Billings Business September 2017

5 MINUTES WITH

SHOOTS VEIS

ENGINEER AND AUTHOR

INSIDE

BEWARE OF FAKE INVOICES

MAKING IT

SEPTEMBER 2017

Montana’s manufacturing sector, including Billings-based Red Oxx Manufacturing, is growing faster than the national average

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

CONTENTS September 2017

An indispensable business resource

Photo by Larry Mayer, Gazette Staff

Glacier National Park recorded an unprecedented 1 million visitors during July,

FEATURES

Montana Manufacturing is on the rebound............................................................................................ 6 Five Minutes with Shoots Veis............................................................................................................................. 12 COLUMNS

Better Business........................................................................................................................................................................ 13

On the Cover

Jim Markel, left, and Perry Jones, are partners in Red Oxx Manufacturing, a Billings-based company that’s part Montana’s resurgent manufacturing sector.

Photo by Larry Mayer Gazette Staff

Dan Buchta: Beware of fake invoice scams BILLINGS BUSINESS EVERY MONTH

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

Five Minutes with................................................................................................................................................................. 12 Shoots Veis

Success Stories.......................................................................................................................................................................22 Business Briefs........................................................................................................................................................................24 The Listings...................................................................................................................................................................................26

LARRY MAYER Gazette Staff

Chris “Shoots” Veis. July 19, 2017

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September 2017

Chamber of Commerce President John Brewer writes about grades given to candidates for mayor, city council.

Page 10

September 2017

3

the editor

T HANKS , BUSINESS COMMUNITY , FOR MAKING B ILLINGS B USINESS A SUCCESS

SEPTEMBER 2017 • VOLUME 23 • NUMBER 10

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

T

wenty-three years ago The Billings Gazette launched a monthly business-to-business magazine whose aim was to provide in-depth coverage about the region’s diverse and fast-evolving business community. Originally named Western Business, this publication went through a series of tweaks, re-designs and a couple of name changes before Billings Business, its current title, came to be.

Billings Business was envisioned as essential reading for professionals seeking to keep abreast of the latest trends affecting Montana businesses. For more than two decades it has been a regular fixture in waiting rooms, bank lobbies and coffee shops.

Back in 2008, after working on a variety of beats at The Billings Gazette for more than two decades, I accepted an invitation to run Billings Business.

Over the past nine years I have continued to write for the daily paper, but most of my efforts have been devoted to featuring businesses large and small. My favorite stories were those in which folks have overcome long odds, made major innovations or have succeeded through grit, determi-

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September 2017

nation and luck.

But the media landscape is changing. It’s with a touch of sadness that we are announcing that this will be the final issue of Billings Business as a stand-alone publication.

However, much of the content that goes into Billings Business — including the monthly listings, the “By the Numbers” statistics, Construction Zone and other information — will appear monthly in the Gazette’s Sunday Business section.

Along with the changes in how Billings Business is published, my 33 years at The Billings Gazette is also coming to an end.

Editing and writing Billings Business has been a great adventure and lots of fun. Building a 10-times-per-year publication has given me the opportunity to meet hundreds of creative and dedicate business owners from throughout Montana. Thanks to members of the business community for letting me share your stories, and thanks, especially, to the columnists, Gazette photographers and other experts who have contributed to the success of Billings Business.

EDITOR

SALES

ryan brosseau spencyr knatterud

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

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

To subscribe for $19.95 per year, please send payment, name, business name, mailing address and phone number to: Billings Business 401 N. Broadway Billings, MT 59101 ADVERTISING For retail advertising call Dianna Russiff, 657-1495; Milt Lang, 657-1257; Joe McGinnis 657-1599.

NEWS If you would like to submit a news tip, story idea, announcement about your business or press release, please email it to: editor@billingsbusiness.com website: www.billingsbusiness.com Information published herein does not reflect the opinion of Billings Business. Contents are the property of Billings Business.

By the numbers

• Personal • Business • Real Estate • Agriculture

Local and regional economic trends Shiloh & Grand 655-3900

Downtown 655-2400

1 MILLION AND COUNTING For the first time ever, Glacier National Park counted 1 million visitors in a single month. The milestone, 1,009,665 visitors, occurred in July 2017.

Source: National Park Service Photo by LARRY MAYER/Gazette Staff

14th & Grand 371-8100

stockmanbank.com

Worden 967-3612

National park visitors

Airport boardings

1.2M

7

6

1M

In ten thousands

Hilltop & Main 896-4800

In hundred thousands

King Avenue 655-2700

8

6

5

4

3

2 4

1

Billings housing starts 50

250

40

200

30

150

20

100

10

50

0

0

207

188

Feb. March April

Billings 0

Feb. March April

May

June

July

Bozeman

Yellowstone National Park Feb. 2017 to July 2017

March

April

May

March 2017 to July 2017

June

July

Feb. 2016 to July 2016

March 2016 to July 2016

2017

Ag prices Montana Beef Cattle

5

200

(per bushel)

Feb.

March

April

May

June

Source: Montana Department of Transportation

3

Jan. 2017 to June 2017 Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

100

2

50

1

0

Feb. 2017- July 2017 Feb. 2016- July 2016

4

3 1

Feb. 2017- July 2017 Feb. 2016- July 2016

5%

150

2

July

Unemployment

(per cwt.)

4

Jan.

Feb. 2016 to July 2016 Source: National Park Service

Montana winter wheat

June

Feb. 2017- July 2017 Feb. 2016- July 2016

Feb. 2017 to July 2017

2016

May

Missoula

Glacier National Park

YTD Through July 31

Source: City of Billings

0

0

2

New single-family home building permits

Jan.

Feb.

March

April

Jan. 2016 to June 2016

May

June

0

Jan.

Feb.

Montana

March

April

Yellowstone County

May

June

U.S.

Source: Montana Department of Labor and Industry

September 2017

5

Mannequins are decked out in Simms Fishing waders and other gear at the recent Made in America manufacturing conference at the White House.

Simms Fishing Products featured at White House manufacturing event

By TOM HOWARD Montana’s world-famous trout streams shared the national spotlight when Simms Fishing Products of Bozeman was selected to participate in the recent White House Made in America event that aimed to highlight the Trump Administration’s commitment to reviving manufacturing.

Using his bully pulpit to tout the virtues of American manufacturing, President Trump was photographed looking at lawnmowers and earth movers and taking a few swings with a baseball

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September 2017

bat. The former New York real estate tycoon even donned a Texas-made Stetson cowboy hat.

“When we purchase products made in the USA, the profits stay here, the revenue stays here, and the jobs stay right here in the USA,” Trump said on July 17.

The event featured products manufactured in all 50 states.

K.C. Walsh, president of Simms Fishing Products, said he didn’t know a lot about the process of how Simms was selected to be among the 50 featured companies. Just days before the conference, he had received a call from Secretary of

the Interior Ryan Zinke, Montana’s former congressman, informing him that Simms had been selected for the White House event.

If there was ever any doubt that Montanabased Simms had entered elite status among manufacturers of outdoor equipment, photos of the black Simms van parked beside the White House provided affirmation.

Simms Fishing Products, founded in 1980 by John Simms, is known for its high-quality waders, wading boots, sun-shielding clothing and other fishing-related gear.

Walsh said the display at the White House

featured the company’s new G3 waders, which are made in a Gallatin County factory. A Montana flag and other Montana-made gear were also part of the display.

Just prior to the event at the White House, Walsh participated in an outdoor recreation industry roundtable, in which industry representatives advocated for the recreational industry and the outdoor activities that they represent.

“That made the trip worthwhile that we could represent the state and Simms at the White House,” Walsh said.

He said the White House event also gave him an opportunity to compare notes with other executives who are dedicated to expanding the market for American-made goods. “If nothing else, it has got American consumers to think about and value American-made products,” Walsh said.

With its small population and remote location, Montana is seldom viewed as a manufacturing stronghold.

But new research shows that Montana’s manufacturing sector is growing at a faster pace than the nation as a whole.

U.S. manufacturing wage and salary employment rose from 11.5 million workers in 2010 to 12.3 million in 2016, a 7 percent increase, according to economist Paul Polzin, former director of the Bureau of Economic Research at the University of Montana.

By contrast, Montana manufacturing employment increased by 18.3 percent, from 16,400 to 19,400 jobs, during the same period, according to Polzin.

More noteworthy is that Montana’s manufacturing sector has rebounded since the end of the Great Recession despite some major setbacks. The Columbia Falls Aluminum Plant closed in 2015.

During the 1950s the plant employed some 1,600 workers, but the plant hadn’t produced aluminum since 2009.

Smurfit-Stone Container Corp.’s paper mill at Frenchtown was the state’s largest manufacturing plant when it closed in 2009. And the plant’s closure reflects a broader trend. Montana’s wood and paper products industry lost 465 jobs, 15 percent of its work force, between 2010 and 2016, Polzin noted.

Paddy Fleming, director of the Montana Manufacturing Exten

Pablo Martinez Monsivais

President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence walk past a Caterpillar tractor, manufactured in Illinois, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington during a “Made in America,” product showcase featuring items created in each of the U.S. 50 states, (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Jim Markel, left, and Perry Jones, are partners in Red Oxx Manufacturing, a Billings-based company that’s part Montana’s resurgent manufacturing sector.

sion Center in Bozeman, said the face of Montana’s manufacturing sector is changing even as the sector gains momentum.

At the turn of the 20th century, some 8,000 miners toiled underground to wrestle copper from the “Richest Hill on Earth.” Today, Montana’s copper industry employs hundreds of workers.

Huge factories no longer dominate Montana’s manufacturing sector. “Fifty-five percent of Montana manufacturers have been in business for less than 20 years,” Fleming said.

Here are some of the highlights of Montana’s manufacturing sector: Manufacturing accounts for 27.6 percent of Montana’s gross domestic product, up from 25.8 percent in 1977. Montana currently ranks 32nd in the country according to that measure.

Company earnings in manufacturing have increased 14.1 percent since 2010.

Workers involved in manufacturing earned an average of $47,227 in 2015, which is 17.5 percent more than the average Montana worker’s wages.

There were 3,344 manufacturing companies in Montana in 2015.

These days, Montana’s manufacturers tend to be small, but many have received national attention. Last year Bozeman-based West Paw Design, which manu-

Red Oxx has received nationwide recognition, including a national award for luggage. Red Oxx’s Safari Beano bag was Outside Magazine’s 2004 Bag of the Year.

Despite the upbeat state of Montana manufacturing, there is some reason for concern. The National Institute for Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Project, a major source of funding for the MMEC, would

Left: The Simms Fishing van is shown parked outside the White House for the recent Made in America event highlighting U.S. manufacturers. Right: Simms Fishing gear at the recent Made in America manufacturing conference at the White House. (Bottom photos courtesy Simms Fishing Products.)

factures pet toys and beds, was honored by Forbes Magazine as one of America’s Best Small Companies.

Likewise, Billings-based Red Oxx a manufacturer of rugged soft luggage, continues to receive recognition. Last year Red Oxx was named Montana Veteran-owned Business of the Year by the Small Business Administration. The owers are Jim Markel and Perry Jones.

face significant cuts under legislation now being considered by Congress.

The program more than pays for itself, Fleming said. Studies show that each dollar spent on the extension program returns seven dollars in tax revenue because of increased economic activity, he said.

“We’re hoping our congressional delegation will help us out,” he said.

September 2017

7

STRATEGIESfor success

Shop locally, at home, downtown. The deals are better and the prices end up being cheaper.

JEREMIAH ROUANE VP, Assistant Branch Manager

Congratulations!

Stockman Bank is proud to promote Jeremiah to Vice President, Assistant Branch Manager of our Billings Shiloh bank.

With over 19 years of financial experience, he has the knowledge and expertise to help with all your business needs.

Stop in and see Jeremiah today he’s ready to do business with you!

Shiloh & Grand | 655-3958

Y es , shopping local can really save you money

F

or the nearly eight years that I have written this column, I have always advocated shop local, downtown, independent businesses where you will receive better service and buy a better product.

I have traveled professionally all of my adult life. For the past 15 years I have used Billie Ruff at Travel Café in Billings as my travel agent. Billie is a columnist in this paper. My experience has been that Billie and her team can always beat the online travel agencies, even with a fee added on. The travel agent always has access to better flights, better rooms and normally, better prices.

Several weeks ago I elected to attend the Rotary International Conference in Atlanta.

Billie’s team arranged my airplane reservations. However, we had a Rotarian who elected to take care of all of our hotel reservations. As a guy who travels frequently, I am fussy about where I stay. Using a travel agent absolves many of those hotel challenges. However, this time, I went along with other members of our club and let the Rotarian secure our hotel reservations. Wow! What a mistake.

The Rotarian used an online travel agency whose name begins with E. Of course, I did not know that when the reservations were made. We received an email telling us which hotel

we were staying at and the price per night. Because this was downtown Atlanta, a big conference week, I expected to pay more. However, I did not expect to pay $500 per night for a 2-star chain hotel. That is what we ended up in. Oh, it included a buffet breakfast and a watered down happy hour to boot.

Through some comedy of errors, our reservations were all goofed up and had to be reaccomplished. OK, so be it. We were told that our reservations would be about $333 per night, with taxes and fees included.

That was bad enough, however, downtown Atlanta, near to conference center, we’ll suck it up and go with it.

However, when I checked in, I was told that the room rate was $444 per night, and that was for two double beds, not the king bed that I reserved.

Add to that the taxes and fees, the rate per night came to $500 per night. Wow—was I frustrated. I know that the hotel, especially a 2-Star chain, does not have much flexibility and having the room booked at an online agency is even worse when a problem arises. Frustrated, tired and mad, I reluctantly took the room and went and found a good stiff adult beverage. I have never, never paid $500 per night for a bed, even in Asia. I do recognize, however, hotels have little flexibility when rooms are booked through an online travel agency.

JOE MICHELS, PH.D., P.E., C.P.I., is principal of Solomon Bruce Consulting LLC. Contact him at 406-672-6387 or at solomonbruce.com.

©2017 Stockman Bank | Member FDIC

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September 2017

stockmanbank.com

I know a Billings business owner who took a trip to New Orleans a few years ago. He too used the online travel agency to book his flight. He found a great price, so he thought, so he booked it. As it turned out, the flight from Billings to Denver arrived 30 minutes after his connection flight left from Denver to New Orleans.

The online travel agency told him that he was responsible for checking his connections. That trip cost him another $1,800.

When he told me the story, I asked why he did not use Travel Café, like I do to book his airline tickets. The answer was the service fee. When I pointed out that the service fee was only a few dollars compared to the $1,800 he eventually paid, he was ashamed that he did not use the hometown agency.

A homily that I have seen many times is Price is What you Pay, Value is what you Receive. In most, if not all cases, it is cheaper in the long run to shop at home, using local, home-town merchants — your friends, neighbors and supporters of the local community.

Will I get an adjustment on my ticket? I doubt it. I am certainly not expecting it.

However, I am also never going to use someone other than a travel agent to book my travel arrangements. Shop locally, at home, downtown. The deals are better and the prices end up being cheaper.

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Call 238-2500 and ask for the Metabolism Center’s WeightSmart program to learn more.

billingsclinic.com/metabolism

September 2017

9

B IG S KY F INANCE CAN HELP

YOUR BUSINESS GET STARTED I The SBA 504 Loan Program is the perfect tool for achieving your long-term, real estate and/ or equipment financing needs.

ntroducing Big Sky Finance, a new name for two successful Certified Development Companies that have merged into one, administering the SBA 504 Loan Program throughout Montana from locations in Billings and Helena.

On June 1, Big Sky Economic Development Corp. merged its Business Finance Program with Montana Community Finance Corp. to create Big Sky Finance.

The merger created a powerhouse SBA 504 lending team which includes four qualified, full-time professionals with nearly 50 years industry experience: Brandon Berger, business finance director and Ben Rose, loan specialist, located in the Billings office; and Jo Ann Jones and Sherry O’Donnell, loan officers in the Helena office.

What is an SBA 504 Loan?

The SBA 504 Loan Program is the perfect tool for achieving your long-term, real estate and/ or equipment financing needs.

Utilizing the SBA 504 Loan Program will help your business retain cash for operations while locking in long-term, fixed rate financing, create and retain jobs, and increase the local tax base.

BRANDON BERGER is director of business finance at Big Sky Economic Development.

Contact him at 406-869-8403.

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September 2017

What can a business purchase with an SBA 504 Loan?

Purchase land and improvements (operating company must occupy 60 percent of new buildings and 51 percent of existing buildings.)

Construction of new facili-

ties, or modernizing, renovating, or converting existing facilities.

Refinancing of existing debt in some circumstances.

Machinery and equipment with a minimum useful life of 10 years.

Soft costs including but not limited to, title searches, appraisals, environment reports, architect fees, interim loan interest, certain bank fees, furniture and fixtures Who Qualifies for SBA 504 Loans?

Most businesses in Montana probably qualify for a 504 loan. The basic criteria business owners need to meet are they must be a for-profit operating business, small under SBA’s size requirements and going to occupy or actively use the property or equipment (“actively use” does include hotel/motel, residential care facilities, mini storage facilities).

How is a 504 loan structured and who are the participants?

There are three pieces to the SBA 504 Loan structure. Big Sky Finance, utilizing the SBA 504 Loan Program, partners with all lenders to provide up to 90 percent long-term, permanent financing. The funding is typically 50 percent from the lender in a first-lien position, 40 percent from the Big Sky Finance/504 loan in a second-lien position, and 10 percent from the business as their project equity.

Can I refinance using an SBA 504 Loan?

In addition to the standard SBA 504 loan financing, there are two debt refinancing options. The first option allows debt refinance if the project includes expansion of a business {&underline}and{/&underline} the amount to be refinanced does not exceed 50 percent of the cost for the expansion.

The second option allows debt

refinancing without having Long-term permanent to expand to qualify and any financing. 10 or 20-year note remaining equity may be used to Subordinate lien position to pay for certain eligible business primary lender expenses.

Statewide program What are the advantages to To learn more about Big Sky using an SBA 504 Loan?

Finance, check out our website Low down payment, typiat www.bigskyfinance.org or cally just 10 percent - preserves give us a call in Billings at 406cash for operations 869-8403 or Helena at 406Competitive, fixed interest rate for term of loan 441-5447.

Candidate Grades

B ILLINGS C HAMBER GRADES CANDIDATES IN CITY RACES

We cannot progress on substantive issues if the decision-making body is not in alignment with a vision to advance our community.

JOHN BREWER, CAE, is president and CEO of the Billings Chamber of Commerce. Contact him at (406) 869-3720 or John@billingschamber. com

E

lections have consequences and the Billings Chamber of Commerce, the voice for business and community prosperity, is weighing in on candidates seeking local office.

At the core of the Billings Chamber’s mission is a commitment to strengthen area businesses, recruit a talented workforce and make Billings a better place to live. Arguably, nothing has the potential to impact a pathway to success more than elected policymakers with the ability to govern and lead through strong economic times as well as navigate the storms.

Billings’ 10 city council members and the mayor set zoning regulations, determine a variety of fees, set a course for solutions to congestion, address public safety, provide incentives for business growth, coordinate public-private investment opportunities, advocate for state and federal legislative change and more.

Additionally, the actions they take, their ability to collaborate, and the respect shown for others can set the tone for our community’s collective voice.

The Chamber regularly

takes positions on issues, some of which may be controversial.

However, it has been over a decade since this organization addressed candidates running for public office. The two (issues and candidates) are, of course, intertwined. We cannot progress on substantive issues if the decision making body is not in alignment with a vision to advance our community.

Grading an individual — possibly a friend or neighbor — versus an issue is not easy, but it is necessary. There are five of 10 City Council Ward Seats up for election (with two incumbents term-limited); along with our mayor being term-limited. In addition, Billings’ city administrator (a non-elected position hired by the City Council) has announced her retirement and a new council and mayor will be working with a new administrator.

Twenty-one people are seeking these six crucial elected positions and should be applauded for their willingness to seek a very time consuming, often under-appreciated and extremely low-paying position ($600/month for council,

$766/month for mayor).

Grades assigned to candidates reflect how each candidate aligns with the Chamber’s vision to actively move Billings forward, a vision established by our members. We have not endorsed one candidate over another, but provided a letter grade for each based on how they answered a series of questions, along with their leadership ability.

Mayor: A — Bill Cole and Randy Hafer, B — Angela Cimmino and Danielle Egnew; C — Jeff Essmann and Danny Sandefur.

Ward 1: A — Mike Yakawich; C — Charlie Smillie.

Ward 2: A — Roger Gravgaard, C — Ta’jin Perez, F — Frank Ewalt.

Ward 3: B — Michael Larson and Denise Joy, C — Tyler Starkweather, D — Nadja Brown Ward 4: B — George Blackard, C — Penny Ronning.

Ward 5: A — Shaun Brown and Alexander Clark, C — Dennis Ulvestad and Rhonda Whiteman.

This was a very impassioned and challenging process. The Chamber’s Local Government Advisory Board (11 members appointed by the Board of Directors) and the Board of Directors spent countless hours reviewing the candidates, debating, fighting for their position and ultimately unanimously agreeing on the assigned grades (“A” through “F”) for each candidate.

The 37 Chamber volunteers and staff involved in the process believe this was a necessary step in providing a degree of separation for a number of heavily contested races. We hope you review these grades and the supporting information on the chamber’s web site https://www.billingschamber. com/grading/, and use it as one more tool to assist in casting an informed vote.

Presenting Sponsors

BillingsChamber.com

September 26th | Red Lion Hotel & Convention Center Luncheon 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. $35/each or $280/table of 8 Business Expo 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. | jessica@billingschamber.com to reserve your space Visit BillingsChamber.com for details

September 2017

11

Shoots Veis

The gift of speaking well

By TOM HOWARD Shoots Veis sat through dozens of presentations while serving on the Billings City Council. Sometimes during a presentation, a speaker would toss around concepts that made sense to somebody with an engineering background, but sowed confusion for council members who didn’t have the same training.

“We had a number of engineers speak to the council, but a lot of times it didn’t go really well,” said Veis, who served on the council from 2005 to 2009. “Some of the council members would struggle with what was going on and what they were trying to accomplish.”

The communication gap sometimes led to projects being delayed. That started Veis thinking about ways to improve the flow of communication.

“A friend was active in putting together a joint engineering conference. She asked me to put together a presentation on how engineers can do better at public speaking,” said Veis, who has a degree in environmental engineering from Montana Tech and works for Northern Engineering.

Veis said his presentation was well received. As it turned out, he was just getting started in his quest to improve communications.

Veis has done a fair amount of public speaking as a council member and through his involvement in local theater productions. At TEDx Billings in 2014, his topic was “The silent killer of change.”

Veis started writing a book in his spare time about 10 years ago. After numerous revisions, “Public Speaking for Engineers: Communicating Effectively with Clients, the Public and Local Government” was published earlier this year by the American Society of Civil Engineers Press. It’s also available on Amazon.com.

Veis sat down with Billings Business to talk about his effort to improve communicators.

Q: Why is it necessary to write a book specifically geared toward engineers and public speaking?

A: This all started when I was on the council. I could see problems about engineers not being able to communicate well, and if council members couldn’t understand what they

12

September 2017

were trying to accomplish.

Is there a specific reason why engineers might have trouble communicating?

I’m not sure if they have considered who their audience is, and what kinds of backgrounds their audience may have.

Plus, their presentations can be fairly technical, but their audience often isn’t well versed on technical issues.

If used correctly, PowerPoint can be an effective communications tool. But it can also be a disaster if used incorrectly. Does the book discuss its use?

Sometimes PowerPoint becomes a crutch, not a tool. I talk about that some.

Surely, not all engineers are poor communicators. Correct?

Certainly there are lots of engineers who do a good job. Many of them have been doing it for a long time and they’ve figured out what they need to prepare.

Do you provide examples of how engineers can become better speakers?

I use a couple of fictional engineers as characters. They include someone who is an engineering manager and is a little bit older, plus someone who’s younger and getting started. There are a number of case studies where the process has gone well and a number where it hasn’t. I try to weave in stories to explain why it’s important to do the preparation. Also you really need to think about who your audience is and what they need to understand.”

What’s your advice for people interested in going into engineering?

I tell students they have to learn how to solve problems logically. You’re not going to learn how to design a complicated piece of infrastructure in school. But if you can be a logical problem solver, you can design a wastewater treatment facility with what you learn on the job.

BETTERbusiness

F ake invoice scam is just one

of many ways to get swindled Y

If you are the one who either signs off on purchase orders or invoices within your organization, then you need to watch out for more than the fake invoices.

DAN BUCHTA of Missoula is Marketplace Director for Better Business Bureau Northwest.

Contact him at dan.buchta@thebbb.org

ears ago, I managed a cluster of eight radio stations spread out across three counties. Each was set up to receive bills, invoices, and purchase orders. As a result, there was a lot of different paperwork going to different offices. When I would show up to work at any of the offices, I was usually greeted with stacks of paper. A stack of purchase orders and a stack of bills and invoices that I would sign off on and send to my business manager to pay. I hate to admit this, but after a while, I began to trust the paperwork, and I would scribble my approval in haste so I could move on to more pressing things.

At the height of the great recession, I was asked to cut expenses. The last thing I wanted to do was cut people, so I started paying more attention to my bills and invoices and, boy-ohboy, did I learn an embarrassing lesson.

Let’s start with the phone lines. I had main lines coming into all three offices, dedicated lines for each of our transmitter sites, studio lines, remote broadcast lines, request lines for each station, and so on. I spent days figuring out which phone lines went to what phone. As it turned out, some lines were not being used and hadn’t been used in years. In the end, I cancelled several phone lines and saved hundreds of dollars a month.

My only excuse was that I inherited the way the phone system was set up years before I came on board. I signed off on every bill and every invoice because those bills were always paid — no questions asked.

I learned a big lesson about

managing expenses through this ordeal. To quote Ben Franklin, “Beware of little expenses. A small leak will sink a great ship.”

As it turned out, the phone lines were not my only mistake.

The several phone lines in three different cities created several different sets of advertisements in yellow page directories. As I closely examined the very expensive directory invoices that I was paying annually, I realized that there was one I did not recognize. I was fairly familiar with all of the local directories, and I couldn’t remember ever seeing this directory anywhere around town, but we were sending a check off to some address in Canada each year. I was a victim of the fake invoice scam!

If you are the one who either signs off on purchase orders or invoices within your organization, then you need to watch out for more than the fake invoices. Better Business Bureau Serving the Northwest has reports of fake invoices, fake purchase orders, and domain name renewal scams in Montana.

Here are a few pointers on how these scams work and what to watch out for: Domain Name Registration Scam: You receive an invoice or email to register or renew the domain name for your online business. The scammer either wants you to sign up for a recurring service or secure a one-time payment. To sidestep this fraud, check if your domain name matches the one mentioned. Make sure the sender is the same company you initially registered with and note the expiration date from your files.

Fake Purchase Orders: A fraudulent business rents a vir-

tual office and creates an online presence. They open a bank account and create marketing materials that they send out to suppliers around the country.

They even create fake online entities to serve as references for them. After a quick look, they seem legitimate, so when they order merchandise, businesses fulfill the orders. However, the business soon learns the transaction was a scam, and they’ve sent a product without payment. To avoid this scam, do an internet search on the company seeking to do business with you as well as their references. Legitimate companies should have a digital ‘footprint.’

If you can’t find much on a given company, it could mean they are new, or it could mean they

are not what they seem. Also, Be leery of email-only solicitations. Many scams have roots overseas. Watch out for situations where email is the only form of contact.

Fake Invoices: The business receives a letter or email with an official-looking invoice. The person in charge of processing invoices at the business isn’t aware of the scam, so the bill is handled normally and paid without further investigation.

Perhaps the most intimidating is an invoice from a local, state/ provincial or federal government agency for some local fee, tax, or other official assessment required to stay in compliance with the law. These are sometimes stamped “Past Due” or are accompanied by threatening

phone calls. To avoid this scam, create a process for inspecting invoices. Always check that goods or services were both ordered and delivered before paying an invoice. Designate a small group of employees with authority to approve purchases, receive shipments, and pay the bills.

Scammers target businesses in hopes of conning someone who isn’t looking too closely at invoices. The phone line ordeal was the kick in the pants I needed to stay on top of managing my expenses, but the real lesson hit home when I realized I’d been scammed. Whether you are managing your business or your personal finances, stay vigilant and stick it to the bad guys.

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September 2017

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special advertising section

September 2017

15

special advertising section

Camelot Ranch NEW EVENT VENUE CHARMS BILLINGS’ WEST END

By Tara Cady PhoTos By BronTë WiTTPenn

Billings’ newest event venue, Camelot Ranch, opened on the West End on June 28.

It was love at first sight for Camelot Ranch owners Steven and Lynn Tucker.

The 8736 Camelot Lane location on Billings’ West End overlooks the Rimrocks, a pond and wide open spaces for a perfect wedding landscape.

The new venue opened in June 2017 to serve not only brides and grooms, but corporations and nonprofits looking for contemporary country charm for their event.

Owners Lynn and Steven Tucker stand on an indoor balcony overlooking the great room. The balcony is ideal for DJs and photographers looking to engage with guests below.

16

September 2017

special advertising section

A designated bar area makes it easy for event attendees to grab a drink and get back to dancing – or business.

Camelot Ranch comfortably fits up to 300 guests, including a band or DJ that a bridal party may want for their event. A dielectric mirror with an 80-inch flat-screen TV is planned for the space.

Studer Construction Co would like to congratulate Camelot Ranch on a beautiful place to create lasting memories.

(406) 656-3816

The full-service catering kitchen includes an ice machine, convection oven, warming oven, refrigerator and private entrance for caterers.

Congratulations Camelot Ranch

Fisher Sand & Gravel Co., Billings 7105 Laurel Airport Road ~ Billings, MT 59106 September 2017

17

special advertising section There’s something romantic about Camelot Lane on Billings’ West End. It could be its name, popular in French romances, or it could be the newly constructed Camelot Ranch, an event venue specializing in weddings, corporate gatherings and nonprofit functions.

The dead end road past the intersection of 88th Street West and King Avenue West leads to anything but endings. It is a place of new beginnings for many couples.

Husband and wife, Steven and Lynn Tucker, decided to capitalize not only on the street’s name, but a community need for another venue.

“It’s always been (Lynn’s) passion and dream to have an event center,” said Steven.

“There’s been a shortage in Billings as far as availability goes.”

Steven’s a self-proclaimed numbers guy, so the Rocky Mountain Bank sales manager knew the financial ropes when considering Camelot Ranch. The 8736 Camelot Lane location added up.

“There just over a thousand weddings a year in Yellowstone County,” he said. “The only real venues outside of churches that you have boil down to a handful.”

Lynn first envisioned the ranch on the

Rimrocks, but Steven wanted a spot with more flexibility.

“Now we’re looking at the Rims from here,” he said. “We can capture that country and rustic scene every Montana kid has come to love.”

And love is the key word.

As a massage therapist, Lynn is often surrounded by brides and bridesmaids within the spa scene. She wanted to be more involved.

“I love to organize things,” Lynn said.

“What an opportunity (Camelot Ranch is) to be a part of the best time of their life.”

The Tuckers attended a wedding fair in January 2016 to sell their business concept to the community. They went ahead with the plan that May.

“We had to do commercial code requirements,” said Wollschlager. “(It was) one of the biggest learning curves for the clients.”

Steven admits construction was a moving target.

“The deeper we got into it, the more hurdles we had to overcome,” he said.

It took Wollschlager a few months to work up a design accommodating for codes.

The Tuckers would present new ideas to him after attending trade shows.

“For that scale of project, typically there’s a year of design time,” Wollschlager said. “They were under construction in three months.”

Coordination between the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, health department, state building inspector and more eased the process along.

“I was very fortunate to be part of that project,” said Wollschlager. “I think it turned out amazing.”

See CAMELOT, page 19

Congratulations Camelot Ranch Event Center from your friends at...

A MOVING TARGET

Draftsman and designer Jeff Wollschlager says the Tuckers came to him after attending a wedding in Red Lodge that had a pole barn. They wanted Wollschlager to design Camelot Ranch around that concept.

The problem was that those types of barns are either grandfathered in or avoiding current codes, he said.

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www.hardymt.com 18

September 2017

special advertising section The Tuckers said they couldn’t have done it without support.

“We are so blessed and thankful for friends and family members and complete strangers for their unbridled support that we’ve had helping us to recognize our dream,” Steven said.

ENDLESS AMENITIES

With a year construction timeline, Camelot Ranch opened just 60 days past their deadline. An open house on June 28 marked its official opening.

The 8,400-square-foot ranch features a large great room just beyond its entrance, with a corner bar area, large ceilings and a fireplace as the main focal point. A barn wood-framed dielectric mirror with a hidden 80-inch flat-screen TV will be added soon for the dual purpose of decoration and presentations.

A full-service catering kitchen

equipped with an ice machine, convection oven, warming oven, refrigerator and private entry for caterers neighbors the great room. Nearby is a breakout room perfect for groomsmen. It includes a kitchenette and television.

Convenience was considered for guests coming from out of town. An ATM is housed just beyond the entrance next to a coat closet.

An office and space for bridal beauty awaits upstairs. With makeup and hair stations, the bridal party can get ready with ease and step outside onto a deck if desired.

There’s even a dressing room and bathroom with two sinks and a shower around the corner. Lynn hopes to offer massage packages in the bridal wing soon.

Additional amenities include air conditioning, a fire suppression system and downstairs bathrooms for both men and women.

MORE TO COME

Camelot Ranch can comfortably house 300 guests inside at one time. A year-round destination, outdoor space allows for extra people in the summer months.

Twenty acres of land includes the ranch, a 3,000-square-foot guest cabin with four bedrooms and three bathrooms, ample parking to be paved and striped soon, plus a pavilion and dock near the pond. Of the few weddings the ranch has hosted, couples have been getting married on the dock.

Hardy Construction project manager Jason Arrowsmith thinks the land on which Camelot Ranch sits is one of its biggest draws.

“Part of the essence of the finished product is how the structure fits in with the natural beauty of the surrounding environment,” he said. “As a commercial general contractor, we do not always get to build in these open, natural landscapes. I think

the combination of rustic elegance that we created is very unique and appealing.”

Landscaping is one of many tasks still to be completed to beautify the outdoors even more.

“I would love to have some more acreage and have some RV spots,” Steven said.

Other ideas include adding golf carts and more lodging structures.

“It’s an ongoing process,” said Lynn, citing years of work ahead. “We’ll just do it in phases. We put our kids to work.”

Camelot Ranch began booking events in March and have 27 scheduled for 2017 alone. The Tuckers are looking forward to a corporate event they’re hosting for a company whose CEO is retiring. A webcast will be streamed internationally from the site.

“We feel very honored and privileged to be able to give this to the community,” said Steven.

An upstairs beauty area is ideal for brides and bridesmaids needing their hair and makeup done.

September 2017

19

Outdoor weddings are an option; a pavilion conveniently sits near a pond.

Brides and grooms can say “I do” overlooking water on the dock.

Congrats

Steve and Lynn!

Thank you for this opportunity!

Best Wishes and Blessings to all the Newlyweds

Chris and Rachel McMorris Hail Claims • New Construction • Remodeling mcmbuildit@yahoo.com 20

406.698.3609

September 2017

Jeremiah Rouane, Stockman Bank; Lynn & Steve Tucker, Camelot Ranch

Congratulations Camelot Ranch on the opening of your new venue!

Stockman Bank is pleased to be a part of this building project.

Helping people realize their business dreams is what we are all about!

King Ave 655-2700

Hilltop & Main 896-4800

Shiloh & Grand 655-3900

Downtown 655-2400

14th & Grand 371-8100

Worden 967-3612

stockmanbank.com Š2017 Stockman Bank | Member FDIC

September 2017

21

Business Briefs Success Stories Recognizing People Local and Commerce Achievements at a Glance

Lapito makes Forbes list

Gabe E. Lapito, ownerfinancial adviser of Strategic Retirement Plans, has been named to Forbes’ Top 500 Next Generation Wealth AdviLAPITO sors list.

The inaugural list, published on Forbes.com, recognizes wealth advisers born in or after 1980. Lapito is the only advisor in Montana and Wyoming to be named to the list.

“I extend my sincere congratulations to Gabe Lapito on being recognized by Forbes,” said Wayne Bloom, CEO of Commonwealth Financial Network®, Strategic Retirement Plans independent broker/dealer–RIA. “Gabe represents the future of the advice industry, possessing the passion and drive to innovate, cultivate, and deliver superior independent advice to the next generation of investors. We remain committed to supporting Gabe Lapito’s growth and will continue to provide the leading, client-forward resources his business demands.”

Just 10 percent of financial advisers are 35 years old or younger, according to Forbes.

As nearly 40 percent of older financial advisors antici-

22

September 2017

since 2009.

elected three new members to the Board: Dr. Erin Allen, NextGEN pediatrician, Billings Clinic; names leaders Chase Brown, attorney, MatoBillings’ NextGEN, a pro- vich, Keller, & Murphy; and WWAMI honors gram of the Billings Chamber Harvey Singh, owner, Singh RiverStone staff of Commerce, announces its Construction, Outward Media The WWAMI Track Office 2017-2018 Leadership Team, Group and Seva Kitchen. at RiverStone Health is part effective through June 30, “As we enter a new phase of a cooperative program with 2018. They are: Emily Petroff, of growth as a program, I am the University of Washington Evolve with Emily – Coso pleased to see our Board School of Medicine and the Chair; Kyle Schlichenmayer, of Directors grow as well,” states of Washington, WyoNew York Life – Co-Chair; said Jennifer Owen, executive ming, Alaska, Montana and Amanda Boerboom, Eagle director. “The leadership our Idaho (WWAMI) to provide Mount – Connect Lead; board provides is critical to students with cost-effective our success, and I couldn’t be Brook LeVander, Rimrock – medical education. The Connect Lead; Cathy Grider, happier to welcome our new Track Office, which superBillings Federal Credit Union members to the team.” vises medical students during – Grow Lead; Brian Hafner, Explorers Academy, rotations in Billings, hosted formerly known as Head Universal Lending – Grow a barbecue for WWAMI Start, Inc., serves primarLead; Zack McKittrick, students and the physician Stockman Bank – Learn Lead; ily low-income children and their families in Yellowstone preceptors who mentor them. Kelly Elletson, Big Sky State and Carbon counties. The Awards were given to several Games – Learn Lead; Karen program has sites in Billpreceptors for the 2016-2017 Baumgart, BillingsWorks – ings, Lockwood and Laurel. academic year.

Inspire Lead.

Recently, Explorers Academy Favorite Teacher awards The NextGEN Leaderwas selected as one of 16 sites were presented to: Dr. Ryan ship Team is responsible for for state-funded preschool in Schwanke, Family Medicine, coordinating and promotMontana and has also estabBillings Clinic West; Dr. Chris ing NextGEN programming, lished a tuition-pay option Cancro, Family Medicine, which includes college St. Vincent Healthcare West student mentorship, profes- for families who don’t meet Grand Clinic; Dr. Samuel Pac- sional development programs, Head Start income eligibility requirements. zkowski, Emergency Medinetwork building and access “Explorers Academy is cine, St. Vincent Healthcare. to community initiatives Special Acknowledgethrough the Billings Chamber. dedicated to providing the best quality early childhood ments were presented to: Dr. The NextGEN program education in our commuArturo Echeverri, Regional began its fourth year on July nity. Our board of directors is Neuroscience Center, St. 1 and has more than 250 committed to serving young Vincent Healthcare, who has members. children and their families, hosted WWAMI neurology Head Start and I know that we are wellstudents since 2005, and Dr. positioned for success with Patricia LaHaie, Chronic elects board Care/Rehabilitation, St. The Board of Directors for their vision and leadership,” Vincent Healthcare, who has Explorers Academy – a Head said Owen.

In addition to electing new hosted WWAMI students Start program – recently pate retiring within the next decade, this next generation of advisors play will play a pivotal role in the industry.

members at its annual retreat, er at the Dickinson Press in the Explorers Academy Board Dickinson, North Dakota. of Directors also elected the following officers: Chair: Hei- Stockman Bank di Jensen, City Administrator, hires Toner Bill Toner recently joined Laurel; vice-Chair: Harvey Stockman Singh; Treasurer: Jennifer Bank as vice Stark, Stockman Bank. president, Tumbleweed cash managenames board ment services Tumbleweed has named officer. His three new members to its responsibiliTONER board: Ben Flanagan, of Lanties include glas Construction; Brandon providPicchioni, of Al’s Mini-Stor- ing technical support and age; and Elizabeth Nedrow, of assistance to customers, Holland and Hart LLP. technical support staff and all Tumbleweed provides 34 Stockman Bank locations safety, assistance and hope as it relates to Stockman’s to our community’s vulnercash management online able and homeless youth, banking services, which are creating lasting life changes. designed to assist businesses Tumbleweed serves youth in managing their funds more ages 10-24 and their families effectively. He also provides in times of conflict and crisis assistance in project implethrough four major programs mentation, testing, software including its drop-in center, installations and upgrades for basic center/counseling, online banking services. transitional living and human Toner previously served trafficking. as vice president of sales and corporate services for a Stults joins regional bank in Billings. He Peaks to Plains earned a bachelor’s degree in Kalsey Stults has joined accounting from the UniPeaks to Plains Design P.C. as a marketing assistant. She versity of Montana and is a graduate of the Pacific Coast will lead marketing efforts Banking School. Toner is in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. involved in the community, serving as finance commitStults graduated from the tee chair on the Alberta Bair University of Tennessee at Martin with a degree in com- Theater board. He is also a member of the Rocky Mounmunications and a minor in tain College Quarterback Club English. She was previously an assistant editor and report- and the Midland Roundtable.

In Billings, at least 115 automobiles were reported stolen in one month’s time.

On a per-capita basis, Billings, Montana ranks #10 for the country’s most prevalent cities for car theft. At least 250 cars have been absconded with so far this year in Montana’s Trailhead.* Your car is the portable extension of your home—it’s where you go when you’re on the go. You work hard to accumulate the assets you have, which is why at PayneWest, we work to make sure that in the event of a loss, you have the right protection to replace those assets. Call an agent now for a review of your current protection plan. Find more on this topic at PayneWest.com.

(406) 238-1900 3289 Gabel Road, Billings, MT 59102

*As reported by local NBC news affiliate KULR.

September 2017

23

Business Briefs Local Commerce at a Glance

New commercial office announced

Keller Williams Premier Brokers has announced plans to launch a commercial division this fall in Billings.

“Our goal is to expand our platform and make Keller Williams Premier Brokers the real estate company of choice in both the residential and commercial markets by providing our associates with the technology, marketing tools and resources to succeed at the highest level,” said Shonna L. Ruble, CEO of Keller Williams Premier Brokers.

Ruble hired Cal Northam, a veteran of commercial real estate, who joins Keller Williams Premier Brokers as the managing broker of the new commercial division.

Northam has years of experience in the commercial real estate industry. Northam and Ruble, a broker in 3 states with an extensive background in commercial real estate, will lead the development of new business division and train commercial agents.

“There’s such a wide spectrum of commercial real estate experience within Keller Williams Premier Brokers,” said Ruble. “We intend to build a strong commercial division paralleling the success and growth of the Keller Williams residential division.”

24

September 2017

North Dakota oil output slips

BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakota’s oil production slipped in June but remained above 1 million barrels per day for the fifth consecutive month.

The Department of Mineral Resources says the state produced an average of 1.03 million barrels of oil daily in June. That’s down from 1.04 million barrels in May. North Dakota also produced 1.84 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day in June, down slightly from 1.85 billion cubic feet daily in May. The June tallies are the latest figures available.

There were 57 drill rigs operating in North Dakota on Aug. 11, up two from the June average.

United Airlines to boost service

United Airlines announced that it’s significantly expanding air service into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport for the upcoming winter season.

Beginning around the end of December, United Airlines will increase the number of flights and the available seats to Bozeman from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago, Houston and New York/Newark. As a result, air service into the Bozeman region will increase 30 percent.

“New air service like United just announced is a critical piece to the economic growth and lifestyle that makes Big Sky and the Gallatin such a great place to work, live and visit,” said Big Sky Resort general manager Taylor Middleton.

This is the single largest expansion of winter air service into Bozeman Yellowstone International, said Airport Director Brian Sprenger.

The United Airlines service expansion details are the following: United will increase nonstop service to/from Los Angeles between Dec. 20 and March 26 and between March 31 and April 1.

United will increase nonstop daily service to/from New York/Newark between Dec. 20 and Jan. 7 and Saturday/Sunday service between Jan. 8 and Feb. 14, and between March 19 and April 1.

United will increase nonstop daily service to/from Houston between Dec. 20 and Jan. 7 and between Feb. 15 and March 18. United will also increase Saturday/Sunday service to Houston between Jan. 8 and Feb. 14, and between March 19 and April 1.

United Airlines will increase daily nonstop service to/from San Francisco between Dec. 20 and March 26 and between March 31 and April 1.

United will increase service with up to five flights daily to/from Denver, yearround.

United will increase service with up to three flight daily to/from Chicago, yearround.

“More flights to worldclass skiing in Bozeman is now just a short flight away,” said Jake Cefolia, United’s vice president of sales.

Big Sky Resort installed two new chairlifts last season and continues to make improvements on the mountain to enhance the guest experience as part of its 10-year vision, Bigsky2025.

The federal commission that oversees gas pipelines told Dallas-based Energy Transfer Partners recently to clean up its mess before it will allow the Rover Pipeline to flow. New drilling on unfinished sections also remains halted after 2 million gallons of drilling mud seeped into a wetland in the spring.

While the $4.2 billion pipeline that will carry gas from Appalachian shale fields to Canada, and states in the Midwest and Gulf Coast, hasn’t been besieged by protests that erupted in North Dakota, opponents say the spills and snags highlight the risks that come with buildDAPL developer ing huge pipelines needed for faces new hurdle growing the natural gas and oil industries.

NEW WASHINGTON, Much of the 700-mile Ohio — The company that developed the Dakota Access Rover Pipeline is being built across Ohio and will extend oil pipeline is entangled in into Michigan, Pennsylvania another fight, this time in Ohio where work on its multi- and West Virginia.

Ohio’s environmental state natural gas pipeline has regulators and landowners wrecked wetlands, flooded say construction crews have farm fields and flattened a been laying pipe at warp 170-year-old farmhouse.

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speed since March to meet the company’s ambitious plan of finishing the first phase this month and the entire project

by November.

“As soon as they started, they began having problems,” said Craig Butler, director of Ohio’s Environmental Protection Agency. “It’s just a function of them moving too quickly, trying to meet a deadline and cutting corners.”

The state EPA has proposed nearly $1 million in fines over violations that include allowing drilling mud to spill into wetlands, ponds and streams along with pumping storm water into streams and fields. Most of the violations were in March and April but some problems continue.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission recently ordered Energy Transfer Partners to clean up and restore 6 acres of wetlands coated with more than a foot of drilling mud, remove mud contaminated with diesel fuel from two quarries and monitor water wells near those sites.

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Bankruptcies Traci Lynn Seward, 438 Milton Road, Billings-area bankruptcy petitions filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, June 1-July 31, July 21.

2017. Addresses are in Billings unless otherTerry Youngblood, Tina Marie Youngwise noted. blood, 750 Wintergreen Drive, June 23.

Anthony Robert Hust, 1534 Westchester Chapter 7 Square E. No. 7, June 27.

Sacha M. Helm, 1138 Terry Ave., June 27.

Robert Wilson Thayer, P.O. Box 20482, Melissa R. Carter, 2261 Avenue C Apt. 2, June 28.

June 7.

Angie Lynne Partain, 1832 Yellowstone Shawn Allan Balcom, Amber Dorene Ave., June 28.

Balcom, 82 Vista Drive, June 10.

Michele A. Vejtasa , 1361 Easy Street No. James Francis Vincent, Lori Ann Vin4, June 30. cent, 2639 Custer Ave., June 12.

Chad Morgan Curry, 386 Mountain View Morris J. Crigamire Jr., Claudia M. Road, Rapelje, June 30.

Crigamire, 521 Woodland Road, June 12.

Daniel Lawrence Garcia, P.O. BOX 172, Paula Ann Jenkins, 38 Alderson Ave., Park City, July 1.

June 15.

Shelley Anne Phillips, 717 Mattson Lane Jill Marie Frank, 3544 Monad Road Apt. No. 1, July 7.

5, June 15.

Irene L. Martinson, 1234 N. Frontage Forest Bevan Jensen, Carolyn Julia JenRoad, July 16. sen, 319 Jackson St., July 15.

June 22.

Joshua Wade O’Shea, 130 Lower Luther Road, Red Lodge, June 25.

Jeannette Clarisa Gonzalez, 204 Prickett Lane, June 25.

Jennifer Marie Runge, 1751 Elaine Street, June 29.

Carlotta Noreen Covers Up, 1509 Wicks Lane, July 6.

Christopher Michael Lord, Amanda Kaye Lord, 2555 Burlington Ave., July 14.

Danealle L. O’Connor, 1127 Jordan Circle, July 16.

Brek Aaron Nielsen, Melanie Jae Nielsen, 3120 Red And King Gulch Road, Laurel, July 19.

Chapter 13 Trina Koehn Besel, 1719 Yellowstone Ave., July 27.

Jessica Lynn Berndt, 25 Chestnut Drive, Justin A. Lee, 3226 Golden Acres, July 28.

Jessica J. Malloy, 2222 Bench Blvd. N0. 2, July 15.

Emanuel Lewis Thompson, Korry Danelle Thompson, 1663 Morocco Drive, July 27.

Chad Everett Meeks, Alisha Ann Meeks, 737 S. Billings Blvd. Trailer No. 41, July 21.

Carol Remme, 36 Brookpark Drive, July 25.

Andrew Chalmer Schuman, 4125 Phillip St., July 27.

Gregory Lewis Vaness French, 621 Pebble Beach Drive, July 28.

Daniel P. Ritsema, 515 S. 83rd St. W., July 31.

Andrew Charles Benson, 2939 Poly Drive, July 31.

Residential Permits Addition Single/Duplex/Garage 2702 Hoover Ave., Thompson Timothy S., Loterbauer Greg Construction, $11,200 613 Chokecherry Place, Schwartz, Robert C., $21,560 3012 Lloyd Mangrum Lane, Winburn, James M & Jonna L., $10,000 2813 Orchard Drive, Snyder, Ronald G., $12,600 922 Royal Ave., Perusich, Frank and Gloria, Northwest Building And Design LLC, $20,687 4333 Loma Vista Drive, Yerger, Russell D. and Dianna, $15,000 234 Avenue E., Frac, Joyce Admundsen, $3,500 2931 North Slope Trail, Schmalz Heidi H., MLB Construction LLC, $60,000 1950 Mariposa Lane, Ross, James E. and Elizabeth T, My Handyman Service, $40,000 115 S. 29th St., Schilke, James P. and Pau-

26

September 2017

la J., Layman Curt Design, $2,880 303 Parkhill Drive, Agnew, Hewes D. & Susan H., $30,000 5225 Cabernet Lane, Noennig, Dan R., Steve Gountanis Homes Inc., $3,900 1570 Westridge Circle, James, Doug and Kathy, Van Arsdale Duane Construction Inc., $12,500 2012 Mariposa Lane, Annin, Donald K. and Carol D., Freyenhagen Construction Inc., $3,360 1023 N. 22nd St., Wagner, Benjamin R., $12,810 3081 S. Daffodil Drive, Dabner, Kathy L., Ralph’s Handyman Service, $3,840 4456 Laredo Place, Bergthold, Ryan P. and Wendi M., $3,075 1028 Princeton Ave., Steiner, Cory and Melanie, Freyenhagen Construction Inc., $21,000

ble S. Contracting Inc., $4,300 5523 Clear Sky Drive, Regal Land Day1245 Miles Ave., Atkinson, Robert L. and break LLC, Wagenhals Enterprises Inc., Sandra M., Northwest Building And Design $250,000 1832 Bench Blvd., Houser, Jackie K. and LLC, $1,200 Virginia C, S Bar S Supply Contractor, New Garage $14,000 3104 Daystar Drive, Haggerty, William P. and Pamela J., $10,540 3218 Rugby Drive, Stevens, Stanford, 1245 Miles Ave., Atkinson, Robert L. and Midland Mechanical Inc., $21,280 Sandra M., Northwest Building And Design 766 Calhoun Lane, Blain Almon R Jr., LLC, $44,000 CRM Services Inc., $5,000 3139 Poly Drive, Carlstrom, Mark G., $35,000 New Single Family 3424 McMasters Road, Reile, Donald P., and Donna M., Kisling Quality Builders, 3218 Rugby Drive, Stevens, Stanford Sfr $41,860 $442,720 3004 W. Copper Ridge Loop, Daniels 975 Siesta Ave., Bill Bensing, Tri B Prop- Builders, $165,525 erty Solutions LLC, $295,000 3165 McMasters Road, Ray Mehrer, R&R 863 Tierra Drive, Bill Bensing, Tri B Builders, $346,675 Property Solutions LLC, $290,000 1620 Island View Drive, McCall DevelDemolition 5527 Clear Sky Drive, Regal Land Day- opment Inc., $312,680 break LLC, Wagenhals Enterprises Inc., 1219 18th St. W., Hunter, Robert L. and 2307 11th Ave. N., Propriedad LLC, Dou- $275,000 Carolyn J., $236,600

Residential Permits, continued 1401 Topanga Ave., Jeff Kreitzberg Homes Inc., $172,170 3117 Peregrine Lane, Formation Design Build., Formation Inc., $241,450 6898 Copper Ridge Loop, LC Custom Homes, $288,090 4706 Silver Creek Trail, Amstutz, Larry Warren, Granite Peak Builders LLC, $315,065 6190 Timbercove Drive, Regal Land Developers, Double Dutch Construction, $235,320 2128 Marisela St., Oakland Built Homes Inc., $177,260 5624 Phantom Creek Ave., Trails West Homes LLC, $250,010 2521 Strapper Lane, BCJM Properties LLC, Hanser Construction Co., $202,470 2620 Bowles Way, BCJM Properties LLC, Hanser Construction Co., $167,070 1633 Island View Drive, McCall Development Inc., $191,505 1801 Island View Drive, McCall Development Inc., $268,135 5800 Sam Snead Trail, Robinson, Whitney and Cheryl, Myers Custom Homes, $600,000 2514 Bowles Way, Hanser Construction Co., $227,000 2614 Bowles Way, Hanser Construction Co., $171,445 2933 W. Copper Ridge Loop, Bob Pentecost Construction, $298,500 1737 W. Thunder Mountain Road, Jeff Junkert Construction Inc., $197,745 1413 18th St. W., Cox, Christopher and Barbara A., Schaefer Remodel And Repair, $366,580 3617 Colton Blvd., Better Building Technologies, $214,990 1613 Island View Drive, McCall Development Inc., $251,560 2979 Copper Bluffs Circle, Bob Pentecost Construction, $254,900 2975 Copper Bluffs Circle, Bob Pentecost Construction, $287,900 2635 Burlwood Drive, Classic Design Homes Inc., Classic Design Homes, $199,960

1136 Megan Circle, Habitat For Humanity Mid Yellowstone County, $143,370 503 Avenue D, Rusty Gackle, Constructing Impressions Inc., $115,000 5332 Patagonia Court, Wells Built Homes Inc., $116,950 5313 Patagonia Court, RFP Wells Built Homes, $116,950 5334 Patagonia Court, RFP Wells Built Homes, $104,490 622 Boca Raton Road, Ron S. Hill Living Trust, $217,935 4610 Elk Ridge Trail, Boyer Land Llc, Design Builders Inc., $237,990 1625 Island View Drive, McCall Development Inc., $221,235 810 Bitterbrush St., Trails West Homes, Stock Construction Co., $193,450 2124 Del Mar St., Infinity Homes LLC, $171,465 2427 Glengarry Lane, Dan Mcgee, Improvements & Construction By, $310,940 2966 W. Copper Ridge Loop, Bob Pentecost Construction, $282,900 5245 Amherst Drive, Wegner Homes, $321,115 6232 Timbercove Drive, Double Dutch Construction, Double Dutch Construction, $330,600 636 Boca Raton Road, Ron S. Hill Living Trust, $217,540 2201 Sierra Vista Circle, Oakland Built Homes Inc., $160,245 2147 Sierra Vista Circle, Oakland Built Homes Inc., $161,770 2715 Tulane Drive, Mont Vista LLC, $188,185 4228 Palisades Park Drive, Sheridan, Paul T., Sheridan Builders, $435,480 4613 Silver Creek Trail, Cory Jensen, DB Carpentry, $257,345

5322 Patagonia Court, RFP Wells Built Homes, $219,410 5316 Patagonia Court, RFP Wells Built Homes, $211,220 5319 Patagonia Court, RFP Wells Built Homes, $211,220 5337 Patagonia Court, RFP Wells Built Homes, $211,220 5321 Patagonia Court, RFP Wells Built Homes, $211,220 5327 Patagonia Court, RFP Wells Built Homes, $211,220 5329 Patagonia Court, RFP Wells Built Homes, $211,220 5310 Patagonia Court, RFP Wells Built Homes, $211,220 5324 Patagonia Court, RFP Wells Built Homes, $219,410 5330 Patagonia Court, RFP Wells Built Homes, $219,410 5335 Patagonia Court, RFP Wells Built Homes, $211,220 6429 Southern Bluffs Lane, Graham, Chris, Cougar Construction, $362,965 1029 Yellowstone Ave., Clearview LLC, Nygaard Builders LLC, $500,000

Remodel Single/Duplex/Garage

2959 Joan Lane, Pender, John R. and Dallas W., Aaron Johnson Construction, $20,000 4293 Smohawk Trail, Blanchard, Neal Sivertson, $7,000 3216 Reimers Park Drive, Keene, Michael D., Smooth Rock Drywall, $16,000 4537 Toyon Drive, Gilman, Troy and Jennifer, C’s Construction Of Billings, $3,468 3685 Banff Ave., Moore, Krista and Cory, C’s Construction Of Billings, $761 2307 Pine Creek Trail, Munoz, Cameron and Jamee, C’s Construction Of Billings, New Two Family $3,500 911 N. 31st St., Kyle, Fraser, $1,500 29 Birchwood Drive, Kittelson, Clair 5341 Patagonia Court, RFP Wells Built Ann, Freyenhagen Construction Inc., Homes, $211,220 $10,550 5309 Patagonia Court, RFP Wells Built 836 Clark Ave., Ostermiller, Michele L., Homes, $116,950

Craigo Construction, $5,000 1432 Crawford Drive, Clark, Wanda, Trustee, Win-Dor Industries, $2,390 2327 Virginia Lane, Sulzbacher David T., Big Sky Exterior Designs Inc., $500 312 S. 34th St., Serfazo, Mike W. and Janine M., Big Sky Exterior Designs Inc., $4,600 4281 Smohawk Trail, Citibank NA, What Daddy Won’t Do LLC, $11,815 3313 Rimrock Road, Mares Steven D. and Erin S., Braaton Construction & Home Repair Inc., $21,440 27 Campbell Drive, Haan, Terence L. & Tamara L., One Source Construction LLC, $793 2732 Broadwater Ave., Nickoloff Alice M., The Pella Window Store, $587 2940 Stillwater Drive, Ferrin, Donovan, $2,400 1228 Miles Ave., Nuefeld, Del, ALC Contractors, $20,000 1705 Cook Ave., Lehmann, Rachel D., Lynnrich Inc., $3,214 2103 Brentwood Lane, Venable, Nancy J., Craigo Construction, $2,800 2631 Country Lane, Reynaud, Albert C., and Beatrice, Craigo Construction, $1,850 414 Kathy Lane, Jamison, Ladonna, Trustee, K-Designers, $5,580 3131 Solar Blvd., Barnhart, Sandra F., One Source Construction LLC, $650 920 Avenue E., Hovey, Larry J., Northwest Custom Improvements, Door $3,100 3441 Poly Drive, Anseth, Rebecca L., One Source Construction LLC, $4,200 2945 Poly Drive, Wilkinson, Gerald W. and Lois A., Lynnrich Inc., $2,865 106 19th St. W., Fischer, Julie M., K-Designers, $9,900 119 Lewis Ave., Brookshire, Mindy M., Big Sky Exterior Designs Inc., $2,500 2123 Rosewyn Lane, Bitterman, Lavern A. and Virginia, Mattern, $6,000 2414 Nina Clare Road, Dolan J. Patrick and Shelley, Freyenhagen Construction Inc., $14,000 701 Beverly Hill Blvd., Arthur S. Langman, $5,000 September 2017

27

Residential Permits, continued 2923 Rugby Drive, Linford Jurell D. and Brittney I., Big Sky Contractors LLC, $20,000 3333 Tahoe Drive, Martinez Frank and Susan R., $2,800 1148 N. 26th St., Curtis Arney, $2,900 1540 Anchor Ave., Trailhead Builders Inc., $22,760 4227 Audubon Way, Hammer, Benjamin L. & Sage M., $10,000 201 S. 29th St., Nathan Matelich, Messer Construction, $2,000 2135 Del Mar St., RJ Mac Homes Inc., $8,000 5211 Golden Hollow Road, Maryann Sadar, $16,000 2726 Hoover Ave., Brownfield, Samuel, $2,000 2204 Dallas Drive, Burtchett, Steve P., Craigo Construction, $2,200 518 Alderson Ave., Benson Joey K., Northwest Custom Improvements, $3,400 520 Howard Ave., Leschak, Katherin A., Dave’s Exteriors Inc., $575 1112 Yale Ave., Elenbaas,

Jonathan and Erin, Phil’s Glass, $4,200 2943 Georgina Drive, Burton, Gregory R. and Gail Ann, $21,712 3770 Crater Lake Ave., Walker Glen, Win-Dor Industries, $20,554 6245 Victoria Lane, Mollett, Daniel D. and Genia M., $7,000 2016 13th St. W., Bingham Rosella, One Source Construction LLC, $2,006 901 Moon Valley Road, Grosulak, Kelly, Reule Builders, $30,000 1918 10th Ave. N., Patterson, Hubert C., K-Designers, $4,921 203 Foster Lane, Ash, Melissa, K-Designers, $2,500 5411 Gene Sarazen Drive, Brown Alma C., Clear-Cut Construction LLC, $50,000 911 N. 31st St., Fraser, Kyle and Jacob, Tangible Engineering, $25,000 1147 Poly Drive, James, Donald K. and Mary Ellen, Lynnrich Inc., $1,936 11 Heatherwood Lane, Snedigar, Linda M., Alpine Home Im-

provements LLC, $20,000 15 Heatherwood Lane, Mollgaard, Elna N., Alpine Home Improvements LLC, $7,000 34 Heatherwood Lane, Morledge, Patricia Ann, Alpine Home Improvements LLC, $14,000 2931 Lewis Ave., Matthews Iris, Big Sky Exterior Designs Inc., $6,900 844 Ave. F., Joshua Robbins, $21,000 5055 Dovetail Ave., Fiddler, Troy, Lynnrich Inc., $3,750 667 Indian Trail, Powell, Ross D. and Jill C., Miner Construction Inc., $8,300 2305 Ave. B, North Star Property Group LLC, Craigo Construction, $5,150 1995 Edgewood Drive, Kendall, Larry G. and Susan D., Loterbauer Greg Construction, $15,000 768 Fallow Lane, Barrick, Dean M. and Connie K., One Source Construction LLC, $1,792 607 26th St. W., Lehman, Megan, Atlas Construction &

Restoration, $4,000 2709 Stinson Ave., Deherrera, Erin N. and Adrian A, Big Sky Exterior Designs Inc., $16,000 3922 Heritage Drive, James R. Jackson Survivor Trust, Freyenhagen Construction Inc., $16,000 4424 Audubon Way, Graves, James and Kimberly, Sprague Construction Roofing Division, $15,000 528 Broadwater Ave., Keenan Stanek, Scott Peterson Construction, $1,200 1726 Wicks Lane, Steinmetz, Brittany M., $27,980 5425 Denali Drive, Pepper, Bryan and Lisa, Boyce Built LLC, $6,875 3352 Canyon Drive, Pearson, Ronald S. and Geraldine, Big Sky Exterior Designs Inc., $17,000 2110 Iris Lane, Murphy, Brian G. and Krista L., Zach Besel Construction LLC, $2,500 1802 Oakridge Lane, McKechnie, Karen and Samuel, Dave’s Exteriors Inc., $3,000 4105 Murphy Ave., Campbell,

William J. and Aleta M., One Source Construction LLC, $1,150 920 22nd St. W., Mikes, Andy and Mariann, MCM Inc., $4,500 18 Heatherwood Lane, James and Virginia Court Living, Alpine Home Improvements LLC, $7,500 28 Heatherwood Lane, Curtiss, Todd, Alpine Home Improvements, $8,500 32 Heatherwood Lane, Ragar, Todd J., Alpine Home Improvements LLC, $8,500 3518 Prestwick Road, Rand, Brian J., Above & Beyond Construction, $12,000 2938 Custer Ave., Wachtman, Raymond A. and Anna M., KDesigners, $11,779 235 Broadwater Ave., Wiedrick, Donna L., $1,000 2305 Ave. B., North Star Property Group LLC, $19,640 There were 454 Fence/Roof/ Siding residential permits issued in June and July.

AN INDISPENSABLE BUSINESS RESOURCE Billings Business 401 North Broadway Billings, MT 59101

28

September 2017

Call 406-657-1298 to subscribe

Business Licenses Hair Goddess Salon, 2207 Grand Ave., 655-1090 EMS USA Inc., Pasadena, Texas, 713819-0800 Kristin Colloton Counseling PLLC, 512 N. 29th St., Suite 203, 272-9982 Soul Proprietor, 111 N. 30th St., Suite 222, 647-6829 Bitterroot Sip And Paint, 1911 King Ave., W., 670-1076 Envoy Air Inc., 1901 Terminal Circle, 245-1623 Treasure State Travel LLC, 1118 Minuteman St., 853-5907 Gina Collins Photography, 4421 Phillip St., 694-3429 J.O. Jones Construction, 1212 O’Malley Drive, 694-6122 Orangetheory Fitness, 824 Shiloh Crossing Blvd., 656-1144 CM Kreations, 2001 Parkhill Drive, 855-5921 Lazarus Construction, 136 Nall Ave., 591-6811 Gaia Earth and Stone, 3221 Arvin Road, 647-6289 Billings Clean Out, 543 Yellowstone Ave., 702-3264 Advanced Arbor Care, Acton, 6519144 Rise Electric, Bozeman, 599-9968 In Home Supportive Services, 1404 Ave. C., 636-2444 406 Exterior Solutions, 1404 Ave. C, 672-5134 Tangible Engineering, Bozeman, 570-

8451 Lost City Carpentry, 3210 Nolana Drive, 945-0483 Basama Auto Repair, 138 Moore Lane, 248-2838 Black Butte Range Inc., 1020 Central Ave., Suite 4, 256-0362 J&C Cleaning Service, 1206-1/2 Main St., 286-6807 John Gregerson, 659 Shawnee Drive, 371-1002 Leavin in Leathers LLC, 2018 Lake Elmo Drive, 850-9451 Smith Chips LLC, 2728 Sunrise Ave., 794-4305 Bear Grass Consulting, 707 N. 31st St., 850-1832 Jeff Davis Construction, 4144 Ryan Ave., 633-3628 Craft Local, 2413 Montana Ave., 6616000 MB Construction LLC, 3294 Granger Ave., No. 8, 672-7711 Freedom Forging, 647 Antelope Circle, 719-557-2212 B&R Repair Inc., 1110 Third Ave. N., 259-9971 J Bowen Construction, Laurel, 5981297 Mojo Arts And Framing, 3130 St. Johns Ave., 861-1275 The Fixxy Chicks, 304 16th St. W., 200-2271 Get Baked!, Laurel, 546-3991 Beartooth Armory, 1635 Ave. F, 6941245

Painting by Ryan, 2036 Edgewood Drive, 861-5701 Livermore Construction, 15 Grand Ave., 281-1552 Automatic Fire System Services Inc., Missoula, 866-395-5082 Elevate Leadership & Business Consulting, 315 N. 15th St., 672-5060 Abel Tow, 1028 Lewis Ave., 876-5514 Abel Two Tow, 511 Reynolds St., 8761736 Burger King #23819, 4002 Montana Sapphire Drive, 272-8230 Steve’s Handyman Services, 1128 Dayton Circle, 208-1772 Corstone Contractors LLC, Snohomish, Wash., 360-862-8316 John Rohrer Contracting Co. Inc., Kansas City, Kan., 913-236-7291 Maclean Consulting LLC, 6043 Sandalwood Drive, 371-5220 4-OHM-6 Electric LLC, 114 Ardmore Drive, 697-4693 A Perfect Fit 4U, 1010 Grand Ave., 7023990 D and T Cleaners LLP, 377 Prospectors Lane, 290-0616 Field Flooring, 4230 Long Beach Way, No. 7, 633-0716 G&G Construction, 48 Buena Vista Ave., 598-1731 Salome Antonio, Shepherd, 560-2851 Monarch Limited of Montana, Dillon, 925-2228 Alloyed Consulting, Laurel, 534-9803 Geb & Gee Racing USA Inc., 1206 Main

St., 888-986-7223 CM Tree Service and Removal, 1663 Picador Place, 876-3722 Finer Foods, 824 Wyoming Ave., 5344057 Share Create Reuse and Promote, 7 N. 18th St., 670-5566 Top Quality Hauling Service, 556 Killarney St. Ritlways, New Lisbon, Wis., 608-5478162 Oh-So Clean Services, 3543 Terry Ave., 686-1311 Crystal Skies Counseling LLC, 2475 Village Lane, Suite 102, 855-9221 Above Grade Concrete, 3032 Saddleback Trail, 690-9068 Portable Restroom Service LLC, 720 Black Hawk St., 697-6215 Troy Boucher, 3149 Conestoga Way, 855-6998 406 Home Repair LLC, 901 Ginger Ave., 694-8744 Bamskeez Music, 1140 First Ave. N., 850-9549 Whiskey Sage, 2941 Copper Ridge Loop, 672-0957 North Star Property Group, Columbus, 321-1773 Benny’s Lawn Service (BLS), 3529 Briarwood Blvd., 671-1159 E.K.T. Photography, 4305 Laguna Beach Way, No. 8, 281-4024 Maxin Services, Worden, 697-6097

force sensors fabricated using paper substrates. 9,682,856, June 20, President and Fellows of Harvard College, Cambridge, Mass.

Dennis Grisamore of Helena: Ornamental design for a holster. D789,681, June 20, Grizzly Guard LLC, Butte.

Dale R. Clark of Bozeman: Wheat cultivar BZ908-418 and wheat cultivar BZ9S090133W. 9,686,941, June 27, Monsanto Technology LLC, St. Louis.

Kurt A Toenjes and David K. Butler, both of Billings, and Joy Goffena of Roundup: Method for inhibitin conidial germination and mycelial growth of fungi symbiotically associated with bark beetles. 9,686,987, June 27.

Gregg Tvetene of Billings: Sod harvester.

9,688,476, June 27, Trebro Manufacturing Inc., Billings.

Carrine Blank and Nancy W. Hinman, both of Missoula: Process of treating buchu mercaptan production wastewater using microalgae and chitin as a nitrogen source.

9,688,557, June 27, The University of Montana, Missoula.

Paul R. McHugh and Gregory J. Wilson, both of Kalispell: Electroplating wafers having a notch. 9,689,082, June 27, Applied Materials Inc., Santa Clara, Calif.

Lee E. Cannon and Joh P. O’Donovan, both of Bozeman: Gaming system and method for offering simultaneous play of multiple games. 9,691,215, June 27, IGT, Las Vegas.

Jan Vilhuber of Frenchtown; James Sanders of South San Francisco; Beau Ufen of Sunnyvale, Calif.; and Todd Wakerley of San Carlos, Calif.: Remote signing wrapped applications. 9,692,741, June 27, Symantec Corp., Mountain View, Calif.

David Andrew Haila of Ames, Iowa, and Graham Cummins, Robert Ray Lamb and Jeroen Sebastian Cranendonk, all of Bozeman: System and methods for providing query-based permissions to data.

9,692,764, June 27, Workiva Inc., Ames.

A.L. Swanson of Helena: Ornamental design for a wooden fly box. D790,217, June 27.

Christopher Michael Bradley of Orinda, Calif.; Roland Jeffrey Wyatt of Bozeman;

Jeffrey Alan Tilley of La Honda, Calif.; and Bradly Welding Kolstad of Hackettstown, N.J.: Assembly for sequentially delivering substances, and associated methods.

9,694,134, July 4, Zoetis Services LLC, Parsippany, N.J. Michael R. Cook of Three Forks; Stewart K. Hansen of Missoula; and Robert L. Whitson of West Bend, Wis.: Simulated log siding. 9,695,598, July 4, Concrete Log Systems Inc., Missoula.

Glen Babcock of Missoula: Ornamental design for a multi-chamber container.

D790,986, July 4.

Brent William Champion of Kalispell: Ornamental design for an ergonomic guitar support for acoustic guitar. D791,222, July 4.

Jame Leon Pelland of Quantico, Va.; Paul Melvin Lee III and Francis William Carney, both of Fredericksburg, Va.; Timothy Tyler Merica of Bozeman; Barbara Jean Quinn of Framingham, Mass.; Trever Humphrey Scott of Boston; Brian Wilbur Robie of Charlestown, N.H.; Derrick Emmett Dillon of Manhattan; and John Anthony Kirejczyk

Montana patents Below are listed U.S. patents issued to Montana inventors June 20-July 18, 2017.

For assistance in patent filing, call Billings patent attorney Antoinette M. Tease at 406294-9000.

Dana W. Gleason of Bozeman: Shoulder strap retention device and method.

9,861,737, June 20, Mystery Ranch, Bozeman William E. Clem of Bozeman; William D. Dannaher of Suzhou, China; Daniel W. Price and Jacqueline C. Aronhalt, both of Loveland, Ohio; Cory G. Kimball, Eitan T. Wiener and Michael R. Lamping, all of Cincinnati; Foster B. Stulen of Mason, Ohio; John b. Schulte of West Chester, Ohio; Danius P. Silkaitus of Seattle; and Stephen J. Balek of Springboro, Ohio: Surgical instrument with stress sensor. 9,681,884, June 20, Ethicon Endo-Surgery LLC, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.

George Whitesides of Newton, Mass.; Xinyu Liu of Montreal, Calif.; XiuJun Li of El Paso, Texas; Martin M. Thuo of Southborough, Mass; Michael O’Brien of Whitefish; and Yu Sun of Toronto, Canada: MEMS

September 2017

29

Montana patents, continued of Marlborough, Mass.: Centeral osteoarticular relief and performance structured load distribution system device and modular scalable vest system. 9,700,122, July 11, Department of the Nave, A U.S. Government Agency, by the U.S. Marine Corps., Washington, D.C. Wenjen Qin, Chad Fero and Arron Dean Rhodes, all of Missoula, and Jeffrey C. Gum of Stevensville: Methods and system for stabilizing filaments in a chemical vapor deposition reactor. 9,701,541, July 11.

Sarah Teter of Mountainview, Calif.; Connie Ward of Hamilton; Joel Cherry of Winters, Calif.; Aubrey Jones of Davis, Calif.; Paul Harris of Carnation, Wash.; and Jung Yi of Sacramento, Calif.: Variants of glycoside hydrolases. 9,701, 951, July 11, Novozymes Inc., Davis.

Andrew Korf and William Haugen, both of Billings: Device for removing rotating head rubbers from drill pipe. 9,702,199, July 11.

Clarence Alvin Bolstad Jr. of Culbertson:

Polished rod alignment system. 9,702,203, July 11.

Kevin Burgess of Sheridan, Wyo.; David Yakos of Bozeman and Ross Walker of Belgrade: Leak-free rising stem valve with ball screw actuator. 9,702,469, July 11.

Aaron Schubert, Ryan Orr and Cody Wenzel, all of Bozeman, and Keri Leigh Jenkin and Reginald Marshall Mead, both of Belgrade: 9,706,013, July 11, Oracle International Corp., Redwood Shores, Calif.

Niranjan Ramanlal Gandhi of River Hills, Wis.; Victoria Palmer Skebba of Cedarburg, Wis.; and Gary A. Strobel of Bozeman: Antimicrobial compositions and related methods of use. 9,706,773, July 18, Jeneil Biosurfactant Co. LLC, Saukville, Wis. Monte Quenten Sterling of Bozeman: Arcade gaming device. 9,707,460, July 18.

Paul Lindstrom of Clinton; Mike Raunig of Missoula and Chris Loraas of Bismarck, N.D.: Conduit cutting tools and conduit cutting tool operational methods. 9,707,691,

July 18, RL Tools LLC, Clinton.

Larry Townsend of Darby: Vehicle rooftop cargo systems and methods for transporting cargo upon the rooftop of vehicles.

9,707,900, July 18.

Albert Lovshin of Butte: Mineral processing. 9,708,687, July 18.

Albert Lovshin of Butte: Mineral processing. 9,708,688, July 18.

Alistair James MacDonald of Missoula: Intelligent safer music system for operating room. 9,710,221, July 18.

Paul Beard of Big Fork; Cameron Chell, Jamie Clarke, Erika Racicot and Paul Readwin, all of Calgary, Canada; and Craig McDermott of Cedar Rapids, Iowa: Cascade recognition for personal tracking via unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). 9,710,709, July 18.

Christopher Michael Bradley and Roze Thalia, both of Orinda, Calif.; Roland Jeffrey Wyatt of Bozeman; and Jeffrey Alan Tilley, of La Honda, Calif.: Capo with replaceable neck pads. 9,711,115, July 18, Thalia Capos

LLC, Orinda, Calif.

David Andrew G. Lea of Vancouver, Calif., and Kevin J. Negus of Philipsburg: Radio with spatially-offset directional antenna sub-arrays. 9,712,216, July 18, CBF Networks Inc., Santa Clara, Calif.

Kevin J. Negus of Philipsburg: Radio with antenna array and multiple RF brands.

9,713,155, July 18, CBF Networks Inc., Santa Clara, Calif.

Kevin J. Negus of Philipsburg, and James A. Proctor of Melbourne Beach, Fla.: Method for installing a backhaul link with alignment signals. 9,713,157, July 18, CBF Networks Inc., Santa Clara, Calif.

Lukas Martin Scherrer of San Francisco, and Michael Connolly of Bozeman: Ornamental design for a radio housing.

D792,369, July 18, Beartooth Radio Inc., Bozeman.

Paul N. Smith of Bozeman: Ornamental design for buttpad. D792,550, July 18, Vista Outdoor Operations LLC, Farmington, Utah.

Commercial Building Permits Addition 729 Parkhill Drive, School District No 2, Dick Anderson Construction, $52,000 2032 Central Ave., Billings Mt 59102, Cbm005-006-& Billings Unitarian Universalis Lectern Addition $40,000

Demolition 320 S. 24th St., Cottonwood Holdings LLC, Askin Construction LLC, $76,700 2540 Phyllis Lane, Rimrock II LLC, Askin Construction LLC, $25,950 324 S. 24th St. W., Billings Mt 59102, Rya002-003 Rimrock Ii LLC, Askin Construction LLC, Demolition Of Building Debri $25,100 1643 Alderson Ave., Billings Mt 59102, Lus001-008 17th And Grand LLC, Cayton Excavation Inc., Complete Demolition Of Structure $6,500 2525 Minnesota Ave., Pugrud Properties LLC, Hulteng Inc., $10,000

New Office/Bank 911 N. 24th St., The City Of Billings, Fisher Construction Inc., $4,000,000

Fence/Roof/Siding 1480 17th St. W., Fourteen Eighty (1480) 17th St., G&L Enterprizes Inc., $18,500 705 Fifth St. W., Lone Angel LLC, Sprague Construction Roofing Division, $14,000

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September 2017

78 27th St. W., Central Court Village Ltd. Ptnr., D&S Construction Inc., $40,000 501 S. 44th St. W., Stock Investment Group LLC, Macdonald Steel Exteriors, $34,000 501 S. 44th St. W., Stock Investment Group LLC, Macdonald Steel Exteriors, $34,000 125 25th St. W., Hanser & Hodges Holdings LLC, Lennick Bros. Roofing & Sheet Metal, $12,500 3025 King Ave. W., Valley Federal Credit Union, $36,300 3104 Cel Ave., Charbonneau R.W., EEC Inc., $34,000 311 Moore Lane, Barthel, Robert P. and Rosalie D., Sprague Construction Roofing Division, $25,000 3490 Gabel Road, Bottrell Family Investments LLC, Beartooth Constructors, $89,000 230 Broadwater Ave., Habel Family Trust, Sprague Construction Roofing Division, $34,000 3254 Granger Ave. E., Kroemer Diane J., Sprague Construction Roofing Division, $25,000 3254 Granger Ave. E, Kroemer, Diane J., Sprague Construction Roofing Division, $25,000 3254 Granger Ave. E., Wright, Kristine A, Sprague Construction Roofing Division, $25,000 3758 Ave. B, White Oak Properties LLC, JRB Construction, $42,000 2410 Poly Drive, School District 2, Empire Roofing Inc., $432,000 3254 Granger Ave. E., Lorenz, Kelsey, Sprague Construction Roofing Division, $26,000 1649 Main St., Wal-Mart Real Estate Business, North American Roofing Services, $379,891 2230 Ave. C, Hill Andrew M & Sarah A, Lyman Exteriors LLC Replace Siding $11,040 3254 Granger Ave. E., Pappas Bernice, Sprague Construction Roofing Division Tear Off Install 30

Yr Shingle $25,000 3224 Granger Ave. E., Atwell Jay F, Sprague Construction Roofing Division Tear Off Install 30 Yr Shingle $25,000 2617 Fourth Ave. S., Richenbach, Vic, Lennick Bros. Roofing & Sheet Metal, $18,000 2900 Central Ave., Little Horn State Bank, Kohlman Construction, $25,000 729 Parkhill Drive, School District No 2, Metal Works Of Montana Inc., $412,265 2618 King Ave. W., Wilson-Taylor Partnership LLC, Empire Roofing Inc., $48,000 1200 30th St. W., School District 2, Empire Roofing Inc., $161,000 1441 Governors Blvd., School District 2, Empire Roofing Inc., $159,000 2940 Poly Drive, Mayflower Congregational Church, Kirkness Roofing Inc., $77,064 4130 King Ave. W., Beartooth Bank, Sprague Construction, $50,000 2924 Millennium Circle, Meeteetse Holdings LLC, C’s Construction Of Billings, $30,099 328 S. Shiloh Road, First Southern Baptist Church, Ros Roofing, $29,400 3285 Canyon Drive, Evergreen Properties Of Montana, Dale Construction, $26,000 1263 Yellowstone Ave., Bratz, Jennifer Renee, Tailwind Management LLC, $7,540 1243 Yellowstone Ave., Korum, Kathleen L., Tailwind Management LLC, $31,720 1240 Yellowstone Ave., J.R. Glennon LLC, Tailwind Management LLC, $22,880 3285 Canyon Drive, Harding, Leslie W. and Susan R., Dale Construction, $21,000 3285 Canyon Drive, Kindsfater, Dennis E., Dale Construction, $26,000 119 Rhea Lane, Price Properties LLP, Empire Roofing Inc., $54,000

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Billings, MT 59101

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Commercial Building Permits, continued 532 Hurdle Circle, JR Bacon Drilling Inc., All Seasons Roofing, $21,470 534 Hurdle Circle, JR Bacon Drilling Inc., All Seasons Roofing, $21,470 536 Hurdle Circle, JR Bacon Drilling Inc., All Seasons Roofing, $21,470 538 Hurdle Circle, JR Bacon Drilling Inc., All Seasons Roofing, $21,470 5341 Patagonia Court, Wells Built Homes Inc., 136 Sq Ft Water Meter Enclosur $4,760 532 Hurdle Circle, JR Bacon Drilling Inc., All Seasons Roofing, $23,320 411 N. 17th St., Collum, Richard Alan, $25,000 2420 13th St., W., First Presbyterian Church, Bradford Roof Management Inc., $7,800 2323 32 St. W., Rimview Apartments Llc, Wegner Homes, $125,000 2718 Minnesota Ave., First Amended Cormier Family Trust, Gold Standard Roofing, $7,000 2425 Central Ave., 2425 Central Ave. Trust, Sprague Construction Roofing Division, $237,000 2 Shadow Place, Longoria, Reneau J., Tailwind Management LLC, $10,140 8 Shadow Place, Lindquist, Debra, Tailwind Management LLC, $13,520 20 Shadow Place, Lund, Elinore B., Tailwind Management LLC, $8,320 26 Shadow Place, Foley, Louanne, Tailwind Management LLC, $13,520 36 Shadow Place, Ruff, Billie J, Tailwind Management LLC, $13,520 44 Shadow Place, Jani Mccall Revocable Trust, Tailwind Management LLC, $8,320 50 Shadow Place, Frank, Sonja, Tailwind Management LLC, $11,180 9 Shadow Place, Billings Mt 59102, Rvi003-011-13-008b Reitz Claudia &, Tailwind Management LLC, Tear Off Install 30 Yr Shingle $6,240 1 Shadow Place, Zarn, Gerald W. and Arlyne Michel, Tailwind Management LLC, $17,420 1 Meadow Glen St., Payne, Dorsey J. and Lauren C., Tailwind Management LLC, $12,740 3000 King Ave. W., Billings Properties LLC, Kirkness Roofing Inc., $152,394

New Other 1030 Yellowstone Ave., Clearview LLC, Kelly Concrete Inc., $9,938 223 Shiloh Road, Stock Construction Co., $5,821,000 149 Shiloh Road, Stock Construction Co., $5,821,000 115 Shiloh Road, Stock Construction Co., $5,821,000 27 Shiloh Road, Stock Construction Co., $5,821,000 425 Grand Ave., SD2, $510,000 3803 Central Ave., Montana University System, $20,000

New Parking Lot/Non-Building Structure 1115 16th St. W., Pfohl, David, $150,000

New Pool/Spa 3429 Briarwood Blvd., The Briarwood, Thompson Construction Co. Inc.-Pools, $75,000

New Store/Strip Center 3911 Central Ave., Stock Land Properties, Stock Construction Co., $668,797

New 3+ (Multi Family) 945 Wyoming Ave., Young Women’s Christian Association, Dick Anderson Construction, $3,000,000

Remodel

Fisher Construction Inc., $66,000 2010 Grand Ave., CPC Inc., Tamarack Construction Co. Inc., $20,000 300 S. 24th St. W., Rimrock Owner LP, Jag Building Group Inc., $180,000 223 Shiloh Road, Stock Land Properties, Stock Construction Co., $5,000 149 Shiloh Road, Stock Land Properties, Stock Construction Co., $5,000 115 Shiloh Road, Stock Land Properties, Stock Construction Co., $5,000 27 Shiloh Road, Stock Land Properties, Stock Construction Co., $5,000 2900 Fourth Ave. N., Dick Anderson Construction, $171,120 3758 Ave. B., White Oak Properties LLC, JRB Construction, $42,000 490 N. 31st St., United Properties Inc., Dick Anderson Construction, $395,000 550 N. 31st St., Danna Newell, Dick Anderson Construction. $395,000 1701 Grand Ave., Greenleaf Land & Livestock Co., Kisling Quality Builders, $20,000 2675 Central Ave., Billings Clinic, Jones Construction Inc., $5,000 3625 Olympic Blvd., Ostwalt, Peggy C., MCM Inc., $3,000 534 Hurdle Circle, JR Bacon Drilling Inc., All Seasons Roofing, $23,320 3603 Olympic Blvd., Reichert, William C. and Dorothy, MCM Inc., $1,200 3609 Olympic Blvd., Salveson, Burdette J., MCM Inc., $2,000 536 Hurdle Circle, JR Bacon Drilling Inc., All Seasons Roofing, $23,320 538 Hurdle Circle, Billings, JR Bacon Drilling Inc., All Seasons Roofing, $23,320 2513 Montana Ave., Computers Unlimited, Rambur Construction Inc., $10,000 2675 Central Ave., Billings Clinic, Jones Construction Inc., $100,000 1701 Grand Ave., Kim Mcrae, Kisling Quality Builders, $30,000 2718 Minnesota Ave., First Amended Cormier Family Trust, $500

401 N. 31st St., Billings 401 Joint Venture, Yellowstone Electric Co., $22,200 401 N. 31st St., Billings 401 LLC, Burton Construction Inc., 800 $29,095 824 Shiloh Crossing Blvd., West End Commercial Properties, Langlas & Associates Inc., $113,690 2900 12th Ave. N., Sisters Of Charity Of Leavenworth, Capital Development Inc., $280,000 1234 Ave. C, Remington Dental PC, Colter Construction LLC, $15,000 3203 Third Ave. N., KTVQ Communications Inc., Kenco Enterprises Inc., $46,000 2339 Alderson Ave., M&G Casino Inc., C’s Construction Of Billings, $6,322 2413 Montana Ave., Nelson, Andy & Bert, Ostlund’s Fire Protection, $20,000 1705 Monad Road, Kim Annin, Cucancic Construction Inc., $35,000 1315 Golden Valley Circle, Frontier Oncology LLC, Saunders Construction Inc., $174,720 960 24th St. W., Dutton, Ernest W. & Leanne O., $1,800 1734 Yellowstone Ave., Roman Catholic Bishop Of Great Falls, High Tech SolutionsSystems Group Inc., $13,590 2203 Montana Ave., Bar MW Properties LLC, Schenk Construction Inc., $90,000 3953 Montana Ave., RSJ Holdings LLC, Kisling Quality Builders, $6,000 2800 10th Ave. N., Deaconess Medical Center Of Billings, Yellowstone Electric Co., $14,416 2800 10th Ave. N., Deaconess Medical Center Of Billings, Yellowstone Electric Co., $19,998 2101 Overland Ave., Harmon, Garth, Fisher Construction Inc., $24,000 1602 Fourth Ave. N., Big Elmo Investments LLC, $7,000 2800 10th Ave. N., Deaconess Medical Center Of Billings, Yellowstone Electric Co., $36,630 2825 Third Ave. N., Miller Trois LLC, McBride Mechanical Inc., $2,500

3700 Madison Ave., School District 2, Fisher Construction Inc., $10,000 Remodel 1200 30th St. W., School District 2, FishRemodel - Change In Use er Construction Inc., $80,000 3429 Briarwood Blvd., The Briarwood, 1315 Lewis Ave., School District 2, Fisher Thompson Construction Co. Inc.-Pools, 2805 First Ave. N., Stapleton DevelConstruction Inc., Interior Remodel Of Ex- $3,000 opment Venture, Colgan Construction, isting H $74,000 4525 Grand Ave., Cornerstone Commu$111,000 3700 Madison Ave., School District #2, nity Church, $500 September 2017

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Building a better Billings • Construction Loans

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King Ave 655-2700

Hilltop & Main 896-4800

Shiloh & Grand 655-3900

Downtown 655-2400

14th & Grand 371-8100

Worden 967-3612

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