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ENVISION 2026
ENVISION 2026 CONTINUES TO HAVE A DRAMATIC IMPACT ON MONTANA’S ECONOMY AND IMPROVING OUR WAY OF LIFE
We are of cially entering our third year of Envision 2026. How times ies. With the end of our 2017-18 scal year, it’s an ideal opportunity to re ect, celebrate what we accom- plished and prepare for the future.
We have a lot to celebrate. This past year, we welcomed 15 new investors to Envision 2026 for a total of 60 investors in the plan. In total, we received more than $350,000 in pledges to the plan in the scal year 2017-18 — more than $70,000 above what we expected for the year. For the
life of the plan, we have received more than $1.3 million in pledges.
What we’re particularly proud of is the diversity regarding both geography and industries of our investors. From U.S. Bank to Towhaul, from Sidney to Kalispell — this is truly a statewide initiative representing all of Montana businesses.
Just because it was a non-legislative year didn’t mean we rested on our laurels. What Envision 2026 allows is for the chamber to keep the same level of engagement in the public policy arena year-round during research new and emerging issues and topics. In 2017-18 we supported four major studies:
• MONTANATAXSTUDY:InpartnershipwiththeCouncil on State Taxation, this study is a two-year comprehen- sive analysis of Montana’s tax structure.
• CARBONCAPTURE,UTILIZATION,& SEQUESTRATION: A look at carbon capture technologies. Including sequestration feasibility, need, and the effectiveness of such processes.
• ECONOMICIMPACTOFCOLSTRIPUNITSTHREEAND FOUR: An economic assessment of an early retirement scenario for Colstrip units three and four.
• THESTATEOFENTREPRENEURSHIPINMONTANA:A look at the current state of entrepreneurship in Montana, including emerging economic sectors and small busi- ness viability.
In addition to our research, we traveled the state to discuss key objectives of Envision 2026 with two efforts of note.
• INFRASTRUCTUREWEEKTOUR:ThestaffoftheMon- tana Infrastructure Coalition, Montana League of Cities and Towns and the Montana Chamber of Commerce en- gaged in a week-long tour around Montana to highlight current critical infrastructure projects and the massive need in many of our rural communities for water and sewer infrastructure investment.
• 2018ECONOMICUPDATESERIES:Todiscussthe nd- ings of the State of Entrepreneurship in Montana study, we made it and the topic of Entrepreneurship the topic of our 2018 Economic Update Series. In addition to the local, state, and national economic trends — we brought in local entrepreneurs at each of the nine locations to discuss their new businesses. Because of the interest in this topic, we had record attendance for the tour.
We were also heavily engaged in interim committees in 2018. Bridger Mahlum, over government relations director,
was hard at work representing the business community in a wide range of legislative interim committee topics including health care price transparency and
the future of Montana’s Workers’
Compensation system. While the Legislature may only meet ever 60 days every biennium — thanks to our investors we can represent you in Helena every day.
We are awestruck by the commit- ment of the business community towards this strategic plan. To those who are investors, thank you. To those who are not yet, we would love you to join our investor family.
One nal note. Successful strategic
plans are always greater than
the collective parts of that plan.
Webb Brown, our president/CEO,
leaves some large shoes to ll and
the success of this plan is due to
his leadership, insight, and hard
work. No matter who oversees the
chamber in the future, rested assured Envision 2026 will carry on Webb’s legacy of building a Greater Montana.
Enjoy the holidays and get set for a great 2019 for Envision 2026. |||
DAN BRUNELL
Operations Director
Montana Chamber of Commerce
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
When planning your holiday get togethers - corporate or family - keep the Town Pump Hotel Group’s beautiful locations in mind!
Guests staying one night at the best rate available at any of our properties will receive the second night free. So if you have family, friends, or associates traveling for business or pleasure, please call and check availablity.
Don’t forget, most of our locations have private rooms for your holiday parties too!
“Second Night Free” available 12/21/18-1/2/19 only
@MontanaChamber
December 2018 ||| Eye on Business
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