Legislative special session proposed to address Montana tax increases |
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By: Jonathon Ambarian, KTVH Helena
Posted at 7:00 PM, Nov 27, 2023 and last updated 6:51 PM, Nov 28, 2023
HELENA — Montana lawmakers will soon decide whether they want to hold a special session early next year to address tax-related issues – including a state Supreme Court ruling that settled a dispute over property tax calculations.
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Montana's Supreme Court: CANDIDATE INTRODUCTION |
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Judge Dan Wilson of Kalispell Pursues a Seat on the Montana Supreme Court
District Court Judge Dan Wilson of Kalispell is actively gaining support for his campaign to succeed retiring Justice Dirk Sandefer on the Montana Supreme Court in next year’s election. Chief Justice Mike McGrath has also announced his retirement in 2024, leaving two vacancies to fill on Montana’s high court.
Judge Wilson traces his Montana roots back to 1913 when his great grandfather homesteaded south of Malta. He is now serving his second term in the District Court in Flathead County where he resides with his wife of 27 years, Tia, who is employed at the Flathead Electric Coop. Their daughter will finish her studies at the University of Montana in May.
Judge Wilson began his career as a prosecutor in 1993, first in Great Falls and then in Chinook and Kalispell, before entering a general law practice in 1999 representing individuals and businesses in a broad array of legal issues and cases.
Judge Wilson emphasizes the depth of his experience and his devotion to the rule of law as the basis for his campaign. “Our non-partisan judiciary in Montana should be made up of judges whose first loyalty is to the Constitution and the rule of law,” Judge Wilson explains.
Learn more about Judge Wilson at wilsonforjustice.com and click the links on the website to follow his campaign on Instagram and Facebook.
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Early Bird Registration Open!
2024 Montana Governor’s Conference on Tourism
April 14-16, 2024
Hilton Garden Inn, Missoula
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Tourism is a leading industry in Montana, and it's more than just leisure; it's an opportunity. Set your coordinates for Missoula to celebrate half a century of lights, cameras, and destinations. The event will feature a variety of sessions that will expand and challenge our thinking, provide direction for the future and supply us with new tools to promote and develop our markets and services. Network with a diverse array of professionals from the tourism and film sectors to build strategic partnerships, meet potential clients and exchange innovative ideas.
Early bird pricing: $250
Pricing after December 15, 2023: $300
To register, visit eventsquid.com here.
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The Montana Outdoor Recreation Economy grew 14% in 2022 from 2021. According to the latest report by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), outdoor recreation accounted for 4.3% of Montana's GDP, positioning the state third in the U.S. based on the proportion of its economy associated with outdoor recreation's economic impact. Montana's contribution is impressive, with the outdoor recreation economy driving $2.9 billion in economic output and providing support for 29,450 jobs across the state. The growth from $2.5 billion in 2021 to the current $2.9 billion in 2022 GDP showcases the vibrant outdoor recreation industry and the economic prospects that come with embracing and investing in the outdoors.
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Save on your Montana State taxes with a MEDIA Tax Credit!
Do you as an individual, entity, or business pay Montana state taxes? Let the MEDIA Tax Credits save you up to 6%.
MEDIA Tax credits benefit Montanans who have a state tax liability. There are estimated to be millions of credits available in 2023 which can be carried forward for the next 5 years on your taxes and used for your quarterly payments.
If interested in learning more about how to easily save on your taxes using the MEDIA Tax Credit, either you or your CPA contact Lynn-Wood Fields at 406.249.6294 with Montana Film Tax Credits.
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SPECIAL HOLIDAY OFFER:
For MT Chamber Members
From Hi-Country Foods
2022 Value-added Ag Manufacturer of the Year
You get $100 value for just $75!! The gift box includes: huckleberry licorice, cowboy cut beef jerky, bison jerky, spice shakers, summer sausage, hot mustard, caramels & more!!!!
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WED-THURS, JANUARY 10-11, 2024
Delta Helena Colonial, Helena, MT
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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.
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Thank You to Our 2024 Sponsors
Lawmaker Appreciation Reception: Navajo Transitional Energy Company
Copper: Montana Bankers Association and UBS
FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: Contact Stacye Dorrington, Office & Events Manager at Stacye@MontanaChamber.com | 406.439.4220.
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WED-FRI, MARCH 6-8, 2024
AC Hotel Bozeman Downtown | Kimpton Armory Hotel
Bozeman, MT
Lodging $179 / night
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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!
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EARLY BIRD PRICING until Dec 31, 2023
Full Conference Registration: $395 / per person
IWD Power Lunch Ticket: $125 / per person
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FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: Contact Candace Carr Strauss, VP, Marketing & Communications at Candace@MontanaChamber.com | 406.640.1331
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Minding the Workplace: Fostering Employee Mental Health and Stress Management
By Jessa Remington, HR Business Partner - Associated Employers
For many of us, a quarter to a third of our lives will be spent in the workplace. We often spend more of our waking hours around our coworkers than around our family members. Mental Health America’s (MHA) Mind the Workplace 2022 Report states that “four in five employees report that workplace stress affects their relationships with friends, family and coworkers.” According to the WHO, burnout is an “occupational phenomenon” characterized by "feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion; increased mental distance from one's job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one's job; and reduced professional efficacy."
Wellness programs are a great way for employers to incentivize employees to engage in healthy habits in order to avoid illness, reduce medical claims, keep premium costs low, and reduce sick days among other benefits. While step challenges, biometric screening programs, and nutrition challenges are a great way to encourage physical wellness, more and more employers are incorporating stress reduction and mental health initiatives to better support overall wellness. Savvy employers are living up to this responsibility to their employees in creative ways. Here are just a few of the ways that you can reduce burnout and improve mental well-being in your workforce…
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Utilize an assessment tool to measure how employees feel about the health and safety culture in your workplace. The CDC offers helpful assessment tools to help you get started: https://www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion/tools-resources/ workplace-health/assessment-tools.html#NHWP.
- Sleep Challenge – many smartwatches and fitness trackers include a feature that monitors sleep quality and quantity, making it simple for employers to swap your step challenge for a sleep challenge to support mental health. Incorporate fun prizes, such as sleep masks and pillows.
- Chair massages – invite a local massage therapist onsite to provide chair massages to your employees who want one.
- Yoga – invite a local yoga instructor onsite to provide a quick session over lunch for employees.
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Meditation week/month – share daily tips with employees about meditation and provide breaks and a quiet space for employees to meditate. This website offers some great examples: https://www.headspace.com/meditation/work-meditation.
- Breaks and time off - promote rest and lunch breaks and encourage employees to utilize their existing paid time off benefits without recourse. Close early on a Friday or provide employees an extra paid day off on their birthday.
- Education – provide employee training on managing stress and handling workplace conflict.
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Health App Exchange – dedicate a day or week to encouraging employees to share their favorite health apps via a message board. Here are some great examples: https://austinbenefits.com/health-wellness-apps-reach-your-goals/.
- Gratitude week – provide lunch or have a barbeque for employees to show gratitude. You can also involve employees in sharing notes of gratitude with each other.
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BIG SKY RESORT KICKS OFF 50TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON ON NOVEMBER 22
NEW Lone Peak Tram - Opening December 19, 2024
At 159 days, the resort's 50th anniversary season will be the longest in resort history, with a planned closing date of April 28, 2024. Each moment, big or small, has the potential to be transformative. These moments are what define us, our experiences, and our memories. In Big Sky Resort’s sweeping 5,850 acres of skiable terrain you'll find nooks and crannies that make every run unique.
Lone Mountain is our connection, whether you're skiing the Big Couloir or taking in the view as you ride up Swift Current. We're biased, sure, but there's something special about this place, and you'll feel it, too. Big Sky welcomes all, with half of our terrain rated beginner to intermediate. The other half offers advanced terrain that can challenge even the best athletes.
Explore the mountain via the most technologically advanced lift network in North America. Ramcharger 8 and Swift Current 6 boast speed and comfort with heated seats and weatherproof bubbles. Take your day to new heights on our crown jewel, the new Lone Peak Tram, whether you ski from the top or come for the views.
An average of 400 inches of snow falls on Big Sky Resort annually. Consistent storms refresh the slopes through the winter. Upper Rocky Mountain snow is cold, dry, and fluffy, providing the goods for days.
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THIS BUSINESS BRIEF IS SPONSORED BY |
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