The 2nd Annual CONVERGENCE Is Happening NOW

Yesterday we kicked off the two-day Convergence event with a tour and film talk at the private property of the “1923” Dutton Ranch led by the Montana Film Office. A VIP reception followed at The Hotel Finlen in downtown Butte. Today, we continue the celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week (May 19-25) – #NTTW24 at The Butte Depot.

Not only do we recognize tourism as one of our state’s leading industries this week, but we showcase the intersection of tourism with hashtag film and hashtag outdoor recreation. All harness the power of place, The Last Best Place, to drive economic development and create thriving communities.

In 2023, nearly 12.6 million nonresident visitors came to the Treasure State and spent an estimated $5.45 billion, supporting 48,340 jobs, and generating $414 million in state and local taxes. Our outdoor recreation economy ranks 4th in the nation in GDP and our film offering is unsurpassed as witnessed by the success of several Yellowstone franchises filmed here among other notable productions.

View the full agenda here.

On Monday, May 20th, finalists from the Montana Chamber Foundation's 4th Annual The Prospects high school entrepreneurship pitching competition gathered at MSU Jake Jabs College of Business & Entrepreneurship to compete in The Grand Championships for cash and scholarships. Pictured above are the 2024 award winners along with Todd O'Hair, Executive Director of the Montana Chamber Foundation and Board Chair, Angie Murdo.

1. Beatriz Mexican Sweets+More- Juliaah Villanueva 2^nd Place- $2500 Billings

New Businesses 

2. P n K’s Bakery- Kaydence Timbrook 2^nd Place- $2500 Missoula

All the students were awarded a $1000 MSU Jake Jabs School of Business and Entrepreneurship scholarships if they plan to attend in the future.

For the past three days, more than 100 business, government, and education leaders from across Montana and North Dakota gathered in Missoula to advance the vision of the Headwaters Tech Hub (HTH)

This HTH Leadership Summit was co-hosted by the Montana Chamber of Commerce, the University of Montana, the Montana State Departments of Commerce and Labor & Industry, and The State Workforce Innovation Board (SWIB).

To learn more, contact Tim VanReken at tim.vanreken@headwaterstechhub.com.

❌ SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT: Join us May 31st at the Ellen Theater for a session with Montana’s Mayors & regional leaders!

J.P. Gallagher, Chief Executive of Butte-Silver Bow, is a dynamic and visionary leader. He works tirelessly to attract new businesses, create employment opportunities, and enhance the quality of life for all Butte-Silver Bow residents.

Festival passes are $100. Grab your pass here before it’s too late:

Investing in Montana Summit - June 11

Commissioner of Securities & Insurance

You won't want to miss the keynote speaker at the Investing in Montana Summit

on June 11th from 11:00 - 5:30 p.m. at the AC Hotel in Bozeman, MT. This will be an afternoon of learning about investment opportunities in our great state, from angel funds to public companies. You will hear first-hand success stories from Montana companies and develop an understanding of the regulatory framework surrounding capital formation. Remember, doing things the right way protects not only your interests but also the investors. There will be additional focus this year on raising capital from the business side with information on topics like preparing to raise capital, trademarks, patents, trade secrets and intellectual property. 

Tickets are $50 and include lunch. Grab yours here before they sell out!

Big Sky, Bright Future Summit - Wed/Thurs, June 19-20, 2024

Co-hosts Governor Greg Gianforte and the Montana Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce the 2024 Big Sky, Bright Future Summit on Wednesday-Thursday, June 19-20, 2024 at Bourbon and the Hilton Garden Inn in Bozeman.

Industry and community leaders, chamber and economic development members, policymakers, government affairs representatives, and business leaders should plan on attending this event. Seminars will focus on the Montana Chamber’s Envision 2026 pillars: Entrepreneurship, Business Climate, Infrastructure, and Workforce with trades and apprenticeship; housing and childcare; manufacturing; business recruitment; and broadband at the forefront.

We’re putting the spotlight on innovative companies and solutions, highlighting Governor Gianforte’s progress on moving Montana forward as a business-friendly state, and providing networking opportunities. Tickets are $150/pp.

Platinum: Boeing and Stockman Bank

Gold: NorthWestern Energy

Silver: The Washington Companies

Bronze: Alexander Hutton, Prospera, and Republic Services

Breakfast: Montana Secretary of State

Lunch: Montana Department of Commerce

To learn more, contact Stacye Dorrington, Office & Events Manager at stacye@montanachamber.com.

The Montana Chamber Foundation invites the public to join us for the Glacier Bank Ace in the Hole Reception and BBQ on Thursday, July 25th. Tickets are $100/pp.

This event is the lead-in to the 35th Annual Governors’ Cup Golf Tournament. Attendees will be joined by 400+ golfers, lawmakers, government relations representatives, and business / association leaders.

If you are not a golfer but want to create new contacts and take advantage of the networking opportunities the Governors' Cup Golf Tournament provides, consider joining us for the Give it a Shot Clay Target Shooting Tournament. Registration includes attendance to the Ace in the Hole Reception, shooting fees, round-trip transportation to Polson (Big Sky Sporting Clays), on the go breakfast, lunch, and prizes. Cost is $400/pp.

To learn more, contact Stacye Dorrington, Office & Events Manager at stacye@montanachamber.com.

To learn more about Treasure State Membership benefits for your business, contact Matt Olson, Director of Network Development at Matthew@montanachamber.com | 406.360.6443