Featured Articles in Business

Glacier Bancorp Reports Strong Quarterly and First Half 2024 Results

Glacier Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: GBCI) announced its financial results for the second quarter and first half of 2024, highlighting significant developments in earnings and operational performance. For the second quarter ended June 30, 2024, Glacier Bancorp reported a net income of $44.7 million, marking a notable increase of $12.1 million, or 37 percent, from the Read More…

Bridger Aerospace Acquires FMS Aerospace

BELGRADE, Mont. – Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (“Bridger Aerospace”), a prominent provider of aerial firefighting services, has completed the acquisition of FMS Aerospace (“FMS”), based in Huntsville, Alabama. This strategic move marks Bridger’s expansion into comprehensive airframe modification and integration solutions for government and commercial clients. The transaction, valued at $20.6 million in equity, Read More…

NorthWestern Energy Seeks Rate Increases for Electric and Gas Customers in Montana

NorthWestern Energy has formally requested approval from Montana regulators to raise rates for its electric and natural gas customers, marking its first rate adjustment petition since its last review two years ago. NorthWestern Energy submitted its proposal to the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) for an interim rate increase. The initial request outlines a $2 Read More…

Montana gets $40 million in federal funds for innovation research

(The Center Square) – Montana is receiving $40 million in federal funds due to legislation sponsored by U.S. Sen. Steve Daines. The “Endless Frontier Act” calls for increased investments in science and technology innovation as a way of strengthening the U.S. economy and national security to compete with China and other nations. “Montana continues to lead Read More…

All in: Business

Glacier Bancorp Reports Strong Quarterly and First Half 2024 Results

Glacier Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: GBCI) announced its financial results for the second quarter and first half of 2024, highlighting significant developments in earnings and operational performance. For the second quarter ended June 30, 2024, Glacier Bancorp reported a net income of $44.7 million, marking a notable increase of $12.1 million, or 37 percent, from the Read More…

Bridger Aerospace Acquires FMS Aerospace

BELGRADE, Mont. – Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (“Bridger Aerospace”), a prominent provider of aerial firefighting services, has completed the acquisition of FMS Aerospace (“FMS”), based in Huntsville, Alabama. This strategic move marks Bridger’s expansion into comprehensive airframe modification and integration solutions for government and commercial clients. The transaction, valued at $20.6 million in equity, Read More…

Glacier Bancorp Declares Quarterly Dividend

KALISPELL, Mont. – Glacier Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: GBCI) announced that its Board of Directors, has approved a quarterly dividend of $0.33 per share. This declaration marks the Company’s 157th consecutive quarterly dividend payout and represents the 49th increase in its dividend history. The dividend is scheduled to be paid on July 18, 2024, to shareholders Read More…

NorthWestern Energy Seeks Rate Increases for Electric and Gas Customers in Montana

NorthWestern Energy has formally requested approval from Montana regulators to raise rates for its electric and natural gas customers, marking its first rate adjustment petition since its last review two years ago. NorthWestern Energy submitted its proposal to the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) for an interim rate increase. The initial request outlines a $2 Read More…

Montana gets $40 million in federal funds for innovation research

(The Center Square) – Montana is receiving $40 million in federal funds due to legislation sponsored by U.S. Sen. Steve Daines. The “Endless Frontier Act” calls for increased investments in science and technology innovation as a way of strengthening the U.S. economy and national security to compete with China and other nations. “Montana continues to lead Read More…

Gianforte Celebrates Innovation at Belgrade Business

Governor Greg Gianforte recently attended the reopening ceremony of Big Sky Decon in Belgrade, highlighting Montana’s resilient economy and the ingenuity of its entrepreneurs. “Montana’s economy continues to thrive despite challenges like inflation and workforce pressures resulting from policies at the federal level,” Governor Gianforte remarked. “I was pleased to visit Big Sky Decon in Read More…

Gianforte, Chamber of Commerce Highlight Montana’s Business Climate

Governor Greg Gianforte underscored Montana’s thriving economy and recent initiatives to enhance the state’s business environment during his address at the Big Sky, Bright Futures Economic Summit in Bozeman, where he joined the Montana Chamber of Commerce. “With record business creation and a historically high employment rate, Montana’s economy is moving forward,” Governor Gianforte emphasized. Read More…

2024 Employer of Choice Award Winners

The Montana Department of Labor and Industry has announced the winners of the 2024 Montana State Employers Council Employers of Choice Award. This annual accolade celebrates employers who demonstrate exceptional dedication to attracting and retaining employees, thereby nurturing a vibrant workplace culture. “Montana’s small businesses are integral to our economy and our way of life. Read More…

BlueCross BlueShield of Montana to Continue as the State Plan’s Medical  Administrator

The Department of Administration (DOA) announced its intention to award the contract for the state’s health plan’s medical Third-Party Administrator (TPA) to BlueCross BlueShield of Montana (BCBSMT), the incumbent provider. In March 2024, the DOA issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit competitive bids for TPA services for the state’s medical plan serving employees Read More…

Billings airport adds new airline

Billings City and Billings Logan International Airport have jointly announced the commencement of seasonal air service to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, facilitated by Sun Country Airlines. The service is set to commence this Wednesday, June 19, and will operate through late August. The inaugural flight from Minneapolis-St. Paul is scheduled to arrive just after 12 Read More…

Comparing Biden’s Economy to Trump’s Economy

The economy is set to be a pivotal issue in the 2024 presidential election, highlighting the stark differences between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. Consider the American economy as a bag filled with a variety of policies and economic indicators, with inflation being a prominent one. Although inflation has retreated from its Read More…

New Vermont law requires fossil fuel industry to pay for ‘climate change’ damage

(The Center Square) – Vermont is the first state to enact a law requiring the fossil fuel industry to pay for “climate change cost recovery.” The bill became law without Republican Gov. Philip Scott signing it. In a May 30 letter to the Vermont General Assembly, he explained why. “Vermont – one of the least Read More…

Governor Gianforte Hears Come Home Montana Story in Drummond

DRUMMOND, Mont. – Joining Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) Director Christy Clark, Governor Greg Gianforte earlier this week continued his 56 County Tour visiting Farmer Boy Eggs in Granite County to highlight a true come home Montana story about the Verlanic family. “For too long, Montana’s most valuable export has been our kids and grandkids,” Read More…

Montana State American Marketing Association chapter wins awards at international conference

BOZEMAN — The Montana State University student chapter of the American Marketing Association earned a Top 10 designation out of more than 350 chapters at the annual AMA International Collegiate Conference, which was held in New Orleans this spring. In addition to the chapter’s Top 10 designation — its fifth straight — the MSU AMA Read More…

Missoula Business Owner Finds Success in UM’s MBA Program

MISSOULA – In early 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic began to make people feel isolated, University of Montana alumna Syann Stevens created a platform to connect residents, businesses and organizations across Missoula. Stevens founded TAPMissoula, a local social-media hub that offers a safe, virtual space for individuals, existing networks and community groups to stay connected. Read More…

MSU graduate student venture nabs top award at fifth annual $100K Venture Competition

BOZEMAN — The finals of the fifth annual $100K Venture Competition, hosted by Montana State University’s Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship and the MSU Blackstone LaunchPad, were held April 24 in Inspiration Hall at MSU. During the competition, the finalists pitched their innovative business ideas to a panel of five judges and answered Read More…

Lee Enterprises Adopts ‘Poison-Pill’ to Block Quint Digital

Lee Enterprises, Incorporated (NASDAQ: LEE),has announced that its Board of Directors  approved a limited-duration shareholder rights plan (“Rights Plan”). Effective immediately, the Rights Plan will remain in effect until March 27, 2025. However, the Board retains the option to terminate the Rights Plan earlier if deemed necessary. The decision to implement the Rights Plan comes Read More…

CEO Pay Hit Another Record. Shareholders Did Even Better.

Benjamin Franklin’s timeless assertion from 1789 about the certainties of life—death and taxes—might require a modern update if he were alive today. In our contemporary landscape, alongside these age-old certainties, we witness another phenomenon: the ever-escalating compensation of chief executive officers (CEOs). According to a recent study by Equilar, median pay for America’s top CEOs Read More…

FTX founder Samuel Bankman-Fried sentenced to 25 years

(The Center Square) – A judge sentenced FTX founder Samuel Bankman-Fried to 25 years in prison on Thursday, marking the long fall of the onetime cryptocurrency star. U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan also sentenced Samuel Bankman-Fried, known as SBF, to three years of supervised release, and ordered him to pay $11 billion for orchestrating a massive fraud. Bankman-Fried, Read More…

Governor Gianforte Tours Hi-Country Snacks in Lincoln

GREAT FALLS, Mont. – As part of his celebration of Montana Agriculture Week, Governor Greg Gianforte  visited Hi-Country Snacks in Lincoln to learn more about how the company supports agricultural producers. “Hi-Country Snacks is embracing the future of value-added agriculture with new technologies and processes,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Value-added agriculture allows our producers to capture Read More…

Montana Logging Industry Faces Uncertain Future

Pyramid Mountain Lumber officials have announced their intention to sell the mill rather than resorting to an auction, although no concrete plans have been finalized apart from the impending closure. The company’s decision to shutter operations has sent shockwaves through the lumber industry, with many individuals and stakeholders deeply impacted by the news. Dick Rossignol, Read More…

Realtors group ends commission model; biggest ‘jolt’ in housing in 100 years

(The Center Square) – The National Association of REALTORS announced Friday an agreement where it will end the 6% commission that is routine in home sales. In the settlement with homeowners, the association will pay $418 million in damages and end litigation on the matter. Experts say that Americans pay $100 billion a year in Read More…

Senators concerned over growing agricultural trade deficit

(The Center Square) — U.S. agricultural trade exports declined by $17 billion in fiscal year 2023, raising concerns from U.S. senators about how the Biden administration will address the issue. The deficit is growing and will decline by another $8 billion in fiscal year 2023, the senators said in a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Read More…

Attorney General Knudsen demands answers from Wells Fargo for debanking practices

HELENA – Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen led a coalition of 16 attorneys general in demanding answers from Wells Fargo Wednesday regarding the company’s debanking policies, which appear to extend the Biden administration’s woke agenda. In a letter to Wells Fargo’s Chief Executive Officer Charles Scharf, Attorney General Knudsen raised concerns with the bank’s decision Read More…

Employers seek to hire Montana State students at biannual career fair

BOZEMAN – Nearly 1,500 students in search of internships and employment opportunities, many of them dressed to impress, attended the first day of Montana State University’s Almost Spring Job and Internship Fair, where employers from across the U.S. and Montana were actively recruiting Bobcats for future careers. MSU’s Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success hosts Read More…

Montana State to host inaugural Montana Agritourism Conference May 3

BOZEMAN – The Montana State University College of Agriculture and Montana Agritourism Fellows Program will host a new conference focused on the confluence of agriculture and tourism on Friday, May 3, on the MSU campus. The event will include speakers, educational sessions and networking opportunities for attendees. The conference, titled “Building Agritourism from the Ground Read More…

Montana State University Extension offers initial training opportunities for pesticide applicators

BOZEMAN — Montana State University Extension’s Pesticide Education Program and participating MSU Extension offices will offer multiple introductory training opportunities for pesticide applicators in February and March. Initial private applicator trainings Initial private applicator trainings are seven-hour trainings for individuals to learn more about pesticides while qualifying for a Montana private applicator license. A private applicator license allows individuals to apply Read More…

Pioneering the Future: Cryptocurrency Payments Redefining Everyday Transactions

Revolutionizing Finance: The Rise of Cryptocurrency Payments – Explore the transformative impact of cryptocurrency payments in the modern financial landscape. This article delves into how digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, powered by blockchain technology, are redefining transactional processes. Cryptocurrency payments have emerged as a disruptive force reshaping the financial landscape. These digital assets, Read More…

Crafting a Comprehensive Investment Strategy: A Guide to Building Your Financial Future

Investing is a critical component of securing a comfortable future, but it can be a daunting task without the right knowledge and strategy. A well-rounded investment plan is not just about growing wealth; it’s about making informed decisions that align with your financial goals and risk tolerance. This guide delves into the essentials of investing, Read More…

The Power of Vector Graphics in Modern Design

In the contemporary world of digital art and design, vector graphics stand as a pivotal element, reshaping our approach to visual creativity. Unlike traditional bitmap graphics, which are composed of pixels and often struggle with scalability issues, vector graphics are defined by mathematical equations, allowing them to be scaled indefinitely without any loss of quality. Read More…