B2B Fall 2012

FA L L 2 0 1 2

business to business connection

what do they do? s e n d o u t c a r d s • s t r o n g b e a r c o r p o r at i o n

t e t r a t e c h • t o ta l d y n a m i c b a l a n c e p r i c k ly p e a r l a n d t r u s t • b r i d g e r s t e e l t h e d e a l e r s h i p a lt e r n at i v e

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b2b contents Fa l l 2 0 1 2 / Vo l . 1 / N o. 2

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WHAT EXACTLY DO THESE BUSINEsSES DO?

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LEADERSHIP HELENA’S 30TH BIRTHDAY

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COMMERCIAL GROWTH IN HELENA

THE NEW MONTANA HISTORIcAL SOCIETY

Q&A WITH THE NEW PRESIDENT OF CARROLL

ID THEFT PROTECTION FOR YOUR BUSINESS

GROUNDBREAKINGS AND RIBBON CUTTINGS

HELENA BUSINESS BAROMETER

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE 04 FROM THE EDITOR 18 TOUCHMARK EXPANSION & RENOVATION 18 THE DIFFEReNCE BETWEEN LOCAL, STATE & U.S. CHAMBERS 21 THE IMPACT OF NORTHWESTERN ENERGY 31 CVB HOSTS PRESS TOUR 35 MEMBER MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES 35 HAMPTON INN HELENA EARNS AWARD 41 THE CHAMBER RECOMMENDS 46 HR RESOURCES 50 B2B CONVERSATION

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Contributing Authors

welcome f r om t he e d i t o r One of the great things about living in a smaller community such as Helena is our unique daily interactions with local businesses. Many of these businesses are owned by our family members, close friends, or acquaintances we have done business with for years. However, as Helena continues to grow and new businesses open their doors in our community, we still may be very unfamiliar with what many of those businesses actually do. It may be a new business that has just relocated to Helena, or even one that has had its roots in town for a long time. Maybe the name of the business sounds familiar, or we’ve seen them in an advertisement. But we have that one question: “What do they do?”

Well, for the Fall issue of the Helena Chamber’s B2B Connection, we explore that very question!

After scanning our membership roster, our editorial committee has selected a list of Helena Chamber member businesses that you might

know their name but not necessarily know what they do. Each of the businesses we have selected does something unique, they fill a needed niche in the market, or they just plainly do one thing and do it better than anyone else. After perusing this issue, we hope you have better understanding of some of the businesses that call Helena home and the people that make those businesses click.

In addition, the B2B will take a close look at the changing face of Helena. From new business developments to developing infrastructure, Helena does not look like the same town it was twenty years, ten years, or even five years ago. Change and growth is taking place all around us, and it’s one of the things that make living in Helena great!

barry houser: b2b editor & chamber marketing/communications director

Patricia Spencer lewis & clark library

Bruce Whittenberg Montana Historical Society

Coleen Smith Better Business Bureau

JIM NYS PERSONNEL PLUS!

COver photo by Mary Wadekamper

©2012 All rights reserved. The information contained within this document may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written permission of the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce. Every effort was made to ensure accuracy of information in this publication. However, due to the passage of time and the anomalies inherent in the publishing process, we cannot be responsible for errors or incorrect information.

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EXCELLENT NEWS!

Helena Hits #2 In Nation For Economic Strength For 2nd Year In A Row For 2012, Helena was again ranked 2nd of 576 cities studied nationwide by Policom Corporation, an independent economic research firm specializing in analyzing local and state economies. For 2011, Helena was 2nd, and in 2010 we were 6th in the nation.

The only other Montana cities showing strong in this study for 2012 are Bozeman, who is ranked 9th (down from 7th in 2011) and Butte who is 25th (down from 17th in 2011).

Kalispell dropped from 35th in 2010 to 45th in 2011 and now down to 85th in 2012.

The research done by Policom determines the dynamics of local economies by determining if an area is growing or declining and what is causing this to happen. The economic strength rankings are created so they can study the characteristics of strong and weak economies. The highest ranked areas have had rapid, consistent growth in both size and a high quality of life for an extended period of time.

Helena is rated within a Micropolitan statistical study of cities over 10,000 and under 50,000 population. Quality of the economy is based on what residents of a city earn, as this influences their standard of living more than anything. Small business, and in particular the construction and retail industries, are extremely reactive to the “flow of money” coming into an area. They typically grow or decline in direct proportion to the condition of the economy.

Consistency of growth is also very important in identifying the local economy character.

Check out the full report at www.policom.com/microrank.htm.

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featured chamber members

do they do

?

send out cards I

ndependent Distributor Peggy Schmitz believes in the importance of building and maintaining relationships, both personally and professionally, and that is what drew her to Send Out Cards four and a half years ago. “Send Out Cards was founded on a ‘Prompting,’” explains Schmitz. “The guiding concept behind Send Out Cards is helping others keep in touch and celebrate life now not after something happens. It’s about staying in touch with people.

It’s about saying thank you.”

Send Out Cards provides an essential business tool for relationship marketing, and Schmitz will attest to the fact that in today’s business climate, personal relationships are more important than ever before. An on-line greeting card and gifting company, Send Out Cards helps individuals and small businesses select and send actual personalized cards. “My job is to

introduce the program to customers and show them how to personalize the concept to meet their needs, they take it from there,” explains Schmitz. Send Out Cards is about convenience with a personal touch. In today’s fast paced, high tech society we often don’t take the time to communicate our appreciation or simply wish someone a happy birthday. Through the use of this unique company, staying in touch with loved ones, or simply letting a client know that you value their patronage, is as easy as sending an email, yet much more personal.

While Schmitz states that her primary customers are small businesses, she is seeing more people using Send Out Cards for everything from “save the date” to wedding and graduation announcements. With 15,000 stock cards to chose from, plus the option to use your own photographs, your are able to create

a truly unique and personalized card. The on-line program even features a contact manager that will send you reminders of important anniversaries, birthdays, or upcoming events. “Send Out Cards is designed and dedicated to keeping things simple for businesses to keep in touch with their customers.” In addition to

greeting cards, Send Out Cards will be launching a promotional line of items this Fall to incorporate into your businesses marketing plan…and it’s all a click away at sendoutcards.com.

strongbear corporation

C

arla Lott founded Strongbear Corporation in 2007 to provide corporations, businesses, and government agencies highly skilled and dedicated employees to ensure the success of their project, program, or grant. So what does that mean? Lott explains that “our corporate capabilities

are revolutionary, in that we offer cost competitive services in: training and education, project management, research and analysis, operations support services and logistical management.” In other words, Lott provides the skilled resources and quality customer service needed to complete any size project in both the private and government sectors.

In order to accomplish this goal, Lott hires highly trained and experienced individuals for each project. “In order for my business to be successful, these contracts must be successful and the key to that is the employees I provide. I pay above average and as a result attract motivated, qualified, and

dedicated employees to fulfill each contract,” explains Lott.

Why the world of government and private sector contracting?

“Coming out of the military I was aware that opportunities existed as a civilian in the world of government contracting and I sought a way to mesh those opportunities with my desire to be an entrepreneur.” As a Native American woman veteran, Lott focuses her attention on helping others develop their life skills through providing team building workshops and motivational speaking. “I worked three jobs and trained myself to achieve my goals; I want to help people realize their dreams by helping them develop the skills they need to take the risk to make

that next step.”

Lott works closely with the Small Business Administration as, well as the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program, to stay apprised of the most recent trends, challenges, and changes facing businesses today. Lott attributes Strongbear’s success to the corporation’s ability to continually advance and respond to an atmosphere of change and needs in the current marketplace through innovative and result proven strategies.”

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what do they do?

the dealership alternative

B

uying a car can be an experience that is thrilling for some, while others approach the process with more trepidation. The Dealership Alternative specializes in helping those individuals who require more attention during the car buying process. “We are in the business of helping people buy cars; we don’t sell them anything, rather we assist them in purchasing what they want for the price

they want,” explains John Elliott, Founder and CEO. “We have a relationship with our customers,” explains Elliott.

“In order for our process to work there must be trust – trust between the customer and us, as well as trust between us and the network of dealerships nationwide with which we work.” The Dealership Alternative is providing a service to its customers.

Each member of The Dealership Alternative team stands behind the company’s guiding principle to provide best possible service to the customer and deliver the vehicle they desire. “We deliver what we promise, or we don’t do it,” comments Elliott. In other words, if Elliott and his team can not locate the vehicle requested they communicate that to the customer. He said, “It is not about buying any car, it is about

buying the car that the customer wants, and sometimes it doesn’t work out, and that is ok.”

In 2006 Elliott opened Elliott Auto Brokers after having spent many years in the retail aspect of the business. “I began to question what I could offer the customer that was missing in the current model of vehicle retail sales. Through some consulting work, I began to realize that the answer was how the car was sold to the customer and a lot of that process was determined by overhead and bottom line.” Elliott does not have an inventory of cars on a lot, without that overhead he is afforded more flexibility in assisting customers in purchasing the right vehicle for them.

Elliott changed the name of his business in January of this year to more accurately reflect what

Total dynamic balance D

r. Tia Nelson opened Total Dynamic Balance in January of 2003 as a full-service veterinary practice for animals of all sizes, specializing in traditional as well as acupuncture, chiropractic, and herbal and nutritional therapy for animals. Dr. Nelson is a traditionally trained veterinarian who focuses on alternative treatments such as Prolotherapy as an alternative to surgery for animals with joint disorders. Prolotherapy is less expensive and less invasive than surgery and Dr. Nelson reports an 80 to 85 percent success rate in her patients with only one to five treatments.

In addition to alternative

8

medicine, Dr. Nelson and her staff make house calls when traveling to the fully-equipped animal hospital isn’t possible.

With a team of eight full-time employees, Total Dynamic Balance can care for animals of any size, and Dr. Nelson has plans to expand the facility to include an equine surgical center.

Aside from treating the fourlegged members of your family, Dr. Nelson and her staff host educational seminars to help you better care for your animals.

These quarterly seminars focus on topics ranging from how to provide for your pet and should you pre-decease your animals, to equine first aid and when do you

call the vet, to vaccines.

Total Dynamic Balance also serves as a large animal clearing house during emergencies.

During the Corral Fire, Dr. Nelson and her staff cared for nearly 30 animals that were evacuated from the area. A few rescue animals have found a permanent home at Total Dynamic as well, such as Maisuma, a handsome horse whose name translates into “one more,” which reflects Dr. Nelson’s belief that there is always room for one more at Total Dynamic Balance.

Visit Total Dynamic Balance at 4880 N. Montana Avenue (just look for the metal horse sculpture) or at www.tdbhelena.com.

he and his six employees offer customers, Alternatives. Along with the new name, Elliott is looking to expand his operation in both a move to a new location across Euclid Avenue as well as in concept. The Dealership Alternative can even assist with trade-ins. “From locating the vehicle for the customer to negotiating the final price, to financing and pick up and delivery, we handle every aspect of the pre-owed car buying process for the customer to ensure a positive experience,” explains Elliott. With a 90% referral rate, it is safe to say that customers are receptive and satisfied with The Dealership Alternative.

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what do they do?

Prickly pear land trust E

stablished in 1996, the Prickly Pear Land Trust strives to preserve, protect, and promote open land through conservation in our community. Executive Director Andy Bauer explains that protecting resources is good for business: “Open space provides a back drop for a vibrant community and by conserving our local resources we provide the best possible quality of life for our community.”

Prickly Pear Land Trust is a local organization with a local board that is committed to their mission: “Protect the natural diversity and rural character of the Prickly Pear Valley and adjoining lands through voluntary and cooperative means.

The Land Trust is dedicated to perpetuating the recreational, wildlife, scenic, agricultural and historic values of the land.”

To accomplish this mis-

sion, Prickly Pear Land Trust provides educational programs for local schools; publishes trail maps highlighting the incredible trail system in our area; hosts hikes in the summer to familiarize locals as well as tourists with the local trail system; and by assisting with conservation easements from private land onto public land and the trail system.

In addition, Prickly Pear Land Trust hosts two annual events

to raise awareness and money, the Don’t Fence Me In trail run each May and the Harvest Moon Banquet each September. Bauer explains that each of these events are wonderful sponsorship opportunities for businesses who wish to help support the Prickly Pear Land Trust in their efforts to conserve our open space.

In order to accomplish all of this, the dedicated staff of seven full-time, part-time, and sea-

sonal employees relies heavily on the generosity of volunteers who willingly give of their time to assist with trail clean-ups and other events hosted by the organization. Bauer, who has been the Executive Director for the past eleven years, explains that each person affiliated with the Prickly Pear Land trust does so out of a strong belief in the organizations core values, “open space for recreational as well as agricultural use, a well maintained trail system, and wide open land is what makes this a great community to live in.”

For more information, or to get involved, visit the Prickly Pear Land Trust’s website at www.pricklypearlt.org or by calling 442-0490.

tetra tech B

ased in Pasadena, California, Tetra Tech was founded in 1962 to provide engineering services related to waterways, harbors and coastal areas. The company has since expanded to include environmental services, water/wastewater management, infrastructure services, and security design. Through a series of mergers and acquisitions, Tetra Tech expanded to open an office in Helena in 1984. Kirk Miller, office manager for the Helena office, explains that in our region, Tetra Tech provides engineering and environmental consultation; special-

izing in mine reclamation, disaster mitigation planning, cultural resource surveys, unexploded ordinances, and geographic information systems.

With two offices in Helena divided by services, Tetra Tech is a worldwide consulting firm with 14,000 employees, 50 of whom call Helena home. For

over 25 years, Tetra Tech has been involved with the investigation and clean-up of super fund sites such as the Butte Silver Bow Creek and the Clark Fork River. Additionally, Tetra Tech conducts cultural resource surveys for the Mountain States Transmission Lines.

For more information on what services Tetra Tech provides locally, Kirk Miller can be reached at 443-5210 or online at tetratech.com.

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what do they do?

bridger steel E

stablished in 1996 in Belgrade, Montana, Bridger Steel produces metal roofing and siding for interior as well as exterior applications.

President and owner, Dennis Johnson stands behind his company’s pledge to “offer the highest quality products, for a competitive price, with the top level of service expected from Bridger Steel.”

With offices in Belgrade, East Helena, Billings, Rapid City, South Dakota, and Casper, Wyoming, it’s easy to take a stroll through one of their showrooms and instantly understand the mastery and pride that goes into each order. “Our Showrooms are our show piece,” explains

Johnson. Johnson goes on to explain that steel offers a flexibility not found in other materials, allowing for architectural creativity in the building process. Bridger Steel’s 55 employees supply metal products and services for an assortment of agricultural, community, and residential uses as well as for interior design.

“The value of our product is in helping the customer create a lasting legacy of beauty.” Visit Bridger Steel’s showroom today at 4120 Double Eagle Road or online at bridgersteel.com.

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Leadership Helena Celebrates Its

birthday T Leadership Helena

Class of 1981/1982

16

Judith Johnson

Scott Peterson

Rae Haas

Margaret Mahlman

Robert Erickson

Mignon Waterman

William Bennat

Bruce Mihelish

Jean Fallan

William Crowley

Monica Conrad

Curtis Briggs

Kipman Smith

William Beaman

Willis Wetstein

Carol Peterson

Robert Rask

Lorna Kuney

Thomas Carruthers

Richard Meeker

Gerald Kuhl

Chase Hibbard

Roger Eble

Kimberly Phillips

Jan Brown

John Nichols

Russ Cravens

Ray Kuntz

Richard Weddle

Laurie Glass

Walter Hyer III

Thomas Meagher

James Tutwiler

Michael Allen

John Walsh

David Holbrook

Randy Poulsen

Tim McKeon

he Helena Area Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Helena Program reached a milestone this year. Back in May, the program graduated its 30th class. May 17, 2012, marked the 30th anniversary of the Helena Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Helena Program graduating 31 participants from the program.

The very first Leadership Helena class graduated in 1982 and included names that are still very familiar to many Helenans.

Notables including William Beaman, James Tutwiler, Mignon Waterman, Chase Hibbard and Bruce Mihelish were among the first ever graduating class of the Leadership Helena program.

There were 38 participants in the first Leadership Helena Class.

It is estimated that since 1982 nearly 1,000 individuals have graduated from the LH program.

The mission of the Leadership Helena program is to develop informed, vigorous, skilled and effective business leaders through a program of leadership development, networking and Chamber and community involvement.

Leadership Helena incorporates leadership development and community involvement to provide participants with the tools necessary to question standard practices, encourage new visions, empower themselves and others to act and to make a difference in the Helena community.

Each year participants in the class receive leadership training on such topics as Time Management, Playing to Strengths while Minimizing Weaknesses and Personal Discipline and Great Leadership.

The Leadership Helena Program is sponsored by the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce’s member businesses.

And it ’s right here in Helena.

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m e mb e r s in the

news Touchmark Announces Expansion and Renovation, New Memory Care Center Will Increase Services Touchmark on Saddle Drive is beginning construction of a $9 million expansion that will add 26,326 square feet, increasing the array of services offered by the award-winning retirement community. In addition, the existing community will undergo an extensive renovation. The project will provide work for approximately 150 people during construction as well as add approximately 30 positions, including caregivers, when the expansion is completed.

A one-story addition will offer a new service — memory care — to the Touchmark community.

This service is specifically designed for people living with Alzheimer’s disease or other age-related dementia illnesses.

18

chambers have you ever wondered...

What’s the connection between your local Chamber, the state Chamber, and the U.S. Chamber

W

e have had a fair number of conversations recently with Helena Area Chamber of Commerce members concerning the relationship between our chamber and the national chamber and also the state chamber of commerce.

The Helena Area Chamber of Commerce holds memberships with both the U.S. Chamber and the Montana Chamber of Commerce. Those two organizations are not related in any way to our chamber nor do they regulate or control our chamber.

The national chamber and state chamber have a little different focus for their program of work, as the majority of their mission is to advocate for business through their lobbying efforts. Both organizations have strong influence in these lobbying efforts and make their position decisions based on what is best for the most businesses. What contributes to their success is the fact that they are willing to take on the tough issues and work to create legislation that is better for most businesses.

Your local chamber on the other hand, has a much broader focus. We obviously advocate on the state and local levels, and on the rare occasion, a national issue. However, we can survey members on issues and use the will of most of our members to influence the issues or legislation that we take a stand on. Still working on the “best for the most” principle, however, focusing on Helena area businesses only, not an entire state or nation.

Continuing with the “broader focus,” your local chamber offers benefits and ROI (“Return On Investment”) from our many programs,

learning opportunities, events brought to town/or supported, being the information clearinghouse, tourism promotion, and much more.

Hopefully, this clears up a sometimes confusing connection with these other organizations. Do we sometimes work with them and/or support them in their efforts? Surely. Do we always agree with their stance on every issue? No, we do not.

Another confusing part of this can be the U.S. Chamber Federation partnership that allows all of our members to receive a complimentary membership with them (valued at $500.00 per year). With this partnership, our members receive news emails to help keep informed on national issues and they receive some membership benefits such as the business resource center that helps small businesses with business forms, or the discounts for using FedEx, Monster, or other business programs.

None of this partnership includes endorsing the U.S. Chamber’s many stances on federal issues by our chamber. They don’t expect that from our chamber. They just extend this to smaller, more rural chambers to expand the outreach and benefits to small businesses.

With elections in the air, it is prudent to note that the US Chamber has a PAC (Political Action Campaign) that raises money separate from memberships that is specific to their campaigning on issues and candidates. None of our membership to them contributes to these ads or political actions. 

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Page 1

A history of caring.

Commitment to the future.

• Residential and acute psychiatric care for children • Clinical and laboratory medical genetic services for people of all ages Caring for Montana's Families Since 1896

North Montana/Main Branch - 3030 N. Montana Avenue - 495-2400 Real Estate H.O.M.E. Branch - 3171 N. Montana Avenue - 495-2520 Westside Branch - Lundy Center - 306 Euclid Avenue - 495-2480 Downtown Branch - 321 Fuller Avenue - 495-2540 Eastside Branch - 1900 9th Avenue - 495-2500 East Helena Branch - 101 Lane Avenue, East Helena - 495-2570

www.shodair.org 20

4:38 PM

406-444-7500 1-800-447-6614 2755 Colonial Drive Helena, MT 59601

me mb er s in t h e

NorthWestern Energy Makes Impact On Helena & Montana Economy

news

A

century ago on December 12, 1912, a merger of four regional companies – The Butte Electric and Power Company, The Madison River Power Company, The Missouri River Power Company, and The Billings and Eastern Montana Power Company – became The Montana Power Company. The new company’s primary source of supply was a series of hydroelectric generating stations, some dating back to 1890. Montana Power was purely an electric utility for nearly two decades, and ventured into natural gas in 1931, following discovery of natural gas in the Cut Bank area. In 1951, Montana Power became the first major utility to import natural gas into the US from Canada. The natural gas available from its Montana and Canadian sources played a major role in Montana’s industrial and business expansion in the 1960s, by providing reliable, low cost fuel.

Throughout this time, Montana Power grew in its service territory in the Helena area, providing residential and business customers with electricity and natural gas, including the new areas where the residential and business community was expanding. In 2000, Montana Power’s electric and natural gas distribution and transmission system was acquired by NorthWestern Energy. Today, NorthWestern Energy employs 1,400 employees, 1,082 of those in Montana, who serve 668,300 customers in 467 communities in Montana, South Dakota, and Nebraska, covering over 123,000 square miles of service territory.

In the Helena area, there are 90 employees who work to provide electric and natural gas service, and are proud to be a part of the community. Our employees take their civic responsibility to heart by volunteering as coaches in small fry football and little guy wrestling, and by volunteering for local boards including the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce, Salvation Army, United Way, MBAC, Kiwanis, and more, along with volunteering in community efforts such as the Spirit of Service, installing poles for Babe Ruth Baseball, and more.

1400 NORTHWESTERN ENergy EMPLOYEES

CONTINUED FROM PG 18 The 19,000-squarefoot addition will include 30 private studios with full bathrooms and two doubleoccupancy studios with bathrooms. The design draws on the latest research for providing a comfortable and secure environment for people experiencing memory loss.

A two-story addition of 7,326 square feet will add eight apartments for people needing assisted living services. These will include six one-bedroom and two In 2011, NorthWestern Energy contributed over $80,000 into the Helena area through charitable contributions and sponsorships. NorthWestern is one of Lewis and Clark County’s largest taxpayers at approximately $7.8 million dollars.

NorthWestern Energy is committed to helping its residential, business, and governmental customers use its products efficiently, and has offered numerous grants and rebates toward energy efficiency and renewable energy.

To schedule a free energy audit for your business, call 1-800-823-5995. Currently small businesses in the Lewis & Clark, Broadwater, and Jefferson County area may be eligible to receive up to $1,500 in grant dollars toward energy upgrades due to a grant procured by the Lewis & Clark County Grant Coordinator, who can be reached at 447-8383. For other questions on your billing, to establish new service, or other energy areas, please call us at 1-888-467-2669. 

1082 IN MONTANA, INCLUDING 90 IN HELENA

668,300

CUSTOMERS IN 467 COMMUNITIES IN MONTANA, SOUTH DAKOTA, AND NEBRASKA

two-bedroom homes. Sizes will range from 630 to 945 square feet.

“These additional homes and the new memory care wing will benefit families, who have expressed their desire to have memory care services as part of our full life here at Touchmark,” says Executive Director Merry Lunde. “We’re also very excited to contemporize our look and renovate the common areas.”

Touchmark on Saddle Drive (formerly Waterford on Saddle Drive) opened in 1997. The awardwinning retirement community offers a range of homes and lifestyles.

For more information, visit Touchmark.com.

21

questions with the

president Last month, B2B had a chance to sit down with Dr. Tom Evans, President of Carroll College. Evans was officially announced as the new president in December 2011, and has permanently taken up office at the school as of this past May. He comes to Carroll College via St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas where he served as that school’s Associate Vice President for Professional Education and Global Initiatives. When we caught up with Dr. Evans, he had just returned from Alaska where he was accompanying a Carroll alumni trip, and was helping with “move-in day” for new and returning students.

22

carroll college president

dr. tom evans Dr. Evans – thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to meet with the Chamber.

One of the questions we are interested in is what drew you to the position of Carroll College President?

Dr. Evans: Surprisingly, I wasn’t looking for the opportunity to be a college president at the time. I had spent the last 15 years at St. Edward’s, where I had new career challenges presented to me about every 3-4 years. Most recently, I was heading up a task force charged with St. Edwards’ Strategic Vision for 2015. I was travelling abroad for much of my responsibilities and was quite comfortable with my position. I was actually approached by a search consultant regarding the position at Carroll College. I admit I was intrigued, but it wasn’t until I started researching Carroll College, and Helena, that I became interested. I was

impressed with the school’s academic rigor, and after learning about the Carroll’s successes with the Forensics School’s “Talking Saints,” Political Science “Moot Court,” the Biology program, the high pass rate of Carroll accounting students taking the CPA test, and the extremely high marks Carroll College had received nationally among peer institutions, I was hooked.

One of the unique partnerships in Helena is the one between Carroll College and the business community.

What are your plans for maintaining and improving upon this relationship?

Dr. Evans: The staff and administration has recently spent hours and days in planning retreats, in hopes of embarking on a new vision for Carroll. Among the topics of discussion was the relationship between Carroll and the community. I have always felt that the relationship between a school and the business community is a symbiotic one of mutual benefit. Carroll receives a lot from being located in Helena,

where you have the seat of state government and a growing, thriving business community where students can participate in internships and the school and businesses can take advantage of funded grant opportunities. But Helena receives much in turn for having an institution like Carroll in the community. All you have to do is look around today with all the activity taking place with students moving in and preparing for a new school year. Parents will spend evenings in the local hotels, eat at the local restaurants, and take their students shopping for all the supplies they need for class and to outfit their dorm rooms. And that continues all school year. It really is a twoway street, and we are proud to be a part of it.

What is your vision for moving Carroll forward?

Dr. Evans: It was as an undergrad at Georgetown University where I converted to Catholicism, and I guess you could say I had a calling to higher education. I believe it was W.E.B. DuBois who described the creation of higher learning as

the most important legacy of the human race, and I couldn’t agree more. I truly believe that higher education is more than just teaching.

It’s a combination of learning, of faith, of extra-curricular activities that develops not just a student but rather a wellrounded individual. The motto of Carroll College is “Non Scholae Sed Vitae” (“Not for School but for Life”) and I find that to be very profound.

It’s on those principles and Carroll’s current successes that we will continue to build upon.

I know it’s not been a long time since you’ve been here, but what’s your impression of the school and the Helena community as a whole?

Dr. Evans: The one thing that stands out the most is how the people here are truly genuine and sincere, and that they really care about this community.

Helena is lucky in that it has many great arts and entertainment venues, great local restaurants, and great outdoor recreation close by. It’s a small town, but doesn’t necessarily feel small. I am still amazed when I walk into a room and someone whom I just

recently met is so willing to give me a warm welcome. I have many family and friends who have wanted to come visit me since I’ve been here; to come out and see Montana. It’s not until they’ve been here and experienced Helena that they tell me that they get it, they get why I’ve chosen Helena and Carroll College.

I would be remiss if I didn’t ask you about football. Of course the Saints have had tremendous success on the gridiron and another season is around the corner. Are you football fan?

Dr. Evans: Most definitely, yes! When I accepted the position at Carroll, my wife said to me, “I can’t believe you finally did it!” I was taken aback a little. I asked if her comment pertained to me finally taking a president’s position, and she said no, I can’t believe you finally were able to get a chance to take a position where they expect you to watch football! In fact, we are looking forward to travelling to Havre to watch our Saints take on MSU Northern in the opening game of the season.  23

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25

h e l e n a , m o n ta n a

c o m m e r c i a l

growth it is happening in

helena!

The Custer Interchange

26

The Chamber took a look around Helena to see what new buildings and businesses have been completed the first half of this year and also what is in the works. Mid-year, we are on track for a very good year of commercial development and growth with over $27 million in projects so far! While a great deal of the activity is spawning around the completion of the Custer Interchange project, we also have areas all over town with projects. Here’s a look at what we found.

Stockman Bank

Custer Interchange - WEST SIDE EAST OF Custer Landing: Mike Wall, owner of Power Townsend, said they were working on potential development of the 11 acres they own east of the Custer Landing development near the interchange. Nothing to report until they have confirmations but Wall did want to give high accolades to Schellenger Construction for the excellent work and amazingly fast construction of the interchange. Businesses in the area expected at least a month or more of dealing with that huge project but were pleasantly surprised at how quickly it was done.

Town Pump

HCCU

Custer Landing: Stockman Bank plans a 14,000+ square foot bank on the west side of the entrance to this area off Custer. Bids were just coming in at time of press, so President/ CEO John McGlaughlin did not have an estimate of the cost for this project but anticipated breaking ground in September.

North side of Custer: Town Pump is building another full service gas station, convenience store and casino near Lowes. This large building is the first of a new prototype design for Town Pump and features a Montana look including a beautiful brick, stone and steel exterior. This new business will add approximately 30 full-time and part-time employees to the 70+ jobs already in the Helena area Town Pumps and Comfort Suites. If you look around town, the investment by Town Pump in the Helena community over the past two years is extensive including the Comfort Suites Hotel, new Town Pump on the east side of Custer Interchange, rebuild of the Town Pump on the corner of Prospect and N. Montana, upgrades at other Town Pump stations, purchase of the old Circus Theatre building where they have taken that building down in hopes of potential development in the future. In total, millions have been invested

by Town Pump in new and renewed properties. Fact: Town Pump employs 3000 people in Montana!

Helena Community Credit Union is moving along with their branch bank building between Shopko and Burger King along Custer. This project is estimated at between $2-3 million dollars. Additional employees will be added to accommodate this growth for HCCU.

27

SKYWAY MALL AREA

INTERMOUNTAIN COMMUNITY SERVICES CENTER

Custer Interchange - east SIDE Skyway Mall area (near Home Depot) Wadsworth Developers are moving quickly to add retail to this area with the first new building going up on a lot sold to Staples. Staples is building a $1.62 million dollar building that they will move to from their location by Walmart.

Nate Ballard of Wadsworth announced that a new T.J. Maxx store is confirmed as well as a Rue 21 clothing store. They are very close to announcing another 10,000 square foot “soft goods” store in the same area. These are planned for the area just south of Home Depot. They are also working to attract a major retailer for the area.

Development near Residence Inn by Marriott: Residence Inn by Marriott co-owner Andy Sabatini said they were looking to develop the nine acres surrounding their hotel and have some interested businesses considering the area. He is hoping to attract a restaurant and some retail shops.

airport: The Helena Regional Airport has several large projects underway this summer and fall with a three-quarter million dollar addition to the Fire Training Center and also a 2.3 million dollar renovation to the airline terminal ramp and de-icing station. Also, there is a million dollar addition to the Airport Fire Station 2.

north montana area Natural Grocers are building a new health food store in front of the Good Samaritan in the Northgate Center.

Estimated costs for this project are $1.67 million.

The Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home building was finished this past spring out on North Montana – a very nice new facility.

Just off North Montana on Dredge Drive, Intermountain is building the Community Services Center to the tune of about $5.2 million. Essential services for Intermountain will be located here.

FIRST INTERSTATE BANK

downtown helena The Browning, Kaleczyc, Berry & Hoven, (BKBH) law firm building was recently completed on Last Chance Gulch just above the Great Northern Town Center. This $5.11 million dollar building is a Leeds certified building.

Just down the street a block (also on Last Chance Gulch), Dick Anderson broke ground on a new professional building that will house partners Helena Orthodontics, Quinn Irwin, Dentist, Mike Miller – State Farm Insurance and also the top floors will house the law firm of Crowley Fleck.

A couple blocks north of the above building (on the corner of Last Chance Gulch and Lyndale) the First Interstate Bank building is nearing completion. This $5.1 million dollar building will be the main bank in Helena as they expand their services in the community.

cedar street Alpine Animal Clinic has added a huge addition to their clinic adding more services for animals beyond their veterinary care. Pet grooming, boarding, and more make this clinic a full service pet care center.

south interchange Dr. Rencher, Dr. Wilkerson and Dr. Hanson have nearly completed their medical facility that includes the Helena Eye Clinic and Pediatric Dentistry. This building cost nearly 4 million dollars and has state-ofthe-art medical services.

south side of helena Shodair Children’s Hospital is building a new facility to accommodate families of patients and some extended services. This building will cost about $1.4 million.

Touchmark (formerly The Waterford) is expanding their facility to add many new housing/care units to the tune of about 5 million. They will be able to accommodate more residents with this addition.

Hopefully we haven’t missed any big projects but will feature any missed in our next B2B Magazine.

As you can see – Helena has a lot of commercial growth going on. There is a reason that the Policom Report ranked Helena #2 in the nation for economic strength in 2011 AND again for 2012!

28

Reach your financial goals!

• Retirement • Income Protection • Estate Planning

explore your world listen to many, speak to few.

-william shakespeare

A great financial advisor creates a plan to help you invest in your future.

Enjoy the Internet, DVDs, audiobooks for road trips, & downloadable media at your Lewis & Clark Library.

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For home, call 800.475.7526 For business, call 877.744.4416 Click centurylink.com

Services may not be available everywhere. CenturyLink may change, cancel, or substitute offers and services, or vary them by service area, at its sole discretion without notice. Requires credit approval and deposit may be required. Additional restrictions apply. Terms and Conditions – All products and services listed are governed by tariffs, terms of service, or terms and conditions posted at www.centurylink.com. High-Speed Internet (HSI) – Performance will vary due to conditions outside of network control and no speed is guaranteed. Direct connection and consistent speed claims are based on CenturyLink providing HSI subscribers with a dedicated, virtual-circuit connection to the CenturyLink central office. ©2012 CenturyLink, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Copyright © 2012 Deloitte Development LLC. All rights reserved.

Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited

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1225 Cedar ‐ 2021 N Montana Great Northern Town Center ‐ 2728 Colonial www.mtnwestbank.com MWB_Helena Chamber Ad

helena cvb hosts press tour

T

he Helena Chamber’s CVB (Convention & Visitors Bureau) hosted a Press Tour from August 15 – 18, 2012. The CVB invited four writers to come to Helena for five days and enjoy all that the Capital City has to offer. The tour, which was entitled “Artistic Helena” was a huge success.

The writers enjoyed everything from our rich arts, culture, and history to our scenery, fine dining, and community events.

The writers partook of some of our wonderful events such as the Chamber’s Business After Hours which kicked off the 34th Annual Western Rendezvous of Art at the Red Lion Colonial. They were also able to tour such places as the Archie Bray, Tizer Gardens, Montana Historical Society Museum and the Cathedral of St. Helena. Evening activities included a wagon ride dinner

at the Last Chance Ranch complete with great cowboy entertainment by Helena’s own Bruce Anfinson and the play Othello hosted by the Montana Shakespeare Company. And, a trip to Helena just wouldn’t be complete without a ride on the Last Chance Tour Train where the history of Helena truly comes to life. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the events and activities.

Along with these tours, the writers were also able to tour Last Chance Gulch and see the wonderful architecture of our beautiful downtown. From the Carousel at the Great Northern Town Center to the Pioneer’s Cabin at Reeder’s Alley, the writers were treated to lively stories of Helena’s Past and Present by tour guide and historian Ellen Baumler.

One writer expressed her feelings in a thank you note to the CVB and wrote, “It was obvious that there is great pride of place and sense of community in Helena, and I was awed by the generosity of all the people who stepped up to make our trip possible by providing

The CVB Press Tour takes time to pose for a picture at the Rendezvous of Art’s “Quick Draw” event

rooms, meals, tickets and other amenities. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn about a place that was largely unfamiliar to me, and I’m busy thinking about stories I can write to spread the news about Helena.”

The writers included: Susan McKee, who is a freelance journalist with articles in Road Trips for Foodies, Vagabond, etc. and is based out of Indianapolis; Sheryl Jesperse, a freelance journalist contracted by AAA Home and Away magazine (this publication reaches AAA members in South Dakota,

Oklahoma, Indiana, Ohio and Minnesota. Sheryl lives in Cedar Rapids, Iowa); Jen Pollack Bianco, a freelance journalist from Los Angeles with articles in the Los Angeles Times, Huffington Post and writer/ editor of My Life’s a Trip Blog; and Adriana Gardella, a freelance journalist with a confirmed assignment for Creators – a syndicate that sells travel stories to newspaper and digital outlets worldwide including the Washington Post, Denver Post, Chicago Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle and many more.

The Helena CVB committee would like to thank the following businesses and individuals who so graciously opened their doors to us and gave of their time and substance which allowed us to host these travel writers: Robert Allen Nissan / Last Chance Ranch Wagon Ride Dinners / Comfort Suites / Silver Star Steak Co. / Great Northern Carousel Last Chance Tour Train / Windbag Saloon and Grill / Fusion Grille / The Parrot / Park Avenue Bakery / Downtown Helena Inc Tizer Gardens / Ghost Art Gallery / ExplorationWorks / Holter Museum of Art / Blackfoot Brewery / Steve’s Café Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply / Archie Bray Foundation / Benny’s Bistro / Montana Shakespeare Company Montana Historical Society / The Chamber’s Ambassadors (Red Coats) / Dean Mack – Cathedral Organist / Ellen Baumler – Tour Guide

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32

the new montana

by B ru c e Wh i tte n b e rg D i re cto r, M o ntan a H i sto r i cal So c i ety

O

nce in a great while, an opportunity presents itself to capture the grandeur of Montana, the excitement of Montana’s history and provide a wonderful new public facility for our citizens, families and guests. The Montana Heritage Center – construction of a new history center and renovation of the existing Veterans and Pioneers Memorial Building – will create a “Society to match the scenery,” to borrow a line from Wallace Stegner.

The MHS Board of Trustees began with a vision of greater service to Montana’s citizens, care for Montana’s treasures and heritage and place that can serve as a fitting home for the study and celebration

of “The Last Best Place.” It has been over 60 years “since the people of Montana came together to build the current home of the Montana Historical Society, the Veteran’s and Pioneer’s Memorial Building across from the Capitol. Now is the time for our generation to step forward to create the new Montana Historical Society to preserve and protect our rapidly expanding collections and provide a modern venue for those collections to be exhibited and studied.”

Located in the center of Helena adjacent the State Capitol, nearly 80,000 people visit the Montana Historical Society or attend our programs over the course of a year. For many, it’s their reason to come to Helena, stay overnight in our community and visit our restaurants and

shops. Imagine the impact that an exciting and new Montana Heritage Center could have on the economy and prestige of our community as a world-class heritage and cultural tourism destination.

The Montana Heritage Center will be funded through the support of the Legislature and the generosity of Montanans through private contributions.

Please support this endeavor! Visit with your state representatives and encourage their support in the 2013 Montana Legislature. Contact me personally if you would like to play a role in making this grand vision a reality. My email is bwhittenberg@mt.gov, or my direct phone is (406) 444-5485. Thank you to all of our supporters, especially the 1,900 members of the MHS, for celebrating Montana’s past and for being a part of our great future. 

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34

members chamber member advertising and marketing opportunities Take a look at these great ways to promote your business or organization, available exclusively to Helena Chamber members!

Chamber/Visitor Center Information Racks + Chamber businesses are promoted for FREE at the Chamber lobby display area and at all Chamber

Visitor Centers, including placement in the “Chamber Recommends” brochure series.

Business2Business Connection News Magazine + 2,500 copies of this colorful magazine are distributed for FREE to members, placed in Visitor

Information Center locations, & sent out to business relocation inquiries. + The Connection will be printed and distributed twice annually, with a Spring and a Fall edition + Member ads will be placed in both publications for the price of one!

Relocation Packets and Vacation Packets

+ 6,000 relocation + 30,000 vacation packets were distributed by the Chamber in 2011. + Members can have a full-page ad included in these packets for $25 per month

Chamber Visitor and Relocation DVD

+ Produced by Tempest Technologies, this strikingly beautiful DVD highlights Helena and its many

+ Three different sponsorship levels in which you can participate in. + Distributed in vacation/relocation packets and upon request.

recreational and occupation opportunities.

E-Mail Blast Advertising

+ Exclusive emails can be sent on their own at any time of the week for $150/email + Create your own content or have the Chamber build an e-blast for you + No limit to how many you can do!

Helena Vacation and Relocation Guide

+ 70-plus page high quality, full-color digest, distributed to all members and potential members + 30,000 copies printed and distributed to Visitor Centers and mailed to vacation/relocation requests + Chamber members listed both alphabetically and by category + Pictorial profile of Helena including detailed area and relocation information

Member Event Sponsorships

+ High visibility and advertising value for members who sponsor a Chamber event such as Business After Hours, Annual Golf Tournament, Annual Banquet, Business Awards Luncheon, SWISH Tournament, professional development seminars, the Young Professionals program, and various Sports and Tournament Events.

for more information, call 406-442-4120

me mb er s in t h e

news Hampton inn helena earns 2012 tripadvisor “certificate of excellence” Hampton Inn Helena received a 2012 TripAdvisor “Certificate of Excellence” award this past June. The accolade, which honors hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide.

Approximately 10 percent of accommodations listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious award. To qualify for the “Certificate of Excellence,” businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travelers in TripAdvisor.

Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.

The Hampton Inn Helena welcomes travelers to the beautiful capitol city of Montana. Our guest rooms feature free high speed Internet access, hairdryers, iron and ironing boards plus most have a microwave/refrigerator combo. We offer our Hot Breakfast daily or On the Run breakfast Monday thru Friday, an Indoor Pool and Fitness Room as well as guests can check email or surf the web in the Business Center. Hampton Inn is part of the Hilton Family of hotels. Learn more at www. helena.hamptoninn.com.

35

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id IDENTITY THEFT

HOW BUSINESSES CAN PROTECT THEMSELVES

by Cole e n sm i th , B ette r B u s i n e ss B u re au

38

stolen identity can happen to businesses, too

B

usiness identity theft occurs when someone steals information about a business to commit fraud. Thieves may specifically target small and medium sized businesses because their data security programs may not be as strong as those of larger companies. They want a business’s credit/ debit card account numbers, bank numbers, federal Employer Identification Number and other federal and state identification numbers.

Identity thieves use the stolen business information to open credit card accounts in the business’s name, make purchases or get a loan in the name of the business. They will also open bank accounts, write checks on that account and take money out of the business’s existing account. In some cases the thieves may get enough information to actually sell the business or property without that business’s knowledge!

Last month there was an email circulating nationwide, including Montana, that appeared to be from the IRS. The subject line was ‘underreported income.’ That will make anyone’s heart skip a beat. The email had a link to a website that requested sensitive information to “verify” the supposed IRS had the correct info. Unfortunately, an employee in Florida fell for the scam and within 24 hours the business had lost $63,000 out of their account, sent to numerous unnamed locations.

What can you do to protect your business?

Screen employees. Taking steps to hire honest employees is one of the best ways to help secure a business and reduce the risk of identity theft or fraud. Consider doing background spot-checks. If a business handles a lot of sensitive information, such as financial or medical, a full criminal background check might be in order.

Check with an attorney to discuss the laws regarding background checks.

Control employee access to sensitive information – customers’ and business’s.

Train employees. Make sure employees know how to protect the privacy, confidentiality and security of personal information.

Protect and dispose. Protect sensitive information with passwords and locks. Dispose of items responsibly when they are no longer needed. This includes not only paper, but computers and electronic files. Sloppy security practices can lead to theft.

Identity theft is real and it could happen to you. Reduce your risk now by implementing or strengthening security measures for your business. As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. 

physical security

Tips

To Protect Customers Shred or cross-shred papers with personally-identifiable customer or business data before throwing them away, or use a document disposal company to destroy the papers. Check with bbb.org to find a reputable one.

Send and receive business mail from a secured mailbox or a post office box.

Conduct regular software audits of computers.

Train employees to watch for suspicious activity among other employees, customers, cleaners, or people coming to the business premises.

Consider telling customers how they can spot phishing efforts, and how they should verify that it’s the business’s communication before releasing any personal information.

Verify the identity of a customer before discussing or providing any customer account information by telephone or e-mail.

Then take appropriate steps to provide it in a manner that is secure.

Secure the business with locks and alarms.

Secure business, customer and employee records in locked cabinets.

39

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benefit spotlight The Helena Area Chamber of Commerce Recommends YOUR Business!

BUSINESS CATEGORY MEMBERSHIP BUSINESS CATEGORY MEMBERSHIP

O

n any given day, the Chamber office receives dozens of phone calls and the lobby is filled with walk-in traffic. These customers might be visitors to our community, or even local people and they are looking for recommendations on variety of things including dining, lodging, shopping, recreation, etc. for the Helena area. Did you know as part of your membership in the Chamber that the Helena

Area Chamber of Commerce recommends your business?

The Chamber distributes a series of brochures entitled “The Chamber Recommends!” brochures. These brochures are industry specific and list all Chamber members within that category.

A member’s business, address and telephone number are automatically included for free!

The “Chamber Recommends” brochures have proven so popular

that we have had to add additional categories and are now up to 23 different brochures. In addition to the categories listed above other brochures include: Real Estate, Autos, Boats, RVs, Insurance, Banks & Financial Services, Home Improvement, Computer Services, Construction, etc.

Brochures are available in the Chamber lobby, Visitor Center locations located at the Helena Regional Airport

and the Walmart parking lot, and on-line on the Chamber website at www.helenachamber. com/newslettersandbrochures.

Your listing in a “Chamber Recommends” brochure is in addition to your alphabetical and category listing on the Chamber’s online Member directory. As members join, their business is added to the brochure. This is an invaluable membership benefit that directs customers to only Chamber members!

for more information, Visit www.helenachamber.com/newslettersandbrochures FREE

“Building Businesses in Helena for Over 30 Years” Dick Anderson Construction 3424 Highway 12 East Helena, MT 59601 Phone: 406.443.3225 Fax: 406.443.1537 www.daconstruction.com page

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serving Montanans for 129 years 4 0 6 - 4 9 5 -1 9 0 0 www.b a n ko f t h e ro c k i e s.c o m

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Look For These Improvements In 2012 Second Security Checkpoint Lane Remodeled Airport Fire Station 2 Expanded Airline Terminal Ramp and Aircraft Deicing Facility New Snow Removal Equipment For Increased Winter Operations Efficiency 42

43

first six-months

business barometer area residential real estate January–June 2012

homes sold

Jan Feb Mar April M ay June YTD

residential electrical permits January–June 2012 (Unincorporated Area)

average sale price

2 8 $ 2 0 6 ,1 3 9 3 7 $198,346 41 $240,344 4 9 $206,968 6 6 $216,733 6 0 $223,543 281 $215,345

L&C county

Jan Feb MaR April M ay June

jefferson county

3 9 1 6 2 3 3 8 3 3 3 1

5 6 8 5 15 6

construction permits City of Helena • January–June 2012

C o mme r c ia l Ja n Fe b M a r c h Apr il M ay Ju n e

13 16 15 15 16 18

• • • • • •

$181,592 $ 3,16 0, 457 $ 2,6 83, 48 0 $ 2,19 6, 633 $ 8,158 ,045 $ 6 ,33 4, 95 8

r e sid e n tial Ja n Fe b Mar Apr il M ay Ju n e 44

13 8 13 18 19 21

• • • • • •

$1,7 70, 5 57 $ 1,870, 5 40 $2,764, 8 08 $ 1,876, 336 $ 2,616,178 $2,748 , 422

air passenger traffic January–June 2012

Jan

ON

OFF

TOTAL

6,974

6,657

13,631

-6.0% on vs. -6.9% off -6.4%

Feb

6,629

6,568

13,197

-0.2% on vs. 0.5% off

0.1%

Mar

8,443

7,861

16,304

0.9% on vs. 1.3% off

1.1%

April

7,165

7,660

14,825

-1.7% on vs. -3.0% off -2.4%

May

8,270

8,480

16,750

-2.7% on vs. -4.7% off

June

8,221

8,496

16,717

-9.8% on vs. -10.5% off -10.2%

%2012 VS. 2011

-3.8%

employment trends

POPULATION

January–June 2012

state

LEWIS & CLARK COUNTY

998,199 L&C County

63,395

LABOR FORCE

EMPLOYED

UNEMPLOYED

Jan

35,586

33,509

2,077

5.8%

Feb

36,079

34,145

1,934

5.4%

Mar

35,923

33,970

1,953

5.4%

April

35,879

34,165

1,714

4.8%

May

35,922

34,136

1,786

5.0%

June

36,459

34,567

1,891

5.2%

EMPLOYED

UNEMPLOYED

RATE

MONTANA

helena (city limits)

28,190 total helena area

44,300

RATE

LABOR FORCE

Jan

500,036

462,871

37,165

7.4%

Feb

501,627

467,202

34,425

6.9%

Mar

503,535

468,537

34,998

7.0%

April

507,993

475,992

32,001

6.3%

May

512,310

480,802

31,508

6.2%

June

518,039

485,800

32,239

6.2%

hR RESOURCES Claiming Exemption from Withholding on Form w-4

C

ertain employees may claim to be exempt from income tax withholding. This could be accurate if for the prior tax year, they had a right to a refund of all federal income tax withheld because they had no tax liability, and for the current tax year, they expect a refund of all federal income tax withheld because they expect to have no tax liability.

To claim exemption, they must give you a Form W-4.

On the form they should not complete lines 5 and 6 and they should write “Exempt” on line 7.

If they claim exemption, but later their situation changes so that they will have to pay income tax after all, they must file a new Form W-4 within 10 days after the change.

An exemption is good for only one year. Each employee, for example, who filed exempt in 2011, must complete a new Form W-4 by February 15, 2012 to continue the exemption. If a new W-4 is not filed by that date, the employer must change their withholding status to single with zero exemptions. 

Reference: See IRS publication 505 for more information.

Montana Vacation Pay/Paid Time Off

Top 10 things private sector employers need to know about Vacation Pay and Paid Time Off in Montana* There is no requirement in Montana or federal law for private sector employers to provide vacation pay or paid time off.

If a private sector employer provides vacation pay or paid time off benefits, it may help the employer attract and retain employees.

If a private sector employer provides vacation pay, once it is accrued and earned, it is considered wages and is due and payable in the same manner as regular wages. See Attorney General Opinion 56, Volume 23.

Montana law provides greater flexibility to private sector employers for setting the terms of a Paid Time Off (PTO) benefit than is provided for a vacation pay benefit.

When a private sector employer provides PTO, the employer is not required to pay out PTO upon termination of employment.

When a private sector employer provides PTO and allows for pay out of accrued time upon termination, the employer may set a cash value for conversion of accrued paid time off to wages at less than

100%. See the McConkey case referenced below.

“Use it or lose it” vacation pay policies are prohibited in Montana.

An employer may set a “cap” or “maximum” for vacation pay or PTO accrual. If an employee reaches the maximum, they will not accrue additional benefit until existing time is used.

If a private sector employer’s policies provide for vacation pay or PTO, even though a nonexempt employee total hours for the week (work hours plus vacation or paid time off) exceed 40, the non-exempt employee is only due overtime if actual work hours exceed 40.

When writing a vacation pay or PTO benefit policy, include: • Which employees are eligible for the benefit • When an employee starts to accrue the benefit • When an employee earns the benefit • How much is accrued • How frequently it is accrued • If there is a cap or maximum accrual

• How to request time off • A statement that the employer has the right to deny a request, and will work with the employee in an attempt to identify an alternative period of time off • When taking time off, other employer policies remain in effect (ex. non-solicitation, non-disclosure, confidentiality) • Does an employee continue to accrue the benefit while on an unpaid leave • If the benefit is PTO, indicate whether or not accrued and earned time is paid out upon termination and, if so, at what value Be sure to have a qualified professional review your policies to ensure compliance with law, that your language does not subject you to unintended liability, and that your policies reflect best practices.

See:

- Attorney General Opinion 56, Volume 23 - Langager v. Crazy Creek Products, Inc. 1998 MT 44, 287 Mont. 445, 954 P.2d 1169.

- McConkey v. Flathead Electric Cooperative, 2005 MT 33 *The items highlighted in this article focus mainly on the wage implications of vacation pay and paid time off benefits.

When considering these benefits, talk with a qualified professional to ensure you evaluate the impact of all relevant laws and policies.

Reprinted with permission of Personnel Plus! Consulting Services. No other republication or external use is allowed without express permission of Personnel Plus! Consulting Services. The information is not intended to serve as a substitute for legal or other professional advice.

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Conversation The helena civic center The Grandon Hotel Built in 1885, The Grandon Hotel boasted to be the finest equipped hotel in Helena with the finest location. Indeed, located on the southwest corner of Sixth Avenue and North Warren, the stately hotel overlooked downtown and was notable for the single granite column supporting the northeast bay with an observation cupola. The hotel was destroyed by fire on March 14, 1968. The site is now home to the Helena Chamber of Commerce, Montana Business Assistance Connection, Downtown Helena, the Helena Business Improvement District, and the Helena Parking Commission.

Designed by well-known architects Link and Haire, the Civic Center originally served as the headquarters of the Algeria Shrine Temple.

Built between 1920 and 1921, the structure suffered damage in the 1935 earthquakes.

Unable to afford upkeep or the necessary repairs, the Shriners sold the facility to the City of Helena in 1935. The Civic Center housed a number of City offices until 1976, when they were moved to the renovated Federal Building.

The police department operated from the Civic Center until the mid 1980s. On March 10, 1939, the Helena Fire Department was moved to its current location on the east side of the Civic Center where it remains today.

48

library buffalo Friend and business associate James J. Hill once teased Col. Charles Broadwater that he was investing too much money in Helena and that buffalo would wander down Main Street before the city gained financial success. As a monument to his faith in Helena, and to refute Hill, Broadwater placed a keystone buffalo head above the entrance of his bank.

east helena smelter

In 1888, a large lead smelter was built on the banks of Prickly Pear Creek in the Helena Valley by the American Smelting and Refining Company (ASARCO). East Helena grew up around that enterprise.

For over a century, the smelter processed 70,000 tons of lead bullion a year, and provided a livelihood for thousands of families. Together, East Helena and Asarco weathered mining strikes, soaring and slipping metal prices, the Great Depression, and a plethora of environmental laws that all threatened the company’s future at one time or another.

A joke from Bill in shipping, now that’s a painkiller.

Work heals. That’s why Montana State Fund is dedicated to working with employees, employers and physicians to get injured employees back on the job as soon as medically possible. Our Return to Work programs include modified duties, physician-approved task sheets and processes for reporting. Ask your insurance agent about Return to Work programs or visit www.safemt.com.

RetuRn to WoRk PRogRams

Helena Area Chamber of Commerce 225 Cruse Ave, Suite A Helena, MT 59601

Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Helena, MT 59601 Permit No. 205

business to business connection

Serving Montanans for Over

For more than 70 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana has provided quality, affordable health care coverage to the people of Montana. As the Affordable Care Act moves forward, we want to assure Montanans that we will continue to offer the same uninterrupted coverage and superior customer service we have been providing to our members since 1940.

Stability matters. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana is here to ensure affordability, security, and choice for all Montanans, now and into the future.

For more information please visit our website at: www.bcbsmt.com An independent licensee of the Blue cros s And Blue shield As sociAtion, An As sociAtion of independent Blue cros s And Blue shield plAns.

50