Choose Local
As Montana is reopening, we encourage you to support your local businesses. If you are interested in locally sourced ingredients, check out this list of our Taste our Place members and savor Montana flavor. You can also find Made in Montana producers and retailers in your area by visiting MADEINMONTANAUSA.com.
Agriculture
Six Agritourism Ideas for Native Farmers and Ranchers from the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA)
AIANTA is focused on helping tribes showcase their heritage to visitors in a manner that helps drive economic prosperity while also protecting cultural integrity. Included in that cultural heritage are traditional growing and agricultural practices, an area that is becoming increasingly popular with travelers.
There are plenty of economic benefits for farmers and ranchers interested in supplementing their farm or ranch income with an agritourism program. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, there are nearly 80,000 Native American or Alaska Native farm producers in the United States, and those farmers generated some $3.5 billion in receipts.
Because traditional Native American cultivation and harvesting are not limited to farms and ranches in the modern sense, tribal agritourism can incorporate a much broader scope than most traditional farms.
Many communities around the country are harnessing travelers’ increasing interest in food and farming as a way to invest back into their own traditional cuisine and food systems. Utilizing the revenues generated from agritourism receipts can lead to a stronger food sovereignty program for the entire community.
The key to success doesn’t necessarily mean implementing giant changes to your existing operation. Starting small can be a good way for busy entrepreneurs to test the waters. This young farmer, for example, launched his career with his “Name a Duck for a Buck” program.
Tribes interested in exploring ways to supplement their agriculture revenue can find more ideas from AIANTA here. They include:
- You Pick 'Em
- Festival Fun
- Friendly Competition
- Please Feed the Animals
- Showcase Traditional Practices
- Bed & Breakfast
Interim Marketing Bureau Chief
Marlee Iverson has assumed the role of Interim Marketing Bureau Chief as Patty White recently departed MOTBD to pursue new adventures.
Marlee has worked for the Department of Commerce for many years and is the current manager of the International Marketing program. She brings great knowledge and leadership to the position.
Marlee has vast familiarity with the bed tax budget, marketing campaigns, the international and domestic traveler, an understanding of the working relationships within the Marketing Bureau as well as the division, and great relationships with partners. Please join us in welcoming Marlee to the interim Marketing Bureau Chief position!
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New Beginnings at the Office of Indian Country Economic Development
After nearly 14 years with the Department of Commerce, Heather Sobrepena is transitioning to a new role as a Project Manager for the Center for Indian Country Development at the Helena Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. Heather will continue her work strengthening the economies of Indian Country. Her colleagues at Commerce wish her all the best in her new position and look forward to collaborating on future projects!
While Commerce prepares to fill the vacancy permanently, Maria Valandra has accepted the position of Interim Program Manager for the Office of Indian Country Economic Development (OICED). In combination with her existing duties, Maria will be the point of contact for the following programs:
- Tribal Business Planning Grant (TBGP)
- Native American Business Advisor (NABA) Grant
- Indian Equity Fund (IEF) Small Business Grant
- Native American Collateral Support (NACS)
It’s a big job, but Maria has support from her OICED colleagues. Here’s how to reach everyone:
Maria Valandra, Interim Program Manager Maria.Valandra@mt.gov | 406.841.2061
Dan Iverson, Tribal Tourism Officer DIverson@mt.gov | 406.841.2734
Billie LeDeau, STEDC Program Manager Billie.LeDeau@mt.gov | 406.841.2754
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Dino Trail Program Gets Thumbs Up Response from Hysham Family
Earlier this month the Roberts family from Hysham completed the Montana Dinosaur Trail. In their t-shirt order the mom wrote "Thank you for sponsoring the Dino Trail! The girls had a blast as did their parents. What a great program to learn about our great state! Keep it up. P.S. Us parents should get t-shirts too!"
In response, the parents were told that t-shirts were a reward tied to purchase of the passports and visiting all 14 facilities and their communities. In consideration of their request, a representative from the Dino Trail told them that if they wanted to purchase two passports at the online price of $7 each plus postage, $20 total, the passports would be considered filled since they were the escorts for their daughters and send them t-shirts. They agreed, sent the money, and here's their response when the family's shirts arrived:
"The t-shirts are AWESOME!! Thank you for sending us adults shirts also. The girls were visiting friends so we waited to open both packages until they were home. Super excited about the shirts. Not sure whether to wear it or save it! 🙂 This is a great program for anyone to use as an "excuse" to explore our great state. (As if we need an excuse 🙂 ) We will definitely be sharing our adventures with others. Thank you again......The Roberts family"
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Yellowstone Announces Lottery for 2020-2021 Non-Commercially Guided Snowmobile Access Program
The lottery for a Yellowstone National Park snowmobile permit without a commercial guide for the 2020-21 season will be open from August 1-31, the National Park Service announced in a July 24 press release.
Successful applicants will be notified in September, and unclaimed permits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis starting Oct. 1. Authorized in 2013, the Non-commercially Guided Snowmobile Access Program allows one group of up to five snowmobiles per day to enter Yellowstone from each of its four winter entrances. Read more from the National Park Service here.
Montana in the News Tourism Partner Shout-Outs, Recognition and News
Missoula—Economic Leaders Praise Expansion of Alaska Airlines Service in Missoula—Tourism and economic leaders on Tuesday praised a move by Alaska Airlines to provide daily nonstop service from Missoula to three California cities, including two near the Silicon Valley, which could aid further economic growth.
Described as the single largest expansion of air service in Missoula history, Alaska plans to begin the routes to San Jose, San Francisco and San Diego next March.
Local tourism officials are already looking for ways to market the service and promote travel to and from Missoula as they attempt to move past the challenges of 2020 and back into a more vibrant economy.
Combined with Alaska’s existing nonstop service from Missoula to Los Angeles, Seattle and Portland, the three new routes open the entire West Coast to Missoula, and Missoula to the West Coast. Read more from the Missoula Current here.
Montana—Montana Tourism Industry Riding Pandemic Highs and Lows; Recovery Could Take Time—The impacts of COVID-19 on the state’s tourism industry remain anecdotal, with a closure here and limited service there.
While raw figures aren’t yet available for the summer season, those in the industry have seen points of promise and signs of trouble, all depending on where one looks.
“This year is all about camping. It’s probably the most popular thing right now. It’s definitely the year for that,” said Racine Friede, president and CEO of Glacier Country Tourism. “But anything to do with indoor stuff, they’re struggling.”
Campgrounds across western Montana have been packed ever since the camping season began. By early July, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reported “a real uptick” in use of its sites, and Glacier National Park for a short time considered a ticketed entry system to manage congestion. Read more from KPAX here.
Complete the 2020 Census Now!
Filling out the Census is quick, easy, and safe. It will take less than 10 minutes to complete and your information and privacy are protected by federal law. Montanans can fill out their Census forms online at my2020census.gov or by phone at 1.844.330.2020. The Census is also available via TDD (Telephone Display Device) at 844.467.2020. Learn more at CENSUS.MT.GOV.
Millennial Meeting Planners and How CVBs Can Engage With Them
Destination Analysts’ latest meeting planner research found that Millennial-aged planners are less engaged with CVBs compared to those in older generations–a critical issue for the industry. During our webinar on July 21st, Vice President, Kimberly Vince-Cruz, interviewed a panel of meeting planners about their opinions on why this is and what CVBs can do to build and better the relationship with these planners. To watch the webinar from July 21 or see highlights from the discussion, click here.
October 4-6, 2020—Northwest USA Spotlight Tourism Conference (Helena)—Spotlight is a 2.5 day tourism conference with educational seminars, networking functions, site-seeing tours and a supplier trade show. Attendance will consist of 30-35 QUALIFIED group tour operators and buyers (coming from all over the US and Canada) along with about 25-30 Suppliers. For more information, click here.
October 6-8, 2020—The 2020 NAISMA (North American Invasive Species Management Association) Annual Conference (Virtual)—The 2020 NAISMA Annual Conference will be held on a virtual platform rather than our traditional in-person meeting in order to keep everyone safe and healthy.
This year’s virtual conference will be presented live during the conference dates. Sessions will also be recorded for post-event attendee access. Attendees will be able to log in to view presentations for up to 1 year after the event. To learn more, click here.
October 20, 2020 (Sidney) and October 22, 2020 (Butte)—Rise and Restore Small Business Summit—The Rise and Restore Small Business Summit is in response to COVID-19. Hear how industry experts and other small business owners have been maintaining their business, stabilizing their profit and protecting their team in response to COVID-19. To learn more or register, click here.
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