FALL 2017 BUSINESS TO BUSINESS CONNECTION
BOSS OF THE YEAR SARA MEDLEY FROM MOUNTAIN-PACIFIC QUALITY HEALTH page 6 plus True Cost of The War Legislative Building a Home For Talent Report page 10 page 20 page 32 We create solutions that build better communities
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2 | BUSINESS TO BUSINESS CONNECTION contents
FALL 2017 | VOL. 5 | ISSUE 2
10 20 A CLOSER LOOK AT THE THE WAR FOR TALENT COSTS OF BUILDING A NEW HOME
6 2017 BOSS OF THE YEAR AWARD: SARA MEDLEY OF 24-27 30 MOUNTAIN-PACIFIC QUALITY HEALTH RIBBON CUTTINGS HEALTHY HELENA IMAGES also in this issue 4 CEO MESSAGE 8 2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 12 THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF TOURISM 14-18 HELENA ENTREPRENEURS 34 LOCAL LEGISLATOR REPORT CARD 38 COMMITTEE REPORTS 32 36 40 LEADERSHIP HELENA 2017 LEGISLATIVE THE IMPORTANCE OF 42 ALTERNATIVES TO MINIMUM WAGE HIKES REPORT HAVING & MAINTAINING A BUSINESS PLAN
FALL 2017 | 3 A PUBLICATION OF THE CEO Message
225 Cruse Ave, Suite A RELEVANCE, ADVOCACY, AND OPPORTUNITY Helena, MT 59601 As the for much of the year. The Chamber’s (406) 442-4120 // 1-800-7HELENA Helena Govt. Affairs Committee has worked Fax: (406) 447-1532 Chamber to encourage pro-business people helenachamber.com nears the to run for the commission. They end of 2017, I asked all candidates to fill out a have thought questionnaire that was then graded about ways we to identify candidates that aligned have worked with the chamber’s positions. The top MAGAZINE DESIGN this year to scoring candidates were endorsed stay on top of by the Chamber Board. We are CATHY BURWELL the needs of Helena’s business organization and our chamber members and to keep it is imperative that we stand up for the chamber a viable and necessary business in our local elections. business partner for our members. OPPORTUNITY 40 W Lawrence St RELEVANCE Our members need to have many Helena, MT 59601 I find that keeping the chamber opportunities to engage and learn in (406) 449-2847 relevant to the businesses, to the order for their businesses’ and their allegrahelena.com business owners & bosses, and to own professional careers to grow. the general membership is of utmost With this in mind, we have added importance. We can no longer be just our Wisdom Wednesday series – an “events” chamber – we need to keep taking place the 2nd Wednesday of addressing the business needs, the each month – and it is seeing good COVER & FEATURE PORTRAITS work we can do to help our businesses success! Having a stellar line-up of Dawn Zehr • Alana Cunningham in their quest for success. We need local professionals present on a wide to be aware of and offer services, variety of topics of interest to business training, or networking opportunities people has been received well by our that every generation wants. Our members. We will continue to select older generations are happy with the good topics and speakers for these. LOCAL CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS traditional events & networking, while We also have been offering a glimpse Cathy Burwell • Michelle Edmunds our younger members want different – into the success stories of local CEO’s, Bridger Mahlum • Mike Mergenthaler which is why we changed the hours of community leaders, and more through Corrine Moore • Eric Seidensticker our Business After Hours events to 4-6 our Executive Connect series presented Ronda Wiggers • Dawn Zehr p.m.(from our past 5-7p.m.). The new by our Chamber Young Professionals. time offers members who have family While these are YP events, we have obligations to get home to and other opened them to all members. priorities after work, time to attend and If you ever have input or suggestions still fulfill their personal obligations. © 2017 All rights reserved. on ways the Chamber can help your The information contained within business and your staff, please let us this document may not be ADVOCACY reproduced in whole or in part Not only did we have a fairly know – we WANT to be your business without the express written permission successful legislative session with partner! of the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce. Every effort was made to ensure accuracy our full-time lobbyist during the Remember the saying – if you want of information in this publication; first 4 months of this year, but we to go faster – go alone, if you want to go however, due to the passage of time and also have continued to keep you up further, go together! Together, we can the anomalies inherent in the publishing to date on the work of the City of keep the Helena Chamber…..Relevant, process, we cannot be responsible for Helena Commission. The importance Advocating, and full of Opportunity errors or incorrect information. of cultivating, encouraging, and for our members! working towards a pro-business city commission has been at the forefront CATHY BURWELL // PRESIDENT/CEO
4 | BUSINESS TO BUSINESS CONNECTION FALL 2017 | 5 2017 HELENA CHAMBER’S BOSS OF THE YEAR 2017 marks the 6th year for the As employees, it is very motivating communities. Sara is an active Helena Area Chamber of Commerce to watch our very own Wonder member in her church, Family to take Woman, Sara, in action Her energy, Promise, and many other efforts. nominations for positive attitude and can-do spirit is She is an excellent communicator and award the infections. and has worked hard to build a Boss of the Year. She is skillful in infusing an strong team. The chamber excitement for innovation and recognizes that Sara was presented with a plaque growth, yet maintaining a “we are and prize package donated by all businesses family” atmosphere. of the Helena members of the chamber valued at Area owe a great She takes personal interest in each over $2000.00. deal of their employee – sending them a personal Sara Medley was appointed CEO success to the note on birthdays, engages with of Mountain-Pacific Quality Health local business them in the hallways or around the Foundation in the fall of 2012. leaders – the office, injecting humor & fun at staff Medley has been involved CEO’s, Owners, meetings & gatherings. in quality improvement and Managers, She recognizes that staff training healthcare management her Supervisors, and and development is vital to the SARA MEDLEY entire career. She has been with more – and that, business as well as to the employees. Mountain-Pacific Quality Health for often, both personal and business Sara makes each of us feel that we more than 30 years—24 of which success is due to the expertise in are a gifted contributor by listening, were spent managing Mountain- leading great teams of people. Every affirming and accepting our Pacific Quality Health operations. year the Helena Chamber receives perspectives and ideas. many nominations for a number of A Carroll College graduate and deserving bosses, but, as is true in Sara never expects anyone to do a life-long resident of Helena, any award, there can only be one anything she wouldn’t do herself and she is a member of the American that rises to the top. treats others the way she expects to and Montana Health Information be treated. Management Association and also Sara Medley, C.E.O. of Mountain serves on numerous boards and – Pacific Quality Health, was Sara has been instrumental in committees. surprised by friends, family, and implementing the Healthy Living colleagues on Monday, October 16th for Life campaign and believes this as the Helena Chamber presented applies strongly to our team. CONGRATULATIONS, Sara with the 2017 Boss of the Year Good bosses, true leaders and SARA! Award. presidents take heart in their Sara, indeed surprised, was honored by the gesture. True of any great boss, she credited her team at Mountain-Pacific Quality Health for making the company great. In a nomination letter to the Chamber, the Mountain-Pacific Quality Health staff outlined the many reasons Sara deserved the award this year.
THE STAFF BOASTS: Sara is an extremely classy lady who passionately believes in Mountain Pacific Quality Health.
6 | BUSINESS TO BUSINESS CONNECTION Reach Higher Montana, Since 2000, our programs have Scholly Partnership the public benefit arm of the provided over $34 million in public Reach Higher Montana sponsors access to Montana Higher Education benefits to students and families. Scholly, an innovative nationwide scholar- Student Assistance Corporation ship search tool. To date, Montana students Public Benefit Programs Include: (MHESAC), guides, prepares, have reported scholarship wins through and supports Montana students Statewide Outreach Services Scholly valued at $318,500. Reach Higher Montana with inspiration, information, Advisors located in Reach Higher Montana College Goal and resources for college. Helena, Billings, helps students and parents successfully Bozeman, Butte, Great complete the Free Application for Federal Through a variety of programs, Falls, Missoula, and Bigfork work locally to Student Aid (FAFSA) ahead of Reach Higher Montana works assist high school students. 21,000 the early application deadlines with students and their families Specific services include: students served for Montana schools. to explore college options and FAFSA completion assistance develop strategies to fund their Financial aid presentations for Reach Higher Montana Summit for higher education pursuits. parents of high school students Youth in Foster Care provides eligible Education finance planning foster youths with a college preparation experience held on a college campus each Scholarship searches and assistance summer. They learn about personal financial Involvement in community efforts to management, college success strategies, and help more students prepare for college. communication. College-bound participants receive a new laptop and students pursuing Reach Higher Montana Scholarships other forms of postsecondary education provide $1,000 awards to Montana students receive life skills packages. pursuing, or hoping to pursue, college in Montana. Scholarships are awarded to Foster Care Education and Training graduating high school Vouchers provide up to $5,000 per year seniors and continuing $747,000 ReachHigherMontana.org for eligible college-bound students who college students. (877)COLG4ME (265-4463) delivered have “aged-out” of the foster care system. Follow us
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FALL 2017 | 7 2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
LYNN ETCHART BOB MORRISON JASON DAVIS JOHN McLAUGHLIN 2017 Chair 2017 Immediate Past Chair 2017 Chair-Elect 2017 Treasurer Blue Cross Blue Shield of MT Morrison Maierle, Inc SMA Architects Stockman Bank
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CRAIG AASVED STEPHANIE BECKERT KELLY CRESSWELL JULIE DOOLING BOB HEBERLY Shodair Children’s Great West Engineering Reach Higher Montana Sullivan Financial Dick Anderson Hospital Construction
JANET HEDGES COREY HILL TAMMY HOFFMAN ANNA KAZMIEROWSKI JEFF KURTZ Raymond James Financial Mann Mortgage Pioneer Aerostructures A2Z Staffing Solutions LaQuinta Inn & Suites
TODD LOVSHIN SARA MEDLEY TYLER MILLER MAUREEN OELKERS KEVIN POULIN Pacific Source Mountain-Pacific Quality Independent Record Big Sky Brokers Boeing Helena Health Real Estate
8 | BUSINESS TO BUSINESS CONNECTION BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONTINUED 2017 LIAISONS
BRENT REHM KENDALL STEWART JENNY TAYLOR BRIAN OBERT GEN. JEFF IRELAND DA Davidson Montana Radio Company Anderson ZurMuehlen MBAC Montana National Guard
2017 EX-OFFICIOS
JIM McCORMICK JACK COPPS DAN ELLISON Lewis & Clark County Helena Public School #1 City of Helena Commissioner Commissioner
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FALL 2017 | 9 A CLOSER LOOK AT THE COSTS OF BUILDING A NEW HOME BY ELAINE M. MARCILLE, EXECUTIVE OFFICER, HELENA BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION
If you’re in the the biggest single component of a The survey reaffirms the steady market for a new home’s price is construction costs, progress of our economy since the home, you may which accounts for 62 percent of Great Recession, as home values be wondering the cost. The cost of the finished lot have gradually risen. And, in each about the factors is the second largest factor at 18.2 year since 2009, the size of single- that contribute percent. family homes has grown as well. The average home in 2015 had to the total cost Survey respondents broke down 2,802 square feet of finished space, of the home. construction costs into eight major compared to 2,402 in 2009. The National construction stages: Association of The size of the lot has increased • Interior finishes: 30 percent Home Builders significantly, too, jumping to 20,129 • Framing: 18 percent ELAINE M. MARCILLE recently square feet (nearly half an acre) in • Exterior finishes: 15 percent published a 2015, from 14,359 square feet just Cost of Construction Survey, which • Major system rough-ins: 13 two years ago. details the various costs of building percent Though building practices and a typical new single-family home. • Foundations: 11.6 percent Many of the results show that costs the cost of labor, land and materials • Final steps: 6.8 percent have remained consistent in recent can vary widely across the country, • Site work: 5.6 percent years. these national averages provide • Other costs: 0.5 percent an encouraging snapshot of the According to the 2015 survey,
10 | BUSINESS TO BUSINESS CONNECTION building industry and our nation’s to find a builder with extensive expectations regarding budget and housing recovery. The upward trend experience building homes similar to timing. Don’t forget the most telling of home buyer confidence and home the one you want. Ask to see examples question of them all: If they could do it price appreciation is inspiring more of floor plans and designs they’ve done all over, would they hire that builder and more consumers to build the before to ensure their company can again? home of their dreams. deliver what you need. You should Communication Style – Many also ask if they have or are working Though builders might generally builders will do their best to toward any professional designations, use similar tools and materials when accommodate your communication which show that the builder has building homes, not all are alike when preferences. But it’s always best to advanced training in a particular area. it comes to things like technique, establish expectations as early as A few examples of such designations training and customer service. Finding possible. The frequency (weekly, include a Certified Aging-in-Place the right builder whose business monthly, as-needed, etc.) and method Specialist (CAPS), a Graduate Master approach aligns well with your (phone, text, email) of how you Builder (CMB), and a Certified Green personal preferences is essential to a communicate early on with each Professional (CGP). pleasant home-building experience. other is something that will set the References – Any high-quality tone throughout the whole building The builder will be asking you builder should be ready to provide process. plenty of questions during your initial you with several names and phone meeting to discuss the home you For more information about how numbers of satisfied customers. If envision. But the questions you ask to find the right builder to create they can’t, consider that a red flag and the builder are equally important to your dream home, contact your local walk away. When reaching out to those determine if it’s going to be a positive Home Builders Association at www. former clients, ask about how well the partnership. Consider asking the Helenabia.com. builder followed through on the initial builder about the following: plans, and if the builder met their Work Experience – You will want
building excellence. building community.
FALL 2017 | 11 THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF TOURISM Tourism continues to maintain Suites opens in the Trinity Center The larger markets that we targeted its position as a leading industry next April. This will bring the total were Seattle, Salt Lake City, San and vital contributor to Montana’s, number of hotel rooms in Helena to Francisco and Chicago. and Helena’s economy. In 2016 1,647. The CVB also produced a video Montana hosted 12.3 million visitors The Helena Chambers Convention to be used in different marketing who spent over $3.5 billion. This and Visitors Bureau continued segments. A local videographer was supported 53,000 promoting Helena by placing ads contracted and produced a great jobs statewide in several national publications advertising tool for the CVB. This and $1.32 billion including Better Homes and video will be used to help invite in salaries Gardens, Western Journey, National groups, conventions, leisure and which generated Geographic Traveler, Bicycling, corporate travelers to Helena. The $194 million Nature Conservancy, Sunset, video highlights different aspects in state and Outside, NW Travel, NW Fly Fishing of Helena including Arts & Culture, local taxes and and Draft Magazines. Circulation Outdoor Recreation, Scenic Beauty, lowered taxes on for these magazines was just over History and Family. We are very each Montana 4.2 million and over 15,000 requests pleased with the result of this household for information about Helena were project and know that it will be a by over $474. MIKE MERGENTHALER received from these publications. great resource to promote Helena. Montana hotels saw $689.5 million in sales which During the summer of 2016 the (Statistics added $20 million to the states’ CVB hosted 2 social media bloggers received general fund. who posted their weeks travels and from ITRR experiences to Helena on Podcasts and STR) The average spending in Lewis & and Instagrams as well as videos Clark County, of which Helena is the on YouTube and Facebook. In July, greatest contributor, by nonresident Author Larry Campbell visited visitors to Montana totaled $157.7 Helena and other sites along the million. This $157.7 million in local Missouri River from Montana to spending directly supports $112.4 Missouri, and then published the million of economic activity in the book “Rollin on the River: Sights region and supports an additional and Stories along the Missouri $69.2 million of economic activity, River.” Dr. Campbell came indirectly. The total contribution back through Helena this of nonresident spending to the past August promoting regional economy was $181.6 his book and gave a very million. fascinating presentation on This directly supports 1,780 his adventures along the jobs in the area with employee River. compensation of nearly $44 million. The CVB did extensive Statistics from STR (Smith Travel digital media advertising Research) show that Helena’s during the year. Some of occupancy for the last 12 months these media campaigns was 62.5% which is 7% higher included Google Ad than last year. This summer, in the Network, Sojern and Opera months of July and August, was Mobile. Some of our target the first time in which the Average markets included regional Daily Rate surpassed $100. The marketing average rate for the past 12 months in Idaho, being $94.48. Washington, Oregon and Helena will add an additional South Dakota. 95 rooms when the new Home2
12 | BUSINESS TO BUSINESS CONNECTION Together we can change the stigma of mental illness Individuals of all ages, races, neighborhoods, annual household income or education levels can have mental illnesses. Together, we can offer support, advocate, and end the stigma associated with mental illness!
Shodair Children’s Hospital is at the forefront of that effort!
To heal, help, and inspire hope
FALL 2017 | 13 HELENAENTREPRENEURS
iconic Broadwater Hot Springs in as significant upgrades to the February of 2015. pools, fitness floor and locker rooms. As general contractors, Scott Johnson, a developer the partners have done most of who lives in Bozeman with his the work themselves. As the new wife and family, provides the Broadwater Hot Springs evolves conceptualizing for the business; under their meticulous direction, he’s the “dreamer,” the visionary. the challenges are varied. None of Chris Johnson, who splits his the partners has prior experience time between Big Sky and Helena with geothermal energy or the with Kellie Brindley, provides the restaurant industry – hiring operational and organizational staff, fine-tuning a menu, and management; he’s the “nuts maintaining a restaurant with and bolts” mechanical guy who high standards requires decisions BROADWATER HOT SPRINGS carries out Scott’s visions for on a daily basis that are presenting CHRIS & SCOTT JOHNSON / JOHN ROSA the business. John Rosa, also new opportunities for them to a developer, lives in Bozeman For Chris Johnson, his learn and grow. As the seasons with his wife and family. Kellie brother Scott Johnson, and and weather change, the focus for Brindley has been highly involved business partner John Rosa, Chris and Kellie along with the in The Broadwater’s day-to-day entrepreneurship seems to run Broadwater staff, becomes making operations as well as undertaking through their blood. For the basic operational decisions the beautification of the Johnson brothers, the value of about facility hours, restaurant modernized, renovated facilities. hard work and a “get out and menu, and the always-evolving do it” mentality was modeled by Scott’s initial vision for the dynamic of the business. Chris is their parents, who had businesses Broadwater was one which not one to be easily daunted by of their own. In 2014, younger shifted the focus away from such challenges – his energy and brother Scott approached Chris, the athletic club component determination are boundless; his who was in Rapid City getting one to one which placed a greater keen and focused business sense of the businesses off the ground, emphasis on the hot springs have enabled him to overcome with a proposition: to buy the water. After tossing around tremendous obstacles throughout Broadwater. Chris had worked at various ideas, the plan became his vast entrepreneurial the Broadwater for a handful of one which involved modifying experience, and will continue to years in high school and college. the existing facility to turn three guide him as he moves forward in After listening to Scott’s ideas for of five rarely used racquetball carrying out the partners’ plans the Broadwater’s transformation, courts into a restaurant, as well for Broadwater Hot Springs. the three men purchased the
Helena Area Chamber of Commerce HELENA BOARD TESTIMONIAL shared Montana Chamber of Commerce’s post. August 18 SARA MEDLEY, MOUNTAIN-PACIFIC QUALITY HEALTH “Mountain-Pacific Quality Health is a private, non-profit organization partnering within our communities to provide solutions for better health. When we joined the Helena Chamber in 2013, I had little knowledge about the Chamber and its role in the greater Helena area. Further, as a not-for-profit, I was skeptical about what the Chamber could offer our organization. Four years later, I can’t imagine not being a member and taking advantage of Helena Chamber’s numerous benefits. In the last four years, we have several graduates of the Leadership Helena program, participants in the Young Professionals group, had staff routinely attend and participate in educational offerings put on by recognized On Wednesday, we co-hosted with the Helena Chamber of Commerce leaders in our community and taken part in a lunch with Navy Adm. Michael Holland. Many employers step up to various networking social events. The list goes accommodate their employees (and families) during their tour of duty. In addition, veterans are a great addition to the workforce with their on and on! Bottom line – Helena Chamber leadership training and discipline. The military, including Navy, is a membership is worth every penny.” big contractor, with many Montana companies supplying their needs. Thank you for the visit, admiral!
14 | BUSINESS TO BUSINESS CONNECTION HELENAENTREPRENEURS
dispatcher. Pam acknowledges owner; the THE FLORAL COTTAGE that each of the different jobs she struggle to PAMELA LEE has had throughout her life has be taken It is no surprise that The Floral contributed in some way to her seriously as Cottage has demonstrated a rare well-rounded view of business a woman kind of floral industry longevity in and has played a unique role in in business; Helena; when one meets Pamela how she runs her own business. and reading Lee, the dynamic owner of this First and foremost is customer the market. 19-year-old business, the reason service. No one comes into Pam’s Before the for her floral shop’s success floral shop and leaves a stranger. economy becomes evident: the remarkable She takes immense satisfaction in crashed woman herself. In 1999, Pamela her ability to meet a customer’s around 2008, Lee was a 30-year-old single needs, even if it’s after hours or Pam was mother, working the late shift an emergency that requires a late keen enough as a 911 dispatcher. The job’s night at the shop. She is there for to see signs difficult hours became untenable her customers and they know it. of the coming crisis; she for her; one day she saw an ad Pam’s determination, resolve, decided not for a flower shop for sale. Despite and business savvy are the driving to renew her the fact that she knew nothing forces behind her longevity in shop’s lease and downsized to a about flowers or running a floral an industry that is constantly cheaper, smaller location with shop, she bought the shop and changing. She understands that herself and one other employee. launched into a self-taught crash in order to survive and succeed, When the economy picked up course about the floral business. a small business owner must also again years later, Pam was ahead Her first shop was located in a continually evolve, grow and of the curve and was prepared 400-square foot storefront, and mature. As the floral industry for the increase in business. She the help she received from the became more globally accessible has developed and maintained Small Business Administration via the Internet, Pam aligned contacts in the industry, proved invaluable; she committed her business model to meet the networking with florists from to a focused direction for her growing online demand – today around the country and keeping business, which would be limited 75% of her orders are placed a watchful eye on the trends and to selling flowers, plants, and only online. She maintains a strong happenings within the industry. those things directly connected presence on social media as well. She is not afraid to ask questions to them. Nineteen years later, she This past summer Pam unveiled and acquire information that maintains that same business her latest project via a live will help her succeed and better model and focused direction with Facebook streaming event – her serve her customers. Pam still has confidence. newly renovated mail-truck- fun doing her work – she enjoys turned- flower truck, which made Pam worked in the Coast Guard seeing her satisfied customers an impressive splash locally and right out of high school, followed around town, and is honored to across the country. by a staggering range of jobs have risen from a tiny, unheard- from working on a casino ship Throughout her nineteen years of floral shop to a respected to selling shoes, as a bartender, as owner of The Floral Cottage, florist and community member radio DJ, working in a hotel, a Pam reflects on several challenges whose designs and style are easily casino, for an answering service, she has faced. Finances are a recognizable by her customers. as a chauffeur, and as a 911 constant juggle for any business
HELENA CHARM TRAIL TESTIMONIAL CHRISTI HERLSON, MANAGER, LESLIE’S HALLMARK “The Charm trail has been a great draw for tourists as wells as locals for us here at Leslie’s Hallmark. It is fun to chat with the people who are collecting the charms; to hear where they have been, to see which charms they have, and to hear their stories.”
FALL 2017 | 15 HELENAENTREPRENEURS
Broadway). Kevin’s college degree a few doors down to its current was placed on hold when he was location which adjoins Little offered the opportunity to become Dipper Coin Laundry. the manager at On Broadway. He Through all the business’s spent the next season of his life growth and change, Kevin has there, left the restaurant industry remained true to the valuable and sold insurance for a short lessons he learned from his time, and reentered the industry mentors, who he describes as as manager of the Stonehouse casual but great business people. Restaurant. Each of them made the people In 2000, Kevin purchased The working for them important and Bagel Company from its owner of valued. They truly cared about six years, who stayed on for the their staff and poured themselves THE BAGEL COMPANY first month to provide extensive out for their employees. Customer KEVIN SCHULTE training in the methods of bagel experience was a pivotal focus making. A year later, Kevin for them as well. Kevin speaks Kevin Schulte is a third- decided to take on a new challenge passionately about focus – in generation entrepreneur. Born – coffee roasting. In a calculated particular, not focusing on failure and raised in Helena watching effort to control both quality and as a business owner, but on the his parents manage their own costs of the coffee served at The success that he believes will come business as realtors, he knew early Bagel Company, Galaxy Roasting after the failure that is inevitable on that one day he would follow was established. Although the in the world of entrepreneurship. in their footsteps, and those of his initial investment was made with Throughout his journey, he heard grandfather, as a business owner. only The Bagel Company in mind, the word “no” more than “yes,” He studied accounting, finance Galaxy Roasting has expanded but was determined to keep and marketing at Carroll College, in the years since, and currently going until he found someone but his first experience in the provides locally roasted wholesale who would support him with restaurant industry came through coffee beans to 25 customers in the a “yes.” Kevin’s unwavering a summer job as a dishwasher Helena area. In February of 2006, entrepreneurial resolve and at age fifteen. While in college, The Bagel Company expanded commitment to quality, in addition he met and worked for the two to fill a need on the east side of to his ability to prioritize his faith, men who would become his town, opening its second location family and business, have enabled respected mentors in business – in Helena on 11th Avenue. Last him to succeed in Helena’s Dennis McCall (Big Al’s Sandwich October, the business relocated restaurant market. Shop) and Larry Middaugh (On
HELENA CHARM TRAIL TESTIMONIAL CARROLL DAY, OWNER, GOLDEN GIRLS ANTIQUES “I really wish I had been more aggressive about getting involved. The item itself that we are selling to people are good quality and they are nice looking and I have had families, generations of families walking around picking up the charms it has kind of become an event that everyone can do together. Something that their kids are excited about, something people older are excited about, great birthday or anniversary gift. It is a sentimental item and pieces of Helena that people are able to pass down to generations. My charm was in honor of my shop kitty, Copper, who is from the Humane Society and he has been in my shop for 9 years. When people buy a charm from my shop, that money goes directly as a donation to the Humane Society, so I have combined two events one I am passionate about supporting them financially but also offering a very nice product to my store. Often people come into my store for the charm trail are coming into my store for the first time, and they look around “Oh Gosh I need to come back” which is nice because it brings in more clientele.
16 | BUSINESS TO BUSINESS CONNECTION HELENAENTREPRENEURS
Chris boasts confidently of the TUFF SHED company he has seen grow and CHRIS VOSS expand through the years. Tuff Although Tuff Shed, a business Shed manufactures and installs founded by Tom Saurey in his garages, sheds, cabins, and in garage in Rexburg, Idaho, recreational storage structures. has been around since 1981, the The business networks with Home prefabricated structure business Depot for distribution, and lays didn’t enter the Montana market claim to patents on many of its until 2004. Upon opening in building components. The owner Helena, its first Montana employee maintains a strong presence in the was Chris Voss, who has since business, and is known to stay on become the manager of a branch the front line with new products and developments in the industry. for a business manager, such as whose territory covers all of hiring new employees, tweaking Montana, northern Idaho and Last winter, Tuff Shed moved the business and its processes most of the Dakotas and Wyoming. into its current and more visible to meet product demand and Before coming on as a shop location on East Highway 12. ensure high standards of customer supervisor at Tuff Shed, Chris With a staggering growth rate service. Chris is dedicated to the Voss, a Missoula native, gained of 15 to 20 percent each year employee-minded company he has years of experience through his for the last several years, Chris grown with, and obtains immense previous work in construction and has been challenged to keep satisfaction from the work he cabinetry. The nine employees up with such a level of growth. does; he enjoys seeing the finished and ten subcontractors that Chris Fortunately, he takes pleasure in product move into the hands of oversees put out somewhere tackling the everyday challenges a satisfied customer, as well as between 40 to 50 units each month and enjoys the facet of his job overseeing a contented crew that during the busy season, which that demands quick thinking and is well-cared for by the business. runs from spring to late fall. “If problem solving. Constant growth you can dream it, we’ll build it,” brings continuous challenges
Helena Area Chamber of Commerce added 5 new photos. September 13 at 10:57 - Helena
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The Helena Chamber would like to thank Ray Zinn for speaking at the first #WisdomWednesday at the Radisson Colonial Hotel this morning to our members! Thanks to the Radisson and Leadership Helena for co-sponsoring this inaugural event. From the support and comments after - looks like we have a winner! Don’t miss the October Wisdom Wednesday!
FALL 2017 | 17 HELENAENTREPRENEURS
the bus to and from work each creativity in a way that a day and unable to contain the franchise, by its nature, doesn’t entrepreneurial forces within her, allow. In 2013 she bought Hub she would pass the time writing Coffee and rolled up her sleeves business plans for all manner of in an enthusiastic effort to make enterprising ideas that percolated it her own. Shalon’s philosophy inside her mind. She moved back is to “play the long game” in to Missoula in 2000 and found a job business; she makes decisions as a catering assistant at Holiday that will benefit her business in Inn. A chance meeting with the the long run. She insists on high owner of Taco del Sol in Missoula, quality and consistency in her who had been a classmate of products, while remaining open hers at the university, landed her to new ideas and recipes that her an opportunity to manage the employees sometimes present restaurant there. Shalon fondly to her. The evolving nature of THE HUB / TACO DEL SOL recalls the two years she spent as business ownership keeps her SHALON HASTINGS manager of Taco del Sol because engaged and challenged; she is Shalon Hastings describes of how much she learned and still “on the bus,” so to speak, herself as a serial entrepreneur. gained during that time. With a exploring new business plans in From the time she was in high confidence that emerged out of her head. Since August, Shalon school in Helena, she was certain that experience, she approached has been more actively pursuing that she wanted to own a business. the owner and made a convincing an expansion of Hub Coffee – a As is the case with a good many case for opening what would be catering company that she calls entrepreneurs, Shalon followed in the first Taco del Sol franchise, in “Hub Catering Company.” She the footsteps of her enterprising Helena. In 2004, with tremendous has a personal interest in ethnic father, who owned an auto body energy and confidence, Shalon cuisine, and she is eager to put shop, and her grandmother, who opened the doors to Helena’s Taco her own cooking skills to use in singlehandedly ran her own dairy del Sol on the walking mall and this new business venture. Shalon in Lewistown. Shalon officially was met with instant approval is profoundly appreciative of the began her pursuit of business and support by the Helena Helena community – she loves the ownership at University of community’s customers. place and its people, and has a strong desire to see Helena excel, Montana by completing a degree After putting nine years of hard particularly in its downtown in Business and Marketing in 1999. work and effort into Taco del Sol, district. She is both personally Soon after, she moved to Seattle Shalon was ready for another and professionally invested in the and worked for a short time as challenge and an opportunity community that has embraced her an insurance adjuster. Riding to unleash her entrepreneurial and each of her businesses.
HELENA BOARD TESTIMONIAL HELENA BOARD TESTIMONIAL KEVIN POULIN, BOEING MAUREEN OELKERS, BIG SKY BROKERS “Boeing recognizes that Montana has a lot to offer, including a skilled “The Chamber does a fantastic job workforce and great business climate. Our success at Boeing Helena is directly supporting Helena businesses assisting attributed to the hard working talent and capability of our team, and we are with relationships throughout the fortunate to have great partnerships with the academic community here in the community such as Ribbon Cuttings State. These academic partnerships create the framework for new of our talent pipeline, and they help provide the talent businesses, that we need to be successful today and into the future. In Business After addition, we appreciate the business environment in the Hours, Wisdom city of Helena and the state of Montana. The Chamber is the Wednesdays, voice of business in creating a more competitive business Leadership climate for us. In an increasingly competitive global market Development place, entities such as the Helena Chamber are critical to not just to mention just our competitiveness but our supply chains as well. Like a few of the many of the business leaders in this community, we think benefits offered Helena, Montana is a great place to do business, and we look to members.” forward to doing business here for many years to come.”
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FALL 2017 | 19 THE LOCAL WAR BUSINESSES FOR TALK ABOUT HIRING & TALENT RETAINING
Good EMPLOYEES
far cheaper than “buying” talent offering two paid days off, called WESTAFF from the outside, especially “Yay Days,” a year to enjoy their BY MICHELLE EDMUNDS & CORINNE MOORE when you consider that favorite outside activity. World It is no longer the “you are lucky internal employees already fit Wildlife Fund employees take to have a job” era. Today, we are your culture. Forbes explains Friday off every other week, battling baby boomers retiring and that external hires cost 18 also known as “Panda Fridays.” Helena’s low unemployment at 2.6 percent more on average than Salesforce employees receive six percent. The “skills gap” is real and promoting someone internally. days of paid volunteer time off a growing while the labor market year, and if they use all six, they • Increase Wages and Benefits! continues to constrict. As employers, receive a $1,000 grant to donate According to the Montana we have to be on our A-game to to a charity of their choice. Department of Labor, tighter retain and recruit employees. First, labor market means higher After looking internally, how do look at your company internally and wage growth. Increase your you find the talent to add to your evaluate the following: wages. company in this constricting labor • Retain Current Employees! Expand the benefits and market? We believe it is important to Don’t let someone else steal perks you offer. According to know how and where to recruit. your current talent while you Glassdoor, 3 out of 5 people • First, how. Write a job posting busy recruiting. Evaluate and report perks and benefits as that sells your open position measure current employee their top consideration before and company. Summarize the knowledge, skills, abilities, and accepting a job offer, and 4 out of position and benefits in a few ask them how they would like to 5 employees also say they prefer short sentences that explains professionally grow with your new perks over a pay raise. why they should work for you. company. Get creative with your perks. Post the salary. If you are According to Forbes, investing For example, REI encourages concerned about boxing in training and development is its employees to get outside by yourself in by posting the salary,
20 | BUSINESS TO BUSINESS CONNECTION post a salary range and add ideas that function to employ handbook “negotiable.” Also, instead of students, stay at home parents, communicating posting a closing date, post it as caregivers, retirees, etc. culture and “open until filled.” expectations. • Back to how. Add customer Now is the time to reconsider Touch base with service to your recruitment what qualifications are them often to see process. We have seen success necessary to be successful on how things are by responding immediately to the job. Do you really need progressing. qualified applicants. A timely to ask for more education? and personalized response As you have More experience? What about keeps them engaged before read, we live in trainability instead? they get snatched up by another a world where it is a war for employer. Also keep the MICHELLE EDMUNDS (OWNER) • Now, where. Cover the market talent. There is by posting to websites, social applicant pool informed of their status throughout the process. no easy solution media, schools, and community to this tight labor guerilla marketing with flyers You found your person, now what? market. The war in coffee shops, churches, and Write an offer letter that outlines starts and ends other community centers. the start date, salary, benefits, with employee Reach out to current employees, probationary period, schedule, retention. clients, colleagues, friends, supervisor and any contingencies Recruiting is family, other community such as passing a background check what you do members by picking up the or drug screen. in-between. We phone and asking for referrals. couldn’t say On their start date, remember to Consider ways of attracting it better than bring it, not wing it. Don’t lose them applicants that are not currently Richard Branson’s during onboarding and training. CORINNE MOORE in the labor market. This could famous saying, This is still part of the recruiting be done by offering alternate “take care of your employees and process and they may be fielding work hour schedules, remote they’ll take care of your business.” other offers. Make sure to have a offices, job sharing, or other training plan and updated employee
his employees enjoy their jobs. He is percentage of NICKELS GAMING deliberate about providing a positive each person’s work environment for his staff so paycheck for PARLOUR that they can leave the difficulties of a bonus at BY DAWN ZEHR life outside the walls of the gaming Christmas time, Bob Gilbert, owner of Nickels parlour. Bob treats his employees pays time- Gaming Parlour, has been in as if they are a part of the business; and-a-half on business long enough to know the camaraderie and a sense of unified holidays, and benefits of hiring and retaining purpose are important – he has gives vacation good employees. As a business created an environment in which time after a year owner with eighteen years of everyone who works at Nickels is of employment. experience under his belt, Bob has pulling for the business, and has a As its owner, established an excellent reputation personal investment in its success. Bob is present as an employer in the hospitality every day, during industry in Helena. In an industry Many of Bob’s nineteen employees have come to his business through the day and BOB GILBERT whose survival is so dependent evening shifts, on satisfied customers, Bob word-of-mouth. When people in the hospitality industry hear how and displays a personal interest in understands that it is imperative his business; he proudly maintains that his business is staffed with employees are treated at Nickels, they want to work there. Turnover a clean workplace that doesn’t happy and satisfied employees. He smell of smoke or beer; he is honest knows that his customers come in is uncommonly low at Nickels. Bob respects his employees by and law-abiding. For Bob, creating to his establishment because they a safe, clean and positive work are known and remembered by the giving them personal time, and paying them for a missed shift if environment at Nickels has paid friendly bartenders and regular valuable dividends when it comes to employees there. It is essential that they are sick; he caters a Christmas staff party each year, matches a retaining good employees.
FALL 2017 | 21 them, and demonstrate that they health benefits, he does provide LA are valued. But first, a business vacation time and holiday pay. Jeff QUINTA must attract good employees. As he evaluates employees after 90 days, looks to the future, Jeff has been then again annually, increasing pay INN & working with Helena’s high schools with experience. Starting wage for SUITES and College of Technology to recruit employees at La Quinta is between BY DAWN ZEHR employees. He works closely with $9 and $10, deliberately above the the Chamber of Commerce and minimum wage. Jeff Kurtz, avails himself of its networking manager of In an effort to make the opportunities. Helena’s La individuals who work there feel Quinta Inn and Jeff’s experience in the hotel valued and appreciated, La Quinta Suites, knows industry has enabled him to in Helena hosts monthly birthday and appreciates recognize the needs of the parties with cake, a card and a the value of employees in the industry. He works meal for its employees. They hold JEFF KURTZ retaining good hard to provide an environment pizza parties for staff, and join in employees in a tight market. His where employees and their industry-wide celebrations such decades of experience in the hotel needs are respected. He practices as “International Housekeeping industry have proven the manifest consistent scheduling, does his best Week” in September. As part of importance of drawing in excellent to give employees two days off in a the company-wide Here For You employees and providing them with row consistently, and emphasizes program, any time an employee is a work environment in which they teamwork while scheduling mentioned by name in an online desire to stay. In a market where employees together who work well review or another form of feedback, the unemployment rate is low, with one another. When issues arise he or she is sent a postcard from the Jeff recognizes that it is crucial to among staff, he deals proactively corporate office in recognition of treat employees well, take care of with them. Although he can’t offer the positive feedback.
work, which has resulted in unique or seven years, which has become MACKENZIE RIVER challenges when it comes to hiring increasingly uncommon in the PIZZA and retaining employees in Helena. restaurant industry in Helena. BY DAWN ZEHR Jeremy uses a varied approach Starting pay at Mackenzie River Jeremy Speer, to hiring – he takes advantage of Pizza is the minimum wage; General Manager Craiglist’s free forum as well as however, if someone comes in to a of Helena’s postings at Carroll College, and job with proven experience, they Mackenzie relies on word of mouth to bring can start at a higher wage. After a River Pizza, employees in for open jobs. An couple of weeks of studying and has been hiring internal incentive bonus of $50 memorizing the menu, a newly and overseeing gives employees extra motivation hired employee is given a menu test; staff in Helena to encourage a friend to apply when he or she passes the test, he/ for years. His for a job and stick around for at she is given a dollar raise. Jeremy’s experience in least two months. On average, management philosophy is to treat management people are staying at their jobs less his employees as he would like to has taught him than in previous years; a typical be treated. There is room to have college student who is employed fun at work, while maintaining JEREMY SPEER the value of providing a at Mackenzie River Pizza will professionalism and high standards positive, friendly work environment stay two to four years, until they of safety. He likes to recognize an where employees can have fun graduate or move out of the area. employee’s good work, and tries within the boundaries of a safe Jeremy’s employees range in age to accommodate an individual’s environment. In his sixteen or so from 16 to those in their forties, and schedule as much as possible when years of management experience, comprise many college students. it comes to time off. Jeremy has observed a shift in the Currently, he has an employee who attitude of young people towards has been working for him for six
22 | BUSINESS TO BUSINESS CONNECTION hard to maintain exceedingly high a wage that is STEVE’S CAFÉ standards in their restaurants, in appropriate to BY DAWN ZEHR quality of both food and service. that person’s Steve Vincelli, owner and This has resulted in a brand that level of manager of Steve’s Café in Helena, is respected by customers and experience. has spent decades in the restaurant potential employees alike. Kitchen staff is industry, currently with three Steve’s Café’s limited hours and cross-trained, restaurants in Montana and Idaho. one-shift model are attractive for which allows He attributes the high employee employees who can be home in for flexibility in retention rate at both Steve’s Café the afternoon for their school- scheduling and locations in Helena to several aged children. There are no split diversity in skills things; primarily, the restaurant’s shifts, and because the restaurants and experience. brand and reputation. Steve and his are busy during their open hours, Everyone who wife Penny have been restaurant the servers make excellent tips. completes a owners in Helena for twenty years. Steve and Penny do not hire more full year of STEVE & PENNY VINCELLI The people of Helena got to know employees than they need, in order employment and appreciate the Montana City to provide each employee with the receives a Christmas bonus. Grill, the Vincellis’ first restaurant amount of hours that he/she wants The Vincellis go to great lengths here, which they no longer own. or needs. Cooks are paid top wages, personally to express loyalty and Eight years ago, Steve’s Café opened and Steve makes it a priority to stay appreciation to each employee, on Custer Avenue, followed by the on top of each employee’s wage – it which breeds a deep sense of loyalty Montana Avenue location five years is his business practice to ensure from the employees in return. later. The Vincellis have worked that every employee is receiving
Dwayne and Scott have made is a sense of SLATE deliberate efforts to create a work belonging among environment that is family-friendly, the staff across ARCHITECTURE family-oriented, collaborative, both locations. BY DAWN ZEHR flexible and relaxed. The employees The two offices Slate Architecture is one firm in Helena are a tight-knit group who regularly with two locations, and is co-owned share a large studio work space – conference by Scott Cromwell (in Helena) and there is no perceived hierarchy, and together via Dwayne Brown (in Omaha). The Scott encourages feedback from Zoom; one year two architects met through Mon- everyone. Employees are included the Helena staff tana State University in 1995 and in decisions at various levels – flew to Omaha; became colleagues when Dwayne consequential decisions about another year hired Scott to work for him in hiring, marketing, philanthropy, the Omaha Omaha after he graduated. Scott and the projects that the firm takes staff came to worked for Dwayne for five years on, down to the more mundane Helena. Thanks SCOTT CROMWELL before moving to Helena, where decisions such as the list for to technology, he found employment with other the Costco run. Transparency is the employees at each location firms, including a job as architect important to Scott and Dwayne; can remain connected despite the for the Montana National Guard. they are committed to keeping distance. There is flexibility in In 2007, Scott and Dwayne formed their employees employed during scheduling and time off for Slate’s a long-distance partnership and the difficult times and taking care employees, who have families and Slate Architecture was formed. As a of them in other ways, including children ranging from infants to commercial firm, the Helena office additional contributions to each teenagers. As a father himself, Scott focuses largely on healthcare, ed- employee’s 401K at the year’s end, understands that there are events ucation, and government projects; above and beyond the regular and occasions when parents need the Omaha office takes on more matching 401K funds. They to be away from the workplace for office building projects. Between the believe in putting each employee’s their families, and offers flexibility two offices, there are ten employees, physical and mental health above for his employees to enjoy their with six residing in Helena. profits – each person is respected families. and treated as family, and there
FALL 2017 | 23 BROADWATER HOT SPRINGS
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FALL 2017 | 25 ORIGINAL DIGITAL
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FALL 2017 | 27 THERE’S AN EASIER PATH…
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FALL 2017 | 31 HELENA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2017 LEGISLATIVE REPORT PREPARED BY: RONDA WIGGERS
32 | BUSINESS TO BUSINESS CONNECTION HITS & MISSES OF THE 2017 LEGISLATIVE SESSION OVERVIEW: WORK COMP BILLS: With the defeat of the infrastructure bill and the THAT PASSED…. funding for the Montana Historical Society, the session HB 358 Revise workers’ compensation laws pertaining ended on a disappointing note. However, the Chamber to release of information – if a worker files a Work was successful in working with others to pass some Comp claim and refuses to release their previous positive changes for businesses as well as stopping some medical records, their claim can now be denied. The proposals that could have been detrimental. Governor vetoed this bill. His veto message can be found at this LET’S START WITH SOME POSITIVES: link: http://leg.mt.gov/bills/2017/ HB 308 Provide for apprenticeship tax credit with AmdHtmH/HB0358GovVeto.pdf increased amount for veterans – this bill had a rough SB 116 Disallowing workers’ path this session. It began with a larger tax credit compensation benefits for certain and then was amended to only apply to veterans and false statements - This new law says severely limited which internships would apply. After that if a business extends an offer a number of changes the final version allows for a $750 of employment and then explains per year tax credit for any qualifying apprentice and the physical requirements of the job $1500 if that apprentice is also a veteran. The bill will and asks if the employee has any not take effect until tax year 2018. Any business offering physical condition that is relevant a bona fide internship will simply have to have their and the employee willfully makes RONDA WIGGERS program certified through the Department of Labor in a false representation, then workers’ compensation order to qualify. We have checked and this should be a is not liable to cover any claims resulting from the routine certification. This bill passed the House in its’ condition/activity. The Governor vetoed this bill. His final version 77 -23 and passed the Senate 31 – 19. The veto message: http://leg.mt.gov/bills/2017/AmdHtmS/ Governor signed this bill, but it does not apply until the SB0116GovVeto.pdf 2018 tax year. SB 184 Revise workers compensation to allow SB 293 Revise interest payments in civil cases – Under termination of payments due to fraud – This change current MT law, if you lose a case in civil court and simply says that after Work Comp has accepted a claim, there is a judgment filed, you must pay 10% interest if they learn of fraud or a mutual mistake in a material on that. This bill changes the interest rate to prime + fact, they can reverse their decision and deny the claim. 3%. This bill was allowed to become law without the The Governor vetoed this bill. His message: http://leg. Governor’s signature. mt.gov/bills/2017/AmdHtmS/SB0184GovVeto.pdf HB 226 Property tax abatement for new and expanding industries – Under current law, if they THAT WE ARE GLAD DID NOT PASS…. choose, local governments can abate 50% of the HB 229 Allowing worker to choose treating physician new tax for these businesses for 5 years and then it in workers compensation cases incrementally increases to the full amount over the next SB 371 Revise workers’ compensation insurance and 5 years. This bill allows them to abate either 50% or dissolve the state fund 75% of the new tax. SB 132 Revise tax laws related to pollution control OTHER BILLS OF INTEREST: equipment – this bill makes permanent the ten year HB 13 State employee pay plan – was defeated and property tax exemption for air and water pollution then placed into SB 294 Generally revise laws related to control and carbon capture equipment put into service state employee pay plans – the pay increase is a flat 1% after January 1, 2014. This bill was also allowed to across the board and does not take effect until February become law without the Governor’s signature. 15, 2018. SB 325 Give safe harbors for employers hiring certain SB 366 Generally revise driver’s license and state criminals – this bill simply gives an employer some identification laws – In order to allow Montanans’ to protection from liability if they act in good faith and travel by air in 2018, the legislature voted to allow people hire someone with a criminal background. It is an to “opt in” to a Real ID. If you do so at renewal time, the attempt to help people trying to straighten out their extra cost will be $25; if you choose to get a Real ID prior lives to be able to find employment without putting the to your license renewal, the cost will be $50. employer at legal risk.
FALL 2017 | 33 HB 521 Revise laws related to representation of LLC Current law says that writing a bad check can be – if you are the majority owner of an LLC you may now fined up to $1500 and up to 6 months in jail. This bill represent yourself in Justice Court and Small Claims says that if the check is for less than $500, the fine is court if you choose to do so. only $500 and no jail time; a second offense could face up to 6 months in jail. If the check is for more than HB 133 – Generally revise sentencing laws – this bill $500, but less than $5,000 the fine is $1500 with the had something for everyone. It’s intent was to lessen possibility of three years in jail. the punishment for many first time and petty crimes in order to reduce the number of cases that need a The sentence for deceptive practices was changed in public defender. Fine triggers and the possibility of loss the same way as checks. of property or incarceration immediately trigger the requirement for a public defender. BILLS WE ARE GLAD DID NOT PASS: HB 169 Raise the minimum wage in Montana Although the bill had many changes to the theft and bad check laws that were a problem. It also included HB 392 Creating the family and medical leave drug and sex crimes so it was a different sort of bill to insurance act work on. HB 417 Generally revise laws related to non- descrimination We worked with a number of groups on this bill as they needed it to pass in order to balance the budget of SB 148 Establish the Montana Pay Equity Act the public defender. It has been amended numerous SB 217 Provide laws related to paycheck protection times and this is a summary of the changes we are SB 326 Revise worker laws to ban certain criminal interested in that are in the final version: history in job applications
The legislation lowered the fine for theft of less than SOME THINGS WE WANTED TO BECOME LAW THAT DID NOT: $1500 from up to $1500 to up to $500 and removed the HB 165 Revise punitive damage laws possibility of jail time for first offense; they decreased HB 178 Provide ANB funding for 19 year olds the fine for second offense from $1500 to $500 and kept HB 239 Provide income tax benefits to employers and the possibility of 6 months in jail. However, the county students for higher education costs attorney argued that the way the first offense would be tracked/not tracked, it would be almost impossible to HB 249 Tax deduction for employers for employee get a second offense. They added amendments to clarify student loan reimbursements that first offense does go on a person’s record (it is not HB 660 Revise lodging facility use tax to construct MHC clear if a judge can defer or waive that). Theft of less SB 376 Revise lodging facility use to construct MHC than $100 is presumed to be a deferred sentence.
LOCAL LEGISLATORS REPORT CARD HISTORICAL SOCIETY TAX ABATE BONDING GAS TAX WC BILLS LEGISLATOR SCORE HB 660 SB 376 HB 226 SB 367 HB 473 3 BILLS Chamber Position support support support support support support Sen. Mary Caferro Y N Y Y N 60% Sen. Jill Cohenour Y N Y Y N 60% Sen. Terry Gauthier Y Y Y Y Y 100%
Rep. Kim Abbott Y Y Y Y N 80% Rep. Becky Beard N N N N Y 20% Rep. Kelly Flynn N N N N Y 20% Rep. Kirk Wagoner Y N N N Y 40% Rep. Mary Ann Dunwell Y N Y Y N 60% Rep. Jenny Eck Y Y Y Y N 80% Rep. Janet Ellis Y Y Y Y N 80%
34 | BUSINESS TO BUSINESS CONNECTION GENERAL CHANGES TO TAXES: In order to gather more federal match for our highway HELENA CHARM TRAIL funds, fuel taxes are increasing. Beginning in July, gas tax TESTIMONIALS will increase 4.5 cents and diesel will increase by 1.5 cents. In DEB PARSONS, OWNER, QUEEN July of 2020, the gas tax will increase .5 cents more to 5 cents CITY FRAMING & ART SUPPLIES above current rate; diesel will go up another .02 cents so that “It brings people into the it will be 1.7 cents above today’s rate. The gas tax increases store that wouldn’t normally incrementally until it is increased by 6 cents in 2023 and the come in for framing and art diesel tax is increased by a total of 2 cents in 2023. supplies. They look around The legislature also determined that the Department and it’s just kind of a fun of Motor Vehicle should be allowed to implement a 3% event. It gets new people who surcharge on all fees they charge. This will allow the wouldn’t usually come into department to fully self-fund, rather than rely on the the store to come in and check general fund. This will apply to driver’s license, GVW things out.” permits, title and registration, etc. Your property taxes are likely to go up a bit. Not because JON RING, OWNER, WHITE of your local county commissioners, but due to the KNIGHTS GAMES AND HOBBIES state. Last session the legislature implemented a 2 year reappraisal cycle that was intended to eliminate the huge “The Charm Trail has not swings in value that were happening with the 6 year cycle. only helped bring new people And, although the local governments are required to “float” to know who we are, but has their mill levies down in order to collect the same amount helped us get visibility. This of money if values increase, the state is not required to do is a great program as it is an so. Because of that, the increase in values will increase the extra marketing boost and amount of taxes you pay to the state (101 mills). Legislation supports small businesses.” to prevent this was defeated in the Senate.
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FALL 2017 | 35 3228679.indd 1 3/21/17 12:16 PM THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING AND MAINTAINING A BUSINESS PLAN BY ERIC SEIDENSTICKER, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, MONTANA BUSINESS ASSISTANCE CONNECTION
The timing of this article couldn’t be any more business plan should reflect this. For example, the impeccable. The second half of 2017 has been nothing market analysis component should show comparable but a consistent stream of entrepreneurs, start-ups, businesses and competition. This is an important aspect and existing businesses calling us (Montana Business for understanding your market and the potential to Assistance Connection, aka “MBAC”) to discuss their capture a share of it. ideas and/or ventures. The recent inquiries range from An existing business that has been operating for a a an entrepreneur looking to start a business utilizing few years will be in a different position than a start- insect feces for gardening purposes, to a large brewery up business. After a few years, say 3-5, a business that looking to expand production because they are busting has survived the fragile first few years should have a at the seams. When talking to these entrepreneurs, sense of what works versus what doesn’t. However, it is or existing business, there are core components to critical to be able to look back at your original business identify and questions to ask. In this case, do you have a plan and compare where you are at currently, against business plan? Or when was the last time you updated where you initially started. your existing business plan? Moving onto the second question, financial A business plan is relevant from start-up to existing institutions look at a variety of components and factors business, and one could argue that there are baseline when it comes to determining whether or not they components applicable to any type of business. For want to risk financing a business. Things such as credit example, a mission statement, description of your worthiness, debt-to-income ratios, cash flow statements, business and services, market analysis, cash flow sales projections, and available collateral are just a few statement, and projections are all common parts of factors looked at. Each institution may be willing to take a business plan. Questions regularly asked: should I more risk, or less risk depending on the type of business. emphasize one component more then another? What does a financial institution primarily look at? Once Each institution has their way of determining if what in business, what should I do with my business plan? they are being asked to finance is viable, or appears There are numerous ways to approach these types of successful on paper. However, one common question questions and the current position of the business is a that will always be asked (maybe worded differently) determining factor. is, “how much of your own money are you willing to put into this deal?” This is what we call Skin in A balanced business plan is the best strategy for an the Game and often time this is one of the deciding entrepreneur with a new business venture, or a start- factors. A quote from an online 2006 New York Times up business taking its first steps. A balanced business articles explains this perfectly, “The skin in this case plan shows that due diligence has been performed is a synecdoche for the self, much as “head” stands for and minimizes any glaring holes. Due diligence cattle and “sail” for ships. The game is the investment, can be translated as “doing your homework”, and a commitment or gamble being undertaken.” (Safire, 2006). Going into business is a gamble and it all starts with having a business plan to partake in the gamble. Finally, what to do with the business plan once in business. The answer is simple, keep it and update it accordingly. As previously mentioned, after a few years of operating a business, a business owner will have a sense of what is making their business successful and what it negatively impacting it. The other thing to keep in mind is if a business is to grow, a business owner will have to show how they intend to grow their business. A great reference article can be read on entrepreneur. com and the articles states 8 reasons to update your business plan: 1. A new financial period is about to begin; 2. You need financing; ERIC SEIDENSTICKER
36 | BUSINESS TO BUSINESS CONNECTION 3. Significant market change; 4. New or stronger competitors are looking to your BOARD TESTIMONIALS customer for their growth; COREY HILL, MANN MORTGAGE LLC 5. Your firm develops a new product, technology, Mann Mortgage is a member service or skill; of many associations in the 6. You have had a change in management; Helena area including the Helena 7. Your company has crossed a threshold; Chamber. The membership provides not only valuable 8. Your old plan doesn’t seem to reflect reality anymore. opportunities to network with These are applicable and realistic conditions that an others through Ribbon Cutting, existing business will face throughout their life span. It Business After Hours, Leadership is important to understand the reasons affecting your Development and others like it, it also provides a voice for the Helena Business business and how it translates to prosperous growth. Community for not only local government but also In the end, the importance of having and maintaining a the legislature at the state level that we as individual business plan is to understand the gamble at hand. Also, business owners just would not have. We have had a to remember where you started from when seeking to few on our team go through the Leadership Helena grow your business. program and have great relationships and skills from the program. Mann Mortgage is very proud to REFERENCES: be a member! Safire, W. (2006, September 16). Skin in the Game. Retrieved October 06, 2017, from http://www. nytimes.com/2006/09/17/magazine/17wwln_safire. JENNY TAYLOR, ANDERSON ZURMUEHLEN html?mcubz=0 “Anderson ZurMuehlen is The Staff of Entrepreneur Media, Inc. (2015, February passionate about improving the 24). 8 Reasons to Update Your Business Plan Right Now. Retrieved October 06, 2017, from https://www. lives of those that we work with. entrepreneur.com/article/241536 This passion goes hand-in-hand with the Helena Chamber and its efforts to improve the businesses in the Helena area. The Chamber provides numerous opportunities to network with local businesses, which benefits both Anderson ZurMuehlen, as well as a number of our valued clients. In addition, Chamber sponsored events bring people into Helena that support our local businesses, putting money back into the community and improving the lives of all who live here.” The Helena Regions ECONOMIC BOB HEBERLY, DICK ANDERSON CONSTRUCTION One of the neat things I have DEVELOPMENT learned over the past year being AGENCY on the board is how proactive the Chamber is in promoting Start ups and supporting local Businesses. From the charm trail to the Expansions Swish basketball tournament, it is amazing how supportive/ Relocations instrumental the chamber is to growth and success of local Helena Transitions businesses. The addition of the Wisdom Wednesdays is another www.mbac.biz great program the chamber is involved with in supporting and 406.447.1510 growing Helena businesses.
FALL 2017 | 37 CHAMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS CHAMBER EDUCATION COMMITTEE - KELLY CRESSWELL GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS - JOHN McLAUGHLIN Last year, the Education Committee, 2017 was a very busy year in partnership with the Helena Job for the Helena Chamber Service and Reach Higher Montana, Government Affairs launched an employability skills Committee. The legislature program called Workforce GO! The was in town for its 2017 students who took the class last session. We started the year expressed that they learned year off with a Government a lot about being ready to work, Affairs luncheon hosted by and encouraged us to continue the the Chamber. We invited all program. With dates scheduled local legislators for lunch at already at PAL, we are doing just that. the Silver Star and provided Lincoln High School has also asked them with our position for the program, and Marti Johnson papers outlining what the KELLY CRESSWELL JOHN McLAUGHLIN with Reach Higher Montana will be Chamber would endorse in taking the program to our neighbor community this year. the upcoming session. It was a well attended event and good discussion was noted. The committee has been keeping abreast of many education issues this year. So far this year, we’ve learned In February, the Chamber hosted a breakfast for the more about changes to apprenticeship opportunities. legislators and staff provided by Perkins Restaurant. We The Montana Department of Labor and Industry, in served over 175 people, and many legislators and their partnership with the Office of the Commissioner of staff expressed appreciation for this event. Higher Education, have done an excellent job working During the legislative session, we along with Home together to expand apprenticeship opportunities for Town Helena provided lunches to the local legislators Montana students. We’ve also learned how the Helena every Friday. These lunches were sponsored by School District is measuring student achievement, and Chamber members. This event was an open discussion the strategies they’ve deployed to help all students forum, and all local businesses were invited to attend in the district improve. Helena students exceed state along with any individuals who wanted to know proficiency levels at every grade, third through eighth; what was happening every week in the session. The and at the high school level, both Helena High and legislators updated the group on legislative issues, and Capital High had average ACT Composite scores above the audience was encouraged to use this time to ask the state average. This committee loves learning about questions. the great ways that our schools are preparing students for the future. An important issue with the Helena School Bond came in front of the Government Affairs Committee. Chamber CEO Cathy Burwell was selected for a After listening to the bond levy proposal to construct fellowship with the American Council of Chamber 3 new schools, we asked the Helena Chamber Board Executives, focused on education and workforce to support the measure, and it passed. We felt this was development. As Cathy continues her fellowship important to our kids to provide the extra security in experience, the Chamber Education Committee is eager the schools and with the condition of our schools, it was to support her work. Selection for the fellowship is a badly needed. great honor for the Chamber, and for our CEO.
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38 | BUSINESS TO BUSINESS CONNECTION The Government Affairs is working on endorsing Congratulations to the graduates of the 2016-17 business-minded candidates running for City offices. Leadership Helena class, and welcome to the members We are hoping to have a candidate forum in October of the 2017-18 Leadership Helena class! Helena’s to allow our business members to hear from the community is truly enhanced by the contributions from candidates and their points of view. these amazing leaders! Finally, the Government Affairs Committee recommended endorsing the Jail levy being proposed in MEMBER SERVICES - REX WALSH the November election. The Member Services Committee has had a busy year so far assisting LEADERSHIP HELENA - DEAN MACK our Membership Director, Kelly Hanson. The group meets on the In May 2017, the Leadership first Thursday of the month at a local Helena program graduated eatery to discuss what is going on in 34 leaders who completed the business world around Helena. a nine-month leadership- We coordinate the volunteers for development program the upcoming Business After Hour’s focused on each person’s events. Year to date we have had 9 personal growth as a leader Business After Hours at local Helena and learning more about and businesses. participating in the Helena community. The Leadership The committee also helps welcome REX WALSH Helena program’s mission is new members by attending Ribbon to develop informed, vigorous, Cuttings at their business. Year to date the committee skilled, and effective business has help facilitate 30 Ribbon Cuttings in Helena. Some leaders through a program of these are new businesses to town and others have DEAN MACK of leadership development, been around for a long time. We have welcomed 63 new networking, and Chamber and community involvement. members who have joined the Helena Chamber so far Program participants are provided with the tools this year. necessary to question standard practices, encourage The committee also helped the Membership Director new visions, empower themselves and others to act, and with the annual Business Expo. This takes place in April to make a difference in the Helena community. and gives members a chance to show off their business On September 21 and 22, 33 individuals participated or company at a booth. There were 30 businesses that in the 2017-18 Leadership Helena program kickoff participated this year. retreat at the Blacktail Ranch. The retreat is designed to The committee takes pride in being part of the Helena provide an environment that encourages participants Chamber and is always looking to help the Chamber to bond with each other; establish the expectations Members by utilizing their businesses as well as of participating in the Leadership Helena program; referring business their way. We are all active out in the allow participants to identify their primary leadership Helena community. trait and the characteristics of that trait, including the advantages and disadvantages, and how to YOUNG PROFESSIONALS - KENDALL STEWART effectively use that leadership trait when interacting This year the Helena Chamber with other individuals; experience team-building Young Professionals have focused activities that allow problem solving and achieving on professional development. At team success; identify specific components about the the beginning of 2017 the Young Helena community which enhance living and working Professional group visited the Capitol environments; achieve an effective, productive, during the legislative session to and positive learning experience; and initiate the hear from Secretary of State Corey preparation for brainstorming events and activities Stapleton. We have also hosted in order to effectively plan and executive a learning- four successful Executive Connects focused Leadership Helena Day for each participant’s with PayneWest COO Sarah Walsh, leadership development. Opportunity Bank President and This year’s participants will expand their leadership CEO Pete Johnson, the City of Helena skills and knowledge through experiences shared during Mayor Jim Smith, and Montana the program’s days which focus on the following topics: Senator Terry Gauthier. The Helena KENDALL STEWART • Social & Community • Education Chamber Young Professionals are looking forward to hosting more Executive Connects and socials. 2017 has • Growth & Planning • Health & Chamber been a year of rebuilding and we are excited to see • State & Local Government • Historic Helena what the future holds for the group! • Criminal Justice & Law • Good Life & Graduation
FALL 2017 | 39 CONGRATS TO THE CLASS OF 2017!
TYLER ARMSTRONG ALLISON ATKINSON BECKY BEANER KARENA BEMIS MEGHAN BRONEC First Security Bank of Valley Bank of Helena First Interstate Bank Best Western Premier Wipfli, LLP Helena Helena Great Northern
TYLER BRYANT STEPHANIE BULL STEPHANIE JASON DANIELSON CHANCE EATON JCCS, PC Opportunity Bank of CHAMBERS L&C County/ City of Montana State Fund Montana Valley Bank of Helena Helena
MICHELLE EDMUNDS KATIE GABRIEL LAURA GITTENS KELLY HANSON RODGER HULBERT Weststaff/Personnel Plus A2Z Staffing Solutions Anderson ZurMuehlen Helena Chamber of South Hills Dental Commerce
MELISSA ASHLEY KAVANAGH LISA KELLEY FLOYD KHUMALO RENE MARTELLO HUNTINGTON CWG Architects BCBS MT BCBS MT Montana State Fund Reach Higher MT
40 | BUSINESS TO BUSINESS CONNECTION JOSEPH MAY JASON MERCER KYLE MOLLET BROOKE SARAH MURRAY LUKE Touchmark Morrison-Maierle, Rocky Mountain MORTENSEN Stockman Bank of MUSZKIEWICZ Inc Credit Union Wipfli, LLP Montana Anderson ZurMuehlen
CONNIE ROBINSON EMY STUEVE MIKE TALIA BILLY WAGNER ANDY WELCH LARRY WILLIAMS Rocky Mountain MT Board of Housing MT National Guard PayneWest NorthWestern Energy Opportunity Bank of Credit Union Insurance Montana
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DEAN MACK MIKE MERGENTHALER State of Montana Chamber VP, Leadership Helena Leadership Helena Chair Program Manager
Interested in learning more about Leadership Helena? MEMBER FDIC. EQUAL HOUSING LENDER Contact Mike at (406) 442-4120 or [email protected]
FALL 2017 | 41 ALTERNATIVES TO MINIMUM WAGE HIKES PRESENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROSPERITY BY BRIDGER MAHLUM, GOVERNMENT RELATIONS DIRECTOR, MONTANA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Minimum wage remains one of our country’s biggest if we implemented a “living wage” minimum of $14- political issues, and one that will continue to garner $15? Personal income growth is a critical issue that discussion as workforce dynamics adjust to changing the Montana Chamber strongly supports, but largely times. The federal government cur- arbitrary minimum wage hikes are not the answer. For rently mandates a nationwide mini- the reasons above and more, it would behoove our state mum wage of $7.25 per hour, while to emphasize productive alternatives. 29 states incorporate a higher mini- Among the small portion of Montanans being mum wage, including Montana. The paid minimum wage, many of them are joining the debate in our state continues with workforce for the first time. These are folks who rely an aim to achieve reasonable wages on valuable on-the-job training and opportunities for workers without unreasonably to acquire new skills. Employers are excited about driving up the cost of doing busi- investing in these workers through training and ness. In fact, workforce development benefits, but we can also expect that those positions and business climate are two core would be cut first if a minimum wage hike is objectives in the Montana Chamber exacerbating slim operating margins. Existing grants, of Commerce’s 10-year strategic plan, apprenticeships, and training programs demonstrate BRIDGER MAHLUM Envision 2026. We feel that alterna- the numerous opportunities for upward mobility that tives to increasing the minimum wage deliver long-term can make life at minimum wage temporary. Between benefits to both workers and employees. 1977 and 1997, nearly two-thirds of minimum wage Proponents of a minimum wage increase point to workers (65.2%) moved above the minimum wage the obvious benefits for some workers within one year of working at the starting wage. – those who may find a higher-paying The earned income tax credit, passed in Montana job or keep an existing job at a higher during the 2017 Legislative Session, empowers more wage. Opponents identify less obvious individuals to keep a larger portion of their wages after consequences that yield long-term, taxes. This tax credit delivers a net increase in take- negative impacts on a state’s business home income without the detrimental employment climate. The Montana Chamber, along effects made possible by a higher minimum wage. The with several economists, agree that balance between an earned income tax credit and our market-driven wages generate more current minimum wage allows the public and private significant economic prosperity than a government- sectors to share the cost of boosting workers’ incomes. mandated minimum wage. Living wage supporters may have their hearts in the right place, but their We need not look beyond recent policy implemented compassion could ultimately hurt the very people they by the Target Corporation as an example of how the intend to support. Employers naturally react to higher free market can set wages. In late September, the major minimum wages by searching for ways to offset these retailer became the first low-wage chain to announce higher costs, including the following methods: that it will raise pay to $15 per hour by the end of 2020. In a move to compete for talent and retain workers, • Reduction in worker hours and/or benefits; Target has shown that a historically low-paying sector • Lay off low-skilled workers or enact a hiring freeze; can make the shift to significantly higher pay, all • Increase price of goods/services sold, pricing out without a government mandate to do so. low-wage earners as consumers; Businesses pay competitive wages to retain employees • For businesses operating with small margins, it – many workers are compensated above our minimum could be enough to close their doors. wage because they demonstrate value. In America’s In a 2014 study, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget tight labor market, the concern over losing a good Office (CBO) estimated that a half million jobs would employee to a competitor outweighs the business cost be lost nationwide by 2016 should a $10.10 minimum of paying them more. That is how the market effectively wage take effect. What does that mean for Montana sets the wage rate.
42 | BUSINESS TO BUSINESS CONNECTION PacificSource health benefits can help make your employees happier, healthier, and more productive. Even when they’re at work.
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FALL 2017 | 43 Helena Area Chamber of Commerce 225 Cruse Ave, Suite A Helena, MT 59601
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