Author: Press Room

KOA Notes 60 Years

7 March 2023
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Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) capped its 60th year of business with record revenue surpassing 2021, the company’s previous highest-grossing year, by 1.3%. Impressively, 2022 registration revenue grew by 34.3% over 2019, indicating that camping and outdoor hospitality have reached a new level of popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic.

 “To finish our 60th anniversary with record-setting revenues is monumental,” said Toby O’Rourke president and CEO of Kampgrounds of America, Inc. “The numbers point to the strength of our long-standing brand and the continued preference for KOA by campers. We appreciate the partnership with our franchisees, their confidence in our vision and the dedication and focus of our employees.” 

 Looking ahead, KOA’s advanced deposits at the end of the fourth quarter were 3.4% improved over this same time period in 2021. Advanced deposits are a key indicator of consumer appetite for camping, confidence in the brand and customer experience.

 “Especially with fluctuating economic conditions, it’s great to see another year of growth in advance deposits as we enter 2023,” said O’Rourke. “Camping, and KOA camping, continues to be a cornerstone of leisure travel for many North Americans.”

Gov. Urges Reforms to Increase Supply of Affordable Housing

7 March 2023
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Addressing the Montana Housing Coalition at the State Capitol, Governor Greg Gianforte highlighted his administration’s efforts to increase the supply of affordable workforce housing in Montana, calling on the legislature to send pro-housing reforms to his desk.

“Housing is a top priority for Montanans. I hear it over and over from folks throughout the state,” Gov. Gianforte said to the coalition at the State Capitol. “To increase the supply of affordable workforce housing, we can’t keep doing the same thing we’ve done year after year after year. The state can’t. And local governments can’t. It hasn’t worked.”

Gov. Gianforte continued, “We must change our approach. I’m urging the legislature to get pro-housing reforms to my desk.”

In his remarks, Gov. Gianforte highlighted how the demand for more housing has outpaced homebuilding over the last decade in Montana. Between 2010 and 2020, Montana’s population grew by 9.6 percent, outpacing the state’s housing unit growth of 6.6 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

The governor also pointed to rising prices, mortgage rates, and inflation as making it more difficult for Montanans to own or rent a home, as well as burdensome regulations.

Driven by increased consumer demand, rising inflation, and national supply chain breakdowns, the cost of building a new home has soared, with private residential construction costs skyrocketing 18.4 percent nationally between March 2021 and March 2022, according to the Census Bureau.

Regulations at every level of government drive up the price of newly built homes. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) estimated government-imposed regulations account for 23.8 percent of the final price of a new single-family home built for sale.

Last summer, Gov. Gianforte stood up a diverse, bipartisan Housing Task Force to provide recommendations to make housing more affordable and attainable for Montanans.

In line with one of the task force’s recommendations, the governor proposed the Home Ownership Means Economic Security (HOMES) Program in his Budget for Montana Families. Tied to conditions, including increased density, the program invests $200 million to expand water and sewer infrastructure and ultimately increase the supply of affordable workforce housing.

The governor has called on the legislature to send this bill and other pro-housing reforms to his desk.

“Working with the legislature, we’re making great progress to get these bills across the finish line, but we must continue to act with the urgency this situation requires,” said Gov. Gianforte.

The governor concluded, “Every day, I am focused on opening the doors of greater opportunity so more Montanans can thrive, prosper, and achieve the American dream. And every day, Montanans work hard to realize the American dream – to earn a decent living, to raise a family, to contribute to their communities, to retire comfortably, and to own a home. Working together, let’s increase the supply of affordable, attainable housing, and let’s help more folks achieve the American dream of homeownership.”

Exploring Health Care Merger

7 March 2023
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Billings Clinic and Logan Health, based in Kalispell, have signed a non-binding letter of intent to explore uniting the two non-profit organizations into one integrated, independent, Montana-based health system.

 A press release states, “Health systems across the country are facing unprecedented post-pandemic challenges, including increased expenses, workforce challenges, accelerating technology investment needs, and the urgent need to achieve health equity. By joining, the two geographically complementary organizations can be stronger together and better positioned to adapt to the rapidly changing health care environment, sustain and grow services, and meet the needs of local families.”

An agreement for the new organization is expected this spring with a goal to have all details and approvals finalized this summer.

The merger helps address the state of the industry across the country, which is facing unprecedented post-pandemic challenges, including increased expenses, workforce challenges, accelerating technology investment needs, and the urgent need to achieve health equity. The press release explained that “By joining, the two geographically complementary organizations can be stronger together and better positioned to adapt to the rapidly changing health care environment, sustain and grow services, and meet the needs of local families.”

Clint Seger, MD Billings Clinic CEO said that Billings Clinic and Logan Health share a commitment to providing high quality primary and complex care to patients across the rural frontier of Montana and northern Wyoming.

He said, “Our two organizations have a lot in common, as independent, physician-led health systems with deep roots in our communities and a commitment to rural health care. The health needs of our rural communities are unique, and we are excited to explore ways to serve our patients’ greatest challenges and raise the bar for health care in Montana and Wyoming together.”

Some aspects of the pending merger have yet to be determined but the two hospitals would be equal partners. There is no decision yet regarding what the combined organizations would be called nor where headquarters might be.

US Rep. Matt Rosendale commented on the news, “The combined health system that Billings Clinic and Logan Health will explore creating has the potential to address challenges facing health care providers and patients in rural Montana. Improving access to quality health care is critical for the well-being of our families and the success of our rural communities. While I am pleased to see that this merger aims to address this issue, we must also ensure that patient care is not compromised, prices do not increase, and the needs of rural residents are met.”

“Billings Clinic and Logan Health have a long history of serving our communities’ health needs. We are thrilled about our shared vision to create something transformative. We are looking forward to having conversations with our teams and communities as we focus efforts on delivering outstanding care for years to come,” said Craig Lambrecht, MD, Logan Health President and CEO.

Logan Health, founded in 1910, is a not-for-profit, 622-bed health system in Montana. While the main medical campus is located in Flathead County, Logan Health draws from a total service area covering 20 counties. The health system consists of six hospitals, more than 68 provider clinics and a host of other health care services, including the nation’s first rural air ambulance service (A.L.E.R.T.), which it has maintained for more than 40 years. Logan Health has more than 4,500 physicians, nurses, health care professionals and support staff.

Billings Clinic is Montana’s largest independent health system. A not-for-profit organization, Billings Clinic is governed by a board of community members, nurses and physicians. At its core, Billings Clinic is a physician-led, integrated multispecialty group practice with a Level II trauma center. It is affiliated with 18 hospitals and clinics in communities across Montana and Wyoming, along with four regional branch clinics. Billings Clinic is the largest trauma center and the first established and longest standing continually accredited trauma center in the state of Montana, and the only Comprehensive Stroke Center in Montana and Wyoming. Billings Clinic has more than 4,700 employees, including nearly 600 physicians and advanced practitioners offering more than 80 specialties. Billings Clinic is the first Magnet-designated health care organization for nursing in Montana. 

Chamber Awards Announced

7 March 2023
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Each year the Billings Chamber of Commerce awards exceptional leaders whose impact and example are deserving of recognition—not simply for their accomplishments, but also for their character, their leadership, and their integrity. The 2023 Business Excellence Awards honor individuals and organizations for contributions that undoubtedly make Billings a better place to work and live.

The 2023 recipients are: Outstanding Business Person Dusty Eaton, A&E Design Employer of the Year Entre Technology Services Inclusion Award William Henry, Be Better World Customer Service Excellence Matt Hall, Midway Auto & RV NextGEN Exceptional Emerging Leader Bo Bruinsma, Billings Public Schools

“A community is only as strong as its people,” Chamber President/CEO John Brewer said of the annual awards. “We celebrate our employers, workers, innovators, leaders, visionaries and what they have accomplished in building our community. Billings is uniquely us because of the businesses they have created and the people they have touched.” Award recipients are selected through a scoring process by a committee of Chamber board members and committee leaders, following a period of public nomination submissions.

“The Business Excellence Award recipients represent the very best of what the Billings business community is doing with regard to leadership, innovation, and employee care,” Chamber Board Chair Julie Seedhouse said of the recipients and the prestige of the recognition. “Each of them fully embraces the Billings Chamber’s mission as catalysts for growth and creators of quality of place. We are deeply honored to recognize the essential work they are doing to make our community better.”

Recipients will be recognized at the 2023 Billings Chamber Breakfast, March 30, 7-9 am, at Alberta Bair Theater. The event will feature Captain Sandra Yawn (“Captain Sandy”) of the hit television show, Below Deck Mediterranean, as the keynote speaker. It is sponsored by by Nonstop Local and America First Response.

Tickets are at Alberta Bair Theater Box Office or through their website.

Billings Building Permits 03-01-23

7 March 2023
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Commercial

Root, Gary J & Robyn/ C’s Construction Of Billings, 1645 Central Ave, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $9,545

Computers Unlimited/ Bradford Roof Management Inc, 2515 Montana Ave, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $120,150

City Of Billings The/ Montana Shed Center, 260 Stewart Park Rd, Com New Other, $68,000

Missions United Inc/ Jones Construction, Inc,  3840 Rimrock Rd, Com Remodel, $300,000

Sisters Of Charity Of Leavenworth/ Hardy Construction Co., 1233 N 30th St, Com Remodel, $2,672,423

David Macniel/ Langlas & Assoc., Inc. 3045 King Ave W, Com Remodel $159,600

Sisters Of Charity Of Leavenworth/ Hardy Construction Co. 1233 N 30th St, Com Remodel, $30,000

Residential

Infinity Homes/ Infinity Home Llc, 918 Ortega St, Res New Single Family, $212,692

Lighthouse Homes LLC/ Lighthouse Construction Llc, 1323 Tania Cir, Res New Single Family, $309,153

Infinity Homes/ Infinity Home Llc, 2170 Skyview Dr, Res New Single Family, $318,147

McCall Development/ McCall Development, 6103 Johanns Meadow Ln, Res New Single Family, $313,361

Billings Newly Licensed Businesses December 2022

25 February 2023
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Montana Academy of Salons, 300 S 24th St W #B01, 59102, 771-8772, Linda McPherson, schools

Landie Drywall & Painting, 23255 Wahupa, Frenchtown 59834, 544-0143, David Lande, service

Billings Lady Outlaws, 3054 Hunters ridge Loop, 59102, 690-9648, Lacey Sullivan, service

The Truesdell Corporation, 1310 W 23rd St, Tempe, AZ 85282, Erica Bryant, general contractors

Stacie Jones’ Cleaning Services, 2211 3rd Ave N, 59101, 307-388-8740, Stacie Jones, service

The Shady Lady’s – Cosmetic Tattooing, 111 Main St – Ste 5, 59105, 561-1681, Jordynn Cossitt, service

Born Again Beauty & Ink by Megan Price LLC, 745 Henesta Dr, 59102, 998-8886, Megan Price, service

Rhino Electric, 3126 Morning Glory Circle, 59102, 540-3775, Ryan Teini, electrical contractors

Rotech (Overland) 2110 Overland Ave, 59102, 245-9792, Suzy Martinez, retail sales

Lifebridge Counseling LLC, 1330 Colton Blvd, 59102, 698-3389, Cathy Bevier, service

Aguilar Cleaning Enterprise Services, 8951 Jerry Lee ln, 59106, 714-920-7189, Jesse Aguilar, service

Affiliated Mortgage Zachery Blair, 822 Avenue C, 59102, 602-525-1120, Zachery Blair, service

Palouse residential Properties LLC, 611 N 31st St, 59102, 281-900-7102,  Russell Perkins, real estate properties

Taichi Tuina Healing, 511 N 30th St, 59101, 916-1332, Jing Chong, service

Mystic River Dirtworks LLC, 6444 Neibauer Rd, 59106, 690-6698, James Kamminga, service

Purely Obsessed Permanent Jewelry LLC, 1503 13th St W, 59102, 962-5518, Michelle Carnahan, retail sales

Brandish Construction LLC, 304 Grand, 59101, 855-0476, Howard Lewis, general contractors

Steel City Drones LLC, 282 Foxcroft Rd, Pittsburgh PA 15220, 412-980-1941, David King, retail sales

 Wizard Office Services 221 Prospectors Ln, 59105, Dillon Heath, service

Monaco’s Photography, 928 Broadwater Ave – Ste 201, 59101, 200-2724, Sarah Monaco, service

Freeform, 3319 Rimrock Rd, 59102, 850-4331, Joshua Tolentino, misc

Northwest Fugitive Recovery, 43 W Meadow Dr, 59102, 200-4697, Timothy Westervelt, service

Camping World RV Sales of Billings, 976 Rosebud Ln, 59102, 847-229-6465, n/a, service

Nomadic properties LLC, 5116 Yellowstone Falls Ln, 59106, 360-8894, Jace Palmer, real estate rentals,

Hayes Design & Build, 3385 Granger S #64, 59102, 946-2466, Joshua Hayes, general contractor

Bearded Bulldog Pub Grub, 2503 Montana Ave, 59101, Jen Marble, restaurants

Steamworld, 3619 2nd Ave S, 59101, 561-5566, Britani Bishop, service

Homegoods Inc – #1105, 2618 King Ave W- Ste 1, 59102, 774-308-0056, Kristin Adams, retail sales

JT Homes, 6010 Farmstead Ave #30, 59102, 951-316-3808, Jessica Tapp, real estate rentals

Good Day Assisted Living, 1847 Forest Park Dr, 59102, 561-4244, Dan & Steph Flesch

Rogers Concrete, 55 Clark Dr, Columbus 59019, 321-1855, Raylee Rogers, service

MEL Construction, 5030 Chevelle Rd, 59106, 701-230-9453, Mark Littleghost, general contractor

Beartooth Cross Stitch, 3227 Parkhill Dr, 59102, 413-8716, Alisa Clarke, service

Gluck Building Company, 26901 Agoura Dr – Ste 100, Calabasas CA 91301, 818-880-8220, Thomas Gluck, general contractors

MRM Unified Campus LLLP, 2822 Minnesota Ave, 59101, 259-3800, service

Glacier Vapor, 2346 Grand Ave, 59102, 545-9413, Marshall Corriz, retail sales

Albertsons #3367, 5317 Grand Ave, 59106, 371-2755, Albertson’s LLC, retail sales

Shilhanek Designs, 3112 Rosemont Way, 59101, 561-5457, Tarin Shilhanek, service

Caliber Collision Centers, 4130 Kari Ln, 59106, 998-2190, Lori Eaton, auto business

Elevation Transport Services, 2147 Phoebe Dr, 59105, 839-1733, Craig Smith, service

Black Hills Federal Credit Union, 1595 Grand Ave – Ste 235B, 59102, 831-1204, Tyson Taylor, banks/loan agencies

Dust Officers, 4059 Orrel Rd-#2, 59101, 661-0144, Scott Crenshaw, service

Apollo Detail, 332 Bonnie Ln, #2, 59101, 515-441-9367, Nathan Lucero, services         

Jobs Program will Grow Workforce for Businesses

24 February 2023
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Big Sky Economic Development’s (BSED) workforce development program, BillingsWorks, will be implementing the Summer Jobs Program in Yellowstone County this upcoming summer for the second year in a row. The Yellowstone County Summer Jobs Program matches participants with a paid position, provides a paid foundational work skills training, and connects students with an adult mentor for the summer. SJP participants are high school students and recent graduates eager to develop their work skills and explore their career options. Participating area businesses (in all industries) and community organizations help strengthen the local economy by connecting youth to meaningful work experiences.

“We are excited to support our partners in Yellowstone County as they implement the Summer Jobs Program. We have seen success with this community-driven program in Helena, and we are eager to expand the program so more youth can access earn-and-learn opportunities,” Gabrielle Ekund Rowley, Executive Director of American Jobs for America’s Youth Montana.

Through the program, students gain skills, experience, and professional networks that prepare them for success in future endeavors. The work skills our students learn and practice serve them well both in and out of the workforce.

Bo Bruinsma, Career Outreach Director at School District Two stated, “Billings Public Schools is excited our students will have the opportunity to participate in the Yellowstone County Summer Jobs Program. Students will have the opportunity to be introduced to careers and industries they are interested in, gain valuable employability skills and experience, and network with professionals in our community. We’re confident this program can help students make more informed decisions about their future and show them all the great career opportunities available here in Yellowstone County.”

“BillingsWorks is proud to have the opportunity to collaborate with community partners to implement the SJP here in Yellowstone County in efforts to address local workforce challenges and expose students to potential career pathways. We hope to see participation from all high schools within Yellowstone County.”- Marcell Bruski, Director of Marketing & BillingsWorks

The execution of this effort will be done in conjunction with the Yellowstone County Summer Jobs Program (SJP) Committee made up of BSED, the Billings Chamber of Commerce NextGEN, School District 2, Reach Higher Montana, with the support of American Jobs for American Youth (AJAY) Montana. The goal of this pilot year is to serve at least 30 Yellowstone County youth (ages 16-19), matching them with local employers and local mentors.

c will be implementing the Summer Jobs Program in Yellowstone County this upcoming summer for the second year in a row. The Yellowstone County Summer Jobs Program matches participants with a paid position, provides a paid foundational work skills training, and connects students with an adult mentor for the summer. SJP participants are high school students and recent graduates eager to develop their work skills and explore their career options. Participating area businesses (in all industries) and community organizations help strengthen the local economy by connecting youth to meaningful work experiences.

“We are excited to support our partners in Yellowstone County as they implement the Summer Jobs Program. We have seen success with this community-driven program in Helena, and we are eager to expand the program so more youth can access earn-and-learn opportunities,” Gabrielle Ekund Rowley, Executive Director of American Jobs for America’s Youth Montana.

Through the program, students gain skills, experience, and professional networks that prepare them for success in future endeavors. The work skills our students learn and practice serve them well both in and out of the workforce.

Bo Bruinsma, Career Outreach Director at School District Two stated, “Billings Public Schools is excited our students will have the opportunity to participate in the Yellowstone County Summer Jobs Program. Students will have the opportunity to be introduced to careers and industries they are interested in, gain valuable employability skills and experience, and network with professionals in our community. We’re confident this program can help students make more informed decisions about their future and show them all the great career opportunities available here in Yellowstone County.”

“BillingsWorks is proud to have the opportunity to collaborate with community partners to implement the SJP here in Yellowstone County in efforts to address local workforce challenges and expose students to potential career pathways. We hope to see participation from all high schools within Yellowstone County.”- Marcell Bruski, Director of Marketing & BillingsWorks

The execution of this effort will be done in conjunction with the Yellowstone County Summer Jobs Program (SJP) Committee made up of BSED, the Billings Chamber of Commerce NextGEN, School District 2, Reach Higher Montana, with the support of American Jobs for American Youth (AJAY) Montana. The goal of this pilot year is to serve at least 30 Yellowstone County youth (ages 16-19), matching them with local employers and local mentors.

More Americans Enjoy Camping

23 February 2023
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In its monthly research report, Kampgrounds of America reports that last year more people camped than ever. According to the latest research, camping exceeded a record 2021 by 1.5 million households. KOA’s  January 2023 Edition of the report, released ahead of Kampgrounds of America, Inc.’s annual North American Camping Report, available this spring, the latest edition of the monthly report shared that camping is more vital than ever amidst economic and life stressors. 

According to the report, it is estimated that 30% of campers in 2022 joined the activity in 2021 or 2022. While some (13%) share that they began camping as a direct result of COVID-19, most (17%) cite other reasons for choosing to camp for the first time. In 2022, 11% of camping households were new campers. In all, 41% of camping households in 2022 were relatively new to camping as a form of leisure travel, having camped for the first time over the last three years.

“Over the past several years, we have seen dramatic increases in new campers,” said Whitney Scott, senior vice president of strategy at KOA. “People are looking for modes of travel that fit their lifestyle and improve their daily lives. Camping provides that for a growing number of travelers, and we don’t see that slowing down.”

 Painting a healthy outlook, most households that camped over the last year indicate they plan to include camping in future travel (74%). Notably, 45% will have booked their camping trips or be in the planning stages for 2023.

Mental health appears to be one reason for the continued popularity of camping. Six-in-ten campers share that camping helps improve their mental health. Additionally, 54% say that camping induces less anxiety than other forms of travel.

Millennial’s Susceptible to Social Media

22 February 2023
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Clever, a real estate data company, recently published results of research it conducted, called “Millennial and Gen Z Are Wildly Susceptible to Social Media Marketing: 2023 Report”

It concluded that “among 20 of the most valuable companies in America, Google has done the best job branding to millennial and Americans overall.”

Americans have the most favorable opinions of Google (78%), Amazon (76%), and Nike (73%) when asked about 20 of the most well-known companies.

Of common competitors we asked about, Americans tend to only marginally favor one brand over the other:

* Target was slightly more favorable than Wal-Mart (71% vs. 70%).

* Samsung was slightly more favorable than Apple (69% vs. 68%). 

Americans, however, are move divided on their views of social media sites. 55% said they have a positive opinion of Facebook, while only 38% have a positive opinion of Twitter following Musk’s takeover.

The survey found Americans of all generations rank Google-owned YouTube as the No. 1 most trustworthy social media site. 

YouTube is surprisingly popular among Gen Zeros, despite being known for their love of Titos. 64% of Gen Z visits YouTube at least once per day — more than Titos (62%) or any other social media platform.

Federal Funding to Address Water Contaminants in Montana

22 February 2023
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $18,914,000 from President Biden’s Infrastructure Law to address emerging contaminants, like Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in drinking water in Montana.  This investment, which is allocated to states and territories, will be made available to communities as grants through EPA’s Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities (EC-SDC) Grant Program and will promote access to safe and clean water in small, rural, and disadvantaged communities while supporting local economies.

Administrator Michael S. Regan announced the availability of $2 billion in water infrastructure investments at an event held in North Carolina recently. “Too many American communities, especially those that are small, rural, or underserved, are suffering from exposure to PFAS and other harmful contaminants in their drinking water,” said EPA Administrator Michael Regan. “Thanks to President Biden’s leadership, we are investing in America and providing billions of dollars to strengthen our nation’s water infrastructure while safeguarding people’s health and boosting local economies. These grants build on EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap and will help protect our smallest and most vulnerable communities from these persistent and dangerous chemicals.”

“EPA is delivering on its strategic commitment to address PFAS and emerging contaminants with more than $18 million for infrastructure projects that will safeguard Montana’s drinking water for years to come,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “These funds will help water providers invest in treatment technologies and solutions to contamination concerns in the communities that need them most.”

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests $5 billion over five years to help communities that are on the frontlines of PFAS contamination reduce PFAS in drinking water. EPA announced the funds for Montana as part of an allotment of $2 billion to states and territories that can be used to prioritize infrastructure and source water treatment for pollutants, like PFAS and other emerging contaminants, and to conduct water quality testing.

EPA is also releasing the Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities Grant Implementation document. The implementation document provides states and communities with the information necessary to use this funding to address local water quality and public health challenges. These grants will enable communities to improve local water infrastructure and reduce emerging contaminants in drinking water by implementing solutions such as installing necessary treatment solutions.