Billings Business July 2015

5 Minutes witH

Staci Daniel My Art Fair

Farm stay vacations

Stillwater County ranch

July 2015

Engaged with

Elation Company helps businesses achieve success through employee engagement

New chauffeur service offers ‘dignified transportation’ to Billings area

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

CONTENTS

July 2015

An indispensable business resource On the Cover Crystal Hopper, right, works with the developers at Elation, from left, Chris Owen, Scott Beverly, Josh Risser and Joe Soria on Elation sofware.

Photo by CASEY PAGE

FEATURES

Engaged with Elation..................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Company helps businesses achieve success through employee engagement

Relaxing on the ranch.............................................................................................................................................................................. 14 Farm stay vacations part of the mix at scenic Stillwater County ranch

Montana venture capital firm looking for upstarts............................................................................................ 20 Herberger’s moves into former Scheels space at Rimrock Mall...................................................... 22 New chauffeur service offers ‘dignified transportation’ to Billings area................................ 38 Columns

Economic Development..........................................................................................................................................................................10 Dena Johnson - Outreach center will help Farm stay vacations part of the mix at scenic Stillwater County ranch, Page 14

Strategies for Success.............................................................................................................................................................................18 Joe Michels - Don’t forget the link between price and value

Sales Moves...........................................................................................................................................................................................................19 Jeffery Gitomer - To make a sale, track down the real decision maker

Better Business..................................................................................................................................................................................................35 Erin T. Dodge - Be careful when using endorsements, testimonials in marketing billings BUSINESS EVERY MONTH

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

Chamber News.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 11 John Brewer - Billings Chamber’s success originates from its members

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Five Minutes with............................................................................................................................................................................................12 Staci Daniel - My Art Fair

Success Stories.................................................................................................................................................................................................36 Business Briefs..................................................................................................................................................................................................39 The Listings............................................................................................................................................................................................................42

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

To subscribe, please send payment, name, business name, mailing address and phone number to:

Page 12 Staci Daniel

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Billings Business 401 North Broadway Billings, MT 59101 Billingsbusiness

Billingsbusiness

July 2015

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the editor

W ell - known angel investor

July 2015 • VOLUME 21 • NUMBER 9

welcomes venture capital fund To many Montanans, the high-flying world of venture capital sounds foreign and a little bit scary.

A guy with a bold idea and possibly one foot in the poor house makes a pitch to a bunch of rich guys, who sometimes agree to invest in his company. If his idea pans out, the investors get a nice return on their money, and the guy with the great idea gets a shot at living the American dream.

Some form of this routine plays out just about every week on “Shark Tank,” the reality-based TV show in which wealthy investors provide money, management and marketing muscle to budding entrepreneurs who have pitched a wide variety of ventures. One of my favorite “Shark Tank” entrepreneurs was a guy who developed a contraption that harvests microscopic traces of gold from seawater. The sharks circled but didn’t bite.

Wild, rural and sparsely populated Montana has rarely gotten much attention from venture capital firms.

But the business community started buzzing with the recent launch of a Montana-based venture capital firm that’s raising $20 million to invest into promising startup companies.

Will Price of Bozeman, an experienced venture capitalist who has worked in the technology-heavy Silicon Valley, is the founder of Next Frontier Capital. Price said the fund will focus on companies involved in software, health care and optics and photonics, an emerging business sector that has ties to research conducted at Montana State University.

Liz Marchi, founder of a couple of Montana-based angel investor funds, says Next Frontier could be a game changer for Montana business startups. Marchi, who is on Next Frontier Capital’s advisory committee,

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described Price as a world-class businessman who has a wealth of experience and great contacts.

Marchi said angel investors have some similarities with venture capital funds. Both make early-stage equity investments in companies that show promise of rapid growth.

But there’s a difference. Angel investors are risking their own money and they make their own decisions about the companies in which they invest. In a venture fund, the manager is investing other people’s money, and he collects a management fee.

Marchi said the $20 million that Next Frontier Capital is raising represents the minimum amount that venture funds need to operate.

The launch of Next Frontier Capital is good news for Montana. Gov. Steve Bullock and Montana’s congressional delegation all praised the launch.

For perspective, the Silicon Valley is undergoing a boom in biotechnology. Biotech firms raised more than $573 million in venture funding during the first quarter of 2014, according to the San Jose Mercury News. And keep in mind, biotechnology is just one small sector of the Silicon Valley economy.

Marchi said Montana’s angel investors have learned to be patient. The first fund she was involved in, the Frontier Angel Fund, took seven years to invest the $2 million it had raised. The second Frontier Angel Fund will invest $3 million, in about four years, she said.

In investing, it’s important to have a long-term perspective, Marchi said.

“I’ve been watching for years as the best and the brightest (Montana companies) get cherry picked and they get moved,” Marchi said. “I love the fact that Will has been able to draw some enviable word-class talent to his venture.”

mike gulledge tom howard COPY EDITOR chris jorgensen GENERAL MANAGER allyn hulteng PUBLISHER

editor

SALES

dave worstell ryan brosseau RETAIL Sales manager shelli scott ADVERTISING Sales karen anderson ADVERTISING Sales cherlyn milner ADVERTISING Sales arcadea scott Advertising Coordinator linsay foley

Sales & Marketing Director Major accounts, classified, digital sales director

PRODUCTIOn

designer creative director

alyssa small bob tambo

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 North Broadway

Billings, MT 59101 Advertising For retail advertising call Karen Anderson, 657-1492; Cherlyn Milner, 657-1344; or Arcadea Scott, 657-1244. For classified advertising, call 657-1212. Advertising deadlines for the 20 Exceptional Women 2015 issue and for the September 2015 Billings Business issue are 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4. You may send material to ads@billingsbusiness.com or FAX to 657-1538.

News If you would like to submit a news tip, story idea, announcement about your business or press release, please e-mail 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.

Billingsbusiness

Personal

By the Numbers

Business

LocaL and regionaL economic trends

real estate Member FDIC

agriculture King Ave 655-2700

Hilltop & Main 896-4800

Shiloh & Grand 655-3900

WHO’S THE TOP?

The United States remained the world’s top producer of petroleum and natural gas in 2014, outpacing both Russia and Saudi Arabia.

Production of crude oil, natural gas liquids and condensates averaged nearly 28 million barrels per day, despite a drastic reduction in oil prices in the second half of the year.

Downtown 655-2400

www.stockmanbank.com

14th & Grand 371-8100

Worden 967-3612

Airport boardings

National park visitors 4

5

4

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

Billings housing starts

In ten thousands

In hundred thousands

3

2

1 0

50

180

158 0

120

30 20

Feb.

January to May 2014

April

May

0

May

Bozeman

January to May 2015

2014

Montana winter wheat

Montana Beef Cattle

$8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

200

(per bushel)

6 5 4 3

100

2

50 April

December 2013 to April 2014 Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

0

January to April 2014 January to April 2015

7%

(per cwt.)

March

January to April 2014 January to April 2015

Unemployment

150

December January February

April

Source: Montana Department of Transportation

Source: National Park Service

Ag prices

Mar.

January to April 2014 January to April 2015

February to May 2014 February to May 2015

2015

Feb.

Missoula

Glacier National Park

YTD Through May 31

Source: City of Billings

Billingsbusiness

April

February to May 2014 February to May 2015

10 March

Mar.

Yellowstone National Park

60

February

Jan.

Billings

137

40

January

2

1

New single-family home building permits

0

3

1 December January February December 2014 to April 2015

March

April

0

Nov.

Dec.

Montana

Jan.

Feb.

Yellowstone County

March

April

U.S.

Source: Montana Department of Labor and Industry

July 2015

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Engaged with

Elation

Photo by CASEY PAGE Crystal Hopper, center, works with the developers at Elation Josh Risser, right, and Joe Soria.

Company helps businesses achieve success through employee engagement

By TOM HOWARD

Photo by LARRY MAYER As it has grown, Elation now has a street-level presence on Third Avenue North.

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When Joe Soria went to work for Elation Inc., an upstart company that was launched to improve the way businesses operate, his first task was to develop a software program that could help reach a worldwide audience.

Chris Dimock, Elation’s chief executive, invited Soria to dinner to discuss a new company that he and Bill Simmons were developing. Soria remembers that Dimock reached for a napkin to sketch out the basics of the program he had in mind.

That’s how Edagio, the company’s learning software, was born.

“When I first met Chris, he wanted me to develop a program that utilizes what neuroscience tells us about learning, in a software platform that didn’t exist at the time,” Soria said.

Educational software — whether loaded directly onto a computer or accessed online — has become as common as pencils, textbooks and notebooks in classrooms. Folks at Elation say their program helps reinforce what scientists have discovered about how people learn.

One challenge in developing Elation’s software, Soria said, was utilizing the neuroscience principles that provide the foundation for Elation’s education and training processes.

Billingsbusiness

Photos by CASEY PAGE The Elation strategy team, from left, Chris Dimock, Jeannie McIsaac-Tracy, Joe Soria and Erika Willis.

Edagio stands for “education delivered at a slow tempo,” a reference to the musical term “adagio.”

“We have found there are many online tools you can use for delivering curriculum,” Soria said. “However, there’s nothing like what we’re building, which is using the neuroscience of learning.”

There are a number of theories about how humans learn. Elation follows principles developed by David Rock, chief executive of the Neuroleadership Foundation, whose theory on learning is illustrated using the acronym AGES, Soria said. Learning is enhanced if the Billingsbusiness

information presented grabs your attention; if it’s generative or sparks creativity; if it provides an emotional connection and if concepts are spaced out.

“If your content has those elements, you have a better opportunity for retention by the learner,” Soria said. “So what we’ve done is taken that knowledge and combined it with some other knowledge about what works on the Internet, which means delivering small pieces of information.”

Receiving information in smaller doses is

Developer Scott Beverly works on software at Elation.

Please see Elation, 8 July 2015

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Engaging employees is what Elation is all about

By TOM HOWARD

Photos by LARRY MAYER Erika Willis leads a discussion as Elation staff members have a meeting with clients at their new offices on Third Avenue North.

Elation

For example, Edagio can be used to provide more effective instructions after a patient is released from the hospital.

Continued from 7 “New moms don’t have time to sit down usually more effective than sitting through and read,” Soria said. “They need to sleep eight hours of classroom instruction, Soria and take care of their new baby.” Rather than said. forcing a mother to plow through piles of Frequently, corporate training involves paperwork, she can access a series of short traveling to a seminar where attendees videos on her phone or computer, Soria said. are expected to soak up knowledge like a The software includes tools that help sponge. They read handouts, absorb infor- managers track how customers are using the mation from PowerPoint slides and listen to software. a speaker.

“It tells them how engaged their people “They’re fired up, and say it’s the best are. It also shows them what content is the thing they’ve ever heard. But come Monday, most popular, and how we can improve the they’ve forgotten 80 percent of what they’re features of Edagio,” he said. taught. This tool will help combat that,” As Edagio becomes more widely used, Soria said. content development represents a new chalTo keep pace with current technology lenge for the company, Soria said. trends, Edagio can be accessed via com“This is a great tool, but the barrier to puter, smart phone or tablet. entry has been content because people have Education is a potential market for Eda- words on paper. So it’s taking those words gio as colleges and universities expand the on paper and developing new content,” Soria delivery of online classes. said.

Health care providers have also taken an The program also can be customized to interest. Elation recently launched a pilot fit the needs of the user. “You might want to program that uses Edagio in a health setread a story, while I prefer to watch a video,” he said. ting.

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Elation, a Billings company founded on the idea that companies succeed when their employees thrive, continues to spread the gospel of employee engagement.

Elation provides a variety of services that are designed to help businesses and nonprofit organizations improve their performance. The company offers a series of leadership courses, specialized coaching sessions and personal development programs.

Two years after its launch, Elation is taking on a higher profile in downtown Billings. It occupies first-floor and second-floor office space in the G+G building. In a street-level conference room, Elation employees frequently host introductory seminars called Experience Elation, where businesses learn about how to improve the performance of their operations by using research from neuroscience.

During a recent session, Elation officials shared some sobering statistics about the state of the workplace. According to a 2013 study by the polling and research firm Gallup, 70 percent of American workers “are not fully engaged at work.” The nation’s economy loses around $500 billion per year because of lost productivity resulting from actively disengaged employees, Gallup estimated.

Chris Dimock, Elation’s chief executive, got in on the ground floor of the Internet age when he worked for Digital Equipment Corp., and later moved to Billings to start an Internet service provider and telecommunications business in Billings, Western Technology Partners.

Although he made a good living working in technology, Dimock never gave up his interest in psychology and industrial sociology, which involves studying how people in groups can work together more effectively.

Dimock and friend Bill Simmons began collaborating on a company designed to improve how workers cooperate, and Elation was launched two years ago.

Elation’s client list is growing. Many clients have agreed to continue their relationship with the company, and Elation officials have high hopes for Edagio, a software program that supplements and reinforces the concepts presented by Elation’s trainers.

Karen Baumgart addresses a group at an Experience Elation presentation.

And Elation practices what it preaches. Employees work with each other to make sure the company is moving forward, Dimock said.

A couple of clients say Elation’s training has made a difference in how they operate.

“The biggest impact that Elation had for us was making us more aware of our mindset, how we approached issues and the problems about how we thought about ourselves,” said Ann Treece, executive director of STEP, a nonprofit organization that helps families affected by disabilities.

Elation’s trainers helped officials from STEP expand their vision of the people they serve.

“The state of Montana is our primary funding source. We saw ourselves as people who delivered those services and we focused on our contract,” Treece said. “With help from Elation, we started thinking and cast a bigger vision, and we thought of ourselves people who help other people to have the kind of life they want to be.”

With Elation’s help, STEP has explored new ideas for how it can serve clients, Treece said.

“We’re much more willing to explore things.

Instead of administering state programs, we started talking about the things we can do to.

Because we’re in human services, we tended to have a lot of compassion, but we allowed our compassion to be an excuse for poor results.”

Billie Ruff, owner of Travel Cafe, said Elation provided coaching for the travel agency’s 20 employees scattered in five Montana locations.

In an industry that thrives on customer service, the training proved to be helpful.

“Our employees had an opportunity to have a professional coach, and it has really helped us understand each other a little better,” Ruff said.

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SPONSORED BY THE big sky economic development

O utreach center will help veterans launch businesses Wearing the uniform and commitment to your country has built endurance and a keen understanding that a solid plan can take time. Building a business does not happen overnight.

Dena Johnson Dena Johnson is director of the Small Business Development Center at Big Sky Economic Development.

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By DENA JOHNSON and TIMOTHY DONAHUE

with veterans is frosting on the cake. As a vet myself, I know firsthand the journey my clients have traveled and their unique potential for success.”

In an article by Bill McBean (www.fastcompany.com) he The Veterans Business outlines the five characteristics Outreach Center, launched of great leaders and how they under the umbrella of the Big relate to veterans: Sky Economic Development n First: Being flexible. Not Small Business Development Center, opened on June 1. VBOC everything goes as planned.

Battle plan to business is designed to provide technical plan, and you have to be able business training, consulting, mentoring, boots-to-business to act and react efficiently and quickly. training and general business n Second: The abilcoaching for veterans and their spouses owning or considering ity to communicate. Leaders starting a small business. Con- who communicate well are those who not only share their gress and the SBA established thoughts with employees, but VBOCs to provide counseling and training at more than 1,500 also let their strength and personal character show through in small business development their communication and emcenters. power those who work for them Big Sky Economic Develby defining the company’s goal opment is proud to announce and showing how to get there. the new director of the VBOC If you can’t communicate, Region 8 center: Timothy then you are dead; the same Donahue; a 90 percent combat disabled veteran with more than thing is true in business. n Third: Courage, tenac30 years of experience in conity and patience. sulting and entrepreneurship.

Wearing the uniform and Donahue shared his vision for the Veteran’s Business Out- commitment to your country has built endurance and a keen reach Center: understanding that a solid “As a Vietnam-era combat disabled vet, it is my honor and plan can take time. Building a business does not happen privilege to be joining an orgaovernight. nization dedicated to working n Fourth: The combinawith veterans and their families. tion of humility and presence.

My career has been devoted The best business owners to small business develophave the ability to be coached ment and training; working

and lead — you can follow orders and you can lead others.

The ability to do both is a trait of a true leader. n Fifth: Being responsible.

You have a clear understanding that the buck stops with you.

No one is going to make you do anything (plan, work, re-

search, train, condition) — and no one is to blame if it didn’t get done.

It is no surprise that these same characteristics are what make a small businessowner a success. Small businesses and their unique challenges are a natural fit for prior military.

They have been steeped in leadership, team development and being able to adapt and overcome.

Timothy Donahue is director of the new Veterans Business Outreach Center at Big Sky Economic Development.

C r E aT I N G M O N Ta N a BuSINESS OPPOrTuNITIES

Welcome Veterans Business Outreach Center!

Big Sky Economic Development is pleased to announce the opening of the brand new VBOC to Billings. This center is designed to assist veterans and their families who want to start a new business or expand a current business. VBOC will be housed at Big Sky Economic Development offices at 222 North 32nd Street, 4th Floor. VBOC will service Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, North and South Dakota. Call 406.256.6871.

W W W. B I G S K Y E CO N O M I C D E V E LO P M E N T. CO M

Billingsbusiness

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

SPONSORED BY THE BILLINGS CHAMBER of Commerce

July Business After Hours Wednesday, July 8 Events at TCT, 454 Moore Lane 5-7 p.m. Cost is $8.

B illings C hamber ’ s success originates from its members We believe that in 2020, Billings can be a dynamic center of regional commerce that draws families, workers, visitors and economic opportunities for our business community like never before.

John Brewer John Brewer, CAE, is president of the Billings Chamber of Commerce/ Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Billingsbusiness

As the Billings Chamber releases its annual program of work and updated strategic plan, I am enthused about our direction as a Chamber and as a community. This plan, building upon past goals and successes, comes after a tremendous amount of member feedback as well as significant recognition from our national association.

In June we received notification that the Billings Chamber is a finalist for Chamber of the Year through the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. This is a designation few chambers receive across the country. To say we are proud is an understatement. We are proud of our staff, board and our 1,170 members who work in tandem to improve the business climate and our quality of place in Billings.

To even be considered for this honor required a thorough review of the Chamber’s operational programs by our peers. We were then invited to submit an application including a review of two projects. We selected our trails initiative and our Chamber of the Future program, which was an in-depth analysis by staff and board of what it will take for continued success.

The core result of this project was our community-inclusive strategic planning process. We believe that in 2020, Billings can be a dynamic center of regional commerce that draws families, workers, visitors and economic opportunities for our business community like never before.

The chief architect of this

plan is you. This was a process that enlisted scores of business and civic leaders, partner organizations and the community at large. Attaining this vision requires unwavering alliances with local and regional partners who own a stake in the city’s success; just as we rely on our entire region’s prosperity for our success.

Our long-range plan leads us to the following goals for the 2015-2016 fiscal year (July-June):

Advance Billings

Billings is Montana’s Trailhead: a desirable, regional destination to conduct business, for travel, relocation and business recruitment. By virtue of being the largest city in a vast region, our economy thrives. But being the largest isn’t good enough: Billings must be the best by offering a dynamic urban setting and quality of life that is viewed as paramount. Goals include: improving air service and the airport experience; connecting business to the issue of public safety; expanding the Heritage Trail System and improving historical assets (Yellowstone Kelly Interpretive Site); and improving meeting/convention space.

the driving structure to address workforce needs. “We will be a premier, business-driven workforce development hub by 2023.”

Lead visitor growth

Tourism is Montana’s second-largest industry and impacts nearly every business.

Visitors to Billings are exposed to our community, opening the door to future economic opportunities including relocation and business development.

They are our future residents and workforce. As the region’s urban destination, Visit Billings

August Business After Hours

September Business After Hours Wednesday, Sept. 9 Billings Mustangs at Dehler Park 5-7 p.m. Cost is $8.

Wednesday, Aug. 12 Trailhead Plaza Montana Avenue near Billings Depot 5-7 p.m. Cost is $8.

will capitalize on our significant regional trade area as a target.

Managing tourism promotion for Visit Southeast Montana (13 counties and two Indian reservations) connects our region and creates marketing, sales and political synergies.

understanding of issues affecting the Billings region and Eastern Montana, and efforts will be coordinated with a regional voice. Our top priority will be the successful development and introduction of local option tax legislation in 2017.

Influence public policy

Enhance value

We serve as the voice for business at all levels of government: local, state and federal.

The Chamber will advocate for issues impacting business and community and communicate to our members to create a better

With over 1,170 members who employ over 44,000, the Chamber will provide platforms to cultivate leaders, grow customers for our members and help them establish business relationships.

®

BillingsChamber.com

Grow, recruit trained talent

Billings’ unemployment rate is 2.9 percent. A comprehensive road map produced by BillingsWorks (a partnership between the Chamber, Montana State University Billings, Rocky Mountain College, private business and others led by Big Sky Economic Development) will be

July 2015

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Staci Daniel

By TOM HOWARD

Staci Daniel Photo by LARRY MAYER

marke

t for

art A new

12

off as homemade, things that we see versions of at every show. Hopefully some fantastic items from fresh talent will get a chance to shine through and be discovT here had to be a better way for artists ered.

Our jury is composed of talented, posto offer their work for sale . T hat ’ s why itive people who love handmade creations S taci D aniel started M y A rt F air , an online from all media: retail store buyers who’ve mentored me, young art lovers, seasoned marketplace for arts and crafts . professionals, and me! We may need a larger team, depending on the volume of submissions in the future. We aren’t Daniel, herself an experienced artist, don’t realize they make things that are looking for “award-winning” pieces as describes My Art Fair as a place where incredible and they have no idea how much as we want to discover originality talented they are. Out of 100 booths I see, artists can “rent a tent in a beautiful and marketability — works that will be probably two or three have something setting online,” and reduce the usual loved and purchased immediately by our financial risks associated with showing at that’s unlike anything that anyone else online customers. traditional art fairs: unfavorable weather, is making. Most of these artisans don’t Is My Art Fair open only to local low attendance and high booth rental fees realize how outstanding they are because artists, or will it be open to people they sit at two shows in rural Montana or from outside the community, or perare just some of the obstacles at tradiNorth Dakota per year. I want to provide a haps outside the state, as well? tional art fairs. venue that’s worldwide for them to show On June 24, Daniel launched a KickWe are starting at home (Montana) starter project to raise money that will be and sell what they are passionate about, and hoping to grow and involve artists used to contact artists. For more informa- maybe get the chance to be full time from across the globe. I’ve met artists at artists. tion, visit www.myartfairartists.com shows from Paris to Cannon Beach, Ore., At shows I meet vendors who are Here, Daniel discusses her online and I hope we can grow so they can come “done” doing these (juried) shows beventure. along for the ride too! cause they are sitting across from the guy How will My Art Fair make Can you provide a little backselling 7000tc sheets for $20, while they money? ground on how you developed this spent all winter hand carving gorgeous Generally, creative people have an concept? walking sticks, paying $500 for a weekaversion to the administrative tasks I saw a problem that needed a soluend booth they spend most of their time required to make a profit, market themtion, and thought of a fun way to solve it trying to hold down so it doesn’t blow selves, and do the nasty paperwork tasks that no one else is doing. Marketing and away in 40-mph winds. required to stay afloat. MAF hopes to entrepreneurship are two of my passions.

Customers are also frustrated because make that part much easier, allowing the I’ve attended and participated they go to shows looking for special gifts artists to be able to create all day, while in dozens of shows over the last 17 or lovely items to add to their collections. we handle the part of business they don’t years. I’ve met amazing artisans who They aren’t finding what they are looking want to deal with — which also can be the for anymore. reason they don’t make enough income Last but not least, the promoters to do it full time. MAF will provide a 24/7 and organizers of these shows are either directory, artist bio, and access to their raking in huge amounts of money from work for a small annual fee, starting at artists and providing very little in return, $20 per month. In addition, that artist and they are exhausted, burned out, is guaranteed two shows per year. They and doing it as volunteers to support have the option to pay $100 for additional the charitable cause that receives the shows through the year. Membership proceeds. levels go up from there, offering the artist What’s the significance of offertheir own bio page, links to their gallery ing a juried show? Is one person or a locations, a calendar of where they will committee in charge of the selection be at shows throughout the year. We also process? hope they will want to provide video Juried shows are more exclusive classes, and participate in our blog. WE’re because submissions are “judged,” which just so excited to feature some amazbenefits everyone. Our shows won’t be ing things & help them see the financial crammed with imported items passed reward for their God-given gifts.

I July 2015

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Billingsbusiness

July 2015

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SPECIAL REPORT: AGRICULTURE TRENDS, FORECASTS & PEOPLE BEHIND THE SCENES

relaxing on the ranch

Photos by CASEY PAGE A vintage plow sits outside a shed at the White Deer Ranch. Above, Nigerian pygmy goats play at the White Deer Ranch June 16.

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Billingsbusiness

Special Report

Radish microgreens grow at the White Deer Ranch on Tuesday, June 16, 2015.

Here’s how farmers are keeping the money down on the farm

Photos by CASEY PAGE Lee and Roxanne Dunn are experimenting with plants that grow in different microclimates found around the ranch.

Farm stay vacations part of the mix at scenic Stillwater County ranch

By TOM HOWARD

T o millions of A mericans , vacation means queuing up in long lines , screaming through five minutes of terror on a roller coaster and cavorting with an oversized mouse dressed in yellow shoes .

But if your idea of relaxation means downshifting to the slower pace of rural life while learning about sustainable agriculture that’s nurtured by humanely raised livestock and orBillingsbusiness

ganic techniques, you might want to give White Deer Ranch near Fishtail a try.

White Deer Ranch, a century-old operation in the scenic Stillwater Valley, offers farm

stay vacations as part of its growing menu of offerings. Visitors can rent a pair of houses on the ranch. It’s part of a growing trend in tourism as city dwellers search for back-to-the-land experiences that are authentic, relaxing and educational.

Spring and summer tend to be the busiest time of year for visitors, although some customers like to go cross-country skiing in the winter.

Six years ago, Lee and Roxanne Dunn decided to pursue more sustainable operations at the historic cattle ranch, while also searching for ways to diversify their income.

Please see Ranch, 16

One of the most significant trends in agriculture during the 21st century may be the creative ways in which farmers and ranchers are diversifying their income by offering special products and events.

James Maetzold, a national alternative enterprises and agritourism leader for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, says farmers and ranchers are pursuing a variety of strategies to diversify their income.

They include: n Farmers’ markets and specialty products. Farmers often provide valueadded products and crafts at farmers markets. n Product processing. These products include maple syrup, wood products, dairy products and wine. n Fairs and festivals. Farms often hold unique festivals celebrating food and crafts, flowers, art, cultural and heritage. n Horses and other farm animals. Petting zoos, horse training or raising exotic animals are just a few examples. n Dining experiences, such as farm-totable meals. n Pick-your-own produce. Farmers are increasingly allowing customers to pick their own fruits or vegetables. Such an arrangement saves money for farmers and gives customers an agricultural experience. n Farm stay vacations, in which visitors stay at a farm, and are often given an opportunity to do chores such as handling livestock or gardening.

July 2015

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Photos by CASEY PAGE Brice LaGreca shows off the fountain he built for the artesian spring on the White Deer Ranch on June 16.

Ranch

A Meishan sow named China — Meishan is a Chinese breed of swine — avoids the hot sun by lounging under shade trees. China’s daughter, Continued from 15 a Berkshire-Meishan cross, keeps her mother To hear the Dunns explain it, the shift toward company in the pen. an eclectic mix of sustainable agricultural has When China gives birth to a litter, the piglets brought many healthy changes to the land. While grow up in the sunshine, not in confinement. their efforts are far from complete, the Dunns With help from a portable shelter and electric say the techniques are bringing the environment fence, the piglets are moved from pasture to back into balance. pasture as they grow up.

They built a portable chicken coop that alThe ranch’s hay, pasture and foraged plants lows their free-range hens to scratch and forage have been certified as organic. In the future, during the day, while protecting them from Lee hopes to install a small-scale hydroelectric predators at night. generating plant, using water that flows from a Nigerian dwarf goats provide a steady supply nearby pond that’s home to cutthroat trout. of fresh cheese while grazing on greenery in the A new bee house shelters hives from frigid yard. winter winds, hungry bears and summer heat.

Part of the garden has been planted using The shelter, fashioned from a repurposed ranch hugelkultur, a raised-bed garden system in which shed, was copied from a European design.

A chicken looks out of the mobile coop at the White Deer Ranch. soil is piled over old logs. Over time, the buried By contrast, hives used by Montana’s comwood soaks up water as it decomposes. Crops mercial beekeepers travel thousands of miles grown on such mounds require little irrigation, each year. After being moved to a warmer climate and they thrive on nutrients released into the Please see Vacation, 17 soil.

“The local pollen has medicinal properties. So it’s like a medicine cabinet in the hive.”

Honey bees fly in and out of their hive at the White Deer Ranch.

— Lee Dunn, White Deer Ranch co-owner

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Vacation

plates,” she said. “They’re really nutritious, and that’s why the health food stores want them as well.”

Continued from 15 Roxanne’s son, Brice LaGreca, not only for winter, they spend the spring pollinating works on the ranch, he fabricates metal almonds and fruit crops throughout the West sculptures that add a whimsical touch to the Coast, then return to Montana where they forproperty. A metal bee about the size of a Gerage for nectar and pollen from clover and alfalfa. man shepherd waves in the wind near the bee The Dunns hope that their hives will conhouse. Water gushing from an artesian well tinue to thrive over the winter, nourished by flows through a pipe that’s decorated with their own honey and stores of pollen harvestleaf-shaped steel decorations. He also fabried from local blossoms. cates sculptures of herons, ravens and sandhill “The local pollen has medicinal properties. cranes, and sells his work through a website, So it’s like a medicine cabinet in the hive,” Lee www.mt-forge.com. said.

The Dunns have invested countless hours Last winter, the Dunns launched another of research into improving their practices and line of business. diversifying the ranch operation. “I learned Translucent skylights installed on the roof how to milk a goat by watching a YouTube of a renovated shed let in enough sunlight video,” Roxanne said. so that microgreens can sprout in trays of They’re also working to nurture plants that growing medium packed with densely sown thrive in the ranch’s various microclimates. seeds. The nutrition-dense greens, just a few Photo by CASEY PAGE Watercress sprouts in a small stream that inches tall when harvested, are packaged and Lee Dunn plucks wild watercress from a creek at the White Deer Ranch near Fishtail. trickles through an aspen grove. Foraging trips delivered to grocery stores and restaurants yield baskets full of oyster mushrooms. throughout the area. ment. We had thought about it before, and we of offering locally sourced greens instead of While nobody has figured out a way to “We learned about this through our local thought we would give it a try.” produce trucked in from California. ranch without investing in hard work, the food group friends,” Roxanne said. “SomeThey started knocking on doors at restau“The chefs like the varieties and the color. Dunns believe they have the right formula to body was selling their microgreen equiprants, and area chefs jumped at the chance They want to put some pizzazz on their prosper for years to come.

Pea tendrils that will be sold to restaurants and grocery stores are grown in a greenhouse at White Deer Ranch.

Billingsbusiness

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STRATEGIES for success

D on ’ t forget the link between price and value Many individuals who like good food, know how to cook and receive great compliments at home think that the same will happen if they open a restaurant. That usually is not the case.

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

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Recently, I had lunch with some business leaders in a restaurant in Fort Worth, Texas. This restaurant has been in business, in this incarnation, about two years.

The owner, a commercial real estate broker, ended up with the building in a property transaction that went south.

The owner told me that he always wanted to own a restaurant, so why not now? Well, in my mind, there are plenty of reasons — and knowing how to run a restaurant is one of them.

Many individuals who like good food, know how to cook and receive great compliments at home think that the same will happen if they open a restaurant. That usually is not the case. Cooking at home is a lot different from cooking in a commercial establishment where product consistency, sanitation, product quality and good service are all factors in which guests judge an eating establishment.

In our case, we all ordered sandwiches which were on the menu. The menu made the food appear to be appetizing, and because we were all hungry, we could not wait for lunch to be served. However, once we received our orders, our excitement quickly turned to disappointment. Each individual who ordered a sandwich mentioned, almost at the same time, that the bread was stale, dry and old.

We each took two bites and quit eating.

The server came and asked if everything was OK. Well,

sure. He said the restaurant had just changed food purveyors, that this new purveyor was somewhat less expensive than the previous vendor, but that the complaints in product quality had increased significantly and substantially.

The manager said that he was new, had only been at this establishment a short time, but would be happy to “comp” our check and get us anything else on the menu. We thanked him but did not order anything else. We each left the server a generous tip and left hungry.

Price is what you pay and value is what you receive — an old adage that many in the sales business have heard before. In this case, reducing the cost of the bread resulted in either a lower quality of product, or one that had a reduced shelf life — both of which cannot help maintain the reputation of the restaurant.

It makes no difference in what business one is in, value and price are directly related.

Yes, you pay more for a quality product, but you also receive quality. We work with our clients to always maintain the price/value relationship. Do not think that the client will not be able to recognize an inferior valued product? Most Courtesy photo discerning customers have no difficulty in recognizing value.

A waitress delivers a meal to her customers. After receiving food made with stale bread, Joe Michels and his friends left their Your firm’s reputation is on server a generous tip for trying to help them and left the restaurant hungry. It makes no difference in what business one is in, value the line each and every day. Do and price are directly related, Michels says. not sully your reputation by no, nothing was OK. Pronew menus and said that we of us were hungry. The manusing an inferior product — in fusely apologizing, the server should try to re-order the ager came up and mentioned the end, price is what you pay, removed all of the orders, got meal again. By this time, none that he heard of our displeavalue is what you receive.

Billingsbusiness

SALES moves

T o make a sale , track down the real decision maker

If you’re not present when the last decision is made, odds are you will lose the final battle of the sales war without being able to fire one bullet.

Jeffrey Gitomer 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

Billingsbusiness

The prospect tells you, “I only need one more approval and the order is yours.”

For joy, for joy — the order is mine! — Eh, eh, eh — don’t celebrate too soon. The one last person needed to approve is the real decision maker.

The boss. The guy you were supposed to be talking to in the first place. The one person who can say “no,” and there’s no possibility of reversing it.

Rut-row.

Throw some water on yourself, pal. This sale hangs by a thread — and what are you doing about it? Going home and bragging, “It’s in the bag,” or saying over and over — “I hope I get it, I hope I get it?” Neither will work.

Here’s what to do: The words: “I only need one more approval and the order is yours” must trigger your response to the prospect: “Great, when do we all meet?”

Get the prospect to agree to let you attend the final decision meeting.

If you’re not present when the last decision is made, odds are you will lose the final battle of the sales war without being able to fire one bullet.

Try this: (In a non-salesy, friendly way), say to the prospect, “I’m an expert at what I do, and, Mr. Jones, you’re an expert at what you do. Surely as you discuss our service, questions about productivity and profitability will arise. I’m sure you agree that the right information needs to be presented so that the most intelligent decision can be made, true?” (Get commitment.)

“And questions might

arise about our service. I’d like to be there to answer questions about my expertise so you can make a decision that’s in the best interest of your business.” (If this fails, try adding on the phrase, “Pleeeeaaase, I’ll be your best friend.”)

If the prospect (customer) agrees to the meeting, he or she considers you a resource, a partner. They trust you. If they don’t agree to let you in the meeting — they just consider you a salesperson.

When others need to “final approve” the deal, besides learning to know the buying process better, you must take these five action steps or the sale is in jeopardy.

1. Get the prospect’s personal approval. “Mr. Prospect, if it were just you, and you didn’t need to confer with anyone else, would you buy?” (The prospect will almost always say yes). Then ask, “Does this mean you’ll recommend our service to the others?” Get the prospect to endorse you and your service to the others, but don’t let him (or anyone) make your pitch for you.

2. Get on the prospect’s team. Begin to talk in terms of “we,” “us” and “the team.”

By getting on the prospect’s team, you can get the prospect on your side of the sale.

3. Arrange a meeting with all deciders. Do it any (ethical) way you have to.

4. Know the prime decider in advance. “Tell me a little bit about the others.” (Write down every characteristic).

Try to get the personality

Courtesy photo To make a sale, it’s wise to find out everyone who is involved in making the decision before you make your presentation.

traits of the other deciders.

5. Make your entire presentation again. You only have to do this if you want to make the sale. Otherwise just leave it to the prospect. He thinks he can handle it on his own, and will try his best to convince you of that.

If you think you can get around these five steps, think again. (It’s obvious you’re looking for shortcuts or you would have known the buying process in the first place.)

If you make the mistake of letting your prospect become a salesperson on your behalf (goes to the boss or group instead of you), you will lose.

Most every time.

Here are 2.5 ounces of prevention, for next time:

1. Qualify the decision maker as the “only” by asking a seemingly innocent question at the beginning of your presentation — “Is there anyone else you work with (confer with, bounce things off of) on decisions (situations) like this?” The object is to find out if anyone else is involved in the decision before you make your presentation.

2. Prevent the situation from occurring by saying in your initial presentation: “If you’re interested in our ———-, when we’re finished, would it be possible to meet the CEO and chat about it?”

2.5 The most powerful qualifying question you can ask is (and it must be asked exactly this way): “Bill, how

will this decision be made?”

Bill will give you an answer.

And you follow up with the question: “Then what?” And Bill will begin to give you the saga about how the decision is really made. You ask “then what?” four or five times and presto! You’ll have the name of the real decision maker.

The number of sales you make will be in direct proportion to the number of actual decision-makers you sit in front of. The problem with most salespeople (not you of course) is that they are sitting in front of someone who has to ask their mommy or daddy if they can buy it or not.

Real salespeople sit in front of real decision-makers.

How real are you?

July 2015

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Montana venture capital firm looking for upstarts

Commercial Real Estate

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entrepreneurial hotbeds, before moving to Montana. His profile on LinkedIn lists his background Montana rarely registers as a blip on the as a former chief executive and board member of Flite, a cloudradar whenever venture capitalists go based advertising platform. He was also a managing partner prospecting for promising upstart businesses. of Hummer Winblad Venture Partners, a venture capital Will Price of Bozeman is partner of Next Frontier Capital, firm that invests exclusively in determined to reverse that said the fund is looking to make software companies. He has also trend with the launch of Next investments in businesses been involved in angel investing Frontier Capital, a Montanainvolved in software, health funds. based venture capital firm that care and optics and photonics, Richard Harjes, an investor, is raising $20 million to invest which is the science of generat- scientist and rancher, is a venture in Montana-based companies ing, detecting and controlling partner in the firm. Both partthat have the potential for rapid light. Bozeman has an emerging ners have experience in investing growth. cluster of businesses involved in and starting technology Finding access to capital in optics and photonics. The companies. has long been one of the biggest Montana Photonics Industry AlPrice said the fund seeks to hurdles to Montana business liance lists more than two dozen lead or co-lead venture investstartups, Price said. members. ments in Montana businesses “If you look nationally, and Eventually, the fund may and expects to invest between at regional comparisons for broaden its reach into other $200,000 and $1.5 million in any places like Colorado and Utah, types of ventures, Price said. given deal. we get very little venture capital Price said his family has The fund may invest in 10 to allocation in Montana,” Price Montana roots: His father was a 12 companies over a period of said. “Our fund is excited to fill University of Montana graduate. three to four years. that role.”

Price worked for 15 years in Please see Venture, 21 Price, founder and managing the Bay Area, one of the nation’s

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“Once we receive that, we’ll set up meetings and go through the process,” he said.

Continued from 20 Price said the fund hopes to In addition to providing make its first investment in July. capital, the fund is committed “Venture capital is an importo “leveraging its network and tant ingredient in spurring the experience to provide accelerstart-up and growth of highated access to talent, partners, technology firms in Montana. customers and capital.”

There are a lot of very commitAlthough Montana doesn’t ted people with good ideas in have a long track record of Montana, but they can struggle businesses that have received because historically so much venture capital funding, a few attention gets paid to Silicon examples include Rivertop Valley and other major, urban Renewables, a Missoula-based tech centers,” said Renee A. Reijo firm involved in the chemical Pera, vice president for research industry, Ligocyte Pharmaceu- and economic development at ticals of Bozeman and RightNow MSU. “It’s exciting to see a firm Technologies, the successlike Will’s in Montana. There is a ful technology firm that was lot of talent in Montana waiting acquired by Oracle. for venture capital to help it Price said nearly 60 percent bloom.” of the investments in the new Gov. Steve Bullock and venture fund are from people Montana’s two U.S. senators who are affiliated with Montana. welcomed the announcement.

“They’re either Montana resi“With top-notch univerdents or people who fell in love sities, a tireless work force, with the state,” he said. incredible public lands, and Price said companies seeking an unmatched quality of life, investment from the fund will Montana is the best place in the submit their business plans country to start a business. Now, through a Missoula-based tech with new investments by folks company named Submittable. like Next Frontier Capital, more

entrepreneurs will have access to the financing they need to grow a successful businesses and create jobs here in Montana,” said Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont.

“Montanans know that our state is the best place in the country to live, and when our small businesses have the tools and access to capital they need, our state becomes an even better place to work. The investments made by Next Frontier Capital will help spur small business innovation and growth right here in Montana — in turn, creating new good-paying jobs and increasing opportunities for success in Montana’s growing technology sector,” said Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont.

Bullock expects the fund to meet a crucial need.

“My Main Street Montana Project has identified access to capital as one of the challenges businesses face in Montana. It’s good to see folks across our state working to find solutions to meet that challenge,” Bullock said.

Seth Levine, managing partner of the venture capital firm Foundry Group, said he was glad to invest in the project.

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A new larger Herberger’s will include the old Scheels, Foot Locker and Claire’s location in the Rimrock Mall in Billings.

Photos by BOB ZELLAR

Herberger’s moves into former Scheels space at Rimrock Mall

By BILLINGS BUSINESS Herberger’s Liz Donlin and Starwood Retail’s Daron Olson talk about Herberger’s move to a larger store in the old Scheels space in the Rimrock Mall in Billings.

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H erberger ’ s is expanding in R imrock M all and moving to the vacant S cheels S porting G oods spot , clearing an open spot for retailer H&M next year .

The move also pushes Claire’s, a women’s accessories store, to a new spot across from the current Herberger’s location. Foot Locker is in a temporary location at the south end of the mall while plans continue for its redesigned store.

The shuffle in retail space at Montana’s largest mall means that all the key anchor

spaces will be filled next year. The former Scheels space on the mall’s south end was vacated in August and served as a showroom for an online boat dealer last winter.

“It’s an exciting day for us,” mall spokesman Daron Olson said.

Please see Mall, 23 Billingsbusiness

Mall

new product lines with Montana themes.

“We wanted to give our Continued from 22 customers a better shopping experience,” she said.

The new Herberger’s In March, mall officials space will be 60,000 square announced that Swedish refeet, which includes the tailer H&M would open in the former Scheels, Claire’s fall of 2016 and fill an anchor and Foot Locker spots. space, but they declined to The store is currently in a say which anchor. Scheels 52,000-square-foot space left the anchor space to open and plans to move in Noa stand-alone store at Shiloh vember ahead of the holiday Crossing on Billings’ West shopping season.

Elizabeth Donlin, HerEnd. berger’s general manager, said The mall also lost three the store is looking at adding teen clothing retailers, Ab-

ercrombie & Fitch, Wet Seal and Deb Shops, within a span of a few months in late 2014.

However, mall owner Starwood Retail Group has made investments to modernize the mall and attract new tenants and shoppers.

Last year, Starwood installed a new outdoor facade and replaced aging furniture and benches inside.

Olson, the mall spokesman, said the mall could make additional announcements about new tenants later this year.

“We wanted to give our customers a better shopping experience.”

— Elizabeth Donlin, Herberger’s general manager

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special advertising section

Musser Brothers

Modifying for technology and building for the future

By Brenda Maas Photos by Casey Page

When Merton Musser’s parents started their Wyoming-based auction business in 1956, they dealt mainly with farm equipment and real estate.

Fast-forward nearly 60 years.

While on-site, live auctions still take place today, the majority of auctions occur online, via a specialized website.The Internet has given traditional auction-goers a new-found flexibility to bid on items while physically remaining at their office. Add mobile phones to that formula and a bidder can bid, and potentially purchase, from any location that has cellular service—their wheat field, job site or even while traveling in a different state.

Above: The auction house, shop and parking area uses only 2.5 of the available 10 acres; however, this is ample space to park large equipment for public showings. Left: From left to right, Susan and Mert Musser, Wade and Lindsey Affleck, stand on the storage mezzanine of the new Musser Brothers auction facility.

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special advertising section Musser Brothers, a combination of four individual businesses based across the Northwest that operate under one umbrella, has changed with the times, so to speak, to accommodate technology into its progressive business model.

The transition has been nothing short of amazing—for the bidders, the auction clients and ultimately, the auctioneer.

Home or away

Musser Brothers auctions farm, heavy construction and even restaurant items, plus private collections such as guns, art, toys and hobby paraphernalia.

Additionally, the company will work with bank seizures, liquidations, estates and foreclosures.

In the past, Billings-based Merton Musser has owned an auction building, but most recently he did not. If he needed a location for an auction (rather than on-site), he simply rented a building temporarily.

However, over the past few years, as the local economy strengthened, it become more difficult, and expensive,

to rent a location for a short-term.

Additionally, Musser saw the Internet aspect of auctions gain momentum; he started to re-think having a dedicated business property.

“I could see that online auctions were coming, and where they might go,” Musser said. “I looked pretty hard for three or four years for the right property.”

One day when Musser was visiting with a potential auction client, he inadvertently stepped onto what became his new business address.

“It sort of fell in my lap,” Musser recalled of the 10 acres at 4350 Neibauer Rd.

Hold off ‘til harvest

The property purchase agreement allowed the neighboring farmer to harvest the existing sugar beets; however, Musser didn’t waste time. He sent his plans and list of essentials out for bid. It was awarded to Eggart Engineering and Construction (EEC).

EEC specializes in design-to-build work and owner Quentin Eggart is a

Top: Mert Musser’s office is utilitarian and filled with light, with space for a second desk if necessary. Right: The reception area includes a kitchenette/beverage cooler, cabinets/countertop for marketing paraphernalia and a cozy kitchen-like table for meeting with auction clients and buyers.

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special advertising section frequent customer of Musser Brothers via construction equipment auctions.

“I had a good idea of what I wanted when I landed on EEC,” said Musser. “They took my computer-generated plans and turned them into drawings. My daughter, Lindsey Affleck completed the color palette.

She has a real eye for it.”

They broke ground and drilled the well in September of 2014.

Firm ideas

Musser’s “needs list” included a minimum maintenance building with security; large warehouse space; covered outdoor storage; a two-sided fireplace; service window between the office/reception area and the warehouse; and an attractive office and reception area.

“We gave him the best building, within the budget, that we could,” said Eggart.

The building is made with steel frames, a product upgrade that Eggart notes is worth the extra expense.

“As a steel building, it is very strong, stronger than wood, plus it is maintenancefree with a 100-year roof,” he said. “Steelframe buildings last much longer and are a

much better value over the long-term, holding their value much longer than the alternatives.”

The steel-frame construction also allowed Musser to deviate a bit from standard in two ways: The interior warehouse portion is covered with a liner panel from the base to 8-feet that protects the insulation from being poked or torn. However, the nature of live auctions dictated a change in materials.

“We used a special panel with holes in it, like a soffit, to control sound,” said Eggart.

Instead of bouncing around the building’s interior, it will be absorbed. Secondly, from 8-feet in height to the ceiling, the interior walls have no liner panel at all—the insulation is simply placed and covered by the heavyduty plastic cover.

It wasn’t really necessary to add panels at that height, plus it helped save on cost, added Eggart.

Goes around, comes around

As a long-time regional businessman, Musser had a few firm requests regarding subcontractors, like Custom Concrete and Wallis Plumbing, because of previous working relationships.

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Above: The open reception area includes comfortable chairs set before a two-sided fireplace. Top right: Based on previous working relationships, Musser requested that certain contractors bid on his project. For example, he had previously worked with Mason Hill of Hill Masonry, the contractor who installed the exterior rock work.

Above: The new location offers covered storage along the building’s rear exterior plus the massive warehouse.

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Billingsbusiness

special advertising section wide variety of scenarios.

Family affair

The new building fits Musser Brothers’ business now and as it grows into the future.

Mert Musser and his wife Susan, along with daughter Lindsey, son-in-law Wade Affleck and son Blake make up the Billings branch of Musser Brothers. Musser’s three brothers expand the business’ footprint to the communities where they have raised their families—Cody, Wyo., Idaho Falls, Idaho and

Tri-Cities, Wash.

“At this new Billings location we are able to spread out and do our thing, on our timeline now,” said Musser. “It’s more difficult to attract a farmer, rancher or contractor to spend an entire day bidding for two or three items. They like the flexibility to come out, inspect on their own schedule, and bid at their own convenience. That’s where auctions are going.”

And that’s where Musser Brothers, which is entering its third generation, is headed, too.

Curt & Jake Finnicum-Owners

Providing Quality Concrete Production for over 30 Years Top and above: The building is completely insulated with liner panels that reach to 8-feet. They act as both a protective cover for the insulation plus a sound-absorbing panel for when the sound system is active during a live auction. Above right: Oversized garage doors allow room for large vehicles, equipment and auction items.

“It was important to me that they had an opportunity to bid on the job,” noted Musser.

“They often support us in auctions.”

Musser put a great deal of consideration into the building.The business currently uses about 2.5 acres, with 7.5 leased to a neighboring farmer for crops.The land is available for expansion or division.

Additionally, Musser attempted to design a building that is flexible enough to serve other types of businesses.

“I thought to myself, ‘What would the next guy want? Could other business use this facility, this layout?” Musser said.

Business in the front

Internally, Musser created a private office plus a general-purpose entry/ reception/office area where clients might meet around a comfortable dining-style table or lounge in a cozy seating area next to a two-sided gas fireplace.

“I’ve always wanted one of those,” Musser said, pointing to the wall that houses the efficient fireplace and separates his office from the more public areas.

Billingsbusiness

A small inset-box also displays a few classic tractor and construction toys—a subtle nod to Musser’s love of farm implement and heavy equipment. Looking at the toys, he added that he has even auctioned off toy collections.

The reception area also includes a kitchenette with beverage cooler along with private restrooms for both men and women. The floor throughout continues the low maintenance theme with simple, stained concrete.

While the front of the building is casual business, the rear—the warehouse— is all businesses.

With a total of 7,000 square feet, including a mezzanine for storage, a wash bay and a three over-sized overhead doors, the warehouse can flex with whatever is being auctioned—from a doll collection or restaurant equipment to dump trucks and combines. Additionally, Musser has ample space, and light, to lay out and photograph individual lots for online auctions, too.

With a lifetime in the business, Musser used his open mind to include a

Congratulations Mert!

Congratulations MAGIC CITY

Merton!

Where the customer always comes first!

Call Us Today! (406) 651-0766 www.magiccitydoors.com July 2015

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special advertising section

Valet Today

State-of-the-art dry cleaning facility offerS Suite of Same-day ServiceS

By Brittany Cremer Photos by James Woodcock

From the Hidden Valley to your necktie, the ranch dressing stain made for a sour end to your important lunch meeting.

You’re right, you should have had the pastrami on rye.

After slipping on the backup shirt and tie you’ve cleverly stashed in your office, your colleagues are none the wiser—but the stained tie just happens to be your favorite, a birthday gift from your wife.

Time-crunched, you can’t drop it off at the dry cleaner. And bringing it home just means an eminent, albeit well-meaning, lecture from your wife about the importance of chewing carefully.

Fortunately for you, Valet Today Cleaners has your back (and your front.)

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Billingsbusiness

special advertising section

Same-day service

Offering free in-home or in-office pick-ups is just one of the ways Valet Today Cleaners goes above and beyond for its customers.

“Our goal is provide the best individual customer care,” said owner Jason Frank, “and sometimes that means picking up garments at home or at the office.”

There is no fee for the extra service, and employees at Valet Today are happy to adhere to special delivery instructions like: “Please place inside garage,” or “Hang on office coat rack.”

Customized, efficient customer service is one of the reasons Frank and his wife, Stacey, chose to expand the burgeoning dry cleaning business to another location at 2474 Enterprise Ave. And with the new business came an updated In the past, each of the business model.

In the past, each of the Valet Today locations in Billings washed, pressed and processed its Valet today locatIons own garments.The new building now acts as a processing center for all Valet Today items. When garments and household items are dropped off, In BIllIngs washed, Valet Today delivery drivers shuttle items to the main processing plant for service.

At the new plant, items are cleaned, packaged pressed and processed and sent back to the location from which they originated. A computerized, state-of-the-art inventory systems means you’ll rarely walk away Its own garments. the with someone else’s dry-cleaning, an update Frank is very proud of.

He also said that washing and dry cleaning new BuIldIng now acts as items under one roof helps enhance quality control and oversight.

“We went from 3,500 to 6,000 total square a processIng center for feet,” Frank said. “Not only do we have plenty of dedicated space, we’ve got room to grow.” all Valet today Items.

Valet Today Cleaners

from your friends at Yellowstone Bank

Rinse, wash, repeat

Because the new location handles four times the volume, Frank and his design team at Eggart Engineering and Construction (EEC) knew they needed to be strategic with equipment placement.

“The project had lots of moving parts,” said Kevin Lundin, project manager with EEC. The design had to account for extra ventilation and overhead space for piping.

“We worked with Jason to create a plan that offered some flexibility for the future,” Lundin said.

Wash machines were placed along the periphery of the service floor, while steamers and pressers are located toward the center. A screw conveyer leads items around the floor, each garment carefully tagged with a small barcode sticker, which instantaneously relays owner and care plan information when scanned.

“When we first took over the business nine years ago, clothes zig-zagged across the floor with paper invoices pinned to each piece—not very efficient,” Frank said.

Now, whether items are brought into the processing center via customer drop-off or delivered by van from one of the other Valet Today locations, clothing makes one big loop then heads back out the door.

The new Valet Today Cleaners is located at 2474 Enterprise Ave. The facility acts as a processing center for the three other Valet Today Cleaners in Billings, offering washing, starching, dry cleaning, wedding dress restoration and household laundering services. Inset: Employees at Valet Today place garments on a machine for drying and pressing.

Billingsbusiness

Congratulations

Ty Elkin

Jason Frank

Yellowstone Bank

Owner

Banks of Service since 1907

MEMBER FDIC

www.yellowstonebank.com July 2015

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special advertising section “We wash and press between 800-1,000 shirts per day,” Frank said, adding that sometimes customers want their clothes dry-cleaned, but all they really need is to be washed.

“Water will always wash clothing better than dry cleaning,” he said.

Shirts, for example, are washed based on color and starch preference—then are fed onto a press that literally presses hot air through the garment to dry it.

Cuffs and collars are then pressed—the heat setting calibrated to the individual garment’s composition and material—then sent back on the conveyer to be bagged and returned.

Daily dry clean

The new facility has three dry cleaning machines and one brand new machine that Frank says “is incredibly energy efficient and uses less of everything.”

In the past, Valet Today was known as One Hour Valet, offering a product turnaround of one hour.The dry cleaning product Frank and his team now use, Eco-Solve, takes a few hours to cure—but it’s gentler and safer, Frank said.

“It might take a little longer to turnaround, but I have extra confidence knowing we’re using a quality, safe product,” he said.

And in most cases, customers still receive their items the same day they’re dropped off.

Frank looks to plant manager,Tyler Berg, for maintenance trouble shooting and production management. Berg, along with a skilled team of professionals, makes sure your garment is cleaned, starched, pressed and dressed to specifications.

“The staff is the heart of Valet Today,” Frank said. “Our employees are the

Above: Valet Today specializes in dry cleaning and preserving special garments, like wedding dresses and formal wear. Next page from top left:A Valet Today employee looks up a customer’s items on the computer. Scanable bar codes make identifying clothing a cinch. A Valet Today employee hangs items on the floor’s conveyer. A Valet Today employee presses a shirt collar on one of the shirt presses.

Valet today Cleaners Cleaner

It was a pleasure being on your construction team!

Congratulations MAGIC CITY

Valet Today Cleaners!

Where the customer always comes first!

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info@bcincmt.com w w w. b r o w n s o n c o n s t r u c t i o n i n c . c o m 32

I July 2015

Call Us Today! (406) 651-0766 www.magiccitydoors.com

Billingsbusiness

special advertising section

EGGART ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION

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Congratulations Valet Today Cleaners On Your New Location.

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P: (406) 839-9151 F: (406) 839-9150 www.eggartengineering.com July 2015

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special advertising section reason we’re successful.”

As such, Frank and his wife wanted to design a dedicated space for staff to relax, wind down and cool off from the plant floor.

A spacious employee break room includes personal lockers, refrigerator, ample seating and other creature comforts.

Frank said there was no reduction in staff due to the move and reorganization of the business.

“We have 25 full-time employees,” he said. “We didn’t reduce staff; most of us are just under one roof now.”

At your service

Customers can drop items at Valet Today’s location on 2802 Grand Ave., 17th and Avenue B, 1516 Main St. in the Heights or at the new facility.

Same-day service is available at each location (with the exception of the Heights) for orders

placed before 9 a.m.

Saturday same-day service is also available for orders in by 11 a.m.

Inside, out

When designing the reception area for the new location, Frank and his team opted for a crisp, clean color palette of lime and sky blue.

“The colors are bright, inviting and cheerful,” Frank said, noting that the colors mirror those in the employee break room and upstairs administrative offices.

“My wife, Stacey, handles all the behind-the-scenes administrative and marketing work,” Frank said, noting that the upstairs office space will also double as a training room down the road.

“We invest in our employees,” Frank said, “and the new facility is also a reflection of that. It’s a place where they can work safely and efficiently, knowing they’re appreciated.”

Congratulations to Valet Today Cleaners on their new location.

Big Sky Economic Development is proud to have helped finance this project through the SBA504 Program.

Call us today. 4 0 6 -2 5 6 - 6 8 7 1

Signs of Quality Service!

Congratulations Valet Today Cleaners Proud to be a part of your new location!

Call us today (406) 591-4511

Top: A Valet Today employee places pants on a pants press. Above: Valet Today owners, Jason and Stacey Frank, value the dedication and skill of their talented staff.

5825 TiTan Drive #3 • Billings, MT 59101

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Billingsbusiness

BETTER business

B e careful when using endorsements , testimonials in marketing

One of the areas of FTC focus is truth in advertising. All companies doing business in the United States fall under the regulations and laws of the FTC Act.

Erin T. Dodge 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.

Billingsbusiness

Using testimonials, endorsements and good reviews in your marketing can help bolster your brand and increase sales. But you need to be careful that you use these methods of promotion correctly or you could be breaking federal and state laws.

The Federal Trade Commission is empowered to create requirements designed to protect consumers and prevent unfair and deceptive practices affecting commerce.

The FTC also has the power to investigate and bring legal action against companies engaging in unfair or deceptive practices.

One of the areas of FTC focus is truth in advertising.

All companies doing business in the United States fall under the regulations and laws of the FTC Act. Better Business Bureau’s Code of Advertising includes the principles and standards of ethical and honest advertising to which all BBB Accredited Businesses commit. This combination of guidance from BBB and commitment from BBB Accredited Businesses contributes significantly toward effective self-regulation in the public interest In an online guide, located at www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/ business-center/guidance and clicking on “Advertising FAQ’s: A Guide for Small Business,” the FTC states that the following rules apply to all

advertisers: n Advertising must be truthful and non-deceptive. n Advertisers must have evidence to back up their claims. n Advertisements cannot be unfair.

The FTC has also issued Endorsements Guides, by clocking on “The FTC’s Endorsement Guides: What People Are Asking” at the same address, answering the most frequent questions about this powerful method of marketing. Similar to the basics of advertising rules, the FTC has shared the fundamentals of how the FTC Act applies to endorsements: n Endorsements must be truthful and not misleading. n If there’s a connection between an endorser and the marketer of the product that would affect how people evaluate the endorsement, disclose it clearly and conspicuously. n If the advertiser doesn’t have proof that an endorser’s experience represents what consumers will achieve by using the product, clearly and conspicuously disclose the generally expected results in those circumstances.

These rules apply to the marketing activities of your company and any endorsements others give your company, products or services, even on non-affiliated websites, blogs and social media.

Let’s take a closer look at

such as TV shows, movies and news content, even if there has been payment for the placement. However, once The best results a TV host or other celebrity If you market products or endorses a product for which services that boast some sort they have received payment, of transformative change, then then disclosure is required. It you of course want to highlight doesn’t matter if the endorsethe customers who had the ment was given in a humorous best results. However if those or entertaining way, disclosure results aren’t typical or can’t is still needed. be backed up by scientific research, then you are falling Free trials, product into the realm of deception. giveaways, paid reviews Advertisers may want to You and anyone endorssimply add the disclosure that “Results are not typical,” ing your company, product or services are both required thinking that they are covto disclose any material conered. However, the FTC says nection. This includes paid that isn’t enough. You must endorsements, reviews or disclose the typical results testimonials and the receipt of as part of the endorsement free products or services even or testimonial. In the case of scientific proof backing up an if for the express purpose of providing a review. endorsement or testimonial, Any material connection you must be able to show that that a consumer would not proof to consumers.

This rule doesn’t just apply reasonably expect and that could affect how consumto weight loss products or ers evaluate the endorsement services. It can easily apply to any product or service that needs to be disclosed. This promises improvement, from rule applies to blogs, social media and online forums and lawn care to cosmetics to discussions. auto maintenance to foreign For example, a reviewer language learning. No matter your business, it is important might start a review blog by stating that your company to include typical results or sent the product to her to try scientific proof in order to avoid deceptive practices with out and that she is going to share what she thinks. Conthis type of endorsement.

Product Placement versus versely, your company could state right up front that you Celebrity Endorsement gave your product for free to Disclosure isn’t needed 30 people to try out and 29 of for product placement in them gave it five stars. What’s third-party entertainment,

how to make sure you aren’t breaking the rules.

important is providing transparency so that the consumer can make a fair assessment of your claims.

When consumers share their reviews online with family friends or even on thirdparty review websites without any material connection, then there is nothing to disclose.

However, before lifting and using any customer reviews from third-party outlets for your own marketing purposes, you may need to gain permission in order to not violate copyright law.

By making sure you are compliant and providing disclosure, you don’t have to be afraid to seek and use endorsements, testimonials or reviews for the marketing and advertising of your company’s products and services.

More information online The FTC provides a video that goes over the endorsement guides at http://bcove. me/5vyxkeg0. If you still have questions about your particular use of endorsements, testimonials and reviews, you can send the FTC an email at endorsements@ ftc.gov. Additionally, BBB’s Code of Advertising, at www. bbb.org/eastern-washington/ for-businesses/code-of-advertising/, includes a section on testimonials and endorsements, which would be helpful for any business, advertiser or marketer to review.

July 2015

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Business Success StoriesBriefs Recognizing People and Local Achievements Commerce at a Glance

Brusett promoted at Stockman BILLINGS – Tierani Brusett has been promoted to Ag lender at the Stockman Bank King Avenue location. Her responsibilities include developing and servicing agricultural Brusett loans and assisting clients with their lending needs.

Brusett was raised on a farm/ranch in Garfield County and has been with Stockman Bank for four years, serving as a teller, commercial loan assistant and most recently, Ag loan assistant. She graduated from the University of MontanaWestern with a bachelor’s of science degree in 2006. She is active in the community, volunteering for the Chase Hawks Rodeo.

She is located at the Billings King Avenue West office and may be reached at 655-2734.

Ramsey joins Little Horn Bank

Scottie Ramsey has joined Little Horn State Bank as assistant vice president, RAMSEY commercial loan officer at 2900 Central Avenue branch in Billings. With 10 years of banking experience, Ramsey specializes in

loans for business acquisition, equipment finance and commercial real estate purchases. He earned his bachelor’s degree in information systems with a minor in business from Montana State University– Northern. Ramsey can be reached at 406-869-6715.

Quales open cleaning service

Jason and Laura Quale have opened TruBlue Total

House Care of Billings, which specializes in providing complete house care, including maid services, home improvements, home accessibility and lawncare. The company serves Billings, Laurel, Park City, Columbus, Red Lodge, Roundup, Huntley Project, Worden and Custer.

Before opening the business, the Quales co-owned a NAPA Auto Parts store in Eastern Montana and Laura worked for a local commu-

nity college. TruBlue works with home owners, general contractors, and real estate professionals to maintain homes, improve curb appeal and make final preparations to sell homes.

For more information, call 406-281-7902, email JQuale@ TruBlueHouseCare.com or visit www.TruBlueBillings. com.

Please see Success, 37

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Billingsbusiness

Success

for agreeing to co-chair again ings; Sylvia Noble - Elation; Emily Petroff - Evolve; Patrick for our second year.

Parker - Beartooth Design; *Jessica Baldwin BillContinued from 36 Kyle Schlichenmayer - New ings365.com; Stefan CatYork Life; Jennifer SchroPayneWest hires tarin - Hilton Garden Inn; eder - YMCA; Angie Stiller Katie Cline-Ellis Bottega; Josh Mahon - Farmers Insurance; Terra Shea Dawson - Phillips 66; Josh Mahon has joined BLM names Stiller - Anytime Fitness; An*Jeff Ewelt - ZooMontana; PayneWest field manager *Nichole Mehling-Miles - St. gela Wong - Billings Clinic.

Insurance as NextGen names The Bu*Denotes members of the Vincent Healthcare; *Kris a commercial reau of Land 2015-16 leaders Executive Council.

Eklund - Western Security insurance Management NextGen and the Billings Bank; Jason Harris - Radio account has selected Chamber of Commerce have Billings; Lee Humphrey specialist in Duray heads Delissa Minannounced leadership for Edward Jones; Jonna Jones the Billings Northwest FCS nick as the Mahon the 2015-2016 year. NextGen Wendys of Montana; *Cassie office. Mahon Jessica Duray has been new field thanks Jeff Ewelt (ZooMonLaGreca - Better to Gather has a variety named branch manager at manager for Minnick tana) and Nichole MehlingEvents; Kelly McCandless of financial service experience its Cody Field Please see Stories, 41 as well as his FINRA 6 and Miles (St. Vincent Healthcare) - Billings Chamber/Visit BillOffice. Min63 Securities licenses. He is nick served as the assistant also a licensed life, health and Dean manages field manager in Cody since variable producer for the state 2013 and replaces Mike StewLaurel pool of Montana. Mahon may be Marc Dean has been hired art, who retired late in 2014. reached at 238-1965 or by email In 2009, Minnick joined the as the Laurel Pool manager. at JMahon@PayneWest.com.

Dean is a United States Marine BLM as a planning and environmental coordinator at the veteran who was stationed Boos takes WE CARE. WE LISTEN. WE HELP. Wyoming State Office. She in Washington, D.C., North Carolina and many locations served as an attorney-adviser industry honor with the Office of the Soliciaround the world. He also is Tom Boos, president and Downtown Chapel West Chapel Smith Chapels Olcott Chapel 925 S. 27th Street 304 34th St. West Laurel & Columbus Red Lodge tor and as BLM Wyoming’s CEO of Billings Federal Credit a Certified Life Guard, Swim Billings • 245-6427 Billings • 245-6427 628-6858 446-1121 Union, was named the 2015 Instructor and PADI IDC Staff litigation coordinator. MinnMontana Credit Union Professional of the Year. Boos has worked at the credit union for more than 30 years and is regarded as a thoughtful person who leads by example. Boos has served on the Montana Credit Union League Board, CUsource board member and Chamber of Commerce. He is active on the national front, attending the annual Governmental Affairs Conference, serving on the state issues subcommittee, a member of the Filene Research Council and was in the first Filene i3 class.

instructor (SCUBA). He will manage the Aquatics Facility in Laurel this year as well as work at the Billings Family YMCA.

ick has undergraduate, graduate and law degrees from the University of Wyoming. After graduating law school, she practiced environmental, natural resource and public lands law with Holland & Hart.

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Ilan Kaufmann has introduced Suave Sedan, a chauffeur service, Yellowstone, Carbon and Stillwater counties.

Photo by BOB ZELLAR

New chauffeur service offers ‘dignified transportation’ to Billings area

By TOM HOWARD Ilan Kaufmann sold the established limousine service that he operated in California’s wine country and moved to Montana in 2001.

Over the years he familiarized himself with the Billings area by working as a courtesy driver for Rimrock Cadillac.

Kaufmann then decided to launch a new chauffeur service more than a year ago.

Now, after enduring a yearlong permitting process that required him to demonstrate the need for his service, Kaufmann has rolled out Suave Sedan, which he bills as the first luxury livery service for Yellowstone, Carbon and 38

I July 2015

Stillwater counties.

Kaufmann’s car is a 2015 all-wheel-drive Cadillac XTS. While it’s not technically a limousine, the car is a comfortable luxury sedan that’s well suited for discrete, dignified transportation, Kaufmann said. He accepts all major credit cards, and the car offers wi-fi service.

Kaufman said he applied for a permit with the Public Service Commission in January of 2014. During a public hearing in May of last year, a number of people testified in favor of the new license. Officials from Edwards Jet Service and the Alberta Bair Theater welcomed the service.

Although established taxi and limousine

services questioned the need for the service, Kaufmann received the license late in 2014.

There’s a definite need for a chauffeur service in the Billings area, Kaufmann said. Most of the existing taxi cabs and limousines are at least 10 years old and have logged hundreds of thousands of miles.

Kaufmann said his target audience includes corporate executives who need transportation to the airport or meetings. He also expects to serve people who need rides to concerts and restaurants. But he doesn’t envision Suave Sedan as a party car that caters to the drinking crowd.

Kaufmann has completed a number of

professional driving courses and also belongs to the National Limousine Association. He’s also keeping his eye on Uber. He said he expects the car-driving service that’s based on a smartphone app to soon establish itself in Montana.

Last May Gov. Steve Bullock signed a bill that will allow Uber to operate in Montana.

Kaufmann remains wary. “They don’t have the vetting of drivers, such as criminal background checks,” he said. “The loser is the consumer.”

To contact Suave Sedan call 406-6698787. The business is also available by email at suavesedan@outlook.com. or at the following website: www.suavesedan.com.

Billingsbusiness

Business Briefs Local Commerce at a Glance

TAG honors Connect Group

Connect Telephone & Computer Group of Billings has received Technology Assurance Group’s top award at the 15th Annual TAG Convention in Savannah, Ga. Technology Assurance Group, an international organization of independently-owned unified communications companies in the United States and Canada, selected Connect as the winner of the Current Technology Assurance Plan (C-TAP) Preeminent Award.

Connect accepted the award at the prestigious awards ceremony attended by the dominant forces of unified communications, including TAG’s Member companies and leading technology manufacturers.

The award is based on Connect’s industry leading delivery of C-TAP, a program that eliminates the two risks of technology for their customers – obsolescence and cost. C-TAP is a bundle of hardware, software, professional services, and education designed to maximize small to midsized businesses’ utilization of technology. The program accelerates a company’s profitability, productivity and competitive advantage from technology. Connect is the only organization in

Billingsbusiness

Montana that offers this service.

Connect offers an array of managed IT services, voice, and video solutions all designed to increase their customers’ profitability and productivity.

“Our company’s goal is to always strive to be on the leading edge of technology,” said Matt Duray, president of Connect. “Our customers absolutely love C-TAP and what it does for their businesses. We’re proud to have won this award among such a sophisticated group of unified communications providers.”

China’s coal consumption falls

BEIJING — Coal production in China, the world’s biggest coal-consuming nation, fell by 6 percent in the first four months of this year as the economy slows and the government makes a concerted push to reduce carbon emissions.

The National Development and Reform Commission said Tuesday that Chinese imports of coal also fell, plummeting 38 percent.

China uses roughly half of the world’s coal production for power generation, heating and industry. That’s made China the world’s biggest emitter of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas.

President Xi Jinping has pledged to stop the growth in carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and clean up the country’s polluted air. He’s also promised to double the percentage of renewable energy in China’s energy sources by that year.

A slowdown in China’s economy has also tempered demand for coal and slowed growth in overall Chinese energy consumption.

Earlier this month, the environmental group Greenpeace estimated that China’s carbon dioxide emissions fell by 5 percent in the first four months of this year.

Official figures released in February showed that coal consumption fell by 2.9 percent in 2014, compared to the previous year. Coal still accounts for 66 percent of total Chinese energy consumption but natural gas, solar and hydropower use is growing.

Americans’ wealth hits new high WASHINGTON — A rising stock market and climbing home prices boosted Americans’ net worth to a new high in the first three months of the year.

The Federal Reserve said that the value of Americans’ stock holdings, real estate and other assets rose

to $84.9 trillion from $83.3 trillion in the final three months of last year. Stock portfolios rose $487 billion, home values by $503 billion.

Still, households remained cautious about borrowing. Total household debt, which includes mortgages, credit cards, auto loans and other borrowing, rose 2.2 percent, the slowest pace since the end of 2013.

The Fed’s figures aren’t adjusted for population growth or inflation. Household wealth, or net worth, reflects the value of homes, stocks and other assets minus mortgages, credit cards and other debts.

Household net worth has steadily recovered after the Great Recession wiped out nearly $13 trillion in wealth.

Total net worth has since surpassed the pre-recession peak of almost $68 trillion.

Greater household wealth can lift spending and economic growth. When consumers feel richer, they are more likely to spend from their wealth, rather than just from income.

Small-Eastman of Lodge Grass.

Hard-Rock Mining Impact Board: Dolores Plumage of Chinook and Donna von Nieda of Nye. Montana HELP Act Oversight Committee: David Mark of Hardin and Barbara Schneeman of Billings.

new cashmere sweater or Keurig coffee maker almost immediately.

“It’s huge,” Lee Peterson, an executive vice president with retail consultant WD Partners Inc., said of the spreading phenomenon, pioneered by Wal-Mart and Best Buy five years ago and now being adopted across the industry.

Retailers offer “It’s a big part of eonline strategy commerce for retailers going MILWAUKEE — Brick and forward,” Peterson said. “It’s mortar retailers — you know, also a great way to compete the dinosaurs doomed in an with Amazon. … Consumers increasingly digital world would rather get it now.”

— have been unleashing a The newest convert: new weapon to preserve the Kohl’s Corp., which tested species: their stores. in-store pickup for online From Wal-Mart Stores purchases in 2014 and reto Nordstrom, retailers cently rolled out the service over the last few years have nationwide. been pushing forward with “The benefit for us is ways to integrate online and really being able to be there physical shopping, with for our families and our stores emerging as an asset shoppers when they need rather than a liability. something immediately,” And the strategies don’t said Krista Berry, execunecessarily have to be tertive vice president and chief ribly complicated. One digital officer for the retailer, approach that has gained based outside Milwaukee in widespread acceptance is Menomonee Falls. letting customers buy prod“We see it as an advanucts online, then go to a store tage for us in our 1,200 to pick them up.

Montanans named Simple, yes. But very ap- stores. We’re based on convenience. It’s part of pealing. to state boards our core DNA. So having Doorstep delivery is Eastern Montanans have someone be able to place an been named to state boards convenient. But it often costs order and then just drive in extra, and it can take a few and committees. and pick it up — we’ve seen days. Buy online and pick up very positive reactions from Coal Board: Ralph Lenhart of Glendive, Tim Schaff in store — for free — and you Please see Briefs, 41 of Roundup and Veronica can put your hands on that July 2015

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Stories Continued from 37 Northwest Farm Credit Services in Billings. She will be responsible for leading the Billings team as they continue providing financ-

Briefs Continued from 39 our customers.”

It almost sounds like an aside, but the key phrase in Berry’s comments is “our 1,200 stores.”

It’s actually 1,164, but why quibble? The point is that from Bangor, Maine, to San Diego, Kohl’s essentially has more than 1,000 warehouses jammed with Nike sneakers, Sonoma capri pants and Gaiam yoga wear. If you’re in a good-sized metropolitan area, there’s probably a Kohl’s nearby.

ing and business solutions for farmers and ranchers in Billings and surrounding areas. Duray began her Northwest FCS career in 2008 as a financial specialist in the Billings office and most recently served as relationship manager in Billings.

She is a 2009 graduate of the Montana State University Billings with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Duray is a member of the Northwest FCS Country Home Loan, Small Grains and Hay Knowledge Teams.

In Peterson’s view, brickand-mortar retailers can cash in on consumers’ desire to get it now, and to avoid shipping charges, by viewing their stores as fulfillment centers.

They’ve “already done the hard part,” he wrote last year.

“They’ve invested in physical infrastructure (stores) with strategic geographic distribution.”

Electronics retailer Best Buy went chainwide with instore pickup in 2010, and has a well-organized system in place, with the pickup counter clearly marked in each store.

A shopper selects, say, a Sony TV online and pays by

credit card. Best Buy sends an email alerting the shopper to wait for a second email — typically about half an hour later — confirming that the TV is waiting, said Tony Poulos, assistant manager of a Milwaukee-area store.

Experience has taught the store to build in the 30-minute buffer in case the customer changes his mind and wants to cancel, Poulos said. He said Best Buy won’t offer especially fast-moving items for in-store pickup — a new version of the iPad, for example — because it might run out before a clerk can grab one off the shelves.

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Business licenses The following business licenses were filed with the city of Billings in May of 2015.

Art Factory Creative, 375 Zion Circle, 690-0042.

Stacked, a Montana Grill, 106 N. 28th St., 534-8702.

Keller Rohrback LLP, 1925 Grand Ave., Suite 127, 206623-1900.

Link’s Legendary Lawn Service, 2523 Constellation Trail, 698-8209.

A Clean Getaway, 3719 King Ave. E., 839-6430.

Residential & Commercial Painting, Roberts 694-9934.

Tea City LLC, 300 S. 24th St. W., 652-1222.

Ning’s Shopping Cart, 6620 Cove Creek Drive, 6330586.

Olp Construction Company, 1416 Avenue D, 672-1384.

Senior Wellness PLLC, 1328 Nutter Blvd., 844-7283333.

Rasmussen Construction, 5025 Indian Ride Road, 698-5912.

Feller Roofing, Sandy, Texas, 512-992-5602.

Midwest Leather, 2201 Grand Ave., 259-3312.

M.R. Construction, 3 Attika St. N., 208-6940.

Tru Blue Total House Care of Billings, 4129 Ashford Place, 939-2184.

N Source LLC, Livingston.

TLCP Construction, 612 Howard Ave., 208-9155.

Scannella Illustrations, 42 Almadin Lane, 672-6565.

Lonestar Livery Service and Special Events, 733 W. 42

I July 2015

Bankruptcies Wicks Lane., 259-7155.

Code Red Tactical LLC, 111 S. 24th St. W., 415-5005841.

Diversified Services, 6243 Dawson, 860-1457.

Brad Putnam, 301 Parkhill Drive, 672-5251.

Horizon Building Services LLC, East Helena, 459-4239.

Playhard Entertainment LLC, 4404 Jayhawks Way, 225-400-4697.

Al’s Yard Care, 1120 Lincoln Lane, 702-9225.

Teton View Engineering, 2227 E. Echo Drive, 850-4357.

J and J Construction, 1510 Avenue F, 697-1494.

Old Style Company, Red Lodge, 633-0373.

Williams Motor Bike Rental, 143 Calhoun Lane, 978-2293.

Ameri-Corps LTD, 2714 Michigan St., 504-982-2042.

Twisted Spoke Cycles and Apparel, 1841 Grand Ave. Beartooth Lawn Care, Laurel, 208-7035.

Montana Roads and Parking Lots, 3120 Farnam St., 208-9866.

JGH, 1427 Parkhill Drive, 399-3314.

American Property Inspections, 1149 Terry Ave., 697-2590.

Donny Dedman, 1602 Wicks Lane, 200-3874.

Dedman Construction, 1602 Wicks Lane, 200-3874.

Northwest Distribution Inc., Fort Collins, Colo., 970223-4632.

Boeckel’s Roofing & Remodeling, 309 S. 33rd St.,

876-1383.

Brothers in Arms Lawn Services, 2838 Oakland Drive, 912-312-0087.

B&D Roofing, Lolo, 3960654.

TD Bush Corp., Littleton, Colo., 303-979-2473.

Learn Heaps, Jackson, Wyo., 307-201-6698.

Peak Satellite, 715 Kamenka Drive, 465-3491.

Design Master Building Systems Inc., 6600 Hesper Road, 698-0048.

Renegade Industrial LLC, 5229 King Ave. W., 698-7928.

JT’s Maintenance, 2234 Avenue C, 839-6882.

ABC Metal Mart, 840 Mullowney Lane, 256-5477.

Pickle Barrel (mobile unit), 3225 Rosebud Drive, 702-7212.

Sugared Sole, 360 Toledo St., 855-0281.

Weathered Oak Construction LLC, 303 S. 31st St., 876-4464.

Lane Bryant Inc., 300 S. 24th St. W., 218-727-8431.

Swimmertri, 3837 Avenue D, 647-8140.

4X4 Construction, Kalispell, 647-7721.

The Asylum Gym LP, 1043 Terry Ave., 200-0112.

Spark Physical Therapy, PLLC, 1428 Grand Ave., 989860-1543.

Rocky Mountain Cartridge World Inc., 2455 Central Ave. Hanser Transmission and Automotive Co., 430 S. Billings Blvd., 248-7795.

Hanser Salvage Co., 430 S. Billings Blvd., 248-7795.

Hanser Wrecker Company Inc., 430 S. Billings Blvd.

Roughneck Gypsies, 2030 Constellation Trail, 360-5667087.

Magic City Construction LLC, 518 Grand Ave., 8618690.

Great Harvest Bread Co., 3133 Central Ave., Suite 5, 702-1505.

Flock Hawkins LLC, 2911 Lynwood Drive, 696-4663.

Gold Star Enterprises, LLC, 2-B Custer Ave., 969-1400.

Dave Johnson Roofing and Exteriors LLC, Buffalo, Wyo., 307-278-0314.

Carrie Miller consulting, 940 N. 31st St., 670-6828.

HWS Civil Inc., 2925 First Ave. N., Suite 5,894-2070.

Muna Contracting, 2925 First Ave. N., 702-1700.

KW Handyman Service, 1311 Ninth St. W., 208-9116.

Jay’s Roofing & Storm, Laurel, 876-3327.

On the Level Plumbing and Heating LLC, 1235 Custer Ave., 894-2043.

Neighborly Assurance Company, 1630 Lone Pine Drive, 672-4429.

Willis & Weil Construction, 1535 Cook Ave., 671-7854.

Rodney Loftis, 7809 Burlington Ave., 363-8081.

Treasure State Travel Nursing Inc., 1118 Minuteman St., 647-0609.

Stone Clerical, 4225 Long Beach Way, 690-3075.

Spencer Construction, Laurel, 696-7409.

J & S Consulting, 2728 Sunrise Ave., 794-4305.

The Grand Escape Room, 801 14th St. W., Suite A, 8608243.

Northwest Seed, 418 Albert St., 252-4120.

Greenwolf Enterprises, 2303 Avenue B, 702-0750.

Oktoberfest German Restaurant LLC, 3839 Grand Ave., 894-2337.

McPhail Cable Systems, Laurel, 839-5818.

All Pro Carpet Care, 906 Terry Ave., 652-1272.

1212 Boutique LLC, 1212 Grand Ave., Suite 15, 2548828.

AJ’s Past and Today Future, 2710 Second Ave. N., 928-303-7063.

E Stark Law Office PC, 1128 N. 23rd St., 814-3608774.

This & That Construction, 7841 Burlington Ave., 647-1339.

Morris & Peter Jacobs, 410 13th St. S., 605-6456247.

Transition Construction LLC, 1119 Rays Lane, 6706655.

Sucasa Property Management, 3304 Nye Lane, 850-2858.

Get Em and Net Em Guide Services, 1419 Cheryl St., 780-1880.

Planning Everyday Events, 1419 Cheryl St., 690-9171.

Perspective Painting, 756 Tabriz Drive, 694-3260.

Pruple Snow, 3512 Windmill Circle, 670-3546.

Sparrowhawk Ventures, 1615 Roadrunner Place, 208-7940.

Billings-area bankruptcy petitions filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court May 2015. Address is in Billings unless otherwise noted

Chapter 7 David Tellez, 547 Washington St., May 1.

Jonilynn Denise Olson, 546 Avenue D, May 1.

Michael D. Armfield, 3881 Killdeer Lane, May 6.

Christopher Allen Campbell, Michele Campbell, 2331 Yellowstone Ave., Dec. 6.

Lauri Layne Hampton, 640 Hillview Lane, May 7.

Corrina Lynn Gilbertson, 191 Bohl Ave., Apt. 12, May 12.

Maureen Theresa Kaul, 745 Discus Circle, May 12.

Alicia K McNulty, 3021 Third Ave. N., May 18.

Myron Kevin Nagel, Cheryl Ann Nagel, 450 Mirabel Court, May 19.

Lara Lee Amundsen, 1311 Avenue C, May 21.

Carolyn Edith Spicer, 3624 Decathlon Parkway, May 22.

Charles Julian McMurrey, Jacqueline Sandford McMurrey, 722 Dean Drive, Laurel, May 22.

Kristen R. Hobson, 315 S. Platt Ave., Red Lodge, May 22.

Chase Cole Pereau, 1603 Virginia Lane, Apt. 7, May 26.

Nelson D. Richards, 3131 Phillip St., May 26.

Joseph Robert Daugherty, 16 Maier Road, May 27.

Lewis Leo Hufford, Sylke Magdalena Hufford, 1212 St. Johns Ave., May 27.

Corey Allen Holycross, Kiana Leimana Holycross, P.O. BOX 133, Columbus, May 27.

Jay B. Adamson, Dawn M. Adamson, 1115 First St. W., Roundup, May 27.

Jeffrey Dale Parman, P.O. Box 167, Shepherd, May 29.

Chapter 13 Jason Randy Baer, Brandi Beth Baer, 517 Colorado Ave., Laurel, May 1.

Daniel Lee Millard, Linda Marie Millard, 3990 Hwy 312, May 8.

Joseph M. Hauck, 1110 Capricorn Place, May 9.

Edward Leo Fisher Sr., 157 S. Park City Road, Park City, May 21.

Russell G. Cassett, 1264 Calamity Jane Blvd., May 21.

Billingsbusiness

Residential Permits Timothy E., $5,400 44 Clark Ave., Keyser, Doris M., McCormick Dennis Const/D’s Ha, $20,000 — 2935 Rimview Drive, 2903 Lynwood Drive, SkillDillard, Joseph P., Laughlin man, Dee Ann, $33,600 Construction Inc., $20,000 1905 Poly Drive, Kunkel, 44 Clark Ave., Keyser, Doris Kenneth L., Laughlin ConstrucM., $550 tion Inc., $99,960 616 Shiloh Road, Deaconess 1626 Janie St., Wendlandt, Billings Clinic, Jim’s Excavation Laura M,, $20,160 Service Inc., $10,000 2160 Whitewater Circle, Palm, Craig & Kami M., $36,960 Addition Single/ 1828 Wicks Lane, Smith, James D. & Marlene E., Duplex/Garage $12,320 517 Katherine Ann Drive, — 1100 Ginger Ave., Edwards, Martha, $15,400 Kirkwood, Elwin G. & Joleen P., Reule Builders, $30,000 New Single Family 3340 46 St. W., Haeker, Kurt, $56,000 5216 Rocky Mountain Blvd., — 931 Ninebark St., Trails J. Oneil Revocable Living Trust, West Homes LLC, $253,700 Eaton And Yost Contractors, 4036 Backwoods Drive, $100,000 Classic Design Homes, Classic 3631 Quimet Circle, PenDesign Homes, $240,485 field, Timothy David, $2,000 3118 Reflections Circle, 2820 Westwood Drive, Bob Pentecost, Bob Pentecost Guenthner, Raymond S. & Construction, $312,000 Patricia, Rowan Construction, 3061 Western Bluffs Blvd., $8,000 Bob Pentecost, Bob Pentecost Construction, $312,000 New Garage 1232 Twin Lakes Drive, Clyde H. Larsen & Sons Construction, Art Work Builders, — 1730 Avenue C, Heeg, $180,220 Rose M., A.R. Junkert Con1241 Twin Lakes Drive, struction Inc., $21,840 Clyde H. Larsen & Sons Con639 Key City Drive, Roma, struction, Art Work Builders, Gordon J., Scott Peterson $183,320 Construction, $29,120 1257 Twin Lakes Drive, 115 Pecos Place, Maxwell, Clyde H. Larsen & Sons ConMark K. and Christina L., Terry struction, Art Work Builders, Fish Construction, $15,120 $182,920 1422 Wicks Lane, Peterson, 1247 Benjamin Blvd., Jeff

Demolition Permit Residential

Billingsbusiness

Kreitzberg Homes, Kreitzberg Jeff Homes, $171,450 2611 Meadow Creek Loop, BCJM Properties LLC, Hanser Construction Company, $193,870 2640 Meadow Creek Loop, BCJM Properties LLC, Hanser Construction Company, $194,780 1644 Hidden Cove Lane, McCall Development Inc., McCall Development, $190,195 1618 Songbird Drive, McCall Development Inc., McCall Development, $169,620 5230 Burlington Ave., Steve Gountanis, Gountanis Properties Inc., $268,375 1925 Stony Meadow Lane, McCall Homes, McCall Development, $115,700 1602 Songbird Drive, McCall Development Inc., McCall Development, $166,225 1601 Hidden Cove Lane, McCall Development Inc., McCall Development, $221,130 2503 Burlwood Drive, Classic Design Homes, Classic Design Homes, $286,730 1238 Benjamin Blvd., Dawson Builders Inc., Dawson Builders, $183,895 1244 Benjamin Blvd., Dawson Builders Inc., Dawson Builders, $152,190 1246 Benjamin Blvd., Dawson Builders Inc., Dawson Builders, $152,190 5324 Sundance Mountain Circle, Jeff Junkert Const., Jeff Junkert Construction Inc, $249,215 927 Ninebark St., Trails West Homes LLC, Trails West

Homes LLC, $172,780 5722 Horseshoe Trail, Trails West Homes LLC, Trails West Homes LLC, $172,780 2211 W. Hollow Brook Drive, Boyer Land LLC, Design Builders Inc., $294,800 2203 W. Hollow Brook Drive, Boyer Land LLC, Design Builders Inc., $323,930 2645 Meadow Creek Loop, BCJM Properties LLC, Hanser Construction Company, $229,215 2648 Meadow Creek Loop, BCJM Properties LLC, Hanser Construction Company, $281,910 6805 Copper Ridge Loop, Bob Pentecost, Bob Pentecost Const, $181,450 3098 W. Copper Ridge Loop, NA, Bob Pentecost Const., $312,000 2121 Clubhouse Way, Ron S. Hill Living Trust, Specialized Construction, $217,540 2935 Rimview Drive, Dillard, Joseph P., Laughlin Construction Inc., $800,000 5143 Amherst Drive, Kenmark Corporation, Kenmark Inc., $176,660 6302 Ridge Stone Drive S., The Picard Company , Picard Development, $325,000 4609 N. Hollow Brook Drive, Boyer Land LLC, Design Builders Inc., $294,800 385 Future Circle, Fox, Karen J., $204,685 5329 Sundance Mountain Circle, Jeff Junkert Const., Jeff Junkert Construction Inc., $172,255 5344 Sundance Mountain

Circle, Jeff Junkert Construction, Jeff Junkert Construction, $245,040 5217 Clemson Drive, Kenmark Corporation, Kenmark Inc., $173,335 6837 Copper Ridge Loop, Bob Pentecost, Bob Pentecost Construction, $185,415 3138 Harrier Lane, Trent Buscher, Trent Buscher Construction, $267,135 6133 Timbercove Drive, Cary & Susan Smith, $287,670

New Two Family — 1419 Naples St., Dorn Construction, Dorn Construction LLC, $276,040 1450 River Edge Road, River Point Edge LLC, Marsich Investments, $245,200 1451 River Edge Road, River Point Edge LLC, Marsich Investments, $245,200 1453 River Edge Road, River Point Edge LLC, Marsich Investments, $245,200 3039 Golden Acres Drive, X Bar S Enterprise LLC, Chad Hooker Properties LLC, $375,435 3057 Golden Acres Drive, Buscher Development, Buscher Construction Ltd., $448,045 1415 Naples St., Dorn Construction, Dorn Construction LLC, $276,040 1411 Naples St., Dorn Construction, Dorn Construction LLC, $276,040 1835 Stony Meadow Lane, McCall Development Inc., McCall Development, $177,495

1610 Songbird Drive, McCall Development Inc., McCall Development, $170,755

Remodel Single/ Duplex/Garage — 3516 Ben Hogan Lane, Hersrud, Justin David, Montana Pines Inc., $11,000 2830 Lewis Ave., Harriet Pierre, $1,100 1227 N. 24 St., Neumann, Gerald A. and Ardis M., Neumann Construction, $60,000 2488 Aspen Way, Lucas, Arthur William IV, C’s Construction Of Billings, $12,600 1151 Ponderosa Drive, Wilson, Betty L., Norse Builders, $9,000 3131 Iron Horse Trail, Kenmark Corporation, Kenmark Inc., $20,400 323 S. 30 St., Reicher, Jim and Helen, $1,500 1034 Calico Ave., Stremcha, Daniel S. and Marla T., Billings Window & Siding Spec., $13,702 4135 King Ave. E., Schulze, Paul,$800 67 Pecan Lane, Schofield, Dane C. & Jodean G.,One Source Construction LLC, $422 5326 S. Castle Stone Square, Pearson Skyler W. R. & Nicole A., C Squared Construction, $350 1819 Iris Lane, Etchart, John S. & Jodee M.,Thompson Construction Co. Inc., $5,000 2631 Country Lane, Reynaud Albert C. & Beatrice, Pella Window Store, $2,800 July 2015

I

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Residential Permits, continued 2416 Pine St., Mouser, Lance & Tracy, $12,000 1333 Colton Blvd., Bushey, Charles L., Cody Handyman, $1,789 534 Avenue B, Warren, David A. & Diana L., Northwest Custom Improvements, $2,000 2016 Interlachen Drive, Toby Properties, Pella Window Store, $3,653 1626 Janie St., Wendlandt, Laura M., $1,600 733 Avenue F, Atkins, Naomi K. & Cody O., $2,500 4081 Iron Horse Trail, Ligo, Bruce G. & Mary N. M., Reule Builders, $35,000 1938 St. Andrews Drive, Morris, Daniel & Julie, Pella Window Store, $1,500 4234 Cedarwood Lane, Edwards Family 2007 Trust, $32,840 2111 Avalon Road, McLa-

gan, John R. II & Tracey L., $7,400 1840 Deep Powder Drive, Tom Berry, $15,000 2947 Rosebud Drive, Coey Zachary J., $1,000 2704 Gregory Drive S., Roccisano, Anthony & Lynne, Win-Dor Industries, $53,000 750 Revolution Ave., Zink, Edward E. & Marcie L., Big Sky Exterior Designs Inc., $1,800 4322 Palisades Park Drive, Scheppele, Michael A. & Barbara, $7,000 4405 Rangeview Drive, Mainwaring, John T., Pella Window Store, $1,198 3019 Leeann Blvd., Fincher, Donna J., K-Designers, $10,912 3520 Masterson Circle, Pawlowski, Jason & Amy, Langlas & Assoc. Inc., $28,000 3372 Canyon Drive, Waller, Jerry M. Trustee, Colossal

Construction, $1,600 770 Winter Green Drive, Johnson, Nicholas T. & Kayla J., $17,600 960 Ginger Ave., Worthington, Michael W. & Pamela, Pella Window Store, $600 640 Wyoming Ave., Mcguire, Lucy & Roscoe, Craigo Construction, $1,000 2463 Southridge Drive, Burke, John J. & Stella Ossello, Home Value Restoration, $20,000 3111 St. Johns Ave., Eklund, Robert A., Spencer Construction, $22,000 1222 Calendula Circle, Adams, Bradley Warren, T Davis Construction Inc., $34,820 1111 Minuteman St., Skogley, Dallas & Lindsay, American Exteriors LLC, $12,518 3013 Jonathon Court, Olson, Sydney, Pella Window

Store, $2,400 3004 Nye Lane, Fujiwara, Rinney J., $28,000 2619 Cook Ave., Yoder, Weldon R., Northwest Custom Improvements, $4,000 480 Declaration Ave., Cunningham, John D,. American Exteriors LLC, $2,000 4530 Rangeview Drive, Long, Joel Thor & Judith, Ty Nelson Construction, $7,500 1607 Wembly Place, Edwards Teresa A., Feller Roofing,Windows,$7,245 1611 Wembly Place, Smith, Gladys, Feller Roofing, $1,905 1716 Wellington Place, Gordon, Gregory Sam, Feller Roofing, $5,024 4424 Toyon Drive, Pimley, Brenton J. & Brittany A., Lynnrich Inc., $4,430 1619 Wembly Place, Grammens, Constance M., Feller

Roofing, $4,156 1615 Wembly Place, Falbo Family Trust, Feller Roofing,Windows,$2,804 1617 Wembly Place, McBride, Thomas L., Feller Roofing, $3,930 722 Wellington Place, Phillips, Wilbur E. & Linda, Feller Roofing, $2,970 1724 Wellington Place, Grammens, Esther E. Trustee, Feller Roofing, $5,792 1721 Wellington Place, Barz, Daniel J., Feller Roofing, $2,313 1719 Wellington Place, Wheeler, Thelma, Feller Roofing, $3,714 1717 Wellington Place, Zupan, Robert L. & Jeanne A., Feller Roofing, $5,201 1715 Wellington Place, Sears, James E. & Judy A., Feller Roofing, $5,356

1708 Wellington Place, Freeck, Dolores M., Feller Roofing, $2,717 1709 Wellington Place, Erdie, Karen Jo, Feller Roofing, $5,356 1707 Wellington Place, Schmidt, Dorothy E. & Dennis D., Feller Roofing, $3,581 1711 Wellington Place, Gail F. Sheets Survivor’s Trust, Feller Roofing, $2,395 1703 Wellington Place, Morehouse, Tricia L., Feller Roofing, $4,440 229 Grand Ave., Living Color LLC, May Mechanical Inc., $7,500 1705 W. Thunder Mountain Road, J & S Development Co., Thompson Construction Co. Inc., $15,000 There were 648 Fence/ Roof/Siding permits issued in May.

Kristian D. Merkel, Randy R. Reibel, William R. Babbitt, and Krishna Moham Rupavatharam, all of Bozeman: Techniques for single sideband suppressed carrier optical signals that scale to bandwidths over 20 gigahertz.

9,020,360. April 28. Montana State University-Bozeman; S2 Corporation of Bozeman.

Ratnesh Sharma of Fremont, Calif., Babak Asghari of San Jose, Calif.; and Syyed Ali Pourmousavi Kani of Bozeman: Method for realtime power management of a grid-tied microgrid of extend storage lifetime and reduce cost of energy. 9,020,649.

April 28. NEC Laboratories America Inc. of Princeton, N.J. Bryan Richard Signalness of Vaughn: Cover for the spout of a fuel dispenser

and method of use. 9,022,082.

May 5.

William J. Ritter of Bozeman: Splitboard bindings.

9,022,412, May 5.

Matthew C. Miller of Cincinnati; Daniel W. Price of Loveland, Ohio; Cory G. Kimball of Cincinnati; Scott A. Woodruff of Cincinnati; William E. Clem of Bozeman; and Timothy G. Dietz of Terrace Park, Ohio: Ultrasonic device for fingertip control.

9,023,071. May 5. Ethicon Endo-Surgery Inc. of Cincinnati.

Chuck Clinkenbeard of Plains: Handle for a rifle with a scope. 9,027,273. May 12.

John R. Yatchak of Columbia Falls: Underground thermal battery storage system. 9,027,634. May 12.

Brett Hugh James Baker

of Bozeman: Bismuth-thiols as antiseptics for biomedical uses, including treatment of bacterial biofilms and other uses. 9,028,878. May 12. Microbion Corporation of Bozeman.

Christopher Allen Rager of Belgrade: Ornamental design of arrowhead with carved blades. D729,336. May 12. Flying Arrow Archery, LLC of Belgrade.

Lee Johnson of Absarokee and Benjamin Meager of Bozeman: Gear transmission and derailleur system.

9,033,833. May 19. Paha Designs, LLC of Denver, Colo.

Daniel W. Price of Loveland, Ohio; William E. Clem of Bozeman; Matthew C. Miller; Cory G. Kimball, Brennan G. McCabe and Jeffrey D. Messerly, all of

Cincinnati; and Shawn C. Snyder of Greendale, Ind.: Ornamental design for a surgical connector. D729,741. May 19. Ethicon Endo-Surgery Inc., of Cincinnati.

Patrick Franklin of Butte: Toothbrush having light emitters on a bottom side.

9,038,226. May 26.

Charles F. Wroble of Corvallis: Hydraulic drill steel handling apparatus.

9,038,509. May 26.

Ethan Frederic Imboden of San Francisco, Calif., and Jeff Wyatt of Bozeman: Vibratory assembly for articulating members. 9,039,599. May 26. JJ Acquisition LLC of San Francisco, Calif.

Christopher J. Burns of Malvern, Pa.; Denis Daigle of Havre de Grace, Md.; Bin Liu of Dayton, N.J.; Dan-

iel McGarry of Exton, Pa.; Daniel C. Pevear of Downingtown, Pa.; Robert E. Lee Trout of Bechtelsville, Pa.; and Randy W. Jackson of Livingston: Beta-lactamase inhibitors. 9,040,504. May 26.

VenatoRx Pharmaceuticals Inc. of Malvern, Pa. Dale R. Clark of Bozeman: Barley cultivar BG-161.

9,040,783. May 26. Monsanto Technology LLC of St. Louis.

Daniel W. Price of Loveland, Ohio; William E. Clem of Bozeman; Matthew C. Miller, Cory G. Kimball, Brennan G. McCabe and Jeffrey D. Messerly, all of Cincinnati; and Shawn C. Snyder of Greendale, Ind.: Ornamental design for a surgical connector. D730,297. May 26. Ethicon Endo-Surgery Inc., of Cincinnati.

Montana patents Below are listed U.S. patents issued to Montana inventors April 21-May 26, 2015. For assistance in patent filing, call Billings patent attorney Antoinette M. Tease at 406-294-9000.

Rusty J. Noyes of Belgrade: Tool for removing from or joining together a bearing and a hub. 9,009,938. April 21.

Tom L. Oxford of Moyie Springs, Idaho; Stephen L. Monlux of Missoula; and Erik B. Skeen of Bonners Ferry, Idaho: Apparatuses for servicing roadways.

9,011,039. April 21. RM Equipment, LLC of Bonners Ferry, Idaho.

David Douglas Dieziger of Missoula: Truck loading device. 9,011,073. April 21.

Colton Richard Stiffler, Scott Henry Bakker,

44

I July 2015

Billingsbusiness

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1-800-638-3278 Montana-Dakota.com clean • abundant • affordable • efficient • reliable • safe • domestic • environmentally friendly

In the Community to Serve®

Billings Commercial Building Permits May 1-31, 2015 Fence/Roof/Siding

2921 First Ave. S.

Brinkman M. Dean

Commercial Roof Wtr Proof

$55,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

2500 Grand Ave.

Rocky Build Inc.

Cornerstone Siding Company

$5,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

306 Moore Lane

Tehle Robert M. & Diane J.

Alpine Plumbing & Heating

$4,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

3203 Central Ave.

Leo C. Schwehr Bypass Trust

Tom Hennessy Construction

$3,400

Fence/Roof/Siding

3295 Granger Ave. E.

Hoff Beverly A.

The Man Construction

$8,500

Fence/Roof/Siding

3295 Granger Ave. E.

Otte Bobbi

The Man Construction

$8,500

Fence/Roof/Siding

2490 Gabel Road

Town And Country Supply

Sprague Construction Roofing Division

Fence/Roof/Siding

1313 Broadwater Ave.

Kaufman Roy and George

C’s Construction Of Billings

$17,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

1645 Parkhill Drive

Peterson Jeffrey J. & Pamela K.

Design Roofing LLC

$25,263

Fence/Roof/Siding

302 19th St. W.

Church Of The Open Bible

Infinity Roofing & Siding Inc.

$40,194

New Other

4222 State Ave.

Realco LLC

New Store/Strip Center

3127 Central Ave.

Neumann Gerald A. & Ardis M.

New Warehouse/Storage

4222 State Ave.

Realco LLC

Remodel

1011 Intermountain St.

Inland Truck Parts Co.

Remodel

1441 Governors Blvd.

School District No. 2

Star Service Inc.

Remodel

2725 Montana Ave.

Donovan Properties LLC

Bob Pentecost Construction

$72,500

Remodel

715 N. 29th St.

Billings Clinic

Hardy Construction Co.

$70,000

Remodel

2717 King Ave. W.

Lowes

Horizon Building Services LLC

$15,000

Remodel

724 Dunham Ave.

Frisby Mary Donna Trustee

Kutcher Construction LLC

Remodel-Change In Use

805 24th St. W.

Calvin Tang

Stock Construction Company

Demolition Permit Commercial

4910 Southgate Drive

Williamson John and Rebecca

Demolition Permit Commercial

302 N. 15th St.

McDonnell Family Irrevocable Trust

Sunset Excavation

$3,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

1040 N. 29th St.

Sisters Of Charity Of Leavenworth

B & K Roofing

$8,200

Fence/Roof/Siding

418 Albert St.

Matchett Thomas W. & Jodi L.

Sprague Construction Roofing Division

$80,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

1550 Country Manor Blvd.

IRET Properties LP

PCS Residential

$99,450

$52,000

$167,500 Neumann Construction

$675,354 $100,000 $5,000 $450,000

$9,750 $150,000 $10,000

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July 2015

I

45

Billings Commercial Building Permits May 1-31, 2015, continued Fence/Roof/Siding

1550 Country Manor Blvd.

IRET Properties LP

PCS Residential

$99,450

Fence/Roof/Siding

1550 Country Manor Blvd.

IRET Properties LP

PCS Residential

$22,185

Fence/Roof/Siding

1550 Country Manor Blvd.

IRET Properties LP

PCS Residential

$22,185

Fence/Roof/Siding,

1550 Country Manor Blvd.

IRET Properties LP

PCS Residential

$31,110

Fence/Roof/Siding

1550 Country Manor Blvd.

IRET Properties LP

PCS Residential

$29,070

Fence/Roof/Siding

1550 Country Manor Blvd.

IRET Properties LP

PCS Residential

$29,070

Fence/Roof/Siding

1550 Country Manor Blvd.

IRET Properties LP

PCS Residential

$31,110

Fence/Roof/Siding

2460 Village Lane

IRET-Rocky Meadows LLC

PCS Residential

$8,680

Fence/Roof/Siding

2460 Village Lane

IRET-Rocky Meadows LLC

PCS Residential

$10,168

Fence/Roof/Siding

2460 Village Lane

IRET-Rocky Meadows LLC

PCS Residential

$7,740

Fence/Roof/Siding

2460 Village Lane

IRET-Rocky Meadows LLC

PCS Residential

$11,408

Fence/Roof/Siding

2460 Village Lane

IRET-Rocky Meadows LLC

PCS Residential

$10,664

Fence/Roof/Siding

2460 Village Lane

IRET-Rocky Meadows LLC

PCS Residential

$28,272

Fence/Roof/Siding

3312 4 Ave. N.

BP Properties LLC

Empire Roofing Inc.

Fence/Roof/Siding

3140 Sweet Water Drive

CHT Billings Mt Senior Living

Tri State Exterior Solutions LLC

Fence/Roof/Siding

820 Yellowstone River Road

Ragar Todd J.

Great White Construction

$12,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

828 Yellowstone River Road

Shelley Matthew B.

Great White Construction

$12,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

1120 N. 30th St.

Sisters Of Charity Of Leavenworth

B & K Roofing

$6,200

Fence/Roof/Siding

1122 N. 30th St.

Sisters Of Charity Of Leavenworth

B & K Roofing

$6,800

Fence/Roof/Siding

1114 N. 30th St.

Sisters Of Charity Of Leavenworth

B & K Roofing

$6,200

Fence/Roof/Siding

1105 N. 30th St.

Sisters Of Charity Of Leavenworth

B & K Roofing

$12,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

2810 11th Ave. N.

Sisters Of Charity Of Leavenworth

B & K Roofing

$5,800

Fence/Roof/Siding

317 16th St. W.

Allen Edwin N.

Rost Homes Inc.

$5,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

1655 Shiloh Road

Sternad Jay A.

Kirby Roofing

$34,500

Fence/Roof/Siding

1241 Crawford Drive

St. Stephens Episcopal Church

Rocky Mountain Roofing

$12,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

3602 Decathlon Parkway

Lohrenz Jamie L.

Hagstrom Roofing & Construction

$41,500

Fence/Roof/Siding

3620 Decathlon Parkway

Thomas Gary Roland

Hagstrom Roofing & Construction

$41,500

Fence/Roof/Siding

105 S. 37th St.

Hodgson James J. & Vicki L.

Empire Roofing Inc.

Fence/Roof/Siding

1243 N. 31 St.

First English Lutheran Church

Kirkness Roofing & Supply

Fence/Roof/Siding

27 Wicks Lane

Tall Bruce & Shelley

Bruce Tall Construction And Design Inc.

$7,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

27 Wicks Lane

Tall Bruce & Shelley

Bruce Tall Construction And Design Inc.

$9,000

New Office/Bank

970 S. 29th St. W.

Sam Picard

Picard Development Fisher Construction Inc.

$115,000

$5,400 $32,291

$2,320,764

Remodel

4188 King Ave. E.

School District No. 2

Remodel

904 Main St.

904 Main LLC

Remodel

217 N. 27th St.

Yellowstone County

Diamond Construction Inc.

Remodel

805 24th St. W.

Plaza 24 LLC

Stock Construction Company

Remodel

2202 32 St. W.

School District No. 2

Cucancic Construction Inc.

$338,800

Remodel

1601 Miles Ave.

School District No. 2

Cucancic Construction Inc.

$366,900

Remodel

1801 Bench Blvd.

School District No. 2

Cucancic Construction Inc.

$157,000

Remodel

2135 Lewis Ave.

School District No. 2

Cucancic Construction Inc.

$364,000

TO subscribe, Call 406-657-1298 I July 2015

$760,000 $120,000

BUSINESS is looking good.

46

$8,500

$100,000 $90,000

Billings Business 401 North Broadway Billings, MT 59101 Billingsbusiness

Billings Commercial Building Permits May 1-31, 2015, continued Remodel

300 S. 24 St. W.

Rimrock Owner LP

$45,000

Remodel

454 Moore Lane

Mile A Way

Remodel

1928 Grand Ave.

Fischer & Ervin Little Job Guy

$20,000

Remodel

2520 Fifth Ave. S.

Walla Walla College

$58,750

Demolition Permit Commercial

820 N. 31st St.

School District 2

Knife River-Billings

Fence/Roof/Siding

78 27 St. W.

Central Court Village Ltd. Ptnr.

Black Canyon Builders LLC

Fence/Roof/Siding

2115 Central Ave.

New Western Manor Co.

Empire Roofing Inc.

Fence/Roof/Siding

1232 Lynn Ave.

Alternative Real Estate Solution

Commercial Roof Wtr Proof

$14,100

Fence/Roof/Siding

1615 Sixth Ave. N.

Frank Family Limited Partnersh.

Lennick Bros. Roofing

$10,500

Fence/Roof/Siding

1901 Terminal Circle

City Of Billings (Airport)

Progressive Roofing

$145,750

Fence/Roof/Siding

120 Jackson St.

School District No. 2

Progressive Roofing

$291,859

Fence/Roof/Siding

1440 Nutter Blvd.

School District No. 2

Progressive Roofing

$593,900

Fence/Roof/Siding

1371 Rimtop Drive

City Of Billings (Airport)

Progressive Roofing

$107,750

Fence/Roof/Siding

1575 Shiloh Road

Hometown Development LLC

Kirby Roofing

$33,050

Fence/Roof/Siding

1106 N. 30th St.

Sisters Of Charity Of Leavenworth

B & K Roofing

$12,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

1134 N. 30th St.

Sisters Of Charity Of Leavenworth

B & K Roofing

$21,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

1044 N. 30 St.

Sisters Of Charity Of Leavenworth

B & K Roofing

$6,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

2750 Grand Ave.

Sisters Of Charity Of Leavenworth

B & K Roofing

$33,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

440 Josephine Drive

Hess Steven & Judy

MDM Enterprises LLC

$25,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

440 Josephine Drive

Hess Steven & Judy

MDM Enterprises LLC

$25,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

2203 Third Ave. N.

Rush Properties And Management

Foss Construction LLC

$8,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

3936 Avenue B

Joe Dringle And Dorothy Dringle

CK Builders

$78,876

Fence/Roof/Siding

1201 Yellowstone Ave.

1201-05 Yellowstone Ave LLC

W.C. Construction

$13,720

Fence/Roof/Siding

1201 Wyoming Ave.

1201-09 Wyoming Ave. LLC

W.C. Construction

$12,460

Fence/Roof/Siding

1209 Wyoming Ave.

1201-09 Wyoming Ave. LLC

W.C. Construction

$12,560

Coolahan Builders

$23,800

$18,000 $5,300 $190,000

Remodel

1226 Main St.

Mulberry Land Holdings LLC

Remodel

2800 Fourth Ave. N.

First Methodist Church

$200,000

Remodel

2511 First Ave. N.

Clock Tower Inn LLC

Remodel

324 S. 27th St.

Harper Simon

Remodel

300 S. 24 St. W.

Rimrock Owner LP

Beeler Construction Inc.

Demolition Permit

2545 Central Ave.

Qayum Investments Properties

Eggart Engineering & Construction

$57,500

Fence/Roof/Siding

500 Josephine Drive

Stan-Fuhr Inc.

KC Roofing & Construction Inc.

$33,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

1818 Minnesota Ave.

C & D Warehouse

Sprague Construction Roofing Division

Brownson Construction Inc.

$25,000 $140,000 $15,000 $500

$4,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

1749 Grand Ave.

Winchell Enterprises Inc.

Empire Roofing Inc.

$29,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

3351 Racquet Drive

Roger F. Dallner Trust

Kirkness Roofing & Supply

$16,166

Fence/Roof/Siding

926 Main St.

East Billings Investors

Lynnrich Inc.

$10,724

Fence/Roof/Siding

201 N. 15th St.

Kunkel Cal

4M Construction Inc.

$25,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

601 N. 18th St.

Starting Line Fitness LLC

C & D Roofing

$12,200

Remodel

100 24th St. W.

Jim Dorman

MLB Construction LLC

$110,000

Remodel

1233 N. 30th St.

Sisters Of Charity Of Leavenworth

Langlas & Assoc. Inc.

$550,000

Remodel

2255 Overland Ave.

Veeder Homestead LLC

Langlas & Assoc. Inc.

$556,000

Remodel

1430 Country Manor Blvd.

Dringle Joe Jay & Dorothy C.

Hulteng Inc.

Billingsbusiness

$5,000

July 2015

I

47

Wayne Nelson

Tim Ludewig

Darrin Maas

Tim Anderson

Jeremy Morgret

Spencer Frederic Frederick

Billings Market President

King Ave Branch Manager

Heights Branch Manager

Shiloh Branch Manager

Downtown Branch Manager

Grand Ave Branch Manager

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I July 2015

Shiloh & Grand 655-3900

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14th & Grand 371-8100

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