Page 3 - EOB Dec18

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
BUSINESS DAZE
A lot has happened since I recently announced my departure from the Montana Chamber of Commerce at the end of this year. While it’s been a bit of a daze lately, one constant remains – Business Days at the Capitol.
With a little nostalgia in mind, I recall this event was referred to as “Chamber Day at the Capitol” when I was working for the Billings Chamber. Back then (over 20 years ago), the Montana Chamber invited local cham- bers to bring a few members to attend a lunch and then a panel or two one afternoon and visit the Capitol. I still recall the heater going out in the rental van our Billings group took back to the Magic City after one event – it’s a wonder we didn’t all get frostbite!
Back then, Chamber Day was also only held every other year, during a legislative session. It didn’t take us long to change that! In 2001, we renamed it Business Days and invited our entire membership and the public to hear
from Gov. Judy Martz and Chief Justice Karla Gray. After that, we scheduled Business Days every year and kept growing it to the premier business/political event it is today.
While we may have changed the name and focus from local chambers, we never could have achieved this success without their support and par- ticipation. As a former local chamber exec myself, I am eternally grateful for their backing.
So, join us this coming Jan. 7-8 to continue that proud tradition. We’re always happy to have sponsors to promote our members. And we’ll have excellent speakers and programs, all built around the goals and objectives of Envision 2026, the Montana Chamber’s 10-year strategic plan. We’ll hear from some of the top leaders in the state – both business and politi- cal. Check out the program online and get registered.
It’s a great way to kick off 2019 and the 66th Legislative Session. You’ll get to mix and mingle with old friends and new legislators, maybe even a new association exec or two! I’ll be there – how about you? Keep up the good work! |||
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Montana has held steady in the past four years, ranking sixth in the tax climate index each year since 2013
About the cover: After 20 years at the Montana Chamber of Commerce, Webb Scott Brown is set to retire at the end of the year. We’re proud to honor Brown’s career and legacy. Turn to page 14 to read more.
IN THIS ISSUE
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE...........3
ENVISION 2026 YEAR TWO WRAP UP....................................7
MONTANA TAX
ANALYSIS ...................................8
ANNUAL MEETING ...................10
BOARD MEMBER
SPOTLIGHT ...............................11
SEN. DAINES GUEST COLUMN .....................................12
GREAT FALLS APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM .................................13
WEBB BROWN’S LEGACY...................................... 14
CORVAL CHAMPIONS SAFETY........................................21
...
WEBB BROWN
President/CEO
Montana Chamber of Commerce
@MontanaChamber
December 2018 ||| Eye on Business
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