Archive: August 2019

Kirk’s Grocery Serves as New Venue for Art & Entertainment

28 August 2019
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Anyone wanting to mix it up a bit when it comes to seeking entertainment in Billings has a new opportunity. Spend an evening at Kirk’s Grocery.

Even the name conveys the originality of this new venue. Kirk’s Grocery has nothing to do with groceries; it’s all about the off-beat of culture, art, music and theater in Billings. It’s called Kirk’s Grocery because that is the name imbued in brick above the doorway, and founder, Shane de Leon, says he couldn’t afford a new sign to give it a new name. But, somehow, Kirk’s Grocery works.

Even the location of Kirk’s Grocery at 2920 Minnesota Avenue seems to fit, situated as it is in one of the oldest and most historic parts of the city. Back in about 1907, Kirk’s Grocery was truly a grocery store serving citizens in the heart of early-day downtown Billings. Today it serves a completely different purpose but it is still reaching out to serve what Shane sees as a vital sector of Billings  — artists and performers who don’t fit into the traditional niches.

Kirk’s Grocery is, in part, an art gallery with its turn-of-the –century high-ceiling walls sporting paintings and drawings by mostly local artists, but there are works from as far away as Germany and Italy. The art is eclectic and surprising. The open space within is also a venue for singers, musicians, song writers, story tellers, comedians, and other artists who want an opportunity to perform their unique work but don’t quite fit in with the more standard venues.

The artists have followers but not enough to fill up Pub Station or some of the other stages in the area.

Kirk’s Grocery gives the performers and their audiences a place to enjoy the talent, improvise, and to hang out and talk, Tuesday through Friday from 2 – 9 pm.  It’s the kind of place that de Leon wishes were in Billings when he was a high school student seeking music that was out of the main stream and wanting to have an opportunity to play his own music.

de Leon left Billings to find that kind of opportunity and he has traveled the world since. After 40 years he returned to Billings with no intention of doing anything like this, but in discovering that there is still a lack of opportunity for young people who have different ideas and talents, de Leon decided it is a venture worth pursuing. Maybe some of the high school age kids won’t find it necessary to leave Billings to find what they seek. “If just four or five decide to stay, it will be worthwhile,” he said.

Kirk Grocery already has a following of high school kids who have discovered that here is a place where they can fit in. It’s a place to express themselves, display their art and talent, and be part of a creative community.

There is little structure to what might transpire, one event from another, one evening to the next. A schedule regarding the entertainment is posted at the door and on facebook. The admission is $5 or $10 or whatever the patron can afford – some can’t afford to pay anything and they are still welcome, said de Leon. But, it is only through admissions and the sale of art which includes items other than paintings, that support Kirk’s Grocery.

Kirk’s Grocery can be a theater, a place to hold meetings and gatherings of all kinds. deLeon said that he sees potential for catered events and will be focused on exploring possibilities as awareness and demand grows.

de Leon sees his venture fitting in with the “Better Off in Billings” program aimed at retaining and attracting young people to the community. He hopes it will help bring creative people to Billings who can help foster greater creativity, entertainment and enrichment.

Idaho Reduces Regs To Reduce Burden

28 August 2019
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When it comes to competing with other states, Idaho is upping the anti.

Idaho’s new governor, Brad Little, is on a mission to reduce red tape on businesses in Idaho. His first two executive orders were the Licensing Freedom Act and the Red Tape Reduction Act.

Both are aimed at reducing regulatory burdens on residents and businesses. The licensing order calls for an overhaul of the state’s occupational licensing laws and the red tape order requires state agencies to propose two rules for simplification or elimination for each new rule it brings forth.

The reduction was somewhat happenstance – the turning of what at first seemed to be a negative into a positive. At first, Gov. Little was not happy that the Idaho state legislature failed to re-authorize all administrative rules for another year. Their failure meant that all existing rules would expire on July 1, 2019.

Gov. Little and his administration rallied and on June 19, after holding 40 public hearings on all rules to be removed, changed or re-authorized, the governor announced all rules set to expire July 1 due to legislative inaction had been republished and the state was back on track. And in the process, they had cut or simplified 40 percent of Idaho’s administrative rules.

Now Idaho and its rapid regulatory reform are the talk of the nation among government regulatory wonks. Bolstered by the rapid, albeit labor-intensive, results, Little said he wants to cut even more. By the end of the year, he hopes to see a total reduction of 55% to 60% all state regulations, including significant streamlining of Idaho occupational licensing rules.

High Tech Cars Miss the Mark

26 August 2019
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Tech execs and auto company leaders are becoming increasingly pessimistic about the future of AVs—and they are far less sanguine about electric vehicles (EVs) as well—because the raft of rosy projections in recent years have not even remotely come true.

They have been nothing more than “hypothetical scenarios,” said Eric Meyhofer, head of Uber’s Advanced Technologies Group, about that company’s predictions that it would manufacture up to 75,000 autonomous vehicles by 2019 and that in 2022, tens of thousands of fully self-driving Uber taxis would be in 13 of the largest cities.

Executives of big and small auto manufacturers are becoming increasingly pessimistic about the future of AVs—and they are far less sanguine about electric vehicles (EVs), reports FastCompany.

In 2010, J.D. Power and Associates predicted that within a decade, global hybrid and EV annual sales would top five million units. The EV segment is nowhere near that goal and, if anything, is retrenching. In the first quarter of this year, about 92,000 plug-in cars were sold in the U.S., down from over 100,000 in the prior quarter. Tesla, the number-one player in the EV market, saw its global unit sales fall more than 30 percent, and the company is rapidly burning through cash, drowning in debt, laying off workers, and struggling to survive.

Sales of plug-in hybrid market leader Toyota Prius Prime were a lowly 4,026 in the first quarter, dropping 40 percent from the prior quarter. And GM’s once ballyhooed Chevrolet Volt went out of production.

Fully battery operated and hybrid EVs are barely a niche market, accounting for about 2 percent of vehicle sales in the U.S.—and that’s with government-backed incentives to encourage buyers.

Energy Transfer Sues Pipeline Demonstrators

26 August 2019
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Greenpeace and other individuals were blamed for directing protests causing millions of dollars in damage at the construction site of Dakota Access Pipeline, in a new lawsuit filed by Energy Transfer Partners.

The lawsuit was filed in Morton County District Court by attorney Lawrence Bender against Greenpeace, the Red Warrior Society, Cody Hall, Krystall Two Bulls, and Charles Howe.

It accuses them of “mindless and senseless criminal mayhem” as they used the protest to raise millions of dollars—much of which was used to pay demonstrators.

The parent company of Dakota Access Pipeline seeks millions of dollars in damages.

Energy Transfer is pursuing the civil action in North Dakota after a Federal Court dismissed its earlier lawsuit, which alleged Greenpeace and other groups were guilty of violating racketeering laws.

“We remain committed to holding those who were responsible for the damages to both our business and our reputation accountable for their actions,” said spokesperson Vick Granado.

In addition to vandalism and destruction of machinery, company also detailed “significant harm” to citizens, including harassment, intimidation, threats, property damage, cattle and bison owned by ranchers that were butchered or maimed, and graves that were vandalized.

They accused the defendants of spreading misinformation and outright falsehoods about Energy Transfer. The two most prominent mistruths were contending the pipeline interfered with the water supply for the Standing Rock Sioux, and that it crossed over historical cultural Native American sites.

Court Rejects Discharge Permit for Montanore Mine

23 August 2019
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A Montana District Court judge has vacated a water  discharge permit for the Montanore Mine, a proposed silver-copper mine,  five miles northeast of Noxon in Sanders County, near the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness. The permit was issued by Montana’s Department of Environmental Quality  to Hecla Mining Company and its subsidiary, Montanore Minerals Corporation, following the company’s completion of an environmental impact study.

District Judge Kathy Seeley of Helena ruled Friday Montana’s Department of Environmental Quality violated state and federal clean water laws in issuing a discharge permit to Hecla Mining Co. for the Montanore Mine.

Seeley ruled the DEQ did not set adequate pollution restrictions and gave Hecla too long to meet the requirements.

The suit was filed by Earthjustice on behalf of Montana Environmental Information Center, Save Our Cabinets, and Earthworks.

“This is a big win for clean water,” said Bonnie Gestring, Northwest Program Director for Earthworks.  “The court affirmed that Montanore cannot make use of a 27-year-old permit that would allow unnecessary pollution of Libby Creek, rather than complying with today’s laws to better protect Montana’s trout streams.”

“It is time for this project to just go away,” said Jim Jensen, executive director of Montana Environmental Information Center.

Hecla spokesman Luke Russell says the company is still reviewing the ruling. The order sends the matter back to the DEQ,

The Project began in the late 1980’s with the partial construction of an underground evaluation tunnel or “adit”.  A final Record of Decision allowing the project to move forward was issued by the US Forest Service (USFS) in 1993; however, that authorization was given up by the company who owned the project at the time.  In 2016, the US Forest Service again authorized the Project; however, that affirmative decision was remanded by the Federal District Court in Missoula.  

In 2016, Idaho based Hecla Mining (the oldest mining company in North America) purchased Mines Management Inc. (MMI), the company which owns the Montanore Project.  Montanore Minerals Corp., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hecla Mining Company, owns the assets referred to as the Montanore Project. 

The project’s state-issued operating permits are also being challenged in a pending lawsuit by Montana’s Department of Environmental Quality, which is suing to stop Hecla CEO Phillips S. Baker, Jr., from proceeding with the Montanore and nearby Rock Creek mine projects based on the agency’s determination that Baker is in violation of Montana’s “bad actor” mining law.

Baker formerly served as Vice President and CFO of Pegasus Gold Corporation, which operated and abandoned multiple cyanide heap-leach gold mines across Montana in the 1990s.  The “bad actor” law prohibits mining executives whose companies default on their clean-up obligations from developing new mines in Montana.

A coalition of environmental groups including Save Our Cabinets, Earthworks and Defenders of Wildlife have challenged the project in several court cases and have joined the DEQ’s “bad actor” challenge.

In April, a Montana District Court judge ruled that a permit for Hecla’s other proposed mine– the Rock Creek Mine – is also invalid.

Clerk & Recorders To Convene in Billings

23 August 2019
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The 60th Annual Convention of the Montana Association of Clerk & Recorders and Election Administrators will be held in Billings on August  12-15 at the Billings Hotel & Convention Center.

Clerk and Recorders from all 56 counties and most will attend with many bringing staff members with them. Yellowstone County Clerk and Recorder Jeff Martin said he anticipates that there will be about 80 attendees.

Changes to Health Care

22 August 2019
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Under the Trump Administration there have been changes made to rules governing employee insurance that have expanded and improved benefits, over the past year.

Last week, the Trump Administration announced new guidance on health savings accounts (HSAs), which will help patients better manage chronic conditions, provide more affordable access to treatments, and in the end prevent these conditions from worsening. This first action stemming from Executive Order 13877 (“Improving Price and Quality Transparency in American Healthcare to Put Patients First”) expands the list of preventative care benefits permitted to be provided by a high deductible plan, which will allow patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and asthma to use their HSA dollars to pay for treatment and care before they meet their deductible. This change is effective immediately.

The directive follows another in mid-June which allows citizens to use HRA funds to purchase the health coverage that best meets their personal needs. It also allows the use of the funds for benefits such as dental and vision care.

Last August the departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and Treasury issued a final rule on short-term, limited-duration plans. The rule extended a 3-month limitation on the duration of these plans to under twelve months; allowed for a renewal of the plans for no longer than 36 months; and requires clear communications for consumers to help them understand the coverage level they are receiving.  This health coverage option is important for the self-employed, startups, and people who transition in and out of the workforce due to personal reasons and the need for flexibility.

The courts upheld President Trump’s authority to make these changes in the directives, with U.S. District Judge Richard Leon saying, “Not only is any potential negative impact from the 2018 rule minimal, but its benefits are undeniable.”

Also, in mid-July, the U.S. House passed H.R. 748, the “Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2019” by a vote of 419-6. The legislation fully repeals the “Cadillac Tax.” The U.S. Senate is expected to act on the legislation soon.  Over time, the 40% tax is expected to hit all plans, which business organizations like the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, worry will put health insurance out of reach for many more small businesses and the self-employed.  

“Partially due to taxes and the threat of impending taxes, health coverage costs have increased and access to health care has become more expensive. Repealing this tax is important, and we are pleased to see the massive bipartisan vote in support of ending it for good.  Similarly, it is now time for Congress to repeal or extend the current moratorium on another tax – the Health Insurance Tax (HIT) – which specifically targets small business plans,” said Karen Kerrigan, who heads the SBE Council.

Billings Clinic Opens New Dialysis Center

22 August 2019
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The new Billings Clinic dialysis center in downtown Billings held its ribbon cutting ceremony and open house last week, offering the public its first look at the new, cutting-edge facility. A joint venture between Billings Clinic, the region’s largest health care organization, and Dialysis Clinic, Inc., one of the nation’s largest providers of dialysis services, the 114,309-square-foot dialysis center will begin serving patients this summer.

“This new dialysis center allows us to serve more patients in a state-of-the-art facility that keeps them close to our downtown campus,” said Dr. Kendrick Trostel, a Billings Clinic nephrologist and the center’s medical director. “It ensures we can meet the growing need for these vital dialysis treatments. Our new center is a great addition to this neighborhood and to the core of our city.”

As the first major health care facility east of North 27th Street, the new center represents a transformative development that fits Billings’ desire for infill projects between downtown and MetraPark, using existing lots or buildings to bring in new development and businesses.

According to the U.S. Renal Data System Annual Data Report, more than 660,000 Americans are being treated for kidney failure and of these, 468,000 are dialysis patients. In the Billings area, the number of patients requiring dialysis treatment is growing by about 5 percent each year.

The new Billings Clinic dialysis center offers more space and easy ground-level access to patients while keeping them in close proximity to the main Billings Clinic campus. The center will be able to serve more patients each day and has the capacity to increase treatment space if needed. It more than doubles the amount of space available to patients, from 17 dialysis chairs and two home care rooms to 36 chairs and four rooms. The $3.9 million construction project provides patients with updated machines and equipment, along with full dialysis treatment and multiple delivery modalities, in a spacious and modern healing environment.

“The 17 station Billings Clinic dialysis facility is at capacity and our staff has done everything they can to accommodate the needs of current dialysis patients,” said Tim Reedy, Billings Clinic/ DCI Area Operations Director. “We are thrilled that the new location offers 19 additional in-center hemodialysis treatment chairs and two additional home therapy exam rooms.  We will be able to accept new in-center patients and expand our home therapy offering to include home hemodialysis.”

 Local architects, engineers and contractors CTA, Sanderson Stewart and Fisher Construction Inc. of Billings built and designed the center.

Billings Building Permits -August 1 2019

19 August 2019
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Commercial

  • Rimrock Ii, Llc/Jones Construction, 4040 King Ave W, Com Addition, $1,737,080
  • Tande, Bradley C & Leeann/Jones, Tim O – General Contractor, 768 Fallow Ln, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $16,000
  • Sysco Food Services Of Montana/Centimark Corp, 1509 Monad Rd, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $915,000
  • City Of Billings (Airport)/Larsen, G. A. Inc., 2903 Overlook Dr, Com New Other, $615,000
  • Rimrock Ii, Llc/Jones Construction, Inc, 4040 King Ave W, Com New Parking Lot/Non-Building Structure,   $75,000
  • West End Commercial Properties/Jorden, Ed – General Contractor, 3737 Grand Ave, Com Remodel, $40,000
  • Na/Jorden, Ed – General Contractor, 27 Shiloh Rd, Com Remodel, $85,000
  • 1400 S 24th Llc/Sunleaf, Steve – General Contractor, 1400 S 24th St W, Com Remodel, $700,000
  • City Of Billings/ Ace Electric, Inc. – Electrical Contractor, 401 S 29th St W, Com Remodel, $596,530
  • Helvetica Billings 27 Llc/Kenco Enterprises, Inc., 1537 Avenue D, Com Remodel, $10,000
  • Helvetica Billings 27 Llc/Hintt, Kevin – General Contractor, 1537 Avenue D, Com Remodel, $20,000
  • Sisters Of Charith Of Leavenworth/Alberts (Sr Vp/Cfo), Dave – General Contractor, 1233 N 30th St, Com Remodel,   $2,021,342
  • Rimrock Ii, Llc/Jones Construction, 4040 King Ave W, Com Addition, $1,737,080
  • Tande, Bradley C & Leeann/Jones, Tim O – General Contractor, 768 Fallow Ln, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $16,000
  • Sysco Food Services Of Montana/Centimark Corp, 1509 Monad Rd, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $915,000
  • City Of Billings (Airport)/Larsen, G. A. Inc., 2903 Overlook Dr, Com New Other, $615,000
  • Rimrock Ii, Llc/Jones Construction, Inc, 4040 King Ave W, Com New Parking Lot/Non-Building Structure,   $75,000
  • West End Commercial Properties/Jorden, Ed – General Contractor, 3737 Grand Ave, Com Remodel, $40,000
  • Na/Jorden, Ed – General Contractor, 27 Shiloh Rd, Com Remodel, $85,000
  • 1400 S 24th Llc/Sunleaf, Steve – General Contractor, 1400 S 24th St W, Com Remodel, $700,000
  • City Of Billings/ Ace Electric, Inc. – Electrical Contractor, 401 S 29th St W, Com Remodel, $596,530
  • Helvetica Billings 27 Llc/Kenco Enterprises, Inc., 1537 Avenue D, Com Remodel, $10,000
  • Helvetica Billings 27 Llc/Hintt, Kevin – General Contractor, 1537 Avenue D, Com Remodel, $20,000
  • Sisters Of Charith Of Leavenworth/Alberts (Sr Vp/Cfo), Dave – General Contractor, 1233 N 30th St, Com Remodel,   $2,021,342
  • Kirst, David A & Julianne/Leep, Kolter – General Contractor, 2550 Enterprise Ave, Commercial Roof/Siding,    $51,029
  • Monad Daniels, Llc/Jones Construction, Inc, 275 Daniel St, Com Addition, $400,000
  • Eastern Holdings Llc/Doss Electric, Inc – Electrical Contractor, 301 S 30th St, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $5,000
  • Sullivan, Dean P & Marilyn C/Sprague/Cathey, Jack/Phill – General Contractor, 3285 Canyon Dr, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $17,920
  • Sullivan, Dean P & Marilyn C/Sprague/Cathey, Jack/Phill – General Contractor, 3285 Canyon Dr, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $6,600
  • Alweis, Hilary/Sprague/Cathey, Jack/Phill – General Contractor. 3285 Canyon Dr, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $8,960
  • Consulting Associates Inc/Sprague/Cathey, Jack/Phill – General Contractor, 3285 Canyon Dr, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $3,000
  • Consulting Associates Inc/Sprague/Cathey, Jack/Phill – General Contractor, 3285 Canyon Dr, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $8,000
  • Thomas, Kimberly/Sprague/Cathey, Jack/Phill – General Contractor, 3285 Canyon Dr, Com Fence/Roof/Siding,   $16,000
  • Thomas, Kimberly/Sprague/Cathey, Jack/Phill – General Contractor, 3285 Canyon Dr, Com Fence/Roof/Siding,   $5,700
  • Alweis, Hilary/Sprague/Cathey, Jack/Phill – General Contractor, 3285 Canyon Dr, Com Fence/Roof/Siding,   $18,240
  • Alweis, Hilary/Sprague/Cathey, Jack/Phill – General Contractor, 3285 Canyon Dr, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $6,300
  • Bernhart, Gordon R/Sprague/Cathey, Jack/Phill – General Contractor, 3285 Canyon Dr, Com Fence/Roof/Siding,   $13,120
  • Sanchez, Tanner/Sprague/Cathey, Jack/Phill – General Contractor, 3285 Canyon Dr, Com Fence/Roof/Siding,  $5,400
  • Eklund, Kris L/Sprague/Cathey, Jack/Phill – General Contractor, 3285 Canyon Dr, Com Fence/Roof/Siding,   $15,040
  • Eklund, Kris L/Sprague/Cathey, Jack/Phill – General Contractor, 3285 Canyon Dr, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $6,300
  • Evergreen Properties Of Montana/Sprague/Cathey, Jack/Phill – General Contractor, 3285 Canyon Dr, Com Fence/Roof/Siding , $32,200
  • Evergreen Properties Of Montana/Sprague/Cathey, Jack/Phill – General Contractor, 3285 Canyon Dr, Com Fence/Roof/Siding,  $11,400 
  • Ma, Shelly/Sprague/Cathey, Jack/Phill – General Contractor, 3285 Canyon Dr, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $8,400
  • Kindsfater, Dennis E/Sprague/Cathey, Jack/Phill – General Contractor, 3285 Canyon Dr, Com Fence/Roof/Siding,   $24,960
  • Kindsfater, Dennis E/Sprague/Cathey, Jack/Phill – General Contractor, 3285 Canyon Dr, Com Fence/Roof/Siding,   $12,300
  • Harding, Susan R/Sprague/Cathey, Jack/Phill – General Contractor, 3285 Canyon Dr, Com Fence/Roof/Siding,   $21,760
  • Fachner, Jerome O & Carol Ann/Sprague/Cathey, Jack/Phill – General Contractor, 3285 Canyon Dr, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $5,700
  • Lissa, Michael Eugene/Sprague/Cathey, Jack/Phill – General Contractor, 3285 Canyon Dr, Com Fence/Roof/Siding,   $5,700
  • Lissa, Michael Eugene/Sprague/Cathey, Jack/Phill – General Contractor, 3285 Canyon Dr, Com Fence/Roof/Siding,   $7,360
  • Bogar, Bruce M & Connie M/Sprague/Cathey, Jack/Phill – General Contractor, 3285 Canyon Dr, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $22,400
  • Enger, Joan/Sprague/Cathey, Jack/Phill – General Contractor, 3285 Canyon Dr, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $14,400
  • Roe, Jamie M/Sprague/Cathey, Jack/Phill – General Contractor, 3285 Canyon Dr, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $12,300
  • City Of Billings/ Ace Electric, Inc. – Electrical Contractor, 3116 17th St W, Com New Other, $590,700
  • McDonald’s Real Estate Company/Langlas & Assoc., Inc., 2333 Central Ave, Com New Restaurant/Casino/Bar,   $800,000
  • Apex Management Services Inc/Absolute Construction – General Contractor, 2103 Central Ave, Com Remodel,   $100,000
  • Tru 2005 Re I Llc/Langlas & Assoc., Inc., 640 S 24th St W, Com Remodel, $500
  • Stock/ Stock Construction Company, 115 Shiloh Rd, Com Remodel, $40,000
  • McCall Properties Llc/McCall James,  – General Contractor, 1579 Mullowney Ln, Com Remodel, $96,000

Residential

  • Eddleman, Terri J & Robert L/Van Arsdale, Kim – General Contractor,  711 N 32nd S, Res New Garage, $43,152
  • Na/Mccall James, – General Contractor, 6005 Catherina Ct, Res New Garage, $41,472
  • Jesse Arstein/Jesse’s Old To New, 844 Governors Blvd, Res New Single Family, $326,648
  • Trailhead Builders Inc/Kowalski, Angela – General Contractor, 4538 Payton Trl, Res New Single Family, $239,844
  • Ferestad, Michael D, 2053 Hewitt Dr, Res New Garage, $47,616
  • Wells Built Homes, Inc./Wells Built Homes Inc. 6182 Timbercove Dr, Res New Single Family, $369,819
  • Wagenhals Land And Livestock/Wagenhals, Chad – General Contractor, 1205 Daylight Ln, Res New Single Family,   $250,000
  • Trails West Homes Llc/Wilson/Dorn/Stock, Rod/Rick/Mike – General Contractor, 808 Sandcherry St, Res New Single Family, $216,310
  • Trails West Homes Llc/Wilson/Dorn/Stock, Rod/Rick/Mike – General Contractor, 814 Sandcherry St, Res New Single Family, $216,310
  • Higginbotham, Aaron James/Higginbotham, Aaron – General Contractor, 972 Siesta Ave, Res New Single Family,    $300,756
  • Ron S Hill Living Trust/Hill, Brendon – General Contractor, 2253 Gleneagles Blvd, Res New Single Family,  $249,867

Alliance Names Most Promising Tech Firms

19 August 2019
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The Montana High Tech Business Alliance has announced a list of eight Montana High-Growth Companies to Watch in 2019. This is the third year the organization has recognized emerging stars in Montana’s booming tech and manufacturing industries.

The eight new companies on this year’s list bolster the narrative of the flourishing tech industry in Montana. A 2019 survey conducted by the University of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research found Alliance member companies are growing faster than ever – 9 times the overall Montana economy – and expect to add 1,700 new jobs this year that pay twice the median wage. The high-growth companies to watch list highlights high-potential companies for job seekers, business leaders, and investors.

The eight Montana High-Growth Companies to Watch in 2019 are:

1. Alosant, Bozeman

Founded in Montana in 2017, Alosant is a lifestyle management platform targeted toward real estate communities.  Michael Swanson and April LaMon are co-founders.

2. Alter Enterprise, Missoula

At its core, Alter Enterprise is an IT company, but  founder Ryan Alter said they work closely with clients to produce solutions that can range from traditional IT services to cybersecurity.

3. DataSmart Health Solutions, Missoula.

Bernard Khomenko, CEO DataSmart Health Solutions uses sophisticated d“We’re blessed with the opportunity to stand for something; liberty, freedom and fairness. And these are things worth fighting for, worth devoting our lives to.”

– Ronald Reaganata analytics to help companies build the best health benefits packages for their employees while saving them money.

4. Figure, Bozeman and Helena.

Mike Cagney, CEO, explains Figure uses a custom-built blockchain platform, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics to provide home equity solutions for their clients. .

5. MyVillage, Bozeman.

Erica Mackey and Elizabeth Szymanski, co-founded the company in 017. MyVillage is a platform designed to empower educators to create and run childcare services. it helps them navigate issues like setting up a website or filing for insurance. In April, MyVillage closed a $5.95 million seed round, the largest ever closed by a Montana company. 

6. Superior Traffic Services, Missoula. 

Jeff Hollenback, CEO, founded the company in 2009. The construction tech company has built a system to manage portable traffic signals, and other e traffic control equipment in real-time. By providing a solution to automate traffic control in busy and rural construction zones, Superior helps make the road safer..

7. Vision Aerial, Bozeman.  

Shane Beams, founder, produces drones for commercial use— commercial infrastructure inspection drones  since early 2016.

8. XY Planning Network/AdvicePay, Bozeman.

Alan Moore and Michael Kitces, co-founders, help financial planners set up their own businesses.