Montana Governor's Office of

The Governor’s Office of Economic Development has had several big wins in the last year. Notably, ClassPass has expanded beyond what anyone anticipated and now employs over 125 people in Missoula. Many other new companies relocated to Montana recently as well. Some of the most notable include 4Cast, an Israeli tech firm, Birddog Innovations, a consulting company, Kudos, a social media app, Free Agent Software, a customer relationship management software, and The MeatEater, a video production and lifestyle brand. Universally, the reasons for these companies moving to Montana has been the state’s excellent workforce, affordable cost of doing business, and outstanding quality of life.

It may be accurate, at this time, to say Montana has been discovered. With unprecedented interest from external businesses and workforce in relocating to our state, we have an opportunity to use this interest to drive intentional, thoughtful growth. Historically, Montana has relied on natural resource extraction and agriculture to drive its economy. While those industries remain critically important, Montana is home to a burgeoning group of high-tech businesses, outdoor recreation businesses and tourism businesses. We are host to an expanding clean energy production industry and are adding more value to our agricultural products than ever before.

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

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.

“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.