By Evelyn Pyburn

In the name of freedom, the world around, we cannot let the events of Tiananmen Square be forgotten.

June 4 marked the 36th anniversary of the massacre at Tiananmen Square, of hundreds and maybe thousands of peaceful protesters. The exact death toll has never been released by the Chinese government, but some have suggested it was as high as 10,000, in part because after the event many were later executed.

For most of the world, the words “Tiananmen Square” instantly evoke the image of a lone man standing valiantly in front of a tank that leads a row of tanks into Tiananmen Square, where the Chinese dictatorship murdered peaceful protestors seeking greater freedom.

The protestors – largely Chinese college students, were totally unarmed. As the tanks entered Tiananmen Square, a lone, unarmed man, who had apparently been shopping, deliberately walked in front of the line of tanks, carrying two shopping bags.

A photographer, who was some distance away, snapped a picture at that moment – a picture that has since become widely heralded as the most famous picture in history. For millions of people around the world, just a glimpse of that iconic picture is instantly recognizable for the statement it makes.  That lone individual, peacefully confronting the tyranny of a massive government military attack conveys an unmistakable and profound message to all who have ever struggled for freedom anywhere, throughout history. By simply standing peacefully, unarmed and determined, in front of such aggressors, this unidentified man made clear for all to see, the true nature of this enduring struggle.

It speaks to everyone – including the aggressors. For that reason the Chinese government has most forcefully and aggressively clamped down on all references and reminders of the incident in the hope that future generations of Chinese citizens will have no knowledge of the nature of their government and its dreadful actions on that day. Their efforts have been largely successful because most young people in China, today, are unaware of anything about Tiananmen Square.

As one Chinese reporter explained, since many of those who were involved or knowledgeable about the horrific event, have either died or are in their 70s and soon will be gone, it will indeed be up to the people in other countries of the world to keep the truth and the memory of Tiananmen Square alive. They must make sure it is never forgotten, because it is as sacred a day in the annals of human freedom, as any can be.

The reporter said, “Few dates are as difficult to say out loud in China as June 4,” adding that in the past few years the repression has increased.

Family members of those murdered were prohibited from mourning and have since been kept under constant surveillance by government officials. Their lives have been that of constant terror for 36 years. Each year as the anniversary date approaches, surviving family members of those who were murdered are required to leave their homes and go into seclusion so they are not accessible to journalists or other inquirers.

One of the unshakable things I read at the time about Tiananmen Square was from an observer who wrote that when the Chinese college students approached US journalists covering the demonstrations, to explain the reason they were demonstrating, they would frequently quote verbatim words from the US Constitution and other founding documents, only to have the journalists stare at them blankly – not recognizing the words they were hearing.

The journalists did not know that the Chinese college students were referencing American history and ideals. They did not understand that those young students knew more about the journalists’ history than they did. The journalists did not recognize that the Chinese students were trying to explain that they were carrying forth that same quest for individual liberty.

How appalling, and undoubtedly a foreboding of the current state of US media today.

Among the 70-year –old survivors, are those who formed a group called the Tiananmen Mothers, who have spent the past 36 years trying to keep the reality of Tiananmen Square alive. Realizing that for the most part younger generations in China do not know about the event, and as the membership of Tiananmen Mothers dwindles, they have resigned themselves to their failure and declared that in the future “reporting on the massacre will be limited to outsiders.” 

So while their voices have been silenced that doesn’t mean the rest of the world must be silent. We can remember on behalf of those who have been silenced.

By Orphe Divounguy, The Center Square

Bottom Line: This week’s inflation data is expected to show a slight uptick in consumer prices. However, a moderation in consumer spending could limit the ability of businesses to pass tariff-induced cost increases to consumers.

This week brings the economic calendar’s main event: the May consumer price index (CPI) release on June 11 and producer price index (PPI) data on June 12. These reports will provide crucial insight into whether the recent moderation in price pressures can be sustained amid ongoing trade tensions.

April’s CPI data showed consumer prices rose 0.2% monthly, translating to a 2.3% annual rate – a reassuring deceleration from earlier in the year. Producer prices fell 0.5% in April but are expected to rise due to tariffs.

The key question is whether producers can successfully pass tariff-induced cost increases to consumers without derailing the broader disinflationary trend.

The personal savings rate jumped to 4.9% in April from 4.3% in March, reaching a one-year high. The savings rate was just 3.5% in December 2024. This isn’t just a statistical curiosity – it’s a powerful indicator that American households are pulling back on spending and preparing for potential income shocks.

When people choose to save rather than spend, it signals declining confidence in their future income prospects. This behavior directly reduces consumer demand, which in turn limits businesses’ ability to raise prices. The math is straightforward: less demand equals less pricing power.

The employment picture reinforces this demand-side story. In May’s jobs report, half of the sectors added jobs, while the other half saw payroll cuts – a sign of slowing economic momentum.

While headline unemployment remains low, beneath the surface, hiring has slowed significantly and long-term unemployment continues climbing. Many workers are dropping out of the labor force entirely, reflecting frustration with limited opportunities.

This labor market softening translates directly into reduced consumer spending. When people are out of work or uncertain about their job prospects, they naturally become more cautious with their wallets – exactly what we’re seeing in the rising savings rate.

One bright spot for inflation watchers is the continued slowdown in market rent growth. Since housing costs represent the largest component of most Americans’ budgets, and rent measures in the CPI track on-market rental costs with a lag, this moderation should continue dragging down overall consumer price inflation in the months ahead.

This housing deflation provides a crucial cushion against potential price pressures from other sources, including potential tariff pass-through effects.

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) sentiment index declined to 95.8 in April, marking the second consecutive month below the 51-year average of 98. More concerning, this represents the fourth consecutive month that sales volume expectations have declined.

Perhaps most telling: only 18% of small businesses plan capital outlays in the next six months, the lowest reading since April 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. When small businesses – the backbone of American employment – are reluctant to invest in their futures, it signals deep pessimism about economic prospects. Business pessimism will hold back hiring and wage growth.

As consumers hunker down and demand weakens, businesses face an uncomfortable reality: profit margin compression. Companies that try to maintain margins by raising prices risk losing market share to competitors willing to accept thinner margins. Those that don’t raise prices see their profitability squeezed by higher input costs.

This dynamic creates a natural brake on inflation, as market forces discipline pricing behavior.

Expect the tariffs’ impact on consumer prices to remain somewhat muted, reflecting these demand-side pressures. The Federal Reserve will be watching closely to see if this economic cooling provides the breathing room needed to keep inflation near its 2% target.

Cautious consumers, struggling small businesses, and a cooling labor market suggest the bigger risk may be economic slowdown rather than runaway inflation.

This summer is adding new events to all the many things to do in Billings – two speed races for “street” cars, which is being produced by The Order of Chosen Friends. It is hoped that the events will attract the participation of a wide range of vintage cars, according to Lyndon Scheveck, a member of “Chosen Friends,” a nationally registered Fraternal Order that was originally founded in 1876 and resurrected in 2022.

Scheveck explained that “Burn the Point”, which is today a popular parade of vintage cars, used to be a race for “street” cars, but somewhere along the line the race was dropped. He and fellow members of Chosen Friends hope to establish a return of the race and hope it will become an annual event – the True Street Throw Down.

There will be two speed races – two True Street Throw Down events —  one on June 28 and another on August 30. The events will be at the corner of Molt Road and Buffalo Trail Road from 3 pm to 11 pm.

“We don’t want full blown race cars but the kind of cars you would drive to work,” said Scheveck. And, they especially hope to see a wide variety of vintage vehicles – vehicles from the 50s, 60s, 70s, etc.

True Street Throw Down is a memorial race dedicated to Josh Whitcomb, who was an avid race car driver and “a great member of the community and even better friend,” said Scheveck.

Participating vehicles must be driven to the race site – not brought in on trailers. The winner will win a thousand dollars.

“Buy ins” to race are $50 (to help pay for insurance and other costs) and spectators are $20, with those 12 and younger free. All of the proceeds will be donated to School District 2 and the Career Center, in support of the trades – training young people to become welders, mechanics, electricians, plumbers, etc.

Community involvement is the purpose of Chosen Friends, with special focus on getting the younger generation into the trades. It is especially a passion for Scheveck, who believes the youth need more opportunities to become engaged and to help them discover interests and opportunities. He most specifically hopes to divert them from the very dangerous escapades of racing on public streets.

Chosen Friends have gained approval of the County to use the county roads for the speed race, having presented a safety plan and guarantees of insurance, security etc. Detours around the “race track” will be designated. There will be a parking area and bleachers, and vendors. It is meant to be a wholesome fun event for all, one that will serve the community as well as entertain.

For more information contact Lyndon Scheveck at lyndon@schevecklaw.com.

By Tom Joyce, The Center Square

Montana recently became the sixth state this year to pass a ban on foreign spending on ballot measures. Watchdog organizations, however, say the state’s new law is inadequate.

Montana’s new law bars non-U.S. citizens, foreign governments, foreign political parties and foreign-owned entities from contributing to campaigns surrounding ballot measures. The legislation passed mostly along party lines, with near-unanimous Republican support and limited Democratic backing.

The new law, however, carves out an exemption for U.S.-based companies with foreign ownership if they pay state taxes and use only domestically generated funds from citizens or permanent residents.

Additionally, the measure doesn’t stop American political advocacy groups that receive money from foreigners from taking sides in ballot questions, watchdogs say.

“The problem that Montana failed to address is that you can have these intermediary groups that act as essentially money launderers, like the Sixteen Thirty Fund, raising enormous sums from foreign nationals, while simultaneously spending money on ballot measures,” Honest Elections Project executive director Jason Snead told The Center Square in a Zoom interview. “That’s why some of the measures we’ve seen passed this year, like in Missouri, for instance, require groups that spend in support of or against ballot measures have to certify that they have not taken above a certain threshold of foreign money over a four-year period. And the reason for that is to avoid this money laundering type of activity. That’s what’s missing from the Montana law.”

The Sixteen Thirty Fund, an American progressive political advocacy organization, has received at least $280 million from Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss since 2016, according to the New York Post.

The organization, for example, has actively participated in Montana’s politics. It spent over $3 million supporting a ballot initiative in Montana last year that made abortion a constitutionally protected right, according to Ballotpedia.

The Sixteen Thirty Fund has spent over $130 million on ballot questions in 25 U.S. states in the past decade, according to RealClearPolicy.

Since the Sixteen Thirty Fund is an American-based company that Wyss donates to – and doesn’t tell the organization how to spend its money – Montana’s new law won’t prevent it from spending on the state’s ballot questions.

Americans for Public Trust executive director Caitlin Sutherland said Montana should look to other states for model legislation.

“Yes, absolutely,” she told The Center Square in a Zoom interview. “Starting with Ohio last year, we have seen that foreign funding bans have really swept state houses across the country. They’re all slightly similar with the goal of banning foreign money – direct and indirect – on ballot issues. We saw that Wyoming passed a very strong ban, as did Kansas, Arkansas, Kentucky and Indiana all this year.”

Once Ohio’s ban on foreign funding of ballot initiatives took effect last year, the Sixteen Thirty Fund stopped spending on The Buckeye State’s ballot questions and turned its attention elsewhere, as RealClearPolitics reports.

Heritage Action for America Montana State Director Kristen Christensen said her group wanted Gov. Greg Gianforte to veto the measure 

“Montana HB 818 was intended to safeguard Montana elections but unfortunately stopped short in protecting the integrity of elections in the Treasure State,” Christensen said. “Heritage Action urged Governor Gianforte to veto this weak legislation. It leaves loopholes open for foreign actors to pour millions of dollars into Montana’s electoral process, and leaves Montanans’ voices vulnerable to being drowned out by illegitimate and foreign influence.”

Snead also worries that foreign adversaries, like Russia and China, may one day capitalize on this campaign finance loophole and fund American ballot initiatives.

“Any loopholes that exist in our current laws or that we create with new laws can and probably will be exploited by adversarial foreign powers, like China, like Russia, that clearly mean the U.S. ill,” he said. “That’s why we should never risk playing with fire by allowing foreign powers to meddle in our politics. We need to build the protections now and make sure that money’s out of our state politics forever.”

By Taylor Barkley and Sebastian Griffin, Abundance Institute and Mountain States Policy Center

For states like Washington, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana, the 10-year regulatory moratorium on artificial intelligence recently passed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity. The committee’s decision to advance this pause on state-level AI regulations marks a crucial step toward creating the regulatory certainty needed to attract substantial tech investment to our region, diversifying our economies and creating high-paying jobs across the American West.

The Western states stand at a pivotal moment. While Washington has established itself as a tech powerhouse, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana offer untapped potential with their lower costs of living, abundant renewable energy resources, and high quality of life that increasingly attracts talented workers seeking alternatives to coastal tech hubs.

What these states need now is regulatory certainty to attract AI companies looking to expand. The proposed federal moratorium would provide exactly that—a stable, predictable environment where tech firms can invest with confidence, knowing they won’t face a confusing patchwork of conflicting regulations across state lines.

The scale of the emerging regulatory challenge is staggering. More than 1,000 AI-related bills—roughly eight every day—have been introduced across state legislatures in just the first four months of 2025. This uncoordinated flood creates precisely the kind of regulatory uncertainty that drives investment away from emerging tech ecosystems like those developing in Wyoming, Idaho and Montana.

Measures like New York’s proposed RAISE Act would require qualifying AI labs to hire third-party inspectors under ambiguous rules. If Western states feel compelled to create their own competing requirements, companies would face the burden of navigating different auditors in different states evaluating them on different metrics—directly undermining our region’s attractiveness for new facilities and jobs.

Even basic definitions aren’t consistent across proposed legislation. Terms like “developer,” “high-risk” and “consequential decision” vary widely from bill to bill. This definitional chaos creates legal uncertainty that deters the very investments our Western states need to diversify beyond traditional resource-based economies.

The moratorium provision passed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee would create a 10-year window of opportunity for states like Wyoming, Idaho and Montana to develop their tech ecosystems under stable, predictable conditions. This breathing room would allow our states to focus on what really matters for attracting tech investment: workforce development, infrastructure improvements, and business-friendly environments.

Importantly, the moratorium doesn’t block state efforts that remove barriers to innovation, streamline permits, or apply tech-neutral rules equally to AI and non-AI systems. Our states can and should continue creating favorable business environments while maintaining appropriate consumer protections through existing laws.

The pause would also prevent a harmful race among Western states to create competing regulatory regimes, which would fragment our regional market and undermine the collaborative interstate approach needed to compete with established tech hubs.

Critics have spread several misconceptions about the moratorium. First, it wouldn’t leave AI unregulated in our states. Existing laws covering privacy, consumer protection, civil rights, product liability, anti-fraud statutes, and tech-neutral sector rules all continue to apply. The moratorium simply prevents a maze of new, conflicting AI-specific rules.

Second, rather than primarily benefiting Big Tech, the moratorium levels the playing field for emerging tech ecosystems like ours. Without it, established companies gain an insurmountable advantage, while the smaller innovators most likely to consider our states are disadvantaged.

Finally, this isn’t about undermining states’ rights. Our states retain their traditional police powers and can enforce all their generally applicable laws—they just won’t be forced into a counterproductive regulatory arms race that fragments the regional market while Congress works on a coherent national framework.

The AI revolution presents a historic opportunity for economic diversification throughout the American West. Washington can strengthen its position as a tech leader, while Wyoming, Idaho and Montana can establish themselves as attractive alternatives to traditional coastal tech hubs.

With the committee’s approval of the moratorium provision, we’re one step closer to the regulatory certainty that will allow our Western states to focus on building the infrastructure, workforce, and business environment needed to attract AI investment.

While the moratorium still needs to pass additional legislative hurdles, the committee’s approval signals growing recognition that a patchwork of conflicting state regulations would harm American innovation and competitiveness. For Western states looking to build tech economies, this progress toward regulatory certainty couldn’t come at a better time.

If the moratorium becomes law, our Western states will have a decade to develop coordinated regional approaches that showcase our unique advantages—abundant clean energy, affordable living costs, outdoor lifestyle amenities, and a growing tech talent pool. With regulatory certainty as a foundation, we could market the Western states as a unified, innovation-friendly region.

The potential of AI to transform our regional economies is enormous. But that potential can only be realized if companies have the confidence to invest here. The committee-approved moratorium takes us one step closer to providing exactly the stable, predictable environment needed to make the American West a new frontier in artificial intelligence.

Taylor Barkley is Director of Public Policy at Abundance Institute. Sebastian Griffin is the lead researcher for the Junkermier Center for Technology and Innovation at Mountain States Policy Center.

The Yankee Doodle Tailings storage pond needs additional capacity to store tailings from the Berkley Pit and the Continental Pit. Without the permit amendment, Montana Resources would run out of tailings storage around 2032. Montana Resources mines copper and molybdenum in Butte.

Sally Schwartz and her sister Cassie have recently opened Dilly Dally Donut Bar. The shop is located between the Frontage Road and Interstate 90 east of the Main Street interchange. The shop will be open Friday through Sunday.

Reynolds Market is celebrating 100 years of service in 2025. The family-owned business has become a community staple in Glendive, Sidney, Baker and Glasgow. Each of the store’s four locations will celebrate the occasion. Frank “F.T.” Reynolds of Dubuque, Iowa, opened the grocery in Glendive in 1925.

Miles City City Council has officially awarded 24 contracts for construction of the city’s new fire hall. The awarded contracts even managed to come in under budget. The complete awarded bid package came to a value of $4,723,789. In addition to the material for the project, which was previously put out to bid with the contract being awarded to Jackson Contracting, the total value of the project comes to $5,309,650.

Weyerhaeuser, which manufactures lumbers and plywood in Kalispell and medium-density fiberboard in Columbia Falls, has completed the Energy Smart Industrial Strategic Energy Management program. When Weyerhaeuser began the program, it set a goal to reach 2% in energy savings per year.  Weyerhaeuser has more than doubled this goal, achieving 4.24% in energy savings.

Fire and Dough is one of the Flathead valley’s newest food trucks. Owner Jacob Gonzalez serves Neapolitan-style pizza at various locations. The pizza is baked in a wood-fired oven at a high temperature with a short cooking time.

Registration is open for the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce’s Lemonade Day sixth annual Lemonade Day that takes place on Saturday, June 21. Youth in kindergarten through eighth grade can learn about business by launching a lemonade stand.  Participants will engage in a curriculum covering business concepts such as budgeting, marketing, product development, and customer service.

Longtime Great Falls legislator Ed Buttrey has been selected to lead one of the state’s most influential industry groups, the Montana Hospital Association. Buttrey, who has served as a Republican member of the Montana State Legislature since 2011 in both the Senate and House, will take the helm on July 1. The Montana Hospital Association represents more than 80 hospitals and health care facilities statewide.

The owners of Gallatin Valley Mall, soon to be renamed Gallatin Crossing have announced the planned cost of $50 million-plus redevelopment has been divided into phases. The mall completed the demolition of a significant portion of the mall’s east side to make room for a medical pavilion. In 2023, Montana’s first Whole Foods Market opened on the site. The Gallatin Mall Group has revealed the names of eight new retailers. The list includes Arhaus, Lululemon, Pandora, Sephora, Anthropologie, Free People, Lovesac and Madwell. More tenants will be announced later.

The Red Lodge Pea Cannery, located at the northern end of the town, is getting a new lease of life as a center to house art and installations. The location will also house poetry and writing spaces, and a cafe and a bookstore. The building opened in 1911 as the Red Lodge Brewing Company.

Custer County Commissioners have added an assistant county fire warden position to the Custer County Rural Volunteer Fire Department.

3B Bagels is opening soon in Missoula at 403 N. Higgins.

The Bargain Corner, a local thrift store in Missoula has closed. It was located at 200 S. California Street.

Residents and several commissioners voiced opposition recently to having a Montana women’s prison built and operated in Butte. The opponents say the prison would rely on county services and infrastructure without paying property taxes. The Montana Department of Corrections said the prison would create about 100 full-time jobs in Butte.

The Yellowstone Airport has opened its newly constructed terminal. The 10-year, $46 million project completely revamped the airport. The airport sits on the western edge of the world’s first national park.

Data from about 40,000 people was stolen by hackers during a February cyber attack on Lee Enterprises, which owns five newspapers in Montana. The Iowa-based media company said the data breach included first and last names, as well as Social Security numbers.

The 49th Annual Montana Range Days will be held from June 23 to 25 at the Custer County Event Center in Miles City. Since 1977 Montana Range Days became the state’s premier rangelands education event.

Montana’s unemployment rate remained unchanged and near its record low at 2.7 percent in April, continuing the historic 46 consecutive months of unemployment at or below 3.4 percent and seven consecutive months below three percent. Montana has the third lowest unemployment rate in the nation, behind South Dakota and North Dakota.

Duties placed on Canadian lumber entering the U.S. could eventually help Northwest Montana markets. There’s a misconception that the recent tariffs against Canadian goods extend to lumber products. The U.S.-Canada lumber market is governed under a separate and oft disputed softwood agreement that places duties on Canadian lumber. The duties are supposed to keep Canadians from dumping subsidized lumber onto U.S. markets. 

The federal government has given green light to a long-delayed expansion of Signal Peak Energy’s Bull Mountain’s coal mine near Billings. The expansion of the underground mine, has been repeatedly delayed by court orders finding that the federal government’s environmental impact statement was inadequate. In 2024, the Bull Mountains mine produced 7 million tons.

From Visit Billings

Most Billings locals know the story of Khanthaly Keutla and her delicious egg rolls. But now, the creator of Montana’s first –ever food truck and Khanthaly’s Egg Rolls, and her family, are being recognized on the national stage, honored as part of New York City’s Path of Liberty exhibit at Freedom Plaza.

Path of Liberty at Freedom Plaza is a self-guided walking tour on Manhattan’s East Side, offering a look at what it means to be American, told through portraits, stunning landscapes and interviews.

Khanthaly, along with her children Tobee Keutla, Khuanmany Foley and Lukas Seely, were selected to be a part of the exhibition by the Path of Liberty crew as they traveled throughout the U.S. asking people what it means to be an American.

Khanthaly is the matriarch of her family, a woman whose journey embodies resilience, love and determination. After arriving in the United Sates as a refuge from Laos, she and her husband, Sisavath, worked tirelessly, taking on various odd jobs such as delivering newspapers and selling canned goods to support their family. She later began distributing egg rolls to local church members –an act of generosity that would later blossom into a thriving food truck and restaurant.

The family’s sacrifice and hard work didn’t go unnoticed by their children. Khanthaly’s oldest son, Tobee Keutla, opened his own restaurant in downtown Billings called Mia’s Wok, which is also featured in the Path of Liberty project. Daughter Khuanmany came to America in the mid 1990s on her own journey to America and opened the Noodle House. And Lukas Seely, the family’s only child born in America, chose a different path as he became the first Laotion American comedian to perform stand-up on national television. Lukas also created one of America’s best comedy festivals, The Big Sky Comedy Festival that takes place every October in Billings at the Alberta Bair.

“I love America. They give you the freedom to do what you want to do. I grew up in Laos – it was totally different; you cannot open your own business” Khanthaly says. “I really like [the] American system. If you want to do something they support you. It’s not easy, it’s really hard, but it pays off.”

In addition to being a restaurateur in Billings, Khanthaly is one of the city’s Tail Guides – a Visit Billings tourism ambassador program in which Billings’ locals share with visitors what they love most about their community and how the prefer to explore their hometown.

Tickets to the Path of Liberty are free of charge and available at www.visitbillings.com/billingsbuddies, where Khanthaly’s full story is told. Also view Khanthaly’s official Trail Guides video at www.visitbillings.com/billingsbuddies.

Few foods are as popular in Billings as Wilcoxson’s Ice Cream.

People who have moved away have been heard to lament the loss of access to Wilcoxson’s ice cream. Some regularly order it to be shipped. Parents have been under strict orders to bring a box of Wilcoxson’s Fudge Bars when visiting their college students. Even kids, ever the ice cream fans, have been heard to insist that it be Wilcoxson’s.

No doubt about it – Wilcoxson’s is a beloved Montana institution. So it is understandable that the company’s new major shareholder, Neil Schultz, says he is dedicated to making sure the company remains a Montana company and that he has no plans to change the time-tested recipes or production processes.

News of the business sale was announced a couple weeks ago in the Bozeman Chronicle. Schultz acquired a majority stake in the company from Livingston resident Matt Schaeffer, prior president and company CEO, who has been involved with the ice cream manufacturer for more than 45 years. Schaeffer remains a minority shareholder and will continue an involvement in the company.

Schultz, who is a Billings native now living in Bozeman, told the Chronicle, “Montana is Wilcoxson’s country, and keeping Wilcoxson’s in Montana hands was important to both of us. We’re keeping jobs here in Montana and are excited about creating new opportunities for folks.”

Wilcoxson’s is the largest ice cream manufacturer in Montana and has distributed its products throughout Montana and Wyoming for the past 112 years.

It was founded by Carl Wilcoxson in Livingston in 1912. A manufacturing branch of Wilcoxson’s is located in Billings at 114 N 19th Street, which is where they make Wilcoxson’s Ice Cream Bars, Ice Cream Sandwiches and the Fudge Bar. It’s been in operation since the 50s.

Schultz said he gained his experience in food production and packaging from training in industrial design and working for Juicero, a food manufacturing startup.

Schultz cofounded Altrac, an agricultural company specializing in irrigation and frost protection automation that’s used by growers in the Flathead Valley. Schultz sold the company to Semios, a Canadian AgTech company, in 2021.

Schultz said his vision is to carefully bring Wilcoxson’s into the 21st century, expanding freezer capacity and modernizing distribution, while respecting the company’s rich heritage.

Many local green houses that sell bedding plants and seedlings for gardens in Yellowstone County are supplied by Visser Greenhouses in Manhattan, which is one of the largest nurseries in the state.

Governor Greg Gianforte joined Montana Department of Agriculture Director Jillian Streit for a tour of Visser Greenhouses, a family-owned nursery that has been supplying Montana retailers with bedding plants for generations.

“Montana businesses like Visser Greenhouses show the impact that family-run operations and value-added agriculture has on our communities, our economy, and the next generation of Montana families,” Governor Gianforte said. “It’s exciting, to see this generational family business grow, expand, and continue its legacy of excellence here in the Gallatin Valley.”

 Opening in 1972 and expanding in 1984, Visser Greenhouses has 50 greenhouses with the largest annual and perennial variety list in Montana.

 During the visit, Gov. Gianforte, Director Streit, and founder and owner Don Visser toured the nursery. Visser Greenhouses supplies flowers to numerous retailers across the state, with partners in over 30 Montana cities.

Producing hundreds of thousands of plants every year, the Visser’s primarily service wholesale customers but each May, invite Montanans to visit the location in Manhattan for retail sales. In 2025 alone, the business grew over 25,000 mums and produced nearly 70,000 hanging baskets.

 “Now we are open for the month of May, all thanks to the support we get from the community—they’re interested in what we do and they’re ready to buy. That’s fueled our growth and what we are able to do,” Jay Visser said, son of Don.

“As we work to strengthen and diversify Montana agriculture, family-run operations like Visser Greenhouses set a powerful example of innovation, entrepreneurship, and success,” Director Streit said. “Their story is exactly what we mean when we talk about adding value to Montana agriculture.”

Strategies for employers amid surging consumption

By Dr. Rhonda Randall, Chief Medical Officer for UnitedHealthcare’s Commercial Business

Alcohol use has become so deeply woven into our cultural fabric that its consumption often goes unquestioned. But a growing body of research signals a troubling trend: high intensity drinking is up among middle-aged adults, who make up a significant portion of today’s workforce. This demographic shift has not gone unnoticed. Earlier this year, the former U.S. surgeon general warned about the rising burden of cancer linked to alcohol consumption, and research funded by the National Institutes of Health indicates that 35- to 50-year-olds reported the highest prevalence of binge drinking ever recorded for this age group. In Montana, this pattern is worth noting. According to America’s Health Rankings, nearly 20% of adults report excessive drinking — placing the state among the highest in the nation and highlighting an opportunity for more open conversations around alcohol, health, and prevention.

A growing health and workplace concern

Excessive alcohol consumption is both a personal health issue and a public health crisis with serious implications for employers. Chronic, high-risk drinking has been linked to heart disease, liver failure, mental health challenges, and increased cancer risk. At the same time, other stressors—including economic uncertainty, job pressures, and post-pandemic burnout—are likely fueling higher rates of unhealthy alcohol use. According to the American Psychological Association, 77% of workers reported experiencing work-related stress in the past month, a key contributor to substance misuse.

Employees struggling with alcohol use disorder miss an average of 32 workdays per year, contributing to over 232 million missed workdays annually in the U.S. For Montana employers, addressing this issue is especially important given the state’s higher-than-average rates of excessive drinking. The ripple effect—reduced productivity, increased healthcare costs, and turnover—translates to an estimated $81 billion in annual losses for U.S. businesses.

Recognizing the signs 

Common signs of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the workplace include employees not meeting deadlines, experiencing memory impairment, or showing distress when alcohol isn’t available. They may have unusual difficulty completing everyday tasks, disappear for no apparent reason or frequently call in sick or show up late. It’s important to note that not all people who struggle with alcohol use will exhibit the same symptoms. These behavioral and physical signs aren’t always connected to alcohol.

Supporting your workforce

To mitigate these challenges, employers can implement strategies to support their workforce.

1. Promote the use of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). Actively communicate the availability of counseling services offered through EAPs. These programs, which are generally offered at no cost to employees, offer support for those struggling with alcohol use, including referrals to addiction specialists and treatment programs. 

2. Offer a comprehensive network of providers. Work with a benefit provider that offers an extensive network of healthcare providers specializing in substance use disorders and behavioral health. Providers that offer specialized care can offer personalized care plans, including in-person and virtual treatment options to help employees receive the right level of support tailored to their needs.

3. Facilitate digital health solutions. Offer digital health solutions that provide accessible and flexible support for employees. These can include educational content to help your workforce understand the impact of alcohol consumption and problem drinking, as well as self-screening tests, virtual support groups, telehealth services, and app-based tools to help them access care discreetly and conveniently.

4. Foster a supportive work environment. Training managers to recognize the signs of alcohol use disorder and providing them with resources to support their teams may help create a more supportive and understanding environment. Regularly communicating the availability of resources and support can also reduce stigma and encourage employees to seek help.

By taking proactive steps to address alcohol use in the workplace, employers can help create a supportive and productive environment, reduce the financial burden of alcohol use disorders, and improve overall employee well-being. In Montana, these efforts can make a positive impact on both employees and the broader community.

Prepared for Big Sky Business Journal to run in June