Welcome
We are pleased to report that the Marketing Bureau Chief position has been filled. Patty White joined the Office of Tourism and Business Development Division in this position on Monday, July 29. She brings over 20 years of marketing, communications, and management experience to her new position.
Patty served as Executive Director for Marketing and Communications at Carroll College for eight years and Director of Marketing and Communications at the Montana Nonprofit Association for five years. She also held director roles at the Holter Museum of Art, the Helena Symphony, and previously at Carroll as Director of Information Technology. Patty holds a Bachelors degree in mathematics from Carroll College and served as a City Commissioner for the City of Helena. Like us, Patty is a lover of Montana and all it has to offer – including hiking with her dog, who photo bombed this pic. Please join us in welcoming Patty to the team!
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Farewell
Congratulations and best of luck to Sean Becker as he takes on a new role with the Montana Hospital Association and Kristin Gates, who is leaving MOTBD to pursue a graduate degree in history at U of M.
Applications for Tourism Grants are now Being Accepted!
The Tourism Grant Program awards funds to projects that strengthen Montana’s economy through the development and enhancement of the State’s tourism and recreation industry. Funds are awarded annually to projects that develop and enhance tourism and recreation products that have the potential to increase non-resident visitation.
You can review the qualifiers and timeline of the Tourism Grant Program here. If you represent an eligible entity and have questions about an upcoming project, please contact Michele Cushman, Tourism Grant Program Manager at 406.841.2796 or by email at TourismGrants@mt.gov. The annual application window closes at 5:00 pm MST on September 30th!
 Photo courtesy of Simply406
Filling Teacups and Pasta Bowls from the Heart of Montana's Flathead Valley—Simply406 Grows Two Well-Known Montana Brands
Polson, Montana is known for many things. It’s home to the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Flathead cherry crops, and the towering Mission Mountains. It’s also home to a locally owned food and beverage producer which crafts enough authentic Indian masala chai to fill 1.25 million cups in a year, and enough noodles for 20 million bowls of pasta.
Simply406 co-owner Amy Kellogg says the acquisition of the Tipu’s Chai and Country Pasta brands have allowed both businesses to grow and remain in Polson. Today, both product lines are shipped to retailers around the country and even a few spots around the globe. Read more here.
Native American Made in Montana
Native American Fashion Show Highlights Traditional Clothing
Della Big Hair-Stump remembers growing up and watching her grandparents and mother beading and sewing at the dining room table. She traveled to powwows across the country and Canada with her family, where she began to collect inspiration from her heritage and upbringing within the Crow Tribe.
In 2015, Big Hair-Stump decided to start her own fashion line, Designs by Della, accenting skirts and gowns with bright colors, symmetrical designs and other traditional additions like bead work and dentalium shells to contemporary styles.
Her work has been seen in Teen Vogue Magazine and in this year’s Paris Fashion Week. On Wednesday, she was able to show people close to home who she is through her designs at a fashion show hosted by the Native American Development Corporation at the Billings Hotel & Convention Center. Read more here.
 Photos courtesy of Designs by Della
Made in Montana 2020 Tradehsow
Mark your calendars! The 2020 Tradeshow will be held March 13 (wholesale buyer day) and 14 (public day) in Helena. We will begin accepting exhibitor applications to the 2020 tradeshow at 8:00 AM on Tuesday, October 15. Wholesale buyer registration will open in in December.
Taste our Place
If you are searching for an eating or drinking establishment that serves local Montana sourced ingredients, click here. For information in developing Taste our Place in your area, please email Susan Joy or call her at 406.841.2868
Agricultural News
Prospera to Open Food and Agriculture Development Center
Prospera Business Network recently received money to form a Food and Agriculture Development Center for Park and Gallatin counties, the first program of its kind in the region.
To launch the center, the state Department of Agriculture gave Prospera about $60,000 for the next two years. The money will go toward creating a business support system for companies that make products using Montana food and agriculture materials. Read more here.
“Yellowstone” Continues its High Ratings with Viewers
The latest numbers come on top of the fact season two has just dominated the summer so far. The second episode of the season scored north of five million followers in the Live +7 ratings, and the season as a whole has averaged 4.9 million viewers. Last week's episode, “Only Devils Left” got 4.7 million viewers with the numbers that are known so far, according to a release from the Paramount Network on Monday. Read more here.
Montana based HGTV Show Begins Airing August 10
Discovery-owned home improvement channel HGTV has ordered a new home renovation series based in Montana. "Mountain Mamas" sees real estate mavens Jackie Wickens and Trecie Wheat Hughes helping their clients find their dream family homes in Big Sky, known as a great place to live for families who love the outdoors. Read more here.
Busy Summer for Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and its partner agencies have conducted more than 52,000 watercraft inspections – with more than 7,000 of those happening over the Fourth of July weekend. To date, 13 vessels with zebra or quagga mussels have been intercepted.
Several new watercraft inspection stations opened in the last couple of weeks, including the Broadus inspection station on Highway 212, operated by the Powder River Conservation District. Also new is the St. Xavier inspection station on Hwy 313, operated by the Big Horn Conservation District. The Wibaux station on I-94 is now managed and operated by the Garfield Conservation District.
FWP reminds recreationists that a new law requires motorboats with ballast and bladder bags to be decontaminated when transported into Montana from out of state or when traveling west across the Continental Divide. For more information on the prevention of Aquatic Invasive Species, click here.
Montana in the News
Tourism Partner Shout-Outs, Recognition and News
Gallatin County—Gallatin County Commission Approves Plan to Raise Hotel Fees by $2 to Help Tourism
The Gallatin County Commission put its seal of approval on a plan to add two more bucks to your hotel bill. It doesn’t sound like much but those dollars could add up to help tourism. “Just a line item on your hotel bill,” says Don Seifert, Gallatin County Commissioner. By adding two bucks to the nightly bill across just three different cities, the money adds up. “It’s about $1.2 million from the City of Bozeman, about $30,000 from the hotels and motels in Belgrade and about $13,000 from the hotels and motels in Three Forks, so it’s a sizable chunk of change,” Seifert says. Read more here.
Southeast Montana—6 Perfect Spots to Immerse Yourself in Southeast Montana's History
Featured in Budget Travel, this corner of Montana has been home to prehistoric people, dinosaurs, homesteaders, and one epic battle between the U.S. Army and Native Americans fighting to preserve their way of life. The gateway to these parts is the city of Billings. The pace of life is slower in these parts of Big Sky Country – enjoy the ride! Read more here.
Commerce Director Rice Announces Funding Opportunity for Montana Tech Companies
Montana Department of Commerce Director Tara Rice announced Thursday that the Department is now accepting applications for the Small Business Innovation Research or Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Matching Funds Program. “The opportunity for grant dollars increases the likelihood that Montana tech companies will be able to successfully develop and market new products,” Director Rice said. “This supports the development of innovative businesses and strengthens Montana’s economy.”
Grants of up to $60,000 are available for technology-based Montana companies that have been awarded a federal SBIR/STTR award. Companies previously awarded grants include DermaXon, Resonon, S&K Global Solutions, and Montana Emergent Technologies. Application guidelines and a link to apply is at MARKETMT.COM/MSMFP.
Indian Equity Fund Small Business Grant
The Indian Equity Fund (IEF) Small Business Grant is accepting applications for fiscal year 2020. Enrolled members of federally or state-recognized tribes residing in Montana may apply for funds to help start or expand their business. Up to $320,000 in funding is available, with individual awards up to $14,000. The deadline to apply is September 30. For more information, visit MARKETMT.COM/ICP/IEF.
USDA Has More Than $400 Million Still Available for Renewable Energy System and Energy Efficiency Loan Guarantees
This funding helps farmers, rural small businesses and ag producers cut energy costs. USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) is an important tool to help strengthen and grow the rural economy. For more information, click here.
ServeMontana Accepting Nominations for Third Annual Abby M. Zent Recognition
Recognition honors national service alums dedicated to volunteerism and community
Karen and Leroy Zent and the Governor’s Office of Community Service are proud to announce that nominations are open for the Abby M. Zent Service Recognition. This recognition encourages all citizens to engage in service to benefit others and to continue service throughout their lifetime.
Abby dedicated her life to service. She served two terms with AmeriCorps VISTA with the Prevention Resource Center (PRC). Abby then joined PRC staff for seven years working on antipoverty initiatives. She provided support to the Senior Companion Program and served on the Senior Corps Advisory Group for the Rocky Mountain Development Council. She volunteered with Kiwanis, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, Lewis and Clark Humane Society, Intermountain Festival of Trees, Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership, and others. Abby’s passion for serving her fellow humans knew no bounds and was evident by her yearly trips to work on homes with Esperanza International in Tijuana, Mexico.
Well suited nominees are purposeful, mission-driven, and demonstrate sustained service to others. Like Abby, nominees inspire others to serve, particularly in the areas of safe and affordable housing, youth leadership development, and the arts and culture. Montanans who have served with AmeriCorps, AmeriCorps VISTA, AmeriCorps NCCC or Senior Corps and continue to show a spirit of service throughout their lives are eligible.
To submit a nomination, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FLTCTGV . Nominations will be accepted through December 31, 2019, and recipients will be honored at the 2020 ServeMontana Symposium in Helena next March. The Governor’s Office of Community Service expands and promotes national service and community volunteerism in Montana and engages citizens in service. Visit serve.mt.gov for more information.
September 11-13, 2019—Travel Bloggers Exchange (TBEX)—(Billings)—TBEX is the largest conference and networking event for travel bloggers, online travel journalists, new media content creators, travel brands and industry professionals. Click here for more information.
September 12-13, 2019—Montana Economic Developers Association (MEDA) Fall Conference (Lewistown)—"Changing Rural Economies" The MEDA Fall Conference will focus on change and trends taking place in Montana rural economies. The goal of the conference is to inform, prepare,and equip our colleagues as we build Montana's economy...now and in the future. To register or learn more, click here.
September 22-26, 2019—Montana Association of Counties (MACo) Annual Conference (Great Falls)—For more information, click here.
September 27, 2019—3rd Annual Montana Food Show (Bozeman)—The Montana Food Show is an opportunity for food and beverage businesses to meet one on one with local producers so that they can incorporate Montana sourced items on their menus. For more information on registering as a vendor or buyer, click here.
October 2-4, 2019—Montana League of Cities and Towns Fall Conference (Billings)—For more information, click here.
October 9-10, 2019—Sustainable Destinations Workshop (Bridger Bowl Ski Area)—Learn about global trends in sustainable tourism and sustainability best practices. The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Sustainable Tourism Training Program (STTP) offers practical insights and effective steps to help improve sustainability practices. The intensive and interactive learning experience is a valuable training opportunity for professionals in tourism, hospitality, destination management and marketing, and sustainability.
For more information or to register for the workshop, click here. Early bird pricing is available through July 15. A special lodging rate for participants is being offered by Western Heritage Inn by calling 406.586.8534.
October 14-16, 2019—2019 Innovate Montana Symposium (Butte)—Click here for more information.
October 21-23, 2019—Montana Lodging & Hospitality Association (MLHA) Fall Tourism Conference & Trade Show (Missoula)—Click here for more information.
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