Governor Greg Gianforte continues his 56 county tour in Cascade, Chouteau, and Liberty counties to highlight Montanans investing in business, agriculture, and education.

Visiting a manufacturing facility in Great Falls, the governor highlighted Such Group International’s investment in entrepreneurs and Montana’s business community.

 With over 30 years of combined experience, Such Group International supports growing businesses nationwide with packaging and shipping solutions.

Touring the 90,000 square foot warehouse, Gov. Gianforte heard more from owner Todd Such and his priorities to invest in their over 50 employees and to help businesses meet growing product and shipping demands.

 “What really excited me is when we can support our employees to buy a home, send their kids to college, or buy a new car,” Such said.

Traveling to Fort Benton, Gov. Gianforte stopped by Joyce Fuel & Feeds to highlight their expansion and investment in Montana’s farmers and ranchers.

“Getting out and visiting Montanans where they are, and hearing firsthand about the challenges they are facing is one of the most important parts of my job,” Gov. Gianforte said. “As I make my way across the Hi-Line these next few days, I’m looking forward to hearing directly from Montanans on how we can continue to address the concerns in our communities.”

Founded in 1916 in Geraldine, Joyce Fuel & Feeds offers fuel and propane delivery services, crop chemicals, livestock, fencing, feed, and equipment as well as a storefront including clothing, boots, and animal health products.

 Touring the shop, the governor visited with three generations of Joyces to hear more about the family-run operation and the services they provide to producers.

“We’re very blessed that we are able to take over the business that my grandfather worked hard to build up to pass it on to my father, so that he could pass it on to his sons. And to work with my brothers and my family every day is truly the best,” Cody Riley said.

 To improve Montana’s business climate, the governor has reformed the business equipment tax to ease the burden on small business owners, made Montana’s capital gains tax rates the fourth lowest in the nation, and promoted trades education to build a stronger workforce.

To highlight teachers and providers investing in mental health resources and care for Montana students, the governor held a roundtable in Chester.

 Discussing the increase of mental health crises in young Montanans, the group highlighted the need for more providers in schools and communities to counsel on prevention and awareness.

 Listening to school superintendents, mental health professionals, and other school administrators, the governor heard of the impact of the pandemic, technology, and the influence of social media on our next generation.

In 2023, Gov. Gianforte made a generational $300 million investment to reform and improve Montana’s behavioral health and developmental disabilities service systems across the state.

The Office of Public Instruction estimated the statewide drop at 3,549 students, roughly corresponding to the dramatic uptick in homeschooling numbers that same school year. The trend reversed quickly, with public school enrollment largely rebounding by the spring of 2022, but certain districts continue to report student headcounts at or below their pre-pandemic highs — a key concern given the weight Montana’s funding formula places on enrollment.

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