June Monthly: Tools to improve your online presence, Fall Food and Beverage Shows, and more!

MADE IN MONTANA

Made in Montana, Grown in Montana, Native American Made in Montana

Made in Montana Monthly

June 2020

Our logo is a badge of honor for artisans, growers, manufacturers and craftspeople working for something bigger than the bottom line


items Made in Montana

Made in Montana - Three Brand Pillars

What we stand for

We are a badge of honor for artisans, growers and craftspeople working for something bigger than the bottom line.

Pillar 1: A Cut Above - Not just anyone can use this brand. In Montana, we hold each other to a higher standard - we are tougher, friendlier, and more likely to come through in a pinch. The things we make and grow here should live up to the same ideals. If it's produced in Montana, it's produced with pride.

Pillar 2: Montana Through and Through - A reflection of the qualities that make Montana great. Montana is known for its spectacular, unspoiled nature, charming small towns, hospitality and breathtaking experiences. The people and products that wear this badge carry a piece of that reputation with them, sharing the Last Best Place with the world.

Pillar 3: Here by Choice - Working here is a privilege, not a hurdle. The choice to build or relocate a business here tells you a lot about the people and companies that have done it. We are not just producing and harvesting - we are choosing a better way of doing things.


Training

Is your online presence working for you?

1. Google your business!  Did you know that a Google listing is free? Put google to work for you.  More information from Google https://www.google.com/business/

2. Review your website. Is the information correct, up-to-date, and easy to find for customers? The US Chamber of Commerce offers some tips for  businesses: https://www.uschamber.com/co/grow/sales/ways-to-drive-website-traffic

3. Develop or update your social media strategy. Hootsuite offers a free social media strategy template to help you develop or tweak your strategy https://blog.hootsuite.com/how-to-create-a-social-media-marketing-plan/

4. Talk to your customers through email as part of an online marketing strategy.  Smart Retailer has a three part series with information to start or re-start an email newsletter. https://smart-retailer.com/how-to-build-an-email-list-part-i/


food show logo

Montana Food Show - Hosted by Montana Department of Agriculture

The  4th annual Montana Food Show is Monday, October 26 in Missoula at the Hilton Garden Inn.  Early bird registration is now open!  This is a wholesale show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., there are no public hours.  Learn more at https://agr.mt.gov/MTFoodShow.  

Contact Marty Earnheart for more information. 406.444.9126 | mearnheart@mt.gov

The Dept of Agriculture continues to plan the MT Food Show and is closely monitoring the current public health situation.  If the show has to be canceled or postponed for public health reasons, all booth fees will be refunded.


Montana Beverage Show

Montana Beverage Show - November 9

Montana beverages require a show of their own – especially Montana wine, cider, craft beer, and spirits. The Montana Beverage Show, hosted by Montana Department of Agriculture, will highlight those beverages along with tea, juice, mixers, and coffee.

The show will be held at the Delta Hotel Helena Colonial in Helena on Monday, November 9, 2020.

Visit www.beverageshow.mt.gov for more information.


COVID-19 RESOURCES

  • Montana COVID-19 Hotline: 1-888-333-0461 or COVID19info@mt.gov 
  • Montana Coronavirus task force: COVID19@MT.GOV
  • If you are a business owner and have questions related to the the phased approach to reopening and how the plan applies to you directly, please call 1-800-755-6672.
  • If your question relates to unemployment insurance/benefits, please contact the Department of Labor and Industry at 406-444-2545. If you think you are eligible for unemployment benefits accessible to workers laid off due to COVID-19, you can apply for benefits online at: www.montanaworks.gov or contact the Unemployment Insurance Division over the phone at 406-444-2545.
  • CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html

Visit Montana: VISITMT.COM or 1-800-847-4868 Click to edit this placeholder text.


Relief Grants and Loans Available for Businesses, Nonprofits, Individuals 

Governor Steve Bullock has launched more than a dozen new programs to support businesses, nonprofits, homeowners and renters whether the impacts of COVID-19. Learn more about funding opportunities and how to apply for grant or loan dollars at COVIDRELIEF.MT.GOV.