November 15, 2023
Empowering Montana's Future: Headwaters Tech Hub Consortium Gathers at Scaling MT Summit
The Montana Chamber orchestrated a visionary gathering, bringing together the formidable minds of the Headwaters Tech Hub Consortium during the Early Stage MT #ScalingMT Summit on Friday, November 3rd. In this dynamic event, leaders Todd O’Hair, president/CEO and Montana Chamber Board Chair, Nancy Schlepp of Sandfire Resources America, Mary Craigle with the Montana Department of Commerce, Dr. Allison Harmon of Montana State University, and Paul Gladen of the University of Montana spoke to receiving the Phase I Rural Tech Hub Designation and Strategy Development Grant. Profound gratitude was expressed to Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines, and their dedicated staff, for championing this victory and participating in this historic occasion. The Strategy Development Grant will help position Montana's photonics, sensors, and quantum industries for a compelling pursuit of the Phase II funding opportunity.
Dynamic Leadership Transition: MT Chamber Welcomes Nancy Schlepp as Board Chair for the New Fiscal Year
Leadership of the Montana Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors changed hands on October 1st as Courtney Kibblewhite (left), Northern Broadcasting System handed the gavel to Nancy Schlepp (right), Sandfire Resources America as Board Chair for the upcoming fiscal year. The business leaders joined Tom Schultz of Voices of Montana in-studio to take a look back at 2023 and ahead to the upcoming opportunities and challenges for the Montana economy.

Evan Wilson of Moore Information Group also provided up-to-date results on what issues are grabbing the attention of Montana voters this election cycle.
The Montana Chamber: Navigating the Legal Landscape
Charles Robison, our Director of Government Relations spoke on a panel titled, "Montana’s 2023 Comprehensive Products Liability Legislation” at the American Tort Reform Association's Legislative Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, this week.

ATRA is the nation’s first organization exclusively dedicated to reforming America's civil justice system. They are a nationwide network of state-based legal reform coalition organizations backed by 142,000 grassroots supporters with an unparalleled track record of legislative success. ATRA fights in Congress, in state legislatures, and in the courts to create a fairer civil justice system for all and serves as the national voice of the civil justice reform movement.
Learn more about the Montana Chamber's work on tort reform at the Capitol during the 68th Legislative Session here.
ACCELERATE MT: Survey of Funders Report Released
Accelerate Montana's Rural Innovation Initiative (AMRII), Women’s Entrepreneurship and Leadership Lab, and Catalyze Global Impact LLC are thrilled to unveil the eagerly awaited report, "Access to Finance in Montana: Part 1 - A Survey of Funders." Embracing the vision of inclusive prosperity throughout Montana, regardless of location or identity, the team is dedicated to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. We believe in nurturing the seeds of potential, innovation, and community vitality, striving to create a future where opportunities flourish for everyone.

This report shares insights about who provides small business finance, which businesses receive what type and volume of financing, what are the financing needs expressed by businesses, and how to ease market bottlenecks in the flow of small business finance across Montana from findings over 2022-23.

AMRII believes that this report will serve as a valuable resource for entrepreneurs, policymakers, and financial institutions alike. By understanding the perspectives of funders and the challenges faced by businesses, stakeholders can work together to foster a more supportive and conducive financial environment for entrepreneurship in Montana.
Accelerate Montana, in partnership with the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, just completed the development of an interactive Independent Contractors Exemption Certificate (ICEC) application tutorial. It's a free self-guided tutorial meant to help demystify the process for applicants seeking to become Independent Contractors in Montana.

FELLOW CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE: Please share this with your member businesses.
Montana's Supreme Court: A huge influence on the Treasure State's business climate
The Montana Chamber is delighted to offer valuable opportunities for you to gain insights into the candidates vying for positions in Montana's highest court. As we gear up for this crucial election season, stay tuned for detailed candidate bios that will provide a comprehensive understanding of their backgrounds, qualifications, and perspectives.

In addition to the informative bios, we are excited to present a dynamic array of engagement opportunities, both in-person and virtually, where you can directly connect with and interact with the candidates. This unique initiative aims to foster a deeper understanding of the candidates' stances on issues crucial to Montana's business climate and overall well-being.
SPECIAL HOLIDAY OFFER: For MT Chamber Members From Hi-Country Foods
2022 Value-added Ag Manufacturer of the Year
CHAMBER SIGNATURE EVENTS
WED-THURS, JANUARY 10-11, 2024
Delta Helena Colonial, Helena, MT
New Year's is just around the corner so get your tickets now for Montana's not-to-be-missed flagship policy and networking extravaganza! Join us for an engaging experience at the 22nd Annual Business Days at the Capitol happening on Wednesday-Thursday, January 10-11, 2024, which includes the much-anticipated Lawmakers Appreciation Reception.

Even in a non-legislative year, this two-day event sparks a dynamic convergence of lawmakers, industry trailblazers, associations, and enthusiasts for an adrenaline-pumping lineup of educational seminars, fireside chats, and powerhouse keynote addresses focusing on legislative and public policy issues relevant to business. Traditional seminars include ‘Eggs & Issues’ with Montana's legislative leadership and ‘The Last Word Luncheon’ with Governor Greg Gianforte.
The anticipation is reaching a fever pitch, and with the event selling out each year, we urge you to secure your spot early.

Note that we will be at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Helena Colonial this year. Book your room at the special rate by December 12th.

Thank You to Our 2024 Sponsors:


Silver: Crowly Fleck; Eide Bailly, LLP; Montana Department of Commerce; The Washington Companies; and WWAMI

Bronze: MDU Resources; Reach Higher Montana

Copper: UBS
FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: Contact Stacye Dorrington, Office & Events Manager at Stacye@MontanaChamber.com | 406.439.4220.
WED-FRI, MARCH 6-8, 2024
AC Hotel Bozeman Downtown | Kimpton Armory Hotel
Bozeman, MT
Lodging $179 / night
Join us for our first-ever BLAZING TRAILS Montana Women in Business Summit, March 6-8, 2024 for two and a half days of educational programming and networking with powerhouse ladies from across the Treasure State at the AC Bozeman Hotel and Kimpton Armory Hotel in downtown Bozeman with proceeds going to fund our childcare policy initiatives in the 2025 Montana Legislature. As part of the Summit, we will join the world in celebrating International Women’s Day on Friday, March 8, 2024.

Deep dive into leadership development, financial well-being, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, advocacy, philanthropy, and more and connect with fellow trailblazers, industry leaders, and policymakers. Register today, book your room, and pack your bags. Let's blaze new trails together! 
EARLY BIRD PRICING until Dec 31, 2023
Full Conference Registration: $395 / per person
IWD Power Lunch Ticket: $125 / per person
FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: Contact Candace Carr Strauss, VP, Marketing & Communications at Candace@MontanaChamber.com | 406.640.1331
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
"People make the company." - Doug Jackson
 
Jackson Contractor Group was established by Doug Jackson in 2000. Since then we have grown from a single desk in a small warehouse with a yellow lab for company to five division offices and a whole pack of dogs of all shapes and sizes.

Jackson has grown to become a prominent regional general contractor with a reputation for collaborative relationships, honest conversations, and world-class expertise. From the beginning, part of Doug’s philosophy has been to recruit and retain construction professionals who want to practice their craft in the regions Jackson serves, and grow with our clients.

Jackson has opened four additional offices to better serve our clients: Miles City, Montana in 2012, and Bozeman, Montana in 2013.

Our locations allow Jackson to deliver projects throughout a seven-state region including Montana, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, South Dakota, and North Dakota.
THIS BUSINESS BRIEF IS SPONSORED BY