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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-12-25 Correspondence - MT Dept. of Commerce - Commerce Quarterly Newsletter_ Q1, 2025From:Montana Department of CommerceTo:Bozeman Public CommentSubject:[EXTERNAL]Commerce Quarterly Newsletter: Q1, 2025Date:Wednesday, February 12, 2025 11:01:52 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Recent Commerce News and Success Stories Commerce Quarterly Newsletter First Quarter, 2025 Welcome to the “Commerce Quarterly,” a newsletter designed to provide constituents and stakeholders with long-form updates on The Montana Department of Commerce’s success stories, as well as innovative opportunities to engage with the department and participate in building the future of Montana’s economy. This newsletter is delivered FULL ARTICLE four times per year covering a variety of topics to showcase the many ways Commerce is working with businesses and community leaders across the state. Commerce’s Presence at the SHOT Show Promotes Economic Expansion for Montana Communities Gov. Gianforte and Director Green with others Governor Gianforte visits Director Paul Green and others at the Montana Department of Commerce 2025 SHOT Show booth. Photo by Sky Vault Media. Montana’s presence at the annual SHOT Show, hosted by the Firearm Industry Trade Association, has become a cornerstone of the state’s efforts to attract innovative businesses in the firearm and outdoor recreation industries. With over 2,500 exhibitors and more than 50,000 attendees from all 50 states and 115 countries, the SHOT Show showcases innovations in shooting, hunting and outdoor trade. FULL ARTICLE Commerce’s Automation LoanProgram ModernizesManufacturing and ImprovesEfficiency While RetainingMontana Jobs The Montana Department of Commerce is making strides in strengthening local economies and modernizing the manufacturing landscape through the Montana Automation Loan Program. Designed to assist businesses seeking to upgrade or replace production equipment, this program focuses on enhancing efficiency, reducing manual labor and addressing workforce shortages throughout the state. Darcova Cobot Arm Cobot arm installed by Darcova with funds from the Automation Loan Program. Photo by Darcova, Inc. Commerce Facilitates Trade Missions to Help Montana CompaniesCultivate Economic Stability, Expand Global Reach FULL ARTICLE Commerce International Marketing Officer Rebecca Bruno and attending business owners at the ADIPEC show in Abu Dhabi. Photo by Montana Department of Commerce. The Montana Department of Commerce strives to help local businesses thrive by connecting them with global opportunities. One of the ways Commerce accomplishes this is by facilitating trade missions, allowing companies to establish international partnerships and participate in global trade shows. Small Business DevelopmentCenter Helps PlentywoodFamily Purchase Local One-Stop Shop North Post, a sporting goods and lifestyle store in Plentywood, was re- established in late 2023 by Cheryl Cheryl Bjorgen and family at the North Post - Photo courtesy of Cheryl Bjorgen. FULL ARTICLE Bjorgen of MBS Adventures, LLC. The store offers a broad range of products and services, including apparel, athletic gear, customization, engraving, firearms, fishing equipment and even Tropical Sno and hard ice cream. FULL ARTICLE Ensuring Safe and Affordable Housing: The Vital Role of On- Site Inspections The Montana Department of Commerce is committed to improving the lives of Montana citizens by ensuring access to safe, secure and affordable housing. One of the most significant ways Commerce achieves this is through on-site inspections conducted by various teams in Commerce’s Housing MT Division and the administratively attached Montana Board of Housing. Sweetgrass Commons in Missoula - Photo courtesy of Homeword. Montana Main Street Program Revitalizes Downtowns Across the State While Preserving Historical Charm FULL ARTICLE Light Bike Trail Sandstone Gallery The Light Bike Trail in downtown Billings, a project awarded through the MMS grant. Photo courtesy of the Downtown Billings Association. The Montana Main Street program, established in 2005, has played a transformative role in revitalizing downtown areas across the state, with 38 member communities benefiting from its services. Administered by the Montana Department of Commerce, this program fosters economic vitality, preserves historic resources and promotes cultural heritage. Montana Heritage CommissionRevitalizes Reeder’s Alley byPromoting ImmersiveHistorical Experiences As a state with a uniquely rich heritage, Montana’s historic landmarks Reeder’s Alley during Christmas celebrations. Photo by Jacob McEachern. FULL ARTICLE are a key part of what makes its communities and tourism destinations vibrant. The Montana Heritage Commission, administratively attached to the Montana Department of Commerce, has been a steward of Montana’s history since its creation in 1997, preserving and managing historic resources across the state. FULL ARTICLE Pilot Community Grant Program Helps Destinations Grow Tourism Appeal The Pilot Community Tourism Grant Program, administered by the Montana Department of Commerce, has emerged as a valuable resource for rural communities seeking to enhance their appeal as visitor destinations. This state-funded initiative provides financial support to communities for developing tourism assets, infrastructure and programs that stimulate local economies while preserving the unique qualities that make Montana special. Anaconda. Photo by Montana Department of Commerce. More about Commerce The Montana Department of Commerce works alongside business and community leaders throughout Montana to assist in growing Montana's economy, planning for growth in our communities and facilitating affordable housing for Montanans. Commerce's programs provide funding and investment opportunities, technical assistance and research and data services. Commerce's website provides additional program information, news and events. Each edition of the Commerce Quarterly is comprised of a small sample of the many services and programs provided by dedicated staff every day. You can subscribe to receive the Commerce Weekly Roundup email that provides a short, succinct weekly update on Commerce grants and loans, meetings and events and other important dates and updates. You can also sign up for Commerce's Made in Montana newsletter, Commerce press releases and other Commerce email communications. Subscribe to More Montana Department of Commerce 301 S Park Ave, Helena, MT 59620 Contact Us: 406-841-2700 commerce.mt.gov This email was sent to comments@bozeman.net using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: MontanaDepartment of Commerce · P.O. Box 200501 · Helena, MT 59620-0501 View as a webpage Unsubscribe Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on yourSubscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. Discover information about additional topics at Commerce. Sign up for more topics. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com. Montana Department of Commerce 301 S Park Ave, Helena, MT 59620 406-841-2700