Author: Press Room

Dig it Days to be Cancelled

31 August 2020
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After an exciting inaugural event last August, the goal of organizers this year was to make Dig It Days bigger and better, so it is with great dismay that Yellowstone County News and Dig It Days sponsors and volunteers, have decided it is best to cancel the event this year because of the uncertainties associated with the COVID-19 virus.

The very first Dig it Days was launched last summer by Yellowstone County News as a unique fundraising event that offers a wonderful experience for the whole family— fun, educational and entertaining.

With the biggest display of static heavy equipment, trucks, farm equipment, and emergency services vehicles ever assembled in Yellowstone County, kids explored, inspected, crawled around, climbed on, up and over the equipment, taking pictures and pretending to operate, unimpeded by time restraints or silly “rule-making” adults.  They were able to operate a back hoe for real and play to their hearts content in a mountain of sand, with lots of toys. Booths offered other fun activities and food. There were free t-shirts, and admission was $5 per person with the proceeds going to local non-profit organizations for children.

Sponsors, which included Northwestern Energy, RDO, Knife River, and Exxon Mobile Pipeline Co, remain excited about the opportunity Dig It Days offers to introduce children to the world of construction on the way to shaping future careers and an understanding of the world. Despite this year’s disappointment they too are looking forward to producing an even greater event next summer.

Dig it Days is the kind of event that Jonathan and Tana McNiven, owners of the Yellowstone County News, have always wanted to be part of. “It’s educational, family wholesome, constructive and supportive of business and the community,” said McNiven.

Denbury Resources Declares Bankruptcy

31 August 2020
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Denbury Resources, Inc., a Texas-based oil company doing business in eastern Montana, has petitioned for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Denbury was noted for its focus on recovering stranded oil reserves from mature fields using enhanced oil recovery, including sequestering carbon dioxide, which was extracted from fields in Wyoming.

The company is hoping to shed about $2.1 billion of its bond debt. It has secured lenders for interim funding and anticipates continuing its operations and paying employees wages and benefits.

“We look forward to emerging a financially stronger company, and we are excited about building on the multiple advantages of our unique CO2 EOR (Enhanced Oil Recovery) focused strategy for many years to come,” said Denbury’s President and CEO, Chris Kendall 

Demand for Manufactured Goods Shoots Up

31 August 2020
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The U.S. Department of Commerce reported June 25th that new orders for U.S. manufactured goods shot up 15.8 percent in May, recovering some of the steep coronavirus-related losses suffered in March and April.

New orders for U.S. manufactured goods stood at $194.4 billion for the month of May, compared to $167.8 billion in April.

May’s significant gain was overwhelmingly led by the transportation equipment sector, which rocketed by an unprecedented 80.7%. Transportation equipment orders stood at $46.9 billion in May.

Additional industries posting significant gains in new orders included motor vehicles & parts (+27.5%); primary metals (+9.1%); fabricated metals (+7.1%); and computers & related products (+4.2%). fabricated metals (+%); motor vehicles & parts (-1.6%) and fabricated metals (-1.5%). Notably, all manufacturing subsectors posted a gain in new orders – the reverse of April and March’s report in which most sectors posted a loss.

County Taxable Value Up Slightly

31 August 2020
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Newly taxable property – largely comprised of new construction—amounted to $6,955,867 in Yellowstone County, helping to boost total taxable value in the county to $396,628,206, based upon a total market value of all real property in the county of $21.8 billion. (Taxable value is a modified sum,  different than market value.)

The new taxable property compensated for a slight decline in total taxable value this year for the county due mostly to adjustments to centrally assessed properties that resulted in a slight contraction, according to Yellowstone County Finance Director Kevan Bryan.

Bryan compared that to Gallatin County, which grew five times more and “continues to lead the state in valuation.”

Because of the newly taxable property the total taxable value for Yellowstone County increased 1.8 percent, including adjustment for inflation of just over one percent.

Last year, the total taxable value — based on $21.6 billion in market value of property in the county — was $391,347,690.  

Given the taxable property value, taxpayers will see a levy of 96.45 mills on their tax bills, up just a bit from 95.18 mills last year. Bryan said that that amounts to an increase of about $1.35 on a $100,000 house.

County revenue will increase about $1 million, which gets disbursed to dozens of department budgets from the General Fund and the Bridge fund to Weed, Seniors, Extension Service, Sheriff’s Department, etc.

Total County Budget is $56 million.

Billings 4th Most Affordable

31 August 2020
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A study on the “Most Affordable Metros in the West” places Billings as the 4th most affordable midsize metro in the Western US, according to advisorsmith.com. In comparison to cities of all size in the West, Billings ranked 21.

“Our study analyzed the cost of living in 111 metropolitan areas from the 13 Western states. We used our Cost of Living Index to measure the affordability of food, housing, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and consumer spending, explained Brenda Franco, Public Relations Specialist for advisorsmith.com.

The analysis discovered:

—Billings’ cost of living index was 97 and the city has a cost of living 3% lower than the national average.

—Billings is more affordable than other Montana cities including Helena, Missoula, and Kalispell.

—Overall, Billings ranked #21 in affordability among metros of all sizes in the West.

Ranking in first place for Midsize cities was Las Cruces, NM; Pueblo, CO; and Yuma, AZ.

In the category of Small cities, Great Falls ranked 7th.

In Large cities Albuquerque led the way, with Spokane ranked 4th.

The American West consists of 13 states that cover over half the land area of the country and almost a quarter of the population, from the mountain ranges of the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada to the Pacific Coast. Western states include some of the country’s fastest-growing cities and most dynamic economies, along with rural areas, plains, and farmland.

Wise Wonders has Some Wise Plans

28 August 2020
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Wise Wonders Science and Discovery Museum has launched a Vision Campaign, showcasing plans for the future of the Museum, located at 3024 2nd Avenue North in downtown Billings.

“During the closure, Wise Wonders determined the time was right to make the most of our closed doors,” explained Executive Director Pete Bolenbaugh. “We’ve been hard at work creating a vision for the future of the Museum in our new space, and we’re thrilled for the community to share in our excitement for what’s to come.”

Wise Wonders Maker Space

Included in future plans for the Museum are a fully functioning maker space and workshop, as well as exhibits and programming content that will focus on science, inquiry-based education, and interactive play. The vision creates new spaces for older children, tweens and teens and enhances the experience for younger children. In keeping with the mission of the organization, all plans encourage interactive learning through play and exploration.

Wise Wonders Exhibit Space

“Wise Wonders is a treasured space in the Billings community,” shared board president Kelly McCandless. “While we are eager for the return of joyful voices learning in the Museum, we are truly making use of this time to create an even better Wise Wonders experience for years to come.”

We Must Reignite Montana’s Economy

28 August 2020
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By Matt Rosendale

Our state, and our country, has never faced a challenge like the one we are confronted with today. COVID-19, and the ensuing shutdown sent shockwaves through our economy. The consequences have been devastating, and we are only beginning to see its full impact.

Over the last few months, we’ve experienced economic carnage unlike any period in my lifetime. Many business owners had to make the difficult decision to tell loyal employees that the paycheck they were depending on wouldn’t be coming. Countless others have been forced to close their doors for good—the flames of lifelong passions extinguished forever.

Even more tragically, some have lost their lives. It is painful to think of the life and human potential that this pandemic has taken from us. To those who lost a friend or a loved one, my heart goes out to you. I share your anguish and join in grieving for every member of our American family that’s succumbed to this virus.

Despite these unprecedented challenges, I have been encouraged to see Montanans come together and help one another during these trying times. The outpouring of support for the vulnerable and those in need has been incredibly heartening. It is truly a reminder that in Montana, our communities are our strength, and that together there is no storm that we can’t weather.

As our state continues to adapt to the various stages of re-opening, we must focus on reigniting our economy and getting Montanans safely back to work as soon as possible. Our recovery is being held back by the vast web of onerous federal taxes and regulations on our families and businesses. That’s why I’ve developed a plan which includes proven policies to get government out of the way of small businesses, unleash economic growth, and foster job creation and innovation in our state.

I know what an incredible challenge it is to run a small business and have experienced firsthand the crushing fist of government. I’ve had to make difficult decisions to make budgets balance and felt the anxiety that comes with being responsible for putting food on the table for your employees. This is the perspective I’ve brought to government, and why I have made it a priority—both in the legislature and as State Auditor—to slash burdensome regulations, cut taxes on small businesses and families, and rein in government spending.  

My plan will remove barriers to job creation and  jumpstart our economy by providing regulatory relief, creating a tax structure that incentivizes economic investment, protecting innocent business owners from liability, incentivizing individuals to return to work, getting government spending under control, responsibly harnessing our vast natural resources, and connecting rural communities across our state. I know these priorities will provide the support and flexibility that struggling businesses need right now, and I look forward to putting my business experience to work for Montanans.

While the challenges facing our state and country are daunting, I remain steadfast in the belief that Montana’s best days still lie ahead. Together, we will come back stronger than ever before, and usher in a renewed era of prosperity and opportunity for our state.

Matt Rosendale is Montana’s State Auditor and currently the Republican nominee for Montana’s at-large seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Matt’s plan to reignite the economy can be viewed at: www.mattformontana.com/plan-to-reignite-our-economy

Vision Net Celebrates 25 Years

28 August 2020
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Vision Net, Inc., a Montana-based telecommunications solution provider, marks its 25th anniversary this year. Incorporated in 1995 and wholly owned by nine telephone companies, Vision Net was founded to provide advanced, cutting edge distance learning and Internet services to rural Montana schools. The company’s early focus on videoconferencing— and the connectivity needed to support it, then and now—is proving critical in a Covid-19 world of remote work and online education.

Vision Net’s investment in Montana’s information technology infrastructure is extensive. In 2005, Vision Net merged with Montana Advanced Information Networks, Inc. (MAIN), forming a company uniquely positioned to deliver a wide range of technical professional services that, to this day, includes broadband network transport, Internet services, design and management of customized wide area network (WAN) solutions including SD-WAN, end-point and network security products, and more.

What began as a company providing videoconferencing services has evolved into one of Montana’s leading technology companies whose world-class 24/7 Network Operations Center (NOC) provides application, network and unified communications support to our carrier and business clients both locally and nationwide.

Most recently, the company funded and delivered critical broadband fiber infrastructure to Helena and Billings, two cities experiencing—yet struggling to meet—increased Internet demand.

For Vision Net CEO Corey Jensen, meaningful investments such as these are what set the company apart. “As a Montana-based company, it’s vitally important that we seek out and support those opportunities that drive value for our state and our customers,” he said. “Fast, reliable connectivity and other critical telecommunications solutions ensure that Montana businesses can compete locally, regionally and nationally. And they position our communities to attract businesses looking to relocate, driving economic development for us all.”

Vision Net provides ongoing professional training for employees, competitive benefit packages, and flexible scheduling to help employees achieve a better work-life balance.

The recently-renovated Billings office was designed with employee comfort in mind, and Great Falls employees enjoy summer BBQs in the renovated breakrooms and outdoor areas as that office undergoes renovations and upgrades.

As a community-minded company, Vision Net supports several state-wide and community organizations. Vision Net has always been involved locally, like supporting Special Olympics – not just financially, but with Vision Net employees volunteering at the games. For almost 20 years, Vision Net has partnered with Billings TrailNet and is the 2020 title sponsor for the annual Ales for Trails fundraiser. Vision Net supports various non-profit organizations throughout Montana as part of our continued commitment to Montana.

 Looking ahead, Jensen said the company will continue to innovate “to stay ahead of the rapidly- changing IT curve,” adding that the current pandemic has presented new challenges and opportunities.

For example, in early March, Montana-based independent financial and retirement planning consultants Ed Ulledalen and Molly Van Binsbergen contacted Vision Net for a phone system upgrade that would allow them to work remotely when needed. Little did they know that within weeks of that phone call, as the pandemic settled in, their entire business model would shift to full- time remote work. Vision Net transitioned them to an app-based solution that allowed them to “carry” their work IDs across personal and business phones, tablets and computers, providing a seamless experience for their clients. It was, as Ulledalen said, “a timely and needed upgrade that literally saved our business.”

As an IT professional, Jensen said stories such as Ulledalen’s are rewarding. “Knowing we are delivering meaningful, impactful solutions to our customers and our communities is why we’re all here,” he said. “I look forward to Vision Net’s next 25 years and the many relationships, challenges and opportunities that will come along with it.”

Virtual Update for Montana Economy

28 August 2020
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Each year the Montana Chamber Foundation brings the mid-year economic projections for local, state, and national economies.  They have opened registration  for a VIRTUAL Economic Update, on August 4 and 6 when Dr. Pat Barkey, from the University of Montana’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research, will give expert insight into what is on the economic horizon. We are beginning to get data. That might sound strange. Most of us have been swimming in data, but data on economic activity are slower to arrive. What do they tell us about Montana’s experience? Relative to the nation and many other states, we have had a slightly less severe hit to our economy, as measured by preliminary job figures. Through June, those data show jobs down 23,000 compared to last year, better than all but three states in percentage terms. The event is sponsored by Boeing, Charter Communications, First Interstate Bank, Glacier Bancorp, Montana State Fund, NorthWestern Energy, and Microsoft. To register go to www. montanachamber. com/ event -registration/ 2020- economic- update/

USDA report on beef prices good first step, but…

28 August 2020
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The Montana Farm Bureau, which along with state Farm Bureaus, had called for investigation into price disparities between prices paid to ranchers and beef prices at the grocery store, was pleased to see the USDA has released a report on the issue. However, the state’s largest agricultural organization is still awaiting the Department of Justice’s report concerning price manipulation by beef processors.

“The Montana Farm Bureau asked USDA to expand an ongoing investigation to include possible market manipulation during the coronavirus pandemic, especially with regard to low prices being paid to cow/calf producers,” said MFBF President Hans McPherson. “It was obvious something was wrong when we saw consumers paying higher prices for meat yet the farmers and ranchers were being paid less. The USDA report is a good first step in understanding what’s going on with beef pricing.”

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall noted, “We appreciate the USDA’s thorough examination of the beef markets and are pleased the USDA responded to our call for an investigation, but it’s important to note the scrutiny of the markets is not concluded. USDA indicates their examination continues and investigations by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, as well as the Department of Justice, are ongoing.”

“We are reviewing the policy recommendations the USDA put forth in the report and look forward to working with them and Congress to ensure markets remain fair for everyone involved,” Duvall concluded.