Billings Business Aug. 14 by Billings Gazette

5 MINUTES WITH

DON COLE

OUT OF CATEGORY BIKES

PROFIT POTENTIAL

Is a franchise the right business model for you?

BRETT MAAS

BIG FROG CUSTOM T-SHIRTS AND MORE

August 2014

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

CONTENTS

August 2014

An indispensable business resource On the Cover

FEATURES

Caity Lavoi of Big Frog Custom T-Shirts removes a shirt from the printer..

Profit potential ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Photo by Casey Page

Is a franchise the right business model for you?

Spinners......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9 Some businesses opt for a home-grown concept instead of a franchise

Making masters.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 14 Special report: Montana Apprenticeships provide a step up to good careers

Economy growing in Midwest, Plains states............................................................................................................. 19 COLUMNS

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

24 Hour Emergency Flood & Fire Restoration Services Commercial & Residential

Jeremy Vanatta - Montana has new tools to help attract business

Sales Moves..........................................................................................................................................................................................................16 Home-spun business, Page 9

Jeffery Gitomer - Forget closing the sale; focus on earning it

Strategies for Success.............................................................................................................................................................................18 Joe Michels - Process review will reduce errors, save money

Travel & Leisure................................................................................................................................................................................................20 Billie Ruff - Beware of cyber threats while traveling

Your Money ............................................................................................................................................................................................................21 Mark Thomas - When it comes to investing, it’s best not to trust your future to luck

Legal Briefing......................................................................................................................................................................................................22 Eric Nord - Make sure your job descriptions match the modern workplace

Better Business.................................................................................................................................................................................................42 Erin T. Dodge - Beware of companies’ claims about products’ environmental benefits BILLINGS BUSINESS EVERY MONTH

Flood or Fire, we will restore your property from beginning to end. Complete Reconstruction Licensed • Bonded • Insured Preferred by Major Insurance Companies.

406-628-0178

—24 hour contact line—

www.alphaomegapros.com

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

Five Minutes with...........................................................................................................................................................................................12 Don Cole - Out Of Category Bikes

Chamber News................................................................................................................................................................................................. 13 Nick Mann - Crow Fair celebrates tradition, brings dollars to Southeast Montana

Business Briefs .................................................................................................................................................................................................40 Page 12 Don Cole, Out Of Category Bikes

I August 2014

Success Stories................................................................................................................................................................................................41 The Listings............................................................................................................................................................................................................43

Billings Business is mailed each month to area business owners, managers and decision makers for $19.95 per year. To subscribe, please send payment, name, business name, mailing address and phone number to:

Billings Business 401 North Broadway Billings, MT 59101 BILLINGSbusiness

Billingsbusiness

August 2014

the editor

T HESE MBA STUDENTS ARE LENDING A HAND ON M AIN S TREET Last summer, a team of graduate students from Harvard University rolled into White Sulphur Springs to lend a hand to one of the central Montana town’s best known businesses, Red Ants Pants. Mike Baker, Casey Gerald, Amaris Singer and Hiham Alaoui were the founding members of MBAs Across America. The organization was formed as an opportunity for second-year MBA students to obtain real-world experience working with business owners. Instead of putting in long hours in a corporate cubicle, a typical assignment for many summer interns, these students launched a mission to assist small-business owners while also experiencing a slice of Main Street America. MBAs Across American was such a success that the organization has launched its second season and the movement is growing. This year 32 fellows from Harvard, Columbia University, the University of California Berkeley, Stanford University, the University of Michigan and other top-tier institutions have spread out across the country to provide assistance to Main Street businesses. A team of four spent the first week of July with Tiffany Lach, owner of Sola Café and Red Tractor Pizza in Bozeman. Stefanie Thomas, who is pursuing her MBA at the University of Michigan, said she became interested in MBAs Across America because she was looking for opportunities to make a difference in the business community. “I was trying to figure out the best way to make an impact,” Thomas said. “I was wondering how I can leverage the skills that I learned through past experiences and apply them in real time to people and communities who need it the most. This program resonated with me,

I August 2014

and it gave me a great opportunity to see the country.” The other members of the team are Kory Vargas Caro, Nydia Cardenas and Saurabh Kumar. They are working to help Lach improve her options for customers to make purchases on her two websites, through social media and at the stores, Thomas said. The team is also assisting businesses in Oregon, Colorado, Michigan, Tennessee and North Carolina. “Tiffany is very hands-on, and she’s really smart. She knows what she wants and it’s easy to engage with her,” Thomas said. Gerald, who graduated from Harvard and is now chief executive of MBAs Across America, is encouraged that the movement is gathering steam. “Last summer, we set on this journey with a simple question: What if we used our careers to make a difference?” Gerald said. He said small-town entrepreneurs like Calhoun are leading the path to a better society. Red Ants Pants, a manufacturer of rugged, American-made work pants designed specifically for women, is a made-in-Montana success story whose products have achieved a cult following. Sarah Calhoun, the founder of Red Ants Pants, says the company was spawned from necessity. While doing trail work and other kinds of physical labor, Calhoun could never find work pants that fit the female figure, so she developed her own rugged pants geared toward working women. Proceeds from the annual Red Ants Pants Music Festival provide grants for women’s leadership projects, working family farms and ranches and rural communities. Calhoun formed the Red Ants Pants Foundation in 2011. Follow the efforts of MBAs Across America at www. mbaxamerica.com.

July 2013 • VOLUME 19 • NUMBER 10

mike gulledge tom howard COPY EDITOR chris jorgensen GENERAL MANAGER allyn hulteng PUBLISHER

EDITOR

SALES

dave worstell ryan brosseau RETAIL SALES MANAGER shelli scott ADVERTISING SALES gail ball ADVERTISING COORDINATOR linsay duty

SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR CLASSIFIED MANAGER/ONLINE MANAGER

PRODUCTION

DESIGNER CREATIVE DIRECTOR

alyssa small bob tambo

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 North Broadway Billings, MT 59101 ADVERTISING For retail advertising call Gail Ball 657-1284. For classified advertising, call 657-1212. Advertising deadline for the September 2014 issue is 5 p.m. Tuesday, August 5. You may send material to ads@billingsbusiness.com or FAX to 657-1538. NEWS If you would like to submit a news tip, story idea, announcement about your business or press release, please e-mail 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.

BILLINGSbusiness

Personal

By the Numbers

Business

LocaL and regionaL economic trends

real estate Member FDIC

agriculture Hilltop & Main 896-4800

Shiloh & Grand 655-3900

Aging in reverse

Downtown 655-2400

14th & Grand 371-8100

Because of the oil and gas boom, Montana is among four states whose median age is getting younger due to an influx of young workers. Montanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s median age dropped very slightly, from 39.962 in 2012 to 39.898 last year.

Worden 967-3612

Airport boardings

National park visitors

8 40

In hundred thousands

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

6 30

In thousands

King Ave 655-2700

www.stockmanbank.com

5 4

Billings housing starts

New single-family home building permits 60

250

200

0 166

100

March

January

February

March

April

January-June 2013

May

June

January-June 2014

2013

March

Billings Bozeman

Glacier National Park

YTD Through June 30

April

May

June

March to June 2013 March to June 2014 March to June 2013 March to June 2014

Missoula

March to June 2013 March to June 2014

2014

Ag prices

Source: Montana Department of Transportation

Unemployment Montana Beef Cattle

(per bushel)

(per cwt.)

$10

$150

120

30 March April

May

June

January to June 2013 Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Billingsbusiness

June

Source: National Park Service

Montana winter wheat

Feb.

May

March to June 2013 March to June 2014

Source: City of Billings

Jan.

April

Yellowstone National Park

150

242

8 6 4 2 0 Jan.

Feb.

March April

January to June 2014

May

December

January

February

March

April

May

June

Montana

Yellowstone County

U.S.

Source: Montana Department of Labor and Industry

August 2014

Profit potential

Is a franchise the right business model for you?

Photo by CASEY PAGE The printer at Big Frog Custom T-Shirts.

I August 2014

Billingsbusiness

BY TOM HOWARD “R IBBIT !” I T ’ S THE FIRST SOUND ONE HEARS AFTER OPENING THE FRONT DOOR AT

B IG

F ROG , A NEW BUSINESS SPECIALIZING IN CUSTOM T- SHIRTS , APPAREL AND GIFTS . B IG F ROG ’ S AMPHIBIAN - INSPIRED DOORBELL AND A DÉCOR THAT ’ S DESIGNED AROUND A RAIN FOREST , AIMS TO BE FUN . Teens who cruise the Shiloh Crossing neighborhood on bikes or scooters sometimes give the front door a nudge just to hear the frog. Days after the store officially opened, walk-in business was picking up. “So far we’ve done shirts for six or seven family reunions, and we also did one for a judge who was riding in a parade. She needed it right away, and she loved it,” said Brett Maas, owner of the Billings Big Frog store. The Billings store is the 60th outlet for Big Frog Custom T-shirts and More, a Florida-based franchise company. Maas was looking for a new career after his job was eliminated by Charter Communications last year. He had opportunities to remain in the telecommunications business, but that would have meant moving his family out of Billings. After taking advantage of a placement service provided after he left Charter, Maas began exploring the possibility of opening a business, and investing in a franchise was one option. During the process, Maas met with a Denver-based franchise consultant, who helped him explore what types of businesses would suit his strengths and business background. “She put me through a series of tests, almost like a Myers Briggs assessment that’s supposed to help match your personality, how much money you want to make and your lifestyle,” Maas said. Test results showed that consulting businesses, web design firms, business coaching and even a sign company were potentially good matches for his skills. Independently, he had heard about Big Frog, and before long he began taking a serious look at the company. One important step is discovery day, where prospective franchisees learn about the nuts and bolts of running the business, as well as rules, guidelines and expectations from the franchisor. Maas was impressed by what he saw. “They were amazingly entrepreneurial, and it gave me the feeling this is something the whole family could do. I felt a sense of being in common with the guys who run the business,” he said, and the company’s training was thorough and professional. Big Frog relies on direct-to-garment printing, a technology that allows designers to take a digital image and print it directly to a shirt or another object at an affordable price. To get an idea of how the DTG process works, it uses technology BILLINGSbusiness

At top, Brett Maas, owner of Big Frog Custom T-shirts and More, said he was impressed by Big Frog’s franchise. Big Frog makes custom designs on a variety of T-shirts and other garments, as shown at left. Photos by CASEY PAGE

August 2014

that’s similar to how an ink-jet printer works on paper, Maas said. “We can print on a lot of things, like aprons or even mouse pads,” Maas said. Big Frog’s designers can create a single Tshirt or dozens of garments from a customer’s photograph or a hand-drawn image. Big Frog requires franchisees to be involved in their communities, and that represented a big plus when he was looking at the company, Maas said. Big Frog helps schools or other non-profit organizations raise money by providing rebates for merchandise that’s sold. So far, Maas is excited about being involved in a franchise, a business model with a storied history that was made famous by McDonald’s, Holiday Inn and other multinational companies. Franchising continues to help the economy grow, experts say. FRANdata, a company that analyzes franchising activity, estimates that demand for franchise units will grow by 12 percent this year, the largest increase since 2009. IHS Global Insight, an economic forecasting company, estimates that franchises will account for 220,000 new jobs this year. Investing in a franchise is commonly seen as a lower risk strategy for developing a profitable business. But experts advise potential franchisees to do their homework before plunking down money. Officials at Billings-based Kampgrounds of America Inc. say their franchisees have played an essential role in the company’s success over its 52-year history. “Franchising is about building on a winning system,” said Chris Fairlee, KOA’s vice president of franchise sales. “There’s a track record franchises have that independents don’t.” Throughout the past five decades, the KOA brand has become synonymous with outdoor recreation. “People are looking for brands and the consistency that they bring. The independents don’t have the manpower or the financial resources to do that,” Fairlee said. As part of a multi-year expansion, KOA has added more than 100 campgrounds to its franchise network since 2007. The KOA system now includes 490 campgrounds, with all but 29 corporate-owned properties operated by franchisees, Fairlee said. Turnover is fairly small. Fairlee estimates that about 20 KOA campgrounds change hands each year. The circumstances include owners deciding to retire, or looking for different properties. Donnette Roberts, co-owner of the three Anytime Fitness stores in Billings, said the national franchise offered more than she could have developed on her own. “We knew we could run a club, but we wanted to be part of something,” she said. One reason that Anytime Fitness appealed to 8

I August 2014

Photos by CASEY PAGE Anytime Fitness manager Jennifer Jacobson works out at the gym at 24th Street West and Broadwater Avenue on July 8. At right, Donnette Roberts is the co-owner of Anytime Fitness in Billings.

Roberts is that gym memberships are universal. The company’s 1.5 million members can use any of the 2,000 Anytime Fitness gyms located throughout the United States and in several foreign countries. Providing that kind of benefit to members would be nearly impossible to do for a standalone business, Roberts said. Anytime Fitness recently unveiled its new store at 24th Street West and Broadwater Avenue. “We want our members to be more than a number. We want them to be taken care of,” Roberts said. “When you join Anytime Fitness, you’re not just paying your fee. We want you to feel like you’re part of a family.” One advantage of being part of a franchise is that the company has tremendous buying power and can purchase equipment at a disBILLINGSbusiness

count compared to prices offered to stand-alone businesses, Roberts said. Another advantage of Anytime Fitness is that the company has expanded into smaller cities like Billings. Most national fitness chains focus on major metropolitan areas. It goes without saying, but franchisees are expected to follow company policies and procedures. That means Anytime Fitness gyms are expected to remodel every three or four years, she said. Tucker Veltkamp, who recently graduated from Colorado State University, recently took over as the new owner of the Spicy Pickle restaurant at 900 S. 24th St. W. The restaurant reopened on July 15. So far he has been impressed by the menu and the support provided by corporate officials. Veltkamp often stayed up late at night researching franchises during his college years. “I feel that at this point in my career, I wanted some support, and franchising was a good option for me,” Veltkamp said. Cibus Franchising, LLC franchises the Spicy Pickle brand. The company is headquartered near Denver, with Spicy Pickle restaurants located in five states and three international locations in the Middle East. John Halstvedt of Billings, who helps buyers locate suitable businesses through an organization known as Partner On-Call, urges clients to do their homework before they decide to invest in a franchise. It’s widely believed that investing in a franchise can be a pofitable, yet lower-risk method of building a business. McDonald’s, KFC and Billings-based Kampgrounds of America all have experienced international success based on the franchising model. The number of franchises has exploded in recent decades, but success isn’t always guaranteed. Halstvedt recommends that potential buyers should carefully sift through financial information to determine whether the company’s revenues come from selling new franchises or from collecting royalties from existing franchisees that are profitable. Franchising companies must also provide a list of existing franchisees, as well as those who may have left the system, he said. Some experts recommend that prospective franchisees have an attorney on board. But Halstvedt said that hiring an attorney too early can complicate matters and lead to additional expenses. Another potential pitfall is that budding franchisees don’t always do a good enough job of assessing their own strengths and weaknesses. “They hear rosy stories and see businesses thriving and they’re sold on it, so then they have a loaded view of how great it would be to own a franchise,” Halstvedt said. BILLINGSbusiness

Spinners yogurt shop owner Julie Diehl. Photos by JAMES WOODCOCK

Some businesses opt for a home-grown concept instead of a franchise Step inside of Spinners, a selfserve yogurt shop at 3031 Grand Ave., and one gets the impression the store was developed by some savvy franchising company that put years worth of effort into developing a cutting-edge retail concept. It’s a store of cheery colors, where choices abound. Soft-serve dispensers line one wall where customers serve up their own cones or bowls. At a counter, customers can help themselves to dozens of toppings, such as blackberries, kiwi fruit, nuts and chopped candy bars. Custom-built stainless steel light fixtures and large photos of fresh fruit contribute to a happy, family-friendly atmosphere. Julie Diehl, who owns Spinners with her husband, Dave, said people have approached them, asking about how they could get their own Spinners franchise. But Spinners is no cog in a corporate machine, and neither is the Diehls’ other local business, Pita Mill in Shiloh Crossing. Dave Diehl already had extensive experience operating the Orange Julius franchise in Rimrock Mall, Fuddruckers in the Heights and a combined Baskin Robbins and Orange Julius store in Texas when he decided on a business expansion.

Spinners yogurt shop features frozen yogurt and ice cream dispensers (top) and toppings including fresh fruits and candies (left).

Eventually, the Diehls opted to go with their own concept rather than invest in a franchise. Frozen yogurt has fallen in and out of favor over the past 30 years. Sales took off in the ‘80s as yogurt was marketed as a healthier alternative to ice cream. It fell out of favor for a while but has staged a comeback in recent years with the advent of self-serve

shops that allow customers to create their own portions and add their own toppings. An Internet search shows around a dozen yogurt and ice cream shops operating in Billings. Diehl is glad that he and his wife decided to follow their own path into the market. “I’ve been in this business for a long time,” he said. “For me, franchises don’t have a lot to offer me, so I don’t need their help. I was a food broker and have owned

restaurants for 23 years, so I have more knowledge than what a yogurt franchise could offer me.” When they set about developing Pita Pit and Spinners, the Diehls had an advantage because they were familiar with current trends, they knew where to go for equipment and supplies, and they knew how to run a business. The menu at Pita Mill is a cut above what’s offered at similar casual restaurants, Diehl said. There were some challenges that had to be addressed along the way. Diehl had registered the name Spooners in Montana, but later changed the name to Spinners after learning that a Colorado restaurant chain had previously registered the Spooners name nationwide. “If you don’t have a lot of experience, it’s nice to have that franchise,” Julie Diehl said. “They give you a blueprint, help you with materials and help you build up to code.” Many franchises help out with national advertising and promotion. But the Diehls have followed a strategy that relies on local promotion and social media, and so far things are spinning along. — TOM HOWARD

August 2014

SPONSORED BY THE BIG SKY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

M ONTANA HAS NEW TOOLS TO HELP ATTRACT BUSINESS For years, many other states, including some of those immediately around us, have been actively and aggressively marketing their states as great places to do business.

Jeremy Vannatta Jeremy Vannatta is the director of business recruitment and marketing at Big Sky Economic Development. He can be reached by calling 406-869-8416 or by e-mailing vannatta@bigskyeda.org.

I August 2014

Montana is well-known across the country for a lot of things — beautiful mountains, the great outdoors, friendly people — and a great place to do business. Well, maybe not the last one. It’s not that Montana doesn’t rank well and perform on a lot of measures when gauging how we compete nationally, it’s just that many only think of Montana as a tourism destination. And so the work is laid out for our team at Big Sky Economic Development. We meet and work with CEOs, corporate real estate executives, site selection consultants and realtors all the time. The introduction on a call often goes like this — Me: “Hi, I’m Jeremy Vannatta. I’m calling from the economic development organization representing the area around Billings, Montana.” Company Official: “Montana, huh? I visited Montana 10 years ago and just loved it.” OR “I’ve always wanted to visit Montana.” OR “What’s in Montana?” For years, many other states, including some of those immediately around us, have been actively and aggressively marketing their states as great places to do business. They attend

industry trade shows, market to site selection firms, engage in lead generation programs and more. And this year, Montana — and Yellowstone County — are better positioning us to play in this arena. Big Sky Economic Development recently increased our commitment to our new business attraction efforts. We’ve added a staff member to allow greater interaction and outreach to clients, and internally allocated some additional funds to launch new initiatives — all with the goal of attracting new companies creating goodpaying jobs in our area. We recently launched our Think Billings campaign, which leverages the relationships our local business community have throughout the country to develop them as prospective leads. We recently engaged the services of two well-respected national firms to assist us with developing site-selector specific message points and to develop top-level leads to generate face-to-face meetings with growing companies. We’ve quickly learned the more touches we can have with these important decision makers translates to more opportunities. Our state effort is making

solid steps to move Montana beyond a great travel destination. Gov. Steve Bullock’s Main Street Montana Project is setting forth a clear business plan for our state’s economic growth — and it was created by business people from across Montana. The Governor’s Office of Economic Development

recently created the “Choose Montana” brand and is fostering partnerships with the major business recruitment communities in Montana — including Billings, Missoula and Great Falls. Our teams are hosting and attending events together to push the Montana brand further than it ever has been before.

f I n a n C I n G M O n ta n a BuSIneSS OppOrtunItIeS

There’s plenty of work to get Montana and Yellowstone County to be a real player on the national scene of new business recruitment, but we’re moving forward, making solid steps. We may indeed be the last best place, but our goal is to be one of the first places to do business.

N EED So m E

Do u G H?

g r e at h a r v e s t b r e a d c o .

Starting with the right dough makes all the difference. Just ask Bryan and Susie Layton. Just a couple bites in and you’ll understand Great Harvest Bread Company’s passion for great bread. Big Sky Economic Development is proud to have partnered with Stockman Bank in providing financing for Great Harvest’s new expansion. Looking to grow your business? Contact Big Sky Economic Development today!

406. 256.6871

W W W.BIGSK Y504.COM BILLINGSbusiness

Greater convenience and access to your medical information. billingsclinic.com/mybillingsclinic

With convenient access to your online medical record, you can: View your lab results, allergy list, immunization records, medication list, health issues, surgeries and procedures View your medical notes from your health care provider for visits on/after 5/20/14 View your radiology and pathology results for services on/after 6/17/14 View your upcoming appointments Communicate with your doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office by sending a secure message Request a prescription renewal

Billingsbusiness

To Register: Stop by any Billings Clinic registration desk (excluding ExpressCare) or our medical records department in the hospital. Please bring a photo ID. You must be age 18 or older to register. Parents or legal guardians may register their children, ages 0-11.

August 2014

Don Cole

Keeping the Pedals Turning BY TOM HOWARD L OCAL CYCLING ENTHUSIASTS ARE ENCOURAGED BY SIGNS THAT B ILLINGS IS BECOMING A MORE BICYCLE - FRIENDLY COMMUNITY . Miles of bike trails have been added to the city’s infrastructure in recent years. And, the Magic City now has a bicycle repair business that makes house calls. It’s the type of business that one would expect in Portland, Ore., Boulder and other more established bike-friendly communities. Don Cole launched his business, Out of Category Bikes, last year. He started his career as a bike mechanic more than 15 years ago, when he went to work at the Spoke Shop at age 16. Cole’s extensive background in cycling even includes what many consider the ultimate accomplishment of a bike mechanic: frame building. Cole continued to help cyclists keep their pedals turning after leaving the Spoke Shop. But instead of a brick-andmortar storefront, he takes his services directly to the clients. He markets the service by word of mouth, through his Facebook page, or by phone, 406-861-1263. Here, Cole talks about a unique service in the Billings bike industry. Where does the name come from? It’s based on the official climbing scales used in races like the Tour de France. For any climb to be rated it must be at least 500 meters long with an average grade of 3 percent or more. Climb scores are based on distance and elevation changes. Out of category climbs (Hors Categorie in French) are the toughest to climb and beyond categorization. Do you do all repairs at your customers’ homes? A lot of times I’ll pick up their bike and take it back to my

I August 2014

place, then we pick a time for me to get it back to them, usually in one or two days. Are you a self-taught mechanic or did you attend any schools for bike mechanics? I was mostly self-taught before I started working at The Spoke Shop, where I worked for 15 years. I also attended a few workshops by companies like Specialized and Park Tools. Who are your core customers? Most of them are pretty into biking and they own more than one bike. What kinds of repairs do you do most frequently? Flat tires and broken spokes are probably the most frequent problems, followed by derailleur adjustments and general tuneups. How many miles do you ride in a year? I ride about 5,000 to 6,000 miles per year on the road bike, and about 1,000 miles on the mountain bike. I ride the trainer a lot in the winter. Many people get excited about biking but give it up quickly and their bikes end up hanging in the garage gathering dust. Have you run into any rare or unusual bikes during your travels? Sometimes I’ll run across a tandem, and some people still have some old road bikes with sew-up tires, but nothing too unusual.

Don Cole of Out of Category Bike Repair. Photo by CASEY PAGE

BILLINGSbusiness

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

SPONSORED BY THE BILLINGS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND CVB

August Business After Hours

C ROW F AIR CELEBRATES TRADITION , BRINGS DOLLARS TO S OUTHEAST M ONTANA What truly made this fair unique was that it also gave the Crow people a chance to celebrate their past and exhibit their cultural heritage.

Nick Mann Nick Mann is marketing manager for Visit Southeast Montana, which is managed by the Billings Chamber of Commerce. Reach Visit Southeast Montana by calling 1-800-346-1876.

BILLINGSbusiness

Most of Billings’ residents have heard of Crow Fair which takes place on the Crow Reservation each year in August, but few have actually attended it. Even fewer truly understand the historical significance this event has for our area and the way it helped shape the cultural landscape of our city. The first Crow Fair was held in 1904. An Indian Agent representing the federal government worked with Crow Tribal elders to hold a kind of country fair for all the people of the Crow Tribe in the hopes that such an event would encourage the Crow to embrace the farming and ranching lifestyle. Early Crow Fairs were very similar to country fairs held in the Midwest, but had a distinctly Crow flavor. The typical events one might find at any fair were present, such as exhibiting and judging livestock and prize vegetables, as well as homemade jams, pies, and handicrafts. What truly made this fair unique was that it also gave the Crow people a chance to celebrate their past and exhibit their cultural heritage. Crow women displayed traditional clothing and Native foods. Time was set aside for fair-goers to listen to Crow elders tell stories of war deeds and to watch victory dances

and reenactments of famous Crow battles. There were even tepee-pitching races, with prizes being handed out to the best pitched and best decorated tepees. Even then, less than 15 years removed from the end of the Plains Indian wars, many non-Crow spectators came to witness the fair, and it became one of our area’s first tourist attractions. In 1918, Crow Fair moved to its current location at Crow Agency, just 60 miles southeast of Billings. It has grown to become the largest annual Native American gathering in the United States. Crow Fair has earned the nickname “Tepee Capitol of the World” due to the 1,500-2,000 tepees which are set up each year, housing more than 10,000 Native American campers. In 2014, nearly 50,000 spectators will come to watch the parades, the rodeos and the native dancing. The main event at Crow Fair is the powwow, which is open to dancers from many tribes and provides spectators with an incredible variety of dance styles and costume designs. During portions of the pow wow, which will take place each night of the fair, both women and men will be dancing to

various historic and modern Crow songs. The competitive dancing, however, is open to men only. Dancers are judged on a variety of points, from dress, to style, to skill, and the winner will receive a large cash prize. Considering the fact that this annual event has been a mainstay of Southeast Montana since long before any of us were born, it’s understandable that most Billings

Annual Meeting and Business

Wednesday, August 13, 2014 Expo ZooMontana Presented by CenturyLink 2100 Shiloh Road, 5 to 7 pm. Cost: $8. Thursday, September 18, 2014 Expo: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Luncheon: 11:45 a.m. September Business After Holiday Inn Convention Center. Hours Wednesday, September 10, 2014 Altana Federal Credit Union 32nd and Central, 5 to7 p.m. Cost: $8.

residents don’t realize the economic impact it brings to our community each August. Many retailers, such as Flo McMasters, Community Event Coordinator for the King Avenue Wal Mart, count on the bump in sales they experience each summer as Crow campers come to stock up on groceries, camping gear, and other items. Flo expressed that their store always sees significant extra business

each August during the four day event. If you have never attended Crow Fair, it is most certainly worth the experience. Not only is it an opportunity to experience Crow culture both as it was and how it has evolved, but it is also an important part of Billings’ history.This year’s event will be held August 14-18. Log on to SoutheastMontana.com to learn more. Presenting Sponsor

BillingsChamber.com

2014 Annual Meeting and Business Expo September 18th | $30 each or $300/table Holiday Inn Grand Montana Convention Center 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Keynote Speaker Seth Mattison examines workforce trends, generational dynamics, and the key shifts in talent management and leadership. BillingsChamber.com or call 245-4111 for Expo details and Luncheon tickets.

August 2014

SPECIAL REPORT: EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE TRENDS, FORECASTS & PEOPLE BEHIND THE SCENES

MAKING MASTERS Montana apprenticeships provide a step up to good careers

Shane French is working this summer as a plumbing apprentice. Photo by JAMES WOODCOCK

I August 2014

BILLINGSbusiness

EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE BY THE NUMBERS BY TOM HOWARD S HANE F RENCH HAD YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WORKING IN THE EXCAVATING BUSINESS , BUT COULDN ’ T FIND AN OPENING WHEN HE MOVED TO B ILLINGS SOME 3 ½ YEARS AGO . “It was January, so there wasn’t a lot of work,” French said. However, he landed work in a related field, as a laborer at Precision Plumbing in Billings. After establishing himself as a reliable worker for a couple of months, he was accepted to an apprenticeship program that put him on the path toward earning certification as a journeyman plumber. Since then, French has been busy learning the trade while working under the supervision of the company’s licensed plumbers. He hits the books at nights and on weekends as he continues the process of earning his certification. There’s plenty of incentive to complete the book work. Successfully completing a section translates into a 5 percent raise, French said. “I really enjoy working here. It’s good work. They treat you right and all the guys are pretty good to work with,” French said. French, 31, will soon have logged the required 7,500 hours of on-the-job training and will sit for his final exam, the final step in the certification process. If everything goes as planned, he should be a journeyman plumber by this time next year. Chris Planalp, another apprentice working at Precision Plumbing, said he sometimes encounters pre-test jitters, much like he did when he was in school. “The test isn’t really all that hard,” Planalp said. “It’s just about making sure

that you’ve read the book.” Planalp said he became interested in the plumbing apprenticeship after visiting with a cousin who’s apprenticing to become an electrician. French and Planalp are among thousands of Montanans who have taken advantage of Montana’s registered apprenticeship and training program. Apprenticeship is a system designed to ensure that employers can hire qualified workers for a variety of skilled jobs in both the public and private sector. Wherever he travels throughout the state promoting apprenticeships, George Kesel points out that program isn’t a fallback strategy for people who don’t have a lot of interest in going to college. “It’s an exceptional way to learn a skill,” said Kesel, a field representative for the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. “It’s hands-on training with college-level coursework specific to the profession.” Apprentices also earn above-average wages. Unlike many blue-collar and even an increasing number of white-collar jobs, “These are careers that can’t be exported,” Kesel said. Montana added more than 10,000 jobs since the beginning of the year, causing the statewide jobless rate to dip to 4.6 percent in May. In the wake of this lowerthan average unemployment rate, some employers have encountered a shortage of skilled workers. That reinforces the

need for apprenticeship, Kesel said. Demographic changes will create vacancies in industries that rely on apprenticeships as the Baby Boom generation reaches retirement age. “The average age of a master plumber is 53 years old, and that means in a few years half the plumbers and electricians will be retired,” Kesel said. “That statistic is true throughout the trades. There’s a drastic need for skilled labor.” Teri Biegel, co-owner of Precision Plumbing, said laborers must prove themselves on the job before they’re accepted into the apprenticeship program. “We want to see them work, and only a certain number of them are going to be accepted.” Showing up on time and showing professionalism on the job are two characteristics that Precision Plumbing looks for, Biegel said. Greg Moos, an owner with Action Electric, said the company currently has eight apprentices. Many of them are recruited from within the company’s ranks of laborers. Moos said he likes to hire veterans and National Guard members as well. “It’s a great career, but it’s hard work,” Moos said. “Our goal is to find people with a good work ethic who are honest.” French plans to continue working for Precision Plumbing after he becomes certified. But for some, the apprenticeship program leads to bigger plans. Shane Anderson, owner of Anderson Electric, completed his apprenticeship with the electrician’s union. He started his own business in 2005, initially working for himself. The company has grown since then, and Anderson frequently employs more than a dozen workers. “It was a way better alternative to college,” Anderson said. “There was no college tuition to pay, and no student debt.”

“It’s an exceptional way to learn a skill. It’s hands-on training with college-level coursework specific to the profession.”

Read More at darnielle.com

EQUAL HOUSING LENDER

Billingsbusiness

August 2014

STRATEGIES for success

P rocess review will reduce errors , save money Work backward through your processes and explore how you handle a service denial. Hopefully, you have your processes structured to ensure that communication and coordination occur at each step in the process.

Joe Michels Joe Michels, PhD, P.E., C.P.I., is principal of Solomon Bruce Consulting LLC. Contact him at (406) 672-6387 or at www. solomonbruce.com.

I August 2014

During Easter time, I sent my sister a bouquet of flowers. I was a house guest at that time and thought that a floral arrangement would be a great hostess gift. In fact, when I arrived, she commented that she had received not one, but two arrangements of flowers. Why did I send two? That’s a great question. I had only ordered one bouquet and had planned on paying for only one bouquet. But yes, she did receive two different bouquets — from two different florists. Interestingly, the dollar amount for each was the same. However, the arrangements were much different. One arrangement was rich, lush and had a high “wow” factor. The other was, well, something just a little bit better than you might get from the supermarket — but at floral shop prices. When I got back to Fort Worth, I called the florist we use and told her the situation. Her key words were, “No problem, we’ll take care of it.” Well, OK, I got that. However, as a consultant, I wanted to know how this happened. The woman at the floral shop did as well. Here is what happened. The floral shop here in Fort Worth called a couple of different floral shops in the city where my sister lives. One shop “refused” the order. Why would you refuse an order? Well, in the floral business, if they have a big funeral, wedding or social event, the firm

may not have enough flowers or staff to fill other ancillary orders and will sometimes “refuse” to take an order from an out-of-town call. I am told that the shop that refuses the order has to clear the order in the computer. In this case, that did not happen. Someone saw the order, processed it and delivered it, not recognizing that they were not supposed to deliver it. Because one bouquet was so much different than the other, that may be why the order was initially refused: The shop did not have the flowers to make a nice arrangement. As a management consultant, this matter generated all kinds of questions.

Once the order is refused, how is it deleted in the computer so that the shop did not manufacture the order? Who was supposed to kill the order in the computer? Who checked to be sure that the refused order in fact did not get processed? Well, as you can see, this is a simple example of a broken process, which costs money, time and resources. In the management business, we would define this as a lack of systems and process integration— i.e. integrating the order refusal process and the manufacturing process in a seamless fashion so that the order would not be manufactured. After all, somebody did not get paid

for this. From the 20,000-foot viewpoint, it looks like this particular florist has a host of broken processes — order refusal, order fulfillment, accounting and bookkeeping are just a few that come to mind. There are many more, we just were not there to figure those out. How do you check your processes when you have a service denial? That is what a refused order is, a service denial. Think about this for a second or two: If your processes are not fully integrated, then what happened above is bound to occur. When it does, not only have you lost profits, but in this case, the flower

shop that sent the less robust arrangement would probably not be one that we would use again. Work backward through your processes and explore how you handle a service denial. Hopefully, you have your processes structured to ensure that communication and coordination occur at each step in the process. If not, now is the time to review the processes and ensure that communication occurs in each step. Additionally, reviewing how each process in your system is integrated reveals where, if anywhere, lost profit opportunities may exist. Process review should be an ongoing action in your business. Billingsbusiness

Economy growing in Midwest, Plains By The Associated Press OMAHA, N eb . — T he economy in nine M idwestern and P lains states should continue growing steadily in the months ahead , according to a monthly survey of business leaders released recently .

The region’s overall economic index crept up to 60.6 in June from May’s 60.5 to hit another three-

year high. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss, who oversaw the survey, said

the report offers plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the economy because the job market is strong and businesses report solid new order numbers. The confidence index for the next six months improved to 63.6 in June from 62.5 in May. Survey organizers say any score above 50 suggests growth, while a score below that suggests decline. All the scores for the different indexes range from zero to 100. The survey covers Arkan-

Make the connection connect to the world while SAVinG time, trAVel, And money. Vision Net has been a leader in video conferencing throughout Montana since 1995. Thanks to our state-of-the-art solutions, universities, K-12 schools, the legal community, and private industries have made important connections all over the world without ever having to leave town. You can rent a studio, own your own fully-integrated system or get mobile or desktop conferencing as a service. If you don’t have enough tech support in house, you can try our Managed Video Services and let us take care What’s your vision? www.vision.net | 1-866-334-8638 | sales@vision.net of it for you. Billingsbusiness

Vacation or Business Travel? Let us Shuttle you to the Airport!

sas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota. The employment index rose to its highest level in two years when it hit 61.4 in June. That was up from May’s 60 as durable goods manufacturers continued hiring. Goss said strong job growth should continue in the region. Inflation pressure remained elevated in June, and the survey’s prices-paid index increased slightly to 73.5 from May’s 73.1.

WE WILL: • Completely Detail Your Vehicle (inside & out)

• Perform a 16 Point Safety Inspection • Take Out Those Dents & Dings

Making Life Simple They Finally Heard Me Bryan

John

Matthew

315 N. 15th St, Billings, MT 406-259-6328 www.bigskycol.com

MY BANK >>>

IS A REAL PARTNER IN MY SMALL BUSINESS Todd Scott, Owner Bozeman Brewing Company

Your Bank. Your Opportunity. 455 S. 24th Street W. • (406) 256-1891 www.americanfederalsavingsbank.com August 2014

TRAVEL &leisure

B eware of cyber threats while traveling

Mobile telephones are most easily vulnerable because of an overall casual use of these tools.

Billie Ruff Billie Ruff is owner of Travel Cafe. Reach her at travelcafeonline.com.

I August 2014

Approximately 1.8 million travelers transit through our nation’s airports every day. Most business travelers think they travel well, but that’s not always the case. They usually don’t think about safety because nothing has happened to them or whatever steps they must take to guard their safety can be a minor inconvenience. There is ample evidence that the most common advice given, for example, not to take your laptop or cell phone out of the country, is rarely complied with except by the most security conscious companies. The hard truth is that in a battle between security and convenience, convenience will always win. However, a common sense approach, a few guidelines and a good travel policy that addresses the issue are a good place to start when it comes to securing your employees’ data while traveling. Travelers are most vulnerable when they use their laptops, mobile phones, USB drives that can be lost or stolen, using social networks and in public

areas such as hotel bars, large conferences or meeting public areas. Information is most vulnerable via your email and transmitting data over unsecured networks while traveling. Laptops and other mobile devices can easily be lost or stolen. Mobile telephones are most easily vulnerable because of an overall casual use of these tools. Beware that your conversations can be monitored without your knowledge. Your mobile phone can be tracked

via its emitter or GPS systems. Mobile phones can also be turned into a microphone to monitor conversations nearby. Similarly, smart phones are powerful computers complete with an operating system and applications. Every PC vulnerability can be translated to the phone. By using common sense, you can travel safely with your mobile devices. It is important to back-up your contacts, emails and calendars before you depart for your trip. That way, if

your laptop goes missing you still have the information you need. Always keep your security updated to make sure all viruses out there are covered in your service. Record the make, model and serial numbers of your mobile devices and leave that information behind as well. Maintain control of your devices at all times, and lock them in the hotel room when not in use. Do not use the “Remember password on this device?” feature. Be careful with social media.

Do not announce to everyone on Facebook or Twitter where you are traveling to, or where you have arrived. This makes you an easy target. Wi-Fi can be dangerous grounds for travelers, also. It can be difficult to tell the difference between a legitimate public Wi-Fi hotspot and a rogue access point set up by a hacker. It is best to tether your laptop, tablet or other mobile devices to your smartphone’s service. And, travelers are just as vulnerable in the air as at the airport. At 30,000 feet hackers aren’t faced with worrying about victims that move outside of their wireless range. New e-passports contain embedded RFID chips which contain personal information available that can be read wireless from quite a distance. Use RFID blocking passport wallets, billfolds and ladies wallets for further protection. So, be aware and careful while traveling. Those who are interested in getting your information will find ways to do so. Billingsbusiness

YOUR money

W hen it comes to investing , it ’ s best not to trust your future to luck If my wife were lucky, and correctly bet eleven events in a row, why do we declare that the active mutual fund manager involved in placing bets on security selection, who beats the market 5 years running, is skilled and not merely ‘lucky?’

Mark Thomas Mark Thomas is the principal at Capstone Wealth Management in Billings. He has provided professional investment management for financially established families for more than 25-years.

Billingsbusiness

Several years ago, my wife and I played Heads or Tails at the Chase Hawks Memorial Banquet in Billings. Four hundred people in attendance joined in the game, each standing with one hand placed on either their head (for heads) or bottom (for tails). The MC flipped the coin and declared “heads.” Those of us with our hands on our bottoms sat down, and those lucky enough to have their hands on their heads remained standing. We went through ten rounds, ruthlessly eliminating half of all of the participants with each call. Even though more and more were eliminated, everyone was joyously engaged, especially since the winner would be going home with a brand new set of tires, donated by Tire-Rama of Billings. Before we knew it the final coin flip was upon us, and up on stage stood my wife and one other gentleman. Both had made it through the gauntlet of all of the previous rounds. It was decision time, heads or bottoms. With nervous joy, my wife put her hands on her head. The MC called heads again. My wife would be going home with the tires. Many of my friends argued that she had been lucky, and I agreed. I couldn’t help but think about this in the context of investing. For the investor, it raises the question, if my wife were lucky, and

correctly bet eleven events in a row, why do we declare that the active mutual fund manager involved in placing bets on security selection, who beats the market five years running, is skilled and not merely ‘lucky?’ But first, perhaps we should define active and passive money managers. Active money management believes that they can reasonably predict the future, select stocks based on predictions, and therefore benefit from their predictions. Passive money management does not believe this is possible, taking into account the cost of investing in research in order to enhance the probabilities of their bets. Passive money management agrees that the active stock buyer is successful periodically, but their probability of success declines over an extended period of time and events. On the other hand, passive money management uses low cost index funds that replicate the market average. According to the S&P Dow Jones Indices Research, “2013 was a stellar year for stocks as domestic equity markets posted double-digit returns…however; most active managers in the large and small cap categories underperformed their benchmarks. Over the last 5 years, 72 percent of all active large company managers underperformed the comparative benchmark of the Standard

& Poor’s 500.” The theory of probability suggests that after a series of events, there will always be a winner. Indeed, after 11 coin tosses, my wife won. If she were skilled, it would have been easy for us to forecast her outcome, as her actions would be predictable. However, most active managers underperform the index, therefore we cannot attribute success to skill. Hard work and intelligence may be at play, but doesn’t appear to contribute to skill. Herein lies the difficulty. By hiring an active manager, you are paying fees for a presumed skill. This skill feeds the fire of the investors hope. But it is difficult if not impossible to identify future winners and losers in mutual fund managers, just as it is in the game of Heads or Tails. Another example can be found in the April 13, 2009 Forbes article, ‘Bad Guys.’ “For years, William Miller’s name appeared at the top list of the world’s most successful stock pickers. His Legg Mason Value Trust Mutual Fund outperformed the S&P 500 every single year for a decade and a half to 2005. After his hot hand cooled, the picture got very ugly. If the investor had made identical bets on the S&P 500 index fund over the past 26 years, their return would have been 5.8 percent versus the Value Trust of 5.4 percent.” Some may disagree with

me, as it’s both easy and comforting to believe that an investment guru can beat the market over and over again. At times belief is confirmed when news reports on winners who beat the benchmarks of last year. Most investors don’t think they possess sufficient skill and knowledge to invest on their own, so they rely on last year’s superstar. But when costs are deducted from the funds return, rarely does it meet a comparative benchmark. To be clear, I will never argue that a mutual fund manager will never beat the relative benchmark. Consider the Fidelity Magellan Fund manager, Peter Lynch, whose track record was put under academic scrutiny by Dartmouth professor Dr. Kenneth French. He mathematically established a convincing argument that Mr. Lynch beat the benchmark throughout his tenure at Magellan Fund. We know that it has been done. However, since Peter Lynch retired we have seen Fidelity, with their admirable resources, go through multiple management changes at the Magellan Fund as they continue to search for the next manager who can beat the benchmark. If Fidelity is in search of a market guru, how can common investors believe that their odds are better than that of Fidelity’s? The statistical probability is extremely low for an investor or investment adviser

to pick in advance the best stock, ETF, or mutual fund for each category of risk built into a portfolio. Searching the 5,000-plus available mutual funds in order to select the best manager for U.S. large, small, and international companies, continue to narrow the probability of successful outcome relative to buying a low cost index fund representing each of those categories. I agree with the now retired Lynch when he states in his book ‘Beating the Street,’ “All the time and effort that people devote to picking the right fund, the hot hand, the great manager, have in most cases led to no advantage.” Warren Buffet, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. continues along the same line when he states in his 1996 letter to shareholders, “Most investors both institutional and individual, will find the best way to own common stocks is through index funds that charge minimal fees.” For the long-term investor, one could benefit by spending more time understanding and controlling investment costs than trying to pick a hot hand. Index funds not only capture a well-diversified exposure to markets, they also achieve their benchmarks at a very low cost. While picking an investment guru or playing the game of Heads orTails may be a thrill, rarely do we find that it pays off in the long run. August 2014

LEGAL briefing

M ake sure your job descriptions match the modern workplace All good hiring, recruiting, and job performance evaluations should start with an assessment of the essential and nonessential job requirements and qualifications for the position.

Eric Nord Eric Nord is an attorney with Crist, Krogh & Nord, LLC. Contact him at (406) 255-0400.

I August 2014

A job description is often developed only when a position is open for hire, and as soon as the position is filled the job description is discarded. This is a mistake. A job description should be updated annually in order to provide important work-related performance feedback (and also avoid litigation). As an extreme example, let us say a person was hired in the mid-1970’s as a secretary using the following job description: Applicant must have excellent typewriting skills and be able to take dictation using both shorthand and machine. Applicant must also be able to operate a mimeograph machine as well as multiple line telephone and Telex. Assuming the employer changed its technology through the decades, we would expect that the secretary’s job description would change as well. Yet, in many offices today, employers do not change their job descriptions as the world around them changes. The problem with failing to update job descriptions regularly is that employment laws have changed over the decades along with technology. Since the 1970s, laws such as the Americans with Disabilities

Act (ADA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and Montana’s Wrongful Discharge from Employment Act (WDEA), have been enacted. These laws, along with other employment laws, place a great deal of emphasis on job descriptions and annual performance reviews. Yet, for a job description to be useful in this context, it has to be updated, accurate and inclusive. An outdated and poorly written job description can be used against an

employer in employment litigation. All good hiring, recruiting, and job performance evaluations should start with an assessment of the essential and non-essential job requirements and qualifications for the position. This analysis may include answering the following questions: 1. What duties are associated with the job? 2. Have they changed in the last year? 3. Which duties are

essential? 4. Which duties are the marginal non-essential functions? 5. What are the physical requirements? 6. What are the mental/ cognitive requirements? 7. What are the existing and ongoing educational requirements? By addressing these questions regularly, as part of an annual performance evaluation, the employer can both assist the employee in becoming more

productive as the times change and also help thwart employment-related litigation. Updated job descriptions and annual performance reviews (as long as they are honest) are important in today’s employment environment. Just as we cannot accept 1970s technology in the workplace so too the approach to employment issues must change. Otherwise, our businesses are dinosaurs headed for extinction. Billingsbusiness

special advertising section

ULTIMATE Custom Cabinets BILLINGSbusiness

August 2014

special advertising section

VA Montana Health Center Quality care, state-of-the-art amenities offered at new Veterans’ facility

By Brittany Cremer • Photos By Bob Zellar

Access, convenience and comprehensive care. Those were the tenants in mind as construction began October 2012 on the new 70,000-square-foot VA Montana Health Center at 1766 Majestic Lane. Located in Billings’ expansive West End, the new facility offers many of the services available at Fort Harrison, Montana’s only VA Hospital. Prior to the completion of the new facility, several Billings veterans needed to travel 500 miles round-trip to Fort Harrison for surgery or specialty treatments. “We are so excited to save our patients undue travel time and offer a suite of services under one roof right in our community,” said Stormy Hoiness, nurse manager at the VA Montana Health Center. Top: The VA Health Care Center employs approximately 150 employees, creating nearly 60 new jobs with its recent expansion. Left: VA Montana Health Center offers ample parking and an easy-to-find location just off the interstate.

I August 2014

Billingsbusiness

special advertising section

Honored welcome

Triple The size of The adjacenT exisTing

Va clinic, The new faciliTy is expecTed To serVe an esTimaTed

12,000 VeTerans from monTana, wyoming and

norTh dakoTa—

abouT

2,000 more Than

are currenTly serVed.

Below: An information desk and private reception area makes navigating the new clinic a breeze.

Triple the size of the adjacent existing VA Clinic, the new facility is expected to serve an estimated 12,000 veterans from Montana, Wyoming and North Dakota— about 2,000 more than are currently served. The minimalist, contemporary design of the facility is balanced with the use of a warm color palette in taupe, charcoal and cream. Ample light floods the entryway and waiting area, with a convenient information alcove and reception desk greeting guests. “The building design maximizes space and efficiency,” Hoiness said. “It’s basically a rectangular shape with all our service departments on the periphery and the waiting area and administrative offices in the middle.” The facility, which is certified LEEDSilver, uses energy-efficient elements and recycled products when possible, Hoiness said. The spacious waiting area is appointed with flat screen TVs, a drink and snack station and is decorated with Montana-themed artwork. “We want our patients to feel at ease and be as comfortable as possible,” Hoiness said.

Customized care

Specialty care and surgical services are among the most celebrated at the new clinic. Services offered include audiology, mental and behavioral health, outpatient surgery, dental care, physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, eye care and rehabilitation. The facility’s state-of-the-art conference rooms mirror the technology offered elsewhere

To Our Veterans-

Thank You for your service

We are proud to open these doors for you

oot e

5710 Interstate Avenue

Billings Montana 59102 • 406-245-1765 Billingsbusiness

August 2014

special advertising section

Suite of services

Just around the corner from the facility’s impressive physical therapy department are the dental and specialty care units. The dental department staffs two dental hygienists and a fulltime dentist. Patients can enjoy broad, sweeping West End views while having their teeth cleaned or worked on. Additional specialty care includes a cardiac testing department, complete with stress test treadmill and pacemaker station, orthopedics, podiatry and endoscopy. The VA has also placed a strong emphasis on behavioral health care and suicide prevention. Some of the first patients in the new clinic are expected to be those seeking behavioral health services. There will be one psychiatrist on staff, and tele-health video technology provides access to seven different psychiatrists. Also on staff are an advanced nurse practitioner, substance abuse disorders specialist, psychologist, four psychotherapists and other behavioral health professionals.

Surgery-tech

The VA Health Center’s out-patient surgery wing, which isn’t up and running just yet, features several private pre-op suites and two state-of-the-art operating rooms. The first room, OR-1, is fully integrated in the clinic, with tele-health conferencing and video capabilities. “These amenities greatly enhance our new employee orientations,” Hoiness said, adding that the clinic is also outfitted with its own human resources department. The audiology department is equipped with two soundproof rooms, ideal for hearing tests. Down the hall, the facility’s prosthetics and physical

therapy department features the latest in rehabilitation equipment—even a cheerful patio for outdoor exercise. “Here, we believe that details make all the difference,” Hoiness said, “like the forethought taken in implementing the treadmills at ground level.” With the machines inset into the floor, it eases access on and off.

Thanks

Above: Time and consideration was taken in designing the physical therapy and occupational therapy areas. The treadmills were specially designed to sit flush with the floor to decrease the chance for slips and falls. Below: The clinic’s cardio lab is equipped to handle stress tests and adjust pacemakers.

To To all all our our

veTerans

For your SAcriFice, Service & coMMitMent to All oF uS At hoMe.

406-248-3656 • Billings.BuyAbbey.com 713 Main Street, Billings • Mon. - Fri. 8-5, Sat. 9-3

I August 2014

Billingsbusiness

special advertising section

with video and streaming media. “If during an operation, the doctor wants to pull up a chart or X-rays of the patient to instantly look at them on screen, this technology allows for that,” Hoiness said. The second operating room, which mirrors the first, isn’t video-ready, but the technology could be implemented down the road should the need arise, Hoiness said. Two private endoscopy suites round out the facility’s surgical center. “It gives me goose bumps to know that we are providing quality care to veterans who would otherwise have travel to Fort Harrison for these procedures,” Hoiness said. “We anticipate serving patients from the greater Billings area, parts of North Dakota as well as some from northern Wyoming. “

Above: One full-time dentist and two hygienists are employed at the clinic, offering a full suite of dental care. Left: Two state-of-the-art operating rooms are situated on-site, ready to handle a wide array of out-patient surgeries. Top Right: The audiology department features two soundproof rooms specially designed for hearing tests.

THANK YOU VA HEALTH CENTER FOR ALL THAT YOU DO! Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Contractors

26 nG Yea tro rs & st ill GoinG s

Commercial – Industrial Institutional Systems Custom Metal Fabricators

2041 Harnish Blvd. PO Box 30776 Billings, Montana Billingsbusiness

Phone: 248-1757 • Fax: 248-6320

Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association – SMACNA August 2014

special advertising section

Veteran Facts Source: Department of Veterans Affairs

• There are approximately 21.4 million veterans in the United States. • President Barack Obama has requested an appropriation of $163.9 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs in the 2015 Budget, a 6.5% increase over the 2014 Budget. • The 2015 Budget proposal includes $59.1 billion allocated for medical care, about 36% of the total. More than 58% of the budget goes towards mandatory benefits programs, including disability compensation and pensions. • In 2013, the VA had 312,841 full-time equivalent employees. • Among VA operations are 151 medical centers and 827 outpatient clinics.

Top photo and Above: Vending machines and flat screen TVs increase comfort and ease in the clinic’s waiting area.

• Across the U.S., the VA served more than six million people in 2013.

Below: Awash in natural light, the clinic’s entrance is sleek in design yet welcoming.

We are Proud to be a Part of the construction team

thank you Veterans for your serVice

1402 Central Avenue • 406-256-6016 28

I August 2014

Billingsbusiness

Sizing Up

special advertising section

West end GoodWill store expands, serves more customers and streamlines donations. By Brenda Maas Photos by Larry Mayer

In the world of business, it’s a good problem to have. After nearly 15 years, the Goodwill Store, located at 951 S. 29th St. W., was suffering from intense growing pains. “Over years, we’ve had such strong support in the Billings community that we were out of space,” noted Tim Bleymaier, assistant vice-president, retail planning and development for Easter Seals-Goodwill Northern Rocky Mountains. Above: The Goodwill Store, at 951 S. 29th St. W., was built in 1999. After 15 years in business, the addition/remodel was needed to accommodate the generous donations from the Billings community. Left: The new Donation Center includes two secure over-night boxes where donors can leave their donations after business hours, assured that they will be received by Goodwill. Billingsbusiness

August 2014

special advertising section

Problem areas

Time takes a toll on any retail space and the Goodwill Store was no different. The existing fitting rooms were intended to be temporary. The bathrooms only accommodated one person at a time, and customers were required to walk to the front of the store for a key, then walk all the way to the back again—a potential trial for the elderly, the handicapped and those with young children. The furniture and home accessories sections “The biggesT were over-flowing, while the employees’ break room could not accommodate more than a challenge was for handful of people. With limited interior space, donations sometime sat outside the building, The sTore To be open; exposed to the elements and potential theft. However, the major flaw was not we had To carry on something that most customers could see. “We had just grown, the entire business, in wiTh normal business ways that may not have been expected when the store was first built,” said store manager, Tammy operaTions. langlas Zubick-Munguia. “Billings is a very generous community and we couldn’t handle the donations consTrucTion benT efficiently—we needed more room for employees to get the donations inside and processed quickly.” over backward To accommodaTe ThaT,”

Behind the scenes

The concept of expanding started several years ago. Steve Corning, owner/developer with Corning Companies, worked with First Interstate Bank and the land adjacent to the existing store was purchased. Retail negotiations can be a lengthy process, Bleymaier noted. Corning selected Collaborative Design Architects and Langlas & Associates, Inc. for the project. They broke ground in late September of 2013. Over the next seven months, the building was expanded by a third, from 19,920 square feet to 29,920 square feet total. But the biggest change happened behind the scenes. “The biggest challenge was for the store to be open; we had to carry on with normal business operations. Langlas Construction bent over backward to accommodate that,” Bleymaier said. “It went so well that I would gladly work with them on another project.”

Tim bleymaier said.

Congratulations

GoodWill We are proud to be a part of the team seRvicinG all youR consTRucTion needs in MonTana since 1982

Top Right: The addition increased the donation processing area by approximately 10,000-square-feet. Bottom Right: In addition to selling donated items via the retail store and the ShopGoodwill.com, the organization sorts and recycles items that cannot be used. Tammy Zubick-Munguia, store manager, said that nearly 750,000 pounds of goods were recycled in fiscal year 2013.

2270 Grant Road Billings, MT 59102 30

I August 2014

406-656-0629 www.langlas.com BILLINGSbusiness

special advertising section

Donation station

The production area, which starts at the donation dock and ends with merchandise on the sales floor, was expanded and re-designed for better flow. “We try to make the donation process as pleasant and efficient as possible,” noted Bleymaier. “We now have space for two cars to drop donations at the same time so we can serve more donors in a safer, cleaner fashion.” The donation door was reoriented to the street-side of the building, plus expanded under a canopy. Donors are less likely to wait in line with the improved layout. “The truck dock on the east side of the building (which was not relocated) dictated the flow a bit,” said Jeff Kanning, principal at Collaborative Design Architects, who prepared the design. “Plus, putting the donation drop site on the street-side made it highly-visible.” Once accepted, donations are sorted by category and then processed through one of eight corresponding production stations. Before the addition, there was only enough space for five stations. During any given work day, there are 25-30 workers

plus innumerous large bins in the new 10,000-squarefoot production area. Yet, it is not crowded. “Their entire system has grown,” added Kanning. Zubick-Munguia has worked at the Goodwill Store for nine years, the past four as store manager. She noted that the store has grown from about 30 employees to 50 and donations have increased exponentially. “Since I’ve been here, donations have doubled or more,” she said, “it’s really pretty crazy.”

Better flow

With the addition came an improved work flow. According to Zubick-Munguia, clothing/ textiles are two-thirds of what employees process and the extra space allows for a new sorting/rack system. A team of four-to-six employees check, sort, hang and tag each item, preparing them for an easy transition to the sales floor. “Non-clothing items are now delegated to their own work space, and each station functions the same way,” she said, “so if one person subs for the other, they know where everything is.” Prior to the addition, employees produced an average

Right: The addition/ remodel project at the Goodwill Store included re-orienting the Donation Center drop-off space to face the street instead of the back to increase visibility, convenience and safety.

Right: ShopGoodwill. com employees now have a designated room to organize, list, sell and ship specialty items via the store’s auction-style website. Recent sales include a cast-iron troll, several vintage gowns and a camel saddle.

Congratulations Goodwill

1402 Central Avenue • 406-256-6016 Billingsbusiness

August 2014

special advertising section of 2,800 pieces per day; now they handle 3,200 with a few less employees.

Virtual sales

ShopGoodwill.com, the Goodwill Store’s online auction, is another area that needed more space. Prior to the addition, the two employees, who handle the specialty items, shared cramped space with the hot, noisy server, opposite a partition wall from the lunchroom. With more room to process items, ShopGoodwill.com aims to sell $18,000 per month, nearly triple the goal of five years ago. A few recent sales included a cast-iron gnome, a tackle box of rare marbles and a camel saddle. Who knew…? Additionally, the extra space enabled the Goodwill Store to expand its retail offerings with more floor space for large items like furniture— always a good seller—and double- or triple-wall racks for clothing. Medical mobility equipment is another service that the Goodwill Store can now provide, noted Zubick-Munguia. For a minor deposit, individuals can rent crutches, canes, wheelchairs, shower chairs and the like and use the item as long as they need it. Once they no longer need assistance, they return the item for a refund on their original deposit.

Little waste

In an ideal world, 100 percent of donations are re-sold. In reality, the Goodwill Store converts even “unsellable” items into revenue to support their programs and services. As long as an item is not contaminated (with a hazardous substance, for example),

it can likely be recycled. For example, un-sellable clothing is sorted out, put into 500-pound “bales” and eventually sent to a textile recycling facility in Washington.

To learn more about Easter Seals Goodwill, see www.easterseals.com/esgw/ In 2013, the Easter Seals Goodwill program assisted nearly 300 Billings-area children.

“Recycling falls into our ‘best practices,’” said Bleymaier. “This addition gave us a way to work safely and efficiently to capture the most value of the donation.” Non-working electronics, metal items and the like are also recycled accordingly. Zubick-Munguai said that the Billings’ store alone recycled nearly 750 million pounds in fiscal year 2013.

The results

Right: The The donation revenue addition to stream is directed the Goodwill toward the heart of the store seamlessly Easter Seals-Goodwill marries the programs. Chelle new with Feist, community the old. relations officer, said that the Billings store supports pediatric therapy services, enrichment activities, camps and the PLAY (in-home, familycentered intervention) project. “We cannot do this without revenue from the store,” said Feist. Essentially, every item donated to the Billings Goodwill Store is recycled back into the community in the form of assistance and programs. “This was money well-spent,” said Bleymaier, “because it allows us to generate more revenue to support the Easter Seals-Goodwill program in the Billings area.”

Congratulations Goodwill

Congratulations gooDWill! We’re prouD to be a part of your Design team.

Commercial Division

pierceflooring.com • 652-4666 2950 King Ave. West 32

I August 2014

BILLINGSbusiness

special advertising section

TendernesT AssisTed Living expAnds in BiLLings

Family-owned and operated business believes in qualit y care with a personalized touch

By BrendA MAAs • phoTos By jAMes Woodcock

Above: The front patio of a TenderNest house has ample space for residents to relax or socialize when the weather permits. Right: TenderNest Assisted Living, located at 4001 Parkhill Dr., will complete House 7 in fall of 2014. Each building houses 16 residents. BILLINGSbusiness

Dorothy and Toto had it right—there’s no place like home. But when a loved one needs more help than they can manage on their own, assisted-care facilities can be a close second. TenderNest Assisted Living originally opened a single assisted-living house in Laurel in 1998. Since that time, TenderNest has expanded to include two houses in Laurel, and seven houses at 4001 Parkhill Dr. in Billings. August 2014

special advertising section

“We also enlarged the dining area to make it more spacious and comfortable,” noted

randy sWenson. “When extended family visits, it might get a bit squished, but We are like a family and We make it Work. i think that’s part of the charm of tendernest— We are small, intimate and family-oriented.”

Business owner, Randy Swenson, likes the combination of operating a family-run business that serves the elderly. The business employs 89, including Swenson’s daughter, sons and son-in-law, giving TenderNest a unique distinction in the industry. “We are truly committed to providing excellent care in a loving and personalized environment,” he said. “We really strive to do it right—to deliver a quality service at a price that makes sense, and to be part of this community. We live here, we work here.” TenderNest offers personalized care, three home-cooked meals daily, laundry and daily housekeeping, bathing and medication assistance and appointment coordination along with activities and outings for their residents. “Assisted living is for those who need help with daily activities like grooming, dressing, cooking, eating and their medications,” said general manager Nate Swenson, “We also offer specialized memory care for those dealing with dementia and Alzheimer’s.”

TenderNest Assisted Living prides itself on its personal, family-like care. Nurse Shawna Smith works with resident Ima Jean Fischer.

Experience • Efficiency Commitment EGGART ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION

TenderNest, Congratulations On Your Successful Shiloh Campus Expansion. We Are Proud To Lead Your Design Build Team! P: (406) 839-9151 F: (406) 839-9150 www.eggartengineering.com

I August 2014

Billingsbusiness

Congratulations

special advertising section

TenderNest

from your friends at Yellowstone Bank

The common room at TenderNest Assisted Living features a custom gas fireplace, built-in bookshelves and rich, leather seating.

Master plan

Clyde Barton

Tendernest

Kevin Kraft

Yellowstone Bank

Banks of Service since 1907

www.yellowstonebank.com Billingsbusiness

Randy Swenson

Tendernest

MEMBER FDIC

Controlled growth is the goal of every business. TenderNest created a “master plan” when the original Billings houses were built in 2002-2004. Although they made some modifications since that time, that forethought enabled the last two phases to be built relatively seamlessly. “For the most part it has been a really smooth process,” said Swenson. “We kept the same builder and most of the same contractors, so they are familiar with the plans.” However, by listening to their residents and employees, Swenson did implement a few adjustments. “Access in and out of a bathtub can be difficult, so we added a mobility tub that the residents really like,” he said. In addition, each house has an extra room—in one house it might be a salon, in another it might be a game room. With six (and soon-to-be-seven) houses on the Billings campus, residents have access to the services of each house. “We also enlarged the dining area to make it more spacious and comfortable,” noted Swenson. “When extended family visits, it

might get a bit squished, but we are like a family and we make it work. I think that’s part of the charm of TenderNest—we are small, intimate and family-oriented.” It’s not uncommon for employees to know the name of each resident.

Working relationships

When it comes to needing other services, Swenson likes to work with other local small business. Eggart Engineering and Construction (EEC) completed the remodel of the TenderNest properties in Laurel, so EEC was a natural choice when Swenson was seeking a designer and general contractor for the Billings’ location. “We had a relationship with them, and we work well together,” said Swenson. “This is our ninth joint project. If there’s ever an issue, they address it and solve it quickly.” EEC completes both design and general contracting in-house, so that streamlines the projects—an advantage that appeals to Swenson. “That’s our niche,” said Quentin Eggart, owner of EEC. “We really are the only company who does that without ‘coop-ing’ the project.” When Eggart considers August 2014

special advertising section

The dining space features alder wainscoting, a tray ceiling and ample space for the house’s 16 residents and guests.

TENDERNEST It was a pleasure being on your construction team!

CONGRATulATiONS TENDERNEST, wE ARE PROuD TO BE YOuR wiNDOw TO THE wORlD!

r Award 20 rgy Sta 13 Ene PARTNER OF THE YEAR

I August 2014

• COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

windows & Doors Showroom 2520 Grand Ave., Billings

800-727-3552 pellaMT.com

406-839-9066

t.brownson@bcincmt.com w w w. b r o w n s o n c o n s t r u c t i o n i n c . c o m

Viewed To Be The Best

BILLINGSbusiness

all the TenderNest properties, one aspect stands out. “I really appreciate and respect that Randy asks for higher-end finishes in the house,” he said. “He installs quality materials because he wants the residents to feel comfortable, to feel at home, and I think he accomplishes that.” Todd Brownson, of Brownson Construction, noted that the knotty alder, solid doors, millwork, crown molding and dining-area wainscoting give the assisted living facility a more “homey” feeling. “It’s a rich finish, a warm feeling,” said Brownson. “I think it gives a more personal feeling to those who are moving

away from where they have lived for years—it’s not so stale and cold.” That rich feeling continued with custom cabinets and vanities in the kitchen and residents’ rooms, crafted by Ultimate Custom Cabinets.

Future plans

The final house of TenderNest’s Phase 4 will be finished this fall. Swenson noted that the campus has more space but will remain as it is for now, until the time is right. Other future plans include a four-plex, independent living facility in Laurel and the potential for expansion in Billings Heights, as the community’s needs change.

Top Left: The dining space features alder wainscoting, a tray ceiling and ample space for the house’s 16 residents and guests. Middle Left: Each house includes a spacious kitchen with warm, alder cabinets, island and high-low countertop. Below Left: Each resident has his or her own space, including a private water closet. “We look at it as a big house—there’s private space and shared space,” said Clyde Barton, director of marketing. A second shared bath features a large, curb-less shower with ample space for a shower chair, safety grab bars and flexible shower head.

CONGRATULATIONS TENDERNEST!

sa ng ur on m!

Thanks for choosing

Ultimate Custom Cabinets, Inc.

Ultimate Custom Cabinets

Since 1983

Billingsbusiness

223 N. 15th St. 406-256-9310 August 2014

call the experts call the

best

your marketplace for local professionals.

AdvAnced employment ServiceS 2115 Broadwater Billings, Mt 59102 652-8808 locally owned & operated www.advanced-employment.com

do you need an employee for a day or forever? • We cover all Workers Compensation, Payroll plus Payroll taxes and Unemployment • We work with all types of companies including roofing

GLASS inc. glass • doors • door hardware • shower doors • CommerCial storefront

1233 cordova st. • billings, mt • 259-1352 • 1-800-221-8832 www.associatedglass.com

Leading the Way in Mortgage Lending

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Contractors Commercial – Industrial Institutional Systems Custom Metal Fabricators

DeDe Stoner

(o) 406-237-0104 (c) 406-208-4404 Terms & Conditions Apply

490 North 31st Street Suite 130 Billings, MT 59101 406-252-2600 • 406-237-0185 fax

www.guildmortgage.net/officers/dedestoner No Origination Fee

Same Day Appointments... Same Day Results

• Diagnostic Ultrasounds for Men, Women & Kids • 3D/4D Ultrasounds for Pregnancy • Family Friendly Atmosphere • Referrals Accepted from all Providers • Licensed Physicians Interpret All Ultrasounds 1216 16th Street West Alpine Village Suite #21 Billings, MT 59102

Branch NMLS #140408 NMLS #250504 Company NMLS #3274

ients New Pat ! e Welcom

406-969-4340

PicturePerfectUltrasound.com IHS, Insurance, Medicare, Medicaid & Self Pay Accepted

Phone: 248-1757 • Fax: 248-6320

2041 Harnish Blvd. PO Box 30776 Billings, Montana

Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association – SMACNA

Is Your House Making You Sick?

√ Air & Dryer Ducts √ Permanent Electrostatic Air Filters √ Drapery

√ √ √ √

Carpets Upholstery Tile & Grout Sanitizing

-Since 1963

252-6952

www.steristeam.com

Celebrating More Than 56 Years of Service Free Local Delivery, Exceptional Customer Service, Qualified Service Techs Visit our NEW ONLINE STORE @ www.westernoffice.net • Shredders • Office Supplies • Copiers & Fax Machines • Office Furniture • Computers & Printers • Time Systems • FP Mailing Machines • Digital Dictation

514 North 32 Street • 245-3029 • Westernoffice.net nd

I August 2014

LUMBER CO.

roofing • siding • windows • doors

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

www.zentzlumberbillings.com

2775 Roundup Rd. • 252-4810 Billingsbusiness

call the experts call the

best

your marketplace for local professionals.

• Uniforms • Linens • Floor Mats

Now Selling Flame-Resistant Workwear

KEN HElgESoN

BURNS INSURANCE business insurance

work comp insurance

auto insurance

Surrounding Areas s City & Servin g Businesses in Billings, Mile

Cre reating Images Since 1906 715 Central avenue (406) 252-5172 w www.bigskylinen.com

Branch Manager/ Agent

The Geering Company has been selling only the finest quality wood, coal, gas & pellet stoves & fireplaces since 1975.

We have made a new acquisition!

NEW

• Personalized Napkins for Any Occasion

• Wedding, Anniversary • Baby Books, Mugs & More

We still do what we are known for Custom Laser Cutting & Engraving

Dennis Crowder 819 16th Street West

“Your Source For Warmth”

406-245-1681

ddc@lasered4u.com • www.engraveables.net

life insurance

711 North 27th Street - Billings, MT 59101 Office: (406) 256-5838 E-mail: kenh@burnsia.com - www.burnsia.com

ONE OF A KIND • ONE AT A TIME Cloud 9, Formerly Memories, Engraving Equipment & Accessories

homeowners insurance

Ask About Our

WINTER We are known for helping you CLEARANCE reduce your heating costs w/alternative SPECIALS heating ideas. We offer quality brand names, professional installation & our entire staff is friendly & knowledgeable, not because it’s their job, but because it is the way we choose to do business. We invite you to visit us before you make a buying decision... you’ll notice & appreciate the difference!

www.geeringco.com • 3823 Montana Ave., Billings, MT • (406) 252-2068

Billings’ 1st Choice for Over 26 Years!

Roofing Fascia Soffits Commercial & Residential

Home & Business Re-Keying

Dead Bolt Install Auto & Home Lockouts • Safe Work Master Key Systems Two Locations:

Licensed Bonded Insured Registered

West End 656-4111 • Heights 671-3698

We Guarantee Our WOrk! SinCe 1997

406-248-3866 Billingsbusiness

We CleAn for You residential Commercial bonded insured regular one time Move outs

www.kirknessroofing.com

moore lane

Since 1978

MondAY - tueSdAY

SpeCiAl!

3 hrs for $85 “billings only”

Maid Service

All SupplieS provided Gift CertifiCAteS AvAilAble www.purple-cactus.com

August 2014

Business Briefs Local Commerce at a Glance

More Montanans are insured

programs, all in an effort toward quantifying the effect of the Affordable Care Act HELENA — Montana saw on reducing the number of a net increase of more than uninsured Montanans. 30,000 people gaining health Their analysis, released insurance coverage in 2014, recently to the Legislative according to preliminary Economic Affairs Interim statistics from the office of Committee, concluded that Montana Insurance Comthe population with health missioner Monica J. Lindeen. care coverage in Montana Lindeen’s office surhas grown by about 30,000 veyed Montana’s insurance people. Previously, Montana companies after the end of had an estimated uninsured the national open enrollment population of about 195,000 period ended this spring. people, or about 20 percent They also included new en- of the state population. Due rollees in the state Medicaid to the net growth of covered and Healthy Montana Kids individuals, that rate is now

about 16.9 percent. According to Lindeen’s study, there was an increase of 26,429 in the individual insurance market, a term that refers to families or individuals buying insurance for themselves in the open insurance market. The Montana Medicaid program saw an increase of another 8,739. Montana saw a decrease of about 5,150 insureds in the small group market, which is insurance purchased by small employers for their employees. Most of those people are believed to have migrated to the individual

market, rather than slipped into the population of the insured. The total net gain of insured Montanans is estimated at 30,018, although the study cautions that insurance is complicated and it is impossible to peg with certainty the precise number of insured Montanans at any point in time.

development of innovative products for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant infections and control of microbial biofilms, is one of 11 Montana-based companies awarded grants for 2015 from the Montana Board of Research & Commercialization Technology. The $84,825 award will help finance certain human clinical testing of its lead Microbion receives product, BisEDT Antimicrobial Gel, on skin. MBRCT grant BisEDT AntimicroMicrobion Corp., a bial Gel is a member of clinical-stage pharmaceuti- Microbion’s proprietary cal company focused on the bismuth-thiol (BT) fam-

ily of compounds—a new class of antimicrobial agents that in preclinical studies have shown potent activity against a broad spectrum of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and potent activity against microbial biofilms. Microbion plans to initiate its first Phase 2 clinical trial with BisEDT Antimicrobial Gel for the treatment of post-surgical orthopedic infections in the first quarter of 2015. Orthopedic device-related infections are dangerous and recurrent because of resistant microbial biofilms.

now open in

Shiloh Crossing!

lobby hours

Monday - Thursday: 9am - 4pm Friday: 9am - 5pm

drive up hours

Monday - Friday: 7:30am - 6pm Saturday: 9am - 1pm

830 Shiloh Crossing Blvd. • 406-255-5858

firstinterstate.com

Photo courtesy of Phil Bell Photography 40

I August 2014

Billingsbusiness

Business Success StoriesBriefs Recognizing People and Local Achievements Commerce at a Glance

MetraPark hires marketing director

ored with an industry trade award from Radio Ink Magazine as the Best Large Market Ray Massie has been Radio programmer in America named marketing and sales and has worked with a number director at MetraPark. Massie of popular country artists has nearly including Taylor Swift, Garth 40 years of Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Toby industry Keith, and Martina McBride. experience, Massie has worked with as includan associate for Albright and ing writing O’Malley and in that role, television was the Social Media Advisor Massie shows, profor nearly 70 stations across gramming, North America. marketing, and managing Massie came to Billradio stations, and producing ings in 2010 as the director various successful events such of operations for Gap West as Frogtoberfest in Riverside, (now Townsquare Media) and Calif.; WIL-FM’s Willing to more recently has served as Help Flood Relief concert; general manager for KGHL Crestwood, Mo.’s Picnic in radio. Massie and his wife, the Park; and Tim and Willy’s Vicki, enjoy spending time Christmas Breakfast Show at with their children and Night in Phoenix. grandchildren. Beyond work Massie’s background and family, Massie dedicates includes programming and his extra time to the Society of operation assignments for St. Vincent de Paul by feeding CBS and Clear Channel Radio the homeless and is also the in Los Angeles and Phoenix, incoming chair of the Billings being selected as National Chamber of Commerce AgriCountry Programming Format cultural Committee. Captain for all of CBS Radio in 2003, and additional asBIRD announces signments in San Francisco, St. Louis, and Philadelphia. board members He believes success is best Marty Connell, president measured by the accomplish- of the board for the Billings ments of individuals on the Industrial Revitalization team, some of which include District (BIRD), announces staff members or stations that the organization has winning top awards from the welcomed new board member Country Music Association, John Armstrong of Q’s Art Academy of Country Music, & Frame. Members also reand the National Association elected Matthew McDonnell of Broadcasters. of Big Sky Collision Center; In 1998, Massie was hon- Marshall Knick of Pacific

Billingsbusiness

Steel & Recycling; and Scott Chesarek of J & S Properties. In addition, Sam Westerman of First Interstate Bank was designated as membership committee chair. Ken Kunkel of NAI Properties continues to serve on the board as well. BIRD is a nonprofit association representing property/business owners in the East Billings Urban Renewal District (EBURD), a 400-acre mixed-use Tax Increment Finance District in the heart of Billings. The BIRD office is located in the EBURD, at 1413 Fourth Ave. N., Suite C.

Stockman Bank promotes Hansen

Tricia Hansen has been promoted to assistant vice president, marketing department manager for Stockman Bank. She will oversee and manage the marketing HANSEN department for Stockman Bank’s 32 locations. Her responsibilities include implementing the overall marketing strategies, public relations, sponsorships and advertising campaigns, and work directly with the Billings and southwestern-area markets. Hansen has been with Stockman Bank since 2005. She brings 22 years experience to the position, which includes

marketing, public relations, advertising, media relations and special event coordination. She earned her bachelor’s of arts degree in public relations with an emphasis in marketing from GonzagaUniversity in Spokane, Wash. She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America.

Noennig assists Magic Magazine

Evelyn Noennig, executive assistant to the Billings Gazette Communications publisher, will take on additional responsibilities as Community Liaison Assistant Editor Noennig of MAGIC Magazine. Noennig will be connecting locally with the community for stories and freelance writers. If you would like to submit a story idea or are interested in writing for the magazine, Noennig may be reached at 657-1226 or at liaison@ magiccityexperience.com.

Servpro honors Steven Hanlin

Steven M. Hanlin, of Servpro of Billings, was honored with the Director’s Bronze Award for outstanding revenue performance. The recognition took place during the company’s 45th annual

convention in Nashville, Tenn. The convention included networking and technical education opportunities on stateof-the-art disaster recovery service to home and business owners. For more information, contact Hanlin at 252-0859 or stevenhanlin@gmail.com or visit www.SERVPRO.com.

Firm hires technician

Jesse Daffin is the newest computer technician at MorrisonMaierle Daffin Systems in Billings. A graduate of Montana State University Billings, Daffin holds an AAS in desktop/network support.

elected third vice chairman to the board of directors of the North American Retail Hardware Association at the organization’s annual meeting in Las Vegas, Nev. Growing up in his father’s grocery and hardware store, Comstock started regularly working in the family business at age 12, moving through the ranks and earning the position of operations manager at age 19. Comstock graduated with honors from the University of Montana in 2003 with a degree in finance and economics and returned to the store for just over a year. He spent a year working away from the store and then returned to hardware in 2006 when he purchased his Billings location. Comstock purchased his Eureka location in 2007, his Roundup store in 2008 and then the Havre store earlier this year.

Engineer joins Sanderson Stewart Lab specialist Ethan Murnin has joined now certified the firm of Sanderson Stewart in Billings as a staff engineer, working in the firm’s land development and municipal groups. Murnin holds a bachelor’s of science degree in civil engineering from Montana State University.

Comstock elected to industry board Taylor “TJ” Comstock, owner of Northwest Hardware in Billings, Eureka, Havre and Roundup, was

Vicki Holgard, M.S., is now certified in molecular biology, making her a clinical laboratory specialist. Holgard works in the molecular pathology department of Yellowstone Pathology Institute, Inc. in the Yellowstone Medical Building at 2900 12th Ave. N., Suite 295W. She performs laboratory testing that includes diagnostics for women’s health, cystic fibrosis and many other tests for malignancy and their treatment protocols. August 2014

BETTER business

B eware of companies ’ claims about products ’ environmental benefits

The manufacturers who sell green products through resellers and distributors are not off the hook.

Erin T. Dodge Erin T. Dodge, is an editor for the Better Business Bureau of Eastern Washington, Northern Idaho and Montana in Spokane. Contact the bureau at spokane.bbb.org.

I August 2014

If being green keeps your business in the black, then you will want to keep a close eye on your environmental marketing claims. Recently the Federal Trade Commission has filed claims and settled with two plastic lumber manufacturers, whose products are used in decking, fencing and outdoor furniture, for false marketing claims about the amount of recycled content in their products and the recyclability of the products. The manufacturers who sell green products through resellers and distributors are not off the hook. As seen in these recent settlements, the FTC holds the manufacturer accountable for any false and misleading claims that resellers and distributors make as well. This highlights the importance of manufacturers having strong control over their products’ messaging all the way through the sales cycle to the end user. Manufacturers are not the only businesses that need to worry about their environmental marketing claims. All businesses providing products, packaging and services with environmental claims need to follow the FTC’s Green Guides found in the Federal Code of Regulations (www.ecfr.gov, search for Title 16, Part 260). The Green Guides cover over a dozen areas that include compostable, degradable, non-toxic, recyclable, recycled content, renewable energy and free-of claims. For businesses providing green services, such as non-toxic cleaning or asbestos

abatement, the environmental marketing claims need to be just as clear, prominent and understandable as those for products. The general principles in the Green Guides are as follows: Clear, prominent and understandable claims. Tiny, illegible print, the use of jargon and claims placed on the inside of packaging won’t cut it. Environmental claims should be clear if they pertain to the whole product, packaging or service, or just part of it. Claims shouldn’t imply or directly overstate an environmental attribute or benefit. Comparative claims have to be substantiated. Substantiation requires competent and reliable scientific and/or factual evidence and not theoretical hypotheses. When a comparison is vague and doesn’t position itself to a previous version of the product or to all competing products, then both must be substantiated or the claim could

be considered deceptive. The FTC’s Green Guides are meant to be applicable in real world situations and apply to how reasonable consumers would likely interpret the environmental claims. For example, low- and no-VOC paint manufacturers found themselves under scrutiny when they didn’t clearly state that the color additives increased VOCs in the final paint product. Consumers reasonably assumed that the paint they were taking home had little or no volatile organic compounds. In this case, it wasn’t reasonable to expect consumers to understand that the environmental claim only pertained to the base paint. In the plastic lumber example, claims were made that the products were recyclable. While that was technically true, the reality was that most recycling centers would not accept the large, plastic lumber. So consumers had no convenient way of recycling. Even shipping

based on theoretical environmental effects that can only be produced in a laboratory setting could get you in trouble. n Consider creating a marketing review process that includes your regulatory, manufacturing, engineering or scientific team. Also, consider conducting internal tests to examine if your products or services correlate with the reliable scientific results within your industry. n Control the entire marketing pipeline for your products and services. Having a marketing team that can provide the materials and packagthe used product to a facility or ing for resellers and distributors will make sure that environback to the manufacturer was mental claims are consistent cost prohibitive. According to and accurate. the FTC, recyclability claims n When you are uncertain like these need to be qualified. if a marketing claim is accurate In this example, the claims and legal, seek legal advice from needed to say that “recycling an attorney who specializes in facilities are available to less advertising/marketing law. than a substantial majority of Going green gives many consumers or communities businesses a competitive edge. where the item is sold.” Consumers are green-savvy If you manufacture or sell green products or provide green and will pay more for environservices, the following tips offer mentally friendly products and services. With clear, accurate you ways of making sure your marketing claims keep you out and substantiated environmental marketing claims, your busiof the red: ness has the ability to connect n Read through the Green with consumers in a meaningGuides available online at the ful and legal way. U.S. Government Printing For additional advertising Office’s website: www.ecfr. and marketing guidance, you gov. There are examples for each claim type that should give can visit the Bureau of Consumer Protection’s online Busiyou a good sense of how the ness Center at www.business. FTC evaluates environmental ftc.gov and the Better Business marketing claims. Bureau’s Code of Advertising n Base your claims on webpage at www.bbb.org/ reliable scientific evidence council/for-businesses/codeand state them in realistic, of-advertising/. understandable ways. Claims Billingsbusiness

Business licenses The following business licenses were issued during June 2014. The information is from the city of Billings. Rambur Construction Inc., 457 Daniel St., 206-0519. Mark Kruger Construction, Red Lodge, 425-0077. Just Like That, 540 Howard Ave., 252-8142. Girl Friday Cleaning and Repair, 801 S. 28th St., 281-3621. Home Value Restoration, 2139 Broadwater Ave., 861-3000. KN Building LLC, Three Forks, 580-2950. Dent Medic, 1200 First Ave. N., 888-366-3368. Western Sky Woodworks, LLC, Ribera, N.M., 505-690-0160. Top Notch Construction, 1116 Yale Ave., 694-1816. B & B Roofing and Construction LLC, 9015 Quest Ave., 281-2724. Team Construction LLC, Deer Lodge, 245-6763 RMSR Inc., Huntley, 861-4532. Aspen Exteriors Inc. Ramsey, Minn., 763-434-3687. Tourtlotte Law Firm PLLC, 1601 Lewis Ave., 294-3400. Excel Coating, Greybull, Wyo., 307-765-4381. Trademark Restoration Services LLC, 520 Wicks Lane, 405-748-4444. Dream Home Restoration, 812 Central Ave., 545-2431. Prairie Garden Gate, 3317 Third Ave. N., 672-8027. Gary Bonifay Construction, Shepherd, 321-4159. ABC Supply Co. Inc., 4300 State Ave., 608-368-2272. Sugar On Top, 3252 Ave. F, 509654-0134. Beacon Roofing Inc., 2700 Overland Ave., 303-522-9556. Billingsbusiness

A Montana State Roofing LLC, 1404 Main St., 696-1612. Apex Construction LLC, 844 Ave. F, 690-1428. Integrity Drywall, 1803 Old U.S. 87, 850-2807. Mama T Massage, 1116 Grand Ave., 850-2807. Donahue Roofing LLC, 3907 Palisades Park Drive, 248-5428. D & V Enterprises LLC, 1313 Central Ave., 437-3905. Allied Forces Roofing, Sheridan, Wyo., 307-763-0915. Haas Property Development, 4447 Murphy Ave., 489-0958. Peak Roofing LLC, Clancy, 202-1126. McGuire Consulting, 2566 Lewis Ave., 671-0069. Wild Bills Custom Fab, 410 N. 10th St., 678-200-9201. Kyle Berry Construction, 1 MacArthur Ave., 573-712-4746. Grover Enterprises, 1760 Monad Road, 208-709-5259. McCarthy Contracting, Joliet, 640-0331. Mickelson Home Repair, Laurel, 633-5124. BC Exterior Maintenance Inc., Fridley, Minn., 612-296-3399. Darren Wells, 711 Birch Lane, 855-1204. Worden Windows and Exteriors, Laurel, 876-3299. Avid Construction, Laurel, 647-6095. The Massage Company, 511 N. 30th St., 208-4072. Esters Coffee LLC, 1939 Grand Ave., 245-5253. Taavi Oja, Martin Jeret, Joonas Sernjuk, 1302 Parkhill Drive, 6706312. Dennis Rogers Photographer, 3121 10th Ave. N., 672-9440. Genoy LLC, 1920 Barnes Road,

208-5414. Josh Kay Construction, 5330 Rocky Mountain Blvd., 591-0539. Gordon Unlimited, 3248 Becraft Lane, 633-5026. D’s Autotronics of Billings LLC, 746 Dunham, 694-7484. K Simon Construction LLC, 1215 24th St. W., Suite 115A, 545-5234. Tip Top Dent Co., 2697 Enterprise Ave., 647-6826. Blackfoot Communications Inc., Missoula, 541-5000. RFS Construction, Butte, 5653220. Anytime Concrete, 2220 W. Echo Drive, 794-9669. Dianna Grantham, 2501 Montana Ave., 860-6362. RFG Contractors Inc. 2116 Broadwater Ave., 720-297-2380. Carter’s, 2829 King Ave. W., 920-232-4640. Street Sweeper Records, 1215 Harney Drive, 208-7467. Billings Roofing & Construction, 2520 Second Ave. N., 371-1920. Jack Perry, 3006 40th St. W., 366-2756. Diamond Paintball, 7908 Cheetah Ave., 698-4957. Ed Schoenrock Construction, 225 Rolling Meadow Drive, 6611265. Guardian Gutters & Exteriors, 34 Danube St., 208-4015. L & L Roofing, 1149 Governors Blvd., 860-9982. Big Mountain Home Improvements, 2307 Lake Elmo Drive, 927-6633. Dale Rumph, 241 Sharron Lane, 794-5311. Messer Construction, 351 Phyllis Circle W., 850-2194. Justice Designs Studio Salon, 2713 First Ave. N., 843-345-8849.

D R D Builders, 1045 Firth St., 850-4349. A Plus Roofing & Construction, 914 Maywood Drive, 321-1814. D T Cleaning, 15 Danube St., 690-6931. Steve Jones Roofing, 1211 Broadwater Ave., 633-3251. C O S & Assoc., 751 Antelope Place, 208-9914. DLH Marketing Group Inc., 2116 Broadwater Ave., Suite 201, 850-9371. Freedom Lawn Care and Services, 2952 Georgina Drive, 839-1686. Affinity Construction & Roofing LLC, 221 Cape Cod Drive, 208-5948. Hi-Line Roofing of Montana LLC, 6219 Golden Eagle Court, 598-4625. O’Bleness Green Cleaning, 2908 Alaskan Ave., 208-2507. D-7 Roofing LLC, Denver, Colo., 303-758-7663. Americas Best Contractors Inc., 3940 First Ave. S., 245-7663. D.E.M. Handyman, 438-1/2 Terry Ave., 647-8067. Big Sky Construction and Roofing Inc., 1202 Ninth St. W., 545-1002. Morrison Roofing and Siding, 1090 Strawberry Ave., 698-8804. D Nizmo Customs, 5801 Elysian Road, 696-7928. AT&T Authorized Retailer, 2455 Central Ave., 656-5949. Critelli Glass Inc., 2500 Grand Ave., 652-0001. Georges Distributing, Helena, 442-3980. Bjelland Properties, 34 Broadwater Ave., 670-9984. Gallogly Construction, 828 Westgate Drive, 281-4738. Stillwater Ventures, 2938 Arnold Palmer Drive, 860-0741.

In-Ex Designs, Lakewood, Colo., 256-7076. Equipoise Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork PLLC, 6735 Highway 312, 696-9540. Platinum Home Innovations Inc., 2920 Minnesota Ave., 850-7698. Questa Resources, 848 Main St., 253-3844. John Houghtaling, 2024 Ninth Ave. N., 690-9609. Morales Construction, 335 Camel Place, 690-4475. Hair Because We Care, 1216 16th St. W., Suite 30, 245-6135. Pasini Designs, 521 Killarney St., 598-7343. Selman Roofing, Worden, 670-6669. Hail Team 6, 2120 Lampman Drive, Unit A, 272-6550. Setzer Roofing & Construction LLC, Lewistown, 565-0380. Westec Construction Management Company, Longmont, Colo., 303-684-9900. AT&T Authorized Retailer, 895 Main St., 294-7186. TLS Consulting, 1050 El Rancho Drive, 259-7137. Spicy Pickle Sandwich Company, 900 S. 24th St. W., Suite 6, 969-3012. Ernest Garcia LLC, 3025 Gloxinia Drive, 671-9229. Rick’s Painting and Contracting, 3015 Stanford Drive, 671-0091. Reliabuild Construction LLC, Acton, 861-9630. M W Construction, Huntley, 202-3506. TC Construction, 2227 Golden Blvd., 697-1879. Jan Kusmierz LMT RP, 1668 Gleneagles Blvd., 855-2048. Lawn Scapes of Billings, 1225 Yale Ave., 671-6025. HB Green Star, Dallas, Texas,

545-2180. Hard Hat Consulting LLC, 1911 Eighth Ave. N., 702-0816. KC Exteriors, 3808 Slalom Drive, 214-2848. J and J Sew and Vac, 383 Windsor Circle S., 534-1390. Big Sky Science Education Enhancement Inc., 3945 Teal St., 655-9594. JR’s Roofing and Siding LLC, 2116 Broadwater Ave., 662-7111. Brenna Becker, Glendive, 672-0563. Prohibition, LLC, 118 N. 28th St., 690-8676. Nicks & Chips, 215 Calhoun Lane, 839-7315. Don Jones Consulting, 4368 Huckleberry Lane S., 698-0933. Landrie, 4622 Arden Ave., 697-9781. Randy Burns, 420 Beverly Hill Blvd., 670-7829. Le’Dulgence, 322 Prospectors Lane, 647-9040. Parrott Brothers Moving Company, 1550 Country Manor Blvd., 697-8397. Bob Williams Contracting, 5411 Frontier Drive, 240-2392. Mark Samuel Miller Construction, 2002 Mariposa Lane, 647-2223. Enoch Enterprises, 707 Westgate Drive, 672-7566. Reynolds Inspection and Construction LLC, 741 Terry Ave., 698-8438. Cave Spring Consulting, 1911 Eighth Ave. N., 719-569-2692. Extreme Machines, 1410 Central Ave., 896-1663. Windsor Auction House Inc., Chatsworth, Calif., 818-646-0162. Torcom Construction LLCA, Racine, Wis., 262-748-7846. The Man Construction, Laurel, August 2014

Business licenses, continued 702-3365. Team KWC, 17 Skeena St., 548-0307. J & J Lawn Care, 324 Yellowstone Ave., 839-0900. Murphy Roofing LLC, Ballantine, 321-1212. David Simpson Construction LLC, Augusta, 855-9933. Horgdal Construction LLC, 901 N. 19th St., 534-2242. Patrick Onstad, 520 O’Malley Drive, 697-2284. JNT Enterprises, 4420 Jansma

Ave., 252-2648. Curt Robbins Reliable Construction LLC, Columbus, 322-5516. Joe Bath Construction, 207 S. Crestwood Drive, 939-2838. Ridgeway Roofing Inc., 4465 Robbie Lane, 861-6658. Profitwise, 1439 Ave. D, 2841999. A & A Technology, 1104 Sierra Granda Blvd., 671-5880. Artos Group, 625 Yellowstone Ave., 839-0071.

Merrell Construction, 1317 Yellowstone River Road, 697-5667. Tasha Wickens LCPC, 2110 Overland Ave., Suite 115B, 8556278. Rimrock Roofing, 1430 Country Manor Blvd., 281-7840. Tracy’s Painting and Powerwashing, 2973 Colonial Place, 969-3464. Broken Arrow Construction, 2937 Alaskan Ave., 256-7126. Beverage & Food Group Inc., Bluffton, S.C., 843-837-9115.

Billings Lawn and Sprinkler Services, 1602 Wicks Lane, 7942334. L & M Woodworking, Laurel, 698-6427. Casey Smith Construction, Shepherd, 672-7188. Binek Contracting, Columbus, 321-4148. Perschon Associates, Helena, 461-6672. Skro’s Cleaning Service, 3440 Granger Ave. S., 598-4039. Vagabond Delivery Services,

108 N. 23rd St., 647-9482. Delivery 2U, 107 Birchwood Drive, 652-1182. Ritz Tire, 536 Sugar Ave., 794-2060. P & E Home Improvement, 5417 Spring Stone Ave., 545-9336. Task Masters, 737 Key City Drive, 672-3245. Allen’s Siding, 1202 Ave. D, 860-6947. Frame Consulting, 1911 Eighth Ave. N., 860-4098. Barlow Service, 1249 N. Front-

age Road, 697-0644. Happy Homes Cleaning Services, 1626 Elaine St., 850-4921. JT Management, 2650 Burlington Ave., 656-0152. Lounsbury & Associates Inc., Shepherd, 907-272-5451. Stanley Covergent Security Solutions Inc., Indianapolis, Ind., 770-689-2143. The Roofer Direct LLC, Monroe, Ga., 927-6565. Jurassic Quest Inc., 308 Sixth Ave. N., 281-627-8733.

Dodge and Casey Smith, all of Bozeman: Hot beverage brewing system and use thereof. 8,739,689. June 3. Alpha Dominiche Ltd. of Salt Lake City, Utah. Robert E. Able of Bozeman: High-speed triple string drilling system. 8,739,902. June 3. Dura

Drilling, Inc. of Bozeman. Gordon Smith of Littleton, Colo.; Terry Wallace of Silver Bow; Emiko Gordon of Westminster, Colo., and Matt Canetto of Centennial, Colo.: Electronic bill payment with variable payment options. 8,744,959. June 3.

MoneyGram International, Inc. of Minneapolis, Minn. Gerald Lee Schmidt of Bozeman: Telescopic sight ring mounts alignment tool. 8,745,914. June 10. Luke R. Mauritsen of Belgrade; Michael B. Simmonds of

Bozeman, and Dan Griffing of Bozeman: Low vibration cryocooled system for low temperature microscopy and spectroscopy applications. 8,746,008. June 10. Montana Instruments Corporation of Bozeman. Lee E. Cannon of Bozeman:

Multi-player bingo game with multi-level award amount pattern mapping. 8,753,188. June 17. IGT of Las Vegas, Nev. John Andrew Nelsen of Bozeman: Ornamental design for a sheet good with surface pattern. D707,045. June 17.

Carol Susan Schuman, 725 N. 25th St., No. 205, June 9. Adam Lee Hinman, Jenny Rebecca Hinman, 214 Durland Ave., Laurel, June 13. Rashell Kay Mundt, 3356 Mcintosh Drive, June 13. Scott H. Powell, Kerry Lynn

Powel, 4540 Scandia Road, Shepherd, June 15. James Hayden, 912 Ahoy, APT. A, June 15. Jason D. Goselin, Adea M. Goselin, 1764 Broadview Drive, June 15. Margaret A. Franklin, 1120 Lincoln Lane No. 9, June 16.

John Lee Card III, 1804 Lewis Ave., June 16. Douglas John Stierle, P. O. Box 50183, June 17. Wade Julian Bomar, Jacqueline Yvonne Bomar, 275 Westchester Square South, June 18. Chester Sam Walter, Mary

Arlene Walter, 2042 Quanta Lane, June 18. Judith Maureen Morgan, 2906 Manhattan Drive, June 18. Kathleen Joann Chatty Larsen, P.O. Box 1162, Red Lodge, June 26. Julian Geronimo Martin, Jenny Lynn Martin, P.O. Box 142, Shepherd,

June 27.

Montana patents Below are listed U.S. patents issued to Montana inventors June 3-17, 2014. For assistance in patent filing, call Billings patent attorney Antoinette M. Tease 406-2949000. Khristian Bombeck, Casey

Bankruptcies Billings-area filings in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, June 1-30, 2014. Addresses are in Billings unless otherwise noted. Chapter 7 Brittany Jo Kirkegard, 932 Cook Ave., June 3.

Chapter 13 Brenda Merline Johnson, P.O. Box 22061, June 9. Kim Mark Feldt, Nancy Jean Feldt, P.O. Box 448, Columbus, June 9.

Residential Permits 456 Blossom Place, Sikveland, Daniel T., Dynasty Construction & Repair, $5,400 1836 Mulberry Drive, Carrie — 4517 Shasta Lane, Moore, — 17 Riley Drive, Harbour Klein, Apex Construction LLC, Clay W., $11,200 Land Holdings LLC-Seri, Yochum $6,945 2726 Palm Drive, Singh BhupinContracting Inc.., $5,700 4511 Lux Ave., Kautzman, 1833 Iris Lane, Brosovich, Carol, der, $7,740 Monica L. & Melinda K., $4,000 502 Miles Ave., Aldrich, James Weber Gary Construction Inc., 337 Cherry Hills Road, HoiK., K-Designers, $10,085 $26,000 I August 2014 44

Demolition Permit Residential

Addition Single/ Duplex/Garage

640 Poly Drive, McDowell, ness, Christin P. & Tracy A., Fisher Gregory S., Loterbauer Greg ConConstruction Inc., $56,000 2117 Mariposa Lane, Lofthouse, struction, $15,000 3010 Golden Acres Drive, Thole, Larry & Dawn, AHB Construction, Gary Joseph, $1,890 $3,060 1101 Babcock Blvd., Woller, JefNew Garage frey M., $156,400 1112 Fredrick Lane, Uzelac, — 3221 Central Ave., Casey AnJoseph W., $27,300

derson, Steadfast Builders, $33,600 1340 Ave. D, Popp-Ketterling, Bonnie, P & R Construction, $21,840 312 S. 34 St., Serfazo, Mike W. & Janine M., $13,860 5844 Autumnwood Drive, Breen, Thomas B. Jr. & Sheila A., $2,850 Billingsbusiness

Residential Permits, continued ment, $165,900 1715 Morocco Drive, Sbarrow Const., Sbarrow Construction Inc., $230,835 3132 Harrier Lane, Trent Buscher, Trent Buscher Construction, $250,620 2843 Cumberland Hill Road, Sunset Construction, Sunset Construction LLC, $188,485 3036 Western Bluffs Blvd., JKC Inc., JKC Inc., $228,030 1648 Hidden Cove Lane, McCall Development Inc., McCall Development, $278,170 New Single Family 3233 McMasters Road, Dan Lowe Const., Lowe Dan Construction, $356,530 — Rosewyn Lane, Jim Colvn, 536 Boca Raton Road, Ron New West Construction, $150,000 S. Hill Living Trust, Specialized 1642 Hollyhock St., McCall Development Inc, McCall Develop- Construction, $226,725 1542 Shaw Lane, Twin Oaks ment, $299,995 Corporation, Twin Oaks Corp., 1783 Heritage Walk, P & R $159,120 Construction , P & R Construction, 3533 Dunlop Ave., Augustine, $191,290 Clayton & Erin, Bam Construction, 1538 Shaw Lane, Twin Oaks $301,284 Corporation, Twin Oaks Corp., 3438 Lucky Penny Lane, Oak$146,280 3450 Lucky Penny Lane, Classic land Built Homes Inc., Oakland Built Homes Inc., $172,510 Design Homes , Classic Design 1233 Twin Lakes Drive, Clyde Homes, $201,665 H. Larsen & Sons Construction, Art 1546 Shaw Lane, Twin Oaks Work Builders, $151,840 Corporation, Twin Oaks Corp, 1219 Twin Lakes Drive, Clyde $143,520 H. Larsen & Sons Construction, Art 1634 Silver Run Trail, Jeff Work Builders, $180,990 Junkert Construction Inc , Jeff 3422 Lucky Penny Lane, OakJunkert Construction Inc., $182,660 land Built Homes Inc., Oakland Built 2841 Cumberland Hill Road, Homes Inc., $171,625 Sunset Construction , Sunset 5725 Mountain Front Ave., Construction LLC, $189,140 Trails West Homes LLC, Trails West 3221 Peregrine Lane, Oppegaard, Cliffton, Premier Build- Homes LLC, $205,170 1539 Tania Circle, Dawson ing & Design Inc., $290,260 1636 Hidden Cove Lane, McCall Builders, Dawson Builders, Development Inc, McCall Develop- $214,560 4605 N Hollow Brook Drive, ment, $219,440 1617 Hidden Cove Lane, McCall Boyer Land LLC, Design Builders Development Inc, McCall Develop- Inc., $276,390 135 Lewis Ave , McFarland, David R., $19,425 3909 4 Ave. S., Rogers, Gene, $7,000 1954 Miles Ave., Schieno, Michael E. & Linda, $21,840 1728 Janie St., Lindstrom, Nancy J., $20,160 1106 Moon Valley Road, Cross, John R. & Lynette K., $44,800 2909 Melrose Lane, Herman Seibert, $8,400 4147 Murphy Ave., Dassinger, Dean, $15,960

Billingsbusiness

New Two Family — 170 W. Antelope Trail, Finley, Daniel Kenneth, $415,515 907 Mossman Drive, Korell, Jacob L. & Karen L., V.W.C. Inc., $315,395 5925 Foxtail Loop W., Classic Design Homes, Classic Design Homes, $340,060

Remodel Single/ Duplex/Garage — 2546 Terry Ave., Chris & Nicky Shaubel, Big Sky Exterior Designs Inc., $5,700 5340 Vintage Lane, Markovich, Steven J. & Julie A., 5 Star Pool And Spa, $25,000 2 Stanford Court, Stevens, Nathan R. & May H., Platt Construction, $30,000 617 Ave. D, McNeese, Chad W., Clear-Cut Construction LLC, $10,000 1418 King Charles St., Rowe, Jerry D. & Beverly A., $12,000 2930 Arnold Palmer Drive, Stambaugh, Ernest C. & Rebecca, Pella Window Store, $1,500 3804 Heritage Drive, Dunlop, Lowell A. & Janet E., Stevens Renovations Plus, $360 2317 Elm St., Hahn, Edward Joseph Trustee, $700 934 Poly Drive, Denny Salveson, DPS Company LLC, $32,280 2215 Yellowstone Ave., Pacot, Connie J., Pella Window Store, $1,100 246 Alta Vista Ave., Zink Family Trust, K-Designers, $6,921 2204 22 St. W., Waller, Arnold J. & Vernice V., All Season Construction, $1,500

2034 Ave. D, Short, Daniel E. II & Tracy A., All Season Construction, $800 1661 Country Manor Blvd., Devera, Craig A., District 7 HRDC, $400 114 S. 31 St., Propriedad LLC, Big Sky Exterior Designs Inc., $7,000 40 Rhea Lane, Houser, Lloyd J. & Terry J., Construction By Design, $4,000 282 Prospectors Lane, Brown, Aaron M. & Jennifer, Highlands Construction Inc., $2,200 4115 June Drive, Martinson, Michael A. & Kim L., $15,000 3035 Western Bluffs Blvd.,

BTS Inc., Classic Design Homes, $27,820 2544 Irving Place, Montague, Christopher J., Loterbauer Greg Construction, $30,000 2521 10 Ave. N., Westwood Ranch Limited Partner, $25,000 2120 Patricia Lane, Busby, Mary E., $200 442 Greenspring Place, Wittmayer, Cheryl J., One Source Construction LLC, $210 4130 Murphy Ave., Gutierrez, Randy L. & Lisa M., Liberty Works, $2,100 727 Shamrock Lane, Kungas, Gary M. & Elaine A., Lynnrich Inc., $2,839

1831 Poly Drive, Alford, Donald L., Lynnrich Inc., $6,959 925 Aronson Ave., Blake, James A. & Ester V., Lynnrich Inc., $453 316 Grand Ave., Colton, Shane D. & Gina M., $12,500 1207 Harney Drive, Peers, Howard S., Alpha-Omega Disaster, $5,000 2729 E. Bridger Drive, Bergeron, Donald C. Jr. & Evelyn, Stevens Renovations Plus, $230 1207 Harney Drive, Peers, Howard, $3,000 398 Stewart Court, Klang Steven D. & Barbara A., Big Sky Exterior Designs Inc., $5,000 3114 Lohof Drive, Harrington,

Our Business is to Improve Your Business We always strive to do what’s best for you and your business to help you succeed. Rely on us to be your financial partner and resource. Jason Hagadone, Business Lending Manager 406-651-2315 • jhagadone@altanafcu.org

altanafcu.org 406.651.AFCU (2328)

August 2014

Residential Permits, continued Scott N. & Teresa A., Freyenhagen Construction Inc., $15,000 409 Kuhlman Drive, Ketterling, Bruce L. & Christin, Bruce Tall Construction And Design Inc., $5,000 815 Wicks Lane, Koffler, David L., A Montana State Roofing LLC, $4,575 2204 22 St. W., Waller, Arnold J. & Vernice V., All Season Construc-

tion, $1,000 5320 Rocky Mountain Blvd., Kenamore Claire, Thompson Const. Co. Inc.-Pools, $15,000 1732 Songbird Drive, McCall Development Inc. 370 31 St. W., Kline, Russell M. & Janet A., JRB Construction, $3,000 3705 Colin Drive, Day, Ruben R. & Nancy T., Win-Dor Industries,

$1,019 3103 Henesta Drive, Rochon, Steven J., Win-Dor Industries, $1,427 2009 Gorham Park Drive, Astle, Mark, Win-Dor Industries, $13,672 3029 Demaret Place, Olsen, Robert L. & Carole A., Win-Dor Industries, $4,487 2124 Ridgeview Drive, Strecker,

Store, $800 1715 Morocco Drive, Errol & Sharrie Galt, Sbarrow Construction Inc., $21,825 811 S. 32 St., Mathison, Valorie, One Source Construction LLC, $420 1714 St. Johns Ave., Henkel, Elizabeth J., Pella Window Store, $1,175 3343 Racquet Drive, Sebree,

Ryan J. & Patricia A., Win-Dor Industries, $1,492 935 Dixon St., Markegard, Raechelle M., Win-Dor Industries, $1,019 323 Broadwater Ave., Evangelical United MethodistChurch, Grace Construction, $40,000 231 Yellowstone Ave., La Galy, Richard J. & Doris M., Pella Window

Andrew, All Phase Builders, $2,700 4110 Phillip St., Lagge, Dorothy L. Trustee, One Source Construction LLC, $865 1808 Patricia Lane, Bodine, Rodney L. & Kami E., One Source Construction LLC, $1,300 The city also issued, 1,174 building permits for roofs, siding and fencing.

Billings Commercial Building Permits Fence/Roof/Siding

1501 Country Manor Blvd.

RJB Inc

Chapel Custom Handywork

$5,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

1345 Elaine St.

School District 2

Empire Roofing Inc.

$550,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

1818 Main St.

Chilton Wayne A & Celia D.

Improvements & Construction By

$9,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

1818 Main St.

Chilton Wayne A & Celia D.

Improvements & Construction By

$10,000

New 3/4 Family

633 Presidents Place

Hanser Capital Holdings LLC

Hanser Construction Company,

$692,250

New 3/4 Family

618 Presidents Place

Hanser Capital Holdings LLC

Hanser Construction Company

$692,250

New 3/4 Family

625 Presidents Place

Hanser Capital Holdings LLC

Hanser Construction Company

$692,250

New 3/4 Family

640 Presidents Place

Hanser Capital Holdings LLC

Hanser Construction Company

$692,250

New 3/4 Family

641 Presidents Place

Hanser Capital Holdings LLC

Hanser Construction Company

$692,250

Remodel

4120 King Ave. W.

Montana Sapphire LLC

$120,000

Remodel

325 Lake Elmo Drive

LC Partners LLC

Remodel

605 24 St. W.

M & K Inc.

Remodel

3429 Transtech Way

Bottrell Family Investments LI

Remodel

820 N. 31 St.

School District 2

Remodel

401 N. 23 St.

Dumas Wollochett LLC

Remodel

777 4 Ave. N.

Pacific Hide And Fur Depot

Remodel

2460 Village Lane

Remodel

Langlas & Assoc. Inc.

$28,900

Jones Construction Inc.

$70,000

Treco Constructors Inc.

$10,000

Dick Anderson Construction

$406,000

Sharp Construction LLC

$6,000

Dick Anderson Construction

$72,857

Iret-Rocky Meadows LLC

Elite Construction

$10,000

1550 Country Manor Blvd.

Iret Country Meadows 2 LLC

Elite Construction

$13,000

Remodel-Change In Use

1340 15 St. W.

Town Pump

Fence/Roof/Siding

66 W. Antelope Trail

Jillaine L. Haight Revocable Trust

Fence/Roof/Siding

2419 Montana Ave.

Computers Unlimited

New Other

750 Parkway Lane

Iseman Homes Of Montana Inc.

New Store/Strip Center

1221 Wicks Lane

Larry Grosulak

Remodel

3231 Granger Ave. E.

Remodel

1812 19 St. W.

I August 2014

Cucancic Construction Inc.

$330,000

TJ Construction Inc.

$20,000

Empire Htg. & Cooling

$18,658

Eggart Engineering & Construct

$101,121

Hardy Construction Co.

$363,390

School District 2

General Contractors Const. Co. Inc.

$171,395

School District 2

General Contractors Const. Co. Inc.

$590,000

Billingsbusiness

Outdoor living with natural gas.

1-800-638-3278 Montana-Dakota.com • clean • abundant • affordable • efficient • reliable • safe • domestic • environmentally friendly •

In the Community to Serve®

Billings Commercial Building Permits, continued Remodel

3700 Madison Ave.

School District 2

Dick Anderson Construction

$502,000

Remodel

1812 19 St. W.

School District 2

General Contractors Const. Co. Inc.

$330,000

Remodel

415 Broadwater Ave.

School District 2

Hardy Construction Co.

$241,000

Remodel

415 Broadwater Ave.

School District 2

Hardy Construction Co.

$315,000

Remodel

637 Anchor St.

Billings Heights Post 6774

Remodel

820 N. 31 St.

School District 2

Remodel

1595 Grand Ave.

West Park Shopping Center LLC

Remodel

$65,000 Dick Anderson Construction

$150,000

Jackson Contractor Group Inc.

$280,000

1116 Grand Ave.

1116 Grand Ave LLC

$500

Remodel-Change In Use

4220 State Ave.

Windmill Properties LLC

Jones Construction Inc.

$200,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

1400 Broadwater Ave.

Levy Charles L.

$6,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

597 Black Diamond Road

Taylor Edwin & Connie

$17,400

New Restaurant/Casino/Bar

1602 Main St.

McDonalds

Langlas & Assoc. Inc.

$527,726

New Warehouse/Storage

3601 1 Ave. S.

Cereal Foods West Inc.

$136,500

Remodel

221 29 St. W.

School District 2

Star Service Inc.

$765,000

Remodel

415 N .30 St.

School District 2

Dick Anderson Construction

$52,500

Remodel

415 Broadwater Ave.

School District 2

Hardy Construction Co.

$300,000

Remodel

1041 N. 29 St.

Sisters Of Charity Of Leavenworth

Langlas & Assoc. Inc.

$59,000

Remodel

601 24 St. W.

M & K Inc.

Viaventure Construction

$25,000

Remodel

2802 Belvedere Drive

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

$500

Remodel

115 N. 24 St.

Sage Tower Partners RLLLP

Remodel

3109 1 Ave. N.

Alternatives Inc.

Remodel

L J Roofing

Big Sky Maintenance Inc.

$8,297

Dutton Construction

$500

542 Main St.

Probuild

$3,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

3940 1 Ave. S.

Americas Best Contractors Inc.

America’s Best Contractors Inc.

$3,700

Fence/Roof/Siding

5620 S Frontage Road

Cbocs West Inc.

C’s Construction Of Billings

$22,312

Fence/Roof/Siding

1502 38 St. W.

Beeter Roger J. & Nancy M.

Chapel Custom Handywork

$5,000

New Store/Strip Center

4188 State Ave.

T & N Properties

Family Dollar Store

$420,000

Remodel

3203 3 Ave. N.

KTVQ Communications Inc.

Langlas & Assoc. Inc.

$6,000

Remodel

3178 Gabel Road

Copper King Resources Inc.

Jones Construction Inc.

$30,000

Remodel

3100 Rimrock Road

Lifeway Church Of Billings

T Davis Construction Inc.

$50,000

Remodel

3100 Rimrock Road

Lifeway Church Of Billings

T Davis Construction Inc.

$1,000

Remodel

751 S . 18 St. W.

International Church Of The Fo

$4,500

Remodel

1105 1 Ave. N.

Rookhuizen Edward J. & Dianna

Hulteng Inc.

$4,987

Remodel

1320 Mineral Place

Jensen-Hunt Gina

One Source Construction LLC

$11,000

Billingsbusiness

August 2014

You Too Can Capitalize On OppOrtunities Let us help with your business banking needs!

King Ave 655-2700 ÂŠ 2014 Stockman Bank 48

I August 2014

| Member FDIC

Hilltop & Main 896-4800

Shiloh & Grand 655-3900

Downtown 655-2400

14th & Grand 371-8100

Worden 967-3612