|
Commerce Quarterly Newsletter
Third Quarter, 2025
Welcome to the “Commerce Quarterly,” a newsletter designed to provide constituents and stakeholders with long-form updates on the Montana Department of Commerce’s success stories, as well as innovative opportunities to engage with the department and participate in building the future of Montana’s economy. This newsletter is delivered four times per year covering a variety of topics to showcase the many ways Commerce is working with businesses and community leaders across the state.
 Marta Bertoglio was appointed director of the Montana Department of Commerce in June. Photo credit: Commerce.
It has been a great honor to serve as the director of the Montana Department of Commerce and to have the opportunity to serve my fellow Montanans alongside the great talent at Commerce to further grow Montana’s economy. Since accepting the appointment to this position in June, I have met with countless individuals and organizations who are steadfast in their commitment to improving Montana’s economy and the wellbeing of their fellow Montanans. I’ve learned that it’s a team effort and there are many stakeholders launching our state to the frontlines of innovation, technology and housing solutions to position Montana as a national and global leader on so many fronts.
|
|
 The Nevada City Hotel was among the five historic properties originally available for long-term lease through Commerce’s Montana Heritage Commission in Nevada City, Virginia City and Reeder’s Alley. Photo credit: Commerce.
In June, the Montana Heritage Preservation and Development Commission, a program of the Montana Department of Commerce, announced the passage of House Bill 680. This 2025 legislation allows the MHC to enter into longer-term leasing contracts with private organizations to manage, restore and preserve historic properties in Virginia City, Nevada City and Reeder’s Alley in Helena. On Sept. 5, the commission reviewed the first round of applications for this program. Applications are due quarterly, three days before commission meetings. Commission meetings are held the first Friday in March, June, September and December; the next round of applications will be due Tuesday, Dec. 2.
|
|
 Left: VACOM General Manager Marcel Klessen, architect Jason Davis, Gov. Greg Gianforte and VACOM CEO Jens Bergner at the ribbon cutting ceremony for VACOM’s Lewistown plant on July 25. Right: Bergner and Commerce Director Marta Bertoglio. Photo credits: Commerce.
|
|
|
In 2023, Montana welcomed Germany-based manufacturer VACOM Vakuum Komponenten & Messtechnik to its new U.S. headquarters in Lewistown. Two years later, Gov. Greg Gianforte, former State Senator Dan Bartel (not pictured), VACOM CEO Jens Bergner, VACOM General Manager Marcel Klessen and architect Jason Davis of SMA Architecture and Design headlined a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 25, 2025, to celebrate VACOM cleaning its first production parts in the Lewistown facility.
|
|
 Jamie McMillan stands in front of 1893 Matthew’s House, which was transformed into a community venue with help from Commerce’s State Small Business Credit Initiative Loan Participation Program and program partner, MoFi. Photo credit: Commerce.
|
|
|
When Jamie and Justin McMillan purchased a vacant church in downtown Glendive, they weren’t just restoring a building; they were helping rebuild a sense of connection and possibility in rural Montana. With support from the Montana Department of Commerce’s State Small Business Credit Initiative Loan Participation Program and MoFi, a participating lender, the couple transformed the nineteenth-century structure into a vibrant community venue known as 1893 Matthew’s House.
 An aerial photo shows construction of the Riverview Apartments in Big Sky, funded in part by the Montana Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Photo credit: Big Sky Community Housing Trust in partnership with BlueLine Property Management.
In 2021, Montana received funding from the U.S. Department of the Treasury through the American Rescue Plan Act for the Montana Emergency Rental Assistance Program, administered by the Montana Department of Commerce. Montana’s initial appropriation for MERA was $152 million, to be allocated in three separate tranches. With this funding, thousands of Montanans were aided in their recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
|
|
 At properties like the Little Jon Apartments in Big Fork, property managers fill a challenging role that the Montana Legislature's House Join Resolution 55 seeks to better understand. Photo credit: Commerce.
|
|
|
Property management can be an incredibly challenging role. Onsite building managers and regional property managers in particular need a wide-ranging skill set, including application processing, budgeting, rent collection, oversight of maintenance personnel and third-party vendors and adherence to applicable state and federal laws. They even fill the role of social worker, referring their tenants to community resources when they struggle to pay rent or to comply with the terms of their rental agreements. Finding and retaining quality, professional property management staff is a steep climb for both affordable housing providers and private market landlords.
|
|
 Agritourism Grant recipients Julie Engh Peters, owner of Red Hen Farm and Orchard, and Steven DeLisle, owner of Alberton Orchards, are using 2025 grant funds to enhance visitor experiences. Photo credit: Commerce.
Agritourism, which connects people with hands-on farm and ranch experiences, is a growing industry and one of rural Montana’s most charming offerings for visitors and residents alike. The Montana Department of Commerce’s Agritourism Grant Program encourages the development of value-add products and services that build on Montana’s renowned agriculture industry.
|
|
 After sitting vacant for years, the historic Mountain States Telephone Building, built in 1914, will host much-needed office space for Miles City and the surrounding communities. Photo credit: All Out Aerial.
In Miles City, two Montana Department of Commerce grant programs joined forces to make one small business’ vision of downtown revitalization a reality. Architect Brandon Janshen, interior designer Jenna Janshen and SDI Architecture and Design Operations Manager Kelsey Merritt sought assistance from Commerce when their dream of renovating the Mountain States Telephone Building began to seem impossible.
|
|
 Owners Kassaundra Flammond and Therese Brininger stand at the front desk at Crevier’s Academy of Cosmetology Arts in Kalispell. Photo credit: Crevier’s Academy of Cosmetology Arts.
In February 2025, Kassaundra Flammond and Therese Brininger purchased Crevier’s Academy of Cosmetology Arts. Both former students of the academy, Flammond and Brininger now instruct cosmetology students in manicuring, barbering and esthetics at the sprawling 6,500-square-foot facility in downtown Kalispell.
|
|
 Housing MT Division Waiting List Coordinator Jason Krebs was recognized for his contributions in the third quarter employee spotlight. Photo courtesy: Jason Krebs.
Third Quarter, 2025
Congratulations to Housing MT Division Waiting List Coordinator Jason Krebs, who has been selected for our third quarter employee spotlight. This honor recognizes members of the Montana Department of Commerce team for their dedication, hard work and commitment to the agency’s mission. Jason was chosen for his outstanding contributions while helping reopen the Housing Choice Voucher waitlist.
|
|
 Montana State University's NanoCats touring VACOM's cleanroom on their April 2025 tour. Photo credit: Marcel Klessen.
“The work happening right here in Montana connects to some of the most advanced technologies in the world.”
That’s what one Montana State University senior had to say after her student organization, the NanoCats, toured the VACOM facility in Lewiston in April. The German company VACOM, which opened its Lewiston location in 2024, is a global leader in vacuum technology and precision measurement systems – and they’re hiring.
|
|
More About Commerce
Commerce works alongside business and community leaders throughout Montana to assist in growing Montana's economy, planning for growth in our communities and facilitating affordable housing for Montanans. Commerce's programs provide funding and investment opportunities, technical assistance and research and data services. Commerce's website provides additional program information, news and events.
Each edition of the "Commerce Quarterly" is comprised of a small sample of the many services and programs provided by dedicated staff every day. You can subscribe to receive the Commerce "Weekly Roundup" email that provides a short, succinct weekly update on Commerce grants and loans, meetings and events and other important dates and updates. You can also sign up for Commerce's Made in Montana newsletter, Commerce press releases and other Commerce email communications.
|
|
|
Montana Department of Commerce
301 S Park Ave, Helena, MT 59620
Contact Us: 406-841-2700
commerce.mt.gov
|
|
|
|
|
