Billings Business Feb. 2015 by Billings Gazette

5 Minutes witH

Trent Currie

BTU Busters

Industrial Park

Eggart Engineering and Construction

February 2015

New

Growth Two firms aim to spur job opportunities in Lockwood area

Sugar beet farmers can expect better year in 2015, says Western Sugar Cooperative CEO

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

CONTENTS

February 2015

An indispensable business resource On the Cover Engine mechanic Luke Jones unpacks parts for an engine rebuild at Weave Management Group and Warren Trucking.

Photo by Larry Mayer

FEATURES

New growth................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 6 Two firms aim to spur job opportunities in Lockwood area

Industrial park.................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16 Eggart Engineering and Construction’s new home completes industrial subdivision

Western Sugar CEO: Sugar beet farmers can expect better year in 2015............................. 18 Columns

Economic Development..........................................................................................................................................................................10 Deanna Langman - Interested in doing business with the government? Follow these tips

Sales Moves...........................................................................................................................................................................................................14

24 Hour Emergency Flood & Fire Restoration Services Commercial & Residential

Jeffery Gitomer - Follow these tips for responding to customers’ barriers Eggart Engineering and Construction’s new home completes industrial subdivision, Page 16

Tech Connection...............................................................................................................................................................................................19 Shaun Brown - Hybrid cloud solution may be best bet for small businesses

Marketing Cooler.............................................................................................................................................................................................22 Dana Pulis - In business, transparency matters, but authenticity rules

Better Business..................................................................................................................................................................................................23 Erin T. Dodge - Don’t fall for scammers’ use of threats, intimidation

Flood or Fire, we will restore your property from beginning to end. Complete Reconstruction

Legal Briefing.......................................................................................................................................................................................................24

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

Travel & Leisure.................................................................................................................................................................................................41

Preferred by Major Insurance Companies.

Eric Nord - Discrimination claims could apply to commercial property cases Billie Ruff - For peace of mind, travel insurance can be a good idea billings BUSINESS EVERY MONTH

From the Editor........................................................................................................................................................................................................4 By the numbers......................................................................................................................................................................................................5

406-628-0178

—24 hour contact line—

www.alphaomegapros.com

The local economy at a glance

Chamber News.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 11 Jennifer Reiser - Next Chamber excursion takes in Austria, Germany

Billings Business is mailed each month

Five Minutes with............................................................................................................................................................................................12

to area business owners, managers and

Business Briefs..................................................................................................................................................................................................38

To subscribe, please send payment, name, business name,

Trent Currie - BTU Busters

Success Stories.................................................................................................................................................................................................39 Page 12 Five minutes with Trent Currie

I February 2015

The Listings............................................................................................................................................................................................................46

decision makers for $19.95 per year. mailing address and phone number to:

Billings Business 401 North Broadway Billings, MT 59101 Billingsbusiness

SECURITY YOU CAN TRUST, FROM PEOPLE YOU KNOW.

BUSINESS LOANS Downtown Broadway • 2812 1st Ave. N. • 371.8200 Grand & 24th Street • 2401 Grand Ave. • 238.8800 Heights Wicks • 1546 Main St. • 238.8880 Heights at Western Center • 495 Main St. • 371.8320 King Avenue • 2675 King Ave. W. • 238.8150 Laurel • 20 Montana Ave. • 628.8676 Lockwood • 2845 Old Hardin Rd. • 247.8430 Billingsbusiness

westernsecuritybank .com

February 2015

the editor

S pending less on gas ? H ere ’ s

February 2015 • VOLUME 21 • NUMBER 4

what to do with the windfall The U.S. Energy Information Agency predicts the average American family will save about $750 this year because gas prices have tumbled below $2 per gallon. It’s a pretty good bet that prices will trend upward as the summer driving season begins. Barring some kind of worldwide catastrophe, however, prices in 2015 are expected to be lower overall than they were last year. For historical reference, Billings gas prices hovered at around $3 per gallon one year ago, then climbed to around $3.60 a gallon through the summer. Then the steep downward spiral started in late September. So what do you plan to do with all of that money you’re saving from cheaper gas? Already, many Americans are plunking down money for new pickups and SUVs, apparently oblivious to the fact that gas prices will inevitably go back up. But there’s an up-side to this equation. The newest full-size vehicles get much better gas mileage than the gas guzzlers that Americans grew to love during the ‘90s. You might be tempted to march down to your local electronics store and spend your savings on an iPhone 6. This modern status symbol is selling for between $200 and $300, depending on what features come with it. Yes, it’s tempting to blow your money on a glitzy phone or a shiny new ride. But in a tribute to my tightfisted Scottish grandmother, here are a few downto-earth suggestions for what to do with your 2015 cheap-gas windfall.

I February 2015

n Pay off that credit card balance. The math is pretty simple here. The average variable-rate card charges 15 percent interest per year, according to Bankrate.com. Paying off a $750 balance would save more than $100 in interest charges in a year. n Join a health club. Yes, lots of folks have already broken their New Year’s resolutions to get in shape for 2015. But many health clubs offer nice discounts this time of year. Your future, healthier self will be thankful for those long hours spent on the treadmill, in a yoga class or pumping iron. Of course, this is a smart idea only if you actually make use of the membership. n Boost the contribution to your 401(k) or IRA. As dull as this idea sounds, you’ll grow to enjoy the virtues of delayed gratification. By spending less now, you’ll have more money to spend once you reach retirement age. With help from a trusted financial adviser or a reliable online investment website, you can learn how a relatively small investment, made now, can grow into a decent-sized nest egg, thanks to the magic of compound interest. n If you have children, it’s always a good idea to contribute to a qualified college savings plan. n Invest in yourself. Take a cooking class that emphasizes healthier, money-saving meals. Or maybe now’s the time to learn Spanish. You could even hone your job skills with a certification that could lead to advancement in your career. Admittedly, these suggestions might sound as dull as a plate of room-temperature spinach. But trust me. You’ll thank me and my Scottish grandmother later.

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

editor

SALES

General manager

dave worstell

Director of major accounts,

ryan brosseau shelli scott ADVERTISING Sales gail ball advertising Coordinator linsay duty

classified and digital sales

RETAIL Sales 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 March 2015 issue is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3. 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 Shiloh & Grand 655-3900

HOW LOW WILL OIL GO? The rig count in North Dakota fell to 159 on Jan. 12, the lowest level since November 2012, in response to oil prices that have fallen below $50 a barrel. Meanwhile, several Bakken operators have announced plans to curtail drilling in 2015. Source: North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources

Billings housing starts

Downtown 655-2400

60 50

400

300

60 5 50 4

409

August to December 2013

November

December

August to December 2014

Aug.

Oct.

Bozeman

Ag prices Montana Beef Cattle

(per bushel)

(per cwt.)

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

7 6

150

5 3 2

August to December 2013

Unemployment

200

100

August September October November December

August to November 2013 August to November 2014

Source: Montana Department of Transportation

Source: National Park Service

Montana winter wheat

Nov.

August to November 2013 August to November 2014

2014

Oct.

Missoula

Glacier National Park

YTD Through Dec. 31

Sept.

August to November 2013 August to November 2014

Nov.

August to November 2013 August to November 2014

Source: City of Billings

Billingsbusiness

Sept.

Yellowstone National Park

2013

Aug.

Billings

0 October

100 September

392

200

8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

1 500

August

Worden 967-3612

Airport boardings

National park visitors

New single-family home building permits

14th & Grand 371-8100

In thousands

Hilltop & Main 896-4800

In hundred thousands

King Ave 655-2700

www.stockmanbank.com

1 August September October November December

August to December 2014

April

May

Montana

June

July

Aug.

Yellowstone County

Sept.

Oct.

Nov.

U.S.

Source: Montana Department of Labor and Industry

February 2015

new

Industrial Park could mean Weave Management Group and Warren Trucking at 2348 North Frontage Road. Photo by LARRY MAYER

By TOM HOWARD

T wo local firms hope to spur job opportunities in the L ockwood area by developing an industrial park that would include a transloading facility designed to boost transportation efficiency .

The proposed Trailhead Commerce Park is a partnership between Weave Management Group and MCL Holdings. The site appears to be well situated for a transportation-oriented business. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adjacent to Montana Rail Link tracks and is near Interstate 90 and Interstate 94. The area is also within the corridor of the proposed Billings Bypass, a $111 million project that would connect Interstate 90 with Highway 312. Weave Management Group,

I February 2015

founded by Jim and Diane Weaver, operates a family of affiliated companies. They include: Warrant Transport, a trucking company that operates a fleet of more than 90 trucks and 140 trailers; Environmental Materials Inc., which handles and stores fly ash, lime kiln dust and other materials; Enviroworks, which specializes in soil stabilization, and concrete and asphalt pulverizing; Quarry Services Inc., which specializes in aggregate mining and hauling;

Billingsbusiness

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and Weave Consulting, which provides environmental consulting services to private and public agencies. MCL Holdings owns property ALEXANDER adjacent to land controlled by Weave Management. The two firms own a combined 600 acres, although about 180 acres of the parcel aren’t being proposed for development because they are located within a desigHTS nated floodway of the Yellowstone River. About 379 acres of the property is within BRIARthe GREENof the 100-year FloodANNADALE Fringe area ANNADALE ANN BOCA RATON AD AR allowed N BRIis E Yellowstone. New development AL E S R LL G E CHERRY HI D FOOT E within this area, with proper permitting. R MATADOR RIA K W and Vu Pham, operations manager NB RIS E CORTEZ HILLCR SIERRA GRANDE EST general counsel for Weave Management EE BALTUSRO MO EL RANCHO TR G L DE IN E PINEH SIESTA A partners ST AST the RN Group, saidTIthe recognize URS E RR A BU PANN LA BE CLA T KE DO R E A Mtransloading ONT R LITA need for developing a facility O S OAKMONT L AK GLEN HAVEN AN WICKS E PEBBLE BEACH DF HI Transloadwith L LE adjoining warehousing. BR LS TER ALMADIN OA TAM O'SHAN DM ing increases efficiency by transferring WICKS OO BOHL R NOTTINGHAM cargo — usually in standardized containARISTOCRAT ers — between trucks and railcars. S S PROSPECTORS A L GG REVOLUTION O K IN Pham said the developers like IC would N UBL REP OM ATIO CK R CO ED Aplans K to break ground next year, but are E KOOTENAI L JACK & JILL CONSTITUTION FR EC AB ASH D B LE CALICO EN Y contingent on whether water and sewer DM SILVERDOLLAR GINGER EN T UARIUS L EC SA C GSENORA AQ ORS OL A IS OO STEW TON service become PRI D D available. AT UNE LIBR GAS T S AR N U T S R E T ST S AWB PT T PE TA E ERRY GH S The developers JU Nhave been BE O RUapproached DI PI S CIA LE TAU N O SAR N EVER L R A a number companies interCE GRE of times AT AGEAby EN RMSNT SAHARA ASWANsaid. POPPY ZPham M ested in the industrial park, A CA NZ Y RA IBA LE VA R SPHINX TheVALPort of Northern Montana in N AN Shelby features a transloading facility, BELLE VISTA TEPEE CAMEL but research has shown that the BillMO INDIAN C O K R E WIG N M ings market would benefit WA from a similar ICI ALI CREEK operation. ARIMrecent studyALKthat analyzed TO P inbound and outbound truck traffic found MOUN many trucks enter Montana full but that TAIN V N RIM IEW CHIEF BLACK OTTER TR D VIEW Such inefficiency leave VALLEY empty. could be EA T ST ST UN CRE PARK PLACE G'S SILV RN O N U E I C B construction K E VU reduced with the of a transL N VE G RA H A VE N Tfacility. NDVIEW loading ION 2 A T 1 VA LEY TH 11 MCDONNELL ELE “That’s a huge N issue from a trucking CHANCERY VE N HA 9T AVE Neverything is brought standpoint, when H 8T AVE N E AV trucks go back empty,” in by truck and7T6Hthe TH A LORDWITH N OT VE Pham said. ES N NN HA A 4T AVE N MI AN T E D Ndiscussions The developers AV N held 3R Dhave MO GRAND 2N AVE ST with officials from 1Montana Rail Link, ALDERSON BURLINGTON and also with other businesses that would LEWIS TA

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for Lockwood

This rendering shows the Trailhead Business Park as it relates to Lockwood February 2015

Photo by LARRY MAYER Engine mechanic Luke Jones unpacks parts for an engine rebuild at Weave Management Group and Warren Trucking.

benefit from the development of transloading and warehouse facilities, Pham said. “MRL recognizes that, at present, there is no commercial-sized facility in the Billings area, much less one that includes a commercial warehousing component,” according to a feasibility study for the Trailhead Commerce Park. Sewer and water service are essential 8

I February 2015

to the development of the park, Pham said. The developers have had preliminary discussions with the Lockwood Water and Sewer District. In early January, the Billings City Council expressed support for a proposal to extend water and sewer services to the proposed industrial park, to the ExxonMobil refinery and to Meadowlark Properties, formerly known as Blaine’s

Trailer Court. Meanwhile, Yellowstone County officials have been gathering public comment on the development of a proposed Targeted Economic Development District. A TEDD which is an economic development tool that’s an urban-planning law approved by the 2013 Montana Legislature.

A TEDD uses tax-increment financing to encourage value-added business and industrial development in rural areas. Pham said the Trailhead Industrial Park would benefit if the TEDD is created, but the developers would continue to pursue development of the industrial park if local officials decide not to pursue the TEDD, he said. Billingsbusiness

Is Lockwood ready for TEDD? By TOM HOWARD

While the county commissioners will have the final say, local officials have been busy gathering public comments on a proposal to create a targeted economic development district, a plan that could lead to a new industrial development in the Lockwood area. TEDD is a redevelopment tool that relies on tax increment financing to pay for new infrastructure, such as water and sewer lines, within the designated district. It’s a similar strategy that has been used to encourage development in urban areas through the creation of tax increment financing, or TIF districts. Steve Arveschoug, executive director of Big Sky Economic Development, said the proposal to create a TEDD aims to build on a recent consultant’s study that identified potential industrial areas for new industry. In the study, released last November, consultant KLJ identified three areas for potential development: The 150-acre Spurling Siding site west of Laurel is located near a proposed West Laurel interchange on Interstate 90. It’s bounded by Shay Road on the east, Frank Road on the south and the railroad tracks to the north. Its proximity to the proposed highway interchange is seen as an advantage, and so is its proximity to the existing Montana Rail Link yard. However, property owners have said they aren’t interested in selling at this time. The 230-acre BN Industrial Subdivision in southwestern Billings near Monad Road and South 20th Street West. has Billingsbusiness

an existing rail siding and a number of rail spurs. The site is a potential candidate for infill redevelopment, but nearby residential areas and incompatible land uses within the subdivision could complicate development plans. The site generating the most interest includes 320 acres located near the interchange of Interstate 90 and Interstate 94, the authors noted. The area includes the Trailhead Commerce Park, Montana Peterbilt, Pacific Steel and Recycling’s new recycling center and several other businesses. The site’s location near the proposed Billings Bypass route is also seen as an advantage. “There’s a need for existing industry to have somewhere to grow that has infrastructure that can support that growth,” Arveschoug said at a recent meeting in Lockwood. “We also wanted to make sure that if a new industry came to town, there was a place to point them to.” Developing a TEDD could help Billings remain regionally competitive by having space that’s designed, planned and ready for development, Arveschoug said. Last year, Arveschoug met with officials from Burlington Northern Railroad in Fort Worth, Texas. “We wanted them to know what we are planning,” Arveschoug said. “At the end of the discussion they said we’re doing what we need to do,” by pursing the TEDD, he said. Janet Cornish, a consultant who is working on the TEDD project, said the purpose of the TEDD is to help communities address deficiencies in public infrastructure such as water

or sewer service where those deficiencies create an obstacle or challenge to locating or retaining industries that add value to the economy. “The Montana Legislature recognizes the importance of value-added industries. The U.S. has lost a lot of key manufacturing jobs to other countries, and that has been a drain to our economic resources,” Cornish said. A TEDD district uses a financing system that’s similar to what’s used to encourage development in Tax Increment Financing districts that are used to spur development in downtown areas or other places that have been underdeveloped. In both instances, a base taxable value for an area is established. When new development comes in, the property taxes generated by that development are diverted to pay for improvements. “If a developer comes in and builds a factory, a research lab or a distribution center, the taxes from new development will be used for infrastructure development,” Cornish said. One opponent of TIF financing voiced his concerns during the Lockwood meeting. Kevin Nelson contends that taxes paid by other property owners increase to make up for the taxes that are diverted to pay for the infrastructure within the district. Developing industry is best left up to the free market, Nelson said. Cornish disagrees. “It’s my experience that the overall effect of TIF districts has been positive,” she said. Over the years, TIF districts in Montana have generated more than $20

million in new taxable value. “We have found all over that communities have done well,” when TIF districts have been created, she said.

Lockwood residents voiced some concerns, but also had plenty of questions. Many issues, such as where the boundaries would be located,

have yet to be addressed. Cornish said the concept behind TEDD requires taking a long-term view of economic development.

Congratulations... DARRIN MAAS Our New Billings Heights Branch Manager Stockman Bank is proud to have Darrin lead our Billings Heights branch. With over 17 years of financial experience, he has the knowledge and expertise to help with all your business needs. Stop in and see Darrin today – he’s ready to do business with you!

Hilltop & Main: 496-4835

WWW.STOCKMANBANK.COM February 2015

SPONSORED BY THE big sky economic development

I nterested in doing business with the government ? F ollow these tips Networking events offer an excellent opportunity for government buyers to find companies that stand out from the crowd ...

Deanna Langman Deanna Langman is state director for the Montana Procurement Technical Assistance Center, hosted by Big Sky Economic Development Center. Contact her at 406-869-8410 or by emailing langman@ bigskyeda.org.

I February 2015

Imagine that you are a government buyer and your job is to find responsible, reliable contractors to meet your agency’s need for products or services. You are looking for outstanding companies that are capable of providing the “best value” to the government. Where do you find such companies? Networking events offer an excellent opportunity for government buyers to find companies that stand out from the crowd — companies that could meet an agency’s needs now and in the future. Use the guidelines below to make the most of networking events and to let government buyers know that you are capable and prepared to do business: n Get registered. Doing business with the federal government requires registration with Dun & Bradstreet and the System for Award Management. Registering on state and local websites, though not required, can be beneficial as well. n “Plan your work. Work your plan.” Often attributed to Vince Lombardi, the quote is appropriate for business as well as football. The government buys just about everything, but dif-

ferent agencies buy different products and services. Target your most likely government customers and research their needs and issues. n Be professional. Be friendly, personable and brief. Introduce yourself, and be prepared to describe who you are and what you do in 30 seconds or less. Avoid idle chit-chat. Remember that other businesspeople are waiting to make their pitch, too. n Develop a capabilities statement. A capabilities statement is a vital component of your marketing package, which should also include professional business cards and brochures. Based on your business plan, a capabilities statement highlights who you are, what you do and, above all, makes you stand out from your competitors. A one-page document, your capabilities statement should include the following: Core competencies — your company’s skills, knowledge, expertise, abilities; Past performance — similar work your company has performed for other customers; Differentiators — unique approaches, techniques and/

or benefits that make your company stand out; Company data — location, contact information and details such as size, revenue, insurance/bonding capacity,and geographi-

cal area served. List DUNS and relevant codes such as NAICS, PSC/FSC, NIGP or others. For personal, timely advice on contracting with the government, includ-

ing registering for SAM and developing a capabilities statement, contact the Montana Procurement Technical Assistance Center at 406-869-8410 or visit www. montanaptac.org.

Is your company interested in selling products or services to the government? This is your opportunity to meet one-on-one with government contracting officers! The following Agencies have been invited: Bureau of Indian Affairs Bureau of Land Management Bureau of Reclamation City of Billings Airport Department of Energy Forest Service General Services Administration Indian Health Services Malmstrom Air Force Base MT Department of Transportation MT National Guard National Park Service State of Montana USDA Veterans Administration

Open House…Come any time that works for you! No fee or registration required. MAKE THE MOST OF THIS OPPORTUNITY

Schedule an appointment with the Montana PTAC team to help you prepare or update the following: • Capability Statement • Registered/active in the System for Award Management (SAM) • Completed SBA profile in SAM For assistance with the above items, please contact Deanna at 406-869-8410 or Kathy at 406-869-8413

February 25, 2015, 9AM - 3PM Lillis Center, St John’s Lutheran Ministries, 3940 Rimrock Rd, Billings

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

Chamber Networking Events February Business After Hours 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11 Underriner Motors ZooDrive, Cost is $8.

N ext C hamber excursion takes in A ustria , G ermany Not only do attendees travel somewhere new, but they learn about the economy, culture, people and history of a new land.

Jennifer Reiser Jennifer Reiser is the operations manager of the Billings Chamber of Commerce. Contact her at (406) 869-3734.

Billingsbusiness

The Billings Chamber of Commerce will once again host an international excursion this fall, announcing Austria and Germany as the destination. Since the inception of our international travel program, more than 150 people, both members and nonmembers of the Chamber, have taken the opportunity to explore the world with us. Not only do attendees travel somewhere new, but they learn about the economy, culture, people and history of a new land. The Billings Chamber connects travelers to affordable international travel while offering the chance to foster both personal and professional relationships through extended periods of quality networking. This year’s tour through Austria and Germany will include stops at the Munich Cathedral, Olympic Park, Innsbruck Imperial Palace, Salzburg, Neuschwanstein Castle and many other destinations. The nine-day, seven-night trip departs Oct. 1, 2015, and costs $3,149. The all-inclusive rate covers airfare from Billings to Munich, Germany, first-class accommodations, many meals, ground transportation and professional guide services. This is an exceptional chance to share a new adventure with

your family and friends or use this an opportunity to make new friends. Our tour is once again coordinated by Central Holidays West, a tour operator specializing in group travel since 1972, including their successful excursion with us to Spain last year. The tour agenda begins with arrival in Munich, Germany, followed by a scenic drive to Innsbruck, Austria where the group will stay for seven nights. Tour through Munich and experience the real Oktoberfest, which takes place during the visit. Explore the city of Innsbruck, visit the Neuschwanstein Castle and enjoy a traditional three-course Tyrolean feast with dancing and music. Optional tour add-ons include an excursion to Salzburg, a trip to Merano, Italy, and tours of Mittenwald and GarmischPartenkirchen. Additionally, your stay can be extended with an optional Romantic Road/Nürnberg excursion. If you choose to travel with the Billings Chamber this fall, our home away from home will be Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol, located in the Alpine region of Austria. The city has 140,000 inhabitants and hosts one of the oldest universities in Europe. Innsbruck is a superb destination, situated

in an ideal location. It is best known for its rich cultural heritage and is only a stone’s throw away from Italy and Germany. This splendid city has been the host destination of the Olympic Winter Games twice, in 1964 and in 1976. In Innsbruck, some 160 restaurants, cafes and bars, most of them in walking distance to the old town, offer traditional Tyrolean and

Austrian specialties as well as international dishes. While in the area, we will visit the world famous Oktoberfest to experience tradition, culture and raise your beer stein to toast “Prost!” For more information go to www.billingschamber.com/ join/ and click on “Austria/ Germany 2015” in the right sidebar, or contact Jennifer Reiser at the Billings Cham-

Enter the Tank: Chamber Breakfast 2015 featuring Daymond John 7-9 a.m. Thursday, April 2, Rimrock Auto Arena, MetraPark Cost is $25 per member, $35 per nonmember

berat Jennifer@billingschamber.com or by phone 406-869-3734. The deadline for the Chamber to receive your $500 deposit and for you to receive the early-bird discount is Friday, March 27. You can learn more about this opportunity during a noobligation information night on March 23 at 5:30 p.m. at the Billings Chamber, 815 S. 27th St. Presenting Sponsor

BillingsChamber.com

DAYMOND JOHN from ABC’S SHARK TANK with

April 2nd

| Rimrock Auto Arena

7 - 9 a.m. | Doors open 6 a.m. $25 - members; $35 - non-members (includes breakfast). Purchase by calling 245-4111 or at Tea City in Rimrock Mall.

February 2015

Trent Currie

Saving energy

makes sense, saves cents By TOM HOWARD

Trent Currie owns BTU Busters in Billings. Photo by BOB ZELLAR

I February 2015

Every home is a unique system and can have greatly varying opportunities for improvement. Homes built in the ‘60s typically have greatM ost people understand that saving energy er air leakage than something built in can pad your wallet and make your home more the ‘90s, and that can provide greater paybacks than other improvements. comfortable . T rent C urrie , owner of BTU Sometimes customers are seeking comfort improvements for items like B uster , an energy auditing business , www . a room that is always cold. In these situations we help provide solutions btubuster . com , helps customers discover that solve building issues unrelated where their energy dollars are being lost . to a financial payback. Is there a “magic bullet” in Besides that, he can point people pleted, do you provide additional terms of energy efficiency that can save the most money for a services (caulking, insulation, toward the easiest ways to reap savrelatively small investment? etc.) or do you recommend ings on their utility bills. Here is his Typically, for existing homes that contractors to do that part of the story: are looking for an energy retrofit we business? Tell us a little bit about why find that air leakage is the largest Depending on the scope of work you got into this business and identified in the energy audit we will energy cost for the home. Often the what kinds of services you offer. air leaks are coming from missing provide recommended sub-conOur business was created after a insulation, unsealed pipe penetratractors for the work. However, we former partner had given me a book sometimes do provide the contract- tions and leaky electrical boxes. on the changing economy in the Many of these things can be sealed energy sector. We realized that energy ing services. with a can of spray foam from the Do your audits involve using efficiency and conservation were golocal hardware store. the blower door and smoke to ing to be changing forces for homeLED lighting is said to save a measure air infiltration? owners in the coming future. So, lot of energy, but the investment There are several different levels we started this business to focus on energy efficiency for existing homes, of energy auditing available with the in new equipment can be fairly basic level starting with just a blower expensive. Is the residential building science, comfort and tax market ready for this technoldoor test combined with an infrared incentives for new home construcogy? inspection. The top-tier analysis tion. Since the start of our business LED lighting can be a great includes combustion zone inspecwe have helped commercial develinvestment for homeowners if they tions, blower door testing, infrared opers claim tax credits and average have a high use area. Typically in homeowners figure out what their inspections and an energy simulation to find the quickest paybacks for rooms where you spend several hours next steps for their home should be. such as a living room or an office are energy improvements. Who are your customers? What kind of payback can your the prime candidates. The extended Our customers include existing home owners, new construction, and customers expect when they take life and significantly lower energy steps to improve their energy ef- costs can easily help get a quick paycommercial buildings. back on a low cost LED bulb. When an energy audit is com- ficiency? Billingsbusiness

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February 2015

SALES moves

F ollow these tips for responding to customers ’ barriers ... the right words can create a buying atmosphere and complete a sale in a few minutes.

Jeffrey Gitomer Jeffrey Gitomer is the author of The Sales Bible and The Little Red Book of Selling. Reach him at 704-333-1112 or email salesman@gitomer.com

I February 2015

How do you respond to your customer’s words and barriers? The answer is: carefully, truthfully and with authority. Whether it’s a bold statement in response to a challenge, a promise you make to gain buyer confidence, or a guarantee that provides the prospect with peace of mind, whether it’s an irrefutable fact to prove your point, or it’s your ability to communicate passionately to the prospective buyer, the right words can create a buying atmosphere and complete a sale in a few minutes. The challenge to you, the salesperson, is to be prepared to respond to a challenge, not perplexed by what the customer is demanding and offer some weak excuse — or, worse, give up. I know you’re hoping for some examples, but as I mentally go through my 10 biggest and most creative sales in New York City, I don’t believe any of them serve as good enough generic examples. So rather than be specific, and have non-applicable examples, I can tell you that if someone asks me a question that doubts my ability to deliver, challenges my price or puts up some barrier to “yes,” I make

an irrefutable, comforting guarantee, statement or video that answers their concern and moves me closer to mutual agreement. Or better, I offer a video testimonial of someone else loving my offer and buying. This provides both proof and peace of mind. Having the videos requires work, and many salespeople will try to get by without them. You’ll be able to recognize them at once — they’re the ones that never make sales and blame others for their failings. If someone makes a statement that indicates interest, I immediately ask for a commitment, or at least uncover if that is one of their motives for buying. When someone throws a barrier at me, I take it as both a test and a challenge. Oftentimes I have found that an objection or a barrier actually indicates customer interest, and so I begin my response with a question that helps me understand what their true feelings are, and I might say something like, “Wait a second! Are you saying that (___) is the only thing between you and an order?” And then I proceed from there. But I have taken the barrier or objection and immediately qualified it as

the only one. It amazes me how many salespeople take an objection or a barrier as a defeat. Maybe it’s my attitude or selfconfidence, but I have always looked at an objection as a road bump on the path to a sale.

And if the buyer says that he or she has to consult with others, I immediately ask, “If it were only you, what would your decision be?” You have to think “bottom line.” What can you ask or what can you say that will

get your prospective buyer to the point of commitment, or at least to an indication of purchasing interest. All it takes to make that happen is proper preparation and brass balls. And both of those were developed in NYC. In New York City, you don’t have a choice. You have to walk in razor-sharp and razorprepared and razor-ready. Dull razors get thrown away. Cheap razors hurt and cause cuts. Everyone knows that. Here’s what to do: 1. List every possible barrier and objection. 2. Prepare responses for each one that have value or create awe. 3. Look for customers who have purchased in spite of the barrier and get them to shoot a short video explaining why they bought and what happened after purchase. (That’s where the value is.) 3.5. Stay at it until you have at least 25 examples and 25 videos. Sound like a lot of work? It is. For years I have made the statement, “Most salespeople will not do the hard work it takes to make selling easy. Preparation is hard, but if it’s done right, selling is easy.” How prepared are you? How easy are your sales? Billingsbusiness

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February 2015

Eggart Engineering and Construction’s new home completes industrial subdivision

Photo by BOB ZELLAR EEC Engineering and Construction’s new headquarters is part of the EEC Industrial Park.

By TOM HOWARD T he new home of E ggart E ngineering and C onstruction represents the icing on the cake for the

21- acre EEC I ndustrial P ark at 720

L ohwest L ane , just off K ing A venue W est .

I February 2015

Quentin Eggart, company owner and developer of the industrial park, said the subdivision’s last available lot was saved with the idea that his growing company would eventually need larger quarters. The time for change arrived last spring. The builders broke ground in late March. EEC’s new headquarters, with 6,134 square feet of office space and 8,250 square feet of warehouse, was ready to move in when summer turned to fall. “We had saved this lot, and the timing for a new building worked out,” Eggart said. “We had simply outgrown the other building.”

EEC Industrial Park is several miles west of Shiloh Road, where commercial development has been booming since the 2010 completion of the Shiloh Road project. Eggart started developing the industrial park 10 years ago. The original seven-acre parcel grew with the addition of four acres, and then another 10-acre parcel was added. “We’re currently looking for another piece of land that would present a good opportunity,” Eggart said. “The plan is to do another development since this one was very successful.” One of the subdivision’s anchor tenants is Northwest Scientific. The Billings-based distributor that deals in

Billingsbusiness

Photos by BOB ZELLAR An office at Eggart Engineering and Construction. Below, Quentin Eggart at his desk at Eggart Engineering and Construction’s new headquarters.

chemicals, instruments and laboratory supplies moved from downtown to the EEC Industrial Park in December of 2012. EEC went about developing its new building using the same formula that it follows for its clients: Company employees are involved each step of the way. “It’s more efficient this way,” Eggart said. “We’re able to save time and design costs because we’re all working together — from the engineers, architects and other design professionals to the building crew. We’re all working together in the same office and with the same goal in mind.” Eggart started the company by himself in 1998, but it has been steady growth ever since then. EEG now has 12 employees on its design staff and 24 employees on the construction crew.

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“Billings is a great economy that’s been very stable, with growth of about 2.5 percent,” Eggart said. “In Billings, you don’t get rich fast, but you don’t go broke fast. It’s a good, stable economy with a lot of diversity.” Most businesses in the EEC Industrial Park are warehouse-office buildings. “We’ve done a lot of warehouses, but we’ve also done a lot of retail, some assisted living and a little bit of upper scale residential,” Eggart said. “I think we’re going to see some good growth in the retail sector in Billings this year.” On the recently completed Grace Montessori Academy project, Eggart served as civil and structural engineer, Bob Bushing was architect and Kevin Lundin was project manager. EEG’s own construction crews did most of the work.

February 2015

Sugar beet farmers can expect better year in 2015, says Western Sugar Cooperative CEO By TOM HOWARD W ith a trade dispute between sugar producers in the U nited S tates and M exico now resolved , farmers who grow beets for the

W estern S ugar C ooperative can

look forward to more favorable sugar prices in says

R odney P erry , the group ’ s chief executive .

“We’re coming out of a year in which we had lower sugar content, and the price was low,” said Perry, who addressed about 200 Western Sugar Cooperative growers in Billings in January. While weather contributed to the lower sugar content last year, a monthslong trade dispute with Mexico helped depress sugar prices during 2014. Last spring, federal officials accused Mexico of dumping below-cost sugar into the U.S. market. U.S. raw and wholesale sugar prices plummeted more than 50 percent from 2010 to 2013 because subsidized Mexican sugar imports created a near-record surplus ratio of 20 percent, according to the American Sugar Alliance, a nationwide coalition of sugar producer. But prices have begun to rebound since the two countries resolved a trade dispute in December. That spells good news for American farmers, said Perry, who was named Western Sugar Co-op’s chief executive last spring. “The market has firmed up a lot,” he said. “Right now, sugar is about $36 to $37 per hundredweight, which is up

2015,

I February 2015

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Photo by CASEY PAGE Rodney Perry is the CEO of the Western Sugar Cooperative.

about $8 to $9.” The Billings refinery will soon wrap up its 2014-15 campaign, which involves processing some 900,000 acres of beets. Extreme weather fluctuations, featuring temperatures that ranged from below zero to well above freezing, have led to some beet spoilage in the piles. “We have some of that every year, but the weather this year has been abnormal. We have probably seen more extremes than what we have seen in the past,” Perry said. Western Sugar’s growers in Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska and Colorado have about 135,000 acres. Perry said about 90 percent of the acreage

has been under cultivation in recent years. “Demand is increasing slightly, and as that goes up we’ll use more acres until we get to 100 percent,” Perry said. The co-op hopes to improve productivity by investing in new equipment. For the Billings plant, that translates into an investment of several million dollars. “We’re going to be focused on those investments from an operational standpoint,” Perry said. “We’ve invested quite a lot, and we still have a pretty robust plan.” The Billings sugar industry has a $70 million economic impact on the area.

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Billingsbusiness

Tech connection

H ybrid cloud solution may be best bet for small businesses All of the hype about the cloud has made this decision very confusing for many small-business owners as no one truly knows what “cloud” really means, if we ever did know.

Shaun Brown Shaun Brown is systems director of operations for Morrison-Maierle Systems Corp. in Billings

Billingsbusiness

Montana small and medium-size businesses, like small businesses across the globe, are asking: “Should I move to the cloud?” All of the hype about the cloud has made this decision very confusing for many smallbusiness owners as no one truly knows what “cloud” really means, if we ever did know. In simple terms, cloud computing allows you to access data and applications stored on the Internet instead of on your own computer or server. The fact is, most small businesses in Montana are already in the cloud to some extent. If you use an offsite backup solution (which you should) you are in the cloud. If you use Dropbox, Skype, Gmail, LinkedIn, Facebook and hundreds of other such services, you are in the cloud. So the real question facing small businesses is: “How much of our business should we move to the cloud?” In Montana, bandwith limitation is the biggest barrier for the adoption of cloud services for small businesses. Many cloud providers that are approaching Montana businesses are from large urban areas and may be ignorant of the fact that, for many in Montana, reliable high-speed bandwidth just isn’t available yet. When your connection to the Internet is down, so are the services that you have in the cloud. This fact will play a huge role in just how much Montana SMBs can move to the cloud. For most Montana small-business owners the solution may be the adoption of a hybrid cloud solution.

A hybrid cloud is a solution in which the small business provides some resources in-house and has others provided externally. For example, an organization might use a public cloud service such as Microsoft Office 365 to host mail but continue to maintain mission critical sensitive data in-house. The idea behind hybrid clouds is that businesses can use them to take advantage of the scalability and cost-effectiveness offered by the public cloud computing environment without exposing missioncritical applications and data to the vulnerabilities associated with the public cloud option. In addition, the hybrid cloud model combines the best and most efficient solutions because different types of data can be moved onto whatever platform provides the most efficient environment. I am a big supporter of the cloud but I am realistic when it comes to the basic current infrastructure available in Montana and what constraints that can have on Montana SMBs. So I would say don’t be afraid to move to the cloud, but consider carefully those services or applications that you can temporarily be without when your Internet goes down. How long can you be without the service that you have in the cloud? How often can you be without the service? Are you OK with slower accesses to the service? These are just a few questions that you must ask yourself when considering a move to the cloud in Montana. I recommend that all SMBs

in Montana begin looking into the hybrid cloud solutions but do so with the help of a qualified IT solutions provider. A local IT provider understands the concerns that Montana small-business owners have, as well as the constraints they face by working in Montana. February 2015

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MARKETINGcooler

I n business , transparency matters , but authenticity rules

What I see surfacing is a clarion call to authenticity. I’m seeing companies taking sharp U-turns to return to, and in some cases to find, their real selves.

Dana Pulis Dana Pulis is CEO/founder of Kinetic Marketing Group, www.Kineticmg.com. Contact her at info@kineticmg.com.

I February 2015

I’m not a forecaster, but I would consider myself a trend spotter. And recently I’ve noticed a trend among our business clients that has aroused my curiosity. We have clients come to us for work on everything from websites to brand developments to new client acquisition. But because we are a communications firm, we often find ourselves working with clients who aren’t as concerned about a new advertising campaign as much as they are about internal issues. These clients generally approach us with a communications challenge, and with a little digging, we find that the challenge isn’t so much about communications but more about the internal cogs that turn the wheel of the company. They are finding it difficult to communicate with their employees or with potential customers because a deeper challenge is surfacing. What I see surfacing is a clarion call to authenticity. I’m seeing companies taking sharp U-turns to return to, and in some cases to find, their real selves. And here is where the trend lies. These companies are going through a process of questioning, analysis and selfdiscovery. They are bringing up some hard questions that seem to be demanding answers. “Are we really living up to our potential as a company?” “What is it that we do best and are we doing it?” “What do we really stand for as a company, and are we living it?” Good questions. But even

better, the right questions. Even better, the kind of questions to act on. Let’s face it. The last six years have been the proverbial booger. They’ve caused individuals and businesses to look at things differently. I believe one of those introspections involves asking, “What is real about our company and do we act on that reality every day, with every transaction and every interaction?” Let me give you two awesome examples of this. In November, Kinetic Agency had the pleasure of having a guest come to our Monday morning meeting and play music for us. James Hersch, a musician of 39 years, played a well-worn acoustic guitar and told us

stories in song about his musical journey. Hersch noted that there is a pressure on artists to be someone they’re not, to be bigger than life. Somewhere in his own journey, he figured out that he was a musician who connected best in the small settings with some of the most overlooked audiences — nursing home residents, hospital patients, homeless adults. And he also realized that if he stripped out the superficial, he could use his trade as a connective force for good. This amazingly talented man has found success, not in filling seats or selling tickets, but in baring his soul and singing to the smaller crowds. But first he had to come to a

place of reconciliation with his business. Another example: We have a client that is a young company — about 13 years old — that is already living the American dream. It started out as two young brothers with a trade skill and has become a mega company with nearly 1,000 employees that tackle huge, groundbreaking projects in energy development. How did they do it? There are many reasons, but one thing is core to their success: They defined who they are and live it relentlessly every day. They operate the business from a place of truth. “We do what we say” is one of their most commonly repeated and enacted mantras.

So what does this have to do with communications and marketing? Simple. We live in a world where transparency matters in business. People will Facebook and Tweet and comment about your business at lightning speed. Consumers drive brands and hold a lot of power. It’s difficult to fake truth in today’s business world. So, what is your truth? As a business, do you act on it? Can you and your employees communicate the truth of your company or business? Do your customers witness this? Our most successful clients totally get this, and, even better, they totally act from this space. It’s pretty simple but very powerful. Billingsbusiness

BETTER business

D on ’ t fall for scammers ’ use of threats , intimidation There seems to be an endless number of deceptive practices for those with the time and inclination to think them up. The best defense is awareness, skepticism and caution.

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.

Billingsbusiness

Recently, a complaint came in from a small-business owner that someone from Google had called threatening to remove his business from all searches if he didn’t call an account representative right away. The business owner reported the strange call and the Better Business Bureau investigated. When calling the given phone number, we didn’t reach a live person. Instead we were put on hold with a recording that stated the next representative would answer shortly and to have our information ready, including payment method. We never got to talk to a “representative” because after about 15 minutes on hold our call was dropped. As it turns out that phone number didn’t belong to Google. The BBB also contacted Google using verifiable contact information. In response, Google confirmed that they would never threaten anyone and that such an action was in opposition to their policies. What this story tells us is that scammers and thieves will use threats, harassment and trickery to get what they want. Most often, money is the desire when scammers target businesses. In other cases, they may try to steal goods as we’ve seen in some shipping scams. And when they target employees, they may be phishing for identities to steal. There seems to be an endless number of deceptive practices for those with the time and inclination to think them up. The best defense is awareness, skepticism and caution. To build awareness, we offer the following examples of ways scammers try to deceive businesses. n Threatening or harass-

ing phone calls. Just like in the above example, scammers will try to target emotions, such as fear and guilt, in order to get what they want. They can even spoof phone numbers and credentials on caller ID. The best defense is to keep a cool head, not provide any information, hang up and call the business back at a verifiable phone number, assuming it is a business you know. If you and your employees suspect that the threatening call was a scam, the best action is to report it, creating a record and helping prevent others from falling victim. n Unsolicited emails. Scammers can also spoof email addresses that make it appear that the emails are from wellknown agencies and businesses. We’ve seen fake email scams pretending to be from the IRS, BBB, FBI, banking and investment institutions, as well as other nationally known companies. Some telltale signs that the email is bogus include misspell-

ings and poor grammar, links that show a different destination when you hover over them, and file attachments. Those suspicious links can lead to phony websites that phish for information such as account numbers, passwords and corporate credit cards or bank account information. Phishing emails targeting employees may pretend to be from the companies that manage benefits, such as health insurance, investments and life insurance. Be sure employees know who to talk to if an email looks suspicious. Email attachments containing malware can hide on a computer to track keystrokes, gathering passwords and information sent back to the hacker. Some malware is actually ransomware, which locks a computer and literally demands ransom with a countdown clock showing the time in which to comply or else the ransomware will erase all files on the infected

system. In some cases once malware is downloaded on one computer it can infect the entire network. Antivirus and anti-spyware programs can catch many threats, so it is always important to make sure all employees use and download updates for these security measures. It is also important never to click on links or download attachments from suspicious emails. n Fake invoices sent through the mail or by fax. We’ve seen fake invoices from fictitious yellow page advertisers, bogus telecom equipment maintenance warranties, phony web service providers and more. Others have sent what are essentially advertisements that look like an invoice, which at a minimum create confusion and at the extreme fraudulently breaks the law. Train yourself and your accounts payable department to spot fake invoices. Stringent accounting systems will also

ensure that only legitimate, approved invoices are paid. If you get an “invoice” solicitation that appears to be a scam, you can report it to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at postalinspectors. uspis.gov, hovering over “Contact us” and clicking on “File a complaint” in the drop-down menu that appears. n Unusual shipping requests, overpayment and wire transfer requests. Some scammers will overpay for goods or services, usually with a fake check or money order, or even with a stolen credit card. They may claim that they sent the overpayment as a mistake and ask you to wire the excess amount to them. In other cases they will ask you to wire the overpayment to a third party, such as a specialty shipper. Once the money is wired, it is long gone and so is the “customer.” Never accept overpayment and never wire money. When these are part of a business deal, you can bet you’ve been targeted by a scam artist. You can combat the deceptive, unprofessional tactics scammers use by regularly discussing best practices with your employees and creating procedures that empower them to thwart such attempts. When a scam comes knocking at your business, be sure to file complaints with the appropriate agencies. If a crime was committed, file a report with your local police. The Federal Trade Commission handles a wide variety of complaints from consumers and businesses at www.ftccomplaintassistant. gov. You can file complaints and report scams to the Montana Office of Consumer Protection at app.doj.mt.gov/apps/Oscar/. February 2015

LEGAL briefing

... the court determined that discriminatory practices were not limited to “housing” (as the landlord argued) but could be applied to a broad spectrum of real estate, including commercial tenancies.

Eric Nord Eric Nord works for the Crist, Krogh & Nord Law Firm in Billings, specializing his practice in the area of business law and litigation with a special emphasis on commercial transactions, employment law, real estate, construction law, and corporate relations.

I February 2015

D iscrimination claims could apply to commercial property cases In a case of first impression, the Montana Supreme Court determined that a commercial tenant could prevail against a landlord on a claim of sexual harassment. In Bates v. Neva, 2014 MT 336, a commercial tenant brought an action against her landlord claiming that the landlord stopped making necessary repairs to the building when the tenant refused his sexual advances. Originally, a hearing officer denied the tenant’s claim that the landlord’s conduct violated the Montana Human Rights Act, but the Human Rights Commission reversed. When the landlord petitioned for judicial review to the local district court, the court vacated the commission’s decision and reinstated the hearing officer’s decision. Finally, the tenant appealed to the Supreme Court. The Court looked at the language in the MHRA and a couple of its key phrases. One of those phrases included a reference to discriminatory practices of owners, lessors and managers who sell, lease or rent “a housing accommodation or improved or unimproved property … .” In looking at this phrase, the court determined that discriminatory practices were not limited to “housing”

(as the landlord argued) but could be applied to a broad spectrum of real estate, including commercial tenancies. Another key phrase in the MHRA reviewed by the court concerned the meaning of sex discrimination. Based upon past judicial decisions defining sex discrimination to include sexual harassment, the court

determined that sexual harassment by commercial landlords was a viable claim. Justice Rice dissented from the Court’s opinion noting, “that there is not a single word, term or clause of a specifically commercial nature in the entire provision (of the statute).” Instead, he pointed out that the statute “is saturated with

terms related to housing … .” Justice McKinnon joined in his dissent. The upshot of this case is that the door has been opened to all types of discrimination claims (not just sexual harassment) against commercial property owners, lessors and managers. It is therefore important for those involved

in commercial real estate to make sure that their agents, employees and other representatives are clearly advised that their activities are subject to scrutiny by the Human Rights Bureau. Also, it is important for commercial property owners to check their insurance policies to see if they are covered by any such claims. Billingsbusiness

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Decorative Painting Billingsbusiness

February 2015

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Neighborhood Pit Stop:

HeigHts 3g’s ConvenienCe store rebuilds, more tHan doubles in size

By Brenda Maas Photos by Casey Page

It’s simply a matter of convenience. The 3G’s Convenience Store, located at the northeastern corner of Wicks Lane and Hawthorne Lane in Billings Heights, was recently re-built to offer more options for customers. Originally, the building was a DJ’s Market and purchased by 3G’s Convenience Stores in 2001. Thirteen years later the business has grown to more than double its physical size with a complete re-vamp that includes a new building, pumps and below-ground gas tank storage. The old building was demolished after the new one opened on Nov. 18, 2014. “Our overall goal is to provide the variety that neighborhood customers want,” said operations manager, Dan Grosulak. “We are a convenient alternative to going to bigger stores, farther away from home, and we want to offer our customers even more options.” 26

I February 2015

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special advertising section 3G’s follows a national trend of consumers purchasing groceries outside of traditional grocery stores. According to survey results released by retail design firm King Retail Solutions and the University of Arizona’s Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing, of more than 1,200 surveyed shoppers, 77 percent bought groceries from a non-grocer in 2013. This covers three demographic groups: Millennials, Gen Xers and Baby Boomers. In fact, NACS, the Association for Convenience and Fuel Retailing, notes that convenience store foodservice is roughly a $32 billion industry. There is no doubt that America’s time-starved consumers value location.

T he original sTore

Neighborhood store

At the Heights 3G’s, cashiers frequently greet customers personally, knowing his or her first name. feeT , and The That “home town” service adds to the consumer experience. new one is more “Accessibility is a big deal,” noted Grosulak, “and we are a neighborhood Than double , wiTh store. Customers want a product at a good price, and they want it quickly—you don’t 4,400 square feeT. have to walk through a huge store just to stop for milk.” i niTi ally 3g’s The larger footprint of the new store creates convenience plus selection. oper aTed wiTh four The original store was 2,000 square feet, and the new one is more than double, gas pumps (no diesel), with 4,400 square feet. Initially 3G’s operated with four gas pumps (no diesel), The new sTore and the new store includes 12 pumps for gas and diesel. includes 12 pumps The cooler, one of Grosulak’s favorite features, encompasses nearly 1,000 square for gas and diesel . feet in the new store. With state-of-the art lighting and 22 doors for easy accessibility, the large space allows 3G’s to offer more selections. For example, the original store had room for 70-80 six-packs of beer. The new cooler can house nearly 160 packs with

was

2,000 square

Top left: The new 3G’s Convenience Store at 1221 Wicks Lane in Billings Heights is nearly double the size of the previous building. Inset: According to Dan Grosulak, operations manager, improved lighting and security were two important aspects of the re-built 3G’s store. Above: The original gas station had four fuel pumps without a diesel option; the new store has 12 pumps, including diesel.

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February 2015

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additional “dry storage” for back stock. “Within the new cooler we can do twice the amount of work in half the time because we have so much space,” Grosulak said.

Tried and true

When it came to selecting an architect, 3G’s owners chose A&E Architects. “They did our first store,” Grosulak said of the re-build. “It was natural progression to work with them again.”

GOOD DESIGN FUELS COMMUNITY CONGRATULATIONS 3G’S CONVENIENCE STORES

Although the Heights store is number four of seven in the local 3G’s family, it was the second one to be re-built. The first was on the corner of Orchard and State Street on Billings’ South Side. Akin to the first project, 3G’s also chose Hardy Construction as general contractor for the Heights re-build. “We tried to keep things seamless, and Hardy does a good job for us,” noted Grosulak. The Heights rebuild was very similar to the State Avenue project but even better but because the cooler is configured to be one big unit with a corner, providing more work area inside. The newly-built Heights store also affords a larger cashier area. Shaped like a horseshoe, the design gives employees a full 12 feet of linear space (compared to just under eight feet in the South Side store), which is enough space for three, or even four, employees to work simultaneously. The extra space behind the countertop is also crucial for lottery tickets, tobacco products (as required by law) and other small items that might easily be stolen.

Smile, you’re on candid camera

With increased space and product selection comes increased security needs. Upon entering the store, customers will see themselves on a large monitor, providing assurance that 3G’s takes their safety seriously. “This system gives customers a sense of security, knowing that we are aware of what is going on in the store,” said Grosulak. “They also know they are being watched.” In addition, the entire property, both inside and out, is well-lit with LED lighting. Even when the store is closed, it is never completely dark, plus the exterior sides and back of the building are also well-lit.

AND IN FRONT OF 1000s OF READERS – JUST LIKE THAT. Showcase your new or remodeled business in Construction Zone—a special advertising section in Billings Business. Each feature includes a multi-page layout with professional photos and custom editorial that tells readers about your business.

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Photos from left opposite page: Many customers prefer convenience of a small, neighborhood store to larger stores. According to the Association for Convenience and Fuel Retailing, foodservice within convenience stores is a $32 billion industry. The beverage bar area hosts all the popular options including coffee, cappuccino, soda pop and “f’real” milkshakes. The large cooler of the rebuilt 3G’s Convenience Store is 1,000 square feet—enough space to hold more than 160 six-packs, compared to 70 or 80 in the original store. Having ample storage for a variety of products was a main goal of the construction project. Portable coolers on wheels hold a large selection of popular beverages.

The new store was built with customer ease in mind. While the original store was closer to the street, the new store is set farther back to give delivery trucks and gas tankers ample space to maneuver and complete their deliveries without ever being in the customers’ way. That change stands as another one of Grosulak’s favorite features. Customers can access the store from Wicks Lane along with two entry points from Hawthorne Lane, one of which is popular with the delivery trucks because of easy access to the rear loading/unloading areas. Inside the store, however, is where customers especially notice the improvements. For example, the original store had one, unisex restroom. Now each gender has his/her own restroom with two toilet stalls and motion-activated lighting. In addition, the beverage station includes the usual soda and coffee options along with a “f ’real” machine that instantly crafts milkshakes, smoothies or frozen coffee in a variety of flavors. Convenience is 3G’s modus operandi—and it continues to serve customers well.

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Heights Family Funeral Home & Crematory

Billings’ newest funeral home and crematory offers personalized service and a peaceful, comforting environment. By Allyn Hulteng • PHotos By BoB ZellAr

It’s a subject most prefer not to discuss. But eventually everyone faces the loss of someone they love. T. Rae (Tanya) Ballensky, mortician and funeral home director, specializes in helping families when a loved one passes. “Losing someone is always very difficult,” Ballensky said. “We try to lessen the stress by guiding people through the funeral planning process and attending to the many details so that families can concentrate on being together.” Ballensky, who also owns the Cremation Funeral Gallery located on Eighth St. West, has assisted hundreds of area families with funeral arrangements. T. Rae (Tanya) Ballensky, mortician and funeral director, Owner of Heights Family Home & Crematory.

I February 2015

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Over time, she realized there was a growing demand for a bigger facility which could accommodate larger numbers of people. She also noted there was no funeral or crematory facility in Billings Heights. That realization eventually led to Ballensky’s decision to purchase land and build a new facility at the corner of West Wicks Lane and Nottingham Circle. “The new location offers the same personal “Losing someone is attention and service as our first, but it’s larger and features additional amenities,” Ballensky noted.

aLways very difficuLt ,”

we try to Lessen the

Celebrating life

Like many social customs, funerals have transformed over time. According to Ballensky, stress by guiding peopLe most families today prefer to have a less formal “celebration of life” service followed by a sit-down through the funer aL style luncheon reception. With this shift in mind, Bellensky worked with pL anning process and architects Sherril and Michael Burke of Harrison G. Fagg and Associates to help design the new attending to the man y facility and Jones Construction as the general contractor. detaiLs so that famiLies Central to the design was the chapel. Painted in soothing colors of caramel and bisque with slate can concentr ate on stone accents and adjustable lighting, the spacious room exudes a peaceful aesthetic. Hidden from being together .” view is a high-tech projector and video screen with integrated surround sound. Flanking the center aisle — tan ya b aLLensk y, on both sides are rows of dark wooden pews. f uner aL home dir ector “I chose pews instead of individual chairs so that families could physically sit closer together,” Ballensky said. Although the chapel feels intimate, there is enough seating for nearly 400 people. And for very large services, the back wall opens, increasing capacity by another 100 seats. Directly behind the chapel is an expansive room that is available for

It’s more than a

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Previous page: The new Heights Family Funeral Home & Crematory offers personalized service and a peaceful, comforting environment.

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special advertising section receptions. Large banks of windows along two sides allow natural sunlight to flood the interior. Adjacent to the reception area is a full-size commercial kitchen with two gas stoves and two commercial refrigerators plus a huge island for prepping and organizing and a large counter for staging buffets. Families can hire caterers to come in, or staff can assist by hiring caterers for the family. “Sometimes families want to do their own cooking for the reception,” said Ballensky. “We can accommodate whatever the family wants.” To that end, Ballensky and her staff take great care to make all arrangements as easy for the family as possible. “We can help with such things as musicians, flower arrangements, transportation and even finding an officiant for families who do not regularly attend church,” she said. For those who want something unique, the Heights Family Funeral Home & Crematory also has an old-fashioned, horse-drawn hearse and buggy. A team of two white Percheron draft horses pulls the hearse and a second team of two white Percherons pulls the carriage with the family.

Proactive planning

Though it can be uncomfortable to think about, Bellensky urges people to make pre-arrangements for their own funeral. “Like life insurance or your retirement account, being proactive in planning helps alleviate the stress and financial burden for other family members,” Ballensky said. Pre-arrangements can be set up with a minimum monthly payment, and they are transferrable. For example, if you set up a pre-arrangement and

Above: Natural sunlight fills the spacious entry through glass doors and multiple windows. Top right: The chapel is painted in soothing colors of caramel and bisque with slate stone accents and adjustable lighting. Flanking the center aisle on both sides are rows of dark wooden pews. Middle right: Directly behind the chapel is an expansive room for receptions. Large banks of windows along two sides allows natural sunlight to flood the interior. Right bottom: The Heights Family Funeral Home & Crematory services families of all faiths and also servicemen and women.

Congratulations Heights Family Funeral Home & Crematory! We are proud to be your general contractor!

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I February 2015

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special special advertising advertising section section then move to another city the original funeral home can work with one in the new city and transfer the funds. “Pre-arranging is important, especially when funds are limited, because most funeral homes will set up a payment plan at the time of death,” she said. The Heights Family Funeral Home & Crematory also offers a “Guaranteed Funeral Trust.” With this option, the individual pays in full and locks in today’s prices even if he or she lives another 30 years or more. “Not all funeral homes do this, but it’s a service we feel is important to our clients,” said Ballensky.

For the best service

The Heights Family Funeral Home & Crematory offers a full suite of funeral and crematory services. Family members meet with the funeral director in a private room in order to discuss arrangements.

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Caskets, urns and memorial keepsake items are tastefully displayed in the Selection Room. There are private family viewing rooms as well as a viewing room that has a glass window into the crematory for those who wish to witness the cremation. Outside, a large porte cochere was constructed covering the entry and driveway, protecting the hearse and other vehicles lining up for the procession to the cemetery. “We tried to think through every detail large and small to make sure that our families were getting the highest standard of service,” said Bellensky. “Our slogan is our promise: For the best service in town.”

Above: The crematory features the newest and most high-tech retort in the State of Montana. Top right: Comfortable seating, local art and a gas fireplace create a soothing space for people to gather. Right: A large porte cochere covers the entry and driveway, protecting people from the elements. In warmer weather, the fountain adds the soothing sound of water.

Curt & Jake Finnicum-Owners

Providing Quality Concrete Production for over 30 Years Congratulations Heights Family Funeral Home & Crematory! 34

I February 2015

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Billingsbusiness

Locally and nationwide, builders are predicting decent prospects for 2015 STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS A storm that pelted B illings with baseball - sized hail last

M ay set

off an avalanche of roof and fence construction that pumped millions of dollars into the local economy . The Billings Building Division issued more than 11,000 permits in 2014 as roofers and siding contractors fanned out across the city to repair hail damage. Aside from roof and siding repairs, Billings officials reported that 2014 was a busy one for development. New home construction fell slightly from the year before, with 392 single-family homes permitted in 2014, down 4 percent from the 409 permitted during 2013. Not all of the roofs that were damaged last May were replaced, and building officials expect a fair amount of spillover this year as crews work to catch up. Nationally, U.S. homebuilders are feeling fairly confident in their sales prospects ahead of the spring homebuying season, traditionally the peak period for home sales. The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo builder sentiment index

released in January slipped to 57, down one point from a revised reading of 58 in December. Even so, builders’ overall sales outlook remains favorable. Readings above 50 indicate more builders view sales conditions as good rather than poor. Builders’ outlook for sales over the next six months and a measure of traffic by prospective buyers both declined, while a view of current sales conditions held steady. The index also found sentiment improved in the West, Northeast and Midwest, but took a step back in the South. The latest reading is consistent with the NAHB’s forecast that the U.S. housing market will continue to improve at a gradual pace this year. Sales of new homes grew at a sluggish pace for much of 2014. Just 399,000 new homes were bought in the first 11 months of the year, a 0.2 percent improvement from the same period in 2013. That’s still far off from

the annual rate of 700,000 seen during the 1990s. Rising prices and essentially flat incomes have cut into affordability for many would-be buyers, particularly first-time buyers. Still, broader economic trends remain favorable for builders. The unemployment rate has fallen to 5.6 percent, down from 6.7 percent 12 months ago. And mortgage interest rates remain near historic lows, making it less expensive to buy a home. Average long-term U.S. mortgage rates fell in January, with the benchmark 30-year rate declining to 3.66 percent, its lowest level since May 2013. In addition, new guidelines that affect government-backed home loans could make it less costly for first-time buyers to come up with a down payment or afford private mortgage insurance. In the latest NAHB index, which was based on responses from 396 builders, the index gauging current sales conditions for single-family homes held at 62. Builders’ outlook for sales over the next six months fell four points to 60, while a measure of traffic by prospective buyers slipped two points to 44. Though new homes represent only a fraction of the housing market, they have an outsize impact on the economy. Each

home built creates an average of three jobs for a year and generates about $90,000 in tax revenue, according to NAHB data. A new building industry report found that the number of construction jobs rose in 66 percent of U.S. metropolitan areas for the year that ended Nov. 30, a sign that the economic recovery is spreading to that once hard-hit sector. The Associated General Contractors of America, the construction industry’s largest trade group, said in its report released Tuesday that demand was so strong that some regions had begun to experience labor shortages. “It is good news that construction employment is now rising in two-thirds of the nation’s metro areas,” said Ken Simonson, the group’s chief economist. “But now that the unemployment rate for

construction workers has fallen to a seven-year low, it has become a major challenge to find qualified workers in many fields.” Besides the Texas metro areas, some of the fastest growth in construction jobs, relative to the size of the market, came from such oil-dependent regions as Pascagoula, Miss. (24 percent with 1,500 more jobs); Fargo, N.D. (19 percent, 1,600 jobs); and York-Hanover, Pa. (18 percent, 1,700 jobs). The report found that employment in the industry grew in 224 of 339 metro areas. The largest gains, by numbers, came in the Houston area, which added 16,200 construction jobs, an increase of 9 percent over the previous 12-month period. That was followed by Dallas-Irving-Plano, Texas, with 11,000 more jobs, a 10 percent

rise, greater Chicago, which added 9,100 jobs, or 7 percent, and Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, Wash., with 8,900 jobs, or 12 percent. From a statewide perspective, California added 41,700 construction jobs, a 6 percent rise, to a total of 697,000, the group said. The fastest growth came from the Santa Ana-AnaheimIrvine area, which added 7,700 construction jobs, a 10 percent rise, and the Los Angeles-LongBeach area, which added 6,100 jobs, up 5 percent. The mostly positive news in the sector was tempered by the fact that some of the fastest growth during the year came in regions that are heavily dependent on the oil and gas business and thus vulnerable to the recent plunge in oil prices. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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New wind farm taking shape near Bridger By BILLINGS BUSINESS T he developers of a 120- turbine wind farm , now under construction in

C arbon C ounty , broke ground on

the project just in time to qualify for the renewal of a federal tax credit that supports wind energy . Workers have been cutting roads and clearing pads for the $550 million Mud Springs Wind Ranch located 12 miles southeast of Bridger. One of the biggest wind projects in Montana, Mud Springs is expected to take several years to complete. At the high point of the blades’ reach, the wind turbines will be 454

feet tall. Project managing director John Huser said the four-phase development will be wired to a 230-kilovolt transmission line in Park County, Wyo. The line, owned by PacifiCorp, services Yellowtail Dam. Mud Springs is being developed by Huser’s Mud Springs

Wind Project and Pittsburghb a s e d Eve r P owe r W i n d Holdings. In his State of the Union address Jan. 20, President Obama said that the United States leads the world in wind energy. Meanwhile, the American Wind Energy Association reports that the United States generated 167 billion kilowatt hours of electricity in 2013, compared to the 138 billion kilowatt hours of wind power generated by China. Montana is often touted by green energy advocates as a state with multiple locations ideal for wind farms, but access to transmission lines with enough room for wind power is a challenge. The location of the PacifiCorp line was critical in siting Mud Springs. “Realistically in my view, being at this for 15 years, there’s only two areas in the state of

Montana where you can put significant projects together, and one of them is the Mud Springs project site because of the transmission issues,” Huser said. The other site suitable is the north central Montana area along the 230 kilovolt Montana Alberta Tie Line, which channels Montana wind energy to Canada. There is the potential in the future to upload power to transmission lines connecting the Pacific Northwest to coalfired power plants in Colstrip, said Jeff Fox, of Renewable Northwest, which promotes responsible renewable energy development in the northwestern United States. Power companies in Washington and Oregon are major stakeholders in Colstrip electricity but are also facing tougher carbon emissions

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standards intended to phase coal power out of the energy portfolios of ratepayers in those states. As they draw less power from Colstrip, transmission capacity might open up for wind energy. The timing of the Mud Springs groundbreaking was crucial for tax purposes. The Senate in December passed a wind production tax credit for wind projects started in 2014. The tax credit of 2.3 cents for every kilowatt hour of energy produced for 10 years was in doubt most of the year because of congressional delays. And though the credit is retroactive to last January, it’s only officially been on the books since December and will expire in two weeks at year’s end. The credit was part of a package of tax credit extensions. U.S. Sen Jon Tester, DMont., said he will continue to

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support the tax credit. “Montana has tremendous untapped wind energy potential. The wind production tax credit creates jobs and diversifies our energy portfolio,” Tester said. “One-year extensions don’t provide enough certainty for our businesses to plan for the future. I will be pushing for a long-term extension of the tax credits that strengthen our economy and make sense for Montanans.” Mud Springs will have to cut 1,500 feet of access road on its 18,000-acre development and dig holes for its turbine pads by year’s end to qualify for the tax credit. Huser said the frost has thawed, and the ground at the location should be workable. Permitting for the Mud Springs project started a few years ago.

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Business Briefs Local Commerce at a Glance

Stockman firm acquires AnnaCo

said Ron O’Donnell, CEO of Stockman Asset Management. “AnnaCo and SAM have solid Stockman Asset Managehistories of providing conserment, an independent regisvative portfolio management tered investment adviser and with top-notch client service. leading provider of integrated Combining two great Montana wealth management solutions based investment firms brings based in Billings, has acquired greater benefits to our clients AnnaCo Investment Manage- and broader coverage across ment Inc. the state. We look forward to AnnaCo was founded in using our combined strength to Helena in 1987 and manenhance wealth management ages investment portfolios for services to current and future individuals, pension and profit clients.” sharing plans, foundations, SAM is a wholly owned endowments and trusts. The subsidiary of Stockman Financompany manages more than cial Corp. and was founded in $100 million in assets. 2002. SAM provides wealth AnnaCo principals and management solutions includportfolio managers Philip O. ing financial planning and Howeth and Kerry R. Neils, portfolio management with an CFA, have joined the SAM team emphasis on preservation of and remain in their current capital and risk management. location in Helena to ensure The firm has over $2.5 billion the merger is seamless to their in total assets served and more clients. “We are very excited than 250 investor relationships. to become a part of SAM and SAM is based in the downtown look forward to expanding Billings Stockman Bank locathe investment management tion at 402 North Broadway. services that we have delivered For more information about to our clients for over 25 years,” SAM, call 406-655-3960 or said Howeth. “The breadth visit www.stockmanbank. and depth of the services we com. have provided will be significantly enhanced from merging Galusha joins with SAM, particularly in the financial and estate planning Wipfli LLP areas. SAM embraces the same Accounting firm Galusha, conservative, long-term-ori- Higgins & Galusha, PC, has ented investment philosophy joined Wipfli LLP. GHG, a firm that we have employed since headquartered in Helena, prowe’ve been in business, and vides audit, tax and consulting we share a common commit- services to businesses and ment to providing personalized individuals in the northwestservices.” ern United States. This is the “Our firms are very similar,” fourth merger/acquisition for I February 2015 38

Wipfli within a year and marks the third merger/acquisition for the firm in last two months. “GHG has a 95-year heritage and strong reputation for providing high-quality services to businesses in the Northwest. This combination will strengthen and expand Wipfli’s physical presence in the Northwestern United States, building and enhancing a more diverse set of services to complement Wipfli’s existing Spokane, Wash., office. Combining with GHG will add highly experienced professionals to the Wipfli team,” said Rick Dreher, managing partner of Wipfli LLP. “This combination is also a great fit for both firms because our cultures and client service philosophies are closely aligned and we bring complementary services to the market. We look forward to working together to serve our clients around the country continuing to provide the exceptional service our clients have come to expect from our firms,” said Dreher. As part of this combination, the nearly 140 GHG professionals, including 22 partners, have joined Wipfli. Founded in 1919, GHG is one of the largest, privately owned accounting firms in Southeast Idaho and Montana. The firm has six full-service offices located in Montana, a full-service office in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and multiple day-offices strategically located throughout Montana. Wipfli has more than 1,200

associates in 22 offices in the United States, and is among the top 25 accounting and business consulting firms in the nation according to Accounting Today and Inside Public Accounting. For over 85 years, Wipfli has provided private and publicly held companies with industryfocused assurance, accounting, tax and consulting services to help clients overcome their business challenges today and plan for tomorrow. Through the firm’s membership in PKF North America, Wipfli can draw upon the resources of approximately 300 firms in 125 countries around the world. The combined firm will have approximately 1,400 associates, 170 partners, and 31 office locations.

development in western North Dakota,” said Kelly Braun, manager of Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport in Dickinson. Great Lakes Airlines pulled out of Williston, Dickinson, Jamestown and Devils Lake early last year, citing a pilot shortage that the regional airline said was due to new federal rules requiring copilots to log more hours before being eligible to work for commercial airlines. SkyWest took over service in Jamestown and Devils Lake, while United and Delta now provide service to Dickinson and Williston’s Sloulin Field International Airport. “All eight airports now have jet service for the first time,” said Kyle Wanner, diBismarck airport rector of the state Aeronautics Commission. serves 1.2M Total passenger numbers BISMARCK, N.D. — More were up 9 percent from 2013. than 1.2 million passengers came through North Dakota’s The airport in Grand Forks was eight commercial service air- the only one in the state that ports last year, setting a record saw a drop in boardings, but for a seventh consecutive year. the numbers are deceptive, especially given the fact that The state’s western oil the airport lost United service boom was a driving factor, with boardings up 23 percent to Denver in 2014, Executive Director Patrick Dame said. from 2013 in Williston and “2013 was a record year. up 68 percent in Dickinson. Both airports saw upgrades to We were actually within 2 perregional jets and an expansion cent of matching or exceeding of service last year. Flights are a record year in spite of the fact that we lost a carrier,” now offered from both cities Dame said. “We view it as a to Denver and Minneapolis, very positive situation that we as well as from Williston to weren’t down more.” Houston. Air service has grown “A large percentage of it steadily in North Dakota in is due to the natural resource

recent years, from an average of 52 airline departures per day to five destinations in 2007 to 75 daily departures to 12 destinations, according to the Aeronautics Commission. Travelers can now fly from a North Dakota airport directly to Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Denver, Phoenix, Dallas, Minneapolis, Chicago, Atlanta, Orlando and Tampa, Florida, and Houston. “Even without the oil, North Dakota has a strong agricultural economy, and the eastern part of the state has a strong research corridor,” Wanner said. “Overall it was just a great (boardings) year for the state as a whole, and it can be attributed to multiple factors, not just oil.”

Fracking degree being offered

ROBINSON, Ill. — A southeastern Illinois community college will offer a petroleum drilling technology, or fracking, degree. Lincoln Trail College’s program will have its first students this fall. The state of Illinois signed off on long-awaited rules for highvolume oil and gas drilling, or fracking, last year. Lincoln Trail College President Kathryn Harris says state officials approved the school’s petition for the degree. Harris says the program will help people get the skills needed to find a job in the fracking industry. Billingsbusiness

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

Stockman Bank promotes 2

Madill has been with Stockman Bank since 2010. She most recently served as Stockman Bank has a real estate loan assistant at announced the following the Billings Heights office. promotions. Acacia Madill She is has been promoted to real an active estate loan originator for member of the Stockman Bank Grand the Billings Avenue office. She will deAssociation velop and service real estate of Realtors loans and assist clients with and will their goal of becoming a be serving Acacia Madill homeowner or refinancing on various to consolidate debt, lower committees. current monthly payments Madill is located at 1405 or utilize their home as a Grand Ave. and may be tool for further investment reached at 371-8102. Kara Schindler has been in real estate.

promoted to consumer lender at the Stockman Bank Billings King Avenue branch. Her responsibilities include administering Kara Schindler installment loans, lines of credit and home equity loan portfolios, along with assisting clients with their financial needs. Schindler brings more than 10 years of banking experience to the position, which includes consumer

and commercial loan processing. She earned her bachelor’s degree with a major in business finance from Montana State University. Schindler is located at 2700 King Ave. W. and may be reached at 655-3991.

AlphaGraphics adds workers

AlphaGraphics, a multiservice print and communications company from Billings, has announced two additions to its staff. Michael Croft, graphic

designer, comes to AlphaGraphics from The Billings Gazette, where Michael Croft he was a graphic artist and graphic artist supervisor for nearly 10 years. Originally Gerald from Lovell, Maynard Wyo., Croft received a bachelor’s degree in journalism with an emphasis in graphics, photo-

journalism and advertising from the University of Wyoming. Gerald Maynard was hired as a bindery operator. Originally from San Diego, Calif., Maynard has experience as an ironworker, paver, certified forklift instructor, welder and equipment operator.

D.A. Davidson honors 4

Investment firm D.A. Davidson has announced See Success, page 40

It’s more than a

small business loan.

It’s knowing you’ll have the tools to get the job done right, and the momentum to move forward into the future. It’s you and together.

firstinterstate.com Billingsbusiness

February 2015

Success

qualified for Prudential’s Masters Council through Prudential annuities for Continued from page 39 2015. A select group of associates nationwide are recogthe promotions of four nized through the council members of its Individual for their commitment and Investor Group in Billings for the quality of their work dedication to excellence in providing clients with reand exceptional service to clients. Their new titles are tirement income strategies. Fredericks and Webber have Chad Lippert, CFP, CWS, senior vice president, finan- a private office and specialize in retirement planning, cial adviser; Dennis Lusin, CWS, senior vice president, life insurance, long-term care insurance and investfinancial adviser; Chris ments. Their office is at Molvig, vice president, 1215 24th St. W., Suite 135, financial adviser; and Ed Aders, associate vice presi- and they may be reached at 406-969-4540. dent, financial adviser.

2 qualify for honors

Donna Fredericks, CLU, LUTCF, financial adviser, and Thomas Webber, financial professional with Prudential Financial, have both

Alternatives names board

Alternatives Inc., a nonprofit agency that operates the Alpha House Prerelease Center, Passages Women’s Program and the

Jail Alternative programs in Yellowstone, Carbon and Stillwater counties, has elected its board officers for the coming year. John Felton, president and CEO/ health officer for RiverStone Health, will serve as president. First vice presidentelect is Walt Backer, division engineer for Northwestern Energy. Todd Buchanan of Buchanan Capital LLC will serve as second vice president. Susan Riplett, vice president, commercial loan process manager for First Interstate Bank, was elected secretary/treasurer. James “Ziggy” Ziegler, a Billings business owner, will serve as past president.

firm of Matovich, Keller & Murphy PC. Huso graduated from the University of Montana School of Law in 2007. She practiced law in Butte before joining Matovich, Keller & Murphy PC in 2010. Huso’s law practice focuses on general personal injury defense and civil litigation, insurance coverage and insurance bad faith defense.

ings Association of Realtors and 2008 Billings Realtor of the Year. Tom may be reached at 690-4448, and Robin may be reached at 860-6181.

ability and forming strategic partnerships with local and national firms. Hootman is the author of “Net Zero Energy Design: A Guide for Commercial Architecture,” published by Wiley in 2012, which offers no-nonsense Hootman strategies, step-by-step joins MKK technical analysis and valuTom Hootman, AIA, able examples, in addition LEED AP BD+C, has joined to developed case studies. MKK Consulting Engineers Hootman will be charged Inc., a mechanical, electri- to advance MKK’s mission cal, plumbing and energy of “Consult More, Consume Hanels join services firm, as the PerLess” and to progress its formance + Design Innova- national leadership position Berkshire Tom and Robin Hation lead. With more than around innovative problem nel have joined Berkshire 20 years of experience in solving, high-performance Hathaway Home Services architecture and engineer- engineering and sustainFloberg Real Estate as the ing, Hootman’s specialty is able design. With a degree “Hanel Team.” Robin has a the design and engineering in architectural engineercombined 32 years of real of net zero energy building from the University of estate sales and lending. ings and communities by Wyoming, he will shift his Huso named Tom, a real estate broker providing strategic guidfocus back to engineering with 15 years of experience ance and research. His role and be an integral part of shareholder Katherine S. Huso has also included identifying in all areas of real estate, is sustaining MKK’s client become a shareholder in the the former president of Bill- upcoming trends in sustain- relationships.

Make the connection connect to the world while you save 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 industry 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. And if you don’t have enough tech support in house, you can try our Managed Video Services and let us take care of it for you. What’s your vision? www.vision.net | 1-866-334-8638 | sales@vision.net

I February 2015

Your Local Bank. Your Opportunity.

455 S. 24th Street W. • (406) 256-1891 www.opportunitybank.com Billingsbusiness

TRAVEL &leisure

F or peace of mind , travel insurance can be a good idea

For a true sense of security, a comprehensive policy from a reputable, independent travel insurance company is paramount.

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

Billingsbusiness

In today’s travel environment it’s increasingly important to protect yourself and your travel investment with a travel insurance policy. For a true sense of security, a comprehensive policy from a reputable, independent travel insurance company is paramount. Travel insurance can include trip cancellation, trip interruption, accidental death or dismemberment, medical and dental care, transportation to medical facilities, loss of luggage or personal possessions and protection against the bankruptcy or default of travel providers. n Trip cancellation and trip interruption: If you need to cancel because of a death, illness or for any reason, there are policies that will protect you from losing your money. n Medical expenses: If you need a doctor while traveling, even if you have a health insurance policy, it may not protect your travels abroad and often times they have outof-network deductibles. With a travel insurance plan, you will be reimbursed for emergency medical expenses while traveling. They even provide evacuation to the nearest adequate hospital. n Medical evacuation: A medical evacuation can be financially devastating. A medical evacuation may seem unlikely, but even a broken leg in a remote destination or a heart attack on a cruise ship might require one. Evacuations may cost tens of thou-

sands of dollars and they must be paid in advance. n Baggage delays: Reimbursement for lost, damaged or stolen luggage and belongings. You don’t want to go to your important meeting wearing yesterday’s suit because your luggage didn’t arrive at your destination when you did. Before you do purchase travel insurance, however, keep in mind that many homeowners’ and renters’ policies provide coverage for theft and other losses away from home. Your medical and auto insurance may be valid in other countries. Additionally, some credit cards offer travel insurance, so be sure to check with your card providers before you make the final determination for a travel insurance purchase. Once you’ve determined that you should have travel insurance coverage, buy from knowledgeable consultants that know the various options that best suit your needs. Travel agents, tour operators and cruise lines sell travel insurance. As you shop around, ask questions such as what disasters are covered, what restrictions apply, whether your health insurer would cover you overseas and pay for your flight home if an emergency strikes and how does reimbursement get determined. So, for your next trip, consider purchasing travel insurance. Plans and costs vary and spending a little bit of money could save you a ton! February 2015

Montana patents Below are listed U.S. patents issued to Montana inventors Oct. 21 through Dec. 16, 2014. For assistance in patent filing, call Billings patent attorney Antoinette M. Tease at 406-294-9000. Dale Avery Poling of Potomac: Bipod leg mounting body and bipod comprising same. 8,863,430. Oct. 21, 2014 Barry Schlecht of Darby: Scaffold structure. 8,863,904. Oct. 21, System Concepts, LLC of Hamilton. Kim Ormsby of Bozeman: Hanging diaper pail. 8,863,950. Oct. 21. The Natural Baby Co., LLC of Bozeman. Dale R. Clark of Bozeman. Plants and seeds of common wheat cultivar BZ6W07-427. 8.865,983. Oct. 21. Monsanto Technology LLC of St. Louis, Mo. Dale R. Clark of Bozeman. Plants and seeds of common wheat cultivar BZ6W07-458. 8,865,984. Oct. 21. Monsanto Technology LLC of St. Louis, Mo. John L. Morrison of Butte; William H. Morrison of Manchester, Conn.; Jon P. Christophersen of Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Chester G. Motloch of Idaho Falls, Idaho: Method of estimating pulse response using an impedance spectrum. 8,868,363. Oct. 21.

Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC of Idaho Falls, Idaho; Qualtech Systems, Inc. of East Hartford, Conn., and Montana Tech of the University of Montana of Butte. Rebecca Levine of Missoula: Ornamental design of purse. D715,544. Oct. 21. Gordon C. Burns II of Missoula: Liquid accelerator and chemical mixing apparatus and method. 8,870,445, Oct. 28. Brian Stasiewich and Mark Schiffner, both of Billings: Interlocking rig mats. 8,870,492. Oct. 28. Rig Mats of America, Inc. of Billings. William A. Garcia of Columbia Falls and Howard F. Wilkins of Kalispell: Metal-air battery with reduced gas diffusion layer. 8,871,394. Oct. 28. ZAF Energy Systems Incorporated of Columbia Falls. Charles Siebenga of Belgrade: Continuous square baler. 8,875,625. Nov. 4. Harold W. Howe and Todd A. McAdams, both of Butte: Container holder for mixers. 8,876,367. Nov. 4. Ciaran John Patrick Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor and Shane Hilliard, both of Bozeman: Apparatus and method for transporting an aerosol. 8,879,064. Nov. 4. Electro

Scientific Industries, Inc. of Portland, Ore. Justin F. Chapweske of Bozeman; Ryan Brase of Minneapolis, Minn., and Chad A. Tippin of Dunedin, Fla.: Dynamic media bit rates based on enterprise data transfer policies. 8,880,722. Nov. 4. Google Inc. of Mountain View, Calif. Matthew C. Miller of Cincinnati, Ohio; Daniel W. Price of Loveland, Ohio; William E. Clem of Bozeman; Shawn C. Snyder of Greendale, Ind.; Chad P. Boudreaux of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Scott A. Woodruff of Boston, Mass.: Ornamental design for a surgical instrument. D716,945. Nov. 4. Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio. Lee E. Cannon of Bozeman: Methods and apparatus for a competitive bonus game with variable odds. 8,882,585. Nov. 11. IGT of Las Vegas, Nev. Christopher R. Hunter of Bozeman: Application runtime environment and framework. 8,887,132. Nov. 11. Glenn DeVolder of Paradise: Head rest rifle rack. 8,887,973. Nov. 18. Gregg Tvetene of Billings: Sod roll pickup mechanism. 8,888,154. Nov. 18. Trebro

AK Enterprise Group Inc. 516 Nelson Drive, 855-9904. Combat Nutrition, 1310 24th St. W., 654-7036. HWT Inc. 3319 Rimrock Road, 850-4331.

253-341-9354. Dynamic Innovations LLC, Jennifer Vasquez-LMT, 2526 2714 Seventh Ave. S., 259-7132. Grand Ave., 855-9996. Nez Perce Construction, All Home Maintenance Re5425 Frontier Drive, No. 2, 969pair LLC, Laurel, 812-0347. 4256. T. E. King LLC, 1624 Forest Mount Cedar, 713 Avenue D,

Holding, Inc. of Billings. Holly Jean Jessen of Belgrade; Hans H. Liao of Eden Prairie, Minn.; Steven John Gort of Apple Valley, Minn., and Olga V. Selifonova of Plymouth, Minn.: Beta-alanine/alpha-ketoglutarate aminotransferase for 3-hydroxypropionic acid production. 8,889,391. Nov. 18. Cargill, Incorporated of Wayzata, Minn. Jordan Hayes of Great Falls: Adjustable chin support for musical instrument. 8,889,974. Nov. 18. Kreddle Rest LLC of Great Falls. Nathan Modderman and Steven Modderman, both of Bigfork: Ornamental design for a lighted tree ornament. D717,689. Nov. 18. LMD Investments, LLC of Bigfork. Nathan Modderman and Steven Modderman, both of Bigfork: Ornamental design for a lighted tree ornament. D717,690. Nov. 18. LMD Investments, LLC of Bigfork. Charles Lewis of Lakeside: Ornamental design for a ski pole handle. D717,896. Nov. 18. Brent Lyda of Billings, Michael Kavanaugh and Nicholas Natale of Missoula, Stephanie Martinelli of Burbank, Calif.: Inhibitors of the amino acid transporters

ASCT1 and ASCT2. 8,895,607. Nov. 25, 2014. University of Montana. Joseph Sipher, Sunnyvale, Calif.; Brook Lenox, Missoula: User-manipulable stencils for drawing application. 8,896,621. Nov. 25, 2014. Pinger Inc., San Jose, Calif. John Nelsen, Bozeman: Automatically adjusting wind energy paddlewheel. 8,899,927. Dec. 2, 2014. Randy Harris, Paul McHugh, Gregory Wilson, all of Kalispell: Contact ring for an electrochemical processor. 8,900,425. Applied Materials Inc., Santa Clara, Calif. Warren White Bauder, Kevin R. Fletcher, Thomas H. Johnson of Bozeman; Gretchen Andes Bauder of Belgrade, Ryan G. Sasser of Wilsall: System and method of rapid development of software application. 8,904,342. Dec. 2, 2014. Zoot Enterprises Inc., Bozeman. Seth McKindra, Eric Reimers of Missoula: Ornamental design for a wheeled travel case. D718,527. Dec. 2, 2014. Lance Hossack of Manhattan: Ornamental design for an eyewear strap. D718,807. Dec. 2, 2014. Stephan Pohlmann of Tel Aviv,

Israel; Dennis Meuchel, Missoula: Ornamental design for a dental scaler. D718,859. Dec. 2, 2014. American Eagle Instruments Inc., Missoula. Gary Byers, Columbia Falls: Ornamental design for a coin bank. D718,915. Dec. 2, 2014. Mike Rodriguez of Big Timber; Ross Walker, David Yakos, Stephen Sanford, all of Bozeman: Handcuff design that prevents injuries from over tightening. 8,904,832. Dec. 9, 2014. Mike Rodriguez of Big Timber. Harold W. Howe, Peter A. Lucon, Keffrey D. Thornton, Brian Jay Seaholm, all of Butte: Control of vibratory/oscillatory mixers. 8,905,624. Dec. 9, 2014. Jonathan Lee Hoskinson, Louise Anne Hiskinson of Ronan: Ornamental design for a transition strip corner structure with a flange. D719,279. Dec. 9, 2014. David W. Oberst of Kalispell: Growing chamber for irrigating, draining, lighting, heating and cooling plants. 8,910,419. Dec. 16, 2014. Peter Roos, Randy Reibel, Brant Kaylor, Zeb Barber, William Babbitt, all of Bozeman: Precise broadband frequency modulated laser. 8,913,636. Dec. 16, 2014. Montana State University.

Meadow Place. Cy-Corp Trailer, 1023 Mullowney Lane, 259-4242. Pape Material Handling, 7072 Commercial Ave., 2527667.

Wesleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Custom Carpentry & Home Solutions, 1068 Wiloma Drive, 672-9834. Best Security Locksmith, 1925 Grand Ave., Suite 127, 299-9179.

Business licenses The following business licenses were filed with the city of Billings in November and December of 2014. Minson Trucking, 84 Goldstrike Drive, 316-619-6325. 42

I February 2015

Billingsbusiness

Business licenses, continued Karen Klement Designs, 129 Rolling Meadow Drive, 670-2078. Christopher Kidwell, 114 S. 31st St., 720-431-4745. Chi-Custom Home Improvement LLC, 2110 Bradbrook Court, 697-1089. Kismet Rug Gallery LLC, 224 N. 28th St., 200-7291. Cold Comfort Weatherization LLC, Belgrade, 595-0771. Big Dipper Billings LLC, 100 N. Broadway. Sensation Dazzle, 300 S. 24th St. W., 979-402-1558. Living Color LLC, 2920 Alexander Road, 670-8242. Mad Cupcakes Bakery and Coffee House, 2712 Second Ave. N., 850-1381. Billings Best Builders LLC, 1001 N. 22nd St., 208-4146. SW Specialties Inc., Las Vegas, 702-254-4081. Heights Family Funeral Home & Crematory, 733 W. Wicks Lane. Thairapy Salon, 1540 Lake Elmo Drive, Suite 5, 200-7380. Medical Logistic Solution, 1212 Grand Ave., No. 13, 303917-8401. Pretty Pretty Inc., 9216 Lipp Road, 690-0379. 7 Wellness and Massage Center, 2116 Broadwater Ave., No. 307, 696-3908. Logdog Photography, 2825 Arrowhead Meadows Drive, 698-9319. Life Balance Massage Therapy PLLC, 901 Broadwater Ave., 259-0888. Element Sprinklers Lawn Service, 222 Birchwood Drive, Billingsbusiness

633-1840. BBT LLC, 5504 King Ave. E, 206-1637. See & Fingers Unlimited Sports, 4105 Corbin Drive, 6619012. Fox Safety LLC, 326 Rhubarb Lane, 698-9835. Round Enterprises LLC, 2123 Second Ave. N., 861-8343. Robert May, 412 Russell Drive, 672-8657. Diamond Parking Services LLC MB 30, 113 N. 29th St., 254-7275. Diamond Parking Service MB 28, 401 N. 28th St., 2547275. Promise Photography, 2034 George St., 672-3969. Neal Sivertson, 1943 Mariposa Lane, 696-0699. Alpha Pride Productions, 333 Jackson St., 671-5927. Carmen Berumen Construction, 504 Calhoun Lane, 694-3993. HH Builders WC, 4151 Smohawk Trail, 698-6931. Eagles Construction, 848 Wicks Lane, 200-1543. Walsh Counseling Inc., 1220 Avenue C, Suite F, 672-0400. 7 Wellness and Massage Center (mobile), 2116 Broadwater Ave., Suite 307, 696-3908. Splash of Color by Jeni, 3436 Winchell Lane, 698-2616. Magic City Tile & Stone Inc., 4235 Iron Horse Trail, 671-3303. Crown Self Storage, 540 Josephine Drive. Elite Exteriors, Black Hawk S.D., 605-390-7487. Standman Handy Man, 3832 Chamberlain Drive, 208-2286.

Crafts & Crap by Connie, 5500 Midland Road, 640-0377. Kimball Home Mortgage LLC, 1526 Granite Peak Trail, 371-5527. Magwest Marketing Firm, 2108 Broadwater Ave., Suite 201, 831-214-5306. Peace on Earth Trees, 300 S. 24th St. W., 794-5982. Dickeys BBQ, 2519 Montana Ave., 969-3909. 1111 Entertainment LLP, 2502 First Ave. N., 671-7345. C. S. Siding, 1931 Burnstead Drive, 281-4808. J. Boyd Mobile Welding Services LLC, 7939 N. Leopard Ave., 214-2121. JMan Construction, 2108 Monad Road. Flawless Finishes LLC, Absarokee, 217-2814. Moler Snow Removal, 2115 George St., 694-8892. Bagel Inc., 2135 Grand Ave., 652-7249. 4th Avenue Bagel, 3012 Fourth Ave. N., 254-0445. Jack and Jan, 111 N. 30th St., Suite 222, 425-3057. Ryco Hydralics Inc., 421 N. 24th St., 245-1143. Edward Jones, 1668 Gleneagles Blvd., 245-6115. Valentine’s H2O 2 Go, Molt, 669-3348. Fit Fab Personal Training, 638 Lewis Ave., 670-4935. R. Knox Transportation, 331 Bohl Ave., 969-3060. V’s Concessions, 4852 Danford Drive, 214-5271. Sunrise Montessori School Inc., 805 Alderson Ave., 7021122.

Michael Holley, MA, LCPC, 1925 Grand Ave., Suite 115A, 698-3010. Big Sky Pet Resort, 2922 Millennium Circle, 656-5100. DJS General Contracting, 3926 First Ave. S., 699-6948. Ryan Richards Photography, 129 W. Hilltop Road, 451-8049. Abel Towing and Recovery LLC, 1028 Lewis Ave., 876-5514. Koinonia Laundry, 302 S. 29th St., 698-5766. Chris Hanson/Shane McKeever, 2555 Yellowstone Ave., 850-2862. The Blanket Guy, 1219 Main St., 371-1963. Advance Fugitive Recovery, 4520 Mitchell Ave., 424-2792593. Hauf Industries, 906 Ahoy Ave., 671-1360. Hunt Exteriors Inc., 1491 Sourdough Lane, 698-4731. Cajun Phatty’s, 1123 First Ave. N., 281-2820. Brandon Reiter, 37 Clark Ave., 697-2088. Chris-Co Cleaning, Worden, 860-9711. JQ Catering, 1087 El Rancho Drive, 794-8146. Perry Built Construction, 2520 Fifth Ave. S., 210-7288. Gregory Chapin’s Maintenance and Repair, 915 Miles Ave., 672-4042. Montana News, Johnson Ranch, 623-0205. Flash Performance, 712 Lohwest Lane, 780-0581. Mackenzie Remodels, 32 Rainier St. N., 690-9487. Reliable Shine Car Wash, 4024 First Ave. S., 855-1001.

Reliable Landscaping, 1140 Krumheuer Drive, 855-1001. Scentered LLC, 4148 June Circle, 696-2776. Final Touch LLC, 1817 Bitterroot Drive, 530-945-3381. Amity Business Solutions Inc., 1744 Morocco Drive, 5348251. Ironside Lamping LLC, 2049 Hawthorne Lane, 720-0047. Chris Gilg Software Services, 1816 Miles Ave., 371-1147. Some Kind O Radical Productions, 221 Alderson Ave., 672-2145. The Furniture Solutions, 1308 Terry Ave., 690-5189. Try Green Cleaning, 2150 Burnstead Drive, 371-6851. Marvelous Drywall, 1923 Avenue B, 808-780-3197. Panasuk CPA Services, 2624 Minnesota Ave., 245-1307. Extrinsic Apparel, 5060 Maple Ridge Circle, 652-0004. MJH Construction, 707 Lohwest Lane, 628-5732. Chicago Title Company, 1575 Shiloh Road, Suite J, 238-9999. Anchor Electric Contracting Corp., Clinton, 251-3166. Kyle Wiederien Masonry, 2102 Mary St., 690-5538. Clarent Stewart Flooring, Huntley, 927-2883. Chicago Title Co., 3030 Fourth Ave. N., 245-3064. Final Touch Construction Cleaning LLC, 1817 Bitterroot Drive, 400-0200. Colossal Construction, 1505 Yellowstone Ave., 701-6517645. Premier Exteriors, 2938 Millice Ave., 539-4511.

Four Dance LLC, 239 E. Airport Road, 694-1851. Thurman Oilfield Transport, 4250 Long Beach Way, 904-5684052. Buffalo Jump Sip & Paint, 1911 King Ave. W., Suite 11. R & J, 1649 Bench Blvd., 672-4079. Billings Bodyworks & Medical Massage, Laurel, 647-4376. Morrison-Maierle Systems Inc., 315 N. 25th St., Suite 102, 237-1212. Git R Done Transport, 930 N. 23rd St., 861-6573. Solomon’s Solutions, 3862 Avenue C, 253-344-0410. Derek Stratton, 1301 Avenue E, 699-1227. Kirkuki Motors, 1008 Poly Drive, 315-744-8346. Ant Construction, 204 24th St. W., 690-5596. Rude Property Holdings LLC, 2953 Rockrim Lane, 670-1345, Rick’s Sprinkler & Lawn, 3910 Audubon Way, 672-4175. Veracity Construction LLC, 626 S. 38th St. W., 690-4554. Ductworx LLC, Laurel, 6707620. Rimrock Flooring, 1440 Central Ave., 860-2332. Native American Beadwork by Sarah, 422 Hansen Lane, 591-0523. Keller Rohrback LLP, 316 N. 26th St., 206-623-1900. Manny’s Cleaning Service, 202 Custer Ave., 647-1368. February 2015

Bankruptcies Billings area petitions filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Nov. 1, 2014 to Dec. 31, 2014. Addresses are in Billings unless otherwise noted.

Chapter 7 Curt Andrew Zygmond Sr., Laura Sue Zygmond, 1695 Vuecrest Drive, Nov. 4. Jeffrey D. Kostelecky, P.O. Box 135, Columbus, Nov. 5.

Joseph Robert Ponce, 907 25th St. W., Nov. 5. Clinton J. Horton, 3544 Monad Road, Nov. 5. Trevor Richard Wilkins, 5108 Hidden View Place, Nov. 13. Daniel Paul Martinez, Adaline Gail Martinez, 641 Nottingham Circle No. 3, Nov. 17. Tom Eldred Leskovec, Susan Renae Leskovec, 527 Badger

Square, Laurel, Nov. 19. John Christan Goodnight, Brandi Lyn Goodnight, 22 Hartland St. N., Nov. 25. Angela Erin Hanson, Yellowstone County, Nov. 25. Randall Lee Christensen, 910 10th St. W. No. 128, Nov. 26. Matthew S. Klang, 1706 Virginia Lane No. 4, Nov. 26. David Bara, 109 N. Craw-

ford, Hardin, Nov. 26. John Henry Schneider, 3611 Tommy Armour Circle, Dec. 4. Thomas Edmond Pearson Jr., P.O. Box 1193, Laurel, Dec. 14. Michael D. Pettis, 1525 Bench Blvd. No. 25, Dec. 16. Alexander Lansing Clark, P.O. Box 21114, Dec. 16. Marc E. Dean, Jill R. Dean, 740 Garnet Ave., Dec. 17.

Houston Michael Foreman, 4157 Morgan Ave., Dec. 17. Nathaniel W. Fawcett, 618 Crawford Drive, Dec. 19. Raye Lynn Kriesel, 201 N. 20th, Dec. 29. Peggy Jo Rollins, 2121 Lampman Drive, Dec. 29. Judson F. Tolar, Trina J. Tolar, 1327 Hardrock Lane Apt. 4, Dec. 31.

Williams, James L & Lee Ann, Ecosmart Home Improvement Company, $2,160 1212 O’Malley Drive, Jones, James O. & Kathy L., $1,800

Construction, $39,200 4022 Vickery Drive, Grinestaff Family Trust, $60,000

1723 Hollyhock St., McCall Development Inc., McCall Development, $220,905 21 Saturn Place, Dorn Property And Homes LLC, Dorn Construction LLC, $179,095 5230 Golden Hollow Road, McCall Development Inc., McCall Development, 5226 Golden Hollow, $94,190 5230 Golden Hollow Road, McCall Development Inc., McCall Development, 5230 Golden Hollow, $131,770 5230 Golden Hollow Road, McCall Development Inc., McCall Development, 5228 Golden Hollow, $160,140 5232 Golden Hollow Road, McCall Development Inc., McCall Development, $94,190 5234 Golden Hollow Road, McCall Development Inc., McCall Development, $160,440 5236 Golden Hollow Road, McCall Development Inc., McCall Development, $120,815 5238 Golden Hollow Road, McCall Development Inc., McCall Development, $158,540 5240 Golden Hollow Road, McCall Development Inc., McCall Development, $115,470 5242 Golden Hollow Road, McCall Development Inc., McCall Development, $94,190 3119 Western Bluffs Blvd., Trent Buscher, Buscher Con-

struction Ltd., $394,620 6211 Western Bluffs Blvd., Hutchinson Nicole D. & Mark D., Ban Construction Corp., $304,825 1506 Anchor Ave., John Haman, Honey Do Contracting, $198,180 5823 Horseshoe Trail, Trails West Homes LLC, Trails West Homes LLC, $250,400 5720 Mountain Front Ave., Trails West Homes LLC, Trails West Homes LLC, $205,170 5325 Sundance Mountain Circle, Jeff Junkert Const., Jeff Junkert Construction Inc., $198,050 1403 Watson Peak Road, Twin Oaks Corporation, Twin Oaks Corp., $145,680 3120 Harrier Lane, Rimrock Builders Inc., Rimrock Builders Inc., $275,457 1401 Watson Peak Road, Twin Oaks Corporation, Twin Oaks Corp, $143,520 2025 Beverly Drive, Reichenbach Properties LLC, Kay Homebuilders LLC, $198,910 3212 Peregrine Lane, Trent Buscher, Trent Buscher Construction, $248,445 2613 Meadow Creek Loop, BCJM Properties, Hanser Construction Company, $230,705 4007 Wildridge Meadows Drive, Classic Design Homes,

Chapter 13 David Lustig, 3527 Poly Drive, Nov. 3. Rodney B. Ostman, Tiffany A. Ostman, 2108 Monad Road, Nov. 4. Shawn W. Hart, Sheila H. Hart, 405 Santa Fe Drive, Nov. 18. Gregory Lynn Price, Deborah Ann Price, 1208 Sun Valley Drive, Nov. 11.

Residential Permits Demolition Permit Residential — 32 Clark Ave., Douglas, Sheldon & Annie, Siewart, Paul, $500 Addition Single/Duplex/ Garage 460 S. Lakeview Drive, Moore, Gary W. & Elizabeth J., Castellano Enterprises Inc., $30,000 4529 Vaughn Lane, Marshall, Glenna H., Van Arsdale Construction, $2,500 20 Bonanza Drive, HDRS Casa Village LLC, Square Plumb Builders, $9,960 2938 Arnold Palmer Drive, Jones, Shaun A. & Farrah M., $7,200 2712 Howard Ave., Willits, James S., Brown Construction Inc., $20,000 1732 Primrose Drive, Jones, Perry K. & Deana V., Neumann Construction, $1,815 1240 Beringer Way, Diefenderfer, Craig B. & Kandra, $30,000 5650 Canyonwoods Drive, Kisling Quality Builders, Kisling Quality Builders, $600,000 2800 Virginia Lane, Charles J Heringer III Trust, $89,300 3456 Lucky Penny Lane,

I February 2015

New Garage

New Single Family

— 1422 King Charles St., Dorn Property LLC, Dorn Construction LLC, $189,650 — 123 Terry Ave., Ander6065 Autumnwood Drive, son Clark F., $4,200 Wells Built Homes, Wells Built 20 Bonanza Drive, Alice Homes Inc., $374,230 Anderson, $16,800 5203 Amherst Drive, 2490 32 St. W., Kuck Dannie D. & Bonnie G., Plan/Build- Kenmark Corp, Kenmark Inc., $192,885 er Construction Inc., $45,000 1713 Hollyhock St., Mc2444 Hoover Ave., Pitcher Robert P., T Davis Construction Call Development Inc, McCall Development, $221,280 Inc., $28,800 323 Viceroy St., Com5230 Golden Hollow Road, McCall Development Inc., Mc- munity Leadership Dev. Inc., Koinonia Housing ConstrucCall Development, $30,800 5230 Golden Hollow Road, tion, $165,000 1407 Watson Peak Road, McCall Development Inc., McTwin Oaks Corporation, Twin Call Development, $15,400 5232 Golden Hollow Road, Oaks Corp., $143,520 1405 Watson Peak Road, McCall Development Inc., McTwin Oaks Corporation, Twin Call Development, $30,800 5236 Golden Hollow Road, Oaks Corp., $144,981 100 Lakewood Lane, RobMcCall Development Inc., Mcerts, Lester G., H.T. ConstrucCall Development, $24,640 5240 Golden Hollow Road, tion, $304,370 6281 Canyonwoods Drive, McCall Development Inc., McCougar Construction, Cougar Call Development, $26,640 Construction, $412,665 6232 Canyonwoods Drive, 5336 Sundance Mountain Ban Construction, Ban ConCircle, Jeff Junkert Construcstruction Corp., $35,280 1732 Primrose Drive, Jones tion, Jeff Junkert ConstrucPerry K. & Deana V., Neumann tion Inc., $213,585

Classic Design Homes, $178,230 6232 Canyonwoods Drive, Ban Construction, Ban Construction Corp., $379,365 1818 Songbird Drive, McCall Development Inc., McCall Development, $242,805 1802 Songbird Drive, McCall Development Inc., McCall Development, $257,155 5153 Clemson Drive, NA, Kenmark Inc., $173,375 1310 Benjamin Blvd., Bob Pentecost, Bob Pentecost Const., $255,900 4107 Headwater Lane, Classic Design Homes, Classic Design Homes, $298,695 3437 Lucky Penny Lane, Oakland Built Homes, Oakland Built Homes Inc, $171,055 5635 Canyonwoods Drive, Price Larry & Amy, Kisling Quality Builders, $550,000 1397 Watson Peak Road, Twin Oaks Corporation, Twin Oaks Corp., $159,970 6505 Northern Bluffs Way, Classic Design Homes Inc., Classic Design Homes, $281,675 5328 Amherst Drive, Kisling Quality Builders, Kisling Quality Builders, $188,430 1622 Songbird Drive, McCall Development Inc., McCall Development, $211,970 1424 Anchor Ave., Had

Billingsbusiness

Residential Permits, continued Inc., Had Inc., $199,735 1251 Benjamin Blvd., Infinity Homes, Infinity Homes LLC, $208,665 5320 Amherst Drive, NA, Oldenburg Const & Design, $200,000 5251 Amherst Drive, Billings Housing Oldenburg Const. & Design, $230,740 1406 Watson Peak Road, Twin Oaks Corporation, Twin Oaks Corp., $139,520 1404 Watson Peak Road, Twin Oaks Corporation, Twin Oaks Corp., $143,520 5101 Amherst Drive, Kisling Quality Builders, Kisling Quality Builders, $273,880 635 Claremont Road, Krivec Tom & Judy, Leh Construction, $322,035 2613 Burlwood Drive, Classic Design Homes, Classic Design Homes, $242,935 1131 Jordan Circle, Habitat For Humanity Mid Yell, Habitat For Humanity, $132,355 5721 Mountain Front Ave., Trails West Homes LLC, Trails West Homes LLC, $174,795 5713 Mountain Front Ave., Trails West Homes LLC, Trails West Homes LLC, $250,325 1115 Vineyard Way, Jeff Junkert, Jeff Junkert Construction Inc., $237,840 5836 Autumnwood Drive, Regal Land Development, Wells Built Homes Inc., $407,225 1240 Benjamin Blvd., Ratco LLC, Dawson Builders, $168,440 1624 Hidden Cove Lane, McCall Development Inc., McCall Development, $143,860

New Two Family — 3835 Avenue C, Tvetene Kenmark LLC, Kenmark Inc., $286,535

Billingsbusiness

Dutch Construction, $21,000 3917 Rimrock Road, Ziss, Martin M. &, One Source Construction LLC, $3,250 — 3538 Cook Ave., Flom, 3254 Granger Ave. E, Gary & Cynthia, $400 Slayden, One Source Con918 N. 22 St., Kevin Perre- struction LLC, $950 ant, $2,000 3911 Third Ave. S., Bonnie 2737 Gregory Drive S., Hetland, $10,000 Stark, John R. & Patricia A., 3405 Lucky Penny Lane, Pella Window Store, $600 Davidson, Johnny L. & Melissa 1257 Yellowstone Ave., A., $4,000 Martin, Evelyn M., One Source 123 Foster Lane, Kunter, Construction LLC, $2,100 Muriel J., $200 2841 Parkhill Drive, Exner, 3110 Reimers Park Drive, Anne, $6,000 Christopherson, Dennis M., 2323 Treasure Drive, Waller, $17,900 Joseph D. & Sheila J., Pella 1015 N. 26 St., Gonzales, Window Store, $900 Cherie L., Elite Construction, 1328 Nutter Blvd., Werbe$3,400 low, Linda J., Ecosmart Home 3170 Solar Blvd., O’Reilly, Improvement Company, $9,300 Maureen M., One Source Con3118 Marguerite Blvd., struction LLC, $750 Miller, Kyle A. & Amber R., 2734 Rimrock Road, SulEcosmart Home Improvement livan, Linda Marie, Billings Company, $500 Window And Door, $4,130 3418 Perth Circle, Above & 207 S. Crestwood Drive, Beyond Construction, Above & Raymond, Lynnrich Inc., Beyond Construction, $13,600 $4,721 1725 Avenue F, Campbell, 719 Avenue B, Propriedad Angela Rae, One Source ConLLC, Big Sky Exterior Designs struction LLC, $1,725 Inc., $4,000 311 Wyoming Ave., Moody, 2917 Doreen Drive, DanJames S., Northwest Custom gerfield, Robin L. & Tracy A., Improvements, $4,800 Chi-Custom Home Improve1961 Pryor Lane, Skiles, ment, $30,000 Stephen P. & Kerry L., $21,030 2924 Golden Acres Drive, 2090 Hope Circle, Holden, Patten, Eli J. & Julia R., Bob Benjamin J., One Source Con- Pentecost Const., $26,000 struction LLC, $4,100 935 Avenue F, Verhasselt, 5431 Stream Stone Ave., Ryan & Jen, One Source ConWallace, Vernon, $128,000 struction LLC, $1,300 4529 Loma Vista Drive, Jeff 900 Senora Ave., Peterson, Craig, Talmark Construction, Scott C. & Constance, Stevens $60,000 Renovations Plus, $401 1833 Lyndale Lane, Greg 1428 Crawford Drive, Loterbouer, Loterbauer Greg Lewis, Paul, One Source ConConstruction, $50,000 struction LLC, $1,600 512 16 St. W., Kimmet, 903 N. 25 St., Marancik, James L. Etal, $1,400 John J. & Nicole J., Northwest 1124 Avenue F, Roach, Custom Improvements, $4,000 Damon E., $10,500 3907 Pine Cove Road, 3070 Western Bluffs Blvd., Lowther, Cleora B., One Source Double Dutch Const., Double Construction LLC, $565

Remodel Single/ Duplex/Garage

2116 24 St. W., Searl Erica, Phil’s Glass, $2,000 5409 Spring Stone Ave., Hanson, Brent E. & Alysha, $20,000 2116 24 St. W., Jack Klein, $20,000 3111 St. Johns Ave., Eklund, Robert A., Stevens Renovations Plus, $572 817 22 St. W., Visser, Carl B., EEC Inc., $5,000 5321 Sundance Mountain Circle, Jeff Junkert, Jeff Junkert Construction Inc., $2,600 1446 Elaine St., Secretary Of Housing And Urban, One Source Construction LLC, $500 3214 Horton Smith, Lane, Volek Stephen F. & Christina F., $3,200 1011 Libra Place, Schleicher, Jason P. & Amy L., ABC Seamless Of Billings Inc., $4,646 191 Legends Way, Pierson, Jensen Construction Co., Pierson Jensen Construction Co., $1,900 3270 Gregory Drive W., Merchant, Robert K. & Linda J., Billings Window And Door, $25,675 719 Avenue B, Propriedad LLC, Big Sky Exterior Designs Inc., $20,000 1237 Bench Blvd., Lange, Levi, One Source Construction LLC, $1,088 1120 Terry Ave., Eloranto, Helen J., Team Construction LLC, $1,800 1737 Mariposa Lane, Marler, Robert M. & Donna L., Team Construction LLC, $2,800 1833 Avenue E, Hertz, Stanley M. Trustee, Team Construction LLC, $400 3587 Granger Ave. W., Rodell, Trina M., Team Construction LLC, $400 516 Van Bramer Drive, Senechal, Alice H. Trustee,

Team Construction LLC, $6,400 460 Caravan Ave., Gleason, Jeffrey S. & Teresa A., Team Construction LLC, $1,600 3267 Pipestone Drive, Clapper, Kevin S. & Caroline J., Team Construction LLC, $3,600 317 Miles Ave., Alderman, Dustin U. & Janel L., Team Construction LLC, $3,200 351 Stewart Court, Thompson, Edward E. & Sharon R., $16,000 3024 Glenwood Lane, Dernbach, Timothy A. & Sheryl L., Freyenhagen Construction Inc., $27,000 2751 Gregory Drive N., Sheryl L. Costanzo Trust, Freyenhagen Construction Inc., $8,000 524 Wyoming Ave., Olson, Richard Dennis, One Source Construction LLC, $3,500 19 S. Crestwood Drive, Andrew Cooper, $20,000 822 Delphinium Drive, Wagner, David M. & Jennifer L., Northwest Custom Improvements, $6,000 1744 Morocco Drive, Butterfield Living Trust The, R J Mac Homes, $6,000 4624 Lux Ave., Venard, Sally A., Billings Window & Siding Spec., $5,608 1304 Matador Ave., Nichols, Loren C., Dale Construction, $500 460 Alkali Creek Road, Bell, Bradley M., Casey Smith Construction, $5,650 1649 Augsburg Drive, Propriedad LLC, Big Sky Exterior Designs Inc., $3,000 1738 Avenue B, Allison Egan, $20,000 11 Miners Place, Spomer, Sasha A, B & C Homebuilders, $2,200 738 Burlington Ave., Hegg, Donald M. & Jana M., $8,000 519 Poppy Place, Shields, Darci, $700

2507 Clark Ave., Conboy, Ronald J & Mary Ann, One Source Construction LLC, $500 2512 Lake Elmo Drive, Jones Patrick & Linda, One Source Construction LLC, $400 943 N. 32 St., Jesse Gruel, Cold Comfort Weatherization LLC, $2,200 1649 Bench Blvd., Dehoyos, John A., $2,000 3781 Heritage Drive, McGregor Family Trust U/A/D/ F, Team Construction LLC, $400 2030 Green Terrace Drive, Bergeron, Briana & Derek, Team Construction LLC, $3,200 539 Clark Ave., Blanding, Nathan & Kristen, Triton Electric LLC, $15,800 5321 Sundance Mountain Circle, Terri Haun, $1,900 4187 Blackpool Trail, Rolfstad, Thomas C. & Kelci K., $31,000 1301 Avenue E, Derek Stratton, $4,000 3215 Peregrine Lane, Dana Fink, Mac Leffler Construction, $17,500 2423 Poly Drive, Canyon Creek Inn Inc., $8,000 1411 Eldorado Drive, Schoepp Devan M., Raisl Construction, $600 110 Crestline Drive, Vodehnal Michael D. & Alissa M., $500 743 Park Lane, Aldrich, Richard K. & Katherine, Freyenhagen Construction Inc., $22,000 1702 Westwood Drive, Luck, Greg C., Freyenhagen Construction Inc., $21,000 2223 St. Andrews Drive, McCullough, David L., T. Davis Construction Inc., $2,500 1008 Poly Drive, Walton, Kathleen, Alpha‐Omega Disaster, $30,000

February 2015

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In the Community to Serve®

Billings Commercial Building Permits November, December 2014 Addition

2012 1 Ave. N.

Track Side Body Shop

Two Times Two Inc.

$50,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

640 Lake Elmo Drive

BWN LLC

Great White Construction

$15,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

7 N. 18 St.

Pelican Frank T.

A Montana State Roofing LLC

$44,293

Fence/Roof/Siding

2230 Avenue C

Hill Andrew M.

Sprague Construction Roofing Division

$17,000

New Parking Lot/Non-Building Structure

428 Sharron Lane

Lee Han B.

New Restaurant/Casino/Bar

1791 Majestic Lane

BCJM LLC

Capital Development Inc.

New Warehouse/Storage

534 S. Billings Blvd.

Rubie Michael C.

BNH Construction

Remodel

701 S. 27 St.

State Of Mt Department Of Admin.

Cucancic Construction Inc.

Remodel

300 S. 24 St. W.

Rimrock Owner LP

Flaming Wok

Remodel

3318 3 Ave. N.

American Exchange Corporation

Lonewolfmt Inc.

$20,000

Remodel

2800 10 Ave. N.

Deaconess Medical Center Of Blgs.

Jones Construction Inc.

$10,000

Demolition Permit Commercial

1221 Wicks Lane

Larry Grosulack

Ostermiller Construction H. L.

$26,000

Addition

415 Broadwater Ave.

School District 2

Hardy Construction Co.

Addition

1030 Central Ave.

iConnect Montana LLC

Fence/Roof/Siding

711 Mattson Lane

Holmen Carolyn D. & Ivin R.

Infinity Roofing & Siding Inc.

New 3/4 Family

3131 Iron Horse Trail

Kenmark Corporation

Kenmark Inc.

New Other

1501 S. 30 St. W.

Rommesmo Family Limited Partnership

Remodel

415 Broadwater Ave.

School District 2

Hardy Construction Co.

$370,000

Remodel

790 S. Billings Blvd.

Jake Bauer

Roset And Associates Inc.

$100,000

Remodel

4041 Grand Ave.

Rocky Mountain Oil Inc.

Roset And Associates Inc.

$28,000

Remodel

3311 2 Ave. N.

Khan Real Estate LLC

Delicate Lines Construction

Fence/Roof/Siding

1415 1 Ave. N.

Solo Holdings LLC

All Valley Custom Roofing And Contracting

$69,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

1106 Parkhill Drive

Rimrock Foundation

Aspen Contracting Inc.

$18,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

810 N. 17 St.

Rimrock Foundation

Aspen Contracting Inc.

$15,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

18 Alderson Ave.

Rimrock Foundation

Aspen Contracting Inc.

$12,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

120 S. 37 St.

Shafer Dale R. & Marcien J.

Empire Roofing Inc.

$7,500

Fence/Roof/Siding

1110 3 Ave. N.

Larson Properties LLC

Empire Roofing Inc.

$156,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

540 Josephine Drive

Reichenbach Properties LLC

Fence/Roof/Siding

2323 32 St. W.

Rimview Apartments LLC

Rocky Mountain Roofing

$12,500 $1,401,000 $249,744 $1,100,000 $150,000

$6,000,000 $220,000 $44,290 $653,810 $65,000

$500

$59,000 $8,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

2615 St. Johns Ave.

Taylor Phil & Susan Living Trust

A Montana State Roofing LLC

$21,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

2619 St. Johns Ave.

Taylor R. Phillip & Susan M.-Trust

A Montana State Roofing LLC

$21,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

2619 St. Johns Ave.

Taylor R. Phillip & Susan M.-Trust

A Montana State Roofing LLC

$21,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

2323 32 St. W.

Rimview Apartments LLC

Rocky Mountain Roofing

Remodel

1025 Shiloh Crossing Blvd.

Shiloh Silver Screen Partners

Remodel-Change In Use

109 N. 30 St.

Deka Inc.

Fence/Roof/Siding

1117 N. 19 St.

Nose Robert J. & Sharon L.

I February 2015

$8,000 $77,918 $135,000

Majestic Roofing And Constuction LLC

$25,300

Billingsbusiness

Billings Commercial Building Permits November, December 2014 Fence/Roof/Siding

3301 1 Ave. N.

Holiday Furniture Co. Inc.

Infinity Roofing & Siding Inc.

$52,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

3220 1 Ave. N.

Rider Theodore J.

Infinity Roofing & Siding Inc.

$96,000

New Other

1601 St Andrews Drive

City Of Billings

$80,000

New Warehouse/Storage

1601 St Andrews Drive

City Of Billings

$15,765

Remodel

2115 Central Ave.

Billings Health And Rehab

Remodel

1325 Main St.

Wells Fargo Corporate Properties

Jones Construction Inc.

$10,000

Remodel

3000 7 Ave. N.

Miller Land Co.

Billings Best Builders LLC

$54,984

Remodel

2520 5th Ave. S.

Walla Walla College

$35,000

Remodel-Change In Use

2813 2 Ave. N.

BMT Pita Inc.

$75,000

Addition

25 Hilltop Road

Trinity Church Of Nazarene

Johnsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fine Carpentry

$180,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

2303 1 Ave. S.

Sevier Mark R.

Bradford Roof Management Inc.

$117,780

Fence/Roof/Siding

2049 Broadwater Ave.

Energy Equity Company

$26,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

2045 Broadwater Ave.

Energy Equity Company

$26,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

415 N .29 St.

Karlsen Virginia G.

New Other

3300 Central Ave.

Central Capital LLC

Remodel

116 N. 28 St.

The Babcock LLC

Matt Caudill Construction LLC

Remodel

3311 2 Ave. N.

Khan Real Estate LLC

Delicate Lines Construction

Addition

2951 King Ave. W.

Rimrock II LLC

Wells Built Homes Inc.

Fence/Roof/Siding

713 Avenue D

Korean American Community Church

Mount Cedar

$2,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

713 Avenue D

Korean American Community Church

Mount Cedar

$1,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

2370 Avenue C

Rose Park Professional Building

All Action Construction LLC

Fence/Roof/Siding

746 Grand Ave.

Moffet Kim & Louis

Peak Contracting

Remodel

50 27 St. W.

4M Properties

$65,000

Remodel

529 24 St. W.

M & K Inc.

$15,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

2609 8 Ave. N.

Deaconess Medical Cntr Of Blgs

Commercial Roof Wtr Proof

$11,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

417 S. 28 St.

Freedom Properties LLC

Empire Roofing Inc.

$40,000

Remodel

2201 St. Johns Ave.

School District 2

Hardy Construction Co.

$15,800

Remodel

1603 Grand Ave.

West Park Shopping Center LLC

Matt Caudill Construction LLC

$80,000

Remodel

1510 24 St. W.

Larson And Carpenter Partnership

AHB Construction

Remodel

2012 1 Ave. N.

Track Side Body Shop

Two Times Two Inc.

$20,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

522 N. 29 St.

Christian Church

Premier Exteriors

$21,600

Fence/Roof/Siding

612 Charles St.

612 Charles LLC

Big Sky Exterior Designs Inc.

$11,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

612 Charles St.

612 Charles LLC

Big Sky Exterior Designs Inc.

$15,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

3318 3 Ave. N.

Jeff Essmann

Lonewolfmt Inc.

$15,000

New Parking Lot/Non-Building Structure

3311 2 Ave. N.

Khan Real Estate LLC

Paul Siewert Construction

$15,400

New Warehouse/Storage

125 S. 8 St. W.

Toepfer Stephen & Jennifer

Toepfer Concrete

Remodel

100 Brookshire Blvd.

Hanser Capital Holdings LLC

Jones Construction Inc.

Remodel

2719 1 Ave. N.

Lad Enterprises LLC

Le Lustre Cakes

$1,200

Remodel

1510 24 St. W.

Larson And Carpenter Partnership

AHB Construction

$20,000

Remodel

2655 Central Ave.

Big Sky Holdings LLC

Cucancic Construction Inc.

$8,000

Remodel

2420 2 Ave. N.

Entz Loren

Sbarrow Construction Inc.

$32,000

Addition

3123 8th Ave. S.

Friendship House Of Christian Service

Fisher Construction Inc.

Remodel

3318 3rd Ave. N.

Jeff Essman

Lonewolfmt

$52,000

Remodel

3318 3rd Ave. N.

American Exchange Corporation

Lonewolfmt

$12,500

Billingsbusiness

$200,000

All Seasons Roofing

$12,425 $80,000 $15,000 $7,500 $22,500

$41,000 $7,000

$500

$254,544 $35,000

$120,000

February 2015

Wayne Nelson

Tim Ludewig

Darrin Maas

Tim Anderson

Jeremy Morgret

Spencer Frederic Frederick

Billings Market President

King Ave Branch Manager

Heights Branch Manager

Shiloh Branch Manager

Downtown Branch Manager

Grand Ave Branch Manager

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King Ave 655-2700

Hilltop & Main 896-4800

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I February 2015

Shiloh & Grand 655-3900

Downtown 655-2400

14th & Grand 371-8100