Join Us TODAY in Celebrating National Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day |
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State and local chambers of commerce provide a community for local business owners – hosting workshops, networking events, and mentorship opportunities. In addition to bringing businesses together over common issues of concern, like workforce development and housing. They play a critical role in strengthening the collective voice of their members and promoting pro-business policies at the local and state levels.
There are approximately 4,000 chambers of commerce across the United States - 80 here in the Treasure State - all seeking to advance their members’ interests, spur job creation, and promote economic development. To extend our reach beyond local markets, we at the Montana Chamber are also members of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Western Association of Chamber Executives of which Montana Chamber Board Member Lorraine Clarno is currently Chair, and benefit from the nationwide grassroots network, expertise and knowledge of their policy experts.
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Governor's housing task force ready to dig deep as next phase of work begins |
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Tuesday in Helena, Gov. Greg Gianforte’s housing task force met to start the next phase of its work. Gianforte first established the task force last summer. Chris Dorrington, director of the Montana Department of Environmental Quality chairs the task force and Todd O'Hair, our president/CEO is acting co-chair. By December, they had produced two reports, recommending steps state and local governments could take to respond to Montana’s need for available and affordable housing.
A number of those recommendations passed through the Legislature during their 2023 session and were signed into law. However, leaders say that doesn’t mean they’re running out of options for tackling the state’s housing shortage. The committee will meet again in January and a report of their recommendations is expected Spring 2024.
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Montana Ambassadors: "The Future of Montana" 2023 Convening brings together leaders from across the state |
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The Montana Ambassadors’ Annual Convening took place this week in Anaconda at Fairmont Hot Springs. With 100 + attendees, 25 incredible speakers who shared their insights and passion for Montana, and great connections made, it was an event to remember.
The Montana Ambassadors is a volunteer, not-for-profit association made up of passionate people dedicated to living and doing business in Montana. Members act as official Ambassadors of the State of Montana, both in and out of state, and represent the Office of the Governor and the Department of Commerce. Ambassadors are predominantly leaders in business and education, as well as many other professions. They are always looking to add new members to help them further the best interests of Montana.
Approved by the state legislature in 1983 as a joint venture by Governor Schwinden and the Department of Commerce, the “Build Montana” program’s goal was to promote and encourage long-term economic growth in the state. To gather and evaluate data from other states about economic development activities, Governor Schwinden enlisted the Montana Chamber of Commerce, Montana Bankers Association, International Trade Commission, and the Montana Department of Commerce. We are proud to have been a catalyst in helping to start what has become the Montana Ambassadors. If you have any questions, reach out to Candace Strauss, our VP of Marketing & Communications who was in attendance, and is awaiting confirmation of her becoming a Montana Ambassador.
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Mary Craigle, Bureau Chief | Census & Economic Information Center Manager at the Montana Department of Commerce was named the 2023 Montana Outreach Ambassador of the Year.
Join us in congratulating Mary who has been instrumental in the formation of the Headwaters Tech Hub and its application to receive federal funding via the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022.
Interested in becoming a Montana Ambassador?
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Outdoor enthusiasts descend on Butte for the 2023 Montana Outdoor Recreation Summit |
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Over the course of two days, attendees explored Butte through three educational field trips, heard insights from 45 distinguished speakers, watched five remarkable films, enjoyed two hours of spine-tingling ghost stories, and bore witness to the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award presentation, proudly presented to Bob Walker.
The Summit covered the following three critical themes:
- Economic Impacts of Outdoor Recreation,
- Conservation of Outdoor Resources, and
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Outdoor Spaces.
Thanks to the Butte Chamber of Commerce, Butte Convention & Tourism Bureau, and Butte TBID for being such gracious hosts.
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Unpacking Montana’s Natural Resources Forum - October 26 - 27 in Butte
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Join Western Skies Strategies to explore energy project concepts, active projects, and partnerships that drive success. From fuel cells and rare earth minerals to nuclear, the future is here. Check out the full agenda here.
A room block is available at the Copper King. Call the hotel to reserve and be sure to mention the conference's name; call: 406-533-6960 to reserve your room.
Questions regarding the conference? Please email Allison Corbyn at Allison@wssdc.com
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Join Early Stage Montana on November 2-3 at the Kimpton Armory in Bozeman to access expert guidance to elevate your startup. They've got a jam-packed lineup with insider industry insights, strategies to navigate early challenges, funding expertise, and practical growth tips for your startup. Connect with like-minded founders, investors, and innovators who all share your passion for building the future in Montana.
Explore the speaker lineup, masterclasses, and roundtables showcasing over 20 esteemed tech industry leaders, and register today here.
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Join Vision Net VIRTUALLY on November 8 at 10 a.m. for "The Security Implications of Generative AI"
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AI has long been a vital tool for security teams. With the rapid advancement of Generative AI, there is growing interest in how AI, specifically Generative AI, can enhance security measures and how potential adversaries may utilize GenAI against an organization.
Join Vision Net and a distinguished panel of security professionals who will delve into the impact of AI on security, with a particular focus on GenAI.
VIRTUALLY
November 8th at 10 a.m.
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In this webinar, you'll discover:
- What GenAI is and isn't, ensuring you harness its capabilities effectively.
- Real-world use cases to drive innovation and efficiency in your organization.
- A closer look at the security risks and benefits of integrating GenAI.
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Recently, the Montana Photonics & Quantum Alliance announced it received its 501(c)(3) designation creating an organization dedicated to fostering the growth of Montana's Photonics and Quantum Industries. It evolved from the Montana Photonics Industry Alliance which was formed in 2013.
Montana Photonics and Quantum Alliance was born from a vision of Industrial, Academic, and Government leaders to establish a collaborative platform that empowers professionals, educates the next generation, and propels both the photonics and quantum industries forward in the Treasure State.
Their mission is to make a lasting impact through workforce development, youth outreach, professional development, networking, and hosting conferences to increase the awareness of Montana's cutting-edge technologies globally.
We at the Montana Chamber look forward to continued collaboration with the MPQA on the pursuit of the Headwaters Tech Hub designation.
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OCTOBER is National Manufacturing Month and
National Co-Op Month
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Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) in Missoula was a big success! On October 5th, nearly 400 students attended this event to learn about the manufacturing world from 20 local manufacturers who conducted demos, showed their products, and talked to students about how to get into the manufacturing business.
In addition, thanks to the 11 facilities that opened their doors to show Missoula middle and high school students an up-close look at manufacturing operations.
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What better way to celebrate National Co-op Month than opening the nominations for the "Energized with Cooperative Spirit Award". This prestigious award is in honor of Fritz Keller, a long-term board member of both the Montana Council of Cooperatives and the Montana Cooperative Development Center.
Learn more by visiting the new website and nominating your favorite cooperative members, Board member of employee!
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DON'T MISS OUT - Happening next week. Get your tickets NOW! |
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2023 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
TITANS OF BUSINESS ORO Y PLATA AWARDS
TUES, OCT 24, 2023 | 3:00 - 7:00 PM
The Northern Hotel, Billings, MT
As the Montana Chamber looks back on 2023, much progress is to be recognized on moving Envision 2026 forward. The Chamber's ten-year strategic plan focuses on four principal areas to grow our economy: Infrastructure, Business Climate, Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development. Join us at our Annual Membership Meeting to hear an administration perspective on collaborative efforts addressing the four pillars. Presenting is Cabinet members Brendan Beatty, Department of Revenue Director (Business Climate); Misty Ann Giles, Department of Administration Director (Infrastructure / Broadband); Scott Osterman, Department of Commerce Director (Entrepreneurship); and Sarah Swanson, Department of Labor & Industry Commissioner (Workforce).
The Chamber will also welcome Evan Wilson, Vice President with Moore Information Group to discuss a detailed look into voters' views on property taxes, personal income tax, and a statewide general sales tax and how this feedback can be used by policymakers to shape Montana's future tax structure.
View the full agenda here.
Special guest Governor Greg Gianforte will present the Chamber's Titans of Business Oro y Plata Awards and the Chamber will recognize our 2023 Legislative Champions of Business. Immediately following the awards ceremony will be a networking reception.
Get your tickets now for the must-attend networking event of the fall!
Tickets:
Montana Chamber Members: $50 / per person
Non-Members: $65 / per person
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THANK YOU TO OUR 2023 SPONSORS
PRESENTING: Weyerhaeuser
RECEPTION: Montana Department of Commerce
GOLD: BNSF; Boeing; First Interstate Bank; Intermountain Health; Montana State Fund; New Horizons Studio (Hyundai); NorthWestern Energy; Republic Services; Stockman Bank; and Western Security Bank
SILVER: Allegiance; Charter; Midland Claims Service, Inc./Industrial Injury Claims®; Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen; PacificSource; The Washington Companies; and Western Sky Strategies
COPPER: Big Sky Economic Development; Cushing Terrel; Sibanye-Stillwater; and UBS
FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: Contact Stacye Dorrington, Events & Office 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
Lodging $179 / night
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Join us for our first Montana Women in Business Summit, March 6-8, 2024 for two and a half days of educational programming and networking 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.
By empowering women in business and women entrepreneurs, the Montana Chamber can play a pivotal role in creating a more diverse, innovative, and prosperous business environment for all. Let’s come together to celebrate the achievements of women in business and pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future.
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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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We innovate on behalf of humanity.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve never driven a tractor, mowed a lawn, or operated a dozer. With our role in helping produce food, fiber, fuel, and infrastructure, we work for every single person on the planet.
For 185 years John Deere has led the way in developing innovative solutions to help our customers become more productive. We conduct business essential to life in ways that are more sustainable for all. We produce intelligent, connected machines and applications that are helping revolutionize the agriculture and construction industries – and enable life to leap forward. Our technology-driven efforts are guided by a single, overarching goal – unlocking customer economic and sustainable value.
Our easy-to-use products and solutions deliver results our customers see in the field, on the job site, and in their pockets.
We ensure seamless access to parts, services, and performance upgrades from take-home to trade-in by providing world-class support throughout the lifecycle of our customers’ equipment. In doing so, we will build on our track record of delivering genuine customer value.
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THIS BUSINESS BRIEF IS SPONSORED BY |
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