Featured Articles in Business

Daktronics to Participate in Craig-Hallum’s 22nd Annual Institutional Investor Conference

Daktronics, Inc. (Nasdaq: DAKT), a dynamic video communication displays and control systems company, announced today that Interim Chief Executive Officer Brad Wiemann and Acting Chief Financial Officer Howard Atkins will represent the company at the Craig-Hallum Capital Group’s 22nd Annual Institutional Investor Conference. The event will take place on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Minneapolis, Read More…

Montana Ranks Third Nationally for Lowest Unemployment

Montana continues to outperform much of the nation in employment, ranking third among U.S. states for the lowest unemployment rate, Governor Greg Gianforte announced. The state’s jobless rate held steady at 2.7% in April, trailing only South Dakota and North Dakota. The figure marks an ongoing trend of low unemployment in Montana, maintaining 46 consecutive Read More…

Buckskin Mine Honored with 2025 DEQ Excellence in Mining Reclamation Award

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has awarded the 2025 Excellence in Mining Reclamation Award in the coal category to the Buckskin Mine for its outstanding work restoring native sagebrush habitat in Campbell County. The award, which recognizes exceptional achievements in mine reclamation, will be officially presented during the 69th Annual Wyoming Mining Association Read More…

Berkshire Hathaway Surpasses Federal Reserve in T-Bill Holdings

Berkshire Hathaway, the conglomerate helmed by legendary investor Warren Buffett, has become the largest private holder of short-term U.S. government debt — and now holds more Treasury bills than even the U.S. Federal Reserve. In its latest earnings report released Saturday, Berkshire revealed it now holds $314.1 billion in short-term Treasuries as of March 31, Read More…

All in: Business

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…

Small businesses seek to avoid possible credit crunch as Federal Reserve raises rates once more

Small businesses – the heartbeat of the U.S. economy – are beginning to feel the pinch of tighter credit conditions as the Federal Reserve continues to increase borrowing costs. A flurry of headlines in recent weeks has suggested a credit crunch – meaning the availability of lending gets scarcer – is already happening. That’s in large part brought on by the actions of Read More…

Montana Veterans Acquire Wyoming-based Irrigation Company

Mullinax Irrigation & Construction Supply, which provides irrigation solutions and construction products from their headquarters in Sheridan, WY, recently announced the sale of their business to a new generation of ownership. Kevin Beagle and Dustin Frost, an Army and a National Guard Veteran, both with connections to the Billings business community, have purchased the company Read More…

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods Maintains First Interstate BancSystem Inc. – (FIBK) Market Perform Recommendation

Fintel reports that on April 28, 2023, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods maintained coverage of First Interstate BancSystem Inc. – (NASDAQ:FIBK) with a Market Perform recommendation. Analyst Price Forecast Suggests 40.35% Upside As of April 24, 2023, the average one-year price target for First Interstate BancSystem Inc. – is 37.01. The forecasts range from a low of 31.31 to a high of Read More…

NorthWestern Energy Announces Election of Sherina Maye Edwards to the Board of Directors

NorthWestern Corporation d/b/a NorthWestern Energy (Nasdaq: NWE) today announced that Sherina Maye Edwards has been elected by the company’s shareholders to the Board of Directors, bringing extensive regulatory, legal, utility infrastructure and executive experience to the independent board. Edwards is the former Chief Strategy Officer of MasTec, Inc., a NYSE-listed infrastructure construction company and former Read More…

Oklahoma blacklists 13 financial firms over ‘boycotts’ of energy industry

Oklahoma’s treasurer announced that the state will stop doing business with more than a dozen financial firms over accusations that they “boycott” the energy industry. Oklahoma Treasurer Todd Russ revealed the list of blacklisted firms on Wednesday and emphasized that they will end up losing access to billions of dollars from government entities as a result of the judgment. The Read More…

Supreme Court deals blow to oil companies by turning away climate cases

The Supreme Court on Monday allowed lawsuits brought by municipalities seeking to hold energy companies accountable for climate change to move forward in a loss for business interests. The court turned away oil company appeals in five cases involving claims brought by cities and municipalities in Colorado, Maryland, California, Hawaii and Rhode Island as part of efforts to Read More…

ChatGPT and Generative AI in Payments: Reality, Hype, What’s Next, and How to Prepare

ChatGPT, a conversational AI model built by OpenAI, is the most talked-about technology of 2023. And it has caught the attention of payments services providers keen to unlock the potential of the generative AI that powers it. Generative AI is set to revolutionize various sub-verticals within the payments industry. The most significant impact is expected Read More…

Musk slashes Twitter down to about 1,000 employees: report

Two people familiar with the company told Business Insider that the headcount is “much lower” than the 1,500 employees CEO Elon Musk had told BBC News remained on staff, particularly when excluding remaining contract workers. The billionaire did not specify whether his total included such employees. The outlet said getting closer to 1,000 means Twitter’s workforce is Read More…