Montana Governor's Office of

This is an exciting time for the state of Montana. We are experiencing strong business and employment growth, increasing wages, and expanding industries. Unemployment levels are nearly a full percentage point below the national average at 4 percent, and more Montanans are at work all across the state than ever before. Over the past few years, Montana has been consistently ranked among the top 10 in the nation for entrepreneurship, business climate, tax fairness, government responsibility, and income growth. Indeed, our state ranks within the top ten in nearly every economic category. While our economy and wages are growing in the private sector, in the public sector we are cutting waste, challenging every expense, aligning with the needs of the private sector, and eliminating unnecessary regulations and red tape.

Professional women learned some tips Thursday for being business leaders, with more than 250 ladies attending the Women to Women Conference, which focused on professional development and networking.
 

For the first time in High School Business Challenge history, three teams from one school placed in the top three spots.  Teams from North Toole County (Sunburst) High School have consistently been in the top ten throughout the spring semester.

The first place winners actually tied, with a final stock price of $108.55/share.  The third-place team ended with a stock price of $108.15/share.  All teams start with a stock price of $25/share.  First place team members receive a $750 scholarship each while third place receives $250.

Other scholarships will be awarded to a team from Plains High School who had the highest increase in their stock price between quarter four and quarter eight, increasing their stock price by $59.32 in the last four quarters.  And finally, scholarships will be awarded to a team from Ennis High School, recipients of the ‘Lottery Scholarship’ - a randomly selected team who finished in the top quartile.  These students will each receive a $250 scholarship

The Stevensville Bicycle Camp Committee is hosting a Bicycle Tourism Forum on Tuesday, April 14.

Workers in Montana, followed closely by those in Mississippi and Louisiana, had the highest levels of employee engagement in 2013 and 2014. With 22% of workers engaged, the District of Columbia had the lowest employee engagement, followed by New York, Minnesota and Connecticut.

New numbers from the US Department of Commerce show the Treasure state filled its coffers with $1.5 billion worth of merchandise exports, a better total than in 2013.

“Smart Girls” co-founder Meredith Walker is the keynote speaker at the governor’s second Equal Pay Summit April 10 and 11 at Montana Tech.

Montana women leaders in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), women entrepreneurs, and Gov. Steve Bullock, First Lady Lisa Bullock, and Lt. Gov. Angela McLean will also speak.