“Enlighten” Credit card thick – five times the energy efficiency of standard windows.

Corning developed a modified manufacturing process based on the lab’s research that can create glass sheets at scale, as thin as a credit card. It can be cut and modified to suit standard window frames, as well as for more unique designs for custom buildings designed by architects. Corning calls this new, larger commercial glass Enlighten.

MEDA -Montana Economic Developers Association

• Bozeman, Montana entrepreneur, Jessica Dehn, redefines child care, earns national recognition

  “I want it to change the dynamic of child care everywhere for the better,” she said. “How do we get businesses and government to support it in ways so that our teachers earn sustainable wages? How do we make it so more people want to enter the industry to be providers? That’s the challenge.”

• Missoula Economic Partnership Video – Anchored in Community: The strategic growth of Missoula Makers Collective
  This story is just one example of how MEP helps local entrepreneurs turn ambition into actionable growth. By providing access to tools, expertise, and strategic partnerships, MEP empowers small businesses to scale thoughtfully and sustainably—strengthening our economy from the ground up.
• Western Leaders Network

  We unite, support, and cultivate public officials to protect western lands and build healthy, sustainable, and resilient communities.

Missoula Chamber of Commerce

• Missoula airport gains small-hub status as growth continues

  “MSO jumped back into small hub status,” he said. “The major change for us is that our funding match becomes 10% instead of 5% to any federal grant we receive.”

• Ribbon Cutting for Whitefish Credit Union; Missoula Branch FRIDAY 10/3/25

  Come enjoy a catered reception, giveaways, and the chance to meet our team. This is more than just a ribbon cutting—it’s a celebration of community, connection, and our shared future in Missoula.

Montana World Affairs Council

• Montana World Affairs Council – No place like it on Planet Earth: US students in awe of ‘Incredible India’ after returning home

  The 10-member student delegation from Montana to India was led by Jason Smith, Member of the Board of Directors of the Montana World Affairs Council.

Big Sky Economic Development

• Big Sky Economic Development’s new executive director Paul Green resigns – Annual Meeting Postponed

  In a press release issued Monday morning, BSED officials said Green’s departure was “reached through a mutual agreement.”

Montana Bioscience Cluster Initiative

• Welcome To The September Edition of Biowire – Biotech Investments on the Rise in Montana

  Montana’s bioscience sector is experiencing an exciting upswing, with fresh momentum in both private investment and public support. From venture capital to state programs, resources are expanding to help biotech companies grow, innovate, and thrive in the Big Sky.

Montana Business

• Made by a Griz for Grizzlies: How a University of Montana Alum Invented Bear Spray

  Carrie Hunt invented bear spray as a master’s student at the University of Montana in the 1980s. Since then, she has used her expertise in bear behavior to develop novel techniques to promote human-wildlife coexistence.

• Leaders discuss hydrogen’s role in Montana’s economic future

  Officials described renewable hydrogen as a foundation for sustainable aviation fuel, renewable diesel and renewable propane, transitional fuels that can power everything from jets and buses to farm equipment and locomotives. They also highlighted Missoula’s role as a hub for new infrastructure investment, projected to create good-paying union jobs across the community.

• Bourbon Tasting at The Rhino Sat. October 4th, 2:00-5:00 – Missoula

  There may be more to life than Bulleit

Regional Economic Development

• Lander, Wyoming-based National Outdoor Leadership School brings $19M benefit to Wyoming, but is still in financial hole

  The study found that in fiscal year 2024, NOLS supported 142 jobs and generated $16 million in economic output in Fremont County, where it’s among the top 8% of employers.

City Club Missoula

• The Trump Administration Is Coming for Nonprofits. They’re Getting Ready

  As the Trump administration threatens them, liberal nonprofits have been quietly preparing to do everything from surrendering 501(c)(3) status to relocating outside the US.

• City Club Missoula is Now Accepting Board Member Applications

  City Club Missoula is seeking forward-thinking community members to join our Board of Directors. If you are passionate about fostering civil discourse, strengthening community connections, and ensuring diverse voices are represented in Missoula’s most important conversations, we invite you to apply.

Hellgate Venture Network

• HVN SAVE THE DATE: October 16th Meet-up at SideCar Missoula

  See you in October

Energy and Transportation

• “Enlighten” Credit card thick – five times the energy efficiency of standard windows.Corning developed a modified manufacturing process based on the lab’s research that can create glass sheets at scale, as thin as a credit card. It can be cut and modified to suit standard window frames, as well as for more unique designs for custom buildings designed by architects. Corning calls this new, larger commercial glass Enlighten.

• Texas Aims To Revive All-But-Dead Green Hydrogen Industry

  The first-of-its-kind facility is designed to help innovators transition from the pilot stage into commercial application, supported by an advanced data modeling system. It also doubles as a training site for safety validation and workforce training involving the whole spectrum of employment, including system operators and engineers as well as professionals in the codes and standards sector.

• The EPA Is Ending Greenhouse Gas Data Collection. Who Will Step Up to Fill the Gap?

  With the agency no longer collecting emissions data from polluting companies, attention is turning to whether climate NGOs have the tools—and legal right—to fulfill this EPA function.

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

• The MSU Exponent – President Brock Tessman outlines his passion, purpose and plans for Montana State University

  Two years ago, Brock Tessman sat with his wife in the front seat of a moving truck headed for Michigan, wondering if they would ever find their way back to Montana. The couple decided that they would only return to Big Sky Country if the president position at MSU became available — and then it did.

• Two federal programs to support college students in limbo

  TRIO programs offer high return on investment, have seen strong bipartisan support, director says

• Brigade – Kids get new school lunch menu overhauled by professional chefs

  New school menu has kids asking for seconds.

2025 Legislature and Politics

• Orwell: 2+2=5 – Is the movie our current reality?

  Matthew Carey of Deadline wrote that the film “makes it startlingly clear the degree to which we are living in Orwellian times. The parallels between the nightmare of 1984, where Big Brother dictates every facet of life, and Donald Trump’s America have not been properly acknowledged. This film does that.” He ended the review by writing, “Orwell: 2 + 2 = 5 is an urgent, indispensable film for our times.”

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

• Missoula, Montana’s Hank Green’s passion project to help you stop scrolling is dominating the App Store

  Focus Friend, developed by Green and mobile game maker Bria Sullivan, uses an animated character to keep users from getting sucked into their screens.

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