July 27, 2023
KALISPELL CHAMBER'S GOVERNORS' CUP KICK-OFF LUNCHEON
THURS, JULY 27, 2023
Flathead Valley Community College
11:30 AM - 1 PM
GLACIER BANK ACE IN THE HOLE RECEPTION
THURS, JULY 27, 2023
Flathead Valley Community College
6:00 - 9:00 PM
34TH ANNUAL GOVERNORS' CUP GOLF TOURNAMENT
FRI-SAT, JULY 28-29
Flathead Valley: Buffalo Hill, Meadow Lake, and Whitefish Lake (South Course)
Golf Courses
TUNE IN to the Voices of Montana LIVE Broadcast with Tom Schultz from Whitefish Lake Golf Course on Friday
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
MT Chamber Foundation at Empowered RiseUp Salt Lake City Event with 22 Montana Teachers
Empowered welcomed 500 innovative educators at four RiseUp events across the country this summer. Among the notable attendees at RiseUp Salt Lake City were Montana Chamber Foundation Workforce Specialists James Easton and Tiana Yates, along with 22 Montana teachers. During the event, James and Tiana skillfully demonstrated Empowered's innovative learning approach, encouraging fellow educators to think outside the box and discover effective methods to engage their students.

The Governors' Cup is the single largest fundraiser of the year supporting the Montana Chamber Foundation's workforce development and entrepreneurship skill-building efforts across the state. Thank you to all sponsors and participating teams, event attendees, board, staff and vounteers.
Governor Gianforte Delivers Permanent, Long-Term Property Tax Relief for Montanans
Joining Representative Llew Jones, R-Conrad, Governor Greg Gianforte today celebrated a new law that delivers Montana homeowners over $120 million in permanent property tax relief over the next several years.

“Property taxes are too high and need to be reined in,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Working with Rep. Jones, we got a fiscally responsible, creative solution across the finish line to reduce the burden of property taxes over the long term. Taken together with our property tax rebates, we secured over $470 million in property tax relief for Montanans this session.”
Manufacturing in MT 2nd highest growth in the nation
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Montana has grown its manufacturing jobs by 11%, having the 2nd highest growth percentage behind Nevada and almost twice the national average. This is great news for Montana as the average manufacturing wage is 14% above the state average. There is also the manufacturing multiplier, which is for every $1 spent in the manufacturing sector, another $2.74 is spent in the overall economy. Evidence on the importance of continuing the growth of manufacturing in Montana. 
Microsoft and Accelerate Montana to bring TechSpark to the Treasure State
Earlier this year, Microsoft announced the expansion of its TechSpark program to tackle digital inclusion in four focus areas: digital access, digital skills, computer science education, and digital transformation with local-based organizations. Since its inception in 2017, TechSpark has helped its eight communities secure more than $125 million in community funding, skill 55,000 people, and create 3,300 jobs. Accelerate Montana will be working with Microsoft TechSpark to foster this work. From aiding small businesses to empowering large enterprises in building skilled teams, Accelerate Montana supports entrepreneurs and empowers individuals to acquire new skills or embark on fresh career paths. Ticia Cliff Learning and Care Coordinator will be Accelerate Montana’s TechSpark Fellow funded via a Microsoft grant. This Fellowship represents the first time TechSpark has worked in Montana.

"Since we launched TechSpark in 2017, we’ve helped communities secure more than $125 million in funding and helped create thousands of jobs,” said Kate Behncken, Corporate Vice President, of Microsoft Philanthropies. "By expanding TechSpark to all 50 states, we hope to continue our hyperlocal, partner-driven work to help communities realize the potential of technology and foster greater economic opportunity."
EMPLOYERS:
What you need to know about Medicaid Redetermination
After a three-year pause, the process of checking member eligibility for renewing Medicaid health insurance coverage has begun again. It’s estimated that anywhere between 5 and 15 million people are going to lose their coverage nationwide. PacificSource is hosting weekly Lunch & Learns on Wednesdays to help employers through the renewal (redetermination) process.

Topics covered:
- Redetermination Process
- Transition from Medicaid to Employer Sponsored Insurance
- Transition from Medicaid to Individual
- Affordability of Coverage- when can an employee get a plan on the Exchange with tax credits

To RSVP or for more information email Jackie.Jones@PacificSource.com
For more information, including a comprehensive list of confirmed and pending agencies, visit the official event website here.
CHAMBER SIGNATURE EVENTS
BBER'S 2023 Mid-Year Economic Update
Coming to 7 cities across Montana

TUES / WED, AUG 1-3, 2023
Join us and the Bureau of Business & Economic Research this summer for their Mid-Year Economic Update from Tuesday - Thursday, August 1-3 in seven cities across Montana where they will provide an update on the Montana and U.S. economies and discuss Montana's electricity supply.
 
Our very own President/CEO Todd O'Hair will present on how bills passed in the 68th Legislative session will impact Montana's business climate and look to what's in store in 2025.
Tickets $35 / pp and include breakfast, lunch or appetizers
depending on the event
SPONSORS
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
50 years of Silver Artistry is nothing short of extraordinary.
Since 1973, Montana Silversmiths has been fueled by a passion for the Western Lifestyle. Montana Silversmiths jewelry and buckles have the authentic flavor of the West, capturing its romance, spirit and drama within accessories for the everyday. 

Our designers are inspired by the natural beauty of Montana’s surroundings and use the art of engraving to bring to life the storytelling Montana Silversmiths is known for. Design elements integrated into each piece combine silver artistry and masterful engraving into brilliant lines of storytelling.
 
More than accessories, they are stories. Stories of the memories and moments shared through the giving and receiving of Montana Silversmiths buckles and jewelry.
 
We are proud of what we do, and we love where we do it. We hope that pride is evident to you, and every time you pick up a piece of Montana Silversmiths you are reminded of the craftsmanship and commitment of the people behind the products.
NEXT QUARTERLY MEMBER MEET-UP - WED, SEPT 13 @ 9 a.m.
MT BUSINESS NEWS & RESOURCES
Proposed property tax initiative in hands of Montana Supreme Court...Read here.

Gen Z: the Most Entrepreneurial Generation In History...Read here.

Talent Wars 2023: The Importance of a Digital Presence in Talent Attraction...Read here.
THIS BUSINESS BRIEF IS SPONSORED BY