Business

News from the MT Dept. of Labor and Industry HELENA — Montana’s private sector payrolls rose by 1,800 jobs in October, led by job gains in the manufacturing, professional and business services, and accommodation and food services industries, according to data from the Montana Department of Labor and Industry and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. As in previous months, Montana’s labor force growth led to a rise in the unemployment rate to 3% in October, still hovering near historic lows in the state. The unemployment rate for the U.S. rose to 3.7%.   “Despite growing economic headwinds coming from the nation’s capital, Montana’s economy ...

RONAN — The Ronan Cooperative Brewery found itself on the pages of Craft Brewing Magazine recently when their Forbidden City Amber was listed as one of contributing editor Kate Bernot’s best beers of 2022. Described by Craft Beer and Brewing magazine as “one of the most respected voices ...

By Taylor Davison / Valley Journal POLSON — The Saturday after Thanksgiving will see local businesses open their doors for this year’s Small Business Saturday.  A national movement to encourage support for local economies, Polson will participate this year with businesses downtown and ...

MISSOULA — Ada Smith didn’t own any camoe when she started hunting. Or a range finder, or decoys or turkey calls.   The Ph.D. candidate in the University of Montana College of Forestry was fortunate to befriend a community of adult-onset hunters and mentors who lent her the gear and taugh...

News from the Polson Chamber of Commerce NORTHWEST MONTANA — Glacier Country Tourism is excited to announce that Missoula has been selected as the destination for next year’s Northwest USA Spotlight, April 16-18, 2023. This is an excellent opportunity for Glacier Country Tourism partner hote...

News from the Montana Contractors Association HELENA — The Montana Contractors Association (MCA) is thrilled to announce that the Build Montana education program is the recipient of the 2022 Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) National Chapter Workforce Development Award. “Bui...

RONAN — The Ronan Cooperative Brewery is looking to incorporate more members of the community going into November.  Several local businesses and organizations have taken over trivia in the past few months, from U.S. Fish and Wildlife to Mere’s Magic Universe and Tea. But as things begin t...

News from St. Luke RONAN — Several years ago, St. Luke Community Healthcare transitioned to performing sports physicals as part of a student athlete’s annual well child check. “This change offered a more comprehensive check-up for the athletes,” said Whitney Liegakos, PR Manager ...

News from the office of Governor Gianforte   KALISPELL — On Oct. 5, Governor Greg Gianforte announced his plans to cut taxes for Montana’s small businesses, farmers, and ranchers. The governor unveiled his plan to reform the business equipment tax in the 2023 Legislative Session, buildin...

News from the Polson Chamber of Commerce POLSON — The Directors of the Polson Chamber of Commerce are seeking Requests for Proposals to contract with a business or an Independent Contractor to manage our Flower Basket Program. Background: In the early 1990s, a small group of community members r...