Bi-weekly news & updates

February 5 | 2025

Listen in to this week's Capitol Connection

Register here to listen in to the live Capitol Connection updates about Hill happenings from the Montana Chamber Government Affairs team: Tuesdays at noon.

Sign up here to receive relevant Montana Chamber policy action alerts from Voter Voice for you to then send an email or text directly to your legislator about how it impacts your business.

HAPPENING TODAY: BBER 2025 Economic Outlook Seminar & Live Broadcast from Bozeman

This morning, Dr. Waded Cruzado opened the BBER 2025 Economic Outlook Seminar at the Commons in Bozeman. She thanked the organization for helping to demonstrate the economic impact of Montana State University and celebrated Dr. Patrick Barkey who like her, is retiring this year after a long illustrious career. The event also welcomed Jeff Michael, BBER's new Director to the stage.

Remaining Cities: Butte - Kalispell - Sidney - Miles City

8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Registration is $99 / per person

It includes lunch and two printed publications: The Montana Economic Report and a slides presentation booklet.

Groups of 5 or more may attend for $70 / per person. Continuing education credits are available.

'Energizing the Future' 2025 Business Days @ the Capitol - Videos

Energy Investment in Montana

Hear from Nancy Murray, President of BHE Montana about the company's investment in Montana's energy infrastructure.

View all 2025 videos here

SAVE THE DATE FOR 2026 Business Days @ the Capitol – January 6-7 in Helena

CALLING ALL MT BUSINESSES: How is the economy affecting your business? Let the Minneapolis Fed know NOW.

We are partnering with the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis to give local businesses a voice.

Your response to this short survey will help the Minneapolis Fed and its local partners understand the impact that the economy is having on your business.

Please complete this survey by Friday, February 7 to ensure that your experience is represented. All responses are confidential.

Answers to these questions contribute to regional data that directly inform the Minneapolis Fed, local partners, policymakers, and others — a public good ultimately benefiting your business and others like yours. Take the survey today!

SEEKING INDUSTRY JUDGES for Montana Chamber Foundation's

2025 Virtual Prospects Competition

The submissions for The Prospects 2025 have been rolling in and we are seeking private industry judges to help select our winners.

COMMITMENT: Judges will be requested to virtually judge a minimum of 5 submissions. The total time commitment is less than 2 hours over a 10 day period so you can judge at your own pace. If you are interested in being a judge, please fill out this Google Form.

WHAT/WHO: The Prospects encompasses a virtual statewide entrepreneurship competition with scholarships and cash prizes for K-12 students with new and existing business ideas as well as innovations in the business world.

This competition is designed to find, celebrate and reward promising students by providing them with opportunities to show off their entrepreneurial mindset and ability to solve problems for the real world. Montana Chamber Foundation is connecting students and businesses leaders from around the state.

WHY: The business community are the primary judges for this competition. Judging is a great way to see the ideas and talent of the future workforce. It is also an opportunity for students to connect with potential employers.

PRIZE PURSE $40,000 CASH & SCHOLARSHIPS:

Prizes will include: cash prizes, scholarships, and opportunities for mentoring.

WHEN: Important Dates for Judges

March 24- April 18: The Prospects Virtual Judging- Judging group 1 March 25th-April 4th; Judging group 2 April 7-17

Thursday, April 24 (11:30am): Virtual Awards Show

Monday, May 19: In-Person Grand Champion Pitch Competition, Bozeman- the in person competition is not a requirement of being a virtual judge. We do encourage anyone interested in coming to watch the in person portion to join us!

TO LEARN MORE, contact our Workforce Strategists:

Tiana Yates at tiana@montanachamber.com

James Easton at james@montanachamber.com

Upcoming Chamber & Foundation Events

March 5-7, 2025 in Bozeman

The 2025 Montana Women in Business Summit presented by JPMorgan Chase is less than 1 MONTH AWAY! We are thrilled to bring together female leaders from across Montana and foster meaningful connections that inspire collaboration, unity, and growth. Watch our Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn channels as speakers and panel discussions are being shared out.

VIEW THE 2025 SUMMIT AGENDA

Montana Chamber Foundation events tied to the 2025 Governors' Cup Golf Tournament in Kalispell:

Glacier Bank Ace in the Hole Reception & BBQ Thursday, July 31

Stockman Bank Give it A Shot Clay Target Tournament Friday, August 1

SAVE THE DATE

The 2nd Big Sky, Bright Future Economic Summit will once again be co-hosted by Governor Greg Gianforte and the Montana Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, October 16th at the Commons in Bozeman with a Wednesday, October 15th evening reception.

Registration coming soon!

Stay tuned.

This Business Brief is Sponsored by Treasure State Member

To learn more about Treasure State Membership benefits for your business, contact Matt Olson, Director of Network Development at Matthew@montanachamber.com | 406.360.6443