LiNK Fall Edition 2024

FALL 2024

CHAMBER CEO CORNER CHAMPIONING BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY MEET THE BOARD TO BILLINGS AND BEYOND: THE IMPACTS OF TOURISM NOW, THAT’S WHAT I CALL ADVOCACY BETTER OFF IN BILLINGS: YOUR GO-TO RESOURCE FOR TALENT ATTRACTION AND RETENTION K

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Chamber

CEO CORNER We Are Your Advocate

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A PUBLICATION OF THE BILLINGS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PROJECT MANAGEMENT: KELSI GAMBILL MSPR, CTA 406-869-3732 KELSI@BILLINGSCHAMBER.COM ADVERTISING SALES: TOBY WALKER 406-869-3738 TOBY@BILLINGSCHAMBER.COM PHOTO CONTRIBUTORS: BILLINGS CHAMBER VISIT BILLINGS The Billings Chamber of Commerce is a 5-Star Accredited chamber through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a designation awarded to just 1% of chambers nationwide.

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I

Article by John Brewer, CAE, CATP, President/CEO of Billings Chamber of Commerce

t’s Billings, Montana, versus South Korea for the Olympic Gold in archery. USA’s Brady Ellison, Billings resident, is tied with the South Korean archer at the end of the five regulation rounds. The Gold is to be determined by a shoot-off. Each archer gets one “gold arrow” shot. Ellison’s shot was off the mark—by just five millimeters. But the U.S. (Billings) still brought home the silver, a moment in which Billings should take pride and celebrate.

The one-shot-wins, gold arrow shootout is exciting and dramatic in sports, but it is typically not a strategy for business or community planning. Success is often achieved because we are taking several shots, committed to the goal, persistent, and prepared for the long journey.

We have a full quiver of ideas and actionable items for our members this year. Welcome to the second issue of LiNK Magazine. Join us as we focus on your business in this quarter’s publication. Learn more about how the Billings Chamber is your advocate in support of free enterprise, championing business solutions to your barriers, convening peers for best practices, and providing catalytic opportunities that spur sales and economic growth. It’s a legislative year in Montana and it’s sure to be an impactful one for business regulation, taxation, and workforce issues.

Your ambitious staff, board, and committee volunteers will keep aiming high. Looking for homerun opportunities, the moonshot, sending the ball deep into the endzone and using the golden arrow when appropriate. We support transformational downtown development following the One Big Sky District vision, River to Rims development, including Marathon Loop completion, parks, a community amphitheater, and much-needed sports venues for our residents and sports tourism.

There may be golden-arrow opportunities, which we embrace. At the same time, we are committed to supporting several great ideas and actions that your business and our community need for growth and prosperity.

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS IN SUCCESS:

CHAMPIONING Article by John Brewer, CAE, CATP, President/CEO of Billings Chamber of Commerce

H

ow does a larger association of businesses produce a long-range plan to address the needs of over 1,000 business members? It begins with you and occurs through conversations, surveys, roundtables, and committee work. A continuous feedback loop consisting of proven pathways to success and cluttered with barriers and challenges that need to be moved by waves of voices and small armies of volunteers. The Chamber’s board harnesses this information and aligns the needs of businesses with those of a growing community to provide focus and set priorities.

The plan follows two tracts: one focusing on your business and how we can directly provide value, and the second a vision for making Billings an incredible home for residents and a preferred destination for our future workforce and visitors.

Billings is in a desirable position as a large regional trade center with a diverse economy (healthcare, agriculture, tourism, finance, natural resources).

In addition to our abundant recreational and scenic surroundings, there are great educational opportunities (Montana State University Billings, Rocky Mountain College, Rocky Vista University, and a strong pre-K-12 system).

Our strengths include the largest population in the state and the largest trade area between Calgary and Denver, Spokane and Minneapolis. We boast a growing young professional base, a destination where Montana does business, and a large regional audience with a 500,000-population trade area. We ARE Montana’s City!

The Billings Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst for business and community growth. As we move into a new fiscal year, our 2024-2025 Long Range Goals are: I. Grow Business & Develop Leaders II. Lead Visitor Growth III. Influence Government Policy IV. Enhance Quality of Place

4 | T HE B I L L I N G S C H A M B E R O F CO M M E RC E

G BUSINESS

& Community

HERE ARE A FEW AREAS WHERE THE BILLINGS CHAMBER IS YOUR ADVOCATE AND CHAMPION:

Grow Business & Develop Leaders We support businesses large and small by providing opportunities to connect, cultivate people, and receive value-added services.

OBJECTIVE: CONNECT BUSINESS TO OPPORTUNITIES

• • • •

Each business member of the Chamber receives no fewer than 25 direct annual benefits.

Host meaningful member engagement experiences via weekly collaborative gatherings.

Initiate industry-specific meet-ups for collaborative experiences (craft brewers, restaurants, retail, and non-profits as examples).

Support the number one industry in Montana, Agriculture, through an annual action plan, monthly meetings, and events that raise awareness and educate the community.

The Chamber’s NextGEN network is nearly 300 strong.

Our Business Development Network, Leadership Billings, and Women’s Network focus on business and leadership development.

OBJECTIVE: CULTIVATE AN ENVIRONMENT OF BELONGING AND INCLUSIVITY

• •

LEAD VISITOR GROWTH

Visit Billings and Visit Southeast Montana (13 counties and two reservations in our region), managed by the Billings Chamber of Commerce, will promote Billings and the region as a preferred destination for visitors, business travelers, and sporting events.

OBJECTIVES: SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS GROWTH BY CONNECTING THEM TO SALES OPPORTUNITIES WITH VISITORS WHO SPEND $640 MILLION YEARLY IN BILLINGS.

• • •

Evaluate sports tourism.

Consider developing signature event options during slower seasons.

Enhance outdoor recreation, arts and culture, brewery district, and culinary experiences (CRAVE, Burger Trail).

INFLUENCE GOVERNMENT POLICY

OBJECTIVE: SUPPORT CURRENT AND EMERGING LEADERS

• •

•

belonging and inclusivity, veterans, mental health, aging and dementia-friendly, neurodiversity, and autism-friendly.

Promote our “Building Belonging & Inclusivity” toolkit.

Host “Welcome to Billings” events to connect and engage new residents.

Offer BUILD (Belonging, Understanding, and Inclusivity for Leadership Development) program with topics including

We will lead local, state, and federal legislative issues impacting business and our quality of life and proactively support business-friendly elected leaders who drive those policies.

OBJECTIVE: BE A PROBLEM SOLVER FOR BUSINESS. OBJECTIVE: FOCUS ON THE 2025 LEGISLATIVE SESSION, PRIORITIZING PUBLIC SAFETY, HOUSING SUPPLY, AND WORKFORCE ATTAINMENT/READINESS. OBJECTIVE: BE A TRUSTED SOURCE OF POLITICAL COMMUNICATIONS. PRODUCE A WEEKLY LEGISLATIVE

Continued on page 6

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MEET THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Continued from page 5

Debbie Potter Chair Eide Bailly

UPDATE, BILLINGS CITY COUNCIL BULLETIN, AND YELLOWSTONE COUNTY COMMISSION BRIEF OBJECTIVE: ELECTIONS MATTER: FIND AND ENDORSE CANDIDATES FOR STATE AND LOCAL OFFICE. PRODUCE COMMUNICATIONS AND HOST CANDIDATE FORUMS TO INFORM THE MEMBERSHIP.

Jess Peterson Vice Chair Western Skies Strategies

ENHANCE QUALITY OF PLACE

Toby O’Rourke Treasurer KOA, Inc.

We will lead and support placemaking initiatives that exceed expectations for residents, visitors, and those considering relocating to Billings.

Jeremy Vannatta Immediate Past Chair Marsh McLennan Agency

OBJECTIVE: IDENTIFY AND ENCOURAGE/LEAD TRANSFORMATIONAL PROJECTS THAT INCREASE RESIDENT SATISFACTION, INCREASE VISITOR STAYS, AND ENCOURAGE RELOCATION.

Carmelita Dominguez Executive Committee Member Montana Allergy & Asthma Specialists Bryce Terpstra Executive Committee Member Jones Construction, Inc.

• • •

Nick Steen Executive Committee Member Flying V Hospitality: Walkers/Bin 119

OBJECTIVE: LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE.

• •

BOARD MEMBERS Matt Blakeslee, Art House Cinema & Pub/Babcock Theater Spencer Frederick, Stockman Bank Heather McDowell, Sibanye Stillwater Brian Brown, First Interstate Bank Becky Rosenleaf, KLJ Shea Dawson, Thirsty Street Brewing Co. Carolee (McCall) Smith, McCall Homes Dusty Eaton, A&E Design Steve Wahrlich, Best Western Clocktower Inn Karen Baumgart-Miller, Kaleidoscope Group Tracy Neary, Intermountain Health Ryan Brosseau, KTVQ Communications, LLC

Communicate community “wins” in tandem with partners.

Support Visit Billings’ Certified Tourism Ambassador program.

OBJECTIVE: A SAFER BILLINGS

• •

Support efforts comprehensively addressing jail and justice system issues, intervention and prevention strategies.

Continue to impress the value of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design with businesses and in government policies.

OBJECTIVE: GROW AIR SERVICE

• •

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Chris Kukulski, City of Billings Dr. Erwin Garcia, Billings School District #2 Dr. Stefani Hicswa, MSU Billings Dr. Bob Wilmouth, Rocky Mountain College Leonard Smith, Native American Development Corporation Steve Arveschoug, Big Sky Economic Development Katy Schreiner, Downtown Billings Alliance D’Vaughn Hayes, TDS Fiber

Support downtown development and vibrancy, focusing on catalytic projects, specifically along the 27th Street corridor.

Support development of River to Rims assets, including Marathon Loop development, other trail connections, and parks.

Encourage sports facility development to include sheets of ice, aquatics, and sports courts to aid in sports tourism.

•

Grow service to new targeted destinations and maintain existing service.

Seek an airline partner to serve LAX or SFO utilizing the $1.8 million federal grant and local support.

Attend annual airline conferences and headquarter meetings.

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Convener Curious about what’s next for Billings? Attend our Annual Meeting, Montana's City: Your Business Destination presented by NonStop Local and Marsh McLennan Agency. Looking to expand your network? Attend our upcoming events or join one of our networks. Not a member? No problem! Email Toby@BillingsChamber. com to learn more about becoming a member and try out our events to see if they are a good fit for you and your business. Register to attend at BillingsChamber.com.

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As a Level I Trauma Center, St. Vincent Regional Hospital offers the highest level of care in the region. Whether you’re having a heart attack, stroke, or you’ve had a sudden traumatic injury, we’re prepared to handle it.

It is always our goal to stay at the forefront of research and medical advancements in trauma care; with the resources, training, and technologies to treat every type of injury or critical health event. Serving our communities throughout Montana and Wyoming, we provide the life-saving care you and your loved ones need, when you need it most, right here close to home.

Learn more at svh.org/trauma

8 | T HE B I L L I N G S C H A M B E R O F CO M M E RC E

TO BILLINGS AND BEYOND: THE IMPACTS OF TOURISM Article by Alex Tyson, IOM, CATP, Executive Director of Visit Billings, Managed by the Billings Chamber of Commerce Photo by Visit Billings

M

ore than ever, it’s important to prioritize the focus on Billings’ tourism industry.

Looking within the destination and to residents, Visit Billings is establishing fresh efforts in fiscal year 2025 that offer a greater understanding of tourism's relevance to residents and business owners. This builds resiliency for both the tourism industry and the local economy.

With the strategic and competitive investment of state lodging facility-use tax and tourism business improvement district funds, Visit Billings, the Billings Chamber, and Billings lodging partners continue to lead Billings in destination marketing, management, sales, and leadership efforts to foster visitor growth to the city, help residents, community leaders, and elected officials better understand the power of tourism, and ensure the industry remains an influential tool in economic growth for the city for decades to come.

What is tourism? The United Nations Tourism Organization defines tourism as a social, cultural, and economic phenomenon that entails the movement of people to countries or places outside their usual environment for personal or business/professional purposes. Billings hosts more than 2.6 million visitors annually who travel to the city for business demands, medical needs, and leisure offerings. This can include vacations, weekend getaways, meetings, conferences, appointments, or sports events. Those 2.6 million visitors typically spend an average of $621 million in Billings businesses like gas stations, restaurants, hotels/ campgrounds, retailers, and attractions. However, Billings is only playing host to 20.8% of travelers to Montana (ITRR, 2022).

In 2022, 12.5 million people visited Montana and spent $5.82 billion. Billings can responsibly host more annual visitors to better support the economy and new businesses, including seven new hotel openings that will push hotel room inventory in Billings to over 5,100 guest rooms.

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WHAT IS IN IT FOR RESIDENTS?

• • •

Tourism reduces the average tax burden on every Montana household by more than $721 per year.

1 in 13 Montana workers is supported by out-of-state travel.

Non-Montana resident visitors contributed $315 million in state and local taxes in 2022, most of which is directed to the state’s general fund to support budgets for the State of Montana and numerous programs and state agencies.

Tourism’s impact on Billings' economy is often understated.

But the work Visit Billings contributes, as laid out in its 2024-2027 Strategic Plan and Vision, increases the city’s competitive edge against other destinations, stimulates economic growth, cultivates a vibrant community where people want to visit, and builds a tourism brand that can elevate community pride.

VISIT BILLINGS: A DESTINATION LEADERSHIP ORGANIZATION

Visit Billings is the brand that represents the Billings Tourism Business Improvement District (BTBID) and the Billings Convention and Visitors Bureau (BCVB). The Billings Chamber of Commerce manages both organizations. The Visit Billings team is committed to growing visitation at Montana’s Trailhead through sales and marketing initiatives. Visit Billings’ mission is

to generate room nights for lodging facilities in the city of Billings by effectively marketing the region as a preferred travel destination.

As a destination leadership organization (DLO), Visit Billings is the backbone of the tourism industry for Billings. A DLO protects and fosters the local visitor economy through promotion, marketing, destination management, and strategies.

THE 2024-2027 STRATEGIC PLAN AND VISION

Released in early 2024, the Visit Billings three-year strategic plan recommends core objectives and key strategies for achievement to drive visitor-related economic impact to the city. The BTBID Board of Directors prioritized sections of the plan for the fiscal year 2025 execution, including: • • • •

Evaluate Sports Tourism Leadership Options (Authority/ Council) Rebrand of Visit Billings Tourism Education Need Period(s) Events

The full vision, as well as the FY25 marketing plan, are available at www.VisitBillings.com/tbid-stakeholder.

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NOW, That’s What I Call

ADVOCACY

Article by Daniel J. Brooks, Director of Business Advocacy, Billings Chamber of Commerce

T

he Montana Chamber and the University of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research recently hosted their 2024 Economic Update in Billings. One of the big takeaways was that Billings’ growth—across all industry sectors—picked up in 2023. It means our businesses have more work to do, creating more products, offering more services, and generally running their operations.

Even without the added work that comes with good growth, our businesses can’t be everywhere at once, so Billings Chamber of Commerce staff attend meetings of the City Council, County Commission, Legislative Committees and occasionally travel to DC. We’re here to inform you, save time, and work toward a better Billings. Below is a brief snapshot of our advocacy efforts.

MAY 28 PUBLIC SAFETY

Billings City Council The Billings Chamber testified in favor of two agenda items: an MOU between the City and County on a short-term arraignment hold facility to assist with jail overcrowding issues and two-way street conversions for many downtown streets, providing research from Kentucky indicating one-way to twoway conversions decrease traffic collisions and reduce crime.

MAY 31 MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS

County Commission The Billings Chamber launched the weekly County Commission Brief, a newsletter to inform members about what is happening at the County Commission. With the addition of the Brief, the Billings Chamber now covers City Council, County Commission, and State Legislative Sessions. Whatever 11 | FA L L 2 0 24

interests you, we have a newsletter designed to keep you informed and save you time staying up-to-date.

safe in their neighborhoods at night, many because they don’t have adequate lighting. That’s too many Billings residents who feel unsafe where they live.

JUN 6 INFRASTRUCTURE

U.S. Department of Transportation On June 6th, the ribbon was cut on the recently finished Skyway Drive, AKA the Inner Belt Loop. The new road was built using funds secured from a U.S. Department of Transportation BUILD grant. The Billings Chamber of Commerce traveled to D.C. with other community partners to lobby the U.S. Department of Transportation and our congressional delegation for the BUILD grant, which was ultimately worth $11.6 million.

JUN 10 PUBLIC SAFETY

Billings City Council We advocated for additional public safety resources and the preservation of important community projects, like Stagecoach Trail and South Park Pool, in the City Council’s FY2025 budget.

Ultimately, the budget adds six new patrol officers, two family violence detectives, three Community Service Officers (CSOs), and more.

JUN 17 NATURAL RESOURCES & THE ENVIRONMENT

Montana Legislature We testified in opposition to a proposal to implement a new analysis in government decisions during an Environmental Quality Committee meeting. The new model claims to account for the social cost of greenhouse gas (SC-GHG) and varies wildly depending on who is inputting the variables. For instance, President Biden’s EPA estimate is four times as high as President Obama’s, and according to an MIT economist, “these models have crucial flaws that make them close to useless as tools for policy analysis.”

JUL 8 HOUSING SUPPLY

Billings City Council Before the City Council approved a schedule of planning fee increases, the Billings Chamber gave testimony encouraging the City Council to give additional consideration to a comprehensive review of planning fees and the city’s decade-old, but largely unimplemented, Infill Development Policy to encourage more infill development in the City of Billings. While not entirely in opposition to the fee increases, we’d like to see the city make good on its commitment to promote and incentivize development where costly infrastructure already exists.

JUL 18 TOP 3 POLICY PRIORITIES

U.S. Senate Senator Tester visited the Billings Chamber on July 18 and heard about Billings' business needs from a dozen of our chamber members about Billings’ business needs. We also discussed members’ top three priorities: public safety, housing supply, and workforce attainment/readiness.

INTERESTED IN RECEIVING OUR NEWSLETTERS? EMAIL BUSINESS ADVOCACY DIRECTOR DAN BROOKS, DANIEL@BILLINGSCHAMBER.COM

SEE OUR PUBLIC POLICY GUIDE:

JUL 1 PUBLIC SAFETY

Billings City Council The Billings Chamber testified to the City Council in favor of new subdivision regulations requiring new developments to include street lighting. We asked the City Council to consider the benefits of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Designs (CPTED) and our shared public safety priority. While sensitive to the concerns of increasing housing costs, a 2021 city survey with 995 respondents indicated that 25% of residents (approximately 23,000) don’t feel

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Your Go-To Resource for Talent Attraction and Retention Article by Marcell Bruski, Senior Director of Engagement, Big Sky Economic Development Graphics by Big Sky Economic Development

A

t Big Sky Economic Development, we understand that attracting and retaining talent goes beyond offering job opportunities. It’s about showcasing a vibrant community where individuals can live affordably, grow personally and professionally, and have fun and play in their community. Our initiative, Better Off In Billings, embodied through the website betteroffinbillings.org, is a comprehensive resource for potential newcomers, residents, and employers, highlighting why you’re Better Off In Billings, Montana’s City.

that has opportunities for personal and professional growth, and a vibrant community where they experience work/life balance. From excellent healthcare and education to various job opportunities in sectors such as healthcare, tech, oil and gas, and more, Billings offers a small-town feel with big-city amenities. Better Off In Billings highlights these aspects, showcasing the diverse industries, educational opportunities, and recreational activities that make Billings a place you want to call home.

A HUB FOR RESIDENTS, POTENTIAL NEWCOMERS, AND

BEYOND THE JOB: SHOWCASING THE COMMUNITY

We recognize that today’s talent is looking for more than just employment. They seek a place where they can have a better quality of life, live affordably, be in a safe community, a place

EMPLOYERS

Our website is a central hub for current residents, potential newcomers, and employers. It provides valuable resources and insights into why Billings is an excellent place to live and work.

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Under the guiding theme of “There’s space for you too,” we focus on three core areas: be here, grow here, and play here. We highlight different organizations, areas of the city, and amenities throughout the site and within the downloadable guides, providing a glance into our community.

Our “ask a local” section is a special feature on the site. Local representatives are ready to answer any questions about life and business in Billings, providing a personal touch to the relocation experience for newcomers, individuals looking to move to Billings, and/or individuals coming to Billings for an interview.

THE RECRUITER TOOLKIT: EMPOWERING EMPLOYERS

Understanding that employers are showcasing their organizations and the community as a whole, we have developed a robust recruiter toolkit. This toolkit is designed to assist organizations in highlighting the many benefits of living and working in Billings.

It offers tools and resources that employers can use to demonstrate the quality of life and professional opportunities available to current and potential employees. Our featured ambassadors are a great local resource to incorporate into your recruitment efforts and bring

in someone from the community and outside of your organization to talk about the great things Billings offers.

Better Off In Billings is your go-to resource for talent attraction and retention in the Billings community. By leveraging our website and recruiter toolkit, employers can effectively showcase the unique blend of professional and personal opportunities that make Billings a standout choice. There's no better place for individuals looking to plant their roots, grow their careers, and enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle, there’s no better place than Billings. Visit betteroffinbillings. org to explore how Billings can be the perfect fit for you or your organization. You can also learn more about utilizing BOIB by listening to episode 36 of our podcast, The Vault at 201 N Broadway.

BSED recently wrapped up a talent attraction and retention research project with Developers Council International (DCI). To learn more about the findings from this project and how BSED and the business community will be moving forward with the information, email marcell@bigskyeda.org.

T H E B I L L I N G S C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E B U S I N E S S Q U A R T E R LY

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local Your best life right here.

2024 / Q3

I M PAC T B U S I N E S S

A BILLION REASONS HIGHER EDUCATION

MEDICAL MILE CORRIDOR

• Montana State University Billings Athletics flew 18,544 ATHLETES in and out of BIL in the 23/24 season.

•

2.8 BILLION ANNUAL SPENDING

EMPLOYEES

• C O M M U N I T Y

Data sourced from: Air Service Committee Survey

15,216

• Job Impact: Largest industry and employer in Montana.

Sources: MSU-Billings, JobsEQ, MSU Billings Foundation

L E N D I N G

• Healthcare Hub: Billings Clinic and Intermountain Health St. Vincent Regional Hospital boost our economy and outpace national growth rates.

&

• Montana State University Billings contributes to a robust higher education landscape and workforce pipeline in our community.

• Employment Growth: 413 full-time faculty and staff, 86 part-time faculty and staff, and 14 graduate programs. ³ Enrollment: Enrollment of 4,092 STUDENTS, with 3,765 UNDERGRADUATES and 327 GRADUATE STUDENTS. ³ Degrees Awarded: In the academic year 2022-2023, MSU Billings awarded a total of 754 DEGREES

• Montana State University’s Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing ³ MSU College of Nursing: Enrolls approximately 1,300 STUDENTS. ³ Donation: Montana State University received a record breaking $101 MILLION donation from Mark and Robyn Jones. ³ Campuses: Funding supports five campuses in Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Kalispell, and Missoula.

A D V I S I N G

TO BE PROUD OF BILLINGS

$1B INVESTMENT

by Intermountain Health in brand-new state-of-theart hospital investment. Projected to open in 2029.

Sources: Billings Clinic, Intermountain Health St. Vincent Regional Hospital, JobsEQ, Intermountain Health

including Veronika’s Pastry Shop, Walkers Grill, and The Marble Table.

Expanded with Marble Coffee Co in Fall 2024 located in downtown main level of the Double Tree Hotel.

THE TRAIL HAS ATTRACTED

1,903 PARTICIPANTS, who have checked in a total of

4,910 TIMES.

R E C R U I T M E N T

B U S I N E S S

N E W

• Billings Brew Trail: Montana’s only walkable beer trail, the Billings Brew Trail is a 1.5-mile loop through historic downtown Billings.

It features notable breweries such as: ³ Thirsty Street at the Garage ³ Undammed Distilling Company ³ Last Chance Pub and Cider Mill ³ Asylum Distillery ³ Überbrew ³ Carter’s Brewing ³ Angry Hank’s ³ Thirsty Street at the Taproom ³ Montana Brewing Company

•

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JAMES BEARD-NOMINATED ESTABLISHMENTS,

CULTURAL EXCELLENCE

Sources: Billings Public Library, Yellowstone Art Museum, Billings Symphony Orchestra, Visit Billings, Art House Cinema, Western Heritage Center Annual Report, Billings YMCA

B I G S K Y E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T. O R G

• Notable Establishments:

D E V E L O P M E N T

Source: MSU

• Tourism and Arts: ³ Billings Public Library: ³ Visitors: 414,889 in FY 2023. ³ Circulation: 664,532 items. ³ Programs: 1,486 programs with 45,834 attendees. ³ Yellowstone Art Museum: 50,000 VISITORS annually. ³ Billings Symphony Orchestra: 20,000 ATTENDEES annually. ³ Events: Balloon Rendezvous attracts 10,000 VISITORS, ArtWalk sees 2,000 PARTICIPANTS. ³ Babcock Theatre: The Babcock Theatre in Billings, MT, seats 750 and recently underwent $1.15 million renovations to preserve its historic character and enhance safety, including marquee and entryway updates. ³ Alberta Bair Theater: Underwent a $13.6 million renovation in 2020, enhancing its status as one of Montana’s largest theaters with a seating capacity of 1,390. ³ Western Heritage Center: Reached nearly 15,000 PEOPLE through various programs and events, with over 4,200 VISITORS to the center. Cataloged 1,000+ new objects and conducted 466 hours of original research. ³ YMCA: Approximately 10,000 MEMBERS.

Explore your hometown at VisitBillings.com 16 | T H E B I L L I N G S C H A M B E R O F CO M M E RC E