Billings Business February 2016

5 MINUTES WITH

MATT PIPINICH

40 UNDER FORTY

February 2016

MOAV COFFEE

N E E R G D N A CLEAN

store e ir t n o s r e d New L.P. An power r o f y g r e n e lar to rely on so

Billings Business 401 N. Broadway Billings, MT 59101-1242

CONTENTS February 2016

An indispensable business resource

On the Cover

FEATURES

The new West End L.P. Anderson tire store will be solar powered

Solar powered................................................................................................................................................................................ 6

Photo by CASEY PAGE/ Gazette Staff

New L.P. Anderson store will be powered by the sun

Air Service...................................................................................................................................................................................... 14 Bozeman welcomes American Airlines, Billings still aims to expand service

Production edges upward........................................................................................................................................ 16 Stillwater Mining Co. reports slight production increases despite challenges

Construction Zone............................................................................................................................................................... 25

24 Hour Emergency Flood & Fire Restoration Services Commercial & Residential

COLUMNS

Economic Development................................................................................................................................................ 10 Dianne Lehm and Patrick Klugman - BSED’s community development team has been busy 2015 was a challenging year for Stillwater Mining Co., Page 16

Sales Moves.................................................................................................................................................................................. 13 Jeffery Gitomer - Listen up! Better sales results start with learning to listen

Strategies For Success.................................................................................................................................................. 18 Joe Michels - Salesmen who offer solutions to the customer’s needs always succeed

Better Business........................................................................................................................................................................39 Erin T. Dodge - When trying to collect debts, be sure to play by the rules

Flood or Fire, we will restore your property from beginning to end.

Complete Reconstruction Licensed • Bonded • Insured Preferred by Major Insurance Companies.

BILLINGS BUSINESS EVERY MONTH

From the Editor..............................................................................................................................................................................4 By the numbers.............................................................................................................................................................................5 The local economy at a glance

Chamber News......................................................................................................................................................................... 11

406-628-0178

—24 hour contact line—

www.alphaomegapros.com

Kelly McCandless - Yellowstone Kelly deserves a fitting tribute

Five Minutes with................................................................................................................................................................. 12 Matt Pipinich - MoAv Coffee

Business Briefs........................................................................................................................................................................32

Coffee culture percolating: Five minutes with Matt Pipinich, Page 12

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February 2016

Billings Business is mailed each month to area business owners, managers and decision makers for $19.95 per year.

Success Stories.......................................................................................................................................................................33

To subscribe, please send payment, name, business name,

The Listings.................................................................................................................................................................................. 34

mailing address and phone number to:

Billings Business 401 North Broadway Billings, MT 59101

February 2016

3

the editor

B EFORE THERE WAS AN I NTERNET ,

FEBRUARY 2016 • VOLUME 22 • NUMBER 4

GIANTS RULED THE MARKETING WORLD Before there were Facebook Likes, Yelp reviews and email marketing blasts, there was Muffler Man. The bearded, tire-wielding fiberglass figure that stands guard over the front entrance to the L.P. Anderson tire store on Montana Avenue is more than a quaint roadside attraction. Muffler Man — sometimes you’ll hear him referred to as the Tire Giant or the Tire Guy— harkens back to era when giants ruled the marketing world.

During the ‘60s, tire stores, service stations, muffler shops, farm implement dealerships and restaurants incorporated large sculptures like Muffler Man into their marketing efforts. One way to make your business stand out was to park one of the imposing statues on the property and wait for cars to pull over and have a look.

There are obvious advertising tie-ins to pursue when your business has a 20-foottall statue out front: “Save Big!” and “Giant Markdowns!” come to mind.

Debra Bonogofsky, owner of L.P. Anderson, shared a bit of Muffler Man’s history when we visited for a story about the company’s new solar-powered tire store and service center on the West End. Her father in-law, Frank Bonogofsky, paid $200 for Muffler Man at a national tire dealer convention in California in 1965. The statue was damaged during transit, but the shipping company ended up paying for the repairs, and it waived the shipping fees, she said.

L.P. Anderson’s Muffler Man was manufactured in California by International

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February 2016

Fiberglass. The statues, which ranged from 18 to 25 feet tall, could be customized to suit different businesses. So the sculptures were built to resemble a cowboy, an Indian, a farmer, a muffler-holding mechanic or a toque-wearing chef. There was even a gap-toothed half-wit who bears a striking resemblance to Alfred E. Neuman of Mad Magazine fame.

The website www.RoadsideAmerica.com lists two similar sculptures in the Billings area: One is a cigarette-smoking cowboy on Elk River Road between Billings and Laurel.

Another is a rifle-toting cowboy at Rockvale.

A female version of the statue, sometimes known as the Uniroyal Gal, wore pumps, a knee-length skirt and a 60s-style hairdo with bangs and teased hair.

One of several websites devoted to the sculptures, http://usagiants.com/, says that the Paul Bunyan version of the sculpture — like L.P. Anderson’s — was the most popular.

Several hundred Muffler Men were manufactured over a 10-year period that the company was in business. Quite a few of them survive, according to the website.

L.P. Anderson’s new store, on Grand Avenue just west of Shiloh Road, will open within a few months. But so far there’s not much chance the new store will have its own Muffler Man. For starters, the sculptures aren’t being manufactured anymore, and those that survive either aren’t for sale or they’re pretty expensive, Bonogofsky said.

So, here’s hoping that Muffler Men, those trusty symbols of Americana, survive for another 50 years.

mike gulledge tom howard COPY EDITOR chris jorgensen GENERAL MANAGER dave worstell PUBLISHER

EDITOR

SALES

ryan brosseau shelli scott ADVERTISING SALES karen anderson, milt lang, arcadea scott ADVERTISING COORDINATOR linsay foley ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER

SUBSCRIPTIONS Billings Business is mailed each month to area business owners, managers and decision makers.

To subscribe for $19.95 per year, please send payment, name, business name, mailing address and phone number to: Billings Business 401 N. Broadway Billings, MT 59101 ADVERTISING For retail advertising, call Karen Anderson 657-1492, Milt Lange 657-1275, or Arcadea Scott 657-1305. For classified advertising, call 657-1212. You may send material to ads@billingsbusiness.com or FAX to 657-1538.

Advertising deadline for the March 2016 issue of Billings Business is 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb 4.

NEWS If you would like to submit a news tip, story idea, announcement about your business or press release, please email it to: editor@billingsbusiness.com website: www.billingsbusiness.com Information published herein does not reflect the opinion of Billings Business. Contents are the property of Billings Business.

Personal

By the Numbers

Business

LocaL and regionaL economic trends

real estate Member FDIC

agriculture Shiloh & Grand 655-3900

A TOURISM ERUPTION For the first time ever, Yellowstone National Park had 4 million visitors in 2015. Park officials expect the trend to continue in 2016 as the National Park Service celebrates its centennial.

Source: National Park Service

Downtown 655-2400

14th & Grand 371-8100

National park visitors

Worden 967-3612

Airport boardings

10

7

6

8 5

In ten thousands

Hilltop & Main 896-4800

In hundred thousands

King Ave 655-2700

www.stockmanbank.com

6

4

3

2

4

1

Billings housing starts

2

0

New single-family home building permits 60

500

50

400

40

300

30

200

20

100

10

August

September

November

October

0

August to December 2014

July

Aug. Sept. Oct.

Nov.

Bozeman

June to November 2014 June to November 2015

2014

August to December 2015

Montana winter wheat

June to November 2014 June to November 2015 June to November 2014 June to November 2015

Source: Montana Department of Transportation

Unemployment

Montana Beef Cattle

(per bushel)

Nov.

June to November 2014 June to November 2015

June to November 2014 June to November 2015

National Park Service Source: National Park Service

Ag prices

Aug. Sept. Oct.

Missoula

Glacier National Park

2015

Source: City of Billings

$8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

June

Yellowstone National Park

YTD Through Dec. 31

December

July

Billings

413

392

0

0

June

(per cwt.)

6%

200

5

150

4 3

100

2 50

June

July

August Sept.

Oct.

Nov.

June to November 2014 Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

0

1 June

July

August Sept.

June to November 2015

Oct.

Nov.

0

June

July

Montana

August

September

Yellowstone County

October

November

U.S.

Source: Montana Department of Labor and Industry

February 2016

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CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff

L.P. Anderson store manager Bill Strever, left, owner Debra Bonogofsky and business partner Jared McDermott stand in front of the new store going up at Shiloh Road and Grand Avenue.

SUN POWERED 6

February 2016

New L.P. Anderson tire store to take advantage of solar power

By TOM HOWARD

When the new L.P. Anderson tire store and service center opens this spring on the

West End, power that runs the lights, compressors, computers and tools will have originated from some 92 million miles away.

An array of rooftop photovoltaic panels will generate a good chunk of the electricity used by the new store, which is now under construction on Grand Avenue, just west of Shiloh Road.

In a photovoltaic system, sunlight that strikes a thin slice of silicon is converted

directly into electricity.

The 50-kilowatt system is believed to be the largest photovoltaic array ever installed in Billings.

Renewable energy advocates predict that many more systems like it will be built in coming years because market conditions are

I’m one of those people who likes to be a first adopter. I want to be someone who other people point to and say, ‘They’ve done it.

Why can’t we?’ ” ­— Debra Bonogofsky, owner of L.P. Anderson

The sun will provide electrical power for the new L.P. Anderson tire store at Shiloh Road and Grand Avenue.

A crew from Jones Construction works on the new L.P. Anderson building.

tilting in favor of developing solar power and other renewables.

Debra Bonogofsky, owner of L.P. Anderson, crunched the numbers on the feasibility of adding solar power to the new store and concluded that the system represents a sound investment. She has estimated that the system will pay for itself in six to seven years as electricity generated by its solar cells offsets the need to purchase power from the grid.

And as the solar panels do their job, the company won’t have to worry too

CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff photos

much about future electrical rate increases, she said.

“Basically it boils down to a business decision,” Bonogofsky said. Two factors — a grant from NorthWestern Energy’s Efficiency Plus program and the extension of a federal solar tax credit — contributed to the project’s feasibility. The solar industry got a boost late last year with the passage of a federal omnibus spending bill that included a 5-year extension of the solar tax credit.

Bonogofsky isn’t afraid to try new technologies.

“I’m one of those people who likes to be a first adopter,” she said. “I want to be someone who other people point to and say, ‘They’ve done it. Why can’t we?’ ” Bonogofsky said she had previously studied installing a solar array on the roof of L.P. Anderson’s downtown store at 3741 Montana Ave. But building code requirements would have made a retrofit too costly.

The only way to get city approval for adding a solar Please see Sun, 8

February 2016

7

Sun Continued from 7 array to the downtown store was with a guarantee that the structure could support the additional weight of the solar panels, she said.

“You could park a bulldozer on top of the warehouse, but we would have to have an engineer willing to sign his name to prove it. But the city wouldn’t let us do it without that,” said Jared McDermott, who is Bonogofsky’s partner in the business.

By contrast, incorporating the solar panels into a new building proved to be more straightforward.

The new store will have 10,000 square feet of space and six work bays dedicated to tire changes, alignment work, mechanical service and a quicklube operation.

Bill Strever will manage the new store, which will employ between six and eight employees.

“We’re glad to be on this side of town,” Bonogofsky said, referring to the fast-growing area along Shiloh Road. “It’s only going to get busier here.”

“We envision this being mostly a retail store, although we envision being able to service just about any size vehicle,” McDermott said. The bulk of the company’s work on semitrailers will take place at the downtown store, he said.

Brad Van Wert, coowner of Harvest Solar, a Bozeman solar energy contractor, said L.P. Anderson’s commitment to solar power will likely encourage other businesses

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February 2016

to follow suit.

“When you see a local business owner make this type of commitment, it kind of helps to ease the minds of everybody who’s coming along behind them,” Van Wert said.

“With solar, it used to be a bit of a pie-in-the-sky idea in some people’s minds.”

Another factor is improving the prospect for solar energy. The price of solar panels has plunged in recent years as technology improves and manufacturing processes become more efficient, Van Wert said.

He and business partner Kyle Macvean started the company five years ago, and they have seen steady growth since then.

More roofs in Gallatin County are starting to sprout solar panels.

Traditionally, most customers are interested in adding solar panels to their homes. But commercial customers are taking an interest. The biggest installation is a 48-kilowatt array installed last year at Bozeman Brewing, downtown, he said.

According to GTM Research, a research and advocacy organization for renewable energy, 25 gigawatts of new solar capacity will come on line by 2020, in part because the solar investment credit has been renewed.

One issue with solar panels is that they only generate electricity when the sun shines. A process known as net metering is used to balance generation and electricity use for customers of renewable energy. Under net metering, excess electricity generated by solar panels

during the day is sold to the electrical utility. After the sun goes down, the business buys electricity back from the utility.

“So, if it’s a sunny day on Christmas when the store is closed, the excess power is sold into the grid,” Van Wert said. “Then at night, the power flows back to the business.”

Preliminary calculations show that the rooftop panels will generate most of the new tire store’s electrical needs, although power requirements will change according to weather and the season, Van Wert said.

The tire store has been designed to be energy efficient. Large windows will provide natural light, and LED lights will require less power to operate.

And for those who wonder how a rooftop solar array will stand up to weather, modern photovoltaic systems are designed to require almost no maintenance, and they’re durable.

The hundreds of solar panels installed throughout the Gallatin Valley have stood up to significant hailstorms and high winds, Van Wert said.

CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff

Workers put up sheathing on the new West End L.P. Anderson tire store.

An architect’s rendering shows what the new West End L.P. Anderson store will look like with solar panels installed on the roof.

Who does your heart beat for?

Keeping hearts beating since 1971.

Trust your heart to the most comprehensive and longest-running heart program in our region with three cardiovascular surgeons, nine cardiologists, three electrophysiologists and a team of physician assistants, nurse practitioners, therapists, nurses and medical assistants.

billingsclinic.com/heart

February 2016

A9

SPONSORED BY THE BIG SKY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Y OUR BSED TEAM HAS BEEN BUSY Big Sky Economic Development’s Community Development Team is working on many projects, investing our time, talent and resources to planning and initiating programs and partnerships that provide a better quality of place and enhance the community’s economic well-being, we are providing a foundation for economic development and a vibrant economy.

We are involved with more than 35 community organizations, providing training to more than 700 individuals, and brought more than $1.1 million in grant funds to Yellowstone County for projects. Our projects are diverse and range from redevelopment and development efforts to infrastructure, to disaster mitigation.

Dianne Lehm is director of The recently comcommunity development and pleted High-intensity Patrick Klugman is project Activated Walk (HAWK) manager in Big Sky Economic signal on Sixth Avenue Development’s Community North and North Park is Development division. achieved through grant funding from Housing Quality is a Priority and Urban Development In selecting a location to (HUD) Economic Developlive, the most highly considment Initiative funds and ered factor for business owncompleted in conjunction ers and community members with the City of Billings was the overall quality of the community, with a score of 4.5 Public Works Department. out of 5. Seventy percent of The HAWK signal now business owners responding to provides pedestrians with our survey indicated community character was “extremely a controlled crosswalk to important.” —Place Value, by safely cross Sixth Avenue the Sonoran Institute, 2015.

North. Prior to the instal-

Our projects are diverse and range from redevelopment and development efforts to infrastructure, to disaster mitigation.

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February 2016

lation of the crosswalk, pedestrians had no crossing points between 18th Street and 27th Street.

The Laurel Airport Road Bridge near 72nd Street between Billings and Laurel is one of few east-west roads that go over the railroad tracks rather than crossing the tracks at grade. This is an important crossing for emergency response agencies because a train will not block the route or impede emergency response vehicles. We successfully prepared the grant application to the Treasure State Endowment Program for Yellowstone County Public Works requesting $648,475 to complete upgrades to the bridge and expand its capacity.

Businesses looking to expand or relocate to Yellowstone County seek shovel-ready sites for their operations. To address this need BSED is looking at ways to create shovel ready industrial space in the county. Initial research identified an area in Lockwood which would be ideal for industrial uses. BSED acquired funding through the Big Sky Trust Fund and the Community Development Block Grant program to develop a Comprehensive Development Plan for the Lockwood area. The planning document will encompass a marketing

and development plan for the area, identifying target industries, funding strategies, and work plan.

One economic development tool often utilized in the development of an industrial park is creating a Targeted Economic Development District (TEDD). The Comprehensive Development Plan will provide all necessary information the County Commissioners would require should they decide

to create a TEDD for the area.

BSED received a $400,000 competitive EPA Environmental Assessment Grant providing Phase I and Phase II assessments free of charge to eligible property owners in the East Billings Urban Renewal District (EBURD). So far, we have completed four Phase I assessments; initiated Sampling and Analysis Plans; are currently preparing

for subsequent Phase II assessments, all in an attempt to clearly identify potential contamination and/or eliminate perception of contamination to reuse, redevelop, or expand economic development within the community. To date we have completed one project and are currently working on six assessments which span over 8.4 acres within the East Billings Urban Renewal District.

Business

Strategies P= M(V)

2016

Are You Growing Your Small Business?

B u s i n e s s s tr ate g i e s 2 01 6 is the one day workshop designed specifically to provide the tools to develop strong small businesses.

F e B r ua r y 1 0 t h Billings Public Library Community Room Registration starts at 8:30am, Workshop 9:00am – 4:00pm Call us today at 256-6871 to learn more or register at bigskyeconomicdevelopment.org

WoRkshoPs to inCLude: » Marketing/Branding » Website/seo » Legal documents » Quickbooks » succession Planning » hR toolkit » Access to Capital …and much more

406.256.6871 WWW.BIGSKYECONOMICDEVELOPMENT.COM

Upcoming Chamber/ CVB Functions More details and RSVP: www. billingschamber.com or call 245-4111

SPONSORED BY THE BILLINGS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

YELLOWSTONE KELLY DESERVES A FITTING LOCAL TRIBUTE The end goal of this project is to create a place of respect and honor for Yellowstone Kelly

Kelly McCandless is communications manager for the Billings Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visit Billings. Contact her at 406-869-3732 or at Kelly@ billingschamber.com.

A veteran of three wars, a frontiersman, a warrior, a scout, a national hero. A man who had pride in our state and all it has to offer. A well-traveled man who chose Montana as his resting place because he felt his “body would rest better here.” How would you picture the gravesite of a man described like this? Perhaps something stately, respectable and valued. Something that lends itself to showcasing what he saw in our state and why he chose Big Sky Country as his final resting place.

Regrettably, the reality is a neglected, abused, vandalized, forgotten slab of concrete atop the Rims.

Yellowstone Kelly deserves better.

“Yellowstone Kelly was an authentic character of the American West — whose story makes that era come alive,” explains Bill Cole, chair of the Yellowstone Kelly Interpretive Site Project and resident Kelly expert.

“His real-life adventures inspired articles, books and even a Hollywood movie. He was a scholar and author, veteran,

exceptional hunter and trader, and a key player in scouting and taming the Wild West. His friends and confidants included the likes of Col. Nelson A. Miles, “Buffalo Bill” Cody, and President Teddy Roosevelt. His travels and military assignments took him from New York to the Dakotas and Montana, and from Alaska to the Philippines before retiring to a quieter life in California.”

And yet he chose Montana to be laid to rest. Kelly could have been buried in Arlington National Cemetery, but in his own words, “I feel my body will rest better in Montana, the scene of my earlier activities, than it would in the vastness of Arlington.”

“The gravesite, in its current state, is embarrassing,” admits John Brewer, President and CEO of the Billings Chamber. “Though his gravesite demands respect, currently it is less than dignified. But, with the help of donors big and small, it will be so much more.”

The site, once completed, fulfills a promise

made by the state of Montana, The city of Billings and the Billings Chamber of Commerce nearly 90 years ago. Brewer emphasizes that even though Luther Sage “Yellowstone” Kelly could have been buried in Arlington National Cemetery, “he chose his final resting place to be among the rivers, trees, land and people he loved most. Resting

February Business After Hours Wednesday, Feb. 10 Allegra, 2620 Overland Ave. 5-7 pm. Cost is $8.

March Business After Hours Wednesday, March 9 Center for Children & Families at Century 21, 1605 Shiloh Road 5-7 pm. Cost is $8.

atop Kelly Mountain in Swords Rimrock Park, the area and views are second to none. But the gravesite simply doesn’t deliver on our promise.”

The end goal of this project is to create a place of respect and honor for Yellowstone Kelly and to link the site with great trails and views in the beautiful Swords Rimrock Park. To date, dozens of

Billings Breakfast 2016 Thursday, March 31 Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark $450 for table of 10, or $30 General Admission.

individuals, small businesses and major corporations have invested in this project to return the site to a place of honor.

With half of the funds raised, the project is close to becoming a reality.

Help keep the momentum going, preserve history and give Kelly the resting place he deserves. To donate and learn more, visit YellowstoneKelly.org.

Presenting Sponsor

Join at 1/2 Price!

BillingsChamber.com

Network and engage with other young professionals.

Dues are just $37.50 for membership through June 2016.

BillingsNextGen.com February 2016

11

Matt Pipinich

Coffee culture is

PERCOLATING

Matt Pipinich, a partner in the new MoAV Coffee soon to open on Montana Avenue, doesn’t mind being called a coffee geek. In fact, he embraces the term as if it’s a title bestowed by royalty.

Pipinich and partners Adam Feldner and Jeff Hosa are the creative force behind MoAV, which will occupy the site of the former Carlin Martini Bar at 2501 Montana Ave. Billings has no shortage of both locally-owned and corporate coffee shops. But Pipinich says MoAV aims to elevate the local coffee culture by featuring premium beans, sustainably sourced, roasted to perfection and using a variety of brewing methods.

MoAV’s Facebook page and its website, www.moavcoffee.com, mentions that the business is staging its opening over a few weeks as the owners deal with remodeling. The roaster has been purchased, and roasting operations will begin soon. The coffee bar and food service are scheduled to open by spring.

In an interview, Pipinich discusses his evolving love for coffee and the partners’ vision for where the local coffee scene is headed.

How did you get started in coffee?

In 2003 I got a part-time job at Gap Inc. After a while I was offered a full-time job and got into the company’s sustainability efforts. I found that a lot of the areas where their clothing is made is also where coffee comes from. As part of that effort, we were looking at ways to partner with coffee producers to improve those areas.

My store manager pushed me to leave working in stores and work in the sustainability program. I found that to work in that area I needed more experience and more education. But that led me into coffee.

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February 2016

I started out at City Brew, and I really appreciated them. They brought good coffee to Billings and they’re great coffee people. I worked there a year or so, and that led to some new opportunities working with the folks at Friendship House. I also worked at Rock Creek Roasters, and all of these experiences started me thinking about how coffee should be.

What do you mean by elevating coffee culture to new levels?

Coffee should taste how it smells. I love the science behind it: roasting, grinding, different brewing methods, the distribution and the supply chain. For centuries, coffee has been one of the most traded commodities. It’s a sustainable industry. That’s why I tend to stay up late at night reading blogs and watching videos.

You have mentioned a third wave for coffee culture. What do you mean by that?

It’s all based on relationships, getting to know your coffee shop, but even the growers.

What strengths do the partners bring to this business?

I’m the numbers guy and people guy, and I’m into the supply chain. As a barista, on a scale of one to 10, I’m a six or seven. Jeff, on the other hand, will be a 10 behind the bar. He’s amazing at the presentation.

Adam’s specialty is the atmosphere. He can design a space that works physically and socially. Architecturally, he’s pushing the boundaries quite a bit.

It appears that microbrews and coffee businesses have evolved along similar lines. Your thoughts?

They’re pretty similar. When it comes down to it, you’re dealing with local farmers and adding value to their products.

Matt Pipinich LARRY MAYER/ Gazette Staff

SALESmoves

L isten up ! B etter sales results start with learning to listen

Listening is one of the BIG THREE in selling, the other two are asking (engaging) and being friendly.

Jeffrey Gitomer is the author of The Sales Bible and The Little Red Book of Selling. Reach him at 704-333-1112 or email salesman@gitomer.com

“I didn’t hear you.”

No, you weren’t listening.

“Our people need to listen better.”

No, your people need to understand WHY they don’t listen.

REALITY: You quit paying attention for one reason or another, AND blame it on the person talking to you. Two rudes don’t make a right.

How do you listen?

That’s both a question and an enigma. Listening is one of the BIG THREE in selling, the other two are asking (engaging), and being friendly.

If you ask most salespeople, they would admit that listening is their weakest quality. In part due to impatience, but mostly because they don’t know how. Or even deeper, they don’t know the components or factors that make up the “why” of listening.

To complicate the listening process even further, there are manners in which people listen — no, not “please pass the salt” manners — attitude and mood manners. These manners can affect the listening competence level by more than half.

There are 3.5 opposite sets of manners of listening: 1. Active or passive.

2. Positive or negative.

altrendo images

Learning to listen is the best way to ensure your success in sales.

3. Open or closed.

3.5 Distracted by other business or personal matters, or not distracted.

You can almost get the feeling and meaning of these manners without me explaining them.

Listening is also broken down into elements.

Each representing a “why.” I have added some additional description to clarify each element. And defined a few.

The good elements of listening are: n Listen with the intent to understand. A sermon. A movie. In a classroom. n Listen with the intent to take action.

Someone giving instructions. n Listen with the intent to learn. A teacher. A trainer. A seminar leader. n Listen with the intent to enjoy. Music.

Sounds of nature. Waterfalls. A crackling fire.

n Listen with the intent to remember. Driving directions. A website address. A phone number.

WHO you’re listening to can have a huge impact on the quality of your listening. Your mother, your boss, your spouse, your kids, your best friend, your favorite celebrity, someone you like, or someone you dislike, can affect the outcome of your listening ability. It’s their words, your mood, and your level of respect, that make up the listening effectiveness model.

The bad elements of listening are: n Listen with the intent to respond. You start responding BEFORE the other person has finished talking. CURE: Just ask the person if they have finished their thought BEFORE you respond. n Listen with the intent to figure out an angle (manipulate). Interacting

with a customer during a selling situation. n Listen because you have to obey (or try to worm out of it). Parents, teachers, and bosses top the list. n Listen because you are forced to. Your boss, teacher, or parents yelling or disciplining you. n Listen with the intent not to pay attention. Turned off because of your unhappiness or ill feeling towards the person speaking. n Listen with the intent to argue. Whenever you’re in an argument or fight, listening is overpowered by anger and negativity.

There is also the ever popular, pretending to listen, but in another world. You have other things on your mind that are more powerful than what is being said, so you tune out whoever is speaking.

Telltale signs of not listening? Asking people to repeat. Getting instructions wrong. Making mistakes on the job. Getting rejected.

Have you ever heard someone say, “Now everybody listen-up, this is important.” What does that mean? It means that without that preface to whatever is being said next, the odds are that very few, if any, are

paying attention to the person speaking.

Think about it, does Bill Gates walk into the room and say, “OK everybody listen-up?” Billy Graham? Steve Jobs? Madonna? Michael Jordan?

Ted Turner? A hush falls over the room like a magic spell.

The three best states to be in when listening are: the state of calm, the state of happy, and the state of willing. These are “ear opening” states. (The worst listening states are the state of New Jersey and the state of New York.

Many people there already know everything.)

FINAL SECRET: I know all of you are looking for the silver bullet that will make you an instant better listener. I’ve got it for you. Two words, and they’re not “shutup.” The secret words and action of listening are: “take notes.” When you take notes, you show respect, always “hear,” and have a reference to help you remember what was said or promised.

I have a list of things that negatively affect the listening stream. A selfawareness list to help you understand WHY you’re a poor listener. Go to www. gitomer.com — register if you’re a first time visitor — and enter the word WHAT? in the GitBit box.

February 2016

13

American Airlines to offer flights from Dallas to Bozeman

By TOM HOWARD American Airlines will enter the Montana market this spring with nonstop daily, seasonal flights connecting Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport with Dallas-Fort Worth.

Summer service begins June 2, ending in October. Winter service begins Dec. 15 and ends in April.

Airport manager Brian Sprenger said the announcement represents the culmination of two decades worth of effort by officials from Gallatin County.

“Obviously, it puts us on the map, particularly for the Dallas market,” Sprenger said. The direct flights open up new opportunities for leisure travelers interested in visiting southwest Montana, he said.

Sprenger said a $650,000 federal grant is part of a $1.3 million financial package that aims to reduce the airline’s risk.

“These flights would not be possible without community support from our partners, Big Sky Resort, Visit Big Sky, The Yellowstone Club, Spanish Peaks and Moonlight Basin, The Bozeman TBID and Yellowstone Country Montana,” said Scott Humphrey, deputy airport director.

“Big Sky Resort is thrilled over this recent milestone in our air service development,” said. Brandon Bang, Big Sky Resort’s senor sales director. “The new daily seats, a new direct flight city and new American Airlines customers are each individually big steps in economic development, and all three together are a huge win for the economy, tourism, and accessibility.”

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is Montana’s busiest, by virtue of its proximity to Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky and other tourist attractions. Last year, the airport handled more than 1 million passengers.

The single daily flight offered by American could eventually expand over time if market conditions justify it, Sprenger said. “In the long run, it

14

February 2016

American Airlines jets crowd Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

gives American an opportunity to have expanded in Montana and to understand the market better. As they gain experience, it’s more likely that they’ll expand to other cities.”

Another carrier, Horizon Airlines eventually expanded its service after entering the Montana market a few years ago, Sprenger said.

Billings officials traveled to DallasFort Worth late last year hoping to promote American’s interest in serving the Billings market. Meetings have also taken place with officials from Delta Airlines and United Airlines about potentially expanding air service to Billings.

“The airlines each know what Billings is looking for and we know what the airlines need to expand in our market,” said John Brewer, president and chief executive of the Billings Chamber of Commerce. “For example, American Airlines knows that Billings seeks to secure daily direct service to Dallas-Fort Worth and

that our data and research indicate that service would be successful here.

“We hope to see the flight in Bozeman go well, as that will ultimately speak to the success of the Montana market for American and feed our request for daily direct service in Billings,” Brewer said.

Steve Arveschoug, executive director of Big Sky Economic Development, said he was somewhat disappointed that American plans only seasonal service.

Billings will continue to make the case for adding new flights, he said.

Brewer said Billings has a lot of factors that make it a strong candidate for air service expansion, including a strong economy and a diverse business community.

“This is exciting news for the Bozeman community and the thousands of Montanans who rely on Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport for reliable air travel,” said Sen. Steve Daines,

Associated Press

R-Mont. “This new partnership with American Airlines won’t just increase options for Montanans, but will also make it easier for Montanans to access global destinations at lower cost. It will further open Bozeman’s door to economic opportunities and job creation, unlocking markets for Montana small businesses.”

“We’re proud to offer this new service to Bozeman, marking American’s return to Montana,” said Chuck Schubert, American’s vice president of network planning. “Customers from around the world will now have access to Bozeman from our largest hub.”

The new flight is scheduled to depart Dallas Fort Worth Airport at 10:15 a.m., arriving in Bozeman at 12:13 p.m., with the return flight leaving Bozeman at 1:02 p.m., arriving in Dallas at 5 p.m.

American’s service will be operated by its American Eagle regional partners, using Bombardier CRJ-900 aircraft.

Digital Cookie 2.0: Girl Scout cookie sales going digital can contact you and still get them from you,” Katelyn said. “It was exciting knowing you TRIBUNE could sell to more people CHICAGO — Last year no matter what their Katelyn Karner sat down distance was.”

Dell and Visa helped with her mother in their Girl Scouts of the USA suburban Chicago home upgrade to Digital Cookie and created a virtual 2.0, which includes Girl Scout cookie booth games and videos that through a digital platform will help Scouts earn on her mother’s laptop. their cookie badges, as This year Katelyn, well as learn entrepre13, is taking the reins neurial and Web skills. and using an expanded Dell recently commitversion called Digital ted $2.5 million through Cookie 2.0 to do the same 2018 to provide hundreds by herself, tracking her of thousands of girls acsales and learning about cess to the Digital Cookie how to manage a small program, according to business. a Dell spokesperson.

“Some people like to Many of Dell’s leading do it face to face, but if female executives were there’s somebody that Girl Scouts, and Dell has can’t make it out, they also partnered with Girl

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Scouts through their youth learning program and “Be the Video Game Developer” program.

“By supporting Girl Scouts’ Digital Cookie program, we’re helping girls expand their existing cookie businesses and preparing them to be future female business leaders,” Trisa Thompson, vice president of corporate responsibility for Dell, said in an email.

“We need strong, smart, tech-savvy women in laboratories, startups, elected offices and boardrooms, and this is a great start for girls to learn exactly what they’re capable of.”

Customers use Visa Checkout to buy Girl Scout Cookies, and Dell funded the creation of a

mobile app for the platform.

Visa Checkout allows the girls to carry out easy and secure cookie purchases, said Lara Balazs, senior vice president of North America marketing for Visa. Cookie buyers will also be able to store their shipping and payment information for future purchases.

According to a spokeswoman, Visa has contributed a seven-figure commitment.

Girl Scouts rolled out the original Digital Cookie 1.0 with its first sales in January 2015, allowing girls to sell and ship cookies online through their own cookie website, accessible to people who had the link or got an emailed invitation.

Digital Cookie 2.0 lets Scouts take quizzes, watch videos, play games and further personalize their pages during setup and access improved cookie sales data, with charts showing sales by cookie type and delivery method, as well as weekby-week trends. It also includes the mobile app.

“The online Girl Scout cookie experience is beneficial to girls in learning how to do online marketing and representing themselves online and business ethics,” said Ann-Marie Soderstrom, communications manager for Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois.

Last year Girl Scouts sold 194 million boxes of cookies. Stewart Goodbody, director of

communications at Girl Scouts of the USA, said 2.5 million boxes were sold through the digital platform, resulting in about $10 million in revenue.

Girl Scouts is actively looking for funding from other corporations, Goodbody said.

“My understanding is the sponsorships help with the technology development, so if it means that it creates more opportunities for the girls, I think it’s great,” said Debbie Karner, Katelyn’s mother.

Proceeds of the cookie sales go toward Scout activities like camps and outings. This year customers won’t have to pay a service fee unless their order is shipped.

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For Stillwater Mining Co., 2015 presented challenges; company officials hope for rebound

By BILLINGS BUSINESS Despite soft commodity prices, layoffs and other challenges, production for Stillwater Mining Co. last year inched above 2014 levels, the company reported.

Stillwater miners produced 520,800 ounces of palladium and platinum in 2015, about a half-percentage point above the 517,700 mined in 2014, company officials said in a news release.

Production slowed in the last three months of 2015, following layoffs of 119 workers in the middle of a lengthy slide in prices for precious metals. Stillwater officials reported 132,400 ounces produced last quarter, down about 4 percent from the same time in 2014.

The annual gains were realized entirely at the East Boulder mine south of Big Timber, which produced 201,000 ounces of precious metals in 2015.

That’s up about 14 percent from 2014.

Stillwater officials said last year they want to maximize production at the newer, smaller East Boulder mine, where ore can be extracted more efficiently. The mine has about 400 hourly, union employees, who approved a new contract with the company in December.

At the main Stillwater mine near Nye, production fell to 319,800 ounces in 2015, down 6 percent from 2014. The layoffs were targeted primarily at this mine, which now has about 800 union workers.

As of Dec. 31, Stillwater had $463.8 million in cash, investments and other equivalents.

CEO Mick McMullen said in a written statement that the company has improved its recycling business and increased its mining efficiency.

Recycling volumes for 2015 totaled 551,100 ounces, an increase of 17.4 percent from the 469,400 processed during 2014.

“Even as the platinum group metals

16

February 2016

This photo shows the Stillwater Mining Company, the only platinum and palladium mine in the United States near Nye, Mont.

pricing environment has continued to decline, we have delivered on our stated goals,” McMullen said. “We are confident in our ability to withstand this PGM pricing trough with a very strong balance sheet, building on our successes and focusing on additional business improvements to drive costs lower. These efforts will ensure Stillwater maintains its leading position and is positioned for growth when price recovery occurs.”

The company is trying to ride out low prices and preparing to grow when prices rise again, he said.

Stillwater officials plan to discuss their quarterly and annual earnings 10 a.m. Mountain Standard Time Feb. 22 in a conference call with investors.

Columbus-based Stillwater is Montana’s largest mining company and the

largest U.S. producer of precious metals.

Platinum is a major component of jewelry and other items, while palladium is used to make catalytic converters for the auto industry.

The company has its registered headquarters in Montana but moved its corporate office to Littleton, Colo., last year.

Shares of publicly held Stillwater closed at $5.58 per share on Jan. 25. The company’s stock has been battered by slumping Chinese commodity demand and global oversupply.

In related news, Stillwater approved equity bonuses for McMullen and other top executives worth about $1.6 million in restricted stock, less than five months after laying off workers to cut costs.

According to a filing with the U.S.

Matthew Brown

Securities and Exchange Commission, McMullen received 172,560 shares from the company’s equity incentive plan, worth about $1.03 million, according to Friday’s share price.

Other employees who received equity bonuses are Christopher Michael Bateman, chief financial officer, $386,863; Rhonda Ihde, corporate controller, $55,516; Kristen K. Koss, vice president, $72,223; and Brent Wadman, corporate attorney, $88,547.

All five employees have employment contracts directly with Stillwater and are eligible for performance bonuses.

They’re restricted from selling the stock for a certain time period, but details weren’t immediately available.

Jen Lawson, a Stillwater spokeswoman, declined comment.

Is that annual fee worth it? Probably not, experts say Associated Press NEW YORK — The biggest months for adding and dropping credit cards are December and January, so now’s the time to make sure that $95 annual fee is really worth it. Chances are, it’s not.

“Generally, for the average credit card holder, it is not likely they are going to use a card with a high annual fee enough to justify it,” said Matt Schulz, a credit card expert with Creditcards.com, which is owned by Bankrate.com.

Banks raked in $90.3 billion in credit card fees in 2014, according to Bankrate, and additional fee hikes last year by some companies mean that number is only going to grow. American Express raised the fee on its popular Premier Reward Gold Card and its co-branded credit card with Starwood Hotels from $65 to $95 last year, for example.

Schulz says banks are lowering interest rates they are charging on cardholders who carry a balance, but raising annual fees to help generate income.

December is the most popular month for signing up for new credit cards, as people add reinforcements to their holiday shopping arsenal. January tends to be the most popular month for dropping cards, as people look at the big bills coming in and consolidate balances into low-rate cards. Here are some things to consider as you think about what cards to keep.

Why pay annual fee at all?

Maybe because you have no choice: Some cards aimed at people with poor credit carry fees because these customers are considered high-risk.

But often cards with annual fees come with some kind of benefit that the user thinks is a good deal. There are dozens of cards issued by banks that allow users to earn frequent flier miles or points toward a free hotel stay. Others offer perks, like access to tickets before they are on sale to the broader public, or the ability to check a bag on a flight without having to pay a fee.

There are even some cash-back cards that also carry an annual fee.

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Calculating the value of some credit card benefits, like ones that let you check a bag free on an airline, is straightforward. If you fly United and check a bag — $25 a pop, usually — more than four times a year, you have more than justified the $95 annual fee on Chase’s United Visa card.

Sometimes the perk is something a user wants bad enough to pay for it.

American Express’ Platinum Card charges a hefty $450 annual fee but includes $200 in fee credits toward a customer’s selected airline. The card also gives the user airport lounge access, and a day pass for an American Airlines or United lounge runs $50. “If I check a lot of bags, that card costs me $250, not $450,” said Edward Pizzarello, co-founder of insideflyer.com. “There’s also a value getting access to (American Express’) Centurion lounges.”

One rule of thumb to calculate whether reward points in general are worth the money, according to The Points Guy website: If you are getting more than one penny of reward per point earned, you are getting a decent deal. Less, and you

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can very likely do better elsewhere.

Your better off without one Nearly all rewards credit cards require a large amount of a particular type of spending to justify the fee. If you’re not doing that, then you’re wasting money.

For example, AmEx’s Blue Cash Preferred Card has a $75 annual fee but gives 6 percent cash back on purchases at a grocery store up to $6,000. If you spend a lot on groceries, then the AmEx card may be right for you. But if someone else in your house buys the groceries, you’ll be getting just 1 percent on most of the other things you by. That means you’d have to rack up $7,500 in charges in a year to make up the fee, never mind earning any real cash back.

Threaten to walk Annual fees can be negotiated, both Schulz and Pizzarello said. While not every company will waive the entire fee, sometimes the company will reduce the fee or throw in an extra benefit, like a bundle of points, if a customer threatens to leave. They call this in the industry a “retention offer.”

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STRATEGIESfor success

T echnology can help your retail business thrive Technology also allows you to explore all of the “big data” that is available to a merchant.

Joe Michaels Joe Michaels, PhD, P.E., C.P.L., is principal of Solomon Bruce Consulting, LLC. Contact him at 406-672-6387 or at www.solomonbruce.com.

18

February 2016

Technology today has significantly increased the ability of the average person to both buy and sell new products. Using technology as a sales tool ensures that you are on the forefront of the sales cycle, and it significantly increases your ability to make that sale.

Recent sales data show that approximately 43 percent of the world has Internet access, with approximately 85 percent of those individuals using some type of smart phone device to browse the Internet.

If you are selling a product, make sure your company has a mobilefriendly Web site that’s easy to navigate with a mobile device and displays all of the products that your store sells.

This is the first step. If your company is really technology savvy, each product will have a QR code (a machine read-

able code consisting of an array of black and white squares) which will allow your buyer to simply scan the QR code, enter the payment information, the shipping instructions and wait for overnight delivery.

Technology also allows you to explore all of the “big data” that is available to a merchant. With some simple analytical skills and elementary familiarity with Excel spreadsheets, a merchant can analyze point-of-sale information to ascertain what products are trending, what times of the day of week, hour of day, day of month are best for certain product sales. “Big Data” analysis is very popular today. Don’t be left out. Learn all about the data that your company possesses. That data, when analyzed, will yield some very interesting information

that you may not have previously considered.

The use of social media in today’s world is absolutely essential.

Using Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn are just some of the social media platforms that exist to promote, show and explain your business, the products that you carry and why the customer experience at your firm is exceptional. Social media is also an excellent source of referrals from satisfied customers. Industry and academic research has shown that a prospective buyer is approximately 10 times more likely to act upon a peer’s or friend’s recommendation of your store, product or service than just listening to a sales professional.

If you are a sales professional, regardless of the product or industry, a mobile device

is your best friend. It provides instant access to not only your store’s Web site, but that of any competitor in the space in which you operate. As a sales professional, you are able to easily address customer objections, questions and find fast, efficient answers to concerns a perspective customer may have.

When a customer comes into your store to buy a product — he/she is ready to spend money.

Oh, they may say, “We are just looking.” However, a good sales person can take that opening and ascertain just what they are looking for and then proceed to help them. In many instances, this help allows you to close the sale, develop a happy customer who just came in “looking” and go home with a purchase that he/she really intended to buy when they walked into the store.

Buyers use technology today to BUY. Over the 2015 Thanksgiving holiday, more purchases were made online, over the Internet, than in brick-and-mortar stores.

Technology allowed for greater convenience, faster completion of the sales cycle and more satisfied customers.

If you are afraid of technology, don’t be.

Ask one of your millennial workers, those aged 20 to 34, to help you get going. Listen carefully to what your millennial colleagues will share — they know technology. After all, that is the only tool that they have grown up with.

If you or your company are not totally technology literate, today is the day to begin. Your competitors are technology literate; you should be as well. If not, you may not be in business this time next year.

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a phone interview, Chief Marketing Officer Marcos de Quinto said it didn’t NEW YORK — Coca-Cola, under matter whether original Coke ends pressure as many people look to cut back up being just 20 percent of sales over on sugary drinks, is unveiling a new time. global campaign that for the first time The new strategy is meant to convey unites its flagship cola with lower-calo- that all the variations are a single brand, rie versions. rather than competing products with The Atlanta company says the “Taste different personalities, he said. Individthe Feeling” campaign will feature Coke ual markets such as the U.S. will deteras well as variations such as Diet Coke mine how to adapt the global strategy and Coke Zero. The effort replaces its locally.

“Open Happiness” campaign, which In Chile, Russia and Spain, the comlaunched in 2009. pany is already testing its Coke lineup Coke is underscoring the various options that it offers to consumers at a time with cans that look more alike. The top halves of Coke, Diet Coke and Coke Zero when sugary drinks are increasingly linked to obesity. Globally, the company cans are all red, while the bottom halves still gets about three-quarters of its sales denote the variation.

The new campaign arrives as Coke from full-calorie drinks that include struggles to push up sales, with its soda Sprite, Powerade and Simply orange volume up just 1 percent for the first nine juice. months of the year. Coke CEO Muhtar The company did not provide a Kent has promised to lift sales with breakdown of how much of its sales come from its traditional cola. But in stepped up marketing.

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Target attempts to update its in-store cafes with fresher, healthier fare McClatchy NEWSPAPERS MINNEAPOLIS — As she waited at a counter for her carrot apple ginger juice, Katy Hays shuddered when she recalled what she used to eat during her shopping trips to Target.

“I got the pretzel with the nasty cheese and a pop every time,” she said.

Then she quickly added, “Well, not every time.”

So she was intrigued when the cafe at her Target store in northeast Minneapolis got rid of the popcorn, hot dogs and Pizza Hut pies it sold for years and replaced them with food from Freshii, a fast-growing chain from Toronto with a menu built around fresh ingredients and devoid of anything fried or served on a bun.

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It’s an attempt to breathe new life into an oftenneglected part of the store that has become to feel out of sorts with Target’s stylish sensibility as well as the recent health kick it has embarked on under CEO Brian Cornell.

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ing more natural, organic and gluten-free items. In some stores in Minneapolis and Denver, Target also recently began piloting a healthier check-out lane, stocked with fewer candy bars and chips and more nuts and dried fruit.

In another cafe trial that is also tapping into Target’s aim to be more localized, the retailer has put a spin on D’Amico & Sons into its stores in a couple Twin Cities suburbs. The Minneapolis-based purveyor of Italian sandwiches and pastas created a new concept called D’Amico & Sons Italian Kitchen for the experiment with its own menu that include flatbreads and gelato in addition to salads and pastas.

Lynn Ulrich, director of D’Amico’s operations, said the firm also made a concerted effort to keep all of the prices below $9.50, lower than its restaurants.

It also added many personal touches to give the cafes a more homey feel, such as having a lowerto-the-ground kid’s table with toys and books and decorating the walls with old D’Amico family photos from Italy.

“People have been thrilled with the changes,” she said. “They’re really happy to see us here.”

In another test, Target is trying out some more artisanal pizzas from Pizza Hut at a few stores in New York, New Jersey and Iowa.

Target executives aren’t saying much yet about whether they will roll out one or all of these concepts across the chain. About 1,650 of its 1,800 U.S. stores have cafes. Analysts are intrigued by the potential rewards if Target proceeds with an overhaul of its cafes.

“I don’t think it’s going to be a one-sizefits all approach,” said Sean Naughton, a retail analyst with Piper Jaffray.

“They’re clearly going to be very targeted in what they put in which store.”

If Target does go down this road, he said it would be one more way for the retailer to hand over control of a noncore part of its business to someone else who can do it better and more profitably — and potentially bring more customers to its stores as a result without having to invest a lot of its own resources. Under Cornell, Target recently closed a deal to sell its pharmacies, which were unprofitable, to CVS. “I would venture to say that the Target cafe

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is probably not a very profitable part of the store either,” Naughton said.

While Target employees staff its cafes, Freshii and D’Amico & Sons use their own workers in the pilot programs, which would be another way for Target to reduce its operating costs, he added.

In-store cafes have been a part of big-box stores for decades, offering customers the convenience of one-stop shopping. The eateries are also often a way to entertain children — or other members of the family — who are not as interested in shopping.

Wal-Mart has Subway in many of its stores.

Meanwhile, Costco has its own food court with a popular $1.50 hot dog and soda deal.

In 1995, Target became a licensee of Pizza Hut and now sells its branded pizzas in about two-thirds of its cafes. Target is also a licensee of Starbucks and operates coffee shops in nearly 1,400 stores.

“In our stores, one of the first things a guest encounters is our food service operations,” said Katie Boylan, a Target spokeswoman. “So it’s part of their first impression.”

McDonald’s, other big retailers accelerating push for cage-free eggs buy Phil’s Eggs,” said Rod Wubbena, 58, who bought the family busiFORRESTON, Ill. — ness from his father, Inside a long barn next Phil, in 2002. “Now the to rolling fields, Rod Wubbena looked out over challenge is how do I 12,000 or so brown hens make Phil’s Eggs different from everybody else scratching in the wood chips and fluttering onto that’s jumping into the pool?” perches.

Almost every week, it The chickens have seems, a major food comalways been cage-free at pany — Dunkin’ Donuts, Phil’s Fresh Eggs, headGeneral Mills and Taco quartered in the small Bell recently — announcfarming town of Forreses its transition to cageton in northwest Illinois, free eggs, amounting to a one of the first commermonumental shift in the cial egg farms in the U.S. industry. Hens shouldn’t to market and produce be kept in cages that alcage-free eggs. low less space per bird Now that niche is than a piece of notebook vanishing. paper, a familiar refrain “I always felt as long from animal rights activas there was caged egg ists that’s resonating with production out there, consumers and driving there were going to be companies. consumers that would

Chicago Tribune

Getting to this point hasn’t been a matter of simply opening the barn doors and setting the birds free. The movement has pitted the egg industry against animal rights groups, with both sides flinging accusations of bias and wielding science to support their viewpoints.

Cage-free hen housing systems can carry their own challenges, according to some research, like the birds’ propensity to peck and eat one another.

For companies making the switch, there’s also the feel-good public relations angle to consider, which is far simpler than the science.

Marion Gross, senior vice president of sup-

Make the connection

ply chain management for McDonald’s, cited “customer sentiment” as an important factor that led McDonald’s and its 2 billion-eggs-a-year purchasing clout to make the cage-free leap in September when it declared it would transition fully to cage-free eggs over the next 10 years. It was like a giant doing a cannonball into the pool.

The ripples are still being felt.

“The biggest earthquake in the egg industry was the McDonald’s announcement,” said Paul Shapiro, vice president of farm animal protection for The Humane Society of the United States, which advocates for cage-free hen housing among

many other animal welfare causes.

McDonald’s did its homework before making the call.

In 2009, the fast-food chain, headquartered in suburban Chicago, convened a group called the Coalition for Sustainable Egg Supply — which included major food companies, industry groups and scientists — to do a three-year study of hen housing systems.

The study compared the cage-free aviary and enriched colony system (basically a larger cage with more features) to the small conventional cages that house most of the chickens in the U.S. The conventional cages in the study allotted for 80 square inches

per bird, compared with 116 for enriched colony and 144 in the cage-free aviary.

The study compared housing systems along the lines of food safety, animal health and wellbeing, environment, worker health and safety, and affordability.

The study’s findings, released last year, didn’t recommend one system over another but identified pros and cons of transitioning from conventional cages to cage-free and enriched colony setups. For example, chickens in cagefree systems had more freedom of movement, the study found, but also were more likely to have broken bones from failed landing attempts.

2016 is the year to MEET!

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Vision Net has been a leader in video conferencing throughout Montana since 1995. Thanks to our state-of-the-art solutions, universities, K-12 schools, the legal community, and private industry have made important connections all over the world without ever having to leave town. You can rent a studio, own your own fully integrated system or get mobile or desktop conferencing as a service. And if you don’t have enough tech support in house, you can try our Managed Video Services and let us take care of it for you.

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February 2016

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It’s your dream. One you’ve been working on for quite some time. Construction loan financing -It’s you and together.

NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION LOAN FINANCING

As one of the largest lenders in the region, we’re ready to help you open the door to your new home.

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firstinterstate.com A24

February 2016

special advertising section

PAINTING

CONSTRUCTION

February 2016

A25

special advertising section

Filling a Need T he ArT of PlAy

By Brenda Maas Photos By Larry Mayer ABOVE: The massive center play area mimics a road surrounding a park with faux grass, giving children space to practice large motor skills.

BOTTOM LEFT: An alcove in the rear of the space offers children a “campground” with chairs, a grill and a camper. The faux grass enhances learning via all senses, specifically, touch.

The economics of business can be summarized simply: Supply and demand.

The Art of Play owners, which recently opened at 605 24th Ave. W., Suite 4, followed that basic premise as their business’ launching pad.

“We are all moms, and we all saw this need for an indoor play space that is clean, safe and fun,” said coowner, Jennifer Owen, as she explained the concept.

The Art of Play provides a clean, safe enrichment center for children ages 0-5 and their parents in which to play, discover and have fun.

LEFT: The Art of Play, owned by Jayne Bryant, Jessica Tuck and Jennifer Owen, opened in late January.

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February 2016

special advertising section

Where do we go?

The three owners, Jayne Bryant, Jennifer Owen and Jessica Tuck, all have young children. They noticed a lack of indoor public places for infants and toddlers to spread out and do what toddlers do best— learn by doing.

“When my son was younger, I looked but there really was no place in this community for me to play with my baby,” said Owen.

Owen, who is also executive director of Head Start, Inc., started thinking about creating such a place.

“I looked at franchises, but nothing clicked,” she said.

Owen shared her thoughts with fellow moms, including friends Jayne Bryant and Jessica Tuck.

The concept of The Art of Play was born.

Good vibes

Once they found a location on the south-east corner of Broadwater Ave. and 24th Ave. W., the owners turned to Bill DuBeau, associate partner with A&E Architects, for guidance.

“Essentially, we drew the plan and engineering to get the space going and they ran with it,” said DuBeau.

A&E Architects had worked with another tenant, Anytime Fitness, so they were familiar with the building. Plus, according to DuBeau, the design was relatively simple—it’s big and open and serves the business’ needs.

Additionally, DuBeau notes the tenant mix at 24th Ave. W. and Broadwater is strong.

“With Anytime Fitness, Get Juiced, a massage salon and The Art of Play, the focus is on health and wellness,” he said.

“That’s good synergy.”

“T his is abouT sTimulaTing Their imaginaTions,” said

T he arT of Play co-owner, Jennifer owen. “we are so exciTed To share

T he

arT of Play wiTh This communiTy.”

The two-story house-market is sure to delight children of both genders, giving them a place to mimic their family’s life.

Planning to play

Bryant and Tuck will run the day-to-day operations along with special events and birthday parties. Bryant previously worked in event planning and sales at the Northern Hotel and Tuck has a background in retail and advertising sales, the latter at The Billings Gazette. Their skills translate directly into the business’ operations.

Jayne knows how to plan a party, Tuck joked.

Prior to opening in late January, the trio had already received many calls, booked several parties and sold punch cards.

“The Billings community is clearly excited about having this place to play with their kids,” noted Tuck.

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Congratulations to The Art of Play!

Scaled to preschooler-size, these “houses” will delight children as they play. All toys and gear at The Art of Play was selected to enhance imagination and learning.

Thank you for choosing us to be a part of your project.

PAINTING

CONSTRUCTION

(406) 581-9132

February 2016

A27

special advertising section While the center is not a drop-off facility, nor a day care, it does provide an enriched learning environment with space for parents to observe, drink coffee or just hang out.

“This is the perfect place for play groups and mommy—or daddy—groups to gather,” said Bryant.

The center is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and designed specifically for preschool set.

“We love older kids, too, but they just play differently,” said Owen.

Additionally, every guest is required to wears socks for warmth, safety and cleanliness. Guests are encouraged to bring their own pair, or to purchase them, as shoes and bare feet are not allowed.

Indoor play land

With about 3,400 square feet, The Art of Play has plenty of space with different zones. Upon entry, guests have space to store their shoes, coats and bags with an easy-to-clean tile floor. Just inside that is the “soft area,” which is designated for

infants and “cruisers.” Named after the extra-soft toys and equipment, the toys in this area are made specifically for this developmental group with rockers and seating to encourage nursing moms.

The Art of Play then opens to a “greatland-playland,” filled with a plethora of developmental toys for toddlers and preschoolers.

“We selected toys and gear that you wouldn’t normally have in a typical home environment,” said Tuck.

Kids will exercise both their gross and fine motor skills by self-propelling a car or pushing a cart and by setting a table or operating on a pet. Tuck’s husband and owner of Tuck Painting & Construction, Paul, crafted the child-sized “houses” including Rigo’s Garage, Bryant Vet Clinic, Mimi’s Salon and AOP Firehouse that will encourage the imaginations of young minds.

“We wanted a new and engaging environment,” said Owen.

The past year of planning was what Tuck calls “a year of ideas.”

“We designed a place where our kids would like to play,” Bryant added.

The room centers around a “park” with faux grass and a surrounding “road” where children can zoom around on vehicles. At the rear, a small alcove designates a camping area complete with wall decals depicting Montana’s trees and mountains.

Even the in-house café is geared toward healthy play and living with juice, flavored milk steamers and coffee along with packaged snacks.

Party on

The rear-left area holds a separate party and classroom. As a complementary part of the business, The Art of Play will rent the

space for parties and events—either parentrun or fully-supported with activities by The Art of Play staff.

Tuck notes that The Art of Play currently offers 10 themes, including the everpopular Star Wars and Frozen, along with traditional favorites like ballerina.

“Those will change over time, going with what kids like and what is trendy,” said Tuck.

The same space will be used for classes and hands-on learning sessions geared preschoolers and their parents.

“This is about stimulating their imaginations,” said Owen. “We are so excited to share The Art of Play with this community.”

Upon entering The Art of Play, guests will store shoes, coats and bags in the entrance area. All guests wear socks (no shoes or bare feet allowed) for safety and cleanliness.

Congratulations The Art of Play

We are proud to be your general contractor!

Thank you to all the businesses who worked on our project!

Join us for some fun!

(406) 969-1535

Like uS on

605 24th Street West, Billings, MT • theartofplaymt.com A28

February 2016

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Apple’s growth cools as iPhone sales level off Associated Press CUPERTINO, Calif. — Ending an era of explosive growth, Apple has reported

its slowest annual increase in iPhone sales since Steve Jobs debuted the iconic device nearly a decade ago.

The Cupertino tech giant also said iPhone sales will slip in the current quarter and projected its steepest year-overyear revenue drop-off in memory.

“It’s clear that weakening demand for the iPhone will impact the company in the coming years,” said Brian Blau, an analyst who covers Apple for technology research firm Gartner. “That weak demand will set expectations that Apple may not be as profitable, or even as popular in the future.”

Concerns had been growing for several weeks that the long-awaited saturation point for the iPhone was near and that sales were about to taper off. And Apple said little to alleviate those feelings. The company sold 74.8 million iPhones in the quarter that ended in December, a less than 1 percent increase from the 74.5 million iPhones it sold in the year-ago period.

On a conference call to talk about Apple’s earnings, Chief Executive Tim Cook admitted that demand for the company’s smartphone line is starting to wane.

“We do think iPhone units will decline in the quarter,” Cook said in response to a question about the outlook for iPhone sales. “We see that (quarter) is the toughest” comparison for the company in year-over-year sales.

The importance of the iPhone on Apple’s overall health is clear, as it remains the biggest source of the company’s revenue. iPhones alone made up $51.6 billion of Apple’s total fiscal first-quarter sales of $75.9 billion, or 68 percent of the revenue in October, November and December.

Apple also said that for the period ended Dec. 26, it earned $18.4 billion, or $3.28 a share. During the year-ago quarter, Apple earned $18 billion, or $3.06 a share, on $74.6 billion in sales.

Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters had forecast Apple to earn $3.23 a share

Associated Press

A group of visitors to the Apple store descends a staircase to the showroom below in New York. Apple reported is quarterly financial results Jan. 26.

on $76.5 billion in revenue. The company has about $216 billion in cash and investments.

Although the iPhone claimed the majority of attention with Apple’s report, the company also delivered a mixed bag of results for its other major product lines. iPad sales declined by 21 percent from a year ago to $7.1 billion, and unit shipments fell 25 percent to 16.1 million tablets. Mac sales also slipped, with revenue down by 3 percent to $6.7 billion, and shipments dipped by 2 percent to 5.3 million units. Sales of so-called “other products,” including Apple TV, Apple Watch, iPods and Beats products, rose 62 percent, to $4.4 billion.

“This was an ugly quarter,” said Rob Enderle of the Enderle Group, a technology research firm. “Every line reported is showing weakness, with slowing growth

on the iPhone and shrinking sales of the iPad and Macs. And the Apple Watch and Apple TV aren’t significant enough to make up the difference.”

Apple also gave a disappointing sales forecast for its second quarter. Sales in the period are always down from the holiday quarter, but Apple estimates its revenue will be between $50 billion and $53 billion, while analysts had earlier forecast sales of $55.5 billion for the quarter that ends in March. In last year’s second quarter, Apple had $58 billion in revenue.

Cook said Apple has been facing “a challenging macroeconomic environment,” which includes signs of softness in China in general and Hong Kong in particular.

With sales in the last quarter of $18.3 billion, China is Apple’s second-largest revenue market, trailing only the Americas region and its quarterly sales of $29.3

billion. However, China remains a growing region, with revenue up 14 percent from a year ago, while Apple’s sales in the Americas fell 4 percent.

“Investors will continue to be laserfocused on China’s growth in 2016,” said Daniel Ives of FBR Inc. “In the near-term period, it will be choppy for them.”

Despite the outlook, Cook remained his typically upbeat self regarding Apple’s future. Without divulging any new products, Cook touted the “great things in the pipeline” that Apple is working on and said he expects the company’s innovation efforts to see it through the current situation.

“The most important thing for us will always be the product and the experience,” Cook said.

Apple shares fell 2.6 percent in afterhours trading following the company’s report.

February 2016

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Organization, thorough records can limit tax headaches countants see at small businesses.

Don’t stuff receipts and bank statements into file folders and then sort NEW YORK — Blood pressures are them as the tax deadline approaches. rising at many small businesses now Using accounting software to orgathat tax season is underway. nize records will ease the process and Although many owners hire accoun- help guard against costly errors, says tants and attorneys to complete their Scott Berger, an accountant with the income tax returns, taxes are a hassle. firm Kaufman Rossin in Boca Raton, In a survey released last year by the ad- Fla. He noted that checking accounts vocacy group National Small Business can be linked to the software, cutting Association, nearly 60 percent of the down on data entry. Financial records owners surveyed said the administra- can also be linked with tax preparation tive burdens were the biggest problems software, shortening the time it takes posed by federal taxes. And 85 percent to compile a return. It may be too late of the more than 675 owners said they to get your records into an accounting relied on a professional to prepare their program for 2015, but owners should returns. get started for 2016 before more time Owners can make the process easier passes, Berger says. by being organized and watching out Another reason for keeping good for tax pitfalls, accountants say. records: Owners need to provide finanRecord keeping matters cial numbers for potential lenders or Haphazard or incomplete records investors. are one of the biggest problems acTax time, a teachable moment

Associated Press

Many owners don’t bother to ask for a copy of their tax returns, says Emilio Escandon, an accountant with Morrison, Brown, Argiz & Farra in New York.

That’s a bad idea — a tax return is like a report card, providing a snapshot of how a business is doing, he says.

“You should go through that report card and see where you can improve,” Escandon says.

Reviewing the return and discussing it with an accountant can also help an owner plan for the future. For example, if a business suffers a loss, it may not be a one-year event; the loss can also be carried forward, Escandon says.

Employees and freelancers Small businesses that hire freelancers need to be sure these workers are truly independent and shouldn’t be classified as employees. Many companies use freelancers because they don’t want obligations like Social Security and Medicare taxes or providing health

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insurance. But under the law, freelancers can’t be treated like employees in terms of what they do and how much control a boss has over them. The IRS and state tax officials are paying closer attention to how workers are classified, looking to catch businesses violating the law, says Michael Greenwald, an accountant with Friedman LLP in New York.

Companies must give W-2 forms to employees and 1099s to freelancers detailing their 2015 compensation by Feb. 1.

Your home office and car The deduction for using part of your home as an office has long been a point of contention between owners and the IRS. If an owner uses half the family room to run the business, the government won’t allow a home office deduction. A home office must be a separate space used solely for business purposes.

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Business Briefs Local Commerce at a Glance

Our Montana receives grant

Our Montana, a local nonprofit organization, has been awarded a grant from the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation. The money will be used for creating a brochure and online map that identifies and interprets Lewis and Clark sites along the Yellowstone River, from Livingston to the mouth of the Bighorn River, and includes natural, historic, educational and cultural details of Clark’s return journey on the Yellowstone in July 1806.

Financial education the topic of study Two Montana State University professors, who recently garnered national attention for their research on how making college students aware of their debt load affects their borrowing behavior and performance, are embarking on a new study in partnership with the Montana Office of Public Instruction.

Christiana Stoddard, an associate economics professor, and Carly Urban, an assistant economics professor, both in MSU’s College of Agriculture and College of Letters and Science, are partnering with the Montana OPI to study how high

32

February 2016

school classes in financial education affect the way students pay for college.

The partnership is the result of a three-year, nearly $3.5 million federal grant awarded to the Montana OPI to develop a state database of educational data, and is part of the U.S. Department of Education’s efforts to encourage data-driven decision-making for better student outcomes.

The researchers have been awarded $252,000 of the grant to study whether students who were exposed to financial education in high school are more likely to make better financial aid and loan decisions as they head for college.

“We want to know, ‘Do they take out more appropriate loans? Do they figure out other ways to finance their education? Are they more likely to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to apply for financial aid?’”

Stoddard said. “If we find that students who take financial education classes are making better decisions later on in terms of their financial aid, then that tells all schools that this is a great policy.”

While Montana doesn’t require school districts to provide financial education unlike some states, Urban said the schools that do offer

financial education have a well-developed curriculum developed by the University of Arizona’s Take Charge America Institute.

“We have information on which schools are offering it and will be looking at what types of students are taking these classes,” Urban said.

“Are they the high achievers who may already know this stuff, or is it the lower achievers who have never gotten that information before, or is it students who don’t want to take another math class, so they decide to take financial education?”

Urban said they will also be taking into consideration the rural-urban makeup of the state.

“There are parts of the state that are really rural, where people might not have a lot of access to information about banking or loans or how credit markets work, and you might see different effects in those areas than in more urban areas,” she said. “And, since Montana does have so many different areas, I think it’s useful for other states to look at us and get more of a sense of how important it is for which kinds of students in which kinds of areas.”

The duo also received $35,000 from the Spencer Foundation for a one-year study building on their research on how borrowing af-

fects academic performance CreditCards.com reported among students. recently.

The average credit score for Montanans is 686.5, 11th Home sales best nationwide but far better rebound in 2015 than expected considering WASHINGTON — U.S. their low wages, analysts at home sales rebounded in De- CreditCards.com said. The cember after new regulations average income in Montana had delayed the completion of was $44,938 last year, acpurchases in November. And cording to the U.S. Census total sales in 2015 were the Bureau. most in nine years.

Montana consumers also The National Association kept an average credit-card of Realtors said that sales of balance of $4,143 last year, existing homes climbed 14.7 CreditCards.com reported. percent in December to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.46 million. Sales had Chamber sees previously plummeted as challenges in 2016 the industry adapted to new American businesses are mortgage disclosure rules — a facing few numerous risks temporary downturn before and few upsides as they enter delayed sales were finalized in 2016, with political uncerDecember. tainties, greater regulation “This is a great way to cap and cyber theft among their off 2015,” said Jennifer Lee, top concerns, says the leader a senior economist at BMO of the nation’s most influenCapital Markets. tial business lobby.

December’s rebound conThomas Donohue, cluded a year that produced president and CEO of the the highest annual sales total U.S. Chamber of Commerce, since 2006. Steady job growth said he’s not forecasting a and low mortgages drew recession but that 2016 looks more buyers into the market, a lot like the past six with causing both sales and prices what he described as tepid to climb. growth. He said he’s seeing a lot of negatives globally with many key trading partners Montanans excel struggling. in managing money “When you add it all up, Montanans were rated the the state of American busibest money managers nation- nesses in 2016 is filled with wide, based on average credit uncertainty, risks and chalscores and median income, lenge,” Donohue said.

Donohue said the presidential primaries are also a concern. On the Democratic side, he said, candidates are calling for more spending and taxes while on the Republican side, “sometimes loud voices” are walling off the U.S. from talent and attacking whole groups based on ethnicity or religion.

“This is morally wrong and politically stupid,” Donohue said.

The Chamber of Commerce is a huge player on the national and state political scene, able to tap millions of dollars to influence the outcome of elections. Donohue said his group will play an active role in the coming elections with the main focus being on electing candidates who understand that it’s the private sector that creates jobs and prosperity.

The leader of the Republican-leaning group vowed to work hard to protect gains from when the GOP took control of both the House and Senate. At the same time, he warned that lawmakers who come to Washington wanting to shut it down won’t get the group’s support.

The chamber doesn’t endorse a candidate in the presidential election, but Donohue said that if any of the candidates “beat up” on business, he or she will hear from the group.

Business Briefs Success Stories Recognizing People Local and Commerce Achievements at a Glance

SCORE mentors are certified

tober. During this meeting, the co-op The following members of members rethe Billings Chapter of SCORE elected Carol have completed the necessary Beam and Kevtraining to become a Certified in Dowling to Dowling SCORE Mentor: Paul Hagen, represent them Evelyn Halvorson, Robert on the co-op Board of DirecHughes, Mike Keene, Frank tors. They join the following Kelley, Nathan Matelich, Ray co-op members on the Good Randolph, and Frank Wilson. Earth Market Board: Theresa SCORE is a Resource Center Keaveny, Adam Cassie, Magunder the Small Business Ad- gie Zaback, Diane Brien, Eric ministration, and is composed Holm and Jeff Kreidler of experienced volunteers who provide a free mentoring EBMS announces service for individuals and job changes businesses during start up, EBMS, one of the nation’s during the life of the business, premier industry leaders and on exit. The local SCORE in health risk management office is located in the Downand third party administratown Billings Stockman Bank, 402 North Broadway; phone tion of self-funded health benefit plans, with corporate is 406-927-7640; email is office in Billings announces billings.score@scorevolunthe following promotions, teer.org. Visit the SCORE completion of professional website at www.score.org to certifications and new adrequest a mentoring session or to find free online business ditions to team of benefits professionals: tools and templates.

Paige Corcoran recently joined the account manageCo-op elects ment team as an assistant board members account manager. She is CPC The Good Professional Coder certifiEarth Market, cated, which illustrates her Billings only knowledge of medical coding local organic and billing practices. As an co-operative assistant account manager, grocery store, she manages EBMS’ nonlocated at 3024 medical block of business and Beam Second Ave. N., provides support to the Exheld its annual ecutive and Strategic Account membership meeting in OcManagers.

Donna Truitt joined the account management team in October as a strategic account executive. She began her career processing claims and was quickly promoted to supervisory positions prior to moving to sales and marketing. Truitt has experience working with MEWA’s, union employer groups and captives.

Brenna Yarina has been promoted to corporate legal assistant and HIPAA privacy officer. Since 2005, she has provided administrative support to the legal department ensuring EBMS and clients adhere to all federal and state laws. Most recently, she has gained extensive knowledge in the employer reporting requirements of the Affordable Care Act. Yarina has a bachelor’s degree in sociology with an emphasis in criminal law and received her paralegal certificate in 2009.

EBMS welcomes Jennifer Fowler, a new physician at the Billings miCare clinics.

Fowler previously worked as a primary care physician in Glasgow and also spent a year practicing aesthetic medicine in Billings. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences from MSU Bozeman and a doctor of osteopathy degree from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Missouri.

Three join Keller Williams

Tiffany Smith, Lanae Jackson and Cristi Jones have joined Keller Williams Premier Brokers as real estate agents.

Smith, a Realtor, received a bachelor’s degree in human services from Montana State University in Bozeman. She has previously worked with Billings nonprofit organizations. She may be reached by calling 591-5735 or emailing tiffanys@kw.com.

Jones specializes in residential properties throughout Billings and the surrounding areas. She may be reached by calling 320-2525.

Jackson has been a real estate professional in Billings for six years. She may be contacted by calling 690-6200.

and IS system analyst.

Realtor earns designation

Stella Ossello Burke, a Realtor at BHHS Floberg Real Estate, has been awarded the seniors real estate specialist designation by the SRES Council of the National Association of Realtors. Burke joins 16,000 real estate professionals nationwide who have successfully completed a comprehensive course in understanding the needs and goals of real estate Ossello Burke buyers and sellers, ages 55 and older.

SRES designees are trained to compassionately counsel seniors and their families Hatton earns through major financial and MPA award lifestyle transitions in relocatThe Montana Pharmacy Association board of directors ing, refinancing or selling a family home. Burke may be has announced that Valerie reached by calling 690-9955, Hatton, a healthcare inforemailing stella@floberg.com, maticist at Billings Clinic, or going online to stellahas won the sellsmt.com. association’s Lindquist named Pharmacy training coordinator Technician Debra Lindquist has joined of the Year Western Security Bank as a Award. Hattraining coordinator.

She is ton’s previous Hatton a graduate of the Colorado roles at BillGraduate School of Banking. ings Clinic include tech, tech-check tech During her tenure with the Colorado Banking Institute,

she traveled nationwide, conducting seminars and consulting for financial institutions. Most recently, she was the human resources director for First Bank of Wyoming in Powell. Lindquist may be reached by calling 371-8214.

DOWL names new owners

Douglas R. Enderson, P.E., PTOE and Russell C. Reed, P.E. have joined the ranks of member owners at DOWL. Todd G. Cormier, P.E., PTOE has become a principle owner. DOWL is a full service firm offering tribal, private sector and public sector clients a full suite of environmental and land development, civil, transportation, water/water resources and geo-construction services.

Hunt honored by builders

Tina Hunt of American Title & Escrow has been named the 2015 Billings Home Builder Association’s Associate of the Year.

Hunt has Hunt been employed with American Title & Escrow for the past eight years, and is currently director of marketing.

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Business licenses The following business licenses were filed with the city of Billings in November and December 2015.

Agave Wrecker & Service, 536 Sugar Ave., Unit A2, 860-9574.

Runway Fashion Exchange, 125 S. 24th St. W., #1, 624-6008.

Pro Edge Contracting, 530 Steve St., 633-0774.

Advanced Therapy Clinic LLC, 1597 Ave. D, 690-6996.

Tammie Bjerke, 23 Plumcreek Drive, 598-1567.

Create Gallery, 2222 Azalea Lane, 248-3017.

Country Pine Cabinets and Furniture LLC, 1018 Second Ave. N., 252-2438.

Lima Hana Massage Education Center, 1234 Ave. C., 690-4301.

Alside Supply, 1724 King Ave. W., 655-9728.

Movement Myo Therapy PLLC, 1001 S. 24th St. W., Suite 310, 6906209.

Millennium Construction & Consulting Inc., 724 First Ave. N., 690-8897.

Barb’s Bookkeeping Inc., 2135 Silver Sage Trail, 698-4691.

Cassidy Wilkinson Contracting LLC, 3905 Prayer Circle, 698-4536.

Burns & McDonnell Engineering Co. Inc., Downers Grove, Ill., 630-724-3242.

Seven Streams Cymbrogi, 210 N. 16th St., 252-4020.

April Sky Photography, 1720 Pine Drive, 690-3327.

Rocky Mountain Tradesman LLC, 407 Alderson Ave., 697-4988.

Lane Lelm Construction, 4510 Gators Way, #5, 701-799-5356.

Davis Enterprise Inc., 2818 Manhattan Drive, 670-1014.

Moore Services, Shepherd, 770-547-7705.

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February 2016

Platinum Peak Roofing, 448 S. Lakeview Drive, 491-1406.

Jennipher Doyle LLC, 1220 Ave. C, Suite F, 896-1000.

Iron Torch Welding & Trailer Repair Services, 2901 Monad Road, #167, 672-9144.

Billings Auto Match, 4505 Gators Way, #4, 672-6461.

Holiday Inn Grand, 5500 Midland Road, 386-947-7721.

Keystone Mortgage Co., 2442 First Ave. N., 248-7124.

Munch Wagon, 1819 Belvedere Drive, 861-4944.

Endearing Design, 236 Burlington Ave., 876-3022.

From Here & There, 2119 Pueblo Drive, 652-2119.

Fred’s Appliance Inc., 2649 King Ave. W., 894-2310.

Nerdy Native Beadwork, 3285 Canyon Drive, Unit 83, 672-1433.

McManus Motors, 124 N. 18th St., 698-0742.

The Vintage Nest, 2147 Poly Drive.

Blacktimber Builders, 613 26th St. W., 860-3413.

Newman Restoration & Cleaning, 724 Ave. D, 672-2819.

Bob Pentecost Construction, 3382 Lucky Penny Lane, 6568658.

Tara Kelsey Psychic Medium, 2921 Saratoga Trail, 670-3872.

Billings Best Balloons, 1250 Steffanich Square, 694-8674.

Cliff Property Management, 3832 Becraft Lane, 672-1746.

Adore Salon & Spa, 301 S. 24th St. W., 652-1360.

Vandever Construction, 1043 N. 32nd St., 694-2364.

Rock’n The Boutique, 18 Prickett Lane, 231-1768.

National Auction & Sales Management, 6400 S. Frontage Road,

259-4730.

Koelsch Construction Inc., Olympia, Wash., 360-943-5579.

Jordan Gill Photography, 1044 Picador Way, 208-358-1345.

Big Blast Drywall, 4031 Chamberlain Drive, 855-7847.

Jonathan Gaustad Properties, 1637 Dickie Road, 927-6812.

Agave Towing & Recovery, 536 Sugar Ave., Units A and B1, 8609574.

Fullarray Services LLC, 70 Legends Way, 281-7941.

Elite Accounting and Consulting, 1272 Grubstake Circle, 6983014.

Sarah Merrifield, Laurel, 7945313.

Starbuck’s Coffee, 406 Main St., 206-318-8705.

Transitional Marketing, 670 King Park Drive, 208-6264.

JG Piano Services LLC, 724 Pebble Beach Road, 794-3787.

Precision Dent Removal, 6430 Southern Bluffs Lane, 801-8643368.

J And K Sharpening LLC, 4825 Chevelle Drive, 855-5677.

Lei’s Lash, 2545 Central Ave., 505-803-9011.

Certus Aircraft Management LLC, 4148 Ashford Place, 5985644.

Taylor’s Treasures, 802 S. 32nd St., 690-4359.

Yellowstone Ice & Water, 1718 Fourth Ave. North, 245-4120.

Raymond Handling Concepts Corp., Fremont, Calif., 510-7457500.

XM Construction LLC, 714 Bender Circle, 702-5886.

12 Mile Automotive & Diesel, 1907 Main St., 373-1953.

Reno Homes, Shepherd, 6724079.

Chops Shoppe, 2601 Fourth Ave. N., 694-7610 Stateside Construction LLC, 440 Hillview Lane, 969-2372 Melanie Steiner Photography LLC, 1028 Princeton Ave., 6986820 Abel Towing & Recovery, 511 Reynolds St., 876-5514 Toil and Tile, 503 Yellowstone Ave., 280-8988 D&D Distributing LLC, 536 S. 18th St., 307-277-0536 Laferrieres Roofing and Such, 15 Danube St., 606-2769 Carmen Elkins LLC, 241-1/2 Ave. D, 598-2224 Big Iron Heavy Haul, 2915 Custer Ave., 860-6031 Papa Murphy’s (Henesta), 3202 Henesta Drive, 969-3939 Shila Johnson LLC, 1643 24th St. W., Suite 309, 839-3804 Just Breathe, 2805 Radius Circle, 281-2156 Mark Fjare Electric, 328 Box Elder Creek Road, 321-6487 Northern Rockies Marketing Group Inc., 110 Grand Ave., 6514409 Sasquatch Plowing LLC, 1119 25th St. W., 861-5293 3-D Builders LLC, 302 Lewis Ave., 698-4665 Right Way Cleaning Service LLC, Shepherd, 591-1820 Spencer Electric Inc., Malta, 390-1522 First Aid CPR Training Solutions, 3300 La Paz Drive, 861-2823 FBN Contractors, 331 Foster Lane, 670-5078 CB6 LLC, Zahl, N.D., 701-5808782 Montana Harvest Tables, 1815 Stony Meadow Lane, 570-8032 MMI LLC, 3450 Netta Lane, 248-6894

HSH Personal Training, 1925 Grand Ave., Suite 137, 647-5082 Gray-I.C.E. Builders, Anaheim, Calif., 714-491-1317 Elevation Dance Co., 1426 Grand Ave., 534-8200 Clean Corners LLC, 602 Wyoming Ave., 696-6930 Mid West Trucking Inc., 511 S. 32nd St., 850-3201 A&A Construction Inc., Ballantine, 698-8279 Michael Staniforth, 322 Jefferson St., 697-6657 Clifton Knives & Gifts, 3108 Philip St., 839-7846 Mont Vista Homes LLC, Reed Point, 839-7661 Circle of Light, 3390 Canyon Drive, 812-2065 Lean on Me for Errands, 2905 Sixth Ave. S. Axiom Polygraph LLC, 224 Grand Ave., 530-580-8508 Charley’s Massage LLC, 2203 Beloit Drive, 696-4379 Trailhead Cleaning and Home Services, 13 S. 38th St. W., 6989928 Grice Trucking, 729 Moon Beam Lane, 702-5520 A Spa, 224 Grand Ave., Suite 1, 702-1217 Skysource Aviation LLC, 2415 Overlook Drive, 698-2413 Northwest Edison, Woodinville, Wash., 425-806-9200 Amanda’s Lash Studio, 2545 Central Ave., Suite M, 534-1426 Energy Construction, Huntley, 860-6447 Big Sky Alignment & Brake Co. Inc., 912 Fourth Ave. N., 248-9033 Twisted Customs Inc., 912 Fourth Ave. N., 252-2886 L and M Tech Services, 3645 Custer Ave., 698-1613 A Parkins Renovation, 2033

Phoebe Drive, 702-2216 Abel Two Tow, 511 Reynolds St., 876-5514 Pioneer Plumbing & Hydronic Heating, Roundup, 323-3789 Simple Support Solutions!, 3704 Decathalon Parkway, 2085882 Studio 18/Artspace, 2701 Howard Ave., 861-6851 1st Choice Home Inspections LLC, Laurel, 671-8503 Cottage 2 Castle Property/ Commercial Inspections, 801 Broadwater Ave., 794-6066 Jens Office Solutions Inc., 1428 Hondo Way, 794-4616 Trail Head Property Inspections LLC, 1718 Hollyhock St., 861-8121, Brian Parker All Seasons Landscape and Construction, 1820 Clark Ave., 224-1517 Tyler Electric LLC, Bozeman, 284-2320 TRC Solutions Inc., 1643 24th St. W., Suite 104, 860-298-6343 Global Carpet Care & Restoration, 2147 Overland Ave., Suite 100, 591-3391 Lance Wilkinson Construction LLC, 615 Ave. F, 697-3713 U Nail & Spa LLC, 111 S. 24th St. W., 714-332-1662 Dykstra Drywall, 704 Hillview Lane, 861-8865 Happy Homes Property Management LLC, 4402 Blue Devils Way, #1, 894-2111 Magic City Therapeutic Oils, 429 Nelson Drive, 671-9433 Norandex Building Material Distribution, 5715 Interstate Ave., 608-368-2272 Ebon Coffee Collective, 316 Jefferson St., 431-4522 All Vickies Visions, 3910 Towhee Lane, 655-0316

Montana patents Below are listed U.S. patents issued to Montana inventors Oct. 13-Dec. 15, 2015. For assistance in patent filing, call Billings patent attorney Antoinette M. Tease at 294-9000.

Gilbert Fregeso of Missoula and Yuval Charles Avniel, both of Missoula: Ornamental design for irrigation tip. 740,940, Oct. 13, American Eagle Instruments Inc. Bruce Hazeltine, Scott Fahrenbruck and Wenjun Qin, all of Missoula: Systems and methods for purification of trichlorosilane. 9,162,898, Oct. 20, GTAT Corp.

James Christopher Post of Mars, Pa., and Randy Hiebert and Robert Hiebert, both of Butte: Fluid treatment system.

9,162,910, Oct. 20, AlleghenySinger Research Institute.

Donald E. Kiely of Missoula and Kirk R. Hash Sr. of Drummond: Method of oxidation using nitric acid. 9,162,959, Oct. 20, University of Montana.

Lee E. Cannon of Bozeman, Mick D. Roemer and Michael J. Mitchell, both of Las Vegas, and Robert Guinn of Henderson, Nev.: Method and apparatus for gaming machines with a tournament play bonus feature.

9,165,429, Oct. 20, IGT. Gordon Charles Burns III of Helena, David Alan Parfitt of Earby, England, and Jason Charles Foley of Lake Hiawatha, N.J.: Method and apparatus for pump/generator over-unity.

9,166,458, Oct. 20.

David S. Peterson of Kalispell: Vertical vortex generating sluice/slurry separator.

9,168,536, Oct. 27.

Bradley Haler of Belgrade: Quick release ATV system.

9,168,875, Oct. 27.

Steven D. Mangold of Eureka: Rifle-mounted pepper spray device with slide activation.

9,170,073, Oct. 27, AR Tactical Options LLC. Jeffrey A. Cook of Dripping Springs, Texas, and Howard Johnson of Whitefish: AMR/ AMI pit lid antenna bracket, 9,170,127, Oct. 27.

Dana W. Gleason of Bozeman: Shoulder strap retention device and method. 9,173, 473, Nov. 3, Mystery Ranch.

Kevin R. Meyer of Belgrade: Hammer union restoration apparatus, 9,174,320, Nov. 3.

Lee E. Cannon of Bozeman: Gaming device and method providing relatively large awards with variable player participation levels, 9,177,442, Nov. 3, IGT. Terry Baldwin of Missoula: Design for exercise device, 742,461, Nov. 3, Flexsolate LLC. Gilbert Fregoso and Yuval Charles Avniel, both of Missoula: Design for modified irrigation tip, 742,515, Nov. 3, American Eagle Instruments Inc. Leslie L. Love of Billings: Fishing lure, 9,179,655, Nov. 10.

Aida E. Rieder of Westbrook, Conn., Luis L. Rodriguez of Old Saybrook, Conn., Jason R. Hollister of Stevensville, and Sabena Uddowla of Ivoryton, Conn.: Development of a marker foot and mouth disease virus vaccine candidate that is attenuated in the natural host, 9,180,179, Nov. 10, The United States of America

as represented by The Secretary of Agriculture.

Bruce G. Kania of Shepherd and Frank M. Stewart of Bozeman: Floating treatment streambed, 9,181,105, Nov. 10, Fountainhead LLC. Gary Schaefer of Belgrade: Tent frame coupler assembly, 9,181,723, Nov. 10.

Steven L. Peace of Whitefish and Gerald P. Backer of Southfield, Mich.: Mixing arrangement for a flow cell of an energy storage system, 9,184,454, Nov. 10, ViZn Energy Systems Inc. William R. Dubrul of Jefferson City, Brent D. Seybold of Santa Clara, Calif., Mark L. Mathis of Fremont, Calif., Philip M. Leopold of North Barrington, Ill., and Richard E. Fulton of Grand Junction, Colo.: Medical device and method, 9,186,487, Nov. 17, Genesis Technologies LLC. David L. Vander Jagt, Lorraine M. Deck, Robert E. Royer, Waylon M. Weber and Lucy A. Hunsaker, all of Albuquerque, N.M., Steve F. Abcouwer of Chelsea, Robert A. Orlando of Placitas, N.M., and Bobrovnikova-Marjon of Sharon, Mass.: Therapeutic curcumin derivatives, 9,187,397, Nov. 17.

Steven Donen of Chanhassen, Minn., Kirk Hash of Drummond, Tyler Smith of Missoula, and Keith Jensen of Pocatello, Idaho: Nitric acid oxidation processes, 9,187,398, Nov. 17, Rivertop Renewables Inc. John D. Ward of Katy, Texas, and Scott Alexander of Billings: Delayed cooking drum quench

overflow systems and methods, 9,187,696, Nov. 17, Bechtel Hyydrocarbon Technology Solutions Inc. Lee E. Cannon and John P. Donovan, both of Bozeman: Gaming system and method for offering simultaneous play of multiple games, 9,189,923, Nov. 17, IGT. Christopher Michael Bradley of Orinda, Calif., Roland Jeffrey Wyatt of Bozeman, Jeffrey Alan Tilley of La Honda, Calif., and Thalia Roze Bradley of Orinda, Calif.: Capo, 9,190,033, Nov. 17, Thalia Capos LLC. Marshall Kerr of Carlsbad, Calif.; David C. Hemink of Draper, Utah; Jiaye Z. Jho of Salt Lake City; Michael J. Vaillancourt of Chester, N.J.; Matthew R. Trebella of Bozeman: Medical component scrubbing device with detachable cap. 9,192,449, Nov. 24, C.R. Bard Inc., Murray Hill, N.J. John Austin Muth of Red Lodge: Active downforce generation for a tilting vehicle.

9,193,407, Nov. 24.

John Pantano of Butte: Methods and system of downhole reagent processing and deployment. 9,194,199, Nov. 24.

Paul P. Lovaas and Daniel L. DeFrance of Bozeman; Toby F. Naylor of Belgrade: Keno redraws. 9,196,127, Nov. 24, IGT, Las Vegas.

Shu Kuen Chang of Evanston, Ill.; Stephen Merkle of Chicago; Subrat K. Samantray of Khandagiri, Ind.; Grant T. Sims of Littleton, Colo.; Sean T. O’Neill of Campbell, Calif.; Ryan C. Artale

and Robert M. Sharp of Boulder, Colo.; Tony Moua of Broomfield, Colo.; Roland J. Wyatt of Bozeman: Ornamental design for handle for laparoscopic device.

744,100, Nov. 24, Covidien LP, Mansfield, Mass.

John A. Browse of Palouse, Wash.; Chaofu Lu of Bozeman; Zhanguo Xin of Lubbock, Texas: Compositions and methods for differential regulation of fatty acid unsaturation in membrane lipids and seed oil. 9,200,293, Dec. 1, Washington State University, Pullman, Wash.

David Harriton of Missoula: Ornamental design for a bumper.

744,384, Dec. 1, Streetcar Orv LLC, Commerce Township, Mich.

David Harriton of Missoula: Ornamental design for a wheel flare. 744,385, Dec. 1, Streetcar Orv LLC, Commerce Township, Mich.

David Harriton of Missoula: Ornamental design for a bumper with wheel flares. 744,386, Dec. 1, Streetcar Orv LLC, Commerce Township, Mich.

David Harriton of Missoula: Ornamental design for a bumper.

744,387, Dec. 1, Streetcar Orv LLC, Commerce Township, Mich.

David Harriton of Missoula: Ornamental design for a bumper.

744,388, Dec. 1, Streetcar Orv LLC, Commerce Township, Mich.

Bruce G.Kania of Shepherd; Frank M. Stewart of Bozeman; David William Ewald of Wonder Lake, Ill.: Rocker-equipped hunting blind. 9,204,725, Dec. 8.

Barry J. Jacobsen of Bozeman: Bacillus isolates and methods of their use to protect

against plant pathogens and virus transmission. 9,205,115, Dec. 8, Montana State University, Bozeman.

Andreas Nocker of Utrecht, Netherlands; Anne K. Camper of Bozeman: Method of testing a disinfectant or antibiotic using phenanthridium derivatives.

9,206,463, Dec. 8, Montana State University, Bozeman.

Troy E. Lanes of Belgrade; Robert A. Wachtel of Clearwater, Fla.; Mark L. Belangee of Collegeville, Pa.: Method for using statistical analysis to infer an accurate GPS location for use in tracking devices. 9,207,331, Dec. 8, Numerex Corp., Atlanta, Ga. Ahmed S. Hussain of Seattle; Ajith Kumar, Sterling M. Reasor and Santanu Chakraborty of Bellevue, Wash.; Catalin D. Sandu and Alvin Loh of Kirkland, Wash.; Joseph L. Faulhaber of Bozeman: Identification of telemetry data. 9,208,315, Dec. 8, Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Wash.

David H. Dean of Columbus, Ohio; Krishnamoorthy Subramanyan of Palatine, Ill.; Alexandros T. Moullas of Thessaloniki, Greece; Robert A. Ratcheson of Hamilton: Methods and systems for producing an implant.

9,208,558, Dec. 8, Osteoplastics LLC, Pepper Pike, Ohio.

Derek C. Tarrant and Richard M. Bendert of Kalispell; Gerald P. Backer of Southfield, Mich.: Flow cell with shunt current counter electrode. 9,214,686, Dec. 15, ViZn Energy Systems Inc., Columbia Falls.

February 2016

35

Bankruptcies Billings-area filings in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Nov. 1 to Dec. 31, 2015. Addresses are in Billings unless otherwise noted.

Chapter 7 Amanda Jean Anthony, 1304 Steffanich Square, Nov. 13.

Cody Ray Ringo, P.O. Box 11, Ballantine, Nov. 16.

John Arthur Williams, Vicki Sue Williams, P.O. Box 75, Huntley, Nov. 16.

Sarah Jane Rustad, 2014

Woody Drive No. 10, Nov. 19.

Robert Keith Bradley 1916 Ninth Ave. N., Nov. 22.

Brianna Jean Keltner, 1433 Wyoming Ave. No. H, No. 24.

Joshua Rich Kotter, 838 Avenue E, Nov. 24.

Troy A. Ask, Nancy Elizabeth Farb, 4561 Toyon Drive, Nov. 25.

Constance K. Russell, 2805 Pronghorn Drive, Nov. 25.

Richard Douglas Raymond, Sharon Marie Raymond, 3816

Shalom Drive, Nov. 27.

Harry M. Havens, Julie M. Havens, 16 Sombrero Drive, Nov. 30.

Kaitlin Michaela Winburn, 192 Quiet Water Ave., Dec. 4.

Michelle Raye Martin, P.O. Box 58, Park City, Dec. 15.

Randy Ernest Hanson, 3040 Central Ave. Apt #B105, Dec. 16.

Kristie Lynn Clark, P.O. Box 50341, Dec. 17.

Diane Reihl Darbe, 7007 Mainwaring, Acton, Dec. 21.

Lisa Irene Maua, 1942 Avenue B, Dec. 22.

Shannon Teresa Hillman, 3920 Victory Circle Apt. 91, Dec. 22.

Cole James Knowles, Katrina Elizabeth Knowles, 4444 Frances Ave., Dec. 23.

Joshua John Stevens, 32 No. 2 Mine Road, Roundup, Dec. 24.

Jeramie James Saathoff, 2707 13th St. W. No. 3, Dec. Kellen Gregory Sims, 825 Avenue C Apt. 3, Dec. 29.

Katlyn Rose Herman, 1924 Patricia Lane, Dec. 29.

Belinda L. Drain, 727 Shawnee Drive, Dec. 31.

Chapter 13 Daniel Lester Lauwers, Trish Ann Lauwers, 3930 Becraft Lane, Nov. 2.

Joseph Allen Bryl, Annette Renee Bryl, 262 Wicks Lane, Apt. 121, Nov. 3.

Dale W Myers, Terri L Myers, 175 Stonehaven Trail, Nov. 9.

Gregory Allen Burnham,

Elizabeth Ann Burnham, 901 Ginger Ave., Nov. 13.

Darryn K. Mangus, Kristina M. Mangus, 68 Calendula Court, Nov. 28.

Jeanette R. Jauss, 2408 Atchison Drive, Dec. 6.

Kristin Marie Mitchell, 403 Sixth St. W., Park City, Dec. 8.

Robert N. Morse, Judy K. Morse, 2303 Fox Drive, Dec. 9.

Benjamin A. Schlicting, Teresa M. Schlicting, 117 Erickson Court, Dec. 30.

2630 Meadow Creek Loop, BCJM Properties LLC, Hanser Construction Company, $207,515 1937 Stony Meadow Lane, McCall Development, $292,115 1105 Vera Cruz Circle, Oakland Built Homes Inc., $147,015 1109 Vera Cruz Circle, Oakland Built Homes Inc., $144,290 6331 Ridge Stone Drive S., Picard Company Inc., $345,000 6333 Ridge Stone Drive S., Picard Company Inc., $345,000 1639 Hidden Cove Lane, McCall Development Inc., $306,840 5231 Rocky Mountain Blvd., Hancock, Robert & Kerry, Dan Fleury Construction Inc., $543,405 2632 Meadow Creek Loop, BCJM Properties LLC, Hanser Construction Company, $193,870 2336 Glengarry Lane, Chris White, Shawn Nelson Construction, $299,555 926 North Fork Trail, Trails West Homes LLC, $219,390 2628 Meadow Creek Loop, BCJM Properties LLC, Hanser Construction Company, $214,433 1744 Island View Drive, McCall Homes, Mccall Devel-

opment, $221,100 1508 Jean Ave., Kyle Ketchum, Ketchum Construction & Woodworks Inc., $237,760 2721 Cornell Circle, Mont Vista Homes LLC, $194,120 2714 Hanover Circle, Mont Vista Homes LLC, $211,610 2713 Cornell Circle, Mont Vista Homes LLC, $201,965 4032 Pathfinder Court, Classic Design Homes, $268,075 1805 Sartorie Road, J & M Development, $192,180 5501 Sunny Cv, Wells Built Homes Inc., $204,120 6818 Copper Ridge Loop, Copper Ridge Development LLC, Infinity Homes LLC, $180,495 1110 Vera Cruz Circle, Oakland Built Homes Inc., $147,015 1106 Vera Cruz Circle, Oakland Built Homes Inc., Oakland Built Homes Inc., $146,280 4758 Audubon Way, Shawn Nelson Construction Inc., Shawn Nelson Construction, $317,285 2906 W. Copper Ridge Loop, Copper Ridge Development LLC, Daniels Builders, $175,145 2614 Meadow Creek Loop, BCJM Properties LLC, Hanser Construction Company, $272,540 2103 Vesca Way, Oakland Built Homes Inc., $161,770 2107 Vesca Way, Oakland

Built Homes Inc., $160,245 1729 Rollman Way, Tom Voelze, All Design Landscaping Inc., $212,460 1731 Rollman Way, Tom Voelze, All Design Landscaping Inc., $212,460 1735 Rollman Way, HTA Enterprises, All Design Landscaping Inc., $212,460 1540 Anchor Ave., Trailhead Builders Inc., $184,110 3120 Reflections Circle, Andrew Newman Homes, $360,000 6850 Copper Ridge Loop, Driftwood Designs LLC, Driftwood Designs, $252,190 2115 Vesca Way, Oakland Built Homes Inc., Oakland Built Homes Inc., $160,245 2111 Vesca Way, Oakland Built Homes Inc., Oakland Built Homes Inc., $153,345 1906 Stony Meadow Lane, Mccall Development, $232,620 590 Tumbleweed Drive, Don Slovarp, JKC Inc., $310,470 6409 Southern Bluffs Lane, Oldenburg Contracting, Oldenburg Construction & Design, $239,875 6411 Southern Bluffs Lane, Oldenburg Contracting, Oldenburg Construction & Design, $239,875 501 Crow Lane, Davis Enterprise Inc., Davis Enterprise, $143,005 503 Crow Lane, Davis En-

terprise Inc., Davis Enterprise, $143,005 2949 W. Copper Ridge Loop, Oakland Built Homes, Oakland Built Homes Inc., $169,925 4255 Rangeview Drive, Darin Armstrong, Emineth Custom Homes, $321,655 6813 Copper Ridge Loop, New West Construction, $208,685 1732 Island View Drive, McCall Homes, Mccall Development, $254,745 1736 Island View Drive, McCall Homes, McCall Development, $125,140 5347 Sundance Mountain Circle, J&S Development Co., $202,590 5347 Sundance Mountain Circle, J&S Development Co., $202,590 5108 Amherst Drive, Jim Kisling, $286,720 4244 Creekwood Drive, Wells Built Homes, Wells Built Homes Inc., $364,340

Residential Permits Demolition Permit

New Garage

1815 Grand Ave., Jim & Cheryl Majerus, $3,000 2112 Fairview Place, Olsen, Don J. & Kimberly A., $3,000 32 Wyoming Ave., Bacet Realty LLC, Jim’s Excavation Service Inc., $8,000 259 Swords Lane, Z&B Enterprises Inc., H.L. Ostermiller Construction, $2,000 607 N. 30th St., Billings Clinic, Jim’s Excavating Services Inc., $20,000

828 Anchor Ave., Martin, A. Gene and Elwanda L., Rocking JR Services LLC, $19,000 842 Wyoming Ave., Clock Tower Inn LLC, Post Frame Specialists, $20,160 378 Windsor Circle N., TC Rentals, Moen Construction, $20,160 2304 Ave. B, Walen, Matthew B., RRK Enterprises LLC, $34,580 2112 Fairview Place, Olsen, Don J. & Kimberly A., $50,000

Addition Single/ Duplex/Garage

New Single Family

2090 Hope Circle, Holden, Benjamin J., $1,380 533 Park Lane, Robertson, Matthew W., $2,500 2436 Teton Ave., Speare, William J. & Shirley R., $4,800 2100 Green Terrace Drive, Madsen, Peggy Ruth, A To Z Contracting Inc., $30,800 2808 Highwood Drive, Dan Meyer, $55,000 2526 Cook Ave., Lebruska, Stephen M. and Kristine, $7,000 1309 Maurine St., Goodheart, Debra, Casey Smith Construction, $9,800 3456 Arlene Circle, Lippman, Bryan, Snowcrest Land & Development Co., $1,440

1122 Jordan Circle, Habitat for Humanity, $174,440 5847 Whisperingwoods Drive, Wells Built Homes Inc., $861,305 2634 Meadow Creek Loop, BCJM Properties LLC, Hanser Construction Company, $177,670 1515 Ruby Range Way, Mountain Vertical Contractors LLC, $171,160 1514 Ruby Range Way, Mountain Vertical Contractors LLC, $166,506 1510 Ruby Range Way, Mountain Vertical Contracting LLC, $172,000 1506 Ruby Range Way, Mountain Vertical Contractors LLC, $160,919

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February 2016

New Two Family 3020 Golden Acres Drive, Aviara Inc., Buscher Construction Ltd., $356,835 352 Faith Drive, Dan Marsich, Marsich Investments, $262,660 351 Faith Drive, Dan Marsich, Marsich Investments, $262,660

Residential Permits continued 5351 Sundance Mountain Circle, Jeff Junkert Construction Inc., $312,095

Remodel Single/ Duplex/Garage 528 Clark Ave., Dyer, Joseph A. & Renee K., Northwest Building And Design LLC, $41,000 4101 King Ave. E., Nowak, Martin S. Jr & Joann J., $7,500 169 Erickson Court S., Young, Kari D., Rocking JR Services LLC, $10,000 22 19th St. W., Hartung, Ronald Allen & Carrie, One Source Construction LLC, $1,900 2439 Custer Ave., Stensby, Terry T., $350 1233 Cook Ave., Jeff Schoyer, $7,500 2716 Windward Circle, Levis, Samuel A. & Mary L., Steadfast Builders, $8,000 2841 Westwood Drive, Greteman, Edward F. & Elizabeth, Win-Dor Industries, $2,041 2060 Edgewood Drive, Thomas, Jerry S. & Diane K., Freyenhagen Construction Inc., $13,000 502 Nelson Drive, Arnold, John J. & Lorraine, One Source Construction LLC, $1,100 1249 Benjamin Blvd., Jeff Kreitzberg Homes Inc., $15,160 1247 Benjamin Blvd., Jeff Kreitzberg Homes Inc., $3,000 5943 Sam Snead Trail, Grimsley, Patrick F. & Lisa A., C Squared Construction, $750 2201 Diablo Circle, Robinson, Regina E., Les Nouveau Milieux-Bob Habeck, $300

1725 Deep Powder Drive, Redding, Mark A., Les Nouveau Milieux-Bob Habeck, $400 2617 S. Bridger Drive, Williams, Carol I. & Kevin F., American Exteriors LLC, $4,744 2228 Louise Lane, King, Patricia A., $1,300 1522 Patricia Lane, Harmala, Jodi L. & Justin, Lynnrich Inc., $8,647 1245 Governors Blvd., Tenney Ronald L. & Tanya M., Big Sky Exterior Designs Inc., $6,000 817 N. 31st St., Murphy, Jenna F. & Brian M., Big Sky Construction and Roofing Inc., $25,000 1001 Calico Ave., Rheaume, Mark A. & Tracy L., Artisan Builders, $25,000 3385 Granger Ave. S., Hogue, Jeffrey S., C Squared Construction, $750 1122 Ginger Ave., Czeczel, Malgorzata, Ty Nelson Construction, $25,400 2019 Eldorado Drive, Aalseth, Robin L., K-Designers, $17,843 743 Poly Drive, Nathaniel Stahley, $700 3067 Western Bluffs Blvd., New West Construction $27,600 689 Feather Place, Kirkham, Clifford and Carry A., One Source Construction LLC, $1,800 1176 Patriot St., Lambert, William Alan, Lynnrich Inc., $10,984 2645 Custer Ave., Haddenhorst, Marilyn M., T Davis Construction Inc., $7,000 826 Mossman Drive, Miller, Randy G., Ruetta D., K-Designers, $8,570 306 Glee Place, Allard, Sharon P., Lynnrich Inc., $6,650 648 Custer Ave., Kuntz,

Laurie A., Big Sky Exterior Designs Inc., $7,000 4229 Vaughn Lane., Plouffe, Louis H. and Dorothy J., C Squared Construction, $750 430 Glee Place, Zilch, Michael W. and Judith A., One Source Construction LLC, $7,000 4627 Mitchell Ave., Slevira, Edna B., Messer Construction, $6,250 1941 Hewitt Drive, Hollibaugh, Terry L. and Rebecca, Lynnrich Inc. $2,024 2117 21 St. W., Moore, Terry K. and Michelle L., Colossal Construction $500 27 Mission Hills Place, Eaton, Matthew E. and Kendra C., Colossal Construction, $700 4609 Mitchell Ave., Wadd, Robert J., Colossal Construction, $200 1335 Benjamin Blvd., Randal Benson, Benson Builders, $34,920 1519 Chesapeake Lane, Alexander, Bryan and Julie, $13,380 3003 Stanford Drive, Ritchie, Jason S. and Mary E., C Squared Construction, $750 1906 Bench Blvd., Burchell, Charles D. Jr. and Glyni, $900 555 Park Lane, Young, Dale W., Big Moose Construction, $1,200 722 N. Wagner Lane, Judson Properties LLC, Judson Properties LLC, $2,100 550 Sprint Circle, Granneman, Jacob Andrew, American Exteriors LLC, $19,000 2015 13th St. W., Montgomery, Keith R., American Exteriors LLC, $6,000 837 Crist Drive, Bailey, Richard N. and Helen K., American Exteriors LLC,

$8,863 4633 Phillip St., Puliafico, Charles M. and Susan K., American Exteriors LLC, $3,040 2107 Patricia Lane, Stedman, Wayne and Marion, One Source Construction LLC, $750 2236 Remington Square, Atwell, Jay F., The Pella Window Store, $1,300 310 S. 32nd St., Livengood, Brenda, C Squared Construction, $500 1541 Wyoming Ave., Opheim, Heather D., KDesigners, $7,526 619 Custer Ave., Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Van Arsdale Construction, $6,200 243 Joy Lane, Koepp, Todd E. and Erin S., Win-Dor Industries, $2,032 234 Ave. E, Joyce Amundsen, $3,500 1233 Cook Ave., Jeff Schoyer, $2,400 1810 Iris Lane, Kuehn, Shauna M., Tieszen & Son’s Inc., $10,000 234 Stillwater Lane, Stordahl, David, C’s Construction of Billings, $3,431 2008 13th St. W., Alberta Cassidy, Phil’s Glass, $2,000 234 Ave. E, Joyce Amundsen, $1,000 112 19th St. W., Livesay, Dustin W., Lynnrich Inc., $9,454 1731 Yellowstone Ave., Fannon, Robert E. and Charlotte E., Win-Dor Industries, $13,550 2041 Ave. C, Hill, Chalmer D., One Source Construction LLC, $2,500 4527 Toyon Drive, Borsheim, Rita L., Win-Dor Industries, $4,731 505 Terry Ave., Haslip, Christine A., $1,890 2027 Ave. C, Jordan,

Grover, $1,800 3663 Jasper Park Drive, Peterson, Timothy M. and Marianne, Big Sky Exterior Designs Inc., $1,900 1036 N. 31 St., Tollefson, Thomas C., Big Sky Exterior Designs Inc., $2,800 2607 Beartooth Drive, Channel, Christina, One Source Construction LLC, $1,400 2820 Augusta Lane, Field, Kathrine A., Craigo Construction, $1,000 313 N. 33rd St., Staigmiller, Robert B., MDJ Construction LLC, $4,000 2418 Brook Hollow Drive, Koerber, Mark J. and Rashelle L., EEC Inc., $39,800 1013 Cottonwood Blvd., Neprud, Duane A. and Larae L., Lynnrich Inc., $1,226 2410 Spruce St., O’Brien, Dennis K., Dave’s Exteriors Inc., $5,000 6140 Wedgewood Lane, Gangnath, Gary and Leslie, Loterbauer Greg Construction, $3,000 2915 Rockrim Lane, Wilkinson, Kathleene M., One Source Construction LLC, $850 406 S. 21st St. W., Suiter, Michael R. and Mary H., Lynnrich Inc., $8,700 267 Westchester Square N., Sobering, Renee M., One Source Construction LLC, $850 820 S. 28th St., Ronquillo, Senaido Jr. and Adalee, Jones Construction, $4,000 4846 Cedar Ridge Circle, Brown, Seth M., Win-Dor Industries, $4,077 2814 Oakland Drive, Clark, Stephen O., Lynnrich Inc., $2,950 1401 Ave. F, Bob Pitcher, Craigo Construction, $1,000 3204 Rimrock Road, Ballan, David G. and Chrystee

L., Colossal Construction, $400 1081 Strawberry Ave., Arveschoug, Steve and Christine, Colossal Construction, $350 1541 Clark Ave., Barecca, Lindsay, Craigo Construction, $1,000 2522 Custer Ave., Bradley, Rachel, Phil’s Glass, $3,200 2728 Gregory Drive N., Grover, Jordan Lewis and Gail Di, C Squared Construction, $750 626 Miles Ave., Michelle Fast, Phil’s Glass, $2,000 1108 Fredrick Lane, Bjelland, David E. and Tonia M., Craigo Construction, $500 1017 Ave. D, Dillon, Jared S. and Sarah N., $500 1902 Ave. D, William R. Tronson Jr. Trust, C Squared Construction, $750 417 Alderson Ave., Steve Marstaeller, $6,700 2232 St. Andrews Drive, Tengberg, Kim L. and Jody L., Lynnrich Inc., $6,207 4103 Palisades Park Drive, Janna Lynn Jurovich, Win-Dor Industries, $16,969 2608 Miles Ave., Lafurge, David W. and Dianna, Big Sky Exterior Designs Inc., $8,700 502 Alderson Ave., Hornby, Kelly B. and Julie D., Craigo Construction, $1,500 3420 Powderhorn Circle, Ann V. Shesne Trust, C Squared Construction, $750 903 21st St. W., Benzinger, Lee H. and A. Lilian, Central Montana Construction LLC, $5,100 There were 169 Fence/ Roof/Siding permits issued in November and December.

February 2016

37

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Commercial Building Permits Nov. 1-Dec. 31, 2015 Demolition 1930 Clubhouse Way, Go Play Golf LLC, Specialized Construction, $40,000.

Fence/Roof/Siding 1008 Poly Drive, Smith, Robert H. & Gayle F., Rambur Construction, $197,700.

1711 Sixth Ave. N., Sos, Robert & Karyn S. EEC Inc., $70,000.

2001 First Ave. N., Artcraft Real Estate LLC, Lennick Bros. Roofing & Sheeting, $9,800.

1001 S. 27 St., Alternatives Inc., Bradford Roof Management Inc., $58,000.

5 Lewis Ave., American Lutheran Church, CMR Construction And Roofing, $119,784.

1931 Main St., RLB Oil Co Inc., Kohlman Construction, $6,000.

2301 First Ave. N., D B Squared LLC Commercial Roof, Wtr Proof, $700.

4525 Grand Ave., Cornerstone Community Church, Empire Roofing Inc., $12,000.

4220 State Ave., Realco LLC, Lennick Bros., $26,200.

303 N. 13th St., Frank Family Limited Partnership, Lennick Bros. Roofing & Sheeting, $12,000.

720 N. 30th St., Barry O’leary Inc., Hanna Construction, $22,000.

400 Southgate Drive, Supertel LP, Alside Supply, $62,851.

3840 Rimrock Road,

38

February 2016

Missions United Inc., C’s Construction of Billings, $455,015.

2038 Overland Ave., Ryan, William O. and Beverly R., Infinity Roofing & Siding Inc., $33,638.

Dick Anderson Construction, $642,000.

New Other

286 Southview Drive.

City of Billings (Airport), Network Information SysFooting/Foundation tems, $17,500.

109 N. 35 St., Marks, 5640 Grand Ave., BillSteve, S Bar S Supply Conings School District No.2, tractor, $300,000.

Langlas & Associates Inc., 1785 Majestic Lane, Bill$525,000. ings Partners LLC, Koelsch 4908 Southgate Drive, Construction Inc., $47,001.

Northridge Assets LLC, Com220 S. 27th St., Northern fort Suite Hotel, $754,565.

Plains Resource Council, Turning Leaf Construction, New Store/Strip Center $2,000.

4011 Montana Sapphire Drive, Rimrock II LLC, Hulteng Inc., $400,000.

2611 Seventh Ave. N., Avenue Hospitality, Langlas & Assoc. Inc., $390,000.

New Parking Lot/ Non-Building Structure 219 Calhoun Lane, Mountain States Telephone & Telegraph Co., Yellowstone Electric Co. $8,864.

2980 King Ave. W., Denny Menholt Chevrolet, $49,500.

601 S. 25th St., Phillips 66 Company, CMG Construction Inc., $600,000.

4848 Midland Road, The City of Billings, Hardy Construction Co., $497,100.

Other 4520 S. Frontage Road,

Remodel 2132 Grand Ave., The Treasury Corp., Broken Arrow Construction Inc., $20,000.

2147 Overland Ave., Montana District Council, Stadel Construction, $66,018.

1601 Grand Ave., M & B Properties LLC, Langlas & Assoc. Inc., $50,000.

178 S. 32nd St. W., S J Miller LLC, Neumann Construction, $125,000.

735 Grand Ave., Schmitt, Michael E. & Lorelei A., Shaw Construction, $10,000.

108 S. 21 St., Phillips 66 Company, $282,000.

876 Parkway Lane, Schauer Capital LLC, Ray Hicks Construction $80,000.

1511 Poly Drive, Rocky Mountain College, Dick Anderson Construction, $44,000.

1404 Main St., Nurre, Christopher & Gayle, $12,000.

1001 Shiloh Crossing Blvd., Shiloh Silver Screen Partners, Dave Spitzer Construction, $71,000.

2344 Central Ave., Soco Development Company, Jones Construction Inc., $40,000.

710 Carbon St., West End Properties LLP, Hulteng Inc, $21,897.

2520 Fifth Ave. S., Walla Walla College, $21,000.

2800 10 Ave. N., Deaconess Medical Center Of Billings, Bauer Constructio, $50,000.

2800 10 Ave. N., Deaconess Medical Center Of Billings, Bauer Construction, $20,000.

3429 Central Ave., CPC Inc., Premiere Builders LLC, $25,000.

100 24th St. W., Central Avenue Mall, $1,800.

2209 Central Ave., Equality Investments LLC, AJ Construction Inc., $40,000.

4540 S. Frontage Road, Tacoma Screw, Dick Anderson Construction.

1595 Grand Ave., Boardman Westpark LLC, Langlas & Assoc. Inc., $130,000.

2021 Fourth Ave. N., GSA Billings LC, Jares Fence Company Inc., $5,000.

328 S. Shiloh Road, First Southern Baptist Church, Cucancic Construction Inc., $125,000.

300 S. 24th St. W., Rimrock Owner LP, Gray-I.C.E. Builders, $200,000.

2251 Belknap Ave., The City of Billings, Ace Electric Inc., $950.

411 24th St. W., Rowe, Steven J., $25,000.

2021 Fourth Ave. N., GSA Billings LC, $4,000.

204 Main St., Ryan Patrick, $700.

740 S. 24th St. W., Apple RE I LLC, $700.

2800 10th Ave. N., Deaconess Medical Center of Billings, Bauer Construction, $15,760.

1507 14th St. W, Sieben Ranch Company, Fisher Construction Inc., $69,000.

1025 Grand Ave., Harbour Towne Limited Partners, Cucancic Construction Inc., $5,000.

2800 10th Ave. N., Deaconess Medical Center of Billings, Hardy Construction Co., $10,000.

328 S. Shiloh Road, First Southern Baptist Church, Cucancic Construction Inc., $5,000.

608 N. 30th St., Pinehurst Apartments, Win-Dor Industries, $4,316.

926 Main St., Radovich, George T., Lynnrich Inc., $9,707.

2912 Third Ave. N., Billings Montana Parking Committee, Cucancic Construction Inc., $32,000.

1400 S. 24th St. W., 1400 S. 24th LLC, Action Electric Inc., $72,000.

1550 Country Manor Blvd., IRET Properties LP, Dutton Construction, $13,210.

801 N. 29th St., Billings Clinic, Hardy Construction Co. $10,000.

4910 Southgate Drive, America Foods, Lais Development Inc., $2,000.

125 S. 24th St. W., Rimrock Mini-Mall LLC, Shaw

Construction, $3,000.

125 S. 24th St. W., Rimrock Mini-Mall LLC, Shaw Construction, $1,000.

2800 10th Ave. N., Deaconess Medical Center of Billings, Bauer Construction, $700,000.

1045 N. 30th St., Billings Clinic, Jones Construction Inc., $95,750.

2029 Grand Ave., WLR LLC, Kovash Construction LLC, $5,000.

Addition 1125 Fourth Ave. N., White, Curtis J., $120,000.

Demolition 2203 Montana Ave., Bar MW Properties LLC, Schenk Construction Inc., $20,000.

1239 S. 27th St., Stockton, Daniel E. Jr., Market Contractors (WA) Inc., $2,500.

Remodel — Change In Use 1711 Sixth Ave. N., Sos, Robert and Karyn S., EEC Inc., $253,000.

New Warehouse/Storage 1041 Broadwater Ave., 1041 LLC, Ty Nelson Construction, $2,000.

2700 Overland Ave., Matz Properties LLC, Advanced Builders, $60,000.

2420 13th St. W., First Presbyterian Church, PKL Construction, $29,000.

BETTERbusiness

W hen trying to collect debts , make sure you play by the rules A company may unknowingly open itself to financial damages through civil litigation.

Erin T. Dodge is an editor for the Better Business Bureau of Eastern Washington, Northern Idaho and Montana in Spokane.

Contact the bureau at spokane.bbb.org.

Could your company fall under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act without realizing it?

General interpretation when collecting consumer debt For first-party collection of consumer debt, many business owners assume that their actions don’t fall under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act because the primary purpose of their business is not debt collection.

Even though collecting money owed to the company is a necessary aspect of doing business and secondary to the primary purpose, it may not be that simple.

Part of the confusion has to do with how FDCPA defines a “debt collector,” in Section 803(6) of the statute, as “any person who uses any instrumentality of interstate commerce or the mails in any business the principal purpose of which is the collection of any debts, or who regularly collects or attempts to collect, directly or indirectly, debts owed or due or asserted to be owed or due another.” So the definition does indicate that third-party collections services fit this definition. However, there is more to the definition that has tripped up some companies.

Collecting debt

under a different company name The situation arises from the additional sentences of Section 803(6) that further defines the term of “debt collector” to include “any creditor who, in the process of collecting his own debts, uses any name other than his own which would indicate that a third person is collecting or attempting to collect such debts.”

So if a company’s primary business isn’t debt collection for others, but it sets up a company, department or division under a different name to collect its own debt, then those actions fall under FDCPA and must follow the same laws as anyone defined as a debt collector.

Federal Trade Commission Act and FDCPA This situation probably doesn’t apply to your company. So is it still important to be aware of the FDCPA? The smart, short answer is “Yes.” The longer answer with reasoning as to why follows.

FDCPA includes penalties for non-compliance with the law. A company may unknowingly open itself to financial damages through civil litigation. So any business owner who is collecting debt or thinking of using a debt collection service would be wise

to read and understand the FDCPA, which can be found at http://1.usa. gov/18HRnCG. In addition, even if a business is collecting debt and doesn’t fall under FDCPA, it still falls under the Federal Trade Commission Act’s general prohibition against “unfair or deceptive acts or practices.”

Some tactics that clearly violate FDCPA and are likely to violate the FTC Act include false claims of government affiliation, false threats of legal action, and revealing the existence of the debt to anyone who is not the debtor (or his or her spouse). It is also likely that the unfair practices outlined in Section 808 of the FDCPA would also violate the FTC Act and could prompt the Commission to take action against a company.

Also, FDCPA has restrictions on how and when debt collectors can communicate with consumers. Abusive language and harassment are against the law. Just as in the previous examples of violations, many false, deceptive, or misleading representations by debt collectors can be a violation of the law.

For companies that don’t fall under FDCPA, using abusive tactics to collect debt can fall into the category of bad busi-

Be aware of the issues involving debt collection.

ness. All businesses are reliant on their reputation and consumer perception for success. So calling at all hours of the night or threatening physical or financial harm in order to collect a debt is not going to reflect well on the business. And savvy consumers could pursue civil litigation as well.

Other tricky aspects of FDCPA Companies that acquire debt that’s in default and attempt to collect it also fall under FDCPA. Awareness of this is especially important for companies dealing in financial services. Auto loan servicers, mortgage companies, and other creditors who purchase financial contracts that are delinquent or charged off become debt collectors when they attempt to collect that debt.

If a financial services company isn’t aware of Section 803(6)(F)(iii) of the FDCPA and take on debt in default, then it

Courtesy photo

wouldn’t realize that it is also a debt collector and not just a financial services company.

Commercial debt collections The FDCPA does not cover collection of commercial or B2B debt. Businesses that need commercial collection across state lines may need to work with a collection service that has the appropriate licensing to collect commercial debt or use legal recourse at the state level.

For more information on services provided

by BBB for businesses, including toolkits, tips, resources and guides, please visit http://go.bbb. org/22Yy4Ny. Disclaimer: I’m not an attorney and the information in this article should not be taken as legal advice. If you face issues described in this article, please consult an attorney who can provide advice and services as related to business and government regulations.

February 2016

39

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