Montana Communities to Receive Commerce
Funds Totaling $61,500 for Tourism Related Events
March 7, 2008 – Seven Montana communities have been selected to receive a total of $61,500 in grant funding from the Travel
Montana’s Special Events Grant Program (SEGP), through the Montana Department of Commerce.
The Montana communities of Fairfield, Glendive, Great Falls, Harlowton, Kalispell, Missoula and Troy will use the SEGP funds to
assist in the promotion and implementation of tourism-related events. The events were selected for the grant awards through a
review and scoring process conducted by Travel Montana and members of the Governor-appointed Tourism Advisory Council.
“Montana’s on the move. The state recognizes that the key to sustaining success in Montana’s tourism economy is to invest in our
communities and the experiences we are able to offer our visitors,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer. “These events showcase our
wonderful people and our unique visitor opportunities.”
“The Montana Department of Commerce strongly supports tourism events in our local communities,” said Commerce Director
Anthony Preite. “Creating sustainable events helps our cities and towns attract new dollars to their Main Street. Seventy-seven cents
of each visitor dollar is spent within our local communities.”
Communities Receiving 2008 SEGP Awards:
The SEGP was developed in 2002 to assist communities with economic development through the creation and/or enhancement of
new annual, on-going events. Grant funds are available for event marketing, equipment rental, insurance, performer fees, security
and mailings. To date, the SEGP program has provided $412,500 in grant funding to 59 events in numerous Montana communities.
The deadline for the next round of grant applications will be announced in mid-October 2008. For information, contact Travel
Montana, 406-841-2870.
2008 Governor’s Conference on Tourism & Recreation
March 6, 2008 – National tourism promotion and development experts headline the 2008 Montana Governor’s Conference on
Tourism and Recreation, April 17-18, at West Yellowstone’s Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort.
Governor Brian Schweitzer and Montana Department of Commerce Director Anthony Preite are encouraging participation from the
tourism and recreation industry and the media.
“Tourism and recreation are great ambassadors for Montana,” said Governor Schweitzer. “Visitors come from all over the world to
enjoy Montana’s great landscapes, rich history and unique character and they spend billions of dollars each year in the process.
One of the things we can all be proud of is that the reason most of our visitors make repeat trips is the great people they meet here.”
“Montana is a premier vacation destination for millions of people every year,” said Commerce Director Anthony Preite. “The
education and networking sessions planned for the Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Recreation offer the industry’s partners
a chance to keep current on approaches and ideas to help ensure continued success.”
and satisfaction, segmenting markets, analyzing website use, international markets, email marketing, “green” tourism business
practices, creating Tourism Business Improvement Districts, the National Folk Festival –Butte and the heritage trails of SW
Montana.
The conference agenda also offers two walking tours around West Yellowstone which is celebrating its Centennial in 2008. The
walking tours include West Yellowstone’s Historic District and the Madison River Nature Trail.
The full agenda, registration materials, exhibitor and sponsor opportunities and more are available at www.travelmontana.mt.
gov/conference. The $120 conference registration fee is offered through March 20. Late registration fees increase incrementally
approaching the conference.
Tourism and recreation is one of Montana’s largest industries. In 2006, 10.3 million people visited Montana spending $2.9 billion
during their stay. Over 48,580 jobs are directly and indirectly supported by nonresident travel, resulting in over $1 billion in total
personal income for Montana residents.
Montana Department of Commerce
Launches Website for Technology Businesses
(HELENA) – The Montana Department of Commerce announced the launch of its Big Sky Innovation website www.bigskyinnovation.
org, a new resource to help meet the needs of the state’s rapidly growing technology business sector. The website is designed
specifically to deliver helpful information and resources to anyone engaged in developing innovative technology. Major target
audiences include technology entrepreneurs, owners of existing technology companies, university-system, nonprofit, and private
sector researchers, and the many economic developers throughout the state who work with these firms.
“Montana’s on the move with a flourishing high tech industry,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer. “The Big Sky Innovation web site is a
remarkable resource that will help our technology business sector connect and continue to grow, further strengthening Montana’s
economy.”
Big Sky Innovation is a joint project between the Montana Department of Commerce, Montana Technology Innovation Partnership
Program and The University of Montana’s School of Business Administration (SOBA), with additional support from the Governor’s
Office on Economic Development, The University of Montana’s National Science Foundation Experimental Program to Stimulate
Competitive Research (EPSCoR), and the U.S. Small Business Administration. All five partners are contributing funds to the project,
and SOBA has further committed staff and students to keep the site’s information and resources fresh and up-to-date.
“Many small, vibrant technology-based businesses are making major contributions in Montana, by creating more higher-paying
jobs, and expanding Montana’s tax base,” said Montana Department of Commerce Director Anthony Preite. “The Big Sky Innovation
website serves as a central resource for these firms to find information and resources that can help them move forward with their
technologies.”
SOBA’s Dean, Dr. Larry Gianchetta, is excited for the SOBA to have the critical role of developing and maintaining the site. “This new
website is a perfect complement to the entrepreneurship and technology business courses now available through the School of
Business Administration,” Gianchetta said. “We see it opening more and more opportunities for business students throughout the
state to work hand-in-hand with growing technology-based businesses.”
Users of the site will find in-depth information and publications on the basics of innovation and invention, developing new product
concepts, intellectual property protection, market research, and most importantly, commercialization. Big Sky Innovation also offers
the largest collection of local, state, and federal resources ever compiled for Montana’s business community. These resources are
available to provide technology-related assistance, business assistance, intellectual property and commercialization assistance,
and financial assistance. The site also provides links to the technology transfer offices of various units of the Montana University
System, where users can see what technologies are available for licensing and learn what their next steps should be to take
advantage of these opportunities. Finally, Big Sky Innovation maintains a calendar of events relevant to technology businesses,
including workshops and conferences taking place both in-state and throughout the country.
Montana Department of Commerce Awards $15,000
in Funding to Butte-Silver Bow County
(HELENA) – The Montana Department of Commerce has awarded $15,000 in funding from the Community Development Block
Grant – Economic Development (CDBG-ED) Program to Butte-Silver Bow County to complete a feasibility study for a proposed
Chafin-Fuhrlander Wind Turbine Manufacturing facility to be located in Montana.
The County will use the $15,000 in partnership with $25,000 from the Butte-Silver Bow Tax Increment Financed Industrial District
(TIFD), and $10,000 from Chafin-Fuhrlander to conduct a feasibility study to determine current and future market demands for wind
turbine generation machines, types required to meet market needs, regulatory climate, and timelines for production. The study will
be conducted by the Butte-Silver Bow Community Development Department and Headwater RC&D.
“I am eager to assist in constructing a world class wind turbine manufacturing facility in Montana,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer.
“Energy development is our future and its potential for economic growth is great. Montana is an ideal location for wind energy
development and the ability to manufacture wind turbines in state is particularly exciting.”
“The Department is pleased to help Butte-Silver Bow with this feasibility study,” said Anthony Preite, Director of the Montana
Department of Commerce. “The development of energy resources in Montana are extremely important to our economic
development. The proposed Chafin-Furlander Wind Turbine Manufacturing facility would be a great resource for energy
development and quality employment in Montana.”
Headwaters RC&D will assist with the facilitation of the project.
Montana's Community Development Block Grant – Economic Development (CDBG-ED) program is designed to stimulate economic
development activity by assisting Montana's private sector in job creation or retention for low and moderate income persons.
The CDBG-ED program receives funding from the Community Development Block Grant program funded by the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development, and the Economic Development Administration.
Governor Brian Schweitzer to Announce Significant
Funding for Economic Development Projects in Deer Lodge
Tuesday, February 5th. Governor Schweitzer will be joined by officials from the Montana Department of Commerce and area
legislators.
“The community of Deer Lodge has a history as rich as its people,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer. “I am honored to join the
Montana Department of Commerce in presenting Deer Lodge with funds that will help preserve its treasured past and cultivate its
bright future.”
2:00 p.m. Governor Schweitzer will present Rialto Theatre officials with a restoration grant award of $50,000 from the Montana
Department of Commerce, at the Rialto Theatre in Deer Lodge.
2:30 p.m. Governor Schweitzer will present Sun Mountain Lumber officials with a grant award of $400,000 for worker training from
the Montana Department of Commerce, at Sun Mountain Lumber in Deer Lodge.
Montana Department of Commerce Awards over $1.1 Million
in Workforce Training Funds in Billings, Great Falls & Hobson
(HELENA) – The Department of Commerce has awarded a total of more than $1.1 million dollars in Workforce Training Grants
(WTG) to four Montana businesses in Billings, Great Falls and Hobson.
“Montana’s on the move with a booming economy that garnered 4.8 percent economic growth in 2007,” said Governor Brian
Schweitzer. “A skilled work force is essential for continued economic growth, and the Workforce Training Grant Program is an
outstanding resource to enhance the skill set of Montana’s workers.”
Ernest Health Inc.’s Advanced Care Hospital of Montana in Billings will receive $575,000 in WTG funds. The St. Vincent Healthcare
Foundation in Billings has been approved for $200,000 in WTG funds. Cable Technology of Montana, Inc. will receive $342,138 in
WTG funds. Hobson Insurance in Hobson has been approved for $18,334 in WTG funds. All applications were approved by the
Workforce Training Grant Application Review Committee.
“The Workforce Training Grant program is an effective partnership that helps businesses succeed, guarantees a good wage,
enhances employee skill levels, and actually makes money for the state,” said Anthony Preite, Director of the Montana Department
of Commerce. “WTG helps fund the state budget and many state programs. In most cases, companies repay the amount of
awarded funds before they actually draw down those funds.”
At Governor Schweitzer’s request, the 60th Montana Legislature increased funding for WTG from $1.4 million annually, to nearly $4
million annually. The program was designed to assist established businesses and new businesses in their expansion efforts. It is
targeted toward businesses that create at least one net, new job that pays at least the lower of the current county average or the
current state average. That wage can include fringe benefits. New employees must work at least thirty-five hours per week year
round. Program applicants must demonstrate that at least fifty percent of their sales originate outside of Montana. The maximum
funding available to train a single employee is $5,000.
Ernest Health, Inc.—Billings
Ernest Health, Inc. is building a new 40 bed long term acute care hospital, Advanced Care Hospital of Montana, in Billings. This
hospital will provide health care services currently not available in the state, and create as many as 150 new jobs when fully
operational. The WTG funds will be used to train 115 new employees over the next two years.
St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation– Billings
This is a proposal sponsored by the St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation on behalf of St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings, St. James
Healthcare in Butte, and Holy Rosary Healthcare in Miles City. St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation will earmark the WTG funds for
providing onsite orientation and/or clinical training through the “hospital” performance based development system for 40 new
employees—32 nurses and 8 medical technicians--of the three Montana hospitals over the next two years.
Cable Technology of Montana, Inc.—Great Falls
The business of Cable Technology of Montana, Inc. is to design, produce and sell cable assemblies/harness systems into the
aerospace industry. Because the work is engineered to customer specifications by individuals with specialty training, cable and
harness assembly is widely considered to be one of the most difficult and time-consuming assembly phases of manufacturing.
The company proposes to train 100 new employees in phases of 10 employees every quarter for two years.
Hobson Insurance—Hobson
Hobson Insurance is an independent insurance agency that provides insurance for commercial accounts who are members of
national buying groups including sporting goods retailers, athletic dealers and retail stores. Due to an increase in business, the
company is adding 2,000 sq ft to its building on Hobson’s Main Street and will have the addition complete in late 2007. Over the
next two years, WTG funds will be used to train five new staff members—two new commercial lines producers, two new customer
service representatives and one new personal lines producer.
Since fiscal year 2006, 16 WTG awards have been made and award funding has ranged from $75,000 to $1,955,000. Those
awards have been leveraged with more than $73 million in business investments. More than 1,500, good paying, new jobs have
been created for Montana workers.
All WTG funds for fiscal year 2008 have not been awarded. Additional WTG funds are available.
Contact Nancy Guccione, WTG Program Manager, at 406-841-2744 or nguccione@mt.gov for program specific questions.
Interested applicants can find guidelines and current and country average wage rates on the web at: http://www.mtfinanceonline.
com/WorkForceGrnts.asp
Awarded $200,000 in Tourism Infrastructure Grants
(HELENA) – Governor Brian Schweitzer announced the Montana Department of Commerce has awarded a total of $200,000 in
funds from the Tourism Infrastructure Investment Program (TIIP) to five Montana communities. Each community will use its funds to
complete tourism related facility improvements.
“Tourism Infrastructure Investment funds significantly enhance tourism facilities in towns all across the state,” said Governor Brian
Schweitzer. “Improvements to these projects will help keep some of Montana’s 10 million visitors here longer, allowing them to
spend more out of state dollars in our local communities.”
Montana Department of Commerce Director Anthony J. Preite approved the TIIP grant funding for the five tourism-related projects
following recommendations from the Department of Commerce Travel Montana staff and the state’s Tourism Advisory Council. The
five TIIP grant recipients were selected from 27 applications requesting $1.79 million from the Commerce Department program.
“The investment of tourism ‘bed tax’ dollars into these five projects leverages $1.65 million in community, state, federal and
foundation dollars, creating and supporting local construction and service industry jobs,” said Preite.
The 2007 TIIP Grant Awards include:
$50,000 Blaine County Wildlife Museum, Chinook, for creation of a Moose-Grizzly Encounter Display and other work needed to
finish the museum and allow it to be open to the public.
$50,000 Friends of the Hobson Library for creation of a Hobson Museum through the renovation of the historic American
Legion Hall in the community.
$50,000 Judith River Foundation, Inc., for exhibits, furnishings and equipment needed to complete the Great Plains Dinosaur
Center in Malta.
$20,000 Musselshell Valley Historical Museum, Roundup, for a new Roof.
$30,000 Colter Pass, Cooke City, Silver Gate Chamber of Commerce for creation of the Shoofly Heritage Center in Cooke City
Betsy Baumgart, Administrator for Travel Montana, congratulates these communities for their efforts to develop and enhance their
tourism product. “It’s this type of commitment that helps provide a quality experience for our visitors, which in turn, keeps them
coming back for more,” said Baumgart.
Since 1995, TIIP grants have provided just under $2.7 million in tourism “bed tax” funds to 61 projects in 40 Montana communities.
These TIIP-assisted projects represent a total investment of almost $33 million in Montana’s tourism-related infrastructure.
TIIP grants funds are provided by a 4% state tourism “bed tax” which is assessed on the lodging price of all accommodations
across Montana, including campgrounds. The grants are awarded through a competitive process and require a $1 local match for
every $2 provided by grant funds.
Montana Department of Commerce Awards $86,227
to Rocky Boy & Fort Belknap Tourism Projects
Governor Brian Schweitzer also announced that $86,227 in funds from the Montana Department of Commerce have been awarded
the Chippewa-Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation and the Fort Belknap Indian Community Council, for tourism
attraction and facility improvement projects.
“These projects are essential for the economic vitality of the tourism industry in Indian Country,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer.
“Visitors from around the world come to Montana to experience the unique culture of Montana’s native people. Supporting tribal
tourism projects helps to strengthen tribal economies, while fostering cultural understanding.”
“Assisting community and economic development in Montana’s Indian Country is an important focus for the Montana Commerce
Department,” said Commerce Director Preite. “These funds from the state’s tourism ‘bed tax’ will leverage tribal and other funds to
create improved facilities and attractions that will serve both of these communities, their visitors and the Montana communities
around them.”
The Chippewa-Cree Tribe will use a $66,227 grant from the Commerce Department for improvements to the Rocky Boy Powwow
Grounds. The powwow ground improvements include electrical and water service upgrades, repairs and painting of the dance
arbor, bleachers and traditional hand game facility, development of ten RV spaces with water and electrical service, and new
signage for the powwow grounds. The Chippewa-Cree Tribe is matching the state funds with $88,500 it invested to pave and
improve the road into the powwow grounds as well as the walkways within the grounds. The 44th Annual Rocky Boy Powwow will
take place in early August 2008.
The Fort Belknap Indian Community Council will use a $20,000 Commerce Department grant to make improvements to the Horse
Capture Community Park Tourism Center Rest Area at the intersection of U.S. Hwy 2 and Montana 66. The Tourism Center
improvements include installing handicapped accessible doors, new windows, lighting, bathroom upgrades along with purchasing
materials for cultural programs offered visitors and residents. The Fort Belknap Council is matching the state funds with worker
salaries and supplies to complete the center improvements through the council’s Vocational Rehabilitation Program and
Maintenance Program. .
Betsy Baumgart, Administrator of Travel Montana was pleased to have tribal applications submitted this year and encourages the
submittal of more tribal applications in the future. “Tribal Tourism is not only important to Indian Country, but also to the entire state.
Our travel research shows that more than one million of our 10.4 million out of state guests visited our Native American sites.”
The grant funds for both projects come from the 4% state tourism “bed tax” assessed on the lodging price of all accommodations
across Montana, including campgrounds.
Marissa Kozel
Communications Director, Director's Office
Montana Department of Commerce
406-841-2772
mkozel@mt.gov
Funds Totaling $61,500 for Tourism Related Events
March 7, 2008 – Seven Montana communities have been selected to receive a total of $61,500 in grant funding from the Travel
Montana’s Special Events Grant Program (SEGP), through the Montana Department of Commerce.
The Montana communities of Fairfield, Glendive, Great Falls, Harlowton, Kalispell, Missoula and Troy will use the SEGP funds to
assist in the promotion and implementation of tourism-related events. The events were selected for the grant awards through a
review and scoring process conducted by Travel Montana and members of the Governor-appointed Tourism Advisory Council.
“Montana’s on the move. The state recognizes that the key to sustaining success in Montana’s tourism economy is to invest in our
communities and the experiences we are able to offer our visitors,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer. “These events showcase our
wonderful people and our unique visitor opportunities.”
“The Montana Department of Commerce strongly supports tourism events in our local communities,” said Commerce Director
Anthony Preite. “Creating sustainable events helps our cities and towns attract new dollars to their Main Street. Seventy-seven cents
of each visitor dollar is spent within our local communities.”
Communities Receiving 2008 SEGP Awards:
- $2,500: Fairfield, Fairfield Chamber of Commerce – Fairfield Days Gone By
$10,400: Glendive, Image Productions, Inc. – Sweet Home Miss Montana Week
$8,500: Great Falls, Cascade County Historical Society – A Night at the Ozark
$12,200: Harlowton, Harlowton Chamber of Commerce – Festival of the Wind
$10,900: Kalispell, Glacier Symphony and Chorale – Festival Amadeus
$7,000: Missoula, Run Wild Missoula – Missoula Marathon
$10,000: Troy, Troy Fine Arts Council – Kootenai River Bluegrass Festival
The SEGP was developed in 2002 to assist communities with economic development through the creation and/or enhancement of
new annual, on-going events. Grant funds are available for event marketing, equipment rental, insurance, performer fees, security
and mailings. To date, the SEGP program has provided $412,500 in grant funding to 59 events in numerous Montana communities.
The deadline for the next round of grant applications will be announced in mid-October 2008. For information, contact Travel
Montana, 406-841-2870.
- ..............................................................................................................................................................
2008 Governor’s Conference on Tourism & Recreation
March 6, 2008 – National tourism promotion and development experts headline the 2008 Montana Governor’s Conference on
Tourism and Recreation, April 17-18, at West Yellowstone’s Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort.
Governor Brian Schweitzer and Montana Department of Commerce Director Anthony Preite are encouraging participation from the
tourism and recreation industry and the media.
“Tourism and recreation are great ambassadors for Montana,” said Governor Schweitzer. “Visitors come from all over the world to
enjoy Montana’s great landscapes, rich history and unique character and they spend billions of dollars each year in the process.
One of the things we can all be proud of is that the reason most of our visitors make repeat trips is the great people they meet here.”
“Montana is a premier vacation destination for millions of people every year,” said Commerce Director Anthony Preite. “The
education and networking sessions planned for the Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Recreation offer the industry’s partners
a chance to keep current on approaches and ideas to help ensure continued success.”
- * Thursday, April 17, at 8:30 a.m.: Travel and tourism “futurist” Judy Randall of Randall Travel Marketing, Inc., will take a
look at Montana’s newly updated tourism and recreation strategic plan, development of a Montana tourism brand and the
industry’s focus on niche markets such as geotravelers to see how they mesh with the world’s top travel trends.
* Thursday, April 17, at 10:30 a.m.: Geotourism and geotravelers are the focus of Montana’s tourism marketing efforts. The
National Geographic Society’s Jim Dion with the Center for Sustainable Destinations will explain what Geotourism is while
Steve Thompson from the National Parks Conservation Association will highlight Montana’s first regional project based on
the concept of Geotourism – the Crown of the Continent Geotourism MapGuide covering western Montana, SW Alberta and
SE British Columbia.
* Thursday, April 17, at 12:00 p.m. Luncheon: Gardiner business owner Bill Berg will give a presentation about the
National Park Service’s Centennial Challenge program, including a video commentary from U.S. Senator Jon Tester. The
Centennial Challenge program is aimed at financing improvements in the national parks to celebrate NPS’ centennial in
2016.
* Friday, April 18, at 8:30 a.m.: Montana is in the process of developing a tourism brand all industry partners can use to
raise consumer awareness of Montana as a distinctive visitor destination. The branding initiative’s consulting team, Mike
Bento and Kevin Schulman, will share the basic branding messages and provide suggestions on how they can be used
effectively by Montana’s tourism partners.
* Friday, April 18, at 10:30 a.m.: Addressing the growing issue of children being disconnected from nature and the
outdoors, Dr. Cheryl Charles will share the work of her Children & Nature Network organization and this issue’s importance
for Montana’s tourism and recreation future.
* Friday, April 18, at 12:00 p.m. Luncheon: First Lady Nancy Schweitzer and Montana Department of Transportation Director
Jim Lynch will discuss the new Montana Geological Road signs which are part of the Governor and First Lady’s Math and
Science Initiative.
* Friday, April 18, at 7:00 p.m. Banquet: Lt. Governor John Bohlinger will highlight the conference’s Friday night awards
banquet agenda. The Lt Governor will assist in presenting the annual Tourism Person, Tourism Community, Tourism Event
and Tourism Partnership of the Year Awards.
and satisfaction, segmenting markets, analyzing website use, international markets, email marketing, “green” tourism business
practices, creating Tourism Business Improvement Districts, the National Folk Festival –Butte and the heritage trails of SW
Montana.
The conference agenda also offers two walking tours around West Yellowstone which is celebrating its Centennial in 2008. The
walking tours include West Yellowstone’s Historic District and the Madison River Nature Trail.
The full agenda, registration materials, exhibitor and sponsor opportunities and more are available at www.travelmontana.mt.
gov/conference. The $120 conference registration fee is offered through March 20. Late registration fees increase incrementally
approaching the conference.
Tourism and recreation is one of Montana’s largest industries. In 2006, 10.3 million people visited Montana spending $2.9 billion
during their stay. Over 48,580 jobs are directly and indirectly supported by nonresident travel, resulting in over $1 billion in total
personal income for Montana residents.
- .....................................................................................................................................................................................
Montana Department of Commerce
Launches Website for Technology Businesses
(HELENA) – The Montana Department of Commerce announced the launch of its Big Sky Innovation website www.bigskyinnovation.
org, a new resource to help meet the needs of the state’s rapidly growing technology business sector. The website is designed
specifically to deliver helpful information and resources to anyone engaged in developing innovative technology. Major target
audiences include technology entrepreneurs, owners of existing technology companies, university-system, nonprofit, and private
sector researchers, and the many economic developers throughout the state who work with these firms.
“Montana’s on the move with a flourishing high tech industry,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer. “The Big Sky Innovation web site is a
remarkable resource that will help our technology business sector connect and continue to grow, further strengthening Montana’s
economy.”
Big Sky Innovation is a joint project between the Montana Department of Commerce, Montana Technology Innovation Partnership
Program and The University of Montana’s School of Business Administration (SOBA), with additional support from the Governor’s
Office on Economic Development, The University of Montana’s National Science Foundation Experimental Program to Stimulate
Competitive Research (EPSCoR), and the U.S. Small Business Administration. All five partners are contributing funds to the project,
and SOBA has further committed staff and students to keep the site’s information and resources fresh and up-to-date.
“Many small, vibrant technology-based businesses are making major contributions in Montana, by creating more higher-paying
jobs, and expanding Montana’s tax base,” said Montana Department of Commerce Director Anthony Preite. “The Big Sky Innovation
website serves as a central resource for these firms to find information and resources that can help them move forward with their
technologies.”
SOBA’s Dean, Dr. Larry Gianchetta, is excited for the SOBA to have the critical role of developing and maintaining the site. “This new
website is a perfect complement to the entrepreneurship and technology business courses now available through the School of
Business Administration,” Gianchetta said. “We see it opening more and more opportunities for business students throughout the
state to work hand-in-hand with growing technology-based businesses.”
Users of the site will find in-depth information and publications on the basics of innovation and invention, developing new product
concepts, intellectual property protection, market research, and most importantly, commercialization. Big Sky Innovation also offers
the largest collection of local, state, and federal resources ever compiled for Montana’s business community. These resources are
available to provide technology-related assistance, business assistance, intellectual property and commercialization assistance,
and financial assistance. The site also provides links to the technology transfer offices of various units of the Montana University
System, where users can see what technologies are available for licensing and learn what their next steps should be to take
advantage of these opportunities. Finally, Big Sky Innovation maintains a calendar of events relevant to technology businesses,
including workshops and conferences taking place both in-state and throughout the country.
- .............................................................................................................................................................
Montana Department of Commerce Awards $15,000
in Funding to Butte-Silver Bow County
(HELENA) – The Montana Department of Commerce has awarded $15,000 in funding from the Community Development Block
Grant – Economic Development (CDBG-ED) Program to Butte-Silver Bow County to complete a feasibility study for a proposed
Chafin-Fuhrlander Wind Turbine Manufacturing facility to be located in Montana.
The County will use the $15,000 in partnership with $25,000 from the Butte-Silver Bow Tax Increment Financed Industrial District
(TIFD), and $10,000 from Chafin-Fuhrlander to conduct a feasibility study to determine current and future market demands for wind
turbine generation machines, types required to meet market needs, regulatory climate, and timelines for production. The study will
be conducted by the Butte-Silver Bow Community Development Department and Headwater RC&D.
“I am eager to assist in constructing a world class wind turbine manufacturing facility in Montana,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer.
“Energy development is our future and its potential for economic growth is great. Montana is an ideal location for wind energy
development and the ability to manufacture wind turbines in state is particularly exciting.”
“The Department is pleased to help Butte-Silver Bow with this feasibility study,” said Anthony Preite, Director of the Montana
Department of Commerce. “The development of energy resources in Montana are extremely important to our economic
development. The proposed Chafin-Furlander Wind Turbine Manufacturing facility would be a great resource for energy
development and quality employment in Montana.”
Headwaters RC&D will assist with the facilitation of the project.
Montana's Community Development Block Grant – Economic Development (CDBG-ED) program is designed to stimulate economic
development activity by assisting Montana's private sector in job creation or retention for low and moderate income persons.
The CDBG-ED program receives funding from the Community Development Block Grant program funded by the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development, and the Economic Development Administration.
- ........................................................................................................................................................................................
Governor Brian Schweitzer to Announce Significant
Funding for Economic Development Projects in Deer Lodge
Tuesday, February 5th. Governor Schweitzer will be joined by officials from the Montana Department of Commerce and area
legislators.
“The community of Deer Lodge has a history as rich as its people,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer. “I am honored to join the
Montana Department of Commerce in presenting Deer Lodge with funds that will help preserve its treasured past and cultivate its
bright future.”
2:00 p.m. Governor Schweitzer will present Rialto Theatre officials with a restoration grant award of $50,000 from the Montana
Department of Commerce, at the Rialto Theatre in Deer Lodge.
2:30 p.m. Governor Schweitzer will present Sun Mountain Lumber officials with a grant award of $400,000 for worker training from
the Montana Department of Commerce, at Sun Mountain Lumber in Deer Lodge.
- ..............................................................................................................................................................................................
Montana Department of Commerce Awards over $1.1 Million
in Workforce Training Funds in Billings, Great Falls & Hobson
(HELENA) – The Department of Commerce has awarded a total of more than $1.1 million dollars in Workforce Training Grants
(WTG) to four Montana businesses in Billings, Great Falls and Hobson.
“Montana’s on the move with a booming economy that garnered 4.8 percent economic growth in 2007,” said Governor Brian
Schweitzer. “A skilled work force is essential for continued economic growth, and the Workforce Training Grant Program is an
outstanding resource to enhance the skill set of Montana’s workers.”
Ernest Health Inc.’s Advanced Care Hospital of Montana in Billings will receive $575,000 in WTG funds. The St. Vincent Healthcare
Foundation in Billings has been approved for $200,000 in WTG funds. Cable Technology of Montana, Inc. will receive $342,138 in
WTG funds. Hobson Insurance in Hobson has been approved for $18,334 in WTG funds. All applications were approved by the
Workforce Training Grant Application Review Committee.
“The Workforce Training Grant program is an effective partnership that helps businesses succeed, guarantees a good wage,
enhances employee skill levels, and actually makes money for the state,” said Anthony Preite, Director of the Montana Department
of Commerce. “WTG helps fund the state budget and many state programs. In most cases, companies repay the amount of
awarded funds before they actually draw down those funds.”
At Governor Schweitzer’s request, the 60th Montana Legislature increased funding for WTG from $1.4 million annually, to nearly $4
million annually. The program was designed to assist established businesses and new businesses in their expansion efforts. It is
targeted toward businesses that create at least one net, new job that pays at least the lower of the current county average or the
current state average. That wage can include fringe benefits. New employees must work at least thirty-five hours per week year
round. Program applicants must demonstrate that at least fifty percent of their sales originate outside of Montana. The maximum
funding available to train a single employee is $5,000.
Ernest Health, Inc.—Billings
Ernest Health, Inc. is building a new 40 bed long term acute care hospital, Advanced Care Hospital of Montana, in Billings. This
hospital will provide health care services currently not available in the state, and create as many as 150 new jobs when fully
operational. The WTG funds will be used to train 115 new employees over the next two years.
St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation– Billings
This is a proposal sponsored by the St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation on behalf of St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings, St. James
Healthcare in Butte, and Holy Rosary Healthcare in Miles City. St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation will earmark the WTG funds for
providing onsite orientation and/or clinical training through the “hospital” performance based development system for 40 new
employees—32 nurses and 8 medical technicians--of the three Montana hospitals over the next two years.
Cable Technology of Montana, Inc.—Great Falls
The business of Cable Technology of Montana, Inc. is to design, produce and sell cable assemblies/harness systems into the
aerospace industry. Because the work is engineered to customer specifications by individuals with specialty training, cable and
harness assembly is widely considered to be one of the most difficult and time-consuming assembly phases of manufacturing.
The company proposes to train 100 new employees in phases of 10 employees every quarter for two years.
Hobson Insurance—Hobson
Hobson Insurance is an independent insurance agency that provides insurance for commercial accounts who are members of
national buying groups including sporting goods retailers, athletic dealers and retail stores. Due to an increase in business, the
company is adding 2,000 sq ft to its building on Hobson’s Main Street and will have the addition complete in late 2007. Over the
next two years, WTG funds will be used to train five new staff members—two new commercial lines producers, two new customer
service representatives and one new personal lines producer.
Since fiscal year 2006, 16 WTG awards have been made and award funding has ranged from $75,000 to $1,955,000. Those
awards have been leveraged with more than $73 million in business investments. More than 1,500, good paying, new jobs have
been created for Montana workers.
All WTG funds for fiscal year 2008 have not been awarded. Additional WTG funds are available.
Contact Nancy Guccione, WTG Program Manager, at 406-841-2744 or nguccione@mt.gov for program specific questions.
Interested applicants can find guidelines and current and country average wage rates on the web at: http://www.mtfinanceonline.
com/WorkForceGrnts.asp
- ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................
Awarded $200,000 in Tourism Infrastructure Grants
(HELENA) – Governor Brian Schweitzer announced the Montana Department of Commerce has awarded a total of $200,000 in
funds from the Tourism Infrastructure Investment Program (TIIP) to five Montana communities. Each community will use its funds to
complete tourism related facility improvements.
“Tourism Infrastructure Investment funds significantly enhance tourism facilities in towns all across the state,” said Governor Brian
Schweitzer. “Improvements to these projects will help keep some of Montana’s 10 million visitors here longer, allowing them to
spend more out of state dollars in our local communities.”
Montana Department of Commerce Director Anthony J. Preite approved the TIIP grant funding for the five tourism-related projects
following recommendations from the Department of Commerce Travel Montana staff and the state’s Tourism Advisory Council. The
five TIIP grant recipients were selected from 27 applications requesting $1.79 million from the Commerce Department program.
“The investment of tourism ‘bed tax’ dollars into these five projects leverages $1.65 million in community, state, federal and
foundation dollars, creating and supporting local construction and service industry jobs,” said Preite.
The 2007 TIIP Grant Awards include:
$50,000 Blaine County Wildlife Museum, Chinook, for creation of a Moose-Grizzly Encounter Display and other work needed to
finish the museum and allow it to be open to the public.
$50,000 Friends of the Hobson Library for creation of a Hobson Museum through the renovation of the historic American
Legion Hall in the community.
$50,000 Judith River Foundation, Inc., for exhibits, furnishings and equipment needed to complete the Great Plains Dinosaur
Center in Malta.
$20,000 Musselshell Valley Historical Museum, Roundup, for a new Roof.
$30,000 Colter Pass, Cooke City, Silver Gate Chamber of Commerce for creation of the Shoofly Heritage Center in Cooke City
Betsy Baumgart, Administrator for Travel Montana, congratulates these communities for their efforts to develop and enhance their
tourism product. “It’s this type of commitment that helps provide a quality experience for our visitors, which in turn, keeps them
coming back for more,” said Baumgart.
Since 1995, TIIP grants have provided just under $2.7 million in tourism “bed tax” funds to 61 projects in 40 Montana communities.
These TIIP-assisted projects represent a total investment of almost $33 million in Montana’s tourism-related infrastructure.
TIIP grants funds are provided by a 4% state tourism “bed tax” which is assessed on the lodging price of all accommodations
across Montana, including campgrounds. The grants are awarded through a competitive process and require a $1 local match for
every $2 provided by grant funds.
- .............................................................................................................................................................................................................
Montana Department of Commerce Awards $86,227
to Rocky Boy & Fort Belknap Tourism Projects
Governor Brian Schweitzer also announced that $86,227 in funds from the Montana Department of Commerce have been awarded
the Chippewa-Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation and the Fort Belknap Indian Community Council, for tourism
attraction and facility improvement projects.
“These projects are essential for the economic vitality of the tourism industry in Indian Country,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer.
“Visitors from around the world come to Montana to experience the unique culture of Montana’s native people. Supporting tribal
tourism projects helps to strengthen tribal economies, while fostering cultural understanding.”
“Assisting community and economic development in Montana’s Indian Country is an important focus for the Montana Commerce
Department,” said Commerce Director Preite. “These funds from the state’s tourism ‘bed tax’ will leverage tribal and other funds to
create improved facilities and attractions that will serve both of these communities, their visitors and the Montana communities
around them.”
The Chippewa-Cree Tribe will use a $66,227 grant from the Commerce Department for improvements to the Rocky Boy Powwow
Grounds. The powwow ground improvements include electrical and water service upgrades, repairs and painting of the dance
arbor, bleachers and traditional hand game facility, development of ten RV spaces with water and electrical service, and new
signage for the powwow grounds. The Chippewa-Cree Tribe is matching the state funds with $88,500 it invested to pave and
improve the road into the powwow grounds as well as the walkways within the grounds. The 44th Annual Rocky Boy Powwow will
take place in early August 2008.
The Fort Belknap Indian Community Council will use a $20,000 Commerce Department grant to make improvements to the Horse
Capture Community Park Tourism Center Rest Area at the intersection of U.S. Hwy 2 and Montana 66. The Tourism Center
improvements include installing handicapped accessible doors, new windows, lighting, bathroom upgrades along with purchasing
materials for cultural programs offered visitors and residents. The Fort Belknap Council is matching the state funds with worker
salaries and supplies to complete the center improvements through the council’s Vocational Rehabilitation Program and
Maintenance Program. .
Betsy Baumgart, Administrator of Travel Montana was pleased to have tribal applications submitted this year and encourages the
submittal of more tribal applications in the future. “Tribal Tourism is not only important to Indian Country, but also to the entire state.
Our travel research shows that more than one million of our 10.4 million out of state guests visited our Native American sites.”
The grant funds for both projects come from the 4% state tourism “bed tax” assessed on the lodging price of all accommodations
across Montana, including campgrounds.
Marissa Kozel
Communications Director, Director's Office
Montana Department of Commerce
406-841-2772
mkozel@mt.gov
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
_________________________________________________________________________________________
| Economic Solutions and Opportunities |
- Renewable Energy
- Environment
- Transportation
- Health & Fitness
- Sports & Recreation
- Environment
- Transportation
- Health & Fitness
- Sports & Recreation
