Month: June 2023
-
Montana Loses $$$$$ to Smuggled Cigarettes
About 21.4 percent of the cigarettes consumed in Montana are smuggled in from states that tax their cigarettes lower than Montana, where a pack is taxes $1.70. The tax on a pack of cigarettes in North Dakota is 44 cents; in South Dakota $1.53; in Wyoming its 60 cents; and 57 cents in Idaho. The…
-
Farmers in Solid Financial Condition, but Outlook is Uncertain
By Joe Mahon Director, Regional Outreach, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis Strong commodity prices continued to benefit agricultural producers in the opening months of 2023, but inflation has taken a bite, especially looking forward. “Cash flows are positive, but due to higher inputs, interest rates and family living, there is some concern,” said a Minnesota…
-
Montana Gets Seven New Franchise Businesses
The International Franchise Association (IFA) today released its 2023 Franchising Economic Outlook report, showing that Montana will add 7 new franchised businesses in 2023, creating 435 new jobs. These local businesses continue to deliver jobs and business ownership opportunities, despite economic uncertainty across all industries and in daily life. “Even with today’s economic headwinds, franchises…
-
European Countries Face Recession
While 20 European countries that use the euro fell into a recession at the beginning of the year, the broader European economy avoided the downturn. Overall the European Union gross domestic product ticked up 0.1 percent in the first quarter after falling -.2 percent at the end of 2022. High inflation curtailed consumer spending in…
-
Industry Faces Risk of Energy Shortfalls
From National Manufacturers Association Two-thirds of the U.S. is at risk of energy shortfalls this summer—and that share is only going to grow “[u]nless reliability and resilience are appropriately prioritized,” the North American Electric Reliability Corporation warned the Senate at a recent hearing, according to CBS Austin. In most of the country, “there is the…
-
DOR Meetings will Explain Higher Property Values
Given the past few years of escalating property values it probably won’t be a surprise for most people when they get their Real Estate Assessment Notices and see an increase in their property values – but then again – it may be quite a shock for some and alarming to many people as to what…
-
High School Grads Go Directly to Work
From National Assoc. of Manufacturers’ As job growth has risen in industries that don’t require college degrees, high school graduates are increasingly going directly into the workforce, according to The Wall Street Journal. “The college enrollment rate for recent U.S. high school graduates, ages 16 to 24, has declined to 62% last year from 66.2%…
-
Construction Industry Expects Leaner Months Ahead
By Tu-Uyen Tran,Federal Reserve Bank of Minnesota This year’s construction season is expected to be leaner for a significant number of construction firms in the Ninth District compared with last year’s, according to a recent Minneapolis Fed survey. About half of homebuilders and a third of firms in other sectors of the industry said they…
-
Newly Licensed Businesses — May 2023
Immortal Construction, 1822 Island View Dr, 59101, 861-3892, Thomas Highsmith, general contractors Tea City & Cupcakes, 1001 Shiloh Crossing Blvd #7, 59102, 652-1882, Amy Jensen, restaurants JDS Woodworks, 21 Hemlock Dr #3, 59101, 717-5304, Joel D Sease, service Brightside Therapy LLC, 1430 Country Manor Blvd, 59102, 534-9029, Desire Meismer, service Doghouse Woodworks, 2914 4th Ave…
-
Montana Highlights June 15, 2023
The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission has voted to implement emergency fishing restrictions on three southwest Montana rivers. The restrictions on the Beaverhead, Big Hole and Ruby rivers come as the agency records declining trout populations. The restrictions generally address closures for spawning season, limiting some fish to catch-and-release, and implementing some gear restriction changes…