Yearly Archives: 2023

Leaping into the Second Half of Session The legislature is back in full swing this week, returning after transmittal break with a final count of 42 legislative days remaining. The official calendar gives lawmakers until May 5th to conclude business … Continued

Halftime The legislature is all done . . . with the first half of the 68th Legislative Session. Forty-five legislative days into the constitutionally allowed 90, lawmakers receive a brief intermission to return home and recharge. After the marathon days … Continued

Combining Forces: Ag + Tourism = Agritourism The Billings Chamber is closely connected to our state’s top two industries, agriculture and tourism. We recently hosted our annual Ag Appreciation Banquet, highlighting the importance of agriculture in Montana. The Chamber also … Continued

Each year the Billings Chamber of Commerce awards exceptional leaders whose impact and example are deserving of recognition—not simply for their accomplishments, but also for their character, their leadership, and their integrity. The 2023 Business Excellence Awards honor individuals and … Continued

“These Violent Delights Have Violent Ends” In 2016, a television show called Westworld aired on HBO. Based on the original 1973 film written by Michael Crichton, both the tv series and movie are set in an amusement park full of … Continued

Thank you to City Council for an exciting first step!  City Council voted last Monday night to adopt the Concept Design for a Multi-generational Recreation Center by an 8-1 vote. Thank you, Mayor Cole and Councilmembers Shaw, Gulick, Owen, Neese, … Continued

Improve Voter Information, Don’t Limit the Local Process Three bills are coming up this week that terminate, or increase requirements for, voter-approved mill levies and bonds. The first is SB 251, which establishes a termination date for all mill levies … Continued

Returning Control to Local Businesses Last year, Billings City Council killed a zone change that would have provided over 100 new infill housing units. It would have been a significant benefit to our businesses in need of workforce, our overall … Continued

What is a lawyer’s favorite chip? …… Tort-illa! One of the Billings Chamber’s public policies is to reduce the cost of doing business in Montana. One expense that can be costly to a business is litigation. Fortunately, Montana’s legal climate … Continued

By Kelsi Gambill, MSPR, Communications and Marketing Manager 4-H paves a foundation of success from youth into adulthood. 4-H teaches life skills, provides opportunities to explore projects, learn about the world, meet new people, network, make lifelong friends and memories, … Continued