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

UPS to cut 12,000 jobs

In response to a lower-than-projected revenue, UPS has declared a significant workforce reduction of 12,000 employees. The shipping company witnessed a 7.8% decline in revenue, dropping from $27 billion to $24.9 billion over the past year. Notably, UPS experienced a 7.4% decrease in shipping within North America and an 8.3% drop internationally. CEO Carol Tome 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…

(The Center Square) – The Employee Retention Tax Credit, designed to help businesses keep employees on the payroll during pandemic shutdowns, could end up costing taxpayers seven times more than initially projected. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget said initial projections for the Employee Retention Tax Credit, or ERC, put the cost of the Read More…

How do I know if it is time to hire a financial planner?

When it comes to managing finances, you don’t want it to be messed up, especially when it comes to complex businesses like pharmacies. Financial planning often includes challenges in a way that can be hard to navigate. This is where the decision to hire pharmacy financial planners comes to your rescue. Fortunately, thousands of great Read More…

What to do if an employee isn’t a team player

Whether it’s not collaborating well in group projects, lack of communication or refusing to embrace your company’s culture, dealing with employees who aren’t team players can be challenging. In this article, Rapid Formations looks at the steps business owners should take to integrate the trickier employees on their team.   Look at the evidence Before you start 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…

Streamlining Small Business Accounting: A Guide to Synoptic Journal Bookkeeping

For many small business owners, the thought of diving into accounting and bookkeeping can be daunting. However, maintaining accurate financial records is crucial for the success of any business. Fortunately, there’s a straightforward method that doesn’t require prior accounting knowledge and won’t cost a dime. This guide will introduce you to a simple synoptic journal Read More…

The Rise of AI Tools: A Comprehensive Review of Cutting-edge Product

In this insightful exploration of AI tools, we navigate the transformative landscape where Artificial Intelligence (AI) infiltrates various aspects of our lives. From content analysis to resume evaluation and PDF conversion, AI tools are reshaping our approach to diverse tasks. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has permeated every facet of our lives, revolutionizing the way we work, Read More…

Injunction sought against new law on independent contractors

(The Center Square) – Less than two months before implementation, a federal law impacting gig workers is being challenged in a Georgia court. Founders of Fight for Freelancers, a coalition of more than 2,500 independent contract workers in varying professions, seeks an injunction to prohibit enforcement of the new law announced this month by the Read More…

When can we stop worrying about rising prices? The latest inflation report offers no easy answers

When can we stop worrying about rising prices? The latest inflation report offers no easy answers D. Brian Blank, Mississippi State University and Brandy Hadley, Appalachian State University Tired of thinking about inflation’s impact on your wallet? You’re not alone. But like it or not, higher prices continue to be an economic and – with the 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…

Pennsylvania pipeline capacity problem persists

(The Center Square) — Pennsylvania’s influence on national and global energy markets has grown in recent decades, but oil and natural gas advocates warn that could change. The American Petroleum Institute’s annual State of American Energy address focused on production, national security, and improving infrastructure. “We produce more energy than any country in the world,” Read More…

Energy group: Biden policies sow seeds for ‘new energy crisis’

(The Center Square) – Federal policies must focus on strengthening American energy independence, the American Petroleum Institute emphasized  Wednesday at its annual State of the American Energy conference. API CEO Mike Sommers and Senior Vice President of Policy, Economics and Regulatory Affairs Dustin Meyer blasted the Biden administration over what they called its “short-sighted” energy Read More…

GM bought out Buick dealers who opted against selling EVs

General Motors (GM) has acquired approximately half of its Buick dealerships across the United States as a result of their reluctance to promote electric vehicles (EVs) during GM’s transition to an electric future. Roughly 1,000 of GM’s 2,000 Buick dealerships opted for the voluntary buyout, which remains open for additional dealers to choose instead of 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…

GM ends Camaro model after 57 years

According to filings with the state of Michigan, General Motors (GM) is set to initiate layoffs affecting just over 1,300 workers across two Michigan plants early next year. The larger layoff, involving 945 employees at GM’s Orion Assembly plant responsible for producing Chevrolet Bolts, is scheduled to commence on January 1. However, the company has 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/

Gig workers are hiding in plain sight

Millions of Americans are engaged in informal gig work, a phenomenon not captured in the government’s official employment statistics, as indicated by recent research shedding light on the true extent of this type of employment. If a more accurate representation of Americans’ willingness to work is considered beyond conventional economic data, the job market may Read More…

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…