Author: Press Room

Klugman Promoted

21 April 2023
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Big Sky Economic Development has announced the promotion of Patrick Klugman to the position of Senior Director of Economic Development Programs. In this new capacity, Klugman will be responsible for providing leadership and strategic direction for Big Sky Economic Development’s core business advising and outreach programs, including the Small Business Development Center, Veterans Business Outreach Center, Procurement Technical Assistant Center, and Member Investor Program. These programs are essential to executing BSED’s mission to support the growth of start-up companies, existing businesses, and economy of Billings, Yellowstone County, and the region. In collaboration with BSED’s business advising programs: unique responsibilities, contracts, and cooperative agreements will be interfaced by the Senior Director of Economic Development Programs with our federal, state, and local partners to effectively serve BSED’s clients and business community.

Since first joining Big Sky Economic Development in 2015, Klugman has served as the Community Development project Manager, then in 2021 became the Director of Development leading BSED’s Member Investor program.

Executive Director, Steve Arveschoug said, “Patrick’s new role with BSED comes as a result of his hard work and the partnerships he fosters in the community. It is also part of a restructuring effort that will include four new Senior Director roles in the organization. Senior Directors are charged with supporting the success of our individual programs and setting the stage for our growth, continuing the impacts we make on the community we serve.”

Klugman holds a Master of Public Administration degree from Montana State University Billings and Bachelor of Arts Political Science and Government degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Property Taxes Increased 3.6% in 2022

20 April 2023
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Property taxes levied on single-family homes in the United States increased 3.6% to $339.8 billion in 2022, according to a new report from a real estate data firm.

That’s up from $328 billion in 2021. The 2022 increase was more than double the 1.6% growth in 2021, but smaller than the 5.4% increase in 2020, according to the report from ATTOM, a property data provider.

The report also shows that the average tax on single-family homes in the U.S. increased 3% in 2022, to $3,901, after rising 1.8% in 2021. The latest average tax resulted in an effective tax rate nationwide of 0.83%. That was down slightly from 0.86% in 2021 to the lowest point since at least 2016. The “effective rates continued to decline even as total taxes rose because home values went up faster than taxes,” according to the report.

Keller Named CEO

20 April 2023
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Rimrock Board of Directors has announced that Jeff Keller has been selected as the new CEO. Keller, a long-time Billings resident, will lead the 200-person team starting in mid-April. Keller said of his new role, “Rimrock has been a staple in Billings and the region for over 50 years and is a place of hope and healing. I am honored to have been selected to serve in the role of CEO and I look forward to continuing the good work of Rimrock and engaging the community through Rimrock’s mission.”

Keller has an extensive business background including commercial banking and non-profit executive. He is the past president of the Rimrock Board of Directors and President of the Ramsey Keller Memorial. He is also a community advocate serving on local boards and a volunteer for youth sports. Former CEO, Lenette Kosovich, who announced her retirement earlier this year said of Keller, “I’ve had the pleasure of working side by side with Jeff. His passion, business acumen, and understanding of the critical work that Rimrock provides make him a great choice to lead Rimrock into the future. I am thrilled to have him lead our incredible team.”

Kosovich will continue in an advisory role through the transition of the new CEO.

When Can You Expect Your Tax Refund?

19 April 2023
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If you are an income tax payer, or property tax payer, in Montana, chances are you have money coming your way.

The Montana State Legislature has approved, and the Governor has signed, bills that will be delivering the biggest tax reductions and rebates in Montana history – – $500 million worth.

So how much do you get and how do you go about getting it?

The process is being handled by the Montana Department of Revenue.

Income Tax Rebate as provided for by HB- 192.

If you lived and worked and paid income taxes in Montana in 2021 you will get a rebate on your income taxes of up to $1,250. If you didn’t pay that much in income taxes you will get a refund on what you did pay. All you have to do is sit back and wait for your refund – sometime in July, probably. All the rebates are to be disbursed by the end of the year.

Those eligible for up to $1,250 rebate are single taxpayers, heads of household or married taxpayers who filed separately. Married couples who filed jointly are eligible for up to twice that amount or $2,500.

Part time residents or people late in paying their taxes will not be eligible for the refund.

The rebate will be sent either electronically or by mail, depending on how you, most recently, paid your taxes or received your refund. The rebate will be sent to the bank account information listed on your most-recently filed Montana Form 2. . If you elected to receive your refund by a paper check or paid your tax bill by check, the rebate will be mailed to the address on your most-recently filed Montana Form 2.

Property Tax Rebate as provided for by HB-222

Home owners in the state who paid property taxes on their principle residence in 2022, and who will do so again in 2023 will receive a rebate of up to $500 for each year. The 2022 rebate is applicable to November 2022 and May 2023 payments, and the 2023 rebate is applicable to November 2023 and May 2024 payments.

Those who qualify for property tax rebates are those who owned and lived in a Montana property as their principal resident for at least seven months of each year and were assessed and paid property taxes on the residence within that rebate time frame.

It takes a little effort to get your property tax rebate.

Taxpayers may claim the 2022 rebate online through the TransAction Portal or by paper form beginning August 15, 2023. The claim must be filed by October 1, 2023. The portal is on the Montana.gov website (https://tap.dor.mt.gov/_/)

Taxpayers may claim the 2023 rebate online through the TransAction Portal or by paper form beginning August 15, 2024. The claim must be filed by October 1, 2024.

NFIB Launches Anti-tax Campaign

19 April 2023
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The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s leading small business advocacy organization, announced a multi-state paid advertising campaign including radio and digital ads. The ads urge members of Congress to reject the White House FY 2024 budget proposal that includes new tax increases on small businesses.

The White House is wrongly characterizing the proposed tax hikes as the closing of “loopholes” but they would make it tougher for small businesses to operate, invest in their businesses, and create jobs.

“Main Street cannot afford these new tax increases,” said Brad Close, NFIB President. “As expectations for better business conditions remain low, while high inflation and worker shortages continue to plague Main Street, these proposals would hurt small businesses’ ability to recover, grow, and create jobs. The White House should instead focus on promoting economic growth by providing certainty, such as permanently extending the Small Business Deduction. NFIB encourages these members of Congress to stand up for Main Street and reject any new tax increases on small businesses.”

NFIB radio and digital ads start this week in Montana, Nevada, and West Virginia, urging Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto and Sen. Jacky Rosen (NV), Sen. Jon Tester (MT), and Sen. Joe Manchin (WV) to reject the proposed tax increases. NFIB is also running digital ads in Wisconsin urging Sen. Tammy Baldwin to reject the proposed tax increases.

In addition, NFIB will also run digital ads thanking members of Congress for their continued opposition to the proposed tax increases: Rep. Jason Smith (MO), Rep. Kevin Hern (OK), Rep. Jodey Arrington (TX), Rep. Roger Williams (TX), Rep. Kevin McCarthy (CA), Rep. Steve Scalise (LA), Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (AZ), Sen. Mike Crapo (ID), Sen. John Thune (SD), Sen. Ron Johnson (WI), Sen. Mitch McConnell (KY), Sen. Joni Ernst and Sen. Chuck Grassley (IA), Sen. Steve Daines (MT), and Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (WV).

Montana Veterans Acquire Wyoming-based Irrigation Company

19 April 2023
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Mullinax Irrigation & Construction Supply, which provides irrigation solutions and construction products from their headquarters in Sheridan, WY, recently announced the sale of their business to a new generation of ownership.

Kevin Beagle and Dustin Frost, an Army and a National Guard Veteran, both with connections to the Billings business community, have purchased the company from Mullinax, Inc.

“For decades, the Mullinax name has been the trusted source helping ranchers, landowners and contractors throughout Northeast Wyoming and Southern Montana with unparalleled service, industry leading expertise and quality products,” said Kevin Beagle, President of Legacy Irrigation & Supply, dba Mullinax Irrigation & Construction Supply.

Retired, Lt. Colonel Kevin Beagle, USA, has over 20+ years as an active duty Enlisted Soldier and Commissioned Officer and most recently the CEO of InnerCore Optics / Ironsides. Upon retirement, Beagle founded and served as the CEO of The Ironsides Group, a national telecommunications and utility infrastructure provider with offices in Billings, Nashville, Salt Lake City, Raleigh, and Phoenix. After 4 years, Kevin guided the sale of Ironsides to D4 Infrastructure of Houston, TX. Beagle is a graduate of MSU-Bozeman, holds an M.S. in Business and Administration from Central Michigan University and is a Graduate from the U.S. Army Command & General Staff College.

Frost is an innovative, vision focused business advisor with nearly two decades experience in start-ups, business acquisition, consulting, communications, and economic development. Before purchasing AlphaGraphics of Billings, a nationally recognized print and marketing firm with over 30 employees, he co-founded a successful political consulting and government affairs company. Prior to that, he spent nearly a decade in Montana politics serving as Campaign Manager on two successful statewide campaigns Congress. Most recently, Frost was Director of the Big Sky Veterans Business Outreach Center, where he helped connect veterans, service members and their spouses to small business success in Montana, Wyoming and Utah.

Mullinax Irrigation is a one stop irrigation supply center. The company can consult, design, engineer, supply, build and service complete irrigation system. In addition it provides Pure Ag soil enhancement to increase crop yield and decrease water usage.

 “As the new owners of this company we look forward to the opportunity to continue building on the legacy created by the Mullinax family and team.” Mullinax Irrigation and Construction Supply has been providing irrigation consultation, design, installation and supply to Sheridan area customers since 1971.

To help facilitate a seamless transition for customers, Beagle and Frost’s company, Legacy Irrigation & Supply, will continue doing business as Mullinax Irrigation and Construction Supply. “We couldn’t be happier with this next generation of leadership at Mullinax Irrigation and Supply,” said Nathan Mullinax, President of Mullinax, Inc. “Kevin’s experience as a military leader and CEO, combined with Dustin’s capabilities as a business advisor and successful marketing company owner, will ensure the company’s continued success.”

Mullinax Irrigation & Construction Supply can be found at 615 Fort Road in Sheridan, Wyoming.

Montana Highlights April 15 2023

19 April 2023
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The new executive director of Explore Whitefish is Julie Mullins. Explore Whitefish is also known as the Whitefish Convetion and visistors Bureau.  Julie Mullins arrived in Whitefish ten years ago. She and her husband were attracted by the allure of skiing and business opportunities for her husband. Mullins has 20 years experience working in the convention and tourism industry.

Foothills flooding is possible due to rapid snowmelt, according to a statement from the National Weather Service for the Livingston area. Flooding is not imminent, but people should move equipment and livestock out of low lying areas and away from waterways, the NWS advised. Between 5,000 feet and 7,000 feet, snowpack is currently 150 to 200 percent above normal, with 8 to 15 inches of water contained within this snow.

Aurore Bakery will open at its new Bozeman location, 141 West Baxter Lane, by the middle of this month. Aurore Adam is excited to expand her business, which has been doing individual orders, events and catering, out of her house, since last March 2022. The eatery will offer an array of French sandwiches, breads, cakes, pastries, and coffee. The bakery equipment is imported from France, along with the flour, butter and coffee she uses.

The Bureau of Land Management plans to replace the aging boat ramp at The Warm Springs fishing access on U.S. Highway 84. The Warm Springs fishing access on U.S. Highway 84 east of Norris will close on April 12 as work begins on the boat ramp, BLM said in a press release. The existing ramp will be replaced with a single-slab, multi-lane boat ramp, according to the current plan. Crews will make asphalt and chip repairs on the parking lot during the closure. The site is expected to reopen the first week of June.

The Grand Williston Hotel and Conference Center has reopened after a more than $ million renovation funded by the ownership group Real Capital Solutions. The remodled hotel has 149 guest rooms and a 7,000 square foot ballroom. The hotel offers 11,197 total square feet of meeting space. In addition to the ballroom, the Grand Williston has break-out meeting rooms that can be combined into one large space or separated into various configurations.

Samantha Jones and Tabatha Venezio have opeded their new business Simply Organized Montana serving the Flathead Valley. For Simply Organized Montana having an organized space is more than just about the aesthetic. It’s about maintaining sanity and finding peace. From pantries and closets to playrooms and garages, Jones and Venezio will organize any space.

The Montana Distillers Guild is holding its fourth annual Distiller’s Festival on April 22 in Whitefish at the Grouse Mountain Lodge. Attendees will  be provided the opportunity to  taste and learn about Montana-made spirits.The festival is Saturday, April 22 from 2:30-6 p.m. at Grouse Mountain Lodge. Providing the opportunity to taste and learn more about Montana-made spirits, The festival will showcase 12 distilleries from around Montana. Tickets are available online via the Montana Distiller’s Guild website at montanadistillers.org.

Streamflow forecasts range from about 120% of normal to 180% of normal due to the exceptional snowpack in southern Beaverhead, Madison and Gallatin counties, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Also to the West of the Continental Divide, streamflow forecasts are highest in the southern Mission Mountain region and the Upper Clark Fork River basin, at about 110% of normal to 130% of normal. Snowpack in the Bears Paw Mountains is about 250% of normal.

The MT Bureau of Reclamation announces the release of the St. Mary Diversion Dam Replacement Project’s Draft Environmental Assessment (EA). The St. Mary Diversion Dam is part of Reclamation’s Milk River Project near Babb, Montana. The public comment period will run from March 29 to May 5, 2023.  There will be a public meeting on the Draft EA to be held on April 19, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at the Glacier Peaks Hotel Conference Room in Browning, Montana.

In an effort to help manufacturers meet their workforce needs the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center at Montana State University has launched a new apprenticeship program. The Certified Manufacturing Associate Apprenticeship is a one-year program that combines on-the-job training with online technical classes on topics like safety, math and measurements, manufacturing processes, and quality control. Participating employees earn $15 per hour during their first three months on the job, then $20 per hour for the rest of the year while they complete the 25 online class sessions.

The Big Sky Country Multiple Listing Service (BSCMLS) board of directors recently appointed Mike Lake as the Chief Executive Officer. Lake previously served as the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) Director for the BSCMLS. 

The USDA Forest Service announced two Montana businesses and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes will receive funding to put toward building up the wood products economy and have sustainable forest management. The Whitefish business Wooden Haus Supply/Stolze Timber Systems and Marks-Miller Post and Pole, Inc. in Clancy will get $1 million and nearly $510,000 in wood products assistance funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Local Volunteers Act to Clean, Restore, and Renew Billings and Yellowstone County

19 April 2023
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During the 2023 Great American Cleanup Bright n’ Beautiful Great America Cleanup Day in Billings Slated for Earth Day, Saturday April 22 Billings, Bright n’ Beautiful, a Yellowstone County nonprofit which seeks a clean, green, and more beautiful community, has named Earth Day, Saturday, April 22, “Great American Cleanup Day” in Billings.

Volunteers across town are invited to come out Earth Day morning to tackle litter in their neighborhoods and public spaces. In 2023, Keep America Beautiful and its affiliates, like Bright n’ Beautiful, celebrate the 25th year of the Great American Cleanup.

Every year, the Keep America Beautiful network of 700 affiliates mobilizes thousands of volunteers to spring clean the nation. “Great American Cleanup is a beloved annual tradition in Billings and communities all across Yellowstone County,” said Joanie Tooley, Executive Director of Bright n’ Beautiful. “It’s fun to get out there together and clear away a winter’s worth of litter to make our home brighter and even more beautiful.”

 “All who are able should participate this year on Earth Day, April 22,” said Billings Mayor Bill Cole. “There’s something exhilarating about working alongside neighbors and having a personal hand in refreshing our neighborhoods just in time for the glories of our Montana spring.” Those interested in litter pick-up activities during Great American Cleanup are encouraged to contact Bright n’ Beautiful at brightnbeautifulbillings@gmail.com, or 406-248-6617, to sign up for a cleanup spot, arrange to borrow safety vests and litter pickers, and receive free supplies.

All cleanup efforts will be included in the Yellowstone County 2023 Great American Cleanup report. Home Base on Billings Cleanup Day, 4/22, will be the Billings Community Center, 360 N. 23rd St. Doors open at 8:30 AM for check-in and supplies.

Walk-ins welcome while supplies last. Cleanup Billings from 9 am to 1 pm. Billings Public Works has provided large roll-off dumpsters:

 • Downtown: Parking Lot opposite Billings Community Center, 360 N. 23rd St.

• Heights: Parking lot of Castle Rock Park, W. Wicks Lane and Nutter Blvd.

• West End: Parking lot of Stewart Park, 26th Street W & Central Ave.

Additional Yellowstone County Great American Cleanup events this season include:

• Shepherd Lions Annual Highway Clean-Up, 4/22 8 am, meeting at Shepherd Community Center

• Laurel Community Cleanup, 4/29-4/30, from Grace Bible Church, 917 Washington Ave.

• Worden/Ballantine Cleanup Day, Saturday, 5/6, 9 am, meeting on Worden Main Street.

Bright n’ Beautiful, an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, strives to inspire and educate the people of Yellowstone County to take action to honor the Montana home we are privileged to share. Established in 1953, Keep America Beautiful and its 700 affiliates nationwide work to End Littering, Improve Recycling, and Beautify America’s Communities.

Legislature Nears the End

19 April 2023
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By Dan Brooks, Billings Chamber of Commerce

Tomorrow is Legislative Day 71, giving lawmakers 19 more days before legislative business must conclude. And despite having over two weeks left to work, I’d wager they wrap up in April, going Sine Die (concluding the legislative session) without using any days in May. Just a hunch…

Considering the recent holiday, I felt it appropriate to highlight a different rise from the dead. No, I don’t mean to detail our favorite Maiar’s return to the mortal realm of Middle Earth, given new life by Eru Ilúvatar. I want to look at legislative blast motions, the process by which either body, house or senate, can vote to bring a bill to the full floor, giving it renewed life.

 During floor sessions, members of the house or senate can make the motion to take a bill that’s been tabled in committee and place it on the floor agenda for a scheduled 2nd reading, allowing a vote by the whole body, and bypassing the previous decision of the committee. Successful blast motions breathe life back into a bill that had been effectively dead, although many of the bills that receive a second chance will still end up dead in the end.

Billings Strategic Partners and supporters of the One Big Sky District project should remember the importance, and disappointment in, the potential of blast motions. After it was tabled in (S) Tax, SB 340, the 406 Impact Districts bill, failed a blast motion by a couple votes on the Senate Floor, the final nail in the coffin for the bill in 2019.

 As you can see from the information below, each legislative session is different. Legislators have varying appetites for making blast motions, and the bodies differ on whether they want to entertain them, somewhat undermining previous committee decisions.  While the 2017 and 2019 sessions each have over 40 blast motion attempts, the success of the efforts remained limited.

We’ll see how many more blast motions are made this session as legislators make last ditch efforts to save their bills. With lawmakers starting to see the light at the end of the legislative tunnel, it’s unlikely they will want to bring many more bills to the floor.

2023 Legislative Session (thru Apr 7)

Successful blast motions: 4 out of 24

We’ll see how many more blast motions are made this session as legislators make last ditch efforts to save their bills. With lawmakers starting to see the light at the end of the legislative tunnel, it’s unlikely they will want to bring many more bills to the floor.

2023 Legislative Session (thru Apr 7)

Successful blast motions: 4 out of 24

HB 432 – Generally revise abortion laws (Fail)

HB 448 – Revise laws related to right to work (Fail)

HB 515 – Revise property tax payment procedures (Passed)

HB 784 – Revise laws related to school elections (Fail)

HB 837 – Require curriculum transparency in K-12 education (Fail)

HB 953 – Create election security & integrity complaint/enforcement process (Fail)

HJ 5 – Resolution for congressional term limits (Fail)

HJ 13 – Resolution for Article V Convention for a balanced budget amendment (Fail)

SB 15 – Provide for all ages homeowner and renter tax credit (Fail)

SB 110 – Provide property tax assistance to elderly homeowners (Fail)

SB 120 – Establish the Chief Earl Old Person memorial highway (Passed)

SB 141 – Create indigenous people’s day (Fail)

SB 161 – Revise board of investment laws (Failed on both attempts)

SB 194 – Income tax credit for landlords who rent for below market rate (Fail)

SB 233 – Enhance legislative understanding of state-tribal relations (Failed x2)

SB 276 – Revise laws related to prevailing wage (Fail)

SB 361 – Prohibit discrimination by any person/entity because of firearms (Passed)

SB 390 – Provide freedom in school choice (Fail)

SB 437 – Generally revise abortion laws (Fail)

SB 449 – Provide limitations on collections of taxes (Fail)

SB 464 – Revise laws related to eyewitness lineups (Passed)

SB 517 – Establish graduated fee on short term rentals (Fail)

Senate Bill 14 Sen. Greg Hertz (R) SD 6

Revise MEDIA Act film credit cap

Senate Bill 14 raises the cap for the MEDIA Act tax credits from $12 million to $20 million, with 25% of the credits going to a company domiciled in the state. The MEDIA Act was passed in 2019 and then increased in 2021. Incentivizing film production in Montana leads to numerous other benefits, providing manufacturing and trades jobs, increasing tourism, growing local businesses and economies, and diversifying Montana’s mix of industries. This bill passed the senate 30 – 20 and will be heard in (H) Taxation on April 13th. Billings Chamber: Supports

Billings Chamber: Supports House Bill 819  Rep. Paul Green (R) HD 41

Create Montana community reinvest act

The Montana Community Reinvestment Plan Act creates an affordable housing program that distributes funds to communities, proportionate to a counties’ gross domestic product, to fund housing cost buydowns for eligible home buyers—those making between 60% – 140% of average median income. The bill has over 50 cosponsors and passed the house with nearly 3/4 in support. Passing HB 819 would provide one element of a multi-element housing affordability strategy, including reducing barriers and regulations to housing development. This bill will be heard in (S) Business and Labor, April 12. Billings Chamber: Supports

House Bill 652 Rep. Steven Galloway (R) HD 24

Revise UI law related to benefit duration

With almost 60 co-sponsors, this bill revises the duration of unemployment benefits from 28 to 20 weeks. Currently, Montana has one of the longest unemployment benefit durations in the U.S. Our businesses face continual workforce shortage challenges, reflected in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Shortage Index designating Montana as one of the most severely impacted. A reasonable reduction in the length of unemployment benefits is likely to result in more unemployed people returning to the workforce and helping our businesses. Tabled in committee on April 6, 10-0.

Billings Chamber: Supports

Senate Bill 269 Sen. Greg Hertz (R) SD 6

Consumer protections in litigation financing

This bill provides thoughtful reforms to protect consumers from potential predatory practices in third party litigation financing (TPLF) and increases transparency. TPLF is a relatively new and unregulated practice where hedge funds and other wealthy entities invest in the outcome of court cases. This bill shines a light on TPLF by requiring TPLFs to register, limiting interest rates charged to plaintiffs, requiring disclosure to all parties of TPLF involvement, and capping TPLF’s share of winnings from plaintiffs. Missed deadline. Billings Chamber: Supports

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Jobs Weaken, Could Mean Recession

19 April 2023
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From National Association of Manufacturers

While unemployment is reaching historically low numbers in the US, the labor market may be softening, according to jobs numbers reported by The Washington Examiner.

The U.S. economy added 236,000 jobs in March, short of expectations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In manufacturing, employment edged down by 1,000, reported the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). NAM stated, “A weaker jobs report indicates that the Fed’s rate hikes are beginning to work and could cause the central bank to lean toward a more dovish monetary stance.”

Average hourly earnings of production and nonsupervisory employees in manufacturing rose to $25.91 in March from $25.78 in February, with 4.7% growth in the past year.

March’s numbers follow several months of strong job gains. Jobs have so far proved resilient to inflation, but this latest report “raises fears that a recession is right around the corner.”

Adding to indications of a softer labor market is last week’s number of new applications for unemployment benefits.

At 228,000, the figure was much higher than recently reported numbers.