Travelers heading to Montana this summer may face sticker shock at the rental car counter. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) has been named the most expensive airport in the country for car rentals, according to a new survey from travel website Cheapcarrental.com. The survey, which analyzed rental rates across 100 U.S. airports for the peak Read More…
Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: BAER), one of the nation’s leading aerial firefighting companies, today praised the recent Executive Order aimed at restructuring the U.S. wildland firefighting system and emphasized the impact of a significant increase in the Department of the Interior’s fiscal 2026 budget request. Sam Davis, CEO of Bridger Aerospace, said, “Bridger Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte announced the appointment of State Representative Marta Bertoglio as the new Director of the Montana Department of Commerce, signaling a continued focus on economic growth and job creation in the state. “Marta has been a strong partner in the Legislature and is a driven leader, dedicated to making Montana the best place Read More…
Performance Engineering continues to gain national attention for combining rapid growth with a people-first workplace culture, earning two prestigious 2025 awards from the Zweig Group: Best Firms to Work For and Hot Firm. The Montana-based civil engineering firm was recognized as one of the 100 fastest-growing Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) firms in the U.S. Read More…
Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. (NASDAQ: EBMT), the holding company for Opportunity Bank of Montana, reported a 26.7% increase in net income for the fourth quarter of 2024, reaching $3.4 million, or $0.44 per diluted share. This marks an improvement from $2.7 million ($0.34 per share) in the previous quarter and a 58.6% increase from $2.2 Read More…
Glacier Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: GBCI) reported a 21% increase in net income for the fourth quarter of 2024, reaching $61.8 million, up from $51.1 million in Q3 2024 and 14% higher than Q4 2023’s $54.3 million. Diluted earnings per share rose 20% from the previous quarter to $0.54, marking a 10% increase from the same Read More…
SITKA Gear, a leader in technical hunting and outdoor apparel, is set to open its newest retail store in Columbus, Ohio, with a grand opening celebration on January 11, 2025. The 3,430-square-foot store, located at 4173 Worth Ave., will offer customers a hands-on shopping experience featuring SITKA’s premium hunting and outdoor gear. The Columbus location Read More…
Council Members Founding Members One third of small businesses are experimenting with gen AI and a quarter of them are already seeing the upside, according to a recent small business survey. One of the biggest benefits is getting ahead in the race for talent, with gen AI-equipped small businesses 45% more likely to fill open Read More…
Montana Housing Market Faces “Frozen” Conditions Amid Affordability Crisis Montana’s housing market is experiencing what experts describe as a deep freeze, and a single statistic highlights why: roughly 80% of mortgage holders in the state have interest rates 2% to 3% lower than current market rates. For most homeowners, selling their property and buying another Read More…
NorthWestern Energy has announced agreements to supply significant amounts of electricity to two proposed data centers in Montana, with combined power demands set to exceed the capacity of the state’s newest gas-fired power plant. The development raises questions about Montana’s energy infrastructure and its ability to meet growing demand while maintaining reliable service. The larger Read More…
Montana’s unemployment rate remained at 3.2% in November, continuing an unprecedented stretch of low unemployment that has persisted for 41 consecutive months, with rates at or below 3.4%. The state’s historic run surpasses the previous record set in 2006-2007 when unemployment rates stayed at or below 3.4% for 15 months. In November alone, Montana added Read More…
Frontier Asset Management, an independent asset management firm, has officially launched its suite of actively managed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). These ETFs are designed to enhance Frontier’s multi-asset Active ETF Strategies, with the goal of providing attractive risk-adjusted returns for investors. The Frontier ETF suite consists of six actively Read More…
The U.S. Treasury Department delayed a Jan. 1, 2025, deadline to file a new “beneficial ownership information” report by about two weeks, to Jan. 13. It delayed the BOI reporting requirement following recent federal court rulings. The requirement was created by the Corporate Transparency Act, which aims to curb illicit finance. Janet Yellen, U.S. Treasury Read More…
Gov. Greg Gianforte, U.S. Senator Steve Daines, U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke, and the Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) announced that Montana has secured a $3.5 million federal grant to assist workers recently laid off from the Sibanye-Stillwater Mine in the state’s largest recent mining workforce reduction. “This grant is a vital step in Read More…
(The Center Square) – Methane emissions from the largest oil- and natural gas-producing basins fell 44% between 2011 and 2013, according to newly published data from the Environmental Protection Agency. According to the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, methane emissions dropped in seven oil- and natural gas-producing basins by up to 87% from 2019-2023. The Read More…
The Montana Department of Commerce announced today the allocation of more than $37 million in federal housing tax credits to support the construction of new affordable housing in five Montana communities. The funding will help address the growing need for affordable housing in the state, with 136 new homes planned in Billings, Bozeman, Dillon, Missoula, Read More…
Montana State University students showcased their entrepreneurial spirit at the annual Big Idea Challenge on Nov. 7, earning $10,000 in prize money for innovative projects ranging from sustainable food products to medical equipment. The competition, hosted by the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship and MSU’s Blackstone LaunchPad, featured 12 finalist teams selected from Read More…
The Montana Department of Revenue has issued a reminder to business owners with equipment reporting requirements to submit their reports for Tax Year 2025. Businesses and individuals owning business equipment with a total market value exceeding $1 million statewide as of January 1, 2025, must file their reports by March 1, 2025, to avoid a Read More…
(The Center Square) – A federal judge has blocked the $24.6 billion proposed merger between Albertsons and Kroger in response to a lawsuit filed against it by the Federal Trade Commission and several states. In the ruling, Oregon-based U.S. District Judge Adrienne Nelson argued that the merger “is a plausible, relevant market for antitrust purposes,” Read More…
The Montana Department of Commerce has announced the opening of the 2024 Big Sky Film Grant (BSFG), offering financial support to filmmakers creating projects that showcase Montana’s unique landscapes, culture, and talent. The grant program is open for applications until February 7, 2025 and is designed to foster growth and opportunities for Montana-based film and Read More…
The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced today that 10 businesses have been approved for a combined total of $6,628,000 in loans through the North Dakota Development Fund, Inc. (NDDF). The funding aims to drive economic growth, create jobs, and address critical community needs across the state. “The NDDF is dedicated to fostering growth by Read More…
Steve D. Scheel, the board chairman emeritus of SCHEELS, has been named the 50th recipient of North Dakota’s Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award, the state’s highest honor for its citizens. Gov. Doug Burgum presented the award today, celebrating Scheel’s achievements in building SCHEELS into a leading retail brand known for its exceptional customer service, leadership, Read More…
(The Center Square) – Nearly 40% of all Americans plan to shop on Black Friday, to kick off the holiday shopping season. Holiday sales are already expected to once again break records this year, with the National Retail Federation expecting a total holiday spending of between $979.5 billion to $989 billion in November and December, compared Read More…
NI Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: NODK) announced today that Seth C. Daggett will take on the role of President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective December 1, 2024. Daggett, who has over 20 years of industry experience, most recently served as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Treasurer. He succeeds Cindy L. Launer, who had Read More…
Micron Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: MU) has announced that it will hold its fiscal first-quarter earnings conference call on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. Mountain Time. The call will be webcast live and can be accessed via the company’s Investor Relations website at http://investors.micron.com/. A replay of the presentation will be available on the Read More…
In recognition of National Apprenticeship Week, Governor Greg Gianforte and the Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) have announced a significant increase in apprenticeship opportunities across the state. According to a new report, the number of Montanans enrolled in active apprenticeships reached a record high of 3,150 at the end of September 2024, marking Read More…
Glacier Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: GBCI), the parent company of Montana’s Glacier Bank, announced on November 20, 2024, that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.33 per share. This marks the company’s 159th consecutive quarterly dividend and highlights its impressive track record of 49 dividend increases since its founding. The dividend will be Read More…
Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: BAER, BAERW), one of the nation’s leading aerial firefighting companies, has announced record financial results for the third quarter of 2024, marking a strong performance driven by high demand for its Super Scooper fleet. As a result, the company has raised its revenue guidance for the year and narrowed Read More…
Idaho-based 7k Metals is set to make waves in the numismatic world with the launch of one of its largest and most innovative coins: the 1-kilo Grand Canyon silver coin. This impressive collector’s piece, part of the company’s Topography collection, will debut on Black Friday, November 29, 2024, with a limited minting of just 77 Read More…
Daktronics, Inc. (NASDAQ: DAKT), a global leader in display systems, announced today that it will release its second-quarter fiscal 2025 financial results on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, before the market opens. The company will hold a conference call and webcast to discuss the results at 10:00 AM CT that day. Reece A. Kurtenbach, CEO, and Read More…
Legendary investor Warren Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A, NYSE: BRK.B), continues to captivate the financial world with his investment moves. As of November 14, Berkshire’s Class A shares have delivered a staggering cumulative return exceeding 5,660,000% under Buffett’s nearly six decades of leadership. Recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reveal Read More…
Goldman Sachs is considering spinning out its technology platform under the bank’s digital assets business, the company announced on Monday. The spin-out is still in its early planning stages, with the firm aiming to establish the new entity within the next 12 to 18 months. The platform, known as GS DAP, focuses on digital assets Read More…
agle Bancorp Montana, Inc. (NASDAQ: EBMT), the parent company of Opportunity Bank of Montana, announced today a net income of $2.7 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2024. This marks an increase from the previous quarter’s net income of $1.7 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, and is consistent with Read More…
Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (“Bridger” or “Bridger Aerospace”) (NASDAQ: BAER, BAERW), one of the largest aerial firefighting companies in the United States, has announced that it will release its financial results for the third quarter ending September 30, 2024, on Monday, November 11, 2024, after the market closes. Management will host an investor conference Read More…
lack Hills Corp. (NYSE: BKH) announced today that its board of directors declared a quarterly dividend during a meeting held on October 28, 2024. Common shareholders on record as of the close of business on November 18, 2024, will receive a dividend of $0.65 per share, payable on December 1, 2024. Additionally, the company confirmed Read More…
(The Center Square) – Tens of millions of federal tax dollars are coming to Illinois to further support Rockford’s electric grid. During an event in front of a banner saying “Biden-Harris Administration; Investing in America,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced the $50 million in federal tax funds coming to the community to help achieve his “ambitious Read More…
Montana State University (MSU) Extension is set to launch the first Cattle Academy, a biennial regional conference for beef cattle producers, on November 19-20 at the Custer County Event Center, located at 72 Garryowen Road. The Cattle Academy aims to equip beef cattle producers with valuable insights on contemporary topics, current research, and innovative technologies Read More…
U.S. Senator Steve Daines today condemned new guidance issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury regarding the Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit (45X), labeling it a “cynical and desperate attempt to get votes before the election.” Daines’ remarks came after the Treasury made minor adjustments to its draft guidance, which he had previously criticized for Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte joined community leaders today to announce a $700 million investment aimed at enhancing affordable and reliable energy in Montana through the North Plains Connector Interregional Innovation project. This initiative will establish the first high-voltage transmission line connecting Montana’s eastern and western power grids. “Access to affordable and reliable energy is a top Read More…
(The Center Square) – Short on the heels of another major refinery closure, Valero signaled it is considering closing its two California refineries that produce over 14% of the state’s gasoline. Refinery closures already have the state importing 8% of its gasoline supply, which means the state could soon have to significantly increase its imports Read More…
The Wyoming Business Council (WBC) is proud to announce the launch of a new Job Board through Wyoming Venture Capital (WYVC), aimed at enhancing support for its portfolio companies and partners. This initiative addresses the ongoing challenges of recruiting qualified talent in Wyoming while providing job seekers with a streamlined resource to explore employment opportunities Read More…
Montana State University’s Department of Agricultural Economics and Economics, in collaboration with MSU Extension, will host the 18th Annual Agricultural Economics Conference from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, November 8. The event will take place at the Best Western GranTree Inn, located at 1325 N. Seventh Ave. in Bozeman. This year’s conference is Read More…
After closing over 100 locations and filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May, Red Lobster has announced the appointment of Damola Adamolekun as its new CEO. The seafood restaurant chain, which has been a staple for 56 years, has faced significant challenges, including a leadership shake-up with five CEOs since 2021. Adamolekun, 35, expressed Read More…
The Montana Department of Commerce has announced the launch of a new grant program aimed at supporting rural and tribal agricultural businesses while promoting economic diversification throughout the state. The funding will be provided through the newly established Agritourism Grants Program. Paul Green, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce, stated, “This new grant program Read More…