Billings Business October 2016

5 MINUTES WITH

DOUG MCISAAC SHIRTS OF ARMOR

SPECIAL REPORT CURVES FITNESS CENTER UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

October 2016

TIMBER!

Roberts company specializes in timber-framed construction

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

October 2016

1

CONTENTS October 2016

An indispensable business resource

On the Cover

FEATURES

Big Sky Post and Beam uses modern tools, historic techniques to build timber-framed homes

Timber!................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Photo courtesy Big Sky Post and Beam

Roberts company specializes in timber-framed construction

SPECIAL REPORT ................................................................................................................................................................. 14

Curves Fitness Center under new ownership

Construction Zone.............................................................................................................................................................. 20

COLUMNS

Economic Development............................................................................................................................................... 10

Commercial & Residential

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

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

Steve Arveschoug: Let’s sit and chat about your business

Daniel J. Brooks: Billings would benefit from local option tax Curves Fitness Center under new ownership, Page 14

Sales Moves................................................................................................................................................................................. 17 Joe Michels: Active listning can help you make the sale.

Better Business.......................................................................................................................................................................22 Dan Buchta: Even the NSA can be victimized by cyber attacks Five minutes with Doug McIsaac, Page 12

BILLINGS BUSINESS EVERY MONTH

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

Chamber News ........................................................................................................................................................................ 11 Daniel Brooks: Local option tax would boost economy

Five Minutes with................................................................................................................................................................ 12 Doug McIsaac: Armour Up

Business Briefs .......................................................................................................................................................................35 Success Stories..................................................................................................................................................................... 34 The Listings..................................................................................................................................................................................36

2

October 2016

24 Hour Emergency Flood & Fire Restoration Services

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

406-628-0178

—24 hour contact line—

www.alphaomegapros.com

October 2016

3

the editor

R ESORT TAX WAS A GODSEND FOR W EST Y ELLOWSTONE Years ago, local radio personalities used to joke on the air about casting for trout in the Volkswagen-sized potholes that dotted the streets in West Yellowstone.

The tiny resort community just outside Yellowstone National Park had around 1,000 year-round residents, and it lacked the tax base to pay for basic infrastructure, despite being inundated with thousands of tourists each year.

But things started turning around for West Yellowstone in the late ‘80s after the Montana Legislature approved a bill that allowed resort communities to levy a voterapproved 3 percent sales tax on selected goods and services. For the first time in the state’s history, visitors began footing the bill to help pay for basic services.

West Yellowstone put those sales tax dollars to good use. Storm sewers capable of handling spring runoff and streets wide enough to accommodate even the largest motor homes were among the first projects to be financed through the resort tax. The locals had to find something else to joke about after the potholes were replaced with smooth new asphalt and real curbs and gutters.

Some 30 years later, West Yellowstone’s cash registers are still ringing in the midst of record

4

October 2016

tourism visits. In ensuing years, voters in Big Sky, Red Lodge, Whitefish, Virginia City and several other communities have approved resort taxes.

But an effort to expand the definition of communities that could qualify for the resort tax is underway, despite previous setbacks in the Legislature. The Billings Chamber of Commerce has taken the position that larger cities should have the opportunity to tap into tourist spending.

Daniel Brooks, the Billings Chamber’s government affairs manager, argues that the local-option tax would provide an opportunity for some 11 million out-of-state visitors to help pay for infrastructure and services. His column, which appears in this issue of Billings Business, makes a sound argument in favor of the local option.

Previous efforts to expand the resort tax, or allow communities to levy a different type of local option tax, have all failed during the Legislature. And any new effort will likely face significant headwinds during the 2017 session.

But if you’re looking for an example of how a Montana community can benefit through a balanced tax system, you need look no farther than West Yellowstone.

OCTOBER 2016 • VOLUME 23 • NUMBER 1

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

EDITOR

SALES

ryan brosseau shelli scott ADVERTISING COORDINATOR spencyr schmaltz ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER

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

To subscribe for $19.95 per year, please send payment, name, business name, mailing address and phone number to: Billings Business 401 N. Broadway Billings, MT 59101 ADVERTISING For retail advertising, call Milt Lange 657-1275, or Ardcadea Scott, 657-1244 For classified advertising, call 657-1212. You may send material to ads@ billingsbusiness.com or FAX to 657-1538. Advertising deadline for the November 2016 issue is 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6 NEWS If you would like to submit a news tip, story idea, announcement about your business or press release, please email it to: editor@billingsbusiness.com website: www.billingsbusiness.com Information published herein does not reflect the opinion of Billings Business. Contents are the property of Billings Business.

By the numbers

• Personal • Business • Real Estate • Agriculture

Local and regional economic trends King Avenue 655-2700

Hilltop & Main 896-4800

Shiloh & Grand 655-3900

Downtown 655-2400

14th & Grand 371-8100

stockmanbank.com

Worden 967-3612

National park visitors

Airport boardings

10 7

BIG SPREADS

6

In hundred thousands

Montana’s 28,000 farms have a collective 59.7 million acres under cultivation, which represents 65 percent of the state. The average size of a Montana farm is 2,147 acres.

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

In ten thousands

8

6

4

5

4

3

2

1

Billings housing starts

2

0

New single-family home building permits 50

300

40

272

248

250

Billings 0

200

30

150

20

0

March

April

May

June

July

August

0

June

July August

Bozeman

March 2015 to August 2015 March 2016 to August 2016

March 2016 to August 2016

2015

March 2016 to August 2016 National Park Service Source: National Park Service

Ag prices Montana winter wheat

Montana Beef Cattle

6

200

(per bushel)

3

3

100

2

50

1

April

May

June

July

February 2015 to July 2015 Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

0

Feb. 2015 to July 2015 Feb. 2015 to July2015

Source: Montana Department of Transportation

4

4

1

Feb. 2015 to July 2015 Feb. 2016 to July 2016

5%

150

2

July

Unemployment

(per cwt.)

5

June

Feb. 2015 to July 2015 Feb. 2016 to July 2016

March 2015 to August 2015

2016

May

Missoula

Glacier National Park

YTD Through Aug. 31

Source: City of Billings

February March

May

Yellowstone National Park

50

March 2015 to August 2015

0

March April

100

10

Feb. March April

February March

April

May

February 2016 to July 2016

June

July

0

February

March

Montana

April

May

Yellowstone County

June

July

U.S.

Source: Montana Department of Labor and Industry

October 2016

5

TIMBER! Roberts company’s timber framed structures combine tradition with modern techniques

6

October 2016

Photo courtesy Big Sky Post and Beam.

Sunlight reflects on a timber frame erected by Big Sky Post and Beam.

Photo courtesy Big Sky Post and Beam

Photo courtesy Big Sky Post and Beam

According to tradition, builders “top off” a timber framed structure by affixing an evergreen bough to the top of the roof.

Charley Vandewark, son of Greg and Julie Vandewark, places a metal plate on a pair of beams to be joined. The Vandewarks’ two college-age sons have plans to join the business.

By TOM HOWARD

G

reg Vandewark uses modern tools and historic building techniques to create houses, barns and other structures that are sturdy, roomy and steeped in craftsmanship.

Greg and his wife, Julie, own Big Sky Post and Beam in Roberts, a family-owned business that specializes in timber-framed and post and beam structures.

Timber framing is a traditional building method that dates back centuries and was commonly used throughout Europe and North America prior to the 20th century. The structure of a building is created by fastening large timbers together using specialized techniques such as mortise and tenon joinery. Post and beam construction also uses large-sized timbers, but they are typically fastened together using metal plates and bolts.

Timber framing largely fell out of

“We are certified Made in Montana.”

Julie Vandewark favor after standardized dimensional lumber became common a little more than a century ago. But the technique has undergone a resurgence in recent years as customers opt for distinctive structures.

The Vandewarks got into the business about a decade ago, first as representatives of a midwestern company that specializes in timber framing. Seeing an opportunity to branch out, they decided to go into business for themselves.

Their business plan emphasizes quality Montana-sourced materials.

“We are certified Made in Montana,” Julie said. Timbers, sawn from kilndried Douglas fir, come from mills in St. Ignatius and Clancy. Old-growth Douglas fir provides a sturdy frame that doesn’t twist and buck. Even the metal plates used join timbers is manufactured in Red Lodge.

“We have one customer who wanted a more decorative design on the plates, so we had Back Alley Metals in Red Lodge fabricate them,” Julie said.

Big Sky Post and Beam can erect a

LARRY MAYER Gazette Staff

Greg and Julie Vandewark operate Big Sky Post Please see Roberts, Page 8 and Beam in Roberts. .

October 2016

7

Photo courtesy Big Sky Post and Beam

This completed post and beam barn is near Red Lodge.

Roberts Continued from 7

house from start to fi nish. But frequently the Vandewarks work with architects, engineers and contractors who specify the type of timbered structure and they build the frame to the customer’s specifications.

Once plans are developed, timbers are transported to the company’s shop in

Roberts, where Greg gets to work with a variety of specialized tools. A Germanbuilt chain mortiser can accurately excavate mortises, which are slots in which tenons are inserted.

“The Germans make world class tools for timber framing,” he said.

Another favorite tool is a hand-held bandsaw capable of making intricate cuts in thick timbers. Special dovetail jigs create the same kind of durable and accurate joints that are commonly used in fi ne

furniture.

Design is part of Big Sky Post and Beam’s offering.

“I can do basic floor plans. Once we come up with an estimate, I have a guy who can do complete CAD (computer aided design) plans,” Julie said. “Sometimes an architect will ask me to provide just an interior structure for a building. They come to me with a full set of plans, and all I do is provide the beam part of it, so I don’t have to do the design work.”

“We treat their money like it’s our money,” Greg said.

Timber-framed and post and beam homes have a reputation of being more expensive than more traditional construction methods, but that’s not necessarily the case, the Vandewarks say.

“We fi nd the costs to be comparable, because the frame has been cut and can be assembled very quickly. When you put it together, that saves a lot of labor during construction,” Julie said.

October 2016

8

The Metabolic team taught me discipline.

Six weeks post-surgery

“I had Gastric Bypass surgery on January 26, 2016, and it has changed my life for the better. My team at Billings Clinic is so phenomenal. They taught me discipline, and I have been able to make drastic changes in my life. I have now lost 188 pounds since starting this journey and am able to really enjoy life. My only regret is not doing it sooner.”

– Roy Tisdell, Baker, MT

See Roy’s story at: billingsclinic.com/ metabolicsurgery

Metabolism Center To learn more about weight loss surgery, attend one of our monthly sessions.

Six months post-surgery

billingsclinic.com/classes (406) 238-2258 October 2016

9

SPONSORED BY THE BIG SKY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

H ERE ’ S AN INVITATION

TO TALK ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS As a community we will need to fill 32,000* jobs (replacement from retirement and growth) in the next decade.

Steve Arveschoug

10

October 2016

Dear Yellowstone County Community and Business Owners: Each year, I reach out to our community with some imperatives and ideas the team at Big Sky Economic Development have identified to help grow and sustain our economic development. I need your review to make sure we are on the right track.

Let’s have coffee. As a Yellowstone County stakeholder, I want to fully understand what’s going on with your business and I want to talk with you about the economic future of our community.

I have tried to have several of these “coffeeconversations” with business leaders throughout our community each year.

If I haven’t connected with you yet, give me a call.

I do want to learn more about your business, and I want to share with each of you the three important investments we need to make in our community to strengthen our economic

diversity, attract a talented workforce, and thereby more private investment.

Let me give you a head start on our “coffee conversation.” The three important investments we should make are: 1. Building our healthcare workforce education and training infrastructure in partnership with Billings Clinic, Riverstone Health, St. Vincent Healthcare, MSU Billings, Rocky Mountain College and all of our healthcare stakeholders.

2. Place making and infrastructure investments in planned, readyto-go industrial space, downtown redevelopment (i.e. former Battin building, convention space and pocket parks), trail systems, Coulson Park, and beautification of our entryways (just a handful of what must be accomplished).

3. Strategic investment in programs and facilities at MSU Billings and Rocky Mountain College to pro-

mote a framework for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

As a community we will need to fi ll 32,000* jobs (replacement from retirement and growth) in the

next decade.

These investments are key to attracting and retaining the talent we’ll need to hit that mark. If we don’t act now to make these investments we’ll

lose out on significant new economic opportunity.

So, let’s have coffee.

I want to hear what you think, call me at 869-8401.

-Steve *Data Source: Jobs EQ

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

October Business After Hours

SPONSORED BY THE BILLINGS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

In order to ensure your community has the right to implement local option, refuse to be a member of the silent majority.

DANIEL J. BROOKS IS GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS MANAGER FOR THE BILLINGS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. CONTACT HIM AT DANIEL@ BILLINGSCHAMBER.COM

Wednesday, Oct. 12, Billings Clinic, 800 10th Ave. N., 5-7 p.m. Cost is $8.

November Business After Hours Wednesday, Nov. 9, Uberbrew, 2305 Montana Ave., 5-7 pm. Cost is $8.

L OCAL OPTION AUTHORITY WOULD HELP ADDRESS LOCAL NEEDS

By DANIEL J. BROOKS Montana is one of the best places to live. Our scenery, outdoor adventure, and opportunity to foster a great work-life balance are key considerations when people are deciding where to live. However, attracting and retaining millennials — presently the largest demographic in the U.S. workforce — requires Montana cities to engage in a concerted economic development effort to provide the quality-of-life resources the evolving workforce seeks.

Unfortunately for Montana, funding placemaking and infrastructure projects is difficult due to a lack of funding mechanisms. The property owner is overburdened and without more options, cities face increased unwillingness to pay for vital economic development.

Enter, local option authority Local option authority is an enabling legislation at the state level permitting voters the opportunity to enact a temporary sales tax on themselves. Although many people view the word “tax” with contempt, the local option possesses some key characteristics that mitigate these negative connotations.

First, in order for a community to enact a local option tax, registered voters in the community must vote to approve the tax and the projects the money will be spent on. This ensures tax revenue

collected is spent on projects that are focused on addressing each community’s economic development needs.

Second, tax revenue cannot go into a government’s general fund. Instead, the money is placed in a segregated account, overseen by a citizen advisory panel, until it is used to pay for the voterapproved projects. Third, local option contains a provision limiting its duration.

This means that registered voters approve the duration of the tax, not to exceed 10 years.

Why do we need local option?

As a Montanan, it is easy to recognize our competitive advantage in natural amenities that attract people and business to our state. However, competition from denser metropolitan areas pulls people out, into thicker labor markets that lead to higher salaries. In order to retain our advantage, Montana and her cities must constantly improve, upgrade, and evolve to provide the necessities and amenities the increasingly Millennial workforce desires.

One significant benefit of local option, once authorized at the state level, is that it avoids reliance on federal and state funding, and the increasingly toxic partisanship that leads to gridlock.

Montana communities cannot afford to languish as political parties bicker.

From a pragmatic standpoint, Montana is missing out on potential tax revenue

from 11.7 million tourists who use the state’s roads, facilities, and services as they visit. While Montanans appreciate the business — tourism is Montana’s second largest industry, bringing $3.6 billion to our state — local communities need help to fund the necessities and amenities that keep tourists coming back.

Why don’t we have local option?

Despite the benefits and necessity of empowering communities, enabling leg-

islation required at the state level has never passed into law. The problem partly stems from a misunderstanding of how the local option works and mitigates some of the negative byproducts of taxation. Vocal constituents perennially opposed to taxation can influence the decisions of their representatives.

In order to ensure your community has the right to implement local option, refuse to be a member of the silent majority. Start the

conversation with the community, your workplace, and your family. What does your community need and want? Will your children live here 20 years from now?

Then consider how your community will pay for its wants and needs without local option. If you discover the community needs a better funding tool, and decide it’s time to authorize community transformation (ACT), contact the Billings Chamber and we will help you make a difference!

BillingsChamber.com

Shop Local at

MONTANA’S TRAILHEAD This Holiday Season, and always, support local businesses and our local economy.

Shop Small Weekend is November 26 - 27.

Find a list of Chamber member businesses to shop with at BillingsChamber.com.

October 2016

11

Doug McIsaac

TIME TO ARMOUR UP

By TOM HOWARD

N

ot long ago, Steve Bents and a friend, Joshua Lindsey, were discussing how they often felt like they needed to don a suit of armor in order to meet the challenges that life threw their way.

That discussion idea of printing up custom T-shirt to resemble the protective gear that warriors have worn since Achilles and Hector squared off on the Plains of Troy 12 centuries before Christ was born.

Shirts of Armour, which favors the British spelling, is a custom clothing company that Bents founded. It designs T-shirts that mimic all varieties of protective gear used in battle.

If you’re a fan of ancient history, you might opt for a Tshirt that resembles the breastplate worn by a Roman legionnaire, or the heavy plate armour that medieval knights wore on the Crusades.

If fantasy is your passion, you might select Blood Fang, plate armour “forged from the skin of a dragon and the rarest metals on earth.”

Doug McIsaac vice president of marketing for Shirts of Armour, says the shirts are starting to catch on despite hitting the marketplace just a short time ago.

Here, McIsaac, a marketing expert who has worked with a variety of clients, discusses the owners’ plans to grow a small company.

Q: So, it sounds like one of those those aha moments led to this company.

A: They were talking, and they said, “Wouldn’t it be great to have a shirt that looked like armor,” and they ran with it. So they hired some artists and they set up a website, www.ShirtsofArmour.com. I came on board because I thought it was cool and I wanted to help with this product.

You’re involved in the Society of Creative Anachronism. (a group that demonstrates medieval fighting and culture.) Is this project related to that group?

Steve isn’t a member of SCA. But there is interest in the shirts.

12

October 2016

How does the printing process work?

It’s called heat sublimation.

The design is printed on transfer paper, then it’s transferred to the shirt by heat. It really adheres to the fabric, and it won’t fade.

You’ve relied on social media in launching this campaign. How is that going?

“We’ve sold a lot of shirts on Instagram and other social media. But we’re also planning to be at the Magic City Monster Con Oct.7-9. The people who like to go to the “Cons” like to dress up. We think we can market these shirts throughout the U.S. by going to the Co. How are your plans for growing the business going?

We’ve launched a Kickstarter campaign so that we can get the equipment to print the shirts in the U.S. Right now we have to go overseas to get the shirts printed. When we go to a convention, we’ll sell what we have on hand, and also take orders.

Doug McIsaac holds examples of his printed T-shirts.

CASEY PAGE, Gazette Staff

Looking to sell your old iPhone?

It might not be worth much

By CHICAGO TRIBUNE The clock is ticking for iPhone owners hoping to help pay for an upgrade by selling their old phones.

Apple announced a new version of the iPhone — the iPhone 7 — in September, and resale prices for used iPhones have already started declining, according to Matthew Reardon, marketing manager at electronics marketplace Glyde.

But there’s still time to cash in, particularly if consumers reject Apple’s decision to skip the headphone jack and deem updates of a faster chip, longer battery life and better camera more evolutionary than revolutionary.

Prices typically drop about 15 percent around a new iPhone release on Glyde, with the biggest drops arriving a day or two after the announcement, as upgrading iPhone owners try to offload old devices, Reardon said. Resale

prices on the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus — no longer the newest iPhones on the market — likely will take the biggest hit, he said.

Gazelle, which buys back used electronics, said prices usually drop by about 20 percent when a new iPhone is announced, with prices for the most recent model dropping by as much as $100.

But if the changes are considered more modest, as they were when the iPhone 6s replaced the 6, prices likely will drop more slowly through the holidays, Gazelle gadget expert Amy Rice said in an email.

Recently, several buyback websites offered between about $230 and $380 for a 64-gigabyte iPhone 6s in good condition on the AT&T network.

Demand for iPhones has slowed in recent months, and some analysts have pointed to signs customers are waiting longer before buying the latest model.

According to a May report from BMO Capital Markets, the share of iPhones in use that are more than two years old has never been higher. But analysts said they see that as a reason to expect strong sales of the iPhone 7.

All those aging devices could mean more consumers will be ready to upgrade even without a new must-have feature, the BMO Capital Markets analysts said.

But a few years of incremental updates also could be encouraging customers to settle for an iPhone that’s new to them, but not the newest.

New iPhone launches always have prompted a rush of people looking to sell older models, but in recent years Glyde also has seen spikes in buyers trying to score a deal on older models, Reardon said. Last year, used iPhone 6 and 6 Plus purchases jumped 300 percent in September and October — after the launch of the 6s and

HigH TecH counTry Living!

4205 Valley Canyon Ranch Road, Molt, MT Travis Dimond • (406) 927-8724 Travis@floberg.com

An independently owned and operated member of BHH Affiliates, LLC

6s Plus — compared with July and August, he said.

More Americans say they intend to purchase a smartphone in the next three months than last August, according to an annual survey from investment bank Baird predicting “solid” demand for the new iPhone. But among prospective iPhone buyers, 58 percent plan to get the newest model, down from more than 70 percent in the weeks leading up to the 2015 launch of the iPhone 6S and the 2014 launch of the iPhone 6.

About 42 percent plan to buy an older model, up from about 29 percent before the launch of the iPhone 6s last year, according to Baird’s survey.

“If you don’t have to have the brand-new phone, the latest and greatest, see if you can go a generation behind right after the launch because that will really save you a lot of money,” Reardon said.

DARNIELLE INSURANCE AGENCY

Ask Us Your Insurance Questions Online

Regardless of which iPhone you’re buying, Rice said customers should be careful to backup, then erase all data and turn off the “Find My iPhone” feature before reselling.

In addition to buyback websites like Gazelle, NextWorth and uSell, or marketplaces such as Glyde, eBay and Craigslist, some retailers let users sell or trade in used devices, including Amazon, Apple, Best Buy, Target, Wal-Mart and some wireless carriers.

It’s also important to check policies around when you need to ship a device that sells, since new iPhones aren’t expected to be available for sale until midSeptember. Some websites let sellers lock in a price and wait until they’re likely to receive a new phone before selling in the old one, but in marketplaces where users sell directly to customers, your old device could sell before its replacement arrives.

1320 28th Street West Billings, MT 59101 call us: (406) 652-4180 visit us online: darnielle.com

Managing your Insurance Moves The Independent Contractor – Addressed Again??

Buying Workers’ Compensation Insurance Condominium Association Insurance Transportation Network Companies – TNC’s By guest blogger Dennis P. Gambill, Insurance Litigation Consultant.

Read More at darnielle.com October 2016

13

New owners of Curves fitness center

keep their members

Stephanie Tombre started going to Curves, a women-only fitness center, soon after giving birth to her second child.

Those regular workouts helped improve her fitness over the past two years. But when Tombre learned that owner Natalie Lechner was thinking about selling the business, she and her husband, Cole, became interested.

After they came to an agreement with Lechner, the Tombres found themselves immersed in a six-week training program designed for new Curves franchisees. Some of the orientation involved taking classes online. But they also traveled to San Diego for extensive hands-on training that covered a variety of topics.

“You have to learn everything: from marketing and the business side to how to coach,” Tombre said.

The Tombres took over the Billings Curves, 1238 Central Ave. No.1, in late July and so far they have been enjoying the adventure of running a fitness business.

During a recent training session, Cole led a group of women through various stations. “Just pretend you’re punching me,” he said humorously, while leading the group in an exercise that simulates punching.

The center’s membership is growing, and a handful of members have signed up for Curves Complete, a program designed to help members lose weight by emphasizing meal planning and lifestyle changes.

Curves was founded by Gary and Diane Heavin, who aimed for a different demographic than what was drawn to traditional fitness centers. After its launch in the early 1990s Curves expanded across the U.S. and overseas, and for a time was among the fastest growing

14

October 2016

MOVING

Stephanie and Cole Tombre are the new owners of Curves at 1238 Central Ave.

franchises in the world with more than 10,000 locations by 2006.

But the company’s growth stalled, and hundreds of gyms closed in the wake of the recession. The company is now under new ownership, and the Tombres are confident that the new owners will help their franchisees prosper.

During breast cancer awareness month in October, Curves is offering discounted initiation fees, which will be donated to breast

cancer research.

The Tombres have embraced the Curves approach to fitness, which specializes in 30-minute workouts that include a combination of cardiovascular exercise and resistance training, using machines that use hydraulic pistons and springs for providing tension.

“I’ve been going there for about a month and a half and I feel better already,” said Linda, a Curves member who requested that her last

CASEY PAGE, Gazette Staff

name not be used. “I have osteoarthritis, but since I’ve been going to Facts on gym membership Curves, it has really helped.

Annual gym and health club “Cole and Stephanie are really revenue: $21.8 billion great coaches. They encourage us Average number of gym visits and push us to do our best all the per member: 2 time,” she said.

Number of U.S. gyms and health Tombre said her customers clubs: 30,500 come from all age groups and they Source: Statistic Brain have different reasons for joining a women-only fitness club. “They like the workout equipment because it’s cializing,” she said. “It builds a great safe, and they also like the idea of so- relationship for a lot of women.”

Building boom is driving the economy through much of the nation

By TIM HENDERSON Stateline.org (TNS) Nearly a decade after the Great Recession stalled construction nationwide, the industry is roaring back: In 43 states, construction is now contributing more to the economy than it did in 2010, creating a demand for skilled workers and transforming skylines from Boston to Oklahoma City.

Overall, the construction industry’s impact on U.S. gross domestic product has grown by more than 21 percent since its low point in 2011, according to a Stateline analysis of inflation-adjusted data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

This year, construction’s contribution to the U.S. economy soared above $650 billion for the first time since 2008.

The only states that haven’t experienced construction-related economic growth since 2010 are Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Maine, Mississippi, New Mexico and Wyoming.

In Yellowstone County, building continues at a brisk pace with new development in Shiloh Crossing.

Recently developers also announced plans for a giant multiuse development downtown.

Three of the seven states — Alaska, New Mexico and Wyoming — have economies that are closely tied to slumping energy markets, and Alabama, Alaska, Maine, Mississippi and New Mexico have experienced slow population growth.

“Population growth accounts for a great deal of construction work,” said Alex Carrick, chief economist for ConstructConnect, an organization of con

Construction continues on the Ben Steele Middle School and the houses being built in the surrounding area in July.

struction professionals.

Arizona has had relatively robust population growth and it isn’t heavily reliant on energy, but it has been hampered by the Phoenix housing market, which more than other cities was overbuilt in the housing bubble, Carrick said.

About 6.7 million people were employed in construction in July, up from a low of 5.4 million in January 2011.

In 2006, at the peak of the last housing boom, the industry employed 7.7 million people.

To a large extent, the surge reflects pent-up demand, according to Kim Kennedy, manager of forecasting for Dodge Data & Analytics, which studies the construction industry in North America.

In 2010 and 2011, in the aftermath of the recession,

there were fewer apartments and other buildings constructed than at any other time since the late 1960s, Kennedy said.

“The industry is still struggling to regain what it lost and after five years of expansion, still hasn’t made it back,” Kennedy said.

Millennials — who were born starting in 1982 and often have a taste for city life and are willing to move

in search of work — have helped fuel a boom in apartment construction, especially in Colorado and on the West Coast.

Cheap natural gas is spurring the construction of fertilizer plants in the Midwest, and numerous data centers are going up in Nevada and California, said Brian Turmail of the Associated General Contractors of America, or AGC.

TAILYR IRVINE,Gazette Staff

Recession-delayed work on roads, bridges and other infrastructure also is fueling the increase, he said.

As the building of new housing, offices and roads continues apace, many construction firms are struggling to find enough workers, especially skilled workers such as carpenters and electricians.

Please see Building, Page 16

October 2016

15

Building From 15

In a 2015 survey by the AGC, 86 percent of respondents reported having trouble filling available positions, up from 81 percent in 2013.

“Carpenters, sheet metal installers, concrete workers, project managers and supervisors are particularly hard to find,” the survey found. “Every part of the country is experiencing construction worker shortages, but the most severe shortages are in the Midwest.”

California firms also face serious workforce challenges, according to Ed Coghlan of the California

Economic Summit.

“Hundreds of thousands of California construction jobs evaporated during the Great Recession and people left the business,” Coghlan said. “Folks either started doing others things or moved out of California.”

The construction boom offers opportunities for the 30,000 energy workers displaced by the sharp decline in oil and gas prices since December 2014. But many will require additional training for the construction jobs that are available, according to Tyson Conrad, a Florida consultant who recruits electricians for builders.

“You’re not going to learn these trades over-

night — there are four-year apprenticeships,” Conrad said. “But it’s true that construction is a place where a guy doesn’t have to go to college to make a six-figure income.”

Some builders are calling for states to create or expand vocational training programs as a way to produce more skilled construction workers, many of whom retired or moved on to other professions when the industry shed more than 2.2 million jobs between 2007 and 2011.

In a 2015 report, the AGC complained that the national decline in manufacturing has prompted many high schools to de-emphasize the trades in favor of college preparation.

“The consequence has been the overwhelming impression among youths, their parents and teachers that career and technical education is unacceptable, despite the fact that construction jobs often pay better than many post-college options,” the organization argued while calling for more vocational education.

Construction has been one of the few bright spots for states such as Oklahoma and Iowa, where steep decreases in oil and grain prices have hampered the overall economy.

Oklahoma City is having its biggest year for downtown construction since 1930, said Steve Lackmeyer, the author of five books

about the history of the city.

The new construction, which includes apartments and a proposed convention center, helped boost construction-related employment by 7.7 percent since last year, the largest increase of any economic sector.

Iowa raised “road use taxes” on gas and car registrations last year, allowing long-delayed road construction to start statewide.

In addition, a 2008 increase in the statewide sales tax is providing $1.5 billion annually for school construction and repair, said David Swenson, an economist at Iowa State University.

Even though two-thirds of Iowa counties are losing population, cities like

Des Moines, Iowa City and Ames are seeing strong demand for new housing, Swenson said.

Fertilizer plants fueled by natural gas also are under construction, as are wind farms and ethanol plants.

On the other side of the country in Boston, “one of the three biggest building booms in the city’s history” is underway, according to Nick Martin of the Boston Redevelopment Authority.

Martin said the $6 billion in development his agency has approved this year is comparable to the boom of the 1970s and the giant landfill project that created the city’s famous Back Bay neighborhood in the 19th century.

Sign up for The Gazette in your e-mail at

billingsgazette.com

2016 is the year to MEET!

Meetings and events from 2 to 200.

Flexible space and fantastic food and beverage options.

• Complete meeting packages • Complimentary WiFi / Business Center, • Full service Audio / Visual equipment • Eight miles from Billings Logan International Airport • Group room discounts Please contact us by email bilbm-salesadm@hilton.com or call 406-655-8800.

Hilton Garden Inn Billings 2465 Grant Road, Billings, MT 59102 406-655-8800 • 1-877-STAY-HGI www.billings.hgi.com

16

October 2016

IT’S BETTER AT THE GARDEN

©2016 HILTON WORLDWIDE

Ask us About our speciAl pricing for businesses.

s r o t iDocsion Mis all damaged

air s to rep mart Phone

-S - PC’s s - Mac s let les - Tab onso C e - Gam

www.idoctormt.com

406.206.3437 HEIGHTS 406.534.2547 WEST End

serving West end 960 s. 24th st W, suite b

Heights 315 Main st, suite 200

SALESmoves

Sales Moves: Sales isn’t about knowing; it’s about doing

By JEFFREY GITOMER

Thought conversion is also the single most difficult aspect of the entire selling process.

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

Salespeople already know everything — the problem is — they just don’t do it.

And sales is not about “knowing.” Sales is all about “doing.”

I was speaking with a friend of mine yesterday. He said he saw Jim Rohn’s seminar ten years ago, and still listens to all his recordings.

As we talked, he was telling me that he just bought his wife a new car. They were arguing about how much they should spend — his wife wanted a better car — the cost of the car caused a big fight, but my friend reluctantly gave in and bought the more expensive car. But the begrudging, arguing and stomping-around continued.

Now, I’m sure my friend listened to the Jim Rohn story of how to spend money and make it a winning situation.

Remember when Jim’s friend threw money at his kids after an argument about wanting money to buy tickets and go to a concert — then Jim proactively went out and bought his daughters front row concert tickets — before they asked. Both dads spent the money, but the results were miles apart.

My friend had heard the spending money lesson three times — but failed to put it into practice in his own life — the one place where it counted most.

In your personal development — it’s not just important to listen and learn — it’s more important to do. To take action on what you have

listened to and learned.

In sales, “thought conversion” is critical: converting the lessons you hear, the things you observe, and the things you know and believe to be true, into positive action.

Thought conversion is also the single most difficult aspect of the entire selling process. Luckily (for you), the secret of thought conversion is integrated into every aspect of and element of this lesson.

Starting here…

6.5 keys to convert listening and knowing to doing 1. As you take notes in a seminar, listen to a recording, or watch a video — write down the key points that you want to act on. Taking notes ensures memory and affirms the belief that what you heard is worthy of taking action.

SUCCESS KEY: instead of saying I know that, ask yourself, “How good am I at that?” This provides you an immediate picture of your present capabilities in what may be a crucial area of your sales success.

2. Post those proposed actions on your bathroom mirror (Post-it notes) to remind yourself every morning. Read them aloud twice daily as you look at them and smile.

3. Write an index card with the prime actions you need to take daily, and put it near your money and your credit cards — so every time you spend — you’ll have a reminder of how to earn more.

4. Visualize the change or accomplishment. The more

Goodshoot

you see it in your minds eye, the clearer your plans become, and the easier it is to create accomplishment.

5. Talk to others about what you want to accomplish. This affirms what you want to do, and clarifies your thinking. It makes action conversion easier and more natural.

CAUTION: Some people will try to disagree or dissuade you from taking action. Always consider the

source before becoming discouraged.

6. Take small daily actions. Achievement actions.

Incorporate actions right away. and 6.5 Feel great about “doing.” Tell yourself that you feel proud of the accomplishments. Tell yourself you did it, you deserve it, and you’re great.

Take lessons from people you know and trust. Make

certain their philosophy is in harmony with yours.

Make certain they teach social selling as well as face to face. Commit yourself to the lessons, and the success will follow.

Jim Rohn, or any professional trainer, educator or speaker — is only as impactful as the action you take to improve yourself once they impart their information.

Excuse me for now, I’m going to take a lesson.

October 2016

17

STRATEGIESfor success

Strategies for Success: Active listening is a key to making the sale

By JOE MICHELS

Let them do the bulk of the talking and listen, really listen to what they have to say.

JOE MICHELS, PH.D., P.E., C.P.I., IS PRINCIPAL OF SOLOMON BRUCE CONSULTING LLC. CONTACT HIM AT 406-672-6387 OR AT SOLOMONBRUCE.COM.

18

October 2016

In business, we often hear that nothing happens until a sale is made. Simple, at first blush. But, how exactly does one “make a sale?”

I believe there are three key components that create an opportunity to make a sale — each and every time.

Of course, the customer has to have a need for the product or service that you provide or an interest in the product or service. So assuming that a prospective client has the need or at least an interest, here are the three factors that can, I promise, turn into a sale.

1. A Sincere, Warm Smile Nothing can catalyze an interpersonal relationship with another human being like a warm, sincere, friendly smile. Smile at an individual, any individual, and watch the result. Most individuals do NOT expect that you will smile at them. If you do, most times, they will smile back.

When someone who is not expecting a smile receives one from you, he/she probably wonders why. Is it just human nature? Whatever it is, everyone likes (consciously or unconsciously) to be on the receiving end of a genuine, warm smile. Try it; you will not be disappointed!

Smiling is the first key to establishing rapport with a prospective customer.

2. A Sincere, Firm Handshake After you have initiated a sincere, warm smile, provide a firm handshake. No, not a bone crushing test of your strength, but a nice handshake that says, “Welcome.”

I am glad that we can visit for

a few minutes.” What this tells the prospective client is that you are real, sincere and interested in listening to them describe their life, challenge or product need.

Whatever the circumstances, each of us has product needs that we are trying to address. It may be that no one has ever offered a way to address that need, but it’s still there. Sometimes, needs are such that we may not know exactly what it is that we need. But we do know that something is not right, and we need some help.

The handshake indicates willingness to help.

3. Sincere, Attentive Listening If you’ve done a good job with your smile and handshake, you’ve set the stage to listen to the other individual describe his or her “pain point(s)” that surely illustrate a need. With the rapport you created, you’ve granted them permission to talk, to share their thoughts.

Let them do the bulk of the talking and listen, really listen to what they have to say.

Something I learned many years ago while on active duty in the Air Force was to learn five simple factors about each of the folks who worked for me. I had to work at it, actually, but, with practice, I was soon able to cite five facts about each individual. When you are trying to sell something, you must first listen so you can identify needs. He or she may take the conversation in a wide variety of different directions. But you’ve fulfilled a need by just opening your ears to them: Most people really want someone

BananaStock

to talk to.

Through active listening, by the end of the conversation you will have gained enough insight (business intelligence) to uncover those pain points in the prospective client and how you can help relieve them. So now you are able to identify if you can help. It will become clear how you can help, what product or service you might provide that is of benefit, what the cost would be and when you could begin to provide the service or deliver the product.

In many Middle Eastern and Asian countries, such a listening process may take more than one or two meet-

ings. In some cultures, it is very important to get to know the individual with whom you may do business. Hence, you have to go slowly as you begin and wait a bit to talk business.

You may not get a sale opportunity during your first conversation. In fact, it may take several before the client is ready.

For many, this is hardest part of this process — the listening phase. Most people want to hear the tone and melody of their own voice, not listen to another person’s voice. So remember, let the other person do the talking.

Through careful listening, you will divine the need that

is present.

So there you are. Three components to take you to your unique opportunity to close the sale. You’ll note that all three have an important adjective attached: Sincere. None of this works unless the smile is genuine, your handshake means well and you truly listen and are interested.

Give it a try. Take your time. And remember: Sincere smile, firm handshake and listen. Your patience will be rewarded as you reap the culmination of this natural sales cycle, which is that opportunity to ask for the sale.

Trust me: Results will appear!

After emissions scandal, Volkswagen hopes new SUV model will help revive sales CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) — Volkswagen’s new SUV comes with a feature that automatically controls braking to each wheel as the seven-seater descends on slippery off-road terrain. The German automaker is staking its hopes on the new model being just as adept at arresting the company’s sales woes in the United States.

The midsized SUV was seen as key to reviving flagging U.S. sales even before the Volkswagen’s diesel emissions cheating scandal rocked the company to its core and caused one of the world’s largest automakers to reassess how it does business around the globe.

The new SUV is scheduled to begin production at Volkswagen’s lone U.S. plant in Tennessee toward the end of this year, with the yet-to-be-named vehicle arriving in dealer show rooms early in 2017.

Volkswagen sales through the first seven months of the year were down by 13 percent compared with the same period before the news

of the emissions scandal broke in 2015. The Tiguan compact SUV has been one of the company’s few bright spots in the U.S., with sales growing by 49 percent over the same period.

The company hopes to build on that success with the new midsized SUV. Following a test drive of a camouflaged prototype of the new vehicle, Matthias Erb, the chief engineering officer for Volkswagen’s North American region, said the new SUV fills a gap that Volkswagen had when it came to growing families.

“If someone already had a Passat but wanted something bigger after having two kids, we didn’t have anything to offer them,” Erb said in an interview with The Associated Press, conducted in German. “The Tiguan was too small because a compact SUV offers essentially the same space as a midsized sedan.”

According to Autodata Corp., midsize SUV sales were up 4.5

percent in the U.S. through July.

That’s more than 3 times the total industry increase of 1.3 percent, so this is an extremely popular segment. The biggest seller is the Ford Explorer, with more than 148,000 sold through July, up 1.7 percent from the January-July period a year ago.

Volkswagen’s SUV is coming at a good time for the company — provided it is priced competitively, said Rebecca Lindland, a senior analyst for Kelley Blue Book.

“They’re coming into a segment that already has a lot of eyeballs on it and a lot of interest in it,” she said.

Challenges will include changing perceptions among consumers accustomed to thinking of Volkswagen as selling compact sedans, and to try to ensure the SUV fits U.S. tastes by fostering a culture of being “listeners rather than tellers,” Lindland said. That way the company can develop an understanding of “what the U.S. market needs versus what other markets

Make the connection connect to the world while you save time, travel, and money.

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

What’s your vision? www.vision.net | 1-866-334-8638 | sales@vision.net

need around the world — however illogical or emotional it may seem.”

Volkswagen officials also promise that the new model will be priced competitively with existing SUVs, a segment of the market where Volkswagen has struggled in the past. The company is also keen to avoid repeating mistakes it made with the U.S. version of the Passat, which made an initial splash but then fizzled as the buyers were left underwhelmed compared with the European version.

“With the Passat we saved money on areas that the customer sees and notices. And you can’t do that,” Erb said. “You can ruin the entire party with the final 3 percent of the vehicle.”

The company has since decided to add a new engineering center near the plant to better adapt to local tastes.

“For example, our instrument cluster is very conservative. Germans think it’s great, but Americans think it’s boring,” Erb said.

“And that goes through the entire car.”

But those changes will be limited to the interior and exterior of vehicles, because Volkswagen builds a shared construction platform for vehicles around the world, and it isn’t going to be able to develop chasses and engines specifically for the U.S. market. Erb said that’s hard to overcome, in part because U.S. customers don’t need vehicles that can hold their own on the Autobahn.

“Our cars are always laid out for top speed — including the B-SUV, which can be driven at speeds that would guarantee landing you in jail here without running the risk of exceeding its limits,” Erb said.

The additional development and production costs to meet these standards are often something U.S. consumers are less interested in having passed on to them than their German counterparts who might regularly drive faster than 125 mph.

Self-funded Employers…

Looking for a true partnership in providing healthcare and a strategy that puts skin in the game for all involved?

The Northern Rockies Healthcare Alliance offers Montana’s first commercial Accountable Care Organization made up of quality partners across the state and includes: • St. Vincent Healthcare – Billings, MT • Yellowstone Surgery Center – Billings, MT • Holy Rosary Healthcare – Miles City, MT • St. James Healthcare – Butte, MT • Central Montana Medical Center – Lewistown, MT • St. Patrick Hospital – Missoula, MT • Providence St. Joseph – Polson, MT NRHA is poised to change the paradigm for healthcare delivery and its payment structure across Montana. This long term solution offers a value based approach to providing quality healthcare with focus on population health management, coordinated care, patient navigation, and engagement which results in a higher level of care that is cost effective.

NRHA works with brokers, third party administrators, and health plans across Montana. Healthcare can be affordable, predictable, and transparent through the NRHA model.

Visit www.nrha.info or call 406-237-5631 October 2016

19

call the experts call the

best

your marketplace for local professionals.

Roofing Fascia Soffits Commercial & Residential

MAKE YOUR HOUSE HAPPY & HEALTHY WITH CLEAN CARPETS & AIR DUCTS Air Duct cleAning SpeciAl $399 for up to 15 openingS Some restrictions apply. not sold with any other offers.

Licensed Bonded Insured Registered www.kirknessroofing.com

moore lane

Call Today for Air Duct & Carpet Specials!

Since 1978

-Since 1963

252-6952

www.steristeam.com

Advanced Employment Services 2115 Broadwater • Billings, MT 59102 652-8808

locally owned & Operated Do you need an employee for a day or forever?

LUMBER CO.

• We cover all Workers Compensation, Payroll plus Payroll taxes and Unemployment • We work with all types of companies including roofing

roofing • siding • windows • doors

LocaLLy owned • deLiveRy avaiLabLe • M-F 7-5:30

www.zentzlumberbillings.com

2775 Roundup Rd. • 252-4810

TRUST The Water Experts!

Check out this month’s special at www.AmericanWaterTechnologies.net

www.advanced-employment.com What would be possible if you had the tools you needed to achieve your goals and people around you who refused to let you fail?

Join the Mastermind Group, Yellowstone Business Forum, and grow your business like never before. A powerful combination of education, accountability, peer brainstorming and the support of driven business owners and executives like yourself.

If you are interested in joining or want to find out more information go to www.beartoothbiz.com/mastermind or contact:

134 Regal st. Billings • 406.252.4161 serving the Billings area since 1941 Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Contractors Commercial – Industrial Institutional Systems Custom Metal Fabricators

2041 Harnish Blvd.

PO Box 30776 Billings, Montana 20

October 2016

Phone: 248-1757 • Fax: 248-6320 Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association – SMACNA

Erika Willis

Erika Willis, President of Willis & Associates p-406-670-8656, Erika@erikawillisassociates.com

Mike Booth, President of Beartooth Business Consulting p-406-690-5988, e-mike@beartoothbiz.com

This could be your

Mike Booth

business

Place your business card here

and get noticed!

Call 406.657.1200

and be in the next issue of Billings Business

LEGALbriefing

Yes, non-competition restrictions can be enforced

Non-competes have to be carefully drafted, tailored to the individual situation, and meet all of the judicial requirements.

Eric Nord is an attorney with Crist, Krogh & Nord, LLC. Contact him at 406-2550400.

There is a widely held belief in the business community that Montana courts will never enforce non-competition provisions or restrictions. This is not true. While these “non-competes,” as they are sometimes called, are strongly disfavored, they are enforceable if they meet certain requirements. As the Supreme Court recently stated in the case of Junkermier, Clark, Campanella, Stevens, P.C. v. Alborn, Uithoven, Riekenberg, P.C., 2016 MT 218, these restrictive covenants have to meet the following requirements in order to be enforceable: 1) The covenant should be limited in operation either as to time (temporal proximity) or place (geographical proximity); 2) the covenant should be based on some good consideration; and 3) the covenant should afford a reasonable protection for and not impose an unreasonable burden upon the employer, the employee or the public.

With respect to the first requirement, if the covenant is limited to the county where the person worked and those counties adjacent to it, it will likely meet the geographical proximity test. On the other hand, a non-compete that restricts someone from working in all states west of the Mississippi River will likely be held unenforceable. As for temporal proximity, there

Siri Stafford

is no hard and fast test but, typically, anything under two years from the date of termination of the working relationship will likely be upheld.

As for the second factor, the term “consideration” usually means money, but it can also be a job promotion (even without an increase in pay) or other benefit to the worker. One of the key factors for this requirement is that the consideration be given

in close proximity to the execution of the noncompete. If an employer gives a worker a raise on Sept. 1 and then asks the employee to sign a noncompete on Oct. 1, a court will probably determine that no consideration was given for the non-compete because it was not presented at the time the raise was given. On the other hand, if the non-compete is given at the same time as the annual review of the

worker and when the raise is given, it will probably meet the consideration requirement.

The last requirement is the most difficult to explain because it requires the application of intangible factors. For example, if a grocery store requires a bagger to sign a noncompete that he or she will not bag groceries for a competing grocery store for two years in all of Yellowstone County and the

adjacent counties— is that reasonable? A court would probably say that it is not.

On the other hand, such a non-compete for a bank president would likely be upheld.

In conclusion, noncompetes have to be carefully drafted, tailored to the individual situation, and meet all of the judicial requirements noted above.

If they are, then the courts of Montana would uphold them.

October 2016

21

an.

BETTERbusiness

Better Business: Not even NSA, presidential candidates immune from cyber attacks

Consumers are carrying less cash, writing fewer checks, and even our businessto-business transactions are being handled online.

Dan Buchta of Missoula is marketplace director for Better Business Bureau Northwest. Contact him at dan.buchta@thebbb.org

22

October 2016

October is Cyber Security Month and I’m seeing the same words in news headlines on a much too frequent basis: hacked, cyber-attack, data breach, etc. Who got hacked today? Recent activity seems to prove that no business or people are immune to a cyber-attack. Not even the NSA, our presidential candidates, large hotel chains, or big box stores that process thousands of credit card transactions a day.

Not a week goes by without someone remarking about how dependent we have become on our technology. Consumers are carrying less cash, writing fewer checks, and even our business to business transactions are being handled online. At times, I get a little nostalgic as I wish for more transactions to be handled person to person and less person to computer. After all, wouldn’t there be fewer security breaches if we still had good honest people handling everything rather than hackable computers? With how heavily we rely on our technology, it is imperative that each organization has a person who is accountable for and in charge of protecting your business’s data. But it absolutely cannot all fall on one person’s lap.

Is cyber security part of my job? Over the years, I have worn many hats for the companies I’ve worked for, but never the IT hat. That can’t be my job because I’m intimidated by my PC.

I’m always the guy calling for help when my PC stops talking to the printer. It has been easy for me to shrug off any responsibility for cyber security. After all, cyber security is strictly a computer problem, right? Well, the answer is not as black and white as you might think.

Now, in my role as Montana Marketplace Director for the Better Business Bureau, I spend some of my time making presentations on cyber security and the steps businesses can take to protect themselves. My training on the subject is a result of a collaborative effort between the Better Business Bureau and the National Cyber Security Alliance. So, now cyber security is very much a part of my job.

According to a Verizon 2015 Data Breach Investigations Report, 55 percent of data breaches are caused by human error or, more specifically, privilege abuse with technology in the workplace. Another way to look at that fact is that the majority of data breaches fall into two categories: 1) unintentional human error a result of “short cut” steps taken by an employee who was given administrative privileges that he or she should not have been given, or 2) An intentional breach by an employee who will use the stolen data for financial gain via sale of the information or personal use.

This shows that everyone in an organization needs

October is Cyber Security Month. Take steps to keep from being hacked.

to be active in the pursuit of cyber security. Nostalgic feelings aside, computers aren’t committing these security breaches, people are. I think it is also worth noting that, no matter what the size of your business, everyone needs to be trained and aware of how the different types of cyber security breaches occur and what each individual’s role is in preventing them.

If your organization does not have a plan and a policy for cyber security, I encourage you to take the first step at your next staff meeting and put this critical topic on your agenda. If you don’t know where to start, contact the Better Business Bureau for information and

a list of resources. We can also walk you through our five steps to better business cyber security: Identify: Take inventory of key technologies you use and know what information you need to rebuild your infrastructure from scratch.

Inventory the key data you use and store, and keep track of likely threats.

Protect: Assess what protective measures you need to have in place to be prepared for a cyber incident. Put protective policies in place for technologies, data and users, and ensure contracts with cloud and other technology service providers include the same protections.

Comstock

Detect: Put measures in place to inform you of current or imminent threats to system integrity, or loss or compromise of data. Monitor disk health and utilization and network errors. Train users to speedily report threats or incidents.

Respond: Know what you need to do to contain an attack or incident, and maintain business operations in the short term.

Recover: Know what you need to do to return to normal business operations after an incident.

Be sure your Recovery Plan protects sensitive data, and your business reputation, over the long term.

Big demand for digital strategists helps boost advertising agencies

By PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER PHILADELPHIA — The employees that advertising agencies want most don’t exist.

Employers want digital strategists with 10 to 12 years’ experience, “but they aren’t going to find anyone, because the field hasn’t been around that long,” said advertising recruiter Ginger Kochmer.

“There’s a shortage of good talent,” said Kochmer, who leads the Creative Group in Philadelphia, a specialty recruiting agency within Robert Half International, the worldwide human resource consulting firm.

When it comes to employment trends, specialty recruiters such as Kochmer and Brian Raffle, who opened a Philadelphia advertising practice for Haley Stuart Group, are on the front lines of what is in demand in their sectors.

In the U.S., 499,900 people worked in advertising in July, the Labor

reported.

Department Payrolls are expanding, with 15,200 jobs added in the last year.

In Philadelphia, jobs are paying above national averages, according to a report by the Creative Group. The report points out three emerging job titles — a creative technologist able to make fast prototypes, a customerexperience designer for online, and a marketingautomation manager, who analyzes lead generation, nurturing and scoring.

“A lot of clients are looking in the overlap between IT development and what the creatives are doing on the creative side,” Raffle said.

Here’s how it works: Imagine a website or mobile app, with products and colors and logos, videos, interactive components, and ways to buy or chat and comment. All that needs to be designed so it looks good, fits the brand image, and reflects the marketing strategy of promotions, television

The ability to work with data can help people land jobs in advertising, even if they lack degrees in advertising, marketing or communications, Raffle said. spots, product selection and price.

Plus, the components need to work together, so that it makes sense to click from page to page, via mobile or laptop.

Obviously, all the hidden coding that makes everything click needs to work and, at the same time, capture customer data and generate leads that can inform the design, the brand, the pricing and even the product mix.

Managing and understanding all that is the responsibility of a digital strategist and that job, Kochmer said, commands a minimum of $120,000 in the Philadelphia market.

Reporting to that person would be those with

expertise in “user experience,” or “user interface” — the nuts and bolts of how someone uses a web or mobile site. Is it clunky? Is it annoying? Is it intuitive?

Experts in this, Kochmer said, could earn $49,000 to start and up to $184,250 for a director’s post.

“There’s a zero percent unemployment rate in user experience,” Kochmer said.

Raffle said that while a handful of art schools are beginning to teach courses on “user experience,” most people learn the discipline on the job as a refinement on web or digital design — two majors that are available in art schools.

“You don’t come out of college and get a user ex-

perience job,” he said.

Employers are also looking for content strategists, Kochmer said. They “make sure there is compelling content, whether it be on web content, e-books, slide decks for pharmaceutical sales, and making sure it is very concise,” she said.

“The website home page is dead,” she said.

“What matters is what you read on your Twitter feed and what’s on Facebook.”

As important as the digital side is, agencies “can’t find enough good copywriters,” Raffle said.

Of course, the definition of a good copywriter also includes knowing search engine optimization, he said.

A junior copywriter can earn $45,000 while a creative director of copy can get $160,000, Raffle said.

The ability to work with data can help people land jobs in advertising, even if they lack degrees in advertising, marketing or communications, Raffle said.

“We’re seeing folks with psychology degrees

with data analytics,” he said. The psychologists help agencies run focus groups that measure effectiveness of web designs.

What’s not in demand, both agreed, are advertising jobs focused squarely on print. For example, print designers, preprint color specialists and print production managers would have a harder time getting hired.

Both Kochmer and Raffle said that sign-up bonuses are common and that most new hires expect a sizable annual bonus — as much as 30 percent to 40 percent — based on performance.

Perks also matter, particularly to millennial workers, Raffle said.

“They want to be able to work remotely. They want to wear jeans and T-shirts to work.” Flexibility in terms of work hours and time off also matters.

Company-funded activities, such as regular happy hours or yoga classes, are a draw too, he said.

What’s not in demand, both agreed, are advertising jobs focused squarely on print. For example, print designers, preprint color specialists and print production managers would have a harder time getting hired.

Montana Breathes a little easier thanks to the Clean Indoor Air Act.

WE CARE. Downtown Chapel 925 S. 27th Street Billings • 245-6427

WE LISTEN.

West Chapel

304 34th St. West Billings • 245-6427

WE HELP.

Smith Chapels

Laurel & Columbus 628-6858

All enclosed public places and workplaces are required to be smokefree and businesses are required to prominently place smokefree signs on all public entrances.

Olcott Chapel Red Lodge 446-1121

October 2016

23

It’s more than

just a loan.

It’s lending you can trust. From a partner who really understands—because we live here too.

It’s you and

firstinterstate.com

24

October 2016

together.

special advertising section

October 2016

25

special advertising section

Rustic Nail Bar & Day Spa NOT YOUR AVERAGE SPA EXPERIENCE

By Tiffini GallanT Photos By BoB Zellar

The Rustic Nail Bar and Day Spa occupies prime corner space at Shiloh Crossing.

Billings welcomes a new business to the growing West End. At 824 Shiloh Crossing Blvd.,The Rustic Nail Bar & Day Spa offers a unique place to kick back and relax.

The Rustic offers a full range of nail services.

26

October 2016

special advertising section

Owner Brandi Holstead kicks back with her staff of estheticians and nail technician to enjoy a mimosa in the pedicure porch swings.

Thank you Rustic Nail Bar & Day Spa for choosing White Gas, Electric & Wood Fireplaces, Inserts & Stoves Residential & New Construction (406) 248-2162 www.WhiteHVAC.com 1125 4th Ave. N. Billings, MT 59101

Ask about our cash & carry option!

October 2016

27

special advertising section

Congratulations to

The Rustic Nail Bar & Day Spa

A home away from home, The Rustic provides the ultimate pampering experience.

Don’t let the Texas accent fool you. Brandi Holstead knows just what Montana is all about.

Having moved here from the Dallas area, she brought her Southern charm with her to Billings. Holstead quickly recognized Montana has some charming characteristics of its own, and she’s put that realization to good use.

Modeled after her home state hangout, The Rustic Nail Bar & Day Spa is a place where city and country collide. You might recognize the exterior of the building, which once housed Montana Cycling and Ski, but it’s unlikely that you’ll recognize what Holstead has done with the interior. Originally green, red, yellow and burnt orange, the location has undergone a major makeover.

Now divided into sections, the spa occupies a massive-but-quaint 3,000-square-foot space.

Rustic furnishings embellish the already unique appearance of this nail bar and day spa. With exposed ceilings and a large, open storefront, the

28

October 2016

space is remarkably cozy.

Pedicure porch swings, farmhouse faucets and even a rocking chair invite guests to get comfortable and relax.

Holstead did her research to find the best spot for her business, including driving around Billings looking for the perfect place. Word-ofmouth spread quickly, and Brandi was directed to Shiloh Crossing.

“Everyone I knew or met said this area was upand-coming,” she said.

The advice prompted a May construction at the 824 Shiloh Crossing Blvd. location.

THE VISION

Holstead’s new love for Montana and desire to provide the ultimate pampering experience inspired her vision for The Rustic. And she had help making it come together. Enlisting goods and services from local businesses was her top priority.

“That was important to me; to keep all the money here,” Holstead said of her decision.

She challenged herself not to purchase anything online, and she succeeded.

Much of the ambiance can be attributed to the lighting. Rimrock Lighting provided chandeliers that sparkle against the high, open ceilings. Their hanging lights are 100 watts and add to the already vibrant light from the floorto-ceiling windows.

Fireplaces from White Heating & Air Conditioning create an inviting and comfortable atmosphere, adding a warmth as well as a mesmerizing glow.

White Heating & Air Conditioning manager Alex Villarreal describes them as a “must-have,” adding that the company was able to keep in line with the rustic look Holstead was working toward.

The bucolic elements used in creating the space meet the eye quicker than the innovative HVAC system hiding in plain sight.

Marked with simple, white vents that blend well with the rest of the design, this system is part of a high-tech requirement of salons and spas.

from your friends at

Brandi Holstead

Ryan Brajcich

Owner

Yellowstone Bank

Banks of Service since 1907

www.yellowstonebank.com

MEMBER FDIC

special advertising section

Above: As soon as you walk into The Rustic, it is obvious that you can expect a unique spa experience.

Below: Enlisting goods and services from local businesses, including reclaimed wood from Mystic Lumber, was owner Brandi Holstead’s top priority.

Rimrock Lighting chandeliers add a sparkle against The Rustic’s exposed ceilings.

Holstead turned to Mystic Lumber to find locally reclaimed wood for The Rustic.

The whitewash board she chose came from several local corrals.

“Brandi has vision,” said Mystic Lumber owner, Nick Creek.

After seeing much of their product go to other cities in Montana and Wyoming, Creek said that “it was nice to see it stay local for this business.”

After construction, Holstead continues to keep it local. Made-in-Montana products like Rock Creek Soaps and 504 Square Feet coffee mugs are available for purchase at The Rustic.

Holstead says it was great working with all of the subcontractors who assisted in making her vision a reality. The feeling is mutual, according to Creek.

“I wish her the best of luck. She’s in a great area, and she’s a great person. I don’t see how it won’t go great.”

THE RUSTIC EXPERIENCE

When you walk in the doors to The Rustic Nail Bar & Day Spa, you are not

going to receive an average spa experience.

Guests are provided with a luxurious robe and a warming neck wrap. They are invited to relax by the fireplace and be treated at their leisure.

Holstead reflected on her own spa experiences and desired something different for The Rustic. She wanted to create a space where people could come and hang out, relax. If a customer wants to have a seat and read, they can – she’s even provided the books.

The Rustic boasts all of the usual nail and spa services – manicures, pedicures, body treatments and wraps, facials and massages. Holstead has found a way to make these services her own. Soon, she expects to open a Vichy shower where guests can expect to receive body scrubs, or “smoothies,” in a wet room where steam and water ease them into relaxation.

Offering 10 percent off on your birthday, you will also receive a cupcake, complete with a candle, from Tea City Cupcakes to make you feel extra pampered on your special day.

This spa isn’t just for the ladies; men can enjoy themselves too. The Rustic offers a range of services that cater to male patrons, like “back-cials,” facials for the back. Guys can even enjoy the big game on the lobby TV while sipping on a craft brew they bring from home.

That’s right, The Rustic is BYOB. If your wedding party is looking for a place to destress before the big day, The

Rustic accommodates groups. Couples too.

Moms and daughters and even husbands and wives can enjoy a dual pedicure, and they’ll share a double swing.

The Rustic Nail Bar & Day Spa is currently open Monday through Saturday 9-7. To learn more about The Rustic, find them on Facebook and Instagram.

Congratulations

The Rusty Nail Bar & Day Spa

October 2016

29

special advertising section

Rebel River Creative DOWNTOWN’S NEWEST DESTINATION

By Tara Cady Photos By James WoodCoCk, rebel river CreaTive

Natural sunlight floods the interior of Rebel River Creative, creating a warm and inviting ambiance.

Downtown Billings serves as a muse for many. When Allyn Hulteng and Bob Tambo decided to start an advertising and marketing firm, the 2921 2nd Ave. N. location was an easy choice.

The pair transformed the old Cardwell Building into something that exudes relaxation, a natural home for their creative work.

Etched in glass behind the waterfall is Rebel River Creative’s tag line: Where Imagination Flows.

30

October 2016

special advertising section After years of working together and even more time spent in their respective fields, it made sense for marketing guru Allyn Hulteng and graphic designer Bob Tambo to join forces once again. From a mutual passion for creativity and promoting businesses, Rebel River Creative (RRC) was born.

The 2921 2nd Ave. N. downtown location used to bear Tambo’s name, Tambo Studio & Gallery, but his and Hulteng’s new business venture required the right spot for community and collaboration.

“We’re thrilled to be part of downtown,” said Hulteng. “It’s a great place to be.”

The building in which RRC sits used to be an auto showroom and garage, whose tin ceiling was covered by a dropped, or secondary, ceiling.

“Why anyone would want to cover a tin ceiling is beyond me,” Tambo said.

Hulteng and Tambo brought the structure’s original beauty back, and then some.

ALL IN THE FAMILY

When you walk into RRC, you’re not just walking into another storefront in downtown Billings; you’re walking into a space that has been delicately designed with inspiration and productivity in mind.

“We were wanting to create an environment that inspires creativity,” said Tambo.

The architect and contractor understood their vision perfectly, no doubt due to the fact that they were Hulteng’s very own daughter and husband, respectively.

Alex Faught, an architect-intraining at Collaborative Design Architects who specializes in interior design, designed the space.

“I burst into tears at seeing the rendering,” admitted Hulteng, whose vision was understood by daughter, Faught.

Hulteng’s husband Eric’s company, Hulteng Construction, led the construction, which began mid-May. “We let them (Faught and Eric Hulteng) run with it; they’re very

An eight-foot tall, five-foot wide glass waterfall brings a Zen element to the studio, visually and with the soft sound of a babbling brook. includes two gas fire pits.

talented,” added Tambo. “Hulteng’s been doing it for 25 years.”

Eric Hulteng explained that the construction process, though seamless, was handled differently than other projects he’s worked on in the past.

“It was a lot more verbal,” he said.

“Typically in construction, we have a very detailed set of plans. We didn’t (this time); we had a conceptual set of plans.”

Normally, contractors get involved after the architects, he explained.

“I got to be involved in (Allyn’s) entire thought process,” Eric said, noting that the construction occurred without hiccups because of their constant communication.

Faught agrees.

“The experience was really fun,” she said. “The three of us would work together over dinner and go over ideas, and work them out with Eric.”

Allyn Hulteng, Tambo and their RRC team of award-winning illustrators and photographers moved in July 5.

“You walk in and it’s exactly what we wanted,” Hulteng said.

“It’s what the three of us had imagined,” echoed Faught. “Relaxing and tranquil.”

Wrapped in glass on three sides, the conference room has state-of-the-art video and audio.

By design, there are no cubicles or offices. Instead, expansive workstations allow ample room to focus on individual projects, yet the open-style studio allows for instant collaboration.

October 2016

31

special advertising section

Alex Faught, an interior designer with Collaborative Design Architects and Allyn Hulteng’s daughter, created this rendering of Rebel River Creative prior to construction

INSPIRATIONAL INTERIOR

Upon entering, an overarching calm takes over, thanks to the river-like sounds echoing through the space.

A water feature built into a glass wall trickles water down into an arrangement of stones – an ingenious nod to the business’s name.

“Right around dusk, it lights really well from the street,” said Tambo.

“If you drive by at night, people just stare at it,” Hulteng added.

The waterfall was purposefully built with Zen in mind.

“It’s a place to gather, hang out, not look like an office,” said Tambo. “It exudes relaxation and creativity.”

Even at their desks, Hulteng and Tambo can hear the water trickling down.

“We did not want cubicles or offices,” explained Hulteng. “It’s about collaboration.”

From the open space that is the reception, waiting and office areas you can see and hear the waterfall, as well as

peer into the adjoining conference room, which shares the glass wall – and water feature – with the entrance.

“In larger cities, that’s where it’s at. It creates fluidity,” said Hulteng regarding the modern, industrial design.

Aside from the conference roomand reception/ office areas, there’s a small nook for intensive collaboration, two bathrooms and a break room space that also functions as another conference room.

Meetings in the back break room serve multiple purposes.

Congratulations

Rebel River

We celebrate what you celebrate, too.

Congratulations Rebel River Creative on your new location.

536 Moore Lane Billings, MT 59101

406.252.8990

32

October 2016

Commercial Glazing Contractor Aluminum Storefront & Doors Horton Automatic Doors AAADM Certified Steel Doors & Frames Marvin Windows Therma Tru Doors Glass & Glazing

When you live and work in a place you tend to share many of its hopes, dreams and goals. At PayneWest, we support the communities we serve and are proud to be Rebel River Creative’s insurance agency. (406) 238-1900 | PayneWest.com/Billings

special advertising section

The renovated studio exudes a rustic urban vibe, featuring an organic and earthy palette of stone, alabaster and North Sea green blended with steel, glass, ghost wood and rock.

“(Clients) were able to sit in back at the farm table and have a working dinner with china and crystal,” Hulteng explained of a recent meeting RRC hosted. “It was very relaxing for them.”

And that’s the whole point—relaxation.

It’s what RRC considers an environment for doing what they do best, supporting other businesses through advertising, marketing, visual arts and public relations, and what Faught considers “a first step in creating a unique area of downtown.”

CREATIVE CHARM

“If people can dream it up, then we can pretty much

The North Room features a large farm table and small kitchen. Staff and clients frequently meet over appetizers and meals, creating a relaxed atmosphere while collaborating on projects.

do it,” said Hulteng.

From marketing to web design to coaching businesses on how to look poised and polished for the big screen (and they do TV commercials, too), the end result for RRC’s clientele is brand development and business growth.

RRC might work with a local videographer, signage company or combination of the two to get a client what they want.

“We’re so privileged to work with amazing, phenomenal people,” Hulteng said, paying homage not only to the other creatives RRC works with, but the clientele she’s dedicated to.

The extended time spent with each client’s business

(local, regional, national or otherwise) creates a mutual understanding, easing collaboration on large projects like environmentals – a recreated exterior landscape for an interior space – and custom multi-page publications.

“We build relationships from clients to friends,” said Tambo.

“We have a diverse client base,” Hulteng added. “I relish the work.”

And it’s that artistic drive – evidenced by the construction -- that makes the daily creative work RRC does possible.

CREATIVE ENVIRONMENTS REQUIRE A CREATIVE CONTRACTOR

REBEL RIVER CREATIVE

SPECIALIZING IN • • • • • • •

COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION COMMERCIAL RENOVATION RETAIL SPACES WAREHOUSE FACILITIES OFFICE BUILDINGS INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES GROUND UP AND RENOVATION

2921 2ND AVE N. BILLINGS, MT

QUALITY. INTEGRITY.

— HULTENG INC.,

6417 TRADE CENTER AVENUE • BILLINGS, MT 406.655.1116 • HULTENGINC.COM

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

October 2016

33

Success Stories Recognizing People and Achievements

Oakland joins Stockman Bank

organization’s annual convention Aug. 9-12 in Savannah, Ga., Cremer was recognized Amy Oakland has joined for his bronze-level achieveStockman Bank as a consum- ment of 500 transactions er lender for the Billings King or $175,000 in total lifetime Avenue branch. Her responsi- membership sales, establishbilities include administering ing him as one of the top sales installment loans, lines of professionals for chambers in credit and home equity loan the nation. Cremer has been portfolios, along with assist- with the Billings Chamber ing clients with the financial since September 2014. His needs. accomplishments there Oakland brings over four include successfully increasyears of banking experience to ing membership investment, the position, which includes sponsorship and ad sales. personal banking, customer relations, new accounts and business development. She High Plains most recently served as a hires Schmidt personal banker for a regional Eric Schmidt has joined bank in Portland, Oregon. She High Plains Architects as an is a native of Billings and will architect-in-training. He also be involved in Stockman received a master’s degree in Bank related activities. architecture from the UniverOakland is located at 2700 sity of Oregon and is a LEED King Ave. W. Reach her at Green Associate and a Passive 655-3991.

House Institute U.S. Certified

Cremer earns Chamber honor

Kevin Cremer, business development manager at the Billings Chamber of Commerce, received an Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives National Sales Contest Award at the

34

October 2016

worked in wealth management where she traded stocks, bonds and mutual funds. She may be reached by calling 247-8453.

Sanderson named to ITE post

Michael P. Sanderson, P.E., PTOE, LEED AP, and president/CEO of Sanderson Stewart, was recently elected international vice president of the Institute of Transportation Engineers at its annual meeting in Anaheim, SANDERSON Calif. He will serve a three-year term on the executive committee of the board, including a term as president.

Sanderson Stewart is an Passive House Consultant. award-winning multi-disciplinary engineering, planning and community development Wegner joins services consultancy with emWSB as lender ployees in Montana, Colorado, Shawna Wegner has Idaho and North Dakota. joined Western Security ITE is an international Bank as a retail banker at educational and scientific the Laurel Branch. Wegner started her career in banking association of transportation professionals, which through in 1992 and most recently

its products and services helps to promote the professional development of its members, supports and encourages education, stimulates research, develops public awareness programs and serves as a conduit for the exchange of professional information.

ucts for the design-build vision, where to acquire them and correct techniques in using them is unmatched in the industry.

Jacobs has joined EEC as a controller. He is a graduate of Montana State University and has a long history as a CFO/controller, working on transportation, mining and reclamation projects.

Wester and Jacobs may be reached by calling 839-9151.

services; and QuickBooks training.

EBMS exec certified

Angela Carlton, an assistant account manager at EBMS, has earned the Certified Self-Funding Specialist professional designation from the Health Care AdministraEEC adds tors Association.

3 employees Candidates for the desJohn Roberts, Tom ignation must complete an Wester and Rick Jacobs have extensive curriculum of seven recently joined Eggart EnSolland earns comprehensive courses which gineering and Construction CPA designation cover every aspect that plan and Proficient Technologies.

Angie Solland, an associate sponsors, Roberts has joined as an at Morrison CPA P.C., rebrokers, emIT consultant and Toshiba cently earned the designation ployee benefit business phone systems of certified professionals tech. He is a 2013 Montana public acand other State University-Billings countant. health care College of Technology gradSolland holds professionals uate, originally from Billa bachelor’s need to conings. Roberts most recently CARLTON degree in sider when worked as a technician at accounting establishing a local satellite television from Bemidji or maintaining a self-funded business.

SOLLAND State Univerhealth care plan.

Wester has joined as a sity, having Carlton’s duties include project manager. Originally from Montana, Wester has graduated with honors. At managing EBMS’ nonworked in the lumber and medical block of business and the firm, her focus is on tax building industry for many preparation for partnerships, providing support to the exyears. He has an extensive corporations and individuals; ecutive and strategic account background in construction financial statement prepara- managers. She also holds a materials. His knowledge of tion for small businesses; life and disability insurance appropriate building prodproducer license. payroll and bookkeeping

Business Briefs Local Commerce at a Glance

Medical groups eye partnership

Horn Hospital in Lovell, Wyoming, Daniels Memorial Health Care in Scobey, LEWISTOWN — Central Beartooth Billings Clinic in Montana Medical Center in Red Lodge, Stillwater Billings Lewistown and Billings Clinic Clinic in Columbus, Livingshave signed a non-binding ton HealthCare, Roundup Letter of Intent to explore a Memorial Healthcare, Wheatformal partnership between land Memorial Hospital in the two organizations. The Harlowton, Glendive Medical CMMC Board and leaderCenter, Sheridan Memorial ship have spent more than a HealthCare in Plentywood and year reviewing and evaluathas clinics in Miles City, Bozeing several organizations as man and Cody, Wyoming. prospective partners. CMMC “Billings Clinic believes chose Billings Clinic because this new relationship will of the combination of Billings bring long term benefits to Clinic’s strong reputation for patients. By working together, quality and the experience of we can make a positive difpartnering with multiple rural ference in how health care Critical Access Hospitals with is delivered in this region the goal of helping to sustain of Montana,” said Nicholas and grow health care services Wolter, MD, CEO of Billings for people living in rural Mon- Clinic. “This closer relationtana and Wyoming. ship also offers opportuni“We are very excited about ties to enhance continuity of how this journey is resulting care.” in a relationship with BillCMMC and Billings Clinic ings Clinic that will help us will now engage in the process continue to enhance medical next steps to move forward services for our community,” with the finalization of the said Dave Phillips, Chair of relationship agreement.

Central Montana Medical New fruit Center Board of Directors.

When this partnership crops sprout is finalized, CMMC will join CORVALLIS — With the eleven other health care growth of the cold-hardy fruit organizations in Montana and production in Canada and Wyoming that are affiliated Northern Europe, fruit growwith Billings Clinic. Billings ers in Montana are starting Clinic has affiliation relation- to recognize the potential for ships with Pioneer Medical haskap berry production, says Center in Big Timber, Colstrip Superintendent of Montana Medical Center, North Big State University-Western

Agricultural Research Center Zach Miller.

While some Montana producers, such as Tongue River Winery in Miles City, have been successfully producing haskaps for about seven years, Miller estimates there are less than 30 acres planted in the state, much of which has been planted in the past few years.

Miller’s work at the MSUWestern Agricultural Research station is aimed at identifying which cultivars will work best for producers in the region by comparing about 50 different cultivars of cold hardy fruit platform at several sites across the state. The group is testing haskaps and other cold-hardy fruits such as aronia, saskatoons, currants and dwarf sour cherries.

“Fruit production is a risky business,” Miller said. “The initial costs of planting, fencing and labor are high and it will take several years until the orchard is producing profits.

It’s critical that growers plant cultivars that are going to do well and fit their markets. Our research is primarily aimed at answering these questions.”

Miller says the interest in haskaps is largely driven by the growing interest in eating fresh and healthy fruits.

“Consumption of these ‘superfoods’ has skyrocketed in the last few years,” Miller says. “Haskaps are a good fit for this market and producers

in the region. The fruits have three times the antioxidant potential as blueberries, but are more well-suited for most farms in Montana.” Unlike blueberries, haskaps thrive in most soil types, are more winter hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as 18 degrees after the first bloom.

Wild populations scattered in the mountains in the western part of the state gives researchers reason to think Montana is a good place to grow the berry. Antioxidant content tends to increase with higher elevation and longer days, of which Montana has an abundance. Haskaps and other fruits could have a similar niche as huckleberries in the tourist economy and can be grown commercially, Miller says.

The small, blue berry has a variable flavor, ranging from a pleasant mild taste to sometimes very bitter. Historically, haskap berries were harvested primarily in Russia and Japan, where folklore in both regions has long attributed high nutritional and medicinal values.

The University of Saskatchewan has spent nearly two decades studying the fruit, and growers in the region remain optimistic about its future.

Women driving auto trends

Women are fueling the red-hot auto industry, long

dominated by men. They influence over 80 percent of automotive purchases and drive more than 50 percent of autos sold annually in the U.S. Since 2012, women held more driver licenses than men.

Now more than ever, women hold great sway over the auto industry, from the features in how cars are designed to the other end of the car buying spectrum at the dealer relationship.

Women are prudent shoppers, according to a recent study by Jumpstart Automotive, a division of Hearst Magazines focused on shopping trends. The study included one-on-one interviews plus 1,014 respondents online.

“Women want more practical features,” said Libby Murad-Patel, Jumpstart analyst. “Few (women car buyers) just want a change in style or performance. They trade because of vehicle age, mileage, having children or are growing out of children. They’re looking to get through a life stage with the current vehicle.”

Jumpstart’s study also found women are more willing to switch from new to less expensive pre-owned vehicles and they place value on comfort, seating and safety.

“Women focused on a specific budget; men were more interested in style and performance,” Patel said. “Women place greater emphasis on

purchase price and monthly payment, whereas men look at cost of ownership as a bigger factor.”

And while men like to show off their engines, women have different priorities.

“We want safety, we want performance, we want confident power,” said Brandy Schaffels, editor of AskPatty. com. “It’s not the size of the engine, but how you use it.

We’re not likely to sacrifice fuel economy to boast about horsepower.”

Wal-Mart to cut jobs

NEW YORK (AP) — WalMart is cutting 7,000 backoffice store jobs over the next few months as it centralizes its invoice and accounting departments, expanding a test it announced in June.

The nation’s largest private employer said Thursday that the cuts will take place in all of its namesake stores, confirming the move reported by The Wall Street Journal. Wal-Mart says it believes most of the displaced workers will find new jobs that involve direct contact with shoppers.

The Bentonville, Arkansasbased company tested the program in 500 stores earlier this year. The goal is to get workers out of the backrooms and onto the selling floors as it faces increasing competition from online leader Amazon.com.

October 2016

35

Business licenses The following business licenses were filed with the city of Billings in July of 2016.

Win Home Inspection, 3363 Racquet Drive, 6948909 Collegiate Flooring LLC, 1616 Front St., 272-9920 Magpie Jewelry Gallery, 2702 Second Ave. N., 505480-8274 Yellowstone Awning, 1643 Hollyhock St., 672-5276 DTK Construction, 3801 Chamberlain Drive, 290-4048 Kraft Stump Grinding, 1648 Alderson Ave., 252-5446 DD Maintenance, 529 Ae. F., 672-0884 Heishman Floor & Upholstery Cleaning 3867 Ave. C., 861-0136 Service 1, 5327 King Ave. E., 696-1557 Pro Edge Roofing & Siding, 2150 Monad Road, 371-1958 Anderson Glass Doors and Windows, Great Falls, 4535755 Veronika’s, 5713 Mountain Front Ave., 855-5770 B-Town Grill, 115 N. 29th St. Bernina Sewing and Fabric Center, 1505 Rehberg Lane,

Suite A, 656-4999 S&T Enterprises LLP, 3235 Dover Lane, 672-0986 Tinkering Tots Daycare, 1141 Central Ave., 690-9598 Byo-Safe Environment, 239 E. Airport Road, 861-8881 Stephanie Hilling, 378 Stewart Court S., 690-2831 Alford Roofing and Siding, Greycliff, 930-1861 T.A.C. Construction, 3420 Blue Creek Road, 855-8183 Gold & Silver Road Show, 5500 Midland Road, 704-7475846 Northern Standard Inc., 3229 Jack Burke Lane, 8392999 Granite Property Services LLP, 8665 Cut Throat Drive, 647-8263 Easton Construction, 725 Miles Ave., 230-1520 The Rustic Nail Bar & Day Spa, 824 Shiloh Crossing Blvd., No. 1, 652-5412

By L.A., 930 Terry Ave., 647-0135 SBC Reptile & Supply, Baker, 671-9944 Imperial Thai Cuisine, 216 N. 28th St. Howard Cunningham CET, 907 N. 31st St., 672-9127

Lacroix Construction, 3030 Stillwater Drive, 8615093 Turning Leaf Construction, 230 Ave. C, 861-6658 Expert Office, Shepherd, 860-8728 Modine’s Installation, 64 Prairie View Drive, 697-8402 S.K. Custom Fencing, 4311 Trailmaster Drive, 839-7828 Sweeney Masonry Construction Inc., Boyd, 8606656 Boone Buckmiller, Bridger, 661-3473 Lone Wolf Transport LLC, 1206 Main St., No. 4, 6907686 Aspen’s Angels Grief Outreach Foundation, 1218 Oakland Drive, 661-3473 Coal Creek Construction, Red Lodge, 425-1970 KM Kucera Inc., 2111 Montana Ave., 690-5634 Rockin Auto, 1001 Fourth Ave. N., 256-7642 Outwest G.M. Construction, Roundup, 860-4195 Tim Singer Painting, 2208 Alderson Ave., No. 4, 360356-4446 Starbucks Coffee, 2010 Henesta Drive, 206-318-4994

Montana Waterworks & Irrigation LLC, 7128 Commercial Ave., 294-44553 Simon Roofing And Sheet Metal Corp., Youngstown, Ohio, 330-629-7663 Double D Welding & Repair Inc., 7100 Commercial Ave., Suite 2, 939-2602 Asphalt Paving and Professional Coatings, 327 Sandy Lane, 647-9759 The Good Life Construction, Laurel, 249-2834 Wilds Cleaning Service, 2224 Hwy. 87E, 860-0616 Top Notch Independent Contractor, 3010 Rugby Drive, 696-7703 Rileys, 3862 Killdeer Lane, 210-6033 Family Garden And Gifts LLC, 1160 Maxer Drive, 5346961 Judith Mountain Plumbing, Lewistown, 535-8585 Blooming Tails, 19 Bing St. N., 248-3787 Built Wright Homes And Roofing, 2101 Lampman Drive, No. B, 438-2159 Precision Trim Auto LLC, 3819 Montana Ave., 969-1185 Greg Chapin Photography, 1906 Lewis Ave., 794-5462

Fire Suppression Systems, Bozeman, 586-9510 Yellowstone Striping, 1812 Wyoming Ave., 530-4999 Nacho Dog, 5204 Black Stone Circle, 850-7833 Montana Young Construction, 2222 Bench Bld., 6728193 Supreme Surfaces, 181 Erickson Court E., 307-689-1964 Sylvan Site Service, 10 10th St. W., 628-7610 Chris Hanson Construction, 2203 Lyndale Lane, 850-2862 Rimrock Staffing, 1440 Grand Ave., 591-0446 Marstaellers Construction & Roofing LLC, 536 Ave. B, 6906944 Bailey’s Frozen Novelties, 283 Chaco Canyon Way, 8500443 406 Hops, 3370 Winchell Lane, 850-5113 McCord Exterior, Roundup, 850-8421 4B’s restaurant #367, 4907 Southgate Drive, 969-3400 North-South Building, 539 Clark Ave., 672-3378 Online Marketing Help Inc., 3300 Second Ave., N., 5307055 Sundseth Repair, 2322

22nd St. W., 647-3136 AC Auto Sales, 700 Fourth Ave. N., 259-3330 406 Kitchen & Taproom, 1233 N. 27th St., 969-2599 Commercial Cleaning Specialists, 4250 Long Beach Way, No. 11, 629-0028 Bill Rush Construction, Musselshell, 308-645-7109 Writer’s Block Consulting, 1621 Country Manor Blvd., 672-7152 Liberty Rain Gutter, 721 Lake Elmo Drive, 698-3622 O.G. Bakery, 2376 Main St., 696-7712 Maxway Freight, 5320 Southgate Drive, 801-4411416 3rd Coast Fitness, 108 Rhea Lane, 832-265-3621 The Pro Duct Crew LLC, 33 N. 15th St., 989-1665 Big Sky House Moving Inc., Helena, 442-6492 Silver Fish Space Transformation, 215 S. 36th St., 8503684 David Ketterling Construction, 208 Rolling Meadow Drive, 861-9781 Trees Unlimited, 1611 Third St. W., 220-2404

First Ave., Apt. 3, Laurel, Aug. 8.

Doris Elizabeth Freeman, 2846 N. 16th Road, Worden, Aug. 10.

Sean Erik Ronlake, 125 W. Chapter 7 Hilltop Road, Aug. 12.

Robert Jay Neal, Winona Alvin R. Mong, Joanna M. Belindasue Neal, 4124 Vaugh Mong, 600 Lile, Aug. 7.

Lane, Aug. 16.

Regina Angela Caligiuri, 20 Sara Marie Virostko, 3825

Trailmaster Drive, Aug. 17.

Jeffrey Steven Hogue, 3385 Granger Ave S. No.64, Aug. 18.

Kyle Aaron Vonfeldt, Tammy Lynn Vonfeldt, 525 Hailee St., Aug. 19.

Clarice Irene Harris, 769 Fallow Lane, Aug. 25.

Dustin Stacey Corbett, Amanda Jane Corbett, 554

Killarney St., Aug. 25.

Timothy Jerome Sheehan Sally Ann Sheehan, 3027 Silverwood St., Aug. 26.

Christopher Curran, Kristy Curran, 4243 Murphy Ave., Aug. 29.

David Ernest Peterson, Tawney Marie Peterson, 1117 Rays Lane, Aug. 31.

Christopher Williams, Lisa

Nicole Williams, 318 Fourth St., Custer, Aug. 31.

Nichole Renee Waldhalm, 602 N. 22nd Apt. 5, Aug. 31.

Roberta Diane Decock, 850 Lake Elmo Drive, Apt. 5, Aug. 31.

Jeremy L. Bracewell, Chrystin Bracewell, 1675 Picador Place, Aug. 31.

Chapter 13

Bankruptcies Billings area petitions filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court Aug. 1-31, 2016. Addresses are in Billings unless otherwise noted.

36

October 2016

Audrey Sue Stene, 2525 Clark Ave., Aug. 12.

Nicholas John Clark, 331 Bohl Ave. No 27, Aug. 18.

Lavel Glenn Haag, P.O. Box 7753, Fort Smith, Aug. 30.

Danielle Marie Turtainen, P.O. BOX 23396, Aug. 31.

Montana patents Below are listed U.S. patents issued to Montana inventors July 26-Aug. 16, 2016. For assistance in patent filing, call Billings patent attorney Antoinette M. Tease at 406-2949000.

Robert B. Moore of Lewistown; David Silvetti of Somer; and Paul Wirth and Randy Harris, both of Kalispell: Microelectronic substrate electro processing system.

9,399,827, July 26, Applied Materials Inc., Santa Clara, Calif.

Daniel L. Evans of Trout Creek: arrow quiver.

9,400,153, July 26, DEDtec Inc., Plains.

Kai W. Wucherpfennig of Brookline, Mass.; Bettina Franz of Cambridge, Great

Britain; Kenneth F. May Jr. of Bozeman; Glenn Dranoff of Sudbury, Mass.; Stephen F. Hodi of Framingham, Mass.; and Christopher Harvey of Boston: Therapeutic peptides. 9,401,905, Aug. 2, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Inc., Boston.

Michael Caluori of Missoula: Self-cleaning suction device. 9,402,985, Aug. 2.

Joseph Schmitt of Whitefish; Michael Kramer of Princeton, Minn.; Ronak Desai of Daytona, Fla.; and Randall Kurtz of Plymouth, Minn.: Remote control of fire suppression systems. 9,403,046, Aug. 2, WWTemplar LLC, Wilmington, Del. Phillip Clark Frey of Bigfork: Twist top hole saw.

9,403,220, Aug. 2.

Kenneth Weiklund St. Pierre of Roundup: Extendable trailer mount. 9,403,411, Aug. 2.

Christopher J. Burns and Daniel McGarry, both of Malvern, Pa.; Denis Daigle of Street, Md.; Bin Liu of Dayton, N.J.; Daniel C. Pevear of Downington, Pa.; Robert E. Lee Trout of Collegeville, Pa.; and Randy W. Jackson of Livingston: Beta-lactamase inhibitors. 9,403,850, Aug. 2, Venatorx Pharmaceuticals Inc., Malvern.

Tyler N. Smith, Donald E. Kiely and Kylie KramerPresta, all of Missoula: Corrosion inhibiting composition.

9,404,188, Aug. 2, Rivertop Renewables, Missoula.

Lee E. Cannon and John P. O’Donovan, both of Bozeman: Gaming system and method for offering simultaneous play of multiple games. 9,406,200, Aug. 2, IGT, Las Vegas.

Kevin J. Negus of Philipsburg: Full duplex backhaul radio with transmit beamforming. 9,408,215, Aug. 2, CBF Networks Inc., San Jose, Calif.

Brett Hugh James Baker of Bozeman: Bismuth-thiols as antiseptics for agricultural, industrial and other uses.

9,408,393, Aug. 9, Microbion Corp., Bozeman.

William E. Kirkpatrick and Jacob Fraser, both of Bozeman: Apparatus and method for use of an O2 sensor for controlling a prime mover.

9,410,496, Aug. 9.

Lee E. Cannon and John P. O’Donovan, both of Bozeman: Gaming system and method for offering simultaneous play of multiple games. 9,412,232, Aug. 9, IGT, Las Vegas.

Dennis Lee Bell of Phillipsburg: Power line grid.

9,413,147, Aug. 9.

Lane R. Gobbs of Townsend, Derek L. Hansen of Laurel and Kenneth P. Pitman of Billings: Wheel assembly seal. 9,415,632, Aug. 16, Crown Parts and Machine Inc., Billings.

Ronald N. Drake of Helena: Antisolvent process for treating liquids that include high total dissolved solids.

9,416,033, Aug. 16, Drake Water Technologies Inc., Helena.

Aaron A. McGinty of Ka-

lispell: Ambidextrous bolt catch and magazine release and firearm. 9,417,020, Aug. 16, Falkor Sid Inc., Kalispell.

Dale H. Ellis of Golden, Colo., and Ryan C. Jacques of Helena: Software test automation system and method.

9,417,994, Aug. 16, TurnKey Solutions Corp., Lakewood, Colo.

Kelly Vanden Bosch of Kalispell and Adam King of Sandy, Utah: Ornamental design for a fiber optic repair and construction trailer.

D763,608, Aug. 16, EBS Trailers LLC, Kalispell.

Timothy G. Solberg of Plentywood: Ornamental design for a fishing tackle.

D764,013, Aug. 16.

Associates Inc., Ketchum Construction & Woodworks Inc., $245,725 2109 Marisela St., Infinity Homes LLC, $179,020

lis, American Exteriors LLC, $6,086 2607 Augusta Lane, Beeter Family Trust, Thompson Construction Co. Inc., $15,000 2941 W. Copper Ridge Loop, Copper Ridge Development LLC, Bob Pentecost Construction Inc., $304,900 5859 Summerwood Circle, Cougar Construction, $458,030 6117 Timbercove Drive, Regal Land Development Inc., Wells Built Homes Inc., $301,345 1115 Pumpkin Cove, J&M Development, $166,340 1802 Island View Drive, McCall Development Inc., $178,255 2105 Plenty View Drive, Better Building Technologies, Pierson Jensen Construction Co., $298,000 3623 Colton Blvd., Better Building Technologies, Pierson Jensen Construction Co., $300,000 5202 Amherst Drive, Hanser Construction Co., $193,325 1749 W. Thunder Mountain Road, Jeff Junkert Construction Inc., $212,065 2347 Glengarry Lane,

Hanser Scott P. and Janelle L., Kisling Quality Builders, $296,710 3024 Kincaid Road, Dimond, Travis H. and Kristin N.,Win-Dor Industries, $12,850 550 Sprint Circle, Granneman, Jacob Andrew, American Exteriors LLC, $851 1214 Ave. D, Allen, Elza L. and Jean B., American Exteriors LLC, $10,700 2812 Vermillion Drive, Henning, William J. and Carol A., American Exteriors LLC, $6,131 337 31st St. W., Eaton, Connie M. and Larry D., The Pella Window Store, $800 828 Kyhl Lane, Black, Diane L., American Exteriors LLC, $5,180 1330 Ave. F., Landis, Thomas W., American Exteriors LLC, $3,933 1037 Alderson Ave., Peycke, John T. and Ann L., American Exteriors LLC, $13,647 4634 Phillip St., Kuhlman, Kelvin Charles and Vada, American Exteriors LLC, $9,316 1216 Cresthaven Way, Trafton, Wayne A. and Michelle E., Northwest Building And Design LLC, $14,234

1205 12th St. W., Oakes, Daniel G. and Nancy E., Craigo Construction, $1,500 56 Shadow Place, Gardner, Kyle and Rosa, Win-Dor Industries, $1,982 3329 Winchell Lane, Mohammed, Ariej B., One Source Construction LLC, $6,250 1209 Ave. F, Harper, Stephanie J., ABC Seamless Of Billings Inc., $2,837 474 Bunting St., Leligdowicz, Marian J. and Linda, WinDor Industries, $4,410 805 Aurora Drive, Abel, Brian James, Northwest Custom Improvements, $2,000 615 Aronson Ave., Fenderson, Mark W. and Jessie S., Les Nouveau Milieux-Bob Habeck, $300 613 Shamrock Lane, Oakley Property Solutions, Irish Construction LLC, $18,000 2605 Westfield Drive, Underriner, William P. and Mary S., Sprague Construction, $50,000 2037 Colton Blvd., Pike, Dixine K., C Squared Construction, $30w0 3027 Ave., Jorgenson, Eugene A., C Squared Construction, $500

Residential building permits New Garage 1532 Lynn Ave., Powell, Clifford, TRG Guzman Construction, $20,160 735 Ave. C, Boggess, Douglas W., $34,895 New Pool/Spa 3534 Corbin Drive, Boucher, Wade D. Michelle S., Watco, $64,000 2607 Augusta Lane, Beeter Family Trust, Thompson Construction Co. Inc., $15,000

New Single Family 2941 W. Copper Ridge Loop, Copper Ridge Development LLC, Bob Pentecost Construction, $304,900 5859 Summerwood Circle, Cougar Construction, $458,030 6117 Timbercove Drive, Regal Land Development Inc., Wells Built Homes Inc., $301,345 1115 Pumpkin Cove, J&M Development, $166,340 1802 Island View Drive, McCall Development Inc., $178,255 2105 Plenty View Drive, Better Building Technologies, Pierson Jensen Construction Co. $298,000

3623 Colton Blvd., Better Building Technologies, Pierson Jensen Construction Co., $300,000 5202 Amherst Drive, Hanser Construction Co., $193,325 1749 W. Thunder Mountain Road, Jeff Junkert Construction Inc., $212,065 2347 Glengarry Lane, Hanser, Scott P. and Janelle L., Kisling Quality Builders, $296,710 1728 Songbird Drive, McCall Development Inc., $239,350 1814 Island View Drive, McCall Development Inc., $167,880 2506 Blue Moon Court, Design Builders Inc., Sfr $237,990 2125 Sierra Vista Circle, Jeff Kreitzberg Homes, $171,450 2117 Marisela St., Jeff Kreitzberg Homes, $176,505 2131 Largo Circle, Oakland Built Homes Inc. $153,345 2922 W. Copper Ridge Loop, Neal and Gayle Cayton, $310,000 2234 W. Hollow Brook Drive, J&J Boyer LLC, Design Builders Inc. $323,930 1430 Jean Ave., Trevor Sherner, Had Inc., $254,470 1429 Emma Ave., Felton

New Two Family 826 N. 16th St., Doug Brown, Norse Builders, $252,030 828 N. 16th St., Doug Brown, Norse Builders, $252,030

Remodel Single/ Duplex/Garage 3672 Slalom Drive, Nealy, Rod A. and Lynette R., Big Sky Exterior Designs Inc., $895 2235 Ave. B, Whiteman, Norman C. and Angeline, Big Sky Exterior Designs Inc., $2,500 2249 Wabash Path, Gibson, Joseph A. and Bernice M., $500 111 Ardmore Drive, Cox, Patrick J. Emily R., Castellano Enterprises Inc., $4,000 2020 Wentworth Drive, Sullivan, Michael A. and Judith M., Lynnrich Inc. $1,795 3757 San Juan Drive, Schulke, Cody and Sarah, Lynnrich Inc., $3,325 1807 Yellowstone Ave., Cumin, Shauna Kerr, $10,000 2613 Missouri St., Fosjord, Gerald Edwin and Phyl-

Please see Residential, Page 38

October 2016

37

Residential From 37

1713 Clark Ave., Reintsma, Michael J., Alpha-Omega Disaster Fire Restoration, $9,000 4466 Iron Horse Trail, Dudczak, Barbara, Alpha-Omega Disaster, $6,000 4206 Jansma Ave., Robson, Irene L., Dave’s Exteriors Inc., $1,200 1721 Ave. E, Egan, Jeffrey C., One Source Construction LLC, $850 3390 Canyon Drive, Greenfield, Chester R. and Beverly, $4,800 1128 N. 24th St., Goodridge, William W. and Keturah, AlphaOmega Disaster, $7,000 604 25th St. W., Horsman, Aaron J., American Exteriors LLC, $17,826 3024 Kincaid Road, Di-

PRINT

38

October 2016

mond, Travis H. and Kristin N., Win-Dor Industries $12,850 550 Sprint Circle, Granneman, Jacob Andrew, American Exteriors LLC, $851 1214 Ave. D, Allen, Elza L. and Jean B., American Exteriors LLC, $10,700 2812 Vermillion Drive, Henning, William J. and Carol A., American Exteriors LLC, $6,131 337 31st St. W., Eaton, Connie M. and Larry D., The Pella Window Store, $800 828 Kyhl Lane, Black, Diane L., American Exteriors LLC, $5,180 1330 Ave. F, Landis, Thomas W., American Exteriors LLC, $3,933 1037 Alderson Ave., Peycke, John T. and Ann L., American Exteriors LLC, $13,647 4634 Phillip St., Kuhlman, Kelvin Charles and Vada, American Exteriors LLC, $9,316

ONLINE

1216 Cresthaven Way, Trafton, Wayne A. and Michelle E., Northwest Building And Design LLC, $14,234 1205 12th St. W., Oakes, Daniel G. and Nancy E., Craigo Construction, $1,500 56 Shadow Place, Gardner, Kyle and Rosa, Win-Dor Industries, $1,982 3329 Winchell Lane, Mohammed, Ariej B., One Source Construction LLC, $6,250 1209 Ave. F, Harper, Stephanie J., ABC Seamless Of Billings Inc., $2,837 474 Bunting St., Leligdowicz, Marian J. and Linda, WinDor Industries, $4,410 805 Aurora Drive, Abel, Brian James, Northwest Custom Improvements, $2,000 615 Aronson Ave., Fenderson, Mark W. and Jessie S., Les Nouveau Milieux-Bob Habeck, $300

613 Shamrock Lane, Oakley Property Solutions, Irish Construction LLC, $18,000 2605 Westfield Drive, Underriner, William P. and Mary S., Sprague Construction Roofing LLC, $50,000 2037 Colton Blvd., Pike Dixine K, C Squared Construction, $300 7/12/2016 3027 Ave. F, Jorgenson, Eugene A., C Squared Construction, $500 1713 Clark Ave., Reintsma, Michael J., Alpha-Omega Disaster Fire Restoration, $9,000 4466 Iron Horse Trail, Dudczak, Barbara, Alpha-Omega Disaster, $6,000 4206 Jansma Ave., Robson, Irene L., Dave’s Exteriors Inc., $1,200 1721 Ave. E, Egan, Jeffrey C., One Source Construction LLC, $850 3390 Canyon Drive, Green-

MOBILE

field, Chester R. and Beverly, $4,800 1128 N. 24th St., Goodridge, William W. and Keturah, AlphaOmega Disaster, $7,000 6403 Western Bluffs Blvd., Wagenhals Enterprises Inc., $26,000 204 19th St. W., White, Trina and William F., Craigo Construction, $1,000 2410 Spruce St., O’Brien, Dennis K., North-South Building Inc., $45,000 5340 Merlot Lane, Matson, Jennifer L. and Brandon J., EEC Inc., $22,500 2320 41st St. W., Harman, Julie, One Source Construction LLC, $2,783 2525 Broadwater Ave., Moretto, Michael J., Northwest, $1,700 654 Aries Ave., Hentz, John L., K-Designers, $3,932 442 Custer Ave., Schaffer,

TABLET

Kristi B., $1,000 3854 Parkhill Drive, Barry, Thomas J. and Valerie R., C’s Construction Of Billings, $1,422 2626 Country Lane, Chartier, Scott D. and Basilia E., One Source Construction LLC, $712 507 S. 33 St., David Blackman, Big Sky House Moving Inc., $5,000 4435 Ridgewood Lane S., Egan, Rebecca O. and Lance M., C’s Construction Of Billings, $14,443

Single/Duplex/ Garage 604 25th St. W., Horsman, Aaron J., American Exteriors LLC, $17,826 There were 577 Fence/ Roof/Siding residential permits issued in July.

APPS

Online Account Services Manage your account and pay your bill online ... at your convenience.

To enroll, visit www.montana-dakota.com

1-800-638-3278 Montana-Dakota.com In the Community to Serve®

Commercial building permits JULY COMMERCIAL BUILD- LLC, $10,500 1540 Yellowstone Ave., RobING PERMITS bins, Mindy J., Tailwind ManageAddition ment LLC, $10,500 2655 Central Ave., Big Sky 1544 Yellowstone Ave. Reaves, Holdings LLC, Cucancic ConKimberley D., Tailwind Managestruction Inc., $10,000 2055 Woody Drive, Roman ment LLC, $10,500 Catholic Bishop Of Great Falls, 1537 Wyoming Ave., Miller Dick Anderson Construction, Brenda D., Tailwind Management $3,745,000 LLC, $10,500 2250 King Ave. W., ARCP RL 1541 Wyoming Ave., Martwig, Portfolio V LLC, Perfectemp LLC, Molly, Tailwind Management $40,000 LLC, $10,500 5327 Southgate Drive, Verhey150 N. 9th St., Green Leaf Romine Real Estate, Jones ConLand & Livestock Co., Lennick Brothers Roofing & Sheetm struction Inc., $1,000,000 Remove Existing And Install Si 2055 Woody Drive, Roman $18,500 Catholic Bishop Of, Dick An2906 First Ave. N., Neal C. derson Construction St Thomas LaFever Trust, Lennick Bros.

Church $3,745,000 Roofing & Sheet Metal, $6,000 2250 King Ave. W., ARCP RL 3980 Parkhill Drive, Highgate Portfolio V LLC, Perfectemp LLC, Billings LLC, Lyman Exteriors $40,000 5327 Southgate Drive, Verhey- LLC, $128,800 2021 Overland Ave., Billings Romine Real Estate, Jones ConAssociation Of Realtors, Donahue struction Inc., $1,000,000 4910 Southgate Drive, Ameri- Roofing LLC, $28,575 5150 Midland Road, Mountain can Foods, Lais Development States Bakeries LLC, BradInc., $150,000 ford Roof Management Inc., Demolition 610 S. 44th St. W., Interurban $800,000 1206 Main St., CMYL Inc., Apartment Homes LLC, Mountain Electric Of Montana, $1,050 Sprague Construction Roofing, 357 S. 24th St. W., Eden Court $34,000 3650 Decathlon Parkway, Capital LLC, Double S ContractBoyer Properties LLC, G.M. Coning Inc., $19,000 Fence/Roof/Siding struction & Roofing, $25,000 3429 Briarwood Blvd., The 3650 Decathlon Parkway, Boyer Properties LLC, G.M. Con- Briarwood, Sprague Construction Roofing, $42,000 struction & Roofing, $24,000 2111 Montana Ave., Mon2250 Ave. C, Chamberlain, Jeff J., Sprague Construction Roofing tana Rail Link, KM Kucera Inc., Division, $18,000 $10,000 3650 Decathlon Parkway, 1628 Wembly Place, Lofthus, LLC, G.M. Construction & Roof- Cynthia J., Singh Contracting Inc., $43,195 ing, $25,000 1595 Grand Ave., Boardman, 1536 Yellowstone Ave., Raines, Westpark LLC, Simon Roofing Sara L., Tailwind Management

And Sheet Metal Corp., $59,987 2021 Overland Ave., Billings Association Of Realtors, Donahue Roofing LLC, $28,575 5150 Midland Road, Mountain States Bakeries LLC, Bradford Roof Management Inc., $800,000 1206 Main St., CMYL Inc., Sprague Construction Roofing Division, $34,000 3650 Decathlon Parkway, Boyer Properties LLC, G.M. Construction & Roofing, $25,000 3429 Briarwood Blvd., The Briarwood, Sprague Construction Roofing Division, $42,000 2111 Montana Ave., Montana Rail Link, KM Kucera Inc., $10,000 1628 Wembly Place, Lofthus, Cynthia J., Singh Contracting Inc., $43,195 1595 Grand Ave., Boardman, Westpark LLC, Simon Roofing And Sheet Metal Corp., $59,987 2302 Rehberg Lane, Bever, Mary Phyllis, Donahue Roofing LLC, $94,123 2601 Central Ave., Target Corp., Centimark Corp., $156,000 2316 Rehberg Lane, McElroy, Nancy Jo, Singh Contracting Inc., $11,817 1430 Country Manor Blvd., Dringle, Joe Jay and Dorothy C., Kimberly Construction, $24,415 2613 Westfield Drive, Royer, William G. and Laverne K., Aspen Contracting Inc., $30,796 New Warehouse/Storage 1032 Bench Blvd., Billings Storage LLC, $413,868 1032 Bench Blvd., Billings Storage LLC, $413,868 1032 Bench Blvd., Billings Storage LLC, $405,909

1032 Bench Blvd., Billings Storage LLC, $620,802 1032 Bench Blvd., Billings Storage LLC, $175,098 1032 Bench Blvd., Billings Storage LLC, $63,672 1032 Bench Blvd., Billings Storage LLC, $413,868 1032 Bench Blvd., Billings Storage LLC, $413,868 1032 Bench Blvd., Billings Storage LLC, $405,909 1032 Bench Blvd., Billings Storage LLC, $620,802 1032 Bench Blvd., Billings Storage LLC, $175,098 1032 Bench Blvd., Billings Storage LLC, $63,672 Remodel 1611 High Sierra Blvd., Yellowstone County AT&T, $45,000 27 N. 27th St., Makenna Hotel Investments LLC, Colgan Construction, $3,400 1611 High Sierra Blvd., Yellowstone County AT&T, $45,000 27 N. 27th St., Makenna Hotel Investments LLC, Colgan Construction, $3,400 1144 N. 30th St., Sisters Of Charity Of Leavenworth, Hardy Construction Co., $1,875,000 21 N. 15th St., Kairos Properties LLC, Mountain States Plumbing And Radiant Heat, $21,500 21 N. 15th St., Western Builders Supply, $75,910 219 Calhoun Lane, Mountain States Telephone & Telegraph, Rauser Company LLC, $37,110 1002 Shiloh Crossing Blvd., G&R Investments Properties LLC, Jones Construction Inc., $88,260 1233 N. 30th St., Sisters Of Charity Of Leavenworth, Saunders Construction Inc., $1,862,692

AN INDISPENSABLE BUSINESS RESOURCE CALL 406-657-1298 TO SUBSCRIBE

Billings Business 401 North Broadway

Billings, MT 59101 October 2016

39

Helping our Billings community

Wayne Nelson

Tim Ludewig

Darrin Maas

Billings Market President

King Ave Branch Manager

Heights Branch Manager

Pam Doherty

Andy Gott

Spencer Frederick

Shiloh Branch Manager

Downtown Branch Manager

Grand Ave Branch Manager

King Avenue 655-2700

Hilltop & Main 896-4800

Shiloh & Grand 655-3900

prosper and grow

Business Checking | Business Loans | Lines of Credit Cash Management | Online & Mobile Banking SBA Preferred Lender

Downtown 655-2400

Š2016 Stockman Bank | Member FDIC

40

October 2016

stockmanbank.com

14th & Grand 371-8100