Featured Articles in Montana Business News

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…

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…

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…

All in: Montana Business News

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…

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, 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…

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…

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…

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…

Montana State appoints Jason Browning as chief data officer

BOZEMAN – Montana State University announced today that it has hired Jason Browning as its first chief data officer. Browning, previously senior director of partner technology with the higher education consulting firm EAB, is a business intelligence and analytics expert with experience helping universities sort through data to make strategic decisions. He will begin his Read More…

Governor Gianforte Welcomes Brixtel Defense to Montana

GLENDIVE, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today welcomed Brixtel Defense to Montana, celebrating the global defense company’s $125 million investment in Dawson County. “Montana is proudly home to over 150 innovative firearms and ammunitions businesses – the highest per capita in the country,” Gov. Gianforte said. “We’re thrilled to welcome Brixtel Defense to Big Sky Read More…

R-Y Timber reopening under new name

Livingston is experiencing a resurgence in employment opportunities following Sun Mountain Lumber’s recent acquisition of R-Y Timber. The wood manufacturer, based in Deer Lodge, successfully finalized the purchase in early November and has been diligently working to reopen the plant. On December 4, the plant achieved a significant milestone by restarting the sawmill equipment, signaling Read More…

MSU Extension and Stockgrowers announce 2023 Steer of Merit certifications

BOZEMAN — Montana State University Extension and the Montana Stockgrowers Association awarded 2023 Steer of Merit certifications at the association’s Dec. 7 convention in Billings. MSU Extension beef cattle specialist Megan Van Emon presented the top five winners of the carcass and ultrasound Steer of Merit contests at a Best of Beef Luncheon. MSU Extension Read More…

United Airlines adds more flights from Billings to Denver

United Airlines has expanded its flight offerings from Billings to Denver, introducing two additional daily flights and bringing the total to five. The announcement was made collaboratively by the city of Billings, Visit Billings, the Billings Chamber of Commerce, and Big Sky Economic Development in a news release. READ THE FULL STORY: https://montananewsroom.com/united-airlines-adds-more-flights-from-billings-to-denver/

Montana’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Grew 14% in 2022

In a report released last week, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) confirmed that Montana’s outdoor recreation industry continues to play a significant role in the state’s economy. According to the 2022 report detailing the industry’s economic impact, outdoor recreation contributed to 4.3% of Montana’s gross domestic product (GDP) last year. While this represents Read More…

Alpha Loading Systems Expansion

Governor Greg Gianforte made a visit to the newly expanded Alpha Loading Systems Facility in Stevensville, Montana. The governor’s visit came in response to the recent expansion of the company’s operations, driven by the increased demand for its American-made machinery and ammunition. This development underscores the vital role that small businesses play in Montana’s economy, Read More…

https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/montana-bear-spray-rental-business-marks-3rd-year-of-operation

 A bear spray rental business in southwest Montana is marking its third year of operation. TrailQuipt has locations in Gardiner, West Yellowstone and outside Bozeman. The business rents bear spray canisters for two days for $16, which they call a cost-effective alternative to buying bear spray. The company is implementing an online reservation system this Read More…