Montana is set to become a global leader in smart photonic sensing systems. In July 2024, the state’s Headwaters Tech Hub received a $41 million grant from the Regional Technology and Innovation Hub Program. The hub will encompass the regions of
Kalispell, Missoula, Butte-Silver Bow and Bozeman and eventually create up to 4,000 jobs within the photonics industry. Meanwhile, weapons and defense manufacturers continue to announce new groundbreakings or expansions in the state. In December 2023, German company Vacom announced a $90 million plant and 500 new jobs in Lewistown, and Brixtel Defense cut the ribbon in January 2024 on a $125 million expansion at its operations in Dawson County.
Big Sky Trust Fund: Offers incentives of up to $7,500 per job for job for land, equipment, rehabilitation costs and employee training for projects in high-poverty areas.
Private Sector Workforce Training Grant: Offers up to $5,000 for training expenses per eligible job created.
New or Expanding Industry Tax Abatement: Offers a tax abatement of up to 75% for the first five years of operation to businesses that earn half or more of their annual gross income from out-of-state sales.
New Markets Tax Credit: Offers credits that can be used or sold for projects that have at least a $4 million investment.
Montana Department of Commerce
business.mt.gov
Montana Business Assistance Connection
mbac.biz
Missoula Economic Partnership
missoulapartnership.com
Big Sky Economic Development
bigskyeconomicdevelopment.org
Gov. Greg Gianforte and the Department of Labor announced in October 2024 a pilot program to hire and train veterans with disabilities to operate heavy construction equipment from a remote and accessible location. The state is starting the program with a $325,000 grant and a partnership with Knife River and RDO Equipment Company at the Knife River gravel pit in Belgrade.
Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
