Author: Press Room

Elliott Promoted to Branch Manager

20 October 2019
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Patrice Elliott has recently been promoted to Vice President, Branch manager for Stockman Bank Shiloh. Elliott will focus on overseeing bank operations, management and employee supervision, developing and servicing commercial and construction loans, and assisting clients with their lending and credit needs.

Elliott has an extensive banking background which includes credit review, consumer banking manager, community bank president, and area president for a large national bank. Her extensive banking knowledge is an asset to Stockman Bank and the Billings community.

Elliott earned her Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Minnesota State University in Moorhead, MN. She is also a certified Public Accountant. She is active in our community serving on numerous boards including the Big Sky Economic Development Association, Billings Chamber of Commerce, and United Way of Yellowstone County. Her office is located at 1450 Shiloh Road.

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Billings Launches 1 Million Cups to Showcase Entrepreneurs

19 October 2019
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Billings is now the newest home of a national program to engage, educate and connect local entrepreneurs. Founded by the Kauffman Foundation, 1 Million Cups is based on the notion that entrepreneurs network and discover solutions over a million cups of coffee. The free, weekly gathering helps build startup communities on a grassroots level.

Beginning October 9, entrepreneurs, innovators, funders and other interested community members are invited to attend each Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Last Chance Cider Mill located at 2203 Montana Ave.  These events are open to the public and your first cup of coffee is free.  

 The program’s model is consistent in each city across the country.  Every Wednesday morning, two early-stage startups present their companies to an audience of mentors, advisers and other entrepreneurs. Each founder presents for six minutes, followed by a 20-minute question-and-answer session with the audience.  

The inaugural 1 Million Cups in Billings will feature presentations by Swanky Roots, an aquaponic greenhouse, and FlowForms, a tech startup which automates processes to save time and money. In each 1 Million Cups city, local entrepreneurs drive the program with the support of community organizers.  Billings organizers, led by Kevin Scharfe, Program Manager of Rock31 at Big Sky Economic Development, have been working together for the past year visiting other chapters, providing Kauffman with data on our community and securing local entrepreneurs for the successful launch on October 9th.  

“We are excited to bring 1 Million Cups to Billings. This a great opportunity for local entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and an even better opportunity for our community to show their support and provide resources for these startups,” Scharfe said.  “Building a strong entrepreneur eco system has been a goal of ours and being a 1 Million Cups chapter will put us on the map as an entrepreneur friendly city.”

For more information visit , www.Facebook.com/Billings1MC  www.Twitter.com/Billings1MC, www.instagram.com/Billings1MC.

Billings Building Permits October 1 2019

19 October 2019
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  • Billings Clinic/Jones Construction, Inc, 801 N 29th St, Com Addition, $4,000,000
  • Lai, Khoon Eng/Borders, Schyler – General Contractor, 3131 Iron Horse Trl, Com Fence/Roof/ Siding, $7,800
  • Stevenson, Carol J/Highsmith, Charlie – General Contractor, 2001 Lakehills Dr, Com New 3+ (Multi Family),     $618,036
  • NA/V Properites Llp/Rasmussen, Brian – Service, 2111 4th Ave, Com New Other, $20,000
  • Kincaid Land Llc/Hale, Ben – Service, 2514 Shiloh Rd, Com New Other, $190,000
  • Tired Man Llc/Irish (Manager), Tyson – General Contractor, 1461 41st St W, Com New Other, $140,000
  • Peterson Quality Office/Irish (Manager), Tyson – General Contractor, 504 N 32nd St, Com New Other, $140,000
  • Kincaid Land Llc/Hale, Ben – Service, 2514 Shiloh Rd, Com New Warehouse/Storage, $60,000
  • Tired Man Llc/Irish (Manager), Tyson – General Contractor, 1461 41st St W, Com New Warehouse/Storage,  $60,000
  • Peterson Quality Office/Irish (Manager), Tyson – General Contractor, 504 N 32nd St, Com New Warehouse/Storage,  $60,000
  • Lowe, Barbara L/Lapin, Mitchell S – General Contractor, 2747 Enterprise Ave, Com Remodel, $145,000
  • Windmill Properties Llc/King, Charles D – General Contractor, 1540 13th St W, Com Remodel, $20,000
  • RC Property Holdings Llc/Pinnacle Remodeling, 4007 Avenue B, Com Remodel, $15,000
  • NA/V Properties Llp/Rasmussen, Brian – Service, 2111 4th Ave, Com Remodel, $20,000
  • Watson, Gerald W/Irish (Manager), Tyson – General Contractor, 1005 Main St, Com Remodel, $20,000
  • Sisters Of Charith Of Leavenwo/Alberts (Sr Vp/Cfo), Dave – General Contractor, 1233 N 30th St, Com Remodel,      $45,000
  • Underriner, William B/Freyenhagen Construction, Inc., 104 N 28th St, Com Remodel, $45,000
  • Prospect Investment Llc/Prospect Investment, 670 King Park Dr, Com Remodel – Change In Use, $15,500
  • MC Real Estate Holdings Inc/Roberts/Clemons, Misty/James – General Contractor, 5875 Whispering Woods Dr,   Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $75,000
  • River Otter Properties Llc/Roberts/Clemons, Misty/James – General Contractor, 284 Westchester Sq N, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $9,700
  • Johnson, Kristin K & Scott E/Ray E, Mehrer – General Contractor, 1502 Miles Ave,  Com Fence/Roof/Siding,   $12,000
  • Link Properties, Llc/Empire Roofing Inc – Roofing Contractor, 2041 Harnish Blvd, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $53,000
  • Homestead House Inc/Harvey, Brian L – Service, 450 S 20th St W, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $2,400
  • Homestead House Inc/Harvey, Brian L – Service, 450 S 20th St W, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $7,800
  • Homestead House Inc/Harvey, Brian L – Service, 450 S 20th St W, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $5,100
  • Homestead House Inc/Harvey, Brian L – Service, 450 S 20th St W, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $7,400
  • Homestead House Inc/Harvey, Brian L – Service, 450 S 20th St W, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $10,700
  • Homestead House Inc/Harvey, Brian L – Service, 450 S 20th St W, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $4,800
  • Homestead House Inc/Harvey, Brian L – Service, 450 S 20th St W, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $7,500
  • Homestead House Inc/Harvey, Brian L – Service, 450 S 20th St W, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $5,600
  • Homestead House Inc/Harvey, Brian L – Service, 450 S 20th St W, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $6,000
  • Homestead House Inc/Harvey, Brian L – Service, 450 S 20th St W, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $13,500
  • Lnd & M Family Limited Partners/Hiroberts Roofing, 337 Quaking Aspen, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $24,000
  • Lnd & M Family Limited Partners/Hiroberts Roofing, 338 Quaking Aspen, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $24,000
  • City Of Billings/Knife River-Billings – General Contractor, 260 Stewart Park Rd, Com New Other, $230,000
  • Bach Land And Development Llc/McLaughlin, James – General Contractor, 3040 Central Ave, Com New Other,     $14,280
  • GMD Development Homeword/Thornton, Orion – Service, 230 Starner Ln, Com New Other, $208,400
  • City Of Billings (Airport)/Sletten Construction Companies, 1901 Terminal Cir, Com Remodel, $25,000
  • 15th Street Investors LLC/Magic City Custom Taping, 1500 Broadwater Ave, Com Remodel, $8,000
  • Kevin Cremer/Cucancic Construction Inc., 316 S 24th St W, Com Remodel, $150,000
  • Himmelberger, Dennis L/Rambur, Dale – General Contractor, 225 E Airport Rd, Com Remodel – Change In Use,    $153,000
  • J & S Properties Inc/Cayton Excavation Inc – General Contractor, 1617 1st Ave N, Demolition Permit Commercial,  $180,000
  • Johnson, Kristin K & Scott E/Ray E, Mehrer – General Contractor, 1502 Miles Ave, Com Remodel, $8,000
  • Erving Properties LlC/Furlong, Steve – General Contractor, 1525 1st Ave N, Com Fence/Roof/Siding/$4,200
  • Moducs LLC/Kohlman Lennie – General Contractor, 2823 6th Ave N, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $70,000
  • Trail Creek Properties LLC/Lennick Bros. Roofing & Sheetmetal, 302 N 11th St, Com Fence/Roof/Siding/$5,500
  • City Of Billings/Empire Roofing Inc – Roofing Contractors, 2251 Belknap Ave,        Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $59,868
  • City Of Billings/Sunleaf, Steve – General Contractor, 1601 St Andrews Dr, Com New Other, $21,407
  • Waggoner Real Estate, LLC/Knife River-Billings – General Contractor, 5220 Midland Rd, Com New Parking Lot/Non-Building Structure, $135,050
  • Corning Companies/Langlas & Assoc., Inc., l711 Henry Chapple St, Com New Store/Strip Center, $1,754,584
  • GDM Development/Murphy (General Manager), Beverly – General Contractor, 230 Starner Ln, Com New warehouse/Storage, $16,000
  • Mazabuka Llc/Reddi Electric, Inc. – Electrical Contractor, 310 N 13th St, Com Remodel, $6,000
  • Weber Properties LLC/Sunset Construction Llc – General Contractor, 3335 Conrad Rd, Com Remodel, $16,498
  • Beatrice Food Company/Dietz, Troy L – General Contractor, 109 S 28th St, Com Remodel, $8,500
  • Peterson, Jeffrey J & Pamela K/Horizon Retail Construction, 1645 Parkhill Dr,  Com Remodel, $26,000
  • Shiloh Crossing Partners Llc/Jones Construction, Inc, 851 Shiloh Crossing Blvd,   Com Remodel, $30,480
  • Charter Communications Inc/Jones Construction, Inc, 1860 Monad Rd, Com Remodel, $45,000
  • Big Sky Floral Supply Llc/Bonini Enterprises Llc, 3024 2nd Ave N, Com Remodel – Change In Use, $125,709
  • Residential
  • Pritchard Family Revocable Trust, 185 Annandale Rd, Res New Single Family, $275,788
  • Big Time Construction/Langford, Aaron – General Contractor, 5301 Clemson Dr, Res New Single Family,    $219,582
  • Big Time Construction/Langford, Aaron – General Contractor, 5307 Clemson Dr, Res New Single Family,                   $224,63
  • Hellekson, Douglas/Hill, Jeff & Tammy – General Contractor, 362 Cherry Hills Rd, Res New Single Family,             $420,212
  • McCall Development/Mccall James, – General Contractor, 6101 Norma Jean Ln, Res New Single Family,                 $353,727
  • Felton Associates Inc/Parks, Trenton – General Contractor, 1509 Columbine Dr, Res New Two Family,               $363,330
  • Trent Parks/Parks, Trenton – General Contractor, 1513 Columbine Dr, Res New Two Family, $363,330
  • Classic Design Homes Inc/Classic Design Homes, 1030 Yellowstone Ave, Res New Two Family, $265,800 Hagstrom, Daniel F, 932 N 22nd St, Res New Accessory Structure, $27,648
  • Oakland Built Homes, Inc/Leep (Vice President), Landy – Service, 1440 Rancho Vista Ave, Res New Single Family, $207,240
  • Oakland Built Homes, Inc./Leep (Vice President), Landy – Service, 1448 Rancho Vista Ave, Res New Single Family, $194,836
  • South Pine Design/Blatchford, Kevin – General Contractor, 2513 Strapper Ln, Res New Single Family, $301,266
  • South Pine Design/Blatchford, Kevin – General Contractor, 2705 Hanover Cir, Res New Single Family, $208,942
  • Harold Larson/Thompson, William – General Contractor, 1363 Watson Peak Rd, Res New Single Family, $240,020
  • Diverse Construction/Hill, Brendon – General Contractor, 2245 Gleneagles Blvd, Res New Single Family, $204,970
  • Tom & Kathy Meszaros/Hill, Jeff & Tammy – General Contractor, 981 Siesta Ave, Res New Single Family, $363,971
  • Coppock, David G & Renee L/Dirk Arnold Construction, 641 Beverly Hill Blvd, Res New Single Family, $366,990
  • Huck, Dale M, 3932 1st Ave S, Res New Accessory Structure, $126,192
  • James E & Lavaun Marie Black L/Brocklebank Dan – General Contractor, 933 Delphinium Dr, Res New Accessory, Structure, $50,000

BBB Honors Businesses for Ethical Practices

19 October 2019
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The Better Business Bureau has named the recipients of the 2019 Torch Award for Ethics. The recognitions honor organizations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to building trust and integrity with their customers, fellow business owners and communities.

Winners in the Northwest and Pacific are Hi-line Service and Hydraulics as the Business of the Year and Quiet Waters as the Charity of the Year. A new honor this year – the Spark Award – goes to a newer business – Edible Arrangements.

“We are so honored to announce the Torch Award winners for 2019,” said BBB NW+P CEO Tyler Andrew. “This award represents ethical achievement and symbolizes the highest level of trust in the marketplace. These businesses truly deserve the spotlight for their dedication to these values.”

 Hi-Line Service and Hydraulics provides semi-truck and trailer repair, auto and diesel repairs in Culbertson, Montana. The company is dedicated to transparency, trust and their community- which shows in their efforts to give back to the community through partnerships.

 Edible Arrangements offers edible gift baskets and a full food service storefront in Bozeman. The company has been accredited since 2016 and continues to uphold the high standards BBB requires to be an accredited business. Their commitment to their customers and community stood out from other applications in Montana.  

 Warriors and Quiet Waters has shown commitment building trust among their staff, donors and within their community. Their mission is to bring peace and healing to veterans with injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder by placing them in a healing environment and teaching them the art of fly fishing. Beginning in 2007, the Warriors and Quiet Waters has been able to complete 705 fishing experiences to warriors and their families.

 This year, nearly 300 businesses and charities were nominated for the Torch Award for Ethics. Each applicant goes through a meticulous application process that is then reviewed by independent.

Ban Could Harm Public Health

19 October 2019
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Competitive Enterprise Institute Senior Fellow Michelle Minton warned that an e-cigarette ban will mean a terrible outcome for public health with few gains to show for it:

“Regulation of e-cigarettes should be based on science, not fear-mongering or fake news. Evidence shows e-cigarettes are vastly safer than smoking and highly effective at helping smokers quit a habit that kills nearly half a million Americans each year. E-cigarettes have the potential to save millions of lives but not if we destroy what makes them attractive.

“Banning flavors won’t prevent youth vaping but will drive adults back to smoking or into the black market. The rise in death and disease that will follow such a ban will, no doubt, be blamed on e-cigarettes and used to lobby for even greater restrictions. But the blame will belong to special interests spending billions to spread lies, the news media that spreads misinformation, and the lawmakers who base regulations on fear instead of facts.”

Airport Starts Construction

19 October 2019
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After years of planning, the expansion and remodeling  project of the Billings Airport was kicked off last week with a ground breaking. Among the dignitaries present, the $55 million project was, frequently, referred to as a “huge deal,” for Billings.

The project will expand the airport’s capacity and update it to provide the many amenities that passengers expect of a modern airport. It will make travelers “comfortable,” said Airport Director Kevin Ploehn, Director of Aviation & Transit. The Billings Airport – well on its way to having a record year for enplanements – is hosting almost a half million enplanements annually. Its freight business, too, is rapidly growing, tracking at a 22 percent increase for 2019.

None of the project is being funded by tax dollars, emphasized Ploehn. The funding has been generated through FAA ticket taxes and fees from concessions, some of which has come back to the airport through grants. Continued revenues from those sources will finance a bond for which the airport, (administered by the City of Billings) will be applying over the next couple of months.

Much of the first phase of the project is to prepare areas to accommodate airport activity during the next construction phases. It involves remodeling the queuing area and skylight, building the Cape Air gate, and completing the stairwell and elevator vestibule.  

The next phase of construction will be let or bid during the winter with construction to begin in March, to be completed in 2021.

Construction of the first phase, expected to take about six months, is being done by Sletten Construction for $3.3 million.

The project’s engineers are Morrison Maierle and the architects are from A&E.

The entire project is to be completed by the end of 2023. It will include expanding the number of gates from five to eight in a new terminal, new screening area, gift shop, kids’ play room, restaurants and concessions, a new great room, additional seating, rest rooms, etc.

September 15, 2019: When & Where

18 October 2019
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The Montana Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual conference on Oct. 30 at the Hilton Garden Inn Missoula. Keynote speaker will be Boeing Helena Director Reyna Cardenas. Cardenas will share how Boeing Helena crafted a successful talent pipeline. For details go to Montana Chamber of Commerce website.

Registration is open for Big Sky Fit Kids (BSFK) Fall Fit Kids Day, a new and FREE youth program of the Big Sky State Games. Like the Big Sky Fit Kids spring program, the goal of Fall Fit Kids Day is to get kids more physical activity.  To register for Big Sky Fit Kids Fall Fit Kids Day visit bigskyfitkids.org or call with questions 406-254-7426. Town Pump is the Presenting Sponsor of Big Sky Fit Kids. KTVQ, and Albertsons are Community Sponsors and Contributing Sponsors include Montana Association of School Superintendents, Billings Clinic, and Wendy’s.

Registration is now open for the 16th Annual Young Ag Leadership Conference (YALC)! The conference is set for October 4-6 at the Copper King Convention Center in Butte. YALC is a collaborative effort between nine of Montana’s agricultural organizations, offering attendees a chance to discuss current ag issues, take part in various workshops, meet with industry leaders, and network with fellow young people. Anyone aged 18-40 and interested or involved in agriculture is encouraged to attend. The cost of registration is $50 including all meals provided. After the pre-registration date of September 25, fees increase to $60. To register, go to eventbrite.com   and search Young Ag Leadership Conference.  Contact Leah Johnson at (406) 733-2079 or leah.nelson.johnson@gmail.com for questions. 

State Fund Provides Scholarship Support

18 October 2019
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Montana State Fund (MSF), Montana’s largest workers’ compensation insurance company, presented a $25,000 check to Kids’ Chance of Montana, a non-profit organization that provides scholarships for higher education to the children of workers who are injured or killed on the job.

Kids’ Chance of Montana is an affiliate of Kids’ Chance of America. Montana’s chapter was founded in 2017, becoming the 43rd Kids’ Chance state organization. Since its inception, four additional states or districts have joined bringing the total membership to 47.

“Historically, Montana has been among the highest in the nation in workplace accidents and fatalities,” said Laurence Hubbard, MSF President and CEO. “That is certainly not a category we want to lead, and we are committed to improving the workplace safety culture by driving awareness. At the same time, it is equally important to continue to help injured workers and their families through programs like Kids’ Chance and Montana State Fund’s independent scholarship program. We are proud, and honored, to play a small role in helping these students achieve their dreams.”

Peter Van Nice, Chairman of the Kids’ Chance Board of Directors said  “Thanks to contributions like this, Kids’ Chance of Montana will have a lasting and meaningful impact on the lives of many students.”

Since the inception of Kids’ Chance of Montana, 11 scholarships have been awarded to the children of injured workers—six in 2018, and 5 in 2019.

Promising Montana Start-ups To Watch in the Future

18 October 2019
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The Montana High Tech Business Alliance has announced a list of 11 Montana Startups to Watch in 2019. The recognition is designed to shine a spotlight on promising early-stage high-tech and manufacturing companies in the state and give visibility to Montana’s robust entrepreneurial ecosystem.

 The 11 Montana Startups to Watch include:

1. Blacksford, Bozeman

2. Cardsetter, Billings

3. Charmed, Missoula

4. DRIMS, Missoula

5. DugalHealth, Bozeman

6. Ferho, Billings

7. The Insight Studio, Bozeman and Missoula

8. My Shipping Post, Bozeman

9. Neuro-ID, Whitefish

10. Prime Labs, Missoula

11. RavenCSI, Billings

  At the request of the Alliance, experts at Next Frontier Capital, Frontier Angels, Montana Manufacturing Extension Center, MSU Blackstone LaunchPad, and UM Blackstone LaunchPad nominated early-stage companies they believe to be promising. To select the 11 finalists, the Alliance identified companies five years old or younger that fit at least two of the following criteria:

  • Steep revenue growth and/or are working in a high-growth sector
  • Poised to launch high-potential products or services
  • Own or are developing valuable intellectual property
  • On track to land major clients or enter new markets
  • Plan to expand operations or add a significant number of jobs this year
  • Have management teams led by experienced entrepreneurs or top experts in their fields

Company profiles are hosted at https://mthightech.org/montana-startups-to-watch-2019/.

“While Montana has long been recognized for its startup activity, more funding and mentorship opportunities are fueling the next generation of startups around the state,” said Christina Henderson, executive director of the Montana High Tech Business Alliance. “Our newest list of startups to watch features companies solving important problems, receiving grant funding and investment, and creating high-paying jobs. We hope that Montana job seekers, investors, and government leaders will keep an eye on these innovative entrepreneurs.”

The Montana High Tech Business Alliance is a statewide membership organization made up of more than 320 high tech and manufacturing firms and affiliates. Search Montana career opportunities at https://MTHighTech.org/Jobs. Photos, logo, and list of members by city may be downloaded at https://MTHighTech.org/Media.

Planning Department Identifies Priorities

18 October 2019
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The Policy Coordinating Committee that serves Yellowstone County and Billings approved the 2020 Billings Urban Area Unified Planning Work Program for the planning department, this month.

The Work Program lays out the budget, and priority transportation and land use projects that the planning department staff will be focused upon in 2020. Scott Walker, the transportation coordinator for the planning department, presented the plan during the monthly meeting of the PCC which is comprised of a county commissioner, the mayor of Billings, Chairman of the Planning Board, and the Montana Department of Transportation manager in Billings.

Among the projects that are top priorities to be advanced in the new fiscal year will be the Billings Bypass which will begin construction in October; continued design of the proposed Inner Belt Loop; and an update of the Growth Policy which directs future land use in the county.

Budget for the planning department in 2020 will be $2,659,085, slightly less than the 2019 budget of $2,786,000.

Revenues come from several sources: Fees charged by the planning department for development in the city is expected to generate $240,000; fees for development in the county, $57,000; a mill levy imposed on property tax payers will generate $490,000 and from the federal government’s transportation agencies will come $1,872,085.

Other projects on the planning department’s agenda are continuing, including the update of the 2018 transportation plan, completing a traffic model, planning the placement of way-finding signs for bike trails, updating the pedestrian/bike trail map required by the federal government, 5th Avenue corridor feasibility study.

The plan includes the Billings transit department, priorities for which were presented by new supervisor, Rusty Logan. Some of those priorities include developing grants for the purchase of new buses, technology and facility; continued development of the transit asset management plan; analysis of the possibility of extending service to Lockwood and Laurel.

The planning department has 11 staff members.

The Billings Urban Area Unified Planning Work Program was previously approved by the Planning Board, which oversees the Planning Department; the Billings City Council and Yellowstone County Commissioners.

The PCC is the Billings/Yellowstone County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) which is mandated by the federal government for communities with populations of 50,000 or more in order to receive federal funding for transportation projects. The Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal Railroad Administration are non-voting representatives of the PCC, and representatives usually telecommunicate to monitor its meetings.