learning something. Asking why is so important to kids and they deserve a better answer than “because it will be on the test.”
Communication skills still essentials for the tech generation: Ask HR
While this skill gap can be seen in other generations, it is a real concern for those now entering the workforce.

Education News

110,000 Washington students a year will get money for college, many a free ride
Starting in 2020, more Washington residents will be able to attend college for less money. For many, it will be free.

Government News & Events

Code for America Gears Up for Annual Summit in Oakland
The leading civic tech organization, known for its disruptive approach to using technology in government, will welcome a wide range of guests, including speakers from the private sector, public sector and nonprofits.
More Than 250 ‘Free-Floating’ EVs Hit Sacramento Streets
Sacramento, Calif., officially rolled out its GIG car-share program, placing 250 electric vehicles on the streets, available to rent with an app.