Author: Press Room

Montana Highlights Feb 1 2020

1 February 2020
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Ceres Bakery in Kalispell has re-opened after a two week closure for a remodel.  The bakery has become popular throughout the valley for its fresh-baked goods and its wholesale business. They are celebrating the 14th year in business.

White Raven Winery will introduce their community to wines made at the winery. The Columbia Falls winery will use Montana grown grapes. The winery will carry wines from grapes grown on Finley Point, around Flathead Lake, in Billings and elsewhere in Montana.

Passenger numbers at the Missoula International Airport set a record in 2019 topping 900,000 for the first time. The airport handled 907,777 people boarding and getting off planes. That’s a 7% increase.

Several new businesses are planning on opening in Missoula: A new pizza delivery restaurant called Headies Brick Oven Pizza will open at 1250 W. Broadway; Crumbl, a Utah-based company that sells fresh-baked cookies will open at 3075 N. Reserve St., Suite J; Pangea, a new two-floor full liquor bar and restaurant concept is being built at 223 N. Higgins; the Cambie Taphouse and Coffee is to open at 2413 S. Higgins Ave

CryptoWatt in Butte has re-opened. Federal District Judge Brian M. Morris was asked to appoint a receiver to run the company’s affairs. Morris named Butte native Jeremiah Lynch, a longtime federal magistrate judge, as receiver. A timeline featured the quick re-opening of the plant was necessary to save the megawatts reserved for the company.

The median price of a home sold in Gallatin County in 2019 reached $400,000, up 6.2% from 2018’s median price of $377,500. According to a report by Big Sky Multiple Listing Service, the price of homes has grown since 2018 in almost every part of the city.

Hess Corporation is using a new well completion design to boost its Bakken well performance, one that the company projects will allow it to increase Bakken production in 2020 while still running the same number of rigs as it did in 2019. Hess has announced 2020 capital expenditures of $3 billion ahead of its third-quarter earnings call.

The historic Irish Times bar in Butte was gutted by fire on Jan. 23. Located at Main and East Galena, other businesses were also impacted — including The Muddy Creek Brewery and The Post and UPTOP clothing.

Big Sky was named to the list of Most Popular Ski Resorts and Destinations of 2020 by Vacasa. The travel company looked at data from visitors/bookings from December 2019 through February 2020 and compiled a list of ski towns that are seeing the biggest influx of guests this year.

Montana Studios is a media production company in Butte, that will be locating in NorthWestern Energy’s old office building at 40 E. Broadway. The county is selling the building for $1 to Missoula-based Bitterroot Gateway Development LLC.

Since 2018, POLICOM Corporation has ranked Bozeman as the strongest economy in a city with fewer than 50,000 residents. The group uses 23 different factors over a 20-year period, including wages, unemployment and welfare. Bozeman has ranked consistently in the top 20 since 2011.

Lucky’s Market is closing 32 stores following the announcement of a primary investor, Kroger, in December that it planned to divest its investment in Lucky’s. Closures included its stores in Missoula and Billings, leaving open seven stores primarily in the mid-west. Lucky’s is headquartered in Niwot, Colorado.

Businesses have been mixing it up in Missoula, with some closing and others opening. Following the closure of Herbergers in 2018, JCPenney in Missoula will be closing soon, joining other locally-owned businesses that are also closing as The Green Light and Pita Pit. But, while Shopko closed in Missoula (and Billings) last year in Missoula, grocery store, WinCo will buy that property with plans to open in 2020. In 2018, another large retailer, Herberger’s, closed down in the mall. Herbergers also closed in Billings in 2018, as did Sears.

Nielsen Commercial, Inc. (NCi), a general construction firm serving the Northwest United States, announced expansion into Montana and a new office location in Great Falls. The company looks to establish a strong local workforce delivering a diverse collection of construction projects throughout Montana. Jeffrey Nielsen, founder of Nielsen Commercial and former co-founder of BNBuilders, has deep ties to the state of Montana.

The board of directors of ONEOK, Inc., on Jan. 16, increased ONEOK’s quarterly dividend 2 cents per share to 93.5 cents per share — resulting in an annualized dividend of $3.74 per share.

Montana Craft Malt, Butte, will produce thousands of tons of malt from Montana-grown barley. The facility, inspired by a market analysis report and a variety of grant and technical assistance programs through the Montana Department of Commerce, will employ approximately 20 people and provide high quality and specialty malt to the brewing industry.

With the Montana State Legislature approving a set of incentives in 2019 for the film industry, filmmakers are expecting a new wave of activity in the state over the next few years, and a recent workshop in Bozeman was held to prepare crews for the projects.

Susan Beckman was appointed by the White House in January 2020 to serve as Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for Region VIII. Beckman provides regional executive leadership for Region VIII encompassing Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.

The Gallatin Ice Foundation in Bozeman received $120,000 in state grant money from Tourism Advisory Council to buy a third compressor that will allow the Haynes Pavilion to offer ice all year round. The  skating rink at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds, currently has to close during the summer months. The rest of the needed funding will be acquired through fundraising.

Billings Building Permits 01-15-2020

25 January 2020
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Commercial

  • HM Holding Company Llc/Jones Construction, Inc, 5360 Southgate Dr, Com Addition, $596,470
  • Yellowstone County/Hardy Construction Co., 3165 King Ave E, Com Addition, $300,000
  • Wilson, Andrew E & Laura L/Stewart Construction & Remodeling, 2311 Monad Rd, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $95,000
  • Soelter Properties Llc/Art Work Builders, 1942 Clubhouse Way, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $15,000
  • Jorden, Edward/Kirby Construction, 1632 Gleneagles Blvd, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $17,000
  • Jessen, Richard D & Janice M/A And B Construction, 1943 Clubhouse Way, Com Fence/Roof/Siding,    $53,840
  • McCall Development/McCall Development, 6020 Elysian Rd, Com New 3+ (Multi Family), $515,000
  • Swenson, Randall D & Beartooth Holding & Construction, 1537 41st St W, Com New Store/Strip Center,     $701,170
  • School District #2, 3700 Madison Ave, Com New Warehouse/Storage, $35,850
  • Hm Holding Company Llc/Jones Construction, Inc, 5360 Southgate Dr, Com Remodel, $65,000
  • Rimrock Owner Lp/Rolo Construction Inc, 300 S 24th St W, Com Remodel, $250,000
  • Clock Tower Inn, Llc/Cucancic Construction Inc., 2511 1st Ave N, Com Remodel, $500,000
  • Fagg Family Properties Llc/Jones Construction, Inc, 222 N 32nd St, Com Remodel, $95,000
  • Temple Corporation Of The Chur/Westland Construction Inc, 3100 Rimpoint Dr, Com Remodel, $1,300,000
  • CTA Building LLP/T.W. Clark Construction Llc, 2202 1st Ave N, Com Remodel, $100,000
  • Glacier Bank/Dick Anderson Construction, 2401 Grand Ave, Com Remodel, $292,527
  • Billings Builders Exchange Inc/Yellowstone Basin Construction, 2050 Broadwater Ave, Com Remodel,     $188,042
  • Billings Heights Post #6774 -Wireless Telecommunication Facility, 637 Anchor St, Com Remodel,      $25,000
  • Soelter, Jonathan R & Heather/Art Work Builders, 1932 Clubhouse Way, Com Remodel, $8,000
  • Jones, Patrick & Linda/One Source Construction Llc, 220 Grand Ave, Com Remodel, $625
  • Seder, Ron/Wild West Construction, 1515 Central Ave, Com Remodel, $30,000
  • Ziegler, Jack R & Michelle L/No Construction, 1760 Monad Rd, Com Remodel – Change In Use,      $2,000

Residential

  • Blewett, William/Ahoulihan Construction, 224 Wyoming Ave, Res New Accessory Structure, $16,000
  • Wagenhals Land And Livestock/Wagenhals Enterprises Inc, 1122 Daylight Ln,  Res New Single Family,   $260,000
  • Parks, Trent/Billings Best Builders LLC, 632 Claremont Rd, Res New Single Family, $216,964
  • Parks, Trent/Billings Best Builders LLC, 634 Claremont Rd, Res New Single Family, $216,964
  • Bob Pentecost/Bob Pentecost Const, 5131 Amherst Dr, Res New Single Family, $309,900
  • Yellowstone Property Solutions LLC/Yellowstone Property Solutions LLC, 5215 Amherst Dr, Res New Single Family, $248,579
  • McCall Development Inc/Mccall Development, 6028 Norma Jean Ln, Res New Single Family, $269,512
  • McCall Development Inc/McCall Development, 6039 Norma Jean Ln, Res New Single Family,      $236,011
  • Magnus Land Development/Brown Builders Inc., 6337 Absaloka Ln, Res New Two Family, $327,260
  • Marsich Investments Inc/Marsich Investments, 123 Twin Pines Ln, Res New Two Family, $408,078

When and Where: January 1 2020

25 January 2020
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The Platinum Anniversary of Business Days at the Capitol is coming on January 6 & 7 at the Best Western Premier, Helena Great Northern Hotel. It begins with lunch at 12 pm. Seminars are held from 2 to 4 pm. From 6 to 9 pm will be a Lawmaker Appreciation Reception & Banquet. On Tuesday, Jan. 7 the program will begin at 7:30 with Eggs & Issues Breakfast, followed by seminars and with The Last Word Closing Luncheon. For more information contact Stacye@MontanaChamber.com.

The Montana Outfitters and Guides Association is hosting their 45th Annual Winter Convention, January 9-11, in Bozeman. MOGA’s yearly convention draws more than 100 outfitters and guides for education, advocacy and networking. This year’s conference also includes a Gubernatorial Forum on Saturday, January 11, with all leading candidates for the upcoming race for Montana Governor participating. All events will be held at the Best Western Plus GranTree Inn and Holiday Inn, in Bozeman. https:// one.bidpal.net/ 2020mogaconvention/ browse/ fixedPrice

The 45th Annual Economic Outlook Seminar will be held in Billings on February 4 at the Northern Hotel. This year’s half day seminary, annually presented by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research will focus the challenge of finding good workers. “The economic success of local communities and the entire state depends on making the best match between workers and workplaces. Montana has some advantages in attracting talent, but there are plenty of things we could do better.” The event will is held in ten Montana communities. Details are available at http:// www. economicoutlookseminar. com/ s

The Montana Society of Certified Public Accountants will hold their annual industry conference in Helena on March 18 and 19. Registration information may be accessed at www.mscpa.org/ professional_ development/ course/ 0320/ industry_ conference

Unemployment Benefits Assessed: Montana Ranks 20th

25 January 2020
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Montana has the 20th best structured Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax in the nation, according to the Tax Foundation in its examination of the five major components of the 2020 State Business Tax Climate Index. Montana has hovered at about the same level over the past four years.

The states with the best-scoring UI tax systems are Oklahoma, Florida, Delaware, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arizona. The worst are Massachusetts, Kentucky, Idaho, Nevada, Alaska, and New Hampshire.

Unemployment insurance is a joint federal-state social insurance program that finances benefits for recently unemployed workers through taxes on employers. State UI tax systems are often quite complex, using variable-rate structures that impose different rates depending on how well-established a business is, its layoff history, and the health of the state’s UI trust fund, among other factors. All 50 states and the District of Columbia levy UI taxes, but some states structure their systems better than others.

States Cut Funding for Environmental Agencies

25 January 2020
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According to a new study of state budget records, 30 state governments cut funding for their environmental agencies’ pollution control programs and 40 reduced environmental agency staff size.

The nonpartisan Environmental Integrity Project’s report, “The Thin Green Line: Cuts to State Pollution Control Agencies Threaten Public Health,” examined spending and staffing in state pollution control programs in 48 U.S. states excluding Alaska and Hawaii over a 10-year period.

Twenty-five states imposed cuts of at least 10 percent on their environmental agencies; 16 reduced spending by more than 20 percent, when adjusted for inflation, according the report.

The states with the most cuts to environmental agency funding are Wisconsin, Texas, Louisiana, North Carolina, Delaware, New York, Arizona, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Mexico.

Twenty-one states cut their environmental workforce by at least 10 percent; nine cut their workforce by 20 percent or more.

The states with the most cuts to their environmental agency staff were Illinois, North Carolina, Arizona, Louisiana, New York, Tennessee, Michigan, Delaware, Florida and New Jersey.

Illinois cut the most environmental agency jobs between 2008 and 2018, by 38 percent, or the equivalent of 1,028 full-time positions.

Overall, states eliminated 4,400 positions at their environmental agencies.

State Governments Increase Spending $2 Trillion

25 January 2020
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State government spending in fiscal 2019 increased at the largest rate since the end of the Great Recession, according to the latest State Expenditure report from the National Association of State Budget Officers (NASBO).

Total state spending reached $2.1 trillion in fiscal 2019, rising from $2 trillion in fiscal 2018. Total state government spending rose 5.7 percent in fiscal 2019. The increased 2019 growth was slightly above the 33-year NASBO survey historical average of 5.6 percent (without adjusting for inflation).

Seven out of eight geographic regions reported an increase in total state spending in fiscal 2019, according to the report. Western states reported the largest increases; Southwestern states saw a slight decline.

Spending from states’ own funds (general funds and other state funds combined, excluding bonds) rose 5.9 percent in fiscal 2019, the highest annual growth rate since the last recession, NASBO found.

Much of the state spending increases were in transportation.

Rene Beyl Promoted

25 January 2020
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René Beyl has been named the Billings Chamber’s Operations and Engagement Manager. Beyl brings 12+ years of experience with the Billings Chamber of Commerce to her new position, which is responsible for daily operations, member data management, and assisting with employee and member engagement.

“René brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this position,” said Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Reiser. “Her overall commitment to our organization, her upbeat and outgoing personality, along with her detailed knowledge of our members, and willingness to meet new people and help them feel comfortable with our organization make her an excellent candidate for this new role.”

Online Advertising, Boon for Small Businesses

25 January 2020
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Online advertising is saving entrepreneurs and small business owners significant time and money, creating more efficiencies and effective uses for the limited capital they have on hand, and playing a positive role in driving new sales growth and revenues. These are the findings of a new survey conducted by TechnoMetrica for SBE Council in “The Digital Boost to Startups and Small Business: Online Advertising Delivers BIG Benefits.”

Moreover, for startups and new businesses, the availability of online advertising was identified by entrepreneurs as a key factor in launching their enterprises, with 80% agreeing that: “The ability to reach customers and potential customers was an important factor in starting my business.”

With entrepreneurship lagging in recent years, tools and strategies that lower risks and strengthen affordable access to markets and customers are vital to enabling startup activity. Of the startups surveyed in the report, 90% agree that “Online advertising has provided my business with an affordable option to launch and/or grow my business,” and 86% agree that the method is “important to my business survival and growth.” Technology, obviously, has become an entrepreneur’s best friend. New innovations continue to produce cutting-edge tools for entrepreneurs to launch and grow their businesses. Thanks to the internet and cost-effective methods that help entrepreneurs target and reach potential customers, small business owners are experiencing very positive returns through online advertising. They are also shifting savings from this affordable option to other important needs within their businesses, which in turn supports their competitiveness and growth.

SBE Council has found each new wave of technological innovation and the tools spawned by big innovations has created big benefits for small businesses. For example, in tracking the emergence and then explosion of mobile devices and apps in 2014, the adoption of these new technologies by small business owners added up to big savings – with mobile apps saving businesses almost 600 million hours annually and mobile devices nearly 2 billion in hours. In total, SBE Council estimated that the use of these technologies saved America’s small business owners a staggering $67.5 billion a year.

According to estimates, the savings for small businesses run even higher when it comes to online advertising, nearly $163 billion annually.

One In, Two Out

25 January 2020
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The Trump administration has issued its fiscal year 2019 status update on one-in, two-out –“Regulatory Reform Results for Fiscal Year 2019.”

According to the administration, agencies issued 61 “significant deregulatory actions,” and 35 significant regulatory ones, for a ratio of 1.7 to 1.

“Close to one-in, two-out, but not quite,” commented the Competitive Enterprise Institute.

The fiscal year-end 2018 update  showed 57 significant deregulatory actions and 14 significant regulatory actions were completed, for a ratio of four to one.

In any event, the leading edge of the one-in, two-out is the capping of spending rather than the ratio of cuts to addition. In the new accounting for 2019, the administration claims to have eliminated $13.5 billion in overall regulatory costs across the government, and over $50 billion in overall regulatory costs since 2017. Using different methodologies, the Council of Economic Advisers estimates far more.

Criticisms notwithstanding, other presidents have not implemented a program as ambitious as Trump’s.

Oil Video

25 January 2020
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A new video being promoted by the American Petroleum Institute (API), the nation’s largest oil and gas trade association, and a fact sheet put out by the Western Energy Alliance refute claims about natural gas production made by Democratic presidential candidates who vow to ban fracking.

API’s video points to how domestic natural gas production is essential for U.S. energy security.  https://youtu.be/ALEY2lqAOGU