November 6 | 2024

Congratulations to Our Elected Officials here in Montana

Gianforte celebrates victory in campaign for second term

Read full article here.

“On behalf of the Montana Chamber of Commerce, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our newly elected and re-elected federal, state, and local officials, including newly elected Tim Sheehy, Troy Downing, Supreme Court Chief Justice Cory Swanson and Justice Katherine Bidegaray, and Representatives Ryan Zinke, Governor Greg Gianforte, Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen, and Attorney General Austin Knudsen,” said Todd O’Hair, President & CEO of the Montana Chamber of Commerce. 

“Your commitment to serving our communities and helping shape the future of our state is deeply appreciated. As you prepare to lead your office, we look forward to working alongside you to build on Montana’s strengths, foster economic growth, and create opportunities for businesses of all sizes. Together, we can champion Montana’s potential, support our workforce, and ensure a prosperous future for all who call our state home. Congratulations once again on your success, and thank you for your dedication to Montana.”

Montana Free Press invites you to a virtual event with their newsroom team this Thursday, November 7 from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. as they review the outcome of the 2024 general election and the lay of the land in Montana with votes cast.

Tickets Available for Lawmakers' Appreciation Reception on Wednesday

January 8-9, 2025 in Helena

2025 marks the SILVER ANNIVERSARY of the Montana Chamber of Commerce's Business Days at the Capitol, the premier event to bring together business leaders and policymakers.

Daytime seminars at Business Days are SOLD OUT. However tickets are available for the Legislators' Appreciation Reception returning to the Helena Civic Center

Lawmaker Appreciation Reception

Wednesday, January 8, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Tickets are $100 / per person

To get put on the WAITLIST for Business Days (Registration $295) email Stacye Dorrington at stacye@montanachamber.com.

NEW THIS YEAR

Join us for a night of fun at the card table to support the Montana Chamber Business PAC!

This is NOT included in Business Days at the Capitol Registration. Find out more here!

Reserve your spot by December 27, 2024, by emailing stacye@montanachamber.com.

Chamber's FY25 Brings Election of NEW Executive Committee Members & Board Directors at 2024 Annual Members Meeting in Billings

CONGRAULATIONS to the Titans of Business and 'The Coolest Thing Made in Montana' Winners

Thanks to Governor Greg Gianforte and First Lady Susan for joining us and announcing our award winners.

Legacy Award - BlueCross Blue Shield of Montana (not pictured)

First Impression Award - Brixtel Defense

The Coolest Thing Made in MT - Small business: Rattlesnake Cable Company

The Coolest Thing Made in MT -Large business: Nomad GCS (not pictured)

Montana Chamber Foundation Innovation in Education Award - Michelle Holmes, Seeley-Swan HS

Inaugural Stronger MT Hack-a-thon at Scaling MT Summit a Success!

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Initiative

Check out the requirements and apply today – Applications close on December 1st.

Join Us for the “Montana Trailblazers’ Toast: A Kick off to Ladies’ Night” Downtown Bozeman on Nov 21

Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024

Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Location: Sky Oro, Cannery District, Bozeman

FREE - Appetizers and bubbles included

Get a head start on the Downtown Bozeman Partnership's Ladies' Night festivities with the Montana Chamber of Commerce and Sky Oro at the Montana Trailblazers’ Toast, our exclusive women’s networking event sponsored by Clearwater Credit Union! Join us from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM for an afternoon of mingling, laughter, and inspiration.

As an added bonus, you could walk away a winner! We’re raffling off a FREE Registration to the 2025 Blazing Trails: Montana Women in Business Summit and an annual membership to Sky Oro. Don't miss this chance to connect with incredible women and score amazing prizes before the evening event begins.

For sponsorship of this event, contact Candace Strauss at candace@montanachamber.com.

Effective Communication- Back to the Basics

Written by: Bryan Peterson, VP Human Resource Services

Whether we look at our personal lives or work lives, how effectively we communicate dictates how a majority of our interactions will start and end. Does our major business deal fall through, because we failed in the communication channels with the client? Did we have to re-work a project three or four times, because we could not take the time initially to make sure the instructions were understood the first time around? Did a personal relationship go south because of ineffective communication?

At least 45% of our time spent communicating is spent listening. With almost half of our time communicating spent listening, why would we not want to try to listen well? You can become a more effective communicator by practicing some simple listening tools on a consistent basis. This all starts with three questions.

What can I do to let the person across from me know they have my undivided attention? Eye contact is a powerful tool to let the person across from you know you are engaged. Smiling when someone is speaking, head nods, and verbal “uh-hums” are signs that you are listening. If you are in a noisy environment, try leaning towards the speaker.

What can I do to let the person across from me know I understand what they are communicating? How information is meant to be interpreted, and how information is interpreted, can be two totally different things. The listener can ask clarifying questions to gather additional information. Paraphrasing the information back to the speaker can be very effective. After you have given directions or set expectations with someone, ask them to paraphrase it back to you in their own words. This allows the speaker the opportunity to gauge if a disconnect exists in the interpretation of the message being delivered.

What can I do to make sure I retain what was communicated? For optimal retention, we must get out of the mindset of “How is this going to affect me?” as the speaker communicates. Develop the patience to just sit and listen. We are so quick to want to problem solve for people, or we believe we always have the answer. Did you ever stop to think that someone may not want you to problem solve? They may just need you to listen. You may be surprised that by just listening, the speaker may solve their own problem by talking it out, or you can help with a better solution by having all of the details.

Effective listening skills will show others that you value them. Try to remove any “roadblocks” that hinder your ability to listen by:

• Locking out your email or moving away from your monitor.
• Turning your cell phone off when you are getting ready to have a conversation. Try not to interrupt a face-to-face conversation with a phone call.
• Pulling a chair up next to the person. This allows you to get into a more comfortable conversation setting and may put the person next to you at ease.

Most of these tips sound small but putting them all together can have a profound impact on relationships and dynamics in both personal and work life. Becoming consistent is the key. It takes 21-28 days to change behaviors. What are you starting with?

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