Billings Business May 14

5 MINUTES WITH

LISA DONNOT

FAMILY PROMISE OF YELLOWSTONE COUNTY

JEWEL JONES AND AMANDA ROTH

OVER THE ROAD APPAREL

May 2014

PRIME LOCATION Project Meats branches out with Billings specialty shop

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

CONTENTS

may 2014

An indispensable business resource On the Cover

FEATURES

Tanya Flowers shows a variety of meats in the Ranch House Meat Co. store.

Prime Location....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Photo by James Woodcock

Special Report: Record winter...................................................................................................................................................... 13

Project Meats branches out with Billings specialty shop

Ski areas enjoyed up side of rugged winter of 2014-15

The benefits of bike tourism........................................................................................................................................................... 18 Study: Cycle tourists contribute to tourism economy

Over the Road Apparel............................................................................................................................................................................ 22 Sisters collaborate to create clothing for truckers

Construction Zone........................................................................................................................................................................................ 27 Triamic Development, Furniture Land

24 Hour Emergency Flood & Fire Restoration Services Commercial & Residential

COLUMNS

Economic Development.........................................................................................................................................................................10 This year’s record-breaking winter benefited skiing and snowboarding industry.

Page 13

Jeremy Vanatta – Big Sky Economic Development’s upcoming annual meeting

Strategies for Success.............................................................................................................................................................................17 Joe Michels – Sochi Olympics provides lessons on budgeting

Better Business.................................................................................................................................................................................................20 Erin T. Dodge – Here’s how to protect yourself from data breaches

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

Marketing Cooler............................................................................................................................................................................................26

Preferred by Major Insurance Companies.

Dana Pulis – Take a tip from Branson and become Social CEO

Travel & Leisure................................................................................................................................................................................................39 Billie Ruff – The employer’s role in traveler security and duty of care BILLINGS BUSINESS EVERY MONTH

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

I May 2014

406-628-0178

—24 hour contact line—

www.alphaomegapros.com

The local economy at a glance

Billings Business is mailed each month

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

to area business owners, managers and

Chamber News................................................................................................................................................................................................. 16

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

Lisa Donnot – Family Promise Yellowstone Valley

2

Complete Reconstruction

Sales Moves..........................................................................................................................................................................................................21 Jeffery Gitomer – What is your customer really thinking during your sales presentation?

Page 12 Lisa Donnot from Family Promise Yellowstone Valley.

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

Butch Bratsky – Beef prices remain strong, but 2014 presents challenges for agriculture

Business Briefs .................................................................................................................................................................................................40 Success Stories................................................................................................................................................................................................42 The Listings............................................................................................................................................................................................................43

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

Billings Business 401 North Broadway Billings, MT 59101 BILLINGSbusiness

Billingsbusiness

May 2014

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the editor

S OON THESE B ILLINGS BUSINESSES MAY SHINE IN THE NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT Omaha has Warren Buffet and his blue-chip investment firm, Berkshire Hathaway.You may have heard about a little company named Microsoft that calls Redmond, Wash., home.

What are the Billings equivalents of these tremendously successful companies?

Aside from Billings-based Kampgrounds of America, nobody from the Magic City has yet hit it big to the same extent as the Oracle of Omaha or Microsoft founder Bill Gates, whose childhood nickname was Trey. Of course I’m old enough to remember the 1990s, when Microsoft so dominated the technology world that many referred to Gates’s creation as “The Borg” because of its uncanny resemblance to the sinister hive-like alien culture from Star Trek.

But if you’re looking for feel-good success stories from right here in Billings, a good place to start is High Plains Architects. Randy and Janna Hafer head up the Billings architectural firm known for its sustainable building designs, downtown redevelopment and a commitment to historic preservation. The Hafers were honored recently by the Small Business Administration as Montana Small Business Person of the Year. They will be honored during Small Business Week events in Billings in June. They are also in the running to be named national Small Business Person of the Year.

Randy Hafer jokes that since he and his wife are frequently joined at the hip when it comes to running the business, it made sense to attach both of their names to the award.

Hafer was aware that High Plains had been nominated for the award, but at first he wasn’t sure the firm fit the criteria.

“The first part of the application that was sent to us was about how big we are and how much we’ve grown. But I wasn’t sure we qualified because we’re pretty small,” he said.

But when it came to describing innovative or creative approaches to doing business, High Plains stood out.

Over the years High Plains has been involved in dozens of projects that save energy and resources, improve underutilized areas and revive historic buildings.

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During the same week that High Plains received recognition from the SBA, the firm hosted a reception recognizing three platinum-level sustainable building projects that it had completed.

High Plains designed the National Outdoor Leadership School’s Wyss Wilderness Medicine Campus in Lander, Wyo. It received a platinum certification in 2012.

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) platinum rating is the highest awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council, whose rating system for high-performance green buildings has become the national standard.

The Boys and Girls Club of Carbon County also received LEED Platinum status for the renovation, which was completed in 2013.

The Tracy Lofts project at 2600 Montana Ave. in downtown Billings also received a LEED Platinum certification under the 2008 LEED guidelines for homes.

High Plains isn’t the only local firm to be recognized for excellence.

Ted Lovec, owner of American Title & Escrow, was honored as Montana Small Business Owner of the Year for firms that have 11 to 50 employees.

And Sanderson Stewart, a Billings-based engineering, planning and community development company, has been named the Northwest’s top regional finalist for the U.S. Chamber’s Small Business of the Year award.

Sanderson Stewart is now one of seven U.S. companies competing for the top prize to be announced in Washington, D.C. In February, the U.S. Chamber named Sanderson Stewart one of its top small business winners, which put the Billings company in the running for regional finalist.

“Sometimes you have to pinch yourself,” said Rick Leuthold, chairman and director of business development, reflecting on the firm’s growth. “We’ve always kept our focus and kept working hard, and we’ve made a commitment to leave the world a better place.”

So stay tuned. One of these Magic City businesses, or maybe some other local business, will soon shine in the national spotlight.

May 2014 • VOLUME 20 • NUMBER 6

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

EDITOR

SALES

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

SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR CLASSIFIED MANAGER/ONLINE MANAGER

PRODUCTION

DESIGNER CREATIVE DIRECTOR

alyssa small bob tambo

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

To subscribe for $19.95 per year, please send payment, name, business name, mailing address and phone number to: Billings Business 401 North Broadway Billings, MT 59101 ADVERTISING For retail advertising call Gail Ball 657-1284. For classified advertising, call 657-1212. Advertising deadline for the June 2014 issue is 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 6. 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 King Ave 655-2700

Hilltop & Main 896-4800

Shiloh & Grand 655-3900

Downtown 655-2400

14th & Grand 371-8100

Unemployment

Idling back

Worden 967-3612

Note: No Sept. 2013 unemployment figures were reported due to government shutdown.

10

Despite booming U.S. oil and gas production, demand for motor fuels has fallen in seven of the past eight years. Experts forecast a 1 percent annual decline in demand for gasoline through 2020.

www.stockmanbank.com

8 6 4 2 0

June

July

August

October November December January

Montana Source: Raymond James

Yellowstone County

Billings housing starts

National park recreation visitors 1,000,000 900,000 800,000 700,000 600,000 500,000 400,000 300,000 200,000 100,000 0

350 300 250 200 150

103

100 50 October

November

December

January

Oct. 2012 - Mar. 2013

February

0

March

68

YTD Through March 31

Oct. 2013 - Mar. 2014

2013

Ag prices

Dec.

Jan.

Feb.

Mar.

Oct.

Nov.

Oct. 2012 to March 2013

Dec.

Jan.

Feb.

Mar.

Glacier National Park Oct. 2013 to March 2014

Airport boardings (per cwt.)

$10

$150

8

120

6

90

4

60

2

30

0

0

Dec.

60,000

Montana Beef Cattle

(per bushel)

Jan.

Feb.

Mar.

Oct. 2012 to Mar. 2013 Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Billingsbusiness

Nov.

Yellowstone National Park

Source: National Park Service

Montana winter wheat

Nov.

Oct.

2014

Source: City of Billings

Oct.

U.S.

Source: Montana Department of Labor and Industry

New single-family home building permits 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0

February

50,000 40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 0

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

Oct. 2013 to Mar. 2014

Jan.

Feb.

Mar.

September

October

November

December

January

February

Billings

Bozeman

Missoula

Sept. 2012 to Feb. 2013 Sept. 2013 to Feb. 2014

Sept. 2012 to Feb. 2013 Sept. 2013 to Feb. 2014

Sept. 2012 to Feb. 2013 Sept. 2013 to Feb. 2014

Source: Montana Department of Transportation

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Prime Location

Project Meats branches out with Billings specialty shop

Photo by JAMES WOODCOCK Tanya Flowers slices a roast at Ranch House Meat Co. The store provides a variety of fresh, frozen and smoked meats.

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“Right now we are doing a lot of smoked brats. We have more than 20 flavors of those.

I was shooting to be the Baskin Robbins of sausage.”

—Tanya Flowers Ranch House Meat Co. Photo by JAMES WOODCOCK Meats in the Ranch House Meat Co. store.

By TOM HOWARD W henever they sell their locally raised meat at the Y ellowstone V alley F armer ’ s M arket , shoppers always ask S hane and T anya F lowers when they ’ re planning to open a B illings storefront .

The recently opened Ranch House Meat Co. store at 13th Street West and Grand Avenue is the newest way that the owners of Project Meats are accommodating the wishes of loyal customers, while seeking new opportunities to grow and diversify their business.

“We’ve been researching this for more than a year and a half,” Tanya said. “The majority of our meat is local. It comes from

Billingsbusiness

Project Meats,” a packing plant at 6608 Highway 312.

The couple bought the packing house seven years ago. About three years ago they added a retail section, which has been growing.

The new specialty meat market in the site of the former Quizno’s sandwich shop in the Evergreen Midtown mall offers fresh, frozen and smoked beef, pork

and lamb products.

“Shane’s idea is to make this the candy store of the meat world,” Tanya said.

With a slogan, “Local People Selling Local Meat,” Ranch House Meat Co. is part of the local-food movement. More consumers are shopping for food that’s raised close to home.

A cooler at the back of the store, dubbed “Bacon-opolis,” is stocked with a dozen

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“We’ve been researching this for more than a year and a half. The majority of our meat is local. It comes from Project Meats.”

—Tanya Flowers Ranch House Meat Co.

Please Welcome Phil NelsoN

Commercial loan officer Phil has the knowledge and expertise to help you with your banking and credit needs. stop in and see Phil today – he’s ready to do business with you!

Downtown 4th & Broadway 655-2430

Photo by JAMES WOODCOCK Tanya Flowers stocks a cooler at Ranch House Meat Co.

kinds of bacon. One specialty, beef bacon, is smoked, cured beef brisket that resembles traditional bacon, except that it comes from a different critter.

“Beef bacon is quite lean,” Tanya said.

Another cooler displays varieties of house-made smoked sausage, bratwurst, meat snacks and summer sausage.

“Right now we are doing a lot of smoked brats. We have more than 20 flavors of those,” she said. “I was shooting to be the Baskin Robbins of sausage.”

One of the fun bratwurst flavors is one called Caleb’s Creation. The brat, named after their 12-year-old son, includes pepperoni and pickles. Pepperoni and other

ready-to-eat meat snacks are also available.

Project Meats specializes in dry-aged beef, a traditional type of finishing that enhances flavor and tenderness.

After slaughter, the beef carcass hangs in a cooler for 10 to 14 days.

Natural enzymes in the meat break down connective tissue, resulting in beef that’s more tender and flavorful.

Dry aging was common when urban neighborhoods and small towns had their own butcher shops. But now that industrial-scale operations have dominated the packing industry, most beef is cut, vacuum-packed and shipped within 24 hours of slaughter, in a process known as wet aging.

www.stockmanbank.com © 2014 Stockman Bank | Member FDIC

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Billingsbusiness

Cuts of beef are portioned into steaks or roasts, then vacuum packed to eliminate leakage for the trip home.

You want to be sure your hamburger is fresh? Tanya will grind it for you while you wait.

Ranch House Meat Co. doesn’t offer on-site dining, but deli meats, warm bratwurst and pulled pork and beef will be offered for customers to take home, she said.

Renovation started almost immediately after the sandwich shop closed in the middle of March. The grand opening was April 18.

WE CARE. Photo by JAMES WOODCOCK Tanya Flowers shows a variety of meats in the Ranch House Meat Co. store.

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SPONSORED BY THE big sky economic development

E ven with economy on the move , B illings needs a plan to grow In our many conversations with businesses, it seems finding the right work force remains the biggest challenge for companies across the region – and it’s a key component to our current and future economic growth.

Steve Arveschoug Steve Arveschoug is the Executive Director of Big Sky Economic Development. He can be reached by calling 406-256-6871 or by e-mailing stevea@bigskyeda.org.

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As Yellowstone County cont i nues its p osit ive growth pattern, one might think that in such good economic times — a large number of business expansions, strong job creation, and great private investment — now is the time to step back and just let things happen.

Well, I would argue that we better be very deliberate and strategic in four key areas if we hope to continue to strengthen our position as “the” regional center for commerce: healthcare, the business of energy, small business growth, and wholesale and retail trade.

This spring, the staff of Big Sky Economic Development and our 32 EDA and EDC board members, sought input from our partners and key stakeholders. BSED sent out a survey asking for some honest thoughts that we’re using when we gather in staff and board planning sessions and consider how best to meet the needs of our local business community.

We’re in the process of creating work plans and goals for each of our programs and to set our strategic priorities, all of which will direct the work of Big Sky Economic Development as it meets its role in providing leadership and resources for our economic future.

Wit h t h at st rateg ic planning going on, we’re in the middle of some very dynamic initiatives. First, we’re in the midst of an Industrial Park Feasibility

Analysis with the hope of identifying the current and future demands for industrial space and infrastructure. We’re looking at market demand and potential sites. Right now, we have a collection of industrial businesses scattered throughout the community in various configurations, meeting an individual industry-specific need, and limited in their ability to grow by the constraints of non-compatible neighboring businesses or neighborhoods. Our ability to support the expansion or recruitment of industrialtype businesses is limited.

We just don’t have enough properties with ready-to-go infrastructure (highway access, rail connections, water and sewer, fiber optics). Our analysis should help us develop the proper game plan in this area.

In our many conversations with businesses, it seems that finding the right workforce remains the biggest challenge for companies across the region — and it’s a key component to our current and future economic growth.

Partnered with organizations throughout Yellowstone County, Big Sky Economic Development is facilitating the Billings Works Workforce Council initiative. The Council is all about focusing our collective resources toward supporting the needs of area employers — to hire and

retain a talented workforce.

We’re all still celebrating a great community accomplishment — building our new Billings Public Library.

And how about our great investment in our K-12 education system? With two great community wins under our belt, now is not the time to become complacent. What’s our next strategic community investment?

We have very real demands for expanding our police force and county jail,

and that is certainly a priority. I would also encourage us to think about key investments in our downtown, trail systems, or even a modern convention center.

Whatever the investment may be, it is imperative that we create additional quality-of-place amenities. The communities that invest in themselves will be the ones that attract and retain a talented workforce and thereby attract private investment and create jobs.

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

So, starting thinking and planning for what’s next.

If you’d like to learn more about our planning efforts, just check out our website bigskyeconomicdevelopment.org or give me a call.

I’d appreciate hearing your thoughts and ideas on strategies for economic growth, workforce development, and what you see as the next, most critical strategic community investment.

Thank you for being our partner.

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Big Sky Economic Development is proud to have partnered with Stockman Bank in providing financing for Great Harvest’s new expansion. Looking to grow your business?

Contact Big Sky Economic Development today!

406. 256.6871

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Caring for Our Community Billings Clinic is a not-for-profit, physician-led medical group practice integrated with a hospital and long-term care facility based in Billings, Montana. We are committed to serving our region with the best clinical quality, patient safety, service and value.

Financial Assistance

Last year 6,000 patients received financial assistance (charity care) for 40,388 visits to Billings Clinic at a total cost of $15.8 million.

Of the total assistance, 63% was for hospital patient care, 36% for clinic patient care, and 1% for long-term care.

Medicaid Shortfalls

More than 100,300 patient visits were covered

by Medicaid, with shortfalls in government reimbursement of $2.9 million.

Subsidized Health Services

Billings Clinic provides many health services that are not fully reimbursed for the cost of care provided – such as pediatric specialty care, telemedicine, long-term/continuing care, behavioral health and psychiatric care for youth and adults.

Research

Billings Clinic is dedicated to the pursuit of new medical knowledge with research that benefits patients with diseases such as cancer and diabetes for adults and children.

Innovative research is also done by our Center for Translational Research, Nursing Research and National Cancer Institute Community Cancer Centers Programs.

Community Health Improvement Services and Support

Support of programs to assist patients in the past year included: The Medication Assistance Program at Billings Clinic helped more than 3,200 patients receive free or low-cost medications (valued at $4 million).

Nearly 2,800 students in our region received free injury prevention education at driver’s safety and brain and spine injury prevention programs.

Billings Clinic provides health care for rural residents in medically-underserved counties, including travel to provide nearly 100 specialty care clinics per month at 23 regional locations for residents of rural Montana, Wyoming and North Dakota.

Health Professions Education

The new Billings Clinic Internal Medicine Residency was accredited in 2013, and the first class of physicians starts in July. More than 700 college students in medical, pharmacy, nursing and other health professions received training at Billings Clinic, as well as continuing education for hundreds of health professionals in our region. Our Science Expo helped 360 students explore science and medicine.

Bad Debt and Medicare Shortfalls

Community Benefits do not include the costs of bad debt or Medicare shortfalls.

The cost of bad debt for FY13 was $16.2 million for 134,200 medical visits.

The Medicare shortfalls were $25 million for 395,600 medical visits.

For more information, call Community Relations at (406) 657-4677.

View our 2013 Community Benefit Report online at billingsclinic.com (About Us) Billingsbusiness

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Lisa Donnot

Making room for homeless families

BY TOM HOWARD L ISA D ONNOT TOOK OVER LAST D ECEMBER AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF F AMILY P ROMISE OF Y ELLOWSTONE C OUNTY , THE ORGANIZATION FORMERLY KNOWN AS I NTERFAITH H OSPITALITY N ETWORK . I N F AMILY P ROMISE , LOCAL CONGREGATIONS HOST FAMILIES WHO ARE IN NEED OF HOUSING .

Donnot is excited to be part of an agency that has played a significant role in helping homeless families get a new start.

Here is her story: You have some pretty extensive background in human services and law enforcement. In what ways have you used that background since coming to Family Promise?

Honestly, I feel all of my past experience has been preparing for this specific position. I’ve always had a heart for service and a desire to make a difference. Throughout my career in criminal justice, I have seen many of my clients begin to transform their lives. By working with Family Promise I get to see lives changing over a period of time.

We have an amazing team and I see us doing great things together.

Many congregations participate as host churches for Family Promise.

How many volunteers are involved in this effort?

We currently have 25 local congregations in our network helping us by

providing homeless families with full bellies, a warm place to sleep, mentoring, compassion, and hope. On any given week, we need at least 27 volunteers to keep this program running smoothly.

Each congregation hosts the families four times per year and the volunteers also make themselves available by driving families, working in the day center, donations, and program support, it truly takes a community.

What’s the most significant thing that Billings residents should know about the work that Family Promise does?

We help homeless families become whole from the inside out. Through intensive case management, parenting classes, life skills groups, nutrition training, budgeting, transitional housing, aftercare services, and referrals to other local agencies we build communities and strengthen lives while helping homeless families achieve and sustain independence.

Family Promise has played an

important role in addressing the issue of homelessness in Billings. What else is needed to address this problem?

Every day I see the Billings community coming together, educating themselves about the issue, and raising awareness. I wholeheartedly believe that progress is being made. One area that we all struggle with is the lack of affordable housing in the Billings area.

Your efforts include transitional housing. How is that going?

We currently operate four transitional housing apartments. Last year we were fortunate enough to acquire the Galles building in downtown Billings for a new day center to expand services and additional affordable housing units. Our board of directors and the day center/transitional housing committee are working diligently to complete the initial planning of this project. This is a very exciting time for all of us at Family Promise and we should be ready to start our new venture within the next few months. We’ll keep you updated.

Photo by JAMES WOODCOCK Lisa Donnot from Family Promise Yellowstone Valley.

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SPECIAL REPORT: TOURISM TRENDS, FORECASTS & PEOPLE BEHIND THE SCENES

RECORD WINTER Ski areas enjoyed upside of rugged winter of 2014-15

BY TOM HOWARD T HE GREAT WHITE WINTER OF 2013-14 CONTRIBUTED TO COUNTLESS STRAINED BACKS AND WORN - OUT SNOW SHOVELS THANKS TO A RECORD 100- PLUS INCHES OF SNOWFALL THAT BURIED B ILLINGS . B UT THAT PLENTIFUL PRECIPITATION PROVED TO BE A BONANZA FOR M ONTANA SKI AREAS .

Photo by CASEY PAGE A snowboarder kicks up a cloud of snow as he makes his way down Lazy M on opening day at Red Lodge Mountain on Friday.

BILLINGSbusiness

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TOURISM BY THE NUMBERS SPONSORED BY

Adventure, a place to rest your head and lasting experiences in Billings, Montana’s Trailhead.

www.VisitBillings.com

406-245-4111

Skiers have big impact on tourism economy Non-resident skiers had an $83 million economic impact to the state during the 2009-10 ski season.

Montana group expenditures averaged $140.96 per ski trip, mostly on lift tickets, followed by restaurant, food and bar tabs.

Average group expenditures for non-residents while in Montana were $1,272, mostly on accommodations, followed by lift tickets.

Resident skiers skied an average of one day.Non-residents skied nearly five days on average.

Source: Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research, University of Montana

Photo by CASEY PAGE A snowboarder takes a jump as skiers ride up the Cole Creek chairlift at Red Lodge Mountain.

There’s no way of counting how many skiers might have called in sick to work, self administering a powder day as a sure-fire cure for a wide range of winter ills. But Montana ski areas, flush with snow that fell early in the season and kept on coming throughout the year, reported strong visitation heading into the final weeks of the season.

While final numbers have yet to be tallied

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for the 2014 ski season, research shows that Montana’s ski industry supports thousands of jobs and brings millions of dollars to the state. According to the Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research at the University of Montana, non-resident skiers had an $83 million economic impact during the 2009-10 ski season.

“Our snow has been fantastic. We’ve had consistent storms, and we’ve had some

of the best ski conditions that we’ve seen in a long time,” said Jeff Carroll, director of sales and marketing at Red Lodge Mountain. “Our base is 70 inches, which is great by our standards,” Carroll said in late March. “The only thing that hurt us was a couple of cold snaps in February.”

Carroll said Red Lodge’s favorable snow conditions brought skiers in from its primary market: Montana, Wyoming and

BILLINGSbusiness

Minnesota. Red Lodge was also popular with energy workers from North Dakota, and even skiers from the Bozeman area visited Red Lodge this year, Carroll said.

In late March, Bridger Bowl Ski Area southeast of Bozeman was on pace for more than 200,000 skier visits. Because of ample snow and continued winter-like weather, Bridger Bowl extended its season until April 14.

As an illustration of what kind of year it has been, managers at Bridger Bowl were so inundated with traffic on Feb. 22 that they encouraged skiers and snowboarders on their way to the mountain to turn back because the parking lot was too full.

Those who defied the warning encountered a 4-mile long line of vehicles crawling forward at a snail’s pace. Bridger Bowl’s decision to turn back visitors happened on a big snow day that featured 13 inches of fresh powder. It also coincided with a busy day of sporting events on the mountain, said Doug Wales, Bridger Bowl’s market-

“It’s been a phenomenal season with great snow conditions. We always have good, consistent snow.

But some great storms came in for us, especially at the beginning of the season.”

—Sheila Chapman manager of public relations for Big Sky

ing director. Despite the traffic bottleneck, Bridger Bowl had short lift lines and excellent snow that day, Wales said.

He said Bridger Bowl is trying to get the word out that car pooling and ride sharing are good options for freeing up parking spaces at the ski area.

“Parking is the weakest link of our operation,” Wales said. “We have plenty of capacity on the mountain. But we’re trying to help curb the culture in which people

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thought they could hop in the car and go skiing any time.”

Skier visits at Big Sky Resort and the nearby Moonlight Basin were expected to eclipse 400,000 this year, a 20 percent increase from last year, by the time the ski area closed on April 20.

“It’s been a phenomenal season with great snow conditions,” said Sheila Chapman, manager of public relations for Big Sky. “We always have good, consistent

snow. But some great storms came in for us, especially at the beginning of the season.”

Big Sky became the nation’s largest ski area last year after it acquired a private ski area on Spirit Mountain, and added Moonlight Basin ski resort in October. Big Sky now comprises 5,750 acres, edging out Vail, which has 5,289.

Bob Dixon, ski patrol director at Big Sky, has been coming to the resort for his entire life, and he couldn’t remember a better snow year, Chapman said.

When Utah was short of snow early in the season, Big Sky drew a number of early-season snow searchers, and the conditions have been favorable throughout the winter, Chapman said.

Bozeman’s efforts to boost its air service have also contributed to skier numbers, Chapman said.

“The direct flight from New Jersey has brought in a lot of New Yorkers and people from New England,” she said.

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

SPONSORED BY THE BILLINGS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND CVB

May Business After Hours

Trailhead Classic Golf Tournament

2014 PRESENTS CHALLENGES FOR M ONTANA AGRICULTURE Cattle prices are at all-time highs, as cattle numbers are as low as they’ve been for over 60 years.

Butch Bratsky Butch Bratsky is senior banking executive for Stockman Bank and Billings Chamber Board Member.

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The Billings Chamber has long invested time and resources into the agriculture industry. The annual Ag Appreciation Banquet and annual Ag Tour, legislative support, and continued involvement and education through the Ag Committee are part of one of the Chamber’s largest and longest standing committees.

To further the understanding of this lucrative and integral Montana industry, we consider the 2014 agricultural outlook and impact on the regional economy.

Talking about the agriculture industry requires discussing the 2014 weather outlook. Predictions indicate a moderate to strong El Nino event should be in place by early summer. What does that mean for us in the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies? The current, excess moisture will help crop growth once planting occurs, but the forecast shows Montana will be drier than normal by the fall and next winter.

Cattle prices are at all-time highs, as cattle numbers are as low as they’ve been for over 60 years. Baby calves sold at $450/head and registered bull sale average over $5,000-$6,000 per head, meaning now is a great time to be in the cattle business.

Cow/calf pairs are bringing $2,000-$2,500 and the replacement heifer market remains solid, with females

bringing $1,200-$1,500 per head. Demand is high for replacement heifers and in many cases it has been difficult for buyers to find larger numbers.

Industry experts are asking, “How long can prices remain high and profits stay positive?” The primary factor driving improved profitability for cattle producers is lower grain prices, specifically corn prices. As corn prices declined to three-year-lows, cattle prices experienced an unprecedented rally. Looking ahead, many analysts point to declining supplies as the foundation of a strong market. Through the end of 2013, we saw declining cattle numbers for eight consecutive years, which guarantees fewer feeder cattle and calves for this year.

Lower grain prices and tight cattle supplies already add to a robust outlook, but most analysts want to find a little more cause for a bull market. This is the reason they look at strong beef exports.

Demand for American beef is expected to remain strong in foreign markets in 2014.

Some folks are nervous about the ever-increasing retail beef prices and their effect on consumer demand, and rightfully so, as they could derail a booming cattle market if not kept in check.

The prices of most crops declined significantly in 2013

and are not expected to move much in 2014. Overall costs are down slightly, though nets are less than originally estimated due to lower commodity prices. Some experts expect a good year for wheat, while prices will be somewhat bearish thanks to a large corn supply for feed and strong wheat production globally.

Across the nation, the value of crop production is set to decline substantially in 2014, falling to pre-2011 levels.

Wheat prices are expected to

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decline in 2014, reflecting a large world crop. Even though U.S. corn production is expected to increase, overall sales receipts are expected to decline and the use of corn for ethanol is expected to rise.

Hay receipts are expected to increase, reflecting increased production. Sugar beets, normally considered a cash crop for our area, will face declining commodity prices due to an excess supply of sugar in the market.

2014 is expected to be a

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challenging year, as land values will stay mostly flat with some upward advances as strong investors see real estate as a good place for excess capital.

Currently, demand for large working ranches remains strong on properties that are priced to sell. Farm land sales remain strong as well, though prices are cooling down with lower commodity prices. In the long run, real estate remains a good investment for those that can afford it.

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BILLINGSbusiness

STRATEGIES for success

S ochi O lympics provides lessons on budgeting

Remember the 2014 Winter Olympics — underestimated budgets and significant cost overruns may work for a large governmental activity, but never work for a business.

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

Billingsbusiness

When Russia was awarded the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, the costs were originally estimated at close to $12 billion.

However, when the final budget information was compiled, more than $52 billion was spent in making the various forums and venues where the Olympic athletes competed.

There are some key takeaways here for the business owner and the Russian Olympic Committee: n It is easier to go over budget than win a gold medal n In budgeting, it is always better to overestimate than to underestimate n “Scope Creep” of a project can and normally does allow a budget to increase I recently visited with a business owner who failed to pay attention to his budget management. He found out, somewhat surprisingly, that just because you have checks in the checkbook does not mean that there is money in the bank. Honestly, that is what he told me.

He recognized that in his inadequate budgeting process he always underestimated his expenses and overestimated his revenue. Well, you can guess where he is now — visiting with legal counsel to figure out how to preclude a pending series of lawsuits due to lack of payment of past-due invoices.

Running a business requires that someone needs to carefully watch the bank statements and know where the cash flow is coming from. Cash is king in any business. Knowing where the cash is coming from is vitally important in keeping the business operating

Associated Press Fireworks explode over Olympic Park at the end of the closing ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics Feb. 23 in Sochi, Russia.

successfully.

Take the analogy of a car and driver. The driver continues to look forward while driving, occasionally looking out the rearview mirror and side mirrors to see what may be following or approaching. The same is true of the successful business owner. She or he is constantly looking forward, but also is looking backward and sideways to identify and capitalize on new opportunities that may be available. Like the car driver, the business owner who is constantly paying attention to his or her competitive environ-

ment is in the best position to be able to identify new markets which may be available for potential new customers.

During the 2014 Winter Olympics the media constantly addressed the inferiority of many of the facilities in Sochi, regardless of the program being over budget by almost 400 percent. The point here is that just spending money and not paying attention to what the return on investment is fails to yield positive dividends.

Here are some simple tips to ensure that you stay within your budget at all times.

n Make a budget for every expense n Ensure that you stay within your budgeted amount n If your expensed amount is greater than your budget, reduce the scope of the purchase.

These are simple steps, which are both easy to implement and very practical. When you have to reduce your scope, a simple test we always suggest is, “Do you really need the additional capability?” In many cases, the answer is no. It would have been nice to have but wasn’t necessarily a real requirement.

Remember the 2014 Winter

Olympics — underestimated budgets and significant cost overruns may work for a large governmental activity, but never work for a business. Develop a budget for each and every expense. Identify and determine what budgetary reductions can be made if your expenses exceed the budgeted amount. Know where your cash is coming from.

All of these steps will ensure that your business is successful, your banker will want to help you and you will not have to visit legal counsel to develop past due invoice settlement challenges.

May 2014

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Study: Cycle tourists contribute to tourism economy

By TOM HOWARD A recent study by the I nstitute for T ourism and R ecreation R esearch at the U niversity of M ontana found that cycle tourists spend about $79 per day , compared to $58.24 in daily expenditures for non - resident travelers who arrived by car or other means .

In 2012, 10.8 million visitors spent $3.25 billion in Montana. While cyclists account for only a fraction of all Montana travelers, that group has the potential to make a larger contribution to the state’s tourism industry, cycling advocates say.

What’s more, small communities that are frequently bypassed by tourists heading to places like Yellowstone National Park can prosper from pedal-pushing visitors, the study found.

Photo by JACI WEBB Increasingly, tourism marketing has focused on appealing to specific population segments rather than trying to attract everybody. Given that Jim Whelan, of West Palm Beach, Fla., stopped at the Top of the World Resort for supplies last summer after cycling through Yellowstone National Park.

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Billingsbusiness

cyclists tend to spend more per day and also re- Missoula-based Adventure Cycling, said an main longer, there’s potential for growing Mon- initial $9,000 investment in the bike camp was tana’s tourism industry by appealing to cyclists, repaid during the first year when cyclists made said Norma Nickerson, director of the institute. around $10,000 in donations. Since then, local “Right now there’s not bazillions of them do- businesses in Twin Bridges have continued to ing this kind of cycling,” in Montana, Nickerson appeal to cyclists by stocking bicycle parts and said. “But just think how it would be if a com- providing other products that cyclists need, he munity wrapped their arms around what these said. cyclists need. It would generate a lot of dollars.”

Nickerson said the ITRR completed the study There’s a simple reason that cyclists with help from Adventure Cycling, a bispend more. Because they travel slower cycle travel organization that researches and carry less gear, they tend to spend cycling routes, publishes maps and leads more for food, beverages and lodging, cycling trips.

Nickerson said during the Bike Walk Surveys were sent to 3,200 cyclists who Summit, a gathering of alternative had purchased maps or requested infortransportation advocates who met in mation from Adventure Cycling during Billings in late March.

Economides the past three years. The study was based “And they’re not just biking,” Nickon responses from 718 cyclists. Sayer said erson said. “They’re visiting historical about 1,200 cyclists per year visit the orsites, watching wildlife, day hiking and visiting ganization’s headquarters in downtown Missoula. local breweries.”

Survey respondents were frequently impressed The town of Twin Bridges is one example of by the friendliness of Montanans and local brewa Montana community that has reaped financial eries, and they enjoyed the scenery and wildlife. benefits by embracing cycle tourists. A few years On the other hand, cyclists were least satisfied ago, Twin Bridges resident Bill White developed with the quality of mobile phone coverage, the a cycle camp, which offered hot showers and prevalence of rumble strips which can interfere camping accommodations for cyclists. with cycling, poor road conditions, and the lack J i m S aye r, exe c u t ive d i re c to r o f of availability of cycling stores, Nickerson said.

Billingsbusiness

“Here’s my plan,” Nickerson said, joking. “All the small communities around the state have to get a local brewery, a warm shower in a little place, and we’ll flourish.”

Another speaker said that cycling can play an important economic role in urban areas.

Local businesses prosper whenever a community makes an effort to encourage people to commute, shop and run errands by bicycle.

Because cyclists move at human speed and don’t have to circle the block searching for a parking place, they’re more likely to discover and buy from local businesses, said April Economides, founder of Green Octopus Consulting of Long Beach, Calif.

Communities that have adopted policies to encourage cycling and walking have become more vibrant and safer, Economides said.

Her message is simple: “Bikes mean business.”

Economides, who holds a Master of Business Administration in sustainable management, said she’s not just an advocate of active transportation, but rather that she is someone who understands that communities benefit economically when they advocate walking and cycling.

“I feel that with most transportation initiatives, whether it’s active transportation or mass

transit, I’ve noticed that folks who are proponents of those things don’t know how to speak very well to business,” she said. “I wanted to learn how to make the economic case for these things.”

It may seem obvious, but people who do their errands on foot or by bicycle tend to stay closer to home.

“There’s a very strong bike-local, shop-local connection,” she said. “Rather than getting into an SUV and driving to Costco five miles away, they’ll hop on their bike and stop at their local grocery store.” And because they visit local stores more frequently, they often end up spending more money over time, Economides said.

Studies conducted throughout the United States and Canada have found that cyclists help local businesses prosper, she said.

In Fort Worth, Texas, a plan to install a bike lane and bike racks along restaurant-lined Magnolia Street was initially met with skepticism from business owners. “But then, when their sales went up an average of 200 percent, they really liked it,” she said.

In New York City, businesses located along a new cycle track, — a separated bike lane — saw their sales increase by 49 percent. Likewise, storefront vacancies declined by a similar amount in areas served by a cycle track, she said.

May 2014

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BETTER business

H ere ’ s how to protect yourself

from data breaches

Every business collecting information about its customers should ask the following question on a regular basis: How secure is the information we collect?

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.

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The data breach at Target made big headlines during the holiday shopping season last year. We know now that Neiman Marcus and three other retailers were also breached in the same way. Also, from September to November last year, a credit card security breach occurred at grocery stores in our own backyard. Stores in Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon that were serviced by URM card processing were hacked. Consumers reported a rash of fraudulent debit and credit card charges to their banks, credit unions and credit card companies, exposing the breach.

In light of these breaches, it is no wonder that consumers are worried about protecting their personal and financial information. They may also be wondering why companies aren’t doing more to protect them.

Montana State has a data breach notification law that applies to all businesses that collect or store personal information, such as date of birth, social security number, driver’s license or state identification number, financial information and account passwords.

Every business collecting information about its customers should ask the following question on a regular basis: How secure is the information we collect?

Even if your company has strong security measures in place, the Better Business Bureau recommends regular review. The hackers never stop looking for holes to exploit.

And businesses need to make data security a priority to help prevent these attacks. When reviewing the effectiveness of

your security, consider the following: n Use data encryption for onsite and remote employees. n Don’t collect data you don’t need to conduct business. n Evaluate insider threats.

Threats from employees or contractors could be intentional or result from human error. Train employees in security principles and require that strong passwords are used. Have exit plans in place that protect sensitive data when an employee leaves your employment. n Create a contingency plan should a breach occur (more on this later). n Consider purchasing insurance coverage for data breaches. n Regularly backup your data. If you use an external storage service, thoroughly review the security of their services. n Keep your security plan private. Only those who need to administer your company’s cyber security measures should know about it.

Whether feeling overwhelmed or confident in your security measures, consider using freely available tools, such as the BBB’s data security guide at www.bbb.org/data-security and FTC’s Small Business Cyber Planner found at www.fcc.gov/ cyberplanner.

Still unsure of how to proceed? Consider hiring a third-party breach and data security expert for an objective evaluation of your risk of being hacked.

Taking steps to keep data secure is the best business practice. But if you are caught unaware and a data breach occurs, the BBB offers the fol-

Associated Press A customer signs his credit card receipt at a Target store in Tallahassee, Fla., in 2008. The U.S. is the juiciest target for hackers hunting credit card information. And experts say incidents like the recent data theft at Target’s stores will get worse before they get better. That’s in part because U.S. credit and debit cards rely on an easy-to-copy magnetic strip on the back of the card, which stores account information using the same technology as cassette tapes. The breach that exposed the credit card and debit card information of as many as 40 million Target customers who swiped their cards between Nov. 27 and Dec. 15 is still under investigation.

lowing advice: n Respond quickly. n Notify your local police, the Montana Department of Justice (doj.mt.gov) and the FBI (www.fbi.gov) of the breach. n Notify your payment processing company of the breach. n Consider notifying the three national consumer reporting agencies: Equifax (www. equifax.com), TransUnion (www.transunion.com) and Experian (www.experian.com). n Notify your customers.

Your notification to affected customers should include details of the nature of the breach, how your company has resolved

or is resolving the problem, and what will be done to prevent further breaches. Also, consider advising anyone experiencing or suspecting identity theft or fraud to alert your business, file a police report, and notify the three national consumer reporting agencies.

If you are uncertain of how and when you should send notification, seek legal counsel.

If your situation does not require you to pay for credit monitoring for affected customers, consider paying anyway. This could create goodwill and help repair the affects of the breach felt by your customers.

Even after you’ve taken every

step to respond and notify the affected customers, you’ll need to watch out for scammers and further protect your company’s reputation.

Often after a data breach, scammers will pretend to be the breached company. They will send out emails, text messages and phone calls, claiming to offer refunds or gift cards as an apology for the breach. Instead, the scammers will attempt to get the personal and financial information of the very people affected by the breach.

By being proactive and prepared, you can protect your business and customers from cyber-threats.

Billingsbusiness

SALES moves

W hat is your customer REALLY thinking during your sales presentation ?

While you are trying to prove a point, they are trying to verify your information.

And in these times, they can do it in a nanosecond.

And you can’t stop them.

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

Billingsbusiness

When you’re giving your sales presentation, do you really know what the customer is thinking or what they’re asking themselves as you’re presenting?I doubt it. You’re too busy trying to sell.

Shake the hand. Smile the smile. Show the slides. Talk the talk. Do the demo. Ask the superficial questions. Try the close. Try to overcome, “the price is too high.” Propose the proposal. Do the sales dance.

Meanwhile, the customer is thinking. He or she is asking themself questions about the validity of your product and your offer. They’re thinking about how your stuff might fit into their company. And while you’re talking they may be Googling.

While you are trying to prove a point, they are trying to verify your information. And in these times, they can do it in a nanosecond. And you can’t stop them.

While you’re talking, they may be wondering if you have a Twitter account. So they do a quick search and find out that you do not. What’s that about?

How validating is that? If they ask you about it, you’ll just brush it off. Suppose the customer is exceptionally Twitter active? How does that make you look?

That’s a small “tip of the iceberg” example of the thoughts that differentiate your sales presentation from the customer’s decision to buy.

But let me take it deeper.

All customers, not just the decision maker, have a buying process. It’s a strategy and a

process by which they make a purchase. And that purchase is based around the trust, safety, and comfort your customer feels when buying something from you.

In order to gain that trust, and that feeling of safety, they asked themselves a bunch of questions without ever saying a word. You answer those questions by the words you speak. Your job as a master salesperson is to answer those silent questions in a manner that drives the customer to say, “I’ll take it.”

The following list of questions is exactly what goes through the mind of a prospective customer during your presentation. The list is long, and every customer may not ask themselves every one of these questions, but since you don’t know specifically which ones they are going to ask themselves, you better be prepared with answers to all of them.

Here are the questions the prospective customer is asking: n What do you offer? n What do you offer that no one else has? n What do you offer of value? n How does your product compare to others I have seen? n Does it really fill my need? n Can you deliver? n Is it real-world? n Will it work? n Will it work in our environment? n How will it impact our people? n How could it impact our success?

n Will senior or executive management buy in? n Will my people use it? n How will we produce as a result of the purchase? n How will we profit as a result of the purchase? n How will it come together? n How do we buy it? n What’s the risk factor in buying? n Will you and your company keep its promises? n Do I trust you and the people I’m buying from, both as humans and their ability to deliver service after purchase? n Will you be my main contact after purchase or are you going to relegate me to “the service department”? n Do I believe you? n Do I have confidence in you?

n Are you telling me the truth? n Do I have the trust and comfort to buy now?

Holy cow. All that?

Yes. All that and more.

This list of questions is by far the most comprehensive I have put together. They address both confidence in product and confidence in the salesperson.

The customer is seeking validation and wants to believe you. They need what you have and they’re going to buy what you offer. The only question is: From whom? Depending on the answers to the above questions, they may not buy from you.

OUCH. Here are a few more thought-provoking challenges to help you understand the buying process: 1. The first sale that’s made

is the salesperson. If the prospect doesn’t buy you, he’s not going to buy your product or service.

2. How’s your online reputation? What’s your Google ranking and reputation? Not your company. You. 3. What’s your social media reputation? Not Tweeting is a choice, but a poor one. How about LinkedIn?Do you have a business Facebook page?

4. Did you offer proof? Did you use “voice-of-customer” as testimonial proof to your claims?

4.5 Does the buyer have enough peace of mind to purchase?

I have just given you a mind full of sales information, from the mind of the only person that matters in your sales conversations: the customer.

May 2014

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These duds will help you

keep on trucking

Photo by CASEY PAGE Sisters Amanda Roth, left, and Jewel Jones, right, along with their father, Rick Jones, have launched Over the Road Apparel aimed at truck drivers.

By TOM HOWARD S isters J ewel J ones and A manda R oth have spent the past two years collaborating on a project to provide comfortable , functional garments geared specifically toward truckers .

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It’s a niche that falls somewhere between Carhartt work wear and workplace uniforms, Roth said. The potential market could be huge when you consider that 3.5 million people drive trucks for a living.

“We don’t use the word fashion, we use the word function,” Jones said. “They’re pro-functional work wear for truckers.”

The new line of trucker-specific garments was introduced recently at Billings-based Meadow Lark, a company that provides a variety of trucking-related

services such as transportation and supply management, freight brokerage and owner-operator fleets.

OTR, http://www.overtheroadapparel. com/ is Meadow Lark’s newest subsidiary.

The project got started a couple of years ago while Jones was completing her degree in fashion at the Art Institute of California-Hollywood.

She told her sister that she was looking for a senior internship. Roth, who is chief executive of the company that her father

Billingsbusiness

founded more than 30 years ago, mentioned that she had been thinking about the need for a line of clothing for truckers.

Jones jumped at the idea, and Over the Road Apparel was born. As part of the design process, she interviewed truckers and asked them about their needs.

She was surprised by what she learned.

Truckers wanted garments that shed dirt and perspiration, didn’t wrinkle and didn’t bind or chafe during long hours of driving.

The line features snap-front shirts tailored in either a traditional or a western cut, with plenty of pockets to accommodate cell phones, pens and notebooks.

Truckers prefer snaps because they’re easier to put on, and you don’t lose buttons, Jones said.

OTR’s T-shirts are breathable 100 percent polyester knit, and are treated to combat odor-causing bacteria.

Jones has been interested in fashion Photo by CASEY PAGE ever since she was a child. Like her sister, Sisters Amanda Roth, left, and Jewel Jones have launched Over the Road Apparel aimed at truck drivers Friday, April 4, 2014. she started working at Meadow Lark when she was a teenager growing up in said her father, Rick Jones, founder of asked truckers to test prototype garBillings.

Meadow Lark. ments at work, and they were a big hit.

“She has always been a clothes horse,” While developing the product line, she Truckers’ spouses also appreciated how

OTR’s clothes fit and how easy they were to launder.

Trucking companies often have a challenge hiring qualified drivers. Roth said OTR clothing helps to instill a sense of pride for drivers.

“When you look good, you feel good about yourself,” she said.

The clothing will be launched at the Great American Trucking Show to take place in August. “We’ll have drivers demonstrate them in a fashion show,” Roth said.

Jones plans to add trousers within a few months, and a women’s line is also in the works.

“The way you reconstruct the garments to fit a women’s body is so detailed,” she said. “You have to add darts so that it’s more flattering.”

Building brand awareness is part of the launch.

“OTR is industry jargon for a long-haul driver,” Jones said. “They’re driving long distances, living in their trucks. They’re alone from their families, and they know what it’s like to live that hard life. There’s an awareness, an essence.”

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MARKETINGcooler

T ake a tip from B ranson and become S ocial CEO If successful leaders of companies as large as ING and Virgin are placing emphasis on utilizing social media to share their personal and corporate messages, then it seems that most — if not all — of us should be taking a page out of their book.

Dana Pulis Dana Pulis is CEO/founder of Kinetic Marketing Group, www.Kineticmg.com.

Contact her at info@kineticmg.com or 406-651-2000.

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The business of doing business is often overwhelming and causes business owners and leaders to spend our days dwelling on the minutiae of day-to-day operations instead of what is truly important: communicating with our customers and clients and our employees.

This is a mistake, according to Peter Aceto of ING Direct Canada.

“Successful leaders will no longer be measured just by stock price,” he said in a Forbes article. “Managing and communicating with shareholders, employees, government, community and customers will be the table stakes in the future.”

Aceto is often referred to as the “Social Media CEO” and takes pride in finding ways to use social media himself to reach out to existing and potential customers. In a post on his blog in January, he explains why: “If you can engage customers and prospective customers in meaningful dialogue about their challenges, interests and concerns — if you genuinely get to know them, and if you are open and honest and clear about your purpose as a business, you can build a community of trust, loyalty, and possibly in time, ambassadors for your brand.” He goes on to write, “I encourage you to look beyond the ‘sale.’ Invest in strengthening relationships and building brand loyalty.

What customers really want is to be appreciated, engaged, trusted and, of course, valued for their money.”

You may be thinking that it’s all fine and well that Aceto has a blog or is active on Twitter. Perhaps it’s because he’s a youngish CEO or maybe it’s just a Canadian thing. I assure you, however, that he is not wrong in his assertions — nor is he alone in his efforts.

In a 2012 survey conducted

by BRANDfog, 82 percent of consumers reported they trusted a company more when its CEO and leadership team are active in social media. An

IBM study conducted that same year reported that of the 1,700 CEOs from 64 countries surveyed, 70 percent planned to shift their focus from email as a primary communication to using social network as a new path for direct engagement.

Last year, Virgin Group founder and CEO Richard Branson was named as the world’s top social media CEO. He has more than 3.5 million Twitter followers and more

than 2 million connections on LinkedIn and Google+ circles.

His blog has a following of nearly half a million. His Jan. 2 post on life being too short to have enemies had garnered more than 11,000 social media shares the last time I looked.

If successful leaders of companies as large as ING and Virgin are placing emphasis on utilizing social media to share their personal and corporate messages, then

it seems that most — if not all — of us should be taking a page out of their book. Failing to do so means failing to take advantage of a powerful marketing tool.

So tell me: Will you be making this the year you become a social CEO? Because I can assure you that I will.

Have questions about using social media to build your brand and better your marketing message? Contact me at dana@kineticmg.com.

Billingsbusiness

special advertising section

TRIAMIC

DEVELOPMENT

Billingsbusiness

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special advertising section

Furniture Land USA: UniqUe FUrnitUre Store DeliverS

By Brenda Maas

Photos by Larry Mayer and James Woodcock

As far as buildings go, its bones are pretty basic. But that’s where the simplicity ends.The newly-opened Furniture Land USA, located at 685 King Park Dr., is truly a multi-functioning building. While the southwest-facing entrance welcomes customers to the retail space, the eastern side of the building is all workhorse, encompassing the warehouse for both Furniture Land USA and sister business, Mattress Land USA. Above: The entrance to Furniture Land USA at 685 King Park Dr. is situated below the large, 34-foot tower that can be seen from King Avenue, and even from the King Avenue/I-90 overpass. Arched windows in the second floor provide dressed-up light to the retail mezzanine space.

Left: Craig Barthel in the new Furniture Land USA store.

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Billingsbusiness

Congratulations

special advertising section

Co-owner and president, Craig Barthel, had a master plan in mind, and the new facility is the culmination.

Barthel started working in the furniture business in 1986. “I absolutely fell in love with it,” the Sidney native said. “I’ve never done anything else.”

In 2001, Barthel returned home to Montana, along with his wife, Sheila, and their children, opening their new business, Mattress Land USA at 2011 Grand Ave. Barthel purchased Over the years, Barthel grew the business, eventually building a new store at 2420 Grant Rd. two lots Behind the In 2012, he recognized that it was time to expand again, but this time he had a different goal in King avenue store mind—they needed a larger warehouse closer to his successful Mattress Land USA store at 2090 King and turned to Ben Ave. Plus, Barthel felt the local market was ready for lomBardozzi and eric another product: one-of-a-kind furniture.

He noted that American furniture makers had re-tooled their manufacturing facilities and simonsen of a&e added more technology into the furniture-making industry. As a result there is more “made in the USA” architects for design furniture available than even 10 years prior.

In addition, American consumers are looking for plans. he also hired durability and greater variety with an emphasis on carrie Klein, formerly not-normally-seen-in-this-area pieces, he said. of

carrie’s Quilts and

Furniture Land from your friends at Yellowstone Bank

Fit the bill

Barthel purchased two lots behind the King Avenue store and turned to Ben Lombardozzi and Eric Simonsen of A&E Architects for design plans.

He also hired Carrie Klein, formerly of Carrie’s overall vision.

Quilts and Iron, to help with the overall vision.

According to Lombardozzi, Barthel’s goals were pretty straightforward.

“Craig wanted the building to be tall enough to be seen from King Avenue, especially from where people travel into Billings via the I-90 overpass,” noted Lombardozzi.

iron, to help with the

The new, dual-purpose facility addresses two scenarios. First, it increases warehouse space just one block behind the King Avenue Mattress Land USA location. Second, it offers a retail shopping experience with unique, not normally-seen-inthis-area pieces.

Craig Barthel

Ty Elkin

Owner Furniture Land

Yellowstone Bank

Banks of Service since 1907

MEMBER FDIC

www.yellowstonebank.com Billingsbusiness

May 2014

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special advertising section In addition, the warehouse-style building would need to function as the background for a retail space, which changes on a daily basis. In short, the building needed to function efficiently but still have enough aesthetics to be attractive to customers.

The completed plan divided the space almost in half, with 9,700 square feet dedicated to the warehouse and 9,400 square feet to retail and offices.

“The new warehouse has enabled us to almost double our inventory, including furniture,” said Barthel. “We go 24-feet tall in some places; it’s called high-cube storage.”

The warehouse also allows for a furniture and accessory staging area—an “on deck” space where employees line up the items that will move out the show floor.

Customers can shop Right: The mezzanine this area, too, and that has showcases the handbecome a popular practice, crafted Simply Amish Barthel noted. and Bassett furniture lines, including dining sets, that can be customized for each client. Furniture Land USA also carries grandfather clocks by Howard Miller.

No hiccups

When it came to selecting a general contractor, Barthel did not hesitate to hire Jones Construction.

Congratulations Furniture Land USA! We are Proud to be your general contractor!

Design / Build Commercial / Industrial Tilt-up Concrete 30

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GOOD DESIGN IS GOOD BUSINESS www.aearchitects.com Top: The displays in Furniture Land USA are eclectic, inspiring homeowners to create their own style. Top Right: The tall ceilings and warehouse-style building provide functionality for mass storage while also creating a perfect, neutral backdrop for the new retail space. Bottom right: Customers will notice a wide array of styles, prices and tastes immediately upon entering Furniture Land USA.

Congratulations Furniture Land USA

We are proud to be involved with this project!

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According to president, Craig Barthel, has doubled the storage space with the new warehouse, often stacking mattresses 24-feet high. To ensure safety, the warehouse and store have a high-end, fire suppression system. Facing page top right: The streamlined coffee/beverage bar encourages customers to browse the store’s expansive offerings. The side door was strategically placed where Mattress Land USA customers will enter the store on their way to pick up their purchase from the warehouse. Right: Movable walls enable employees to change the displays daily. Designer Carrie Klein encourages customers to buy items right off the floor because they are often the only one available, ensuring a truly unique piece.

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“Jerry built our first building for us,” noted Barthel.

“In terms of a builder, I cannot imagine anyone more professional or with more integrity. When he gives you the number, it’s the number. When he says he’s going to do something, he does it.”

A family business for 62 years, Jones Construction has a predictable, reliable reputation.

“We don’t have the hiccups at the end of most of our projects—clients, and their financial backers, don’t like surprises,” Jones said.

He noted that fitting the 19,100-square-foot building, required parking and semi-truck loading dock parameters all on the parcel was a challenge. The 53-foot semi-trucks can

now maneuver on the north side of the building.

A few extras

The store includes a streamlined coffee/beverage bar for both the Furniture Land USA customers and for those traversing the parking lot from Mattress Land USA next door to pick up their new purchase.

We strategically placed the door here so that mattress customers would walk into the store, notice the beverage bar, and maybe notice the furniture, Barthel added.

In addition, the A&E design included a 3,000-square-foot mezzanine to house offices, bathrooms, an employee lunch room and more retail space—with a benefit of more privacy for those working with a designer upstairs.

Billingsbusiness

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Providing Quality Concrete Production for over 30 Years Congratulations Furniture Land USA

Congratulations Furniture Land USA

1402 Central Avenue • 406-256-6016

Congratulations Furniture Land USA!

We appreciate being a part of your construction team.

406-628-8443 Not the same-old, same-old

The main floor displays, which literally change every day, provide customers with a true sensorial experience. The concrete floors were stained and then polished; many display backgrounds are made right on site, such as the wall of rough pallet pieces or the display of hand-blown glass bowls. The check-out counter was constructed in place using reclaimed wood.

The entire building shouts “I like being different.”

Based on the premise that customers don’t want the same thing in their home that their neighbor owns, Furniture Land USA’s products are often one-of-a kind. Customers can purchase truly items directly off the floor, or they can work with a designer at one of the two stations to mix-and-match legs, finishes, fabrics and the like to create a custom order. Either way, the client receives a product that reflects their personality—all within a truly unique facility.

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www.ACTIONELECTRICINC.com May 2014

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special advertising section

Triamic Development A new business cAmpus on billings’ west end offers in-demAnd office/wArehouse spAce in A highly sought After locAtion.

Photos by Larry Mayer and James Woodcock

As a seasoned commercial real estate broker, Ken Kunkel has experienced both ups and downs in the Billings market. But recent growth in the energy sector combined with the city’s burgeoning health care facilities, retail centers and financial services has placed Billings high on the list of great places to do business.

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special advertising section “We’re very fortunate,” Kunkel said. “When you add everything together, our little economy here is as strong as anywhere in the nation.”

Kunkel’s confidence in Billings and his understanding of commercial real estate needs came together in a new development project in southwest Billings.

“This souThwesT

Location, location, location

Situated on the corner of Gabel Road and South 27th Street West, the 4-acre parcel had one existing building with is highly soughT room to build additional office/ warehouse facilities. afTer,” noTed KunKel. “This southwest Billings location is highly sought after,” convenienT To The noted Kunkel. Convenient to the West End as well as wesT end as well downtown with easy access to the interstate, the neighborhood as downTown wiTh is ideal for warehousing and shipping and receiving large easy access To The semi-trucks.

Kunkel and his partners inTersTaTe, The had been contemplating putting together a development in west neighBorhood is ideal Billings for some time when the parcel became available. for warehousing and “We bought the property and immediately placed a tenant shipping and receiving in the existing building. That left three acres for development,” large semi-TrucKs. Kunkel said.

A year ago, Kunkel and his partners began construction — Ken KunKel, on a second building. The 12,000-square-foot, steelTriamic developmenT frame building features 18-foot sidewalls with an attractive front entry into the office areas and excellent onsite parking. In the back of the building, a series of overhead doors open to the warehouse space.

“We had the space 75 percent leased before we broke ground,” noted Kunkel.

Billings locaTion

Opposite page top: Located on the corner of Gabel Road and South 27th Street West, the new 12,000-square- foot office/warehouse building constructed by Triamic Development was leased

by Olympus Technical Services and Airefco, Inc. Inset: Airefco staff members (left to right): Doug Reed, Brandon Hatveldt, territory manager, and Justin Fitch.

Congratulations

Triamic Development from your friends at Yellowstone Bank

Ken Kunkel

Ty Elkin

Triamic Development

Yellowstone Bank

Banks of Service since 1907

MEMBER FDIC

www.yellowstonebank.com Billingsbusiness

May 2014

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From the ground up

Kunkel worked with Eric Hulteng of Hulteng, Inc. who acted as general contractor for the project.

“I was fortunate to work with Eric who is very knowledgeable,” Kunkel said.

“From site work to pouring the concrete to assembling the steel, the entire construction process was flawless.”

Before the building was finished, Kunkel leased the remainder of the space and Hulteng completed all the tenant improvements. Because both tenants have large warehouse spaces, making the building highly energy efficient was critical.

“The building is tight and super-insulated,” Kunkel said. “In fact, the December heating bill for the larger 8,000-square-foot space was just $175 – and we had several minus zero degree days that month. The client was very pleased.”

Room to grow

Two businesses operate out of the new building. Olympus Technical Services, an environmental consulting and field services firm, occupies 4,000 square feet on the east side while Airefco, Inc., an HVAC wholesale company, occupies the remaining 8,000 square feet.

“We were looking for an office plus warehouse space, and there were really no other buildings like this in town,” said Guy LaRango, office manager for Olympus Technical Services.

Right: Airefco, a HVAC wholesale company, features products manufactured by both Carrier and Bryant. Located in the front of the building, the large showroom provides ample space to display products offered by Airefco. Opposite page: The 12,000-square-foot, steel-frame building features 18-foot sidewalls with an attractive front entry into the office areas and excellent on-site parking. In the back of the building, a series of overhead doors open to the warehouse space.

Congratulations Triamic Development

We are proud to be involved with this project!

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According to Kunkel, both tenants are very pleased with the building and improvements.

And he is already working with several new potential tenants to develop the remaining 2-plus acres.

“Depending on the client’s needs, we have room for two 7,500-square-feet office/warehouse buildings plus a 5,000-square-foot retail building or one 20,000-square-foot retail/warehouse building,” Kunkel said.

Once completed, Kunkel noted that the development will not only offer a superior office and warehouse space, but will also be an attractive addition to the neighborhood.

“Whichever direction we go, the new steel structures will incorporate some of the same architectural features and finishes and have integrated landscaping so that the entire 4-acre parcel will have a little bit of a campus feel,” he noted. “We anticipate starting another building probably within the next 60 days.”

Right: Olympus Technical Services has office and administrative space in the front of the building. Below right: Olympus Technical Services staff members stand in the warehouse (left to right): Guy LaRango, office manager, Zack Gairrett, Donnie Zier and Jonathan Love.

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TRAVEL &leisure

T he employer ’ s role in traveler

security

Keeping employees safe now involves much more than it did even a few years ago. It starts with having a mechanism for knowing where your traveling employees are at any given time.

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

Billingsbusiness

Thomas Jefferson once said: “With great risk comes great reward.”

Nothing is truer in today’s business travel environment.

You can hardly open a newspaper today without hearing about political unrest or natural disasters happening somewhere in the world. Companies requiring that employees travel to other countries must have strong travel security programs to protect both personnel and corporate information. The term is duty of care in travel risk management. Duty of care is a critical and ever changing aspect of business travel. Duty of care is about managing risk for the entire business trip. There is only one way to eliminate the risk of business travel, but, since staying home is typically not an option, duty of care strategies are an essential part of your travel policy.

Sending employees to foreign countries on behalf of business can result in lucrative new markets and offer exciting experiences for the traveler. Since 2001, however, there have been a number of international incidents, for example, attacks in London, Madrid, Mumbai and Boston.

We actively flew clients home during the Icelandic ash cloud that grounded flights across Europe in 2010, and volcanic ash that stopped passengers on their way to Alaska. We’ve faced earthquakes, tsunamis and the nuclear crisis in Japan,

just to name a few.

Keeping employees safe now involves much more than it did even a few years ago. It starts with having a mechanism for knowing where your traveling employees are at any given time.

Similarly, companies should have in place a communication plan when faced with possible emergency situations. Many firms limit how many members of their management team can be allowed on the same flight to mitigate any risk if something

were to happen to that one flight. While unpleasant to consider, risk is an important aspect of travel for which every company must be prepared.

Following are just a few guidelines to consider when implementing a duty of care plan: Have your traveling employees read the U.S. Department of State’s country-specific information for each country they will visit to get information about the availability of medical

facilities, U.S. embassy locations and other safety, health and logistical issues they may need to know about. It is also a good idea for them to register their visit to places of concern with the U. S. Embassy in that country of travel. I did that a few years ago when I traveled to Jordan. I never needed to use it, but the peace of mind was priceless.

Technology is important when it comes to being able to be in touch with traveling employees 24/7/365. For

communication purposes, make sure all mobile devices have backup batteries and power chargers. There are some powerful travel device chargers available now, such as Power Monkey eXtreme.

Working with a travel management company that has access to a 24-hour service is also important when faced with trying to find traveling employees in times of emergency, just in case that technology fails for some reason.

May 2014

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Business Briefs Local Commerce at a Glance

State startup rate leads nation

2013 compared with 514,000 the year before.

For the first time in the 18 years this report has tracked Montana again led the naentrepreneurship activity, the tion in the rate of business startups last year, although the 2013 index includes new data on trends in entrepreneurship nation’s overall business creamong new entrepreneurs who ation rate fell in 2013, in part because of a lower unemploy- are not coming directly out of unemployment (sometimes ment rate. called “opportunity” entrepreAmong states, Montana neurship). had the highest entrepreThe research indicates that neurial activity rate, with 610 the share of new entrepreneurs per 100,000 adults creating who are not most recently jobbusinesses each month durless was much higher in 2013 ing 2013. That’s double the than at the end of the Great national average.

Recession.

According to the annual “The 2013 business creation Kauffman Index of Entreprerate signifies a return to levels neurial Activity, released in that we haven’t seen since April, the rate declined slightly before the recession,” said from 0.30 percent of American adults per month starting Dane Stangler, vice president of Research and Policy at the businesses in 2012 to 0.28 Kauffman Foundation, which percent in 2013. conducts the annual study.

That translates into apThe latest data indicate that proximately 476,000 new 2013 was the second consecubusiness owners per month in tive year to show an entrepre-

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neurial activity decline in the United States.

The Kauffman Index reported last year that the new business creation rate had declined from 0.32 percent in 2011 to 0.30 percent in 2012.

The construction industry attained the highest level of entrepreneurial activity among industry groups in 2013, with a rate of 1.27 percent. The service industry had the second-highest rate, 0.37 percent.

The decline in business creation rates in 2013 was due primarily to a drop in business creation rates among men, but also stemmed from a slight drop in business creation among women.

As they did the previous year, the entrepreneurship rate for all races and ethnicities declined from 2012 to 2013.

For Latinos, the business creation rate declined from 0.40 percent in 2012 to 0.38 percent in 2013.

The Asian entrepreneurial activity rate decreased from 0.31 percent in 2012 to 0.28 percent in 2013; the African-American rate slid from 0.21 percent in 2012 to 0.19 percent in 2013; and the rate for whites dropped from 0.29 percent in 2012 to 0.27 percent in 2013.

Most age groups also experienced declines in business creation rates. The exception was the group aged 45 to 54, whose rate increased from 0.34 percent in 2012 to 0.36 percent in 2013.

Business creation was lowest among the youngest group, aged 20 to 34, whose rate declined from 0.23 percent in 2012

to 0.18 percent in 2013.

Business creation by veterans declined from 0.28 percent in 2012 to 0.23 percent in 2013. The share of all businesses created by veterans declined sharply over the past 18 years as the working-age veteran population declined over this period.

“Related to the findings for race and ethnicity, entrepreneurial activity among immigrants also decreased sharply in 2013, although the business creation rate among immigrants remains nearly twice as high as the native-born rate,” said Robert W. Fairlie, the study’s author and chair of the Economics Department at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

From a geographic standpoint, entrepreneurial activity rates declined in all regions of the country.

Rounding out the top five states were Alaska (470 per 100,000 adults), South Dakota (410 per 100,000 adults), California (400 per 100,000 adults) and Colorado (380 per 100,000 adults).

The states with the lowest entrepreneurial activity were Iowa (110 per 100,000 adults), Rhode Island (140 per 100,000 adults), Indiana (160 per 100,000 adults), Minnesota (160 per 100,000 adults), Washington (170 per 100,000 adults) and Wisconsin (170 per 100,000 adults).

‘Play’ the subject of meeting Local business representative Kirk Link of Play It Again Sports, 1005 24th St. W. Suite

3, recently returned from the franchiser’s annual conference and trade show at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, Calif.

This year’s conference reinforced the brand’s determination to be the sporting goods store of choice — every day, for every customer with the launch of the “Everybody Plays” initiative. Play It Again Sports recognizes that “play” is at the core of all athletes at all levels of play, and that most brands cater to only the high level performers. Said Link: “Play It Again Sports knows ‘play.’ We realize every athlete plays first and foremost because of the love and passion they have for the game, regardless of their skill level. Play is without boundaries, there’s no age limit on play and no skill level required, which is why from high-end sports gear to back yard games, we want Billings-area families to think of us first when they need to buy or sell new or used sporting goods for their children.”

This year’s conference included a keynote speech by Dennis Snow, a former Disney executive and world-renowned expert in customer service and the customer experience.

His message to all franchisees reinforced that a consistent and positive brand experience was critical in today’s business environment to increasing loyalty and life-long customer retention. “We all know that our individual store success depends on the reputation of the brand itself,” said Link. “And the most effective brand ambassadors

are satisfied customers.”

In addition to workshops on managing inventory and individual business and operational consultations with Play It Again Sports corporate staff, attendees benefited from in-depth sessions on staff development and coaching, time management, and marketing. Market previews on a wide variety of sports offered tips and trends to help individual stores stock the right equipment at the right time and the right price to meet current, local market demand.

For more information contact Kirk Link at 406-652-3662 or kirk.link@link2sports.com.

MFBF wants tax changes Farmers and ranchers need tax certainty to thrive in a modern economy, and making permanent the deductions that expired in 2013 is a good first step, the American Farm Bureau Federation told the House Ways and Means Committee.

“One of the major goals of tax reform should be to provide stable, predictable rules for businesses so that they can grow and create jobs,” American Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman said. “Farm Bureau believes that Congress should end its practice of extending important business tax provisions for one or two years at a time. This practice makes it very difficult for farmers and ranchers to plan and adds immense confusion and complexity.”

Please see page 42 Billingsbusiness

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

Realty group honors 6

Sanderson Stewart promotes 2

related to North Dakota and Eastern Montana. Pirtz, has been with Sanderson Stewart for more than 15 years and has At the National Prudential Sanderson Stewart, a renearly 25 years experience in Real Estate Affiliates Business gional engineering, planning Conference held in Nashville and community development land development and municipal engineering. in March, Prudential Floservices firm, has promoted Chris Kosine, staff surveyor, berg Realtor associates were two in its Billings office. has been promoted to Wilhonored for achieving levels of Tim Pirtz, PE, associate production that placed them principal, has been promoted liston survey manager. He will among the top Prudential as- to the position of branch man- manage the firm’s land surveying operations for projects sociates in the nation for 2013. ager of the firm’s Williston, and clients in North Dakota Those in the President’s Circle N.D., office. Pirtz currently are Sheila Larsen (672-1130), manages the Williston Group, and Eastern Montana. Kosine has 10 years experience in land Jeanne Peterson (661-3941), the staff and resources in the surveying and CADD drafting.

Darwin George (794-4663), firm’s Billings office devoted Larry Larsen (672-7884) and to serving projects and clients Kosine holds an associate of applied science degree in surthe Haws/Moore Team of Bar- in North Dakota and Eastern bara Zentz Haws (860-8198) Montana. Pirtz will now over- veying from Sheridan College and Gina Moore (545-9036). see all of the firm’s operations in Wyoming and a Certificate

of Survey from the University of Wyoming.

Lorash joins Altana FCU Chris Lorash has joined Altana Federal Credit Union as a loan underwriter. Lorash has been in Lorash the financial industry for eight years with experience in bank operations and lending. Lorash is a 2009 graduate of MSU-Billings

School of Business with a bachelor’s degree in finance.

He may be reached at 6512305.

Hill garners financial award Lyle Hill has qualified for Waddell & Reed’s annual Circle of Champions conference, recognizing Hill the company’s top financial advisers. This year’s

event will be held June 19 in Grapevine, Texas. Selection is based on an analysis of investments, insurance and financial planning sales generated by the adviser. More than 550 advisers qualified for this year’s event, out of Waddell & Reed’s national network of more than 1,700 financial advisers. Hill, who joined Waddell & Reed in 1993, has been a professional in the financial services industry for 28 years and counsels clients throughout Montana and Wyoming on their longterm investment goals. He may be contacted at 652-7744.

Please see page 42

reward time to

yourself.

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It’s business as usual (but better!) when you use your World MasterCard.® Now through June 30, 2014, FirstRewards business cardholders earn two points per dollar spent on office related purchases.* Visit rewards.firstinterstate.com or call 1-888-833-3454 to learn more.

*Merchants are assigned codes and categorized based on what they sell. First Interstate Bank has no control over how a merchant is coded and although a merchant may appear to fall into an office management category, there is no guarantee that the merchant code will align. Eligible purchases will receive only one point if the merchant code is not in the promotion category. Office Management categories include, but are not limited to: office supplies, copy services, tax preparation services, accounting, cleaning & maintenance, and subscriptions. To qualify, purchases must be retail transactions. Eligible purchases include purchases for goods and services minus returns and other credits. Eligible purchases do not include fees, interest charges, balance transfers, cash advances, convenience checks, ATM transactions, or foreign transactions. Points will be credited to your FirstRewards account approximately five days after qualified transactions are posted to your credit card statement.

Billingsbusiness

May 2014

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Continued from page 40

The Montana Farm Bureau Federation shares that sentiment. “So many other aspects of farming and ranching are variable: weather, commodity prices, input costs and so on, that having a predictable tax structure from year to year would be a tremendous benefit to farmers and ranchers,” noted Nicole Rolf, director of National Affairs, MFBF. Stallman addressed the committee as part of a hearing addressing the economic disruption caused by the end of a series of tax deductions over the past several years. Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-Mich.) recently introduced a discussion draft of the Tax Reform Act of 2014 in an effort to stimulate discussion of how the tax code could be simpler

and fairer, while at the same time aiding economic growth, job creation and wages.

In written testimony submitted to the Committee, Stallman called for extensions of several now-expired deductions to benefit the economy as a whole, including: n Section 179 expensing, which allows small businesses to write off immediately capital investments of as much as $500,000 instead of depreciating them over several years; n Bonus depreciation, which is an additional 50 percent bonus depreciation for the purchase of new capital assets, including agricultural equipment; n Cellulosic Biofuel Producer Tax Credit: a $1.01 per gallon income tax credit for cellulosic biofuel sold for fuel plus an ad-

Continued from page 41

Tom Webber, financial professional with Prudential Financial, was awarded top financial associate in his class for the Northwest Financial Associates Agency covering Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. Webber and his business partner, Donna Fredericks, CLU, LUTCF, have a private office at 1215 24th St. W., Suite 135, and specialize in retirement planning, life insurance, long-term care insurance and investments. He may be reached at 969-4540.

ditional first-year, 50-percent bonus depreciation for cellulosic biofuel production facilities; n A $1 per-gallon tax credit for production of biodiesel and renewable diesel fuels; n The Community and Distributed Wind Investment Tax Credit, which gives the option to take an investment tax credit in lieu of the Production Tax Credit and n A provision encouraging donations of conservations casements.

Stallman reiterated the importance of Section 179’s immediate expensing to farming. “Farming and ranching is a capital intensive business,” he said. “In order to remain profitable and be competitive, farm equipment, buildings, and storage facilities must be continually upgraded and replaced.”

Connect invited to tech assurance convention

Connect Telephone & Computer Group of Billings, a provider of unified communications, was invited to Technology Assurance Group’s annual convention.

TAG is an international organization of leading unified communications providers representing nearly $350 million in products and services. The invite-only conference was April 27-30 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Mike Baugh of Molt has joined the board of Duray the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in Missou- Tenn.

Representatives from la. Baugh is the president of Darcova Inc. and Rocky Mountain Rod Inc. An avid outdoorsman Connect Telephone & Computer Group and hunter, Baugh has a lengthy RMEF resume shared expertise and best practices with their peers in an effort to help one another improve dating back to the organization’s founding in 1984. As a 30-year member, Baugh served as a their businesses and provide greater value to those customers they serve. committee volunteer, district chair, Montana “In our industry the learning never stops,” state co-chair, regional chair and chairman said Matt Duray, president of Connect of the state and regional chairs. He is also an Telephone & Computer Group. “The technolRMEF Life Member and a longtime volunteer bowhunter education instructor. The founda- ogy industry is one that requires a constant hunger for understanding new technologies tion currently has 26 board members who live and how their implementation can affect in 13 different states. The new board members businesses. It is our duty to make sure that began their terms in February. the solutions we provide are not only good — they must be great. By remaining vigilant and proactively searching for top technologies, Montana Real Estate Brokers has announced we can confidently promise our customers the top producers for 2013: Sheri Auer, Mo that by working with us, they are getting the Quast, Chris Dunn, Tom Hanel, Terri Welborn best business enhancing technology possible, and Timothy Hudson. every time.”

Baugh joins RMEF board

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.

For more information, call Gail Ball at 406.657.1284

Firm names top brokers

42

I May 2014

an indispensable business resource Billingsbusiness

Bankruptcies Virginia B. Burris, 2037 24th St. Billings area filings in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, March 1-31, W., March 7.

Trishia E. Hance, 1524 Wicks 2014. Addresses are in Billings Lane, March 10. unless otherwise noted.

Chapter 7 Troy Tippets Hagel, 1019 Ninth Ave., Laurel, March 3.

Stewart Paul Penn, Sheila Ann Penn, 202 29th St. W., March 3.

Misty K. Mickle, 421 Greenwood Ave., March 4.

Noah James Paul Weninger, 313 E. Fifth St., Laurel, March 5.

Tammy R. Langenfeld, 210 Buena Vista, March 5.

John T. Cash Jr., 719 N. Wagner Lane, March 5.

Mitzi Racine, 836 Joy Circle, March 5.

David S. Gentleman, Suzanne L. Gentleman, 1631 Alderson Ave., March 10.

Corey Alan Hyatt, Cora Yvette Hyatt, 214 S. Clark St., Park City, March 11.

Donald Walker, 3705 Coulson Road, March 12.

Justin J. Mulkey, 2011 Yellowstone Ave., March 13.

Angel Ann Carpenter, 1140 Lynch Circle, March 13.

Zara Dawn Ryder, 2282 Third St. W., March 14.

Steven Lester Waldron, 1708 Alderson Ave., March 14.

Timothy Ray House, Spring

Renae House, 2330 Highline Canal Road, Ballantine, March 14.

Aimee Marie Schweigel, P.O.Box 102, Columbus, March 18.

Ida Francine Grover, 613 Elm St., March 18.

Zachary Lee Middleton, 2914 Millice Ave., March 18.

Lisa Anne Evans, 3040 Central Ave., Apt. E-105, March 20.

Carlin Ray Beardontwalk, Bonnie Jean Marie Beardontwalk, 840 Crist Drive, March 20.

Joshua Robert Gullickson, Christian Autumn Gullickson, 4012 Cambridge Drive, March 20.

Kelly Lee Moore, P.O. Box 1342, Columbus, March 21.

Paul D. Schinker, Jennie E. Schinker, 821 Burlington Ave., March 21.

Sheri Lynn Paseka, 520 Winter Park Drive, March 23.

Misty D. Crawford, Amanda C. Crawford, 3318 Stone St., March 23.

Allen Euegne Guilliams, 35 S. 12th St. W., March 24.

Michael R. Maier, 4196 Ryan Ave., March 24.

Lawrence Franklin Birney, 823 N. 18th St., March 25.

Desiree Blake, 14 Jackson St., March 25.

Tamara Kay Osen, 9924 Bison Road, Shepherd, March 26.

Larry N. Cutting, Colette M. Cutting, 2204 Alderson Ave., Apt. D, March 26.

Denise Michelle Werk, 17 Bing St. N., March 27.

Nicole Leigh Johnson, 428 Milton

Collins, Colo.

Spectroscopy data display systems

Inc. of Bozeman.

Montana patents Below are listed U.S. patents issued to Montana inventors Feb. 24 to March 18, 2014. For assistance in patent filing, call Billings patent attorney Antoinette M. Tease 406-294-9000.

Randall Ernest McCamley of Great Falls: Apparatus for holding a gun and method of use. 8,656,626.

Feb. 25.

John William McGinnis of Kalispell: Efficient control and stall

Justin F. Chapweske of Boze- and methods. 8,664,589. March 4. man, Ryan Brase of Minneapo- Electro Scientific Industries Inc. of lis and Nicholas A. Wormley of Portland, Ore. Robert E. Able of Bozeman St. Paul, Minn.: Live media delivery and Thomas J. Oothoudt of over a packet-based computer network. 8,661,098. Feb. 25. Google Little Falls, Minn.: Sonic latch Inc. of Mountain View, Calif.

William J. Ritter of Bozeman: Ornamental design for a pair of climbing skin mounting brackets.

D700,045. Feb. 25.

Gary Kobinger of Winnipeg, Canada, Heinz Feldmann of Leland Leachman of Welling- Hamilton and Kaylie Tran of Winnipeg, Canada: Optimized ton, Colo., and Tim J. Watts of Billings: System, computer-imple- promoter sequence. 8,663,981. prevention in advanced configuration aircraft. 8,657,226. Feb. 25.

mented method, and non-transitory, computer-readable medium to determine relative market value of a sale group of livestock based on genetic merit and other non-genetic factors. 8,660,888. Feb. 25. Leachman Cattle of Colorado, LLC of Fort Billingsbusiness

March 4. Her Majesty The Queen in Right of Canada as represented by the Minister of Health of Winnipeg, Canada.

William E. Clem of Bozeman, Jay N. Wilkins of Belgrade and Leif Summerfield of Bozeman:

mechanism. 8,668,029. March 11.

Longyear TM Inc. of South Jordan, Utah.

Bernard T. Windauer of Kalispell: Multi-function turret knob. 8,670,179. March 11. Bernard T. Windauer of Kalispell.

Chad T. Coley of Bozeman, Kevin S. Nessland of Bozeman, Tim F. Leonhardt of Bozeman, Colin J. Barry of Boulder Colo., Michael F. Wilson of Bozeman and Anthony N. Nettuno of Bozeman: Systems and methods for on-line schedumeling of appointments and other resources.

8,671,009. March 11. Schedulicity

Harry E. Bonner of Sheridan, Wyo., Roger B. Malmquist of Butte and Ray W. Sheldon of Huntley: Apparatus for upgrading coal and method of using same.

8,671,586. March 18. SynCoal Solutions Inc. of Sheridan, Wyo.

Carrine E. Blank and Nancy W. Hinman, both of Missoula: Production of cyanobacterial or algal biomass using chitin as a nitrogen source. 8,673,619. March 18. The University of Montana in Missoula.

Hubert E. Kolde of Mercer Island, Wash., James A. Billmaier of Woodinville, Wash., John M. Kellum of Seattle, Wash., Dewey Reid of San Rafael, Calif., and Philip Rogan of Bozeman: System and method of contextual pre-tuning. 8,677,276.

March 18. Arris Enterprises Inc. of Suwanee, Ga.

Road, Apt. 5, March 30.

Nicole Dawn Leahy, 3900 Olympic Blvd., Apt. K10, March 31.

Lawrence Dean Steinback, Debra Louise Steinback, 941 S. 64th St. W., March 31.

Gregory Bruce Reiter, Stacey Marie Reiter, 1080 Clark Ave., March 31.

Ric D. Feyk, Rebecca R. Feyk, 2132 Phoebe Drive, March 31.

Lawrence Timothy Arrowood, Candice Marie Arrowood, 1113 Keno St., March 31.

Chapter 13 Travis Michael Amundsen, Holly Kay Blue, 791 Moccasin Trail, March 13.

Daniel Young, 1830 Stillmeadow Drive, March 18.

John Robert Haigh, Cathryn Ann Haigh, 4631 San Fernando Drive, March 23.

James Owen Cade Jr., RR 1 Box 1010a, Hardin, March 24.

Brian Dean Puett, Lori Gaye Blanchard Puett, P.O. Box 1626, Red Lodge, March 25.

one of a kind • one at a time • Custom Laser • Cutting & Engraving • Full Color Dye Sublimation • Rubber Stamps • Name Badges • Corporate Awards Dennis Crowder • Personalized Gifts 819 16th Street West • 406-245-1681 • Desk Accessories ddc@lasered4u.com • www.engraveables.net • Interior Signs Mon-Fri 8:30-5:00 • Trophies & Awards

WE ARE HIRING! MORTGAGE LOAN OFFICER If you are a tenacious self-starter who knows how to source new business and enjoys helping others succeed, we want to meet you! To be considered for this position, you must have a proven track record in sourcing new business and the ability to get along with about anyone. Our clients will expect you to be knowledgeable and a very professional salesperson. Interested applicants can email their resume to Susie Redinger at sredinger@ulc.com.

406-294-2660 - NMLS#130544 sredinger@ulc.com May 2014

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Residential Permits Good, Matthew & Kimberly A, $8,520 3461 Masterson Circle, Nebel, 3903 Pine Cove Road, Nordahl, Daniel C. & Gayle M., Hagstrom Kathleen A., Cooper Construction, Roofing & Construction, $10,900 3461 Masterson Circle, Nebel, $14,000 3310 1 Ave. S., Scott, Jacque- Daniel C. & Gayle M., Hagstrom Roofing & Construction, $12,300 line A., Jim’s Excavation Serv.

1823 Broadwater Ave., Hogan, Inc., $11,000 Wayne G. & Roxanne, Lathrop’s Unlimited, $3,000 Addition Single/ 1827 Broadwater Ave., Hogan, Duplex/Garage Wayne G. & V Roxanne, Lathrop’s Unlimited, $3,500 334 Burlington Ave., Hudson, 612 6 St. W., Rodriguez, Jason Donna M., Abc Seamless Of Bill& Colleen, $4,500 ings Inc., $10,946 3394 Lucky Penny Circle, 2834 Dozer Road, Duke, David Jillian & Bradley Shoemaker, P. & Kelli A., Wanner Roofing, $7,260 $8,000 2950 Walden Place, Funke, Fence/Roof/Siding Jeffrey R. & Julie A., Hagstrom Roofing & Construction, $17,913 4528 Hi Line Drive, Legg, 3036 E .Copper Ridge Loop, Brian R. & Andrea Lynn, HagYarina, Michael J. & Brenna L., strom Roofing & Construction, Peak Contracting, $8,000 $275,032 3006 Western Bluffs Blvd., 610 Indian Trail, Sauer, Walker

Demolition Permit Residential

Carpet One Your Commercial Interior Design Experts!

FREE CONSULT & ESTIMATE CALL

Sarah Wise or Don Adamson

656-9300 • Interior Design • Custom Cabinets • Custom Countertops

505 S. 24th St. W. | 656-9300 | 800-320-0420 | Mon-Fri ri 8 - 6 | Sat 9 - 5 | Sun Closed

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I May 2014

Construction, $19,000 412 Hillview Lane, Nielsen, Doug, Sprague Construction Roofing Division, $5,500 924 N. 19 St., Girvin, Lily A., Sprague Construction Roofing Division, $3,700 603 Aronson Ave., Morgan, Adam J., Morgan Contractors Inc., $10,000 131 Monroe St., McIntire, Barbara E., Cervantes Roofing & Construction, $2,300 39 W. Antelope Trail, Slacks, William M. & Teresa N., Christison’s Remodeling/Repair, $6,500 3443 Timberline Drive, Schuessler, Robert G. III, Great White Construction, $6,500 3720 Ben Hogan Lane, Gainan, Michael G. & Lynette M., Krebill Construction & Roofing, $14,500 353 Cape Cod Drive, Ott, Gary L. & Marie E., Peak Contracting, $13,000 6242 Golden Eagle Way, Donovan, Quinn G. & Alicia D., DLV Roofing Inc., $8,500 1842 Bridge Stone St., Rehmer, Joel P., Singh Contracting Inc., $10,000 641 Hillview Lane, Liming, Paul F. & Danielle, Ray Meyer Construction, $6,000 1120 N. 26 St., Pullar, Shari, $5,600 2215 Yellowstone Ave., Pacot, Connie J. &, Billings Steel Siding, $2,150 415 Cook Ave., Schroeder, Donald W. & Alice L., Property Improvements Co., $8,500 839 Bench Blvd., Dalke, Elsie L., Highsmith Construction, $6,000 239 Custer Ave., Wilkerson, Bruce Edward, Mcm Inc., $5,000 76 Skyline Drive, Dyer, Lyla A.,

Artisan Builders, $8,000 4573 Pine Cove Road, Wagler, Guido, Sprague Construction Roofing Division, $11,000 3035 Demaret Place, Slade, Matthew L. & Angela M., A To Z Siding & Windows, $6,500 1938 Ave. D, Bykonen, Chad M., C’s Construction Of Billings, $2,234 2019 Clark Ave., Hancock, Beverly K., Billings Window & Siding Spec., $7,000 380 Montclair Drive, Kenyon, Vickie & Robert D., Billings Window & Siding Spec., $8,500 948 Pegasis Place, Luther, Steven A. & Donna K., Dustin Davison Construction, $10,000 1680 High Sierra Blvd., Johnson, Christopher D. & Anne, B & W Builders, $7,000 4150 Audubon Way, Morck, Neil F. & Evelyn V., B & W Builders, $7,000 930 South Heights Lane, Schleining, Susan, John Niezwaag Siding, $10,435 36 Nimitz Drive, Feiler, John E., Wanner Roofing, $5,000 1214 Harvard Ave., Page, Casey L. & Daniel J., Residential Roofing, $7,000 2616 Cook Ave., Richard Jensen, $3,000 3245 Ave. F, Ellertson, Norman J., C’s Construction Of Billings, $9,887 3621 Custer Ave., Ramberg, Christopher G., Rocky Mountain Roofing, $6,500 1045 N. 26 St., Hill Crest Inc., Granite Peak Exteriors, $7,500 2525 Whittier Place, Otto, Teresa Louise, J & T Roofing, $8,400 507 Parkhill Drive, Krigger, James R. & Lorina M., Mountain

Area Systems, $1,200 2940 Rimrock Road, Rambold, Kenneth C., Kirkness Roofing & Supply, $22,355 911 Princeton Ave., Schmitz, Melanie A., Steadfast Builders, $4,000 3637 Spalding Ave., Saunders, Rob & Kimera, Krebill Construction & Roofing, $1,650 4203 Toyon Drive, Oliver, Kevin B. & Deborah I, 4m Construction Inc., $6,000 671 Javelin Circle, Plouvier, Margaret F., Tom Hennessy Construction, $6,100 3119 Amelia Circle, Engstrom, Jacob &, Craftsman Construction, $7,500 1404 Barrett Road, Pincolini, Steve, Benson Builders, $14,000 331 Sharron Lane, Kenneth Miller, $4,000 265 Caravan Ave., Thomason, Julie A., JB Siding Specialist, $3,000 654 Aries Ave., Hentz, John L., Dustin Davison Construction, $7,600 3029 E. Copper Ridge Loop, Endres, Ryan P, $4,000 1425 Bitterroot Drive, McIntire, Juanita H., Ruoffs Designs, $4,600 3234 Golden Acres Drive, Donovan, Kelly J. & Debra, DLV Roofing Inc., $9,300 3032 Saddleback Trail, Malchuski, Joseph R. & Christin, Sprague Construction Roofing Division, $8,500 2930 Lynn Ave., Bender, John C. & Barbara J., Sprague Construction Roofing Division, $6,500 4211 N Carlton Ave. S.W., Newcomer, Teresa, Beartooth Construction, $3,350

640 Sapphire Ave., Curriden, Nancy T., Kirkness Roofing & Supply, $5,607 40 Hilltop Road, Timmons, Dustin & Tracy, L J Roofing, $10,500 504 Ave. E., Gerrells, Virginia C., Donahue Roofing, $6,000 4324 Murphy Ave., Curt & Susan Schelle, $24,000 3832 Chamberlain Drive,

New Garage Standley, Donnie, $1,920 904-1/2 Dorothy Lane, Martinez, Elizabeth A., $29,400

New Single Family 275 Brookshire Blvd., Legacy Homes Inc., MJ Construction Inc., $164,910 276 Brookshire Blvd., Legacy Homes Inc., MJ Construction Inc., $164,910 1526 Spring Gulch Way, BCJM Properties LLC, Hanser Construction Company, $233,520 1542 Caleb Court, Hanser Capital Holdings LLC, Hanser Construction Company, $218,140 3137 Peregrine Lane, NA, Mac Leffler Construction, $500,000 1524 Mustang Valley Drive, BCJM Properties LLC, Hanser Construction Company, $194,340 1245 Benjamin Blvd., Jeff Kreitzberg, KreitzbergJeffHomes, $181,915 1423 Benjamin Blvd., Jeff Kreitzberg, KreitzbergJeffHomes, $194,805 1805 S Sundance Mountain Trail, Jeff Junkert, Jeff Junkert Construction Inc., $181,050 273 Brookshire Blvd., D & D Billingsbusiness

Residential Permits, continued Construction , D & D Siding And Construction, $164,910 277 Brookshire Blvd., D & D Construction , D & D Siding And Construction, $164,910 2315 Stone Creek Trail, Image Builders LLC, Image Builders, $333,210 237 Sharron Lane, Kay Jeff & Michelle L, Kay Homebuilders LLC, $385,695 2518 Meadow Creek Drive, Hanser Capital Holding , Hanser Construction Company, $190,510 2236 Stone Creek Trail, Tom & Julie Quinn, Dan Fleury Construction Inc, $268,655 3397 Lucky Penny Lane, A.R. Junkert Construction , A.R. Junkert Construction Inc., $224,130 3428 Lucky Penny Lane, Copper Ridge Development LLC, Oakland Built Homes Inc., $172,510 5882 Autumnwood Drive, Guy Rogers, Ban Construction Corp, $338,710 930 Blackberry Way, Trails West Homes , Trails West Homes LLC, $174,795 5808 Mountain Front Ave.,

Trails West Homes LLC. , Trails West Homes LLC, $247,120 926 Blackberry Way, Trails West Homes LLC. , Trails West Homes LLC, $174,795 917 Kingston Ave., Kisling Quality Builders , Kisling Quality Builders, $166,050 2147 Clubhouse Way, Ron S Hill Living Trust, Specialized Construction, $218,500 1720 W. Castle Stone Sq., Jeff Junkert Const. , Jeff Junkert Construction Inc., $152,330 1319 Benjamin Blvd., Bob Pentecost, Bob Pentecost Construction, $249,900 3213 Golden Acres Drive, BTS Inc., Classic Design Homes, $216,655 5917 Foxtail Lane, Classic Design Homes, Classic Design Homes, $212,470 3456 Lucky Penny Lane, Oakland Built Homes, Oakland Built Homes Inc., $168,900 1635 Hidden Cove Lane, McCall Development, McCall Development, $256,180 1827 Stony Meadow Lane, McCall Development Inc., McCall Development, $283,080

2520 Raymond Place, Nelson, Richard J. & Linda L., Win-Dor Industries, $1,911 2613 Copper Blvd., Kuehn, Michael J. & Shauna M., Win-Dor Industries, $3,083 New Two Family 3661 Rosebud Drive, Hoiland, Anthony P. & Ashley, All Season 1401 River Point Loop, River Construction, $600 Point Cottages LLC, Marsich 1129 Ave. C, Butler, Katherine Investments, $232,400 A., A Remodeling Solution, $6,100 1404 River Point Loop, River 2209 Fairway Drive, Heath, Point Cottages LLC, MJ ConJames D. &, Win-Dor Industries, struction Inc., $232,400 $6,483 Remodel Single/ 3621 Fort Laramie Drive, Duplex/Garage Clarence & Mary Propp Living T, K-Designers, $17,400 1746 Hollyhock St., McCall 2040 Ridgeview Drive, Brown, Development Inc., McCall DevelKenneth W. & Rosalie, American opment, $45 Exteriors LLC, $17,545 3416 Timberline Drive, Dolan, 127 Alderson Ave., Durden, Laurie R., American Exteriors LLC, William D. & Nicole A., Pella Window Store, $1,800 $5,581 5240 Burlington Ave., KW 537 Wheatstone Drive, McKitSignature Homes Inc, K. W. Sigtrick, Mildred K. Trustee, Amerinature Homes Inc., $6,000 can Exteriors LLC, $4,896 2205 Treasure Drive, Reid, 3737 Rosebud Drive, Deering Dustin W, American Exteriors LLC, Fredrick J. & Keryl L., Freyenhagen Construction Inc., $18,250 $8,855 106 Sky Ranch Drive, Kinnard, 724 Jaque Lane, Gustafson, David B. & Elaine C., Freyenhagen Stephen N. & Brenda, American Construction Inc., $36,800 Exteriors LLC, $1,539 5355 Sundance Mountain Circle, Jeff Junkert Const., Jeff Junkert Construction Inc., $384,020

All new 2014 Diesel Picture is for illustrative purposes only. Model 35.1. MSRP $213,383. Sale $159,026. web id# R-13-229 *3.99% APR OAC with 20% down or net trade, for 240 months.

Billingsbusiness

5856 Sam Snead Trail, Ruehr Revocable Trust, Freyenhagen Construction Inc., $15,900 3030 Western Bluffs Blvd., Above And Beyond Construction, Above & Beyond Construction, $32,000 862 Joyce Circle, Nona Veatch, Win-Dor Industries, $2,631 1638 St Johns Ave., Thornton, Michael & Brenda, Win-Dor Industries, $3,223 1220 Miles Ave., Abrams.

Drew C. & Rebecca G., Win-Dor Industries, $2,362 908 13 St. W., Quinn, Stephanie N., Win-Dor Industries, $1,135 4506 Audubon Way, Van Dyke, Glen L. & Linda J., One Source Construction LLC, $1,119 2020 Kober Place, Marilyn Ann Lambrecht Revocable, Billings Window & Siding Spec., $3,723 437 Rimrock Road, David Kennedy, $20,000 3035 Demaret Place, Slade, Matthew L. & Angela M., A To Z Siding & Windows, $3,200 2109 Yellowstone Ave., Snow, Robert C. & Linda D., A To Z Siding & Windows, $4,200 4540 Vaughn Lane, Foster,

Sally M., Castro Construction, $6,000 1232 Ave. D, Hirschi, Merleen Virginia, $150 2019 Clark Ave., Hancock, Beverly K., Billings Window & Siding Spec. $2,100 380 Montclair Drive, Kenyon, Vickie & Robert D., Billings Window & Siding Spec., $1,000 4540 Vaughn Lane, Foster, Sally M., $4,000 1728 Maurine St., Wallace, Matthew, Pella Window Store, $800 643 Aronson Ave., Novak, Aaron M & Erin, All Season Construction, $6,000 2062 Miles Ave., Decker, Dawn Marie, All Season Construction, $1,000 516 Killarney St., Wilson, Mark D, $6,300 1096 Babcock Blvd., Allen, Jeffrey D. & Roxanne W, Pella Window Store, $800 531 Wyoming Ave., Quiroz, Robert & Beth M., Larsen G. A. Inc., $7,000 2218 Fairview Place, Haupt, Timothy M. & Mary A., Belcourt Construction, $4,800

9 7 7

ONLY

$

O. PER M

**

Billings Great Falls Kalispell

Billings i-90 EXiT 443 888-986-6684

May 2014

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Business licenses The following business licenses were issued during March 2014. The information is collected by the city of Billings.

(Main), 820 Main St., 259-3563.

Burger King/HR Restaurants LC (27th St.), 520 N. 27th St., 245-7911.

Burger King/HR Restaurants LC (Old Hardin), 2813 Old Hardin Road, 256-5642.

Overland Transport & Security, Quality Masonry, 741 Avenue C, 2025 Beverly Hill, 855-1273.

281-2191.

Key Impact Sales & Systems VC, 315 Main St., Suite 400, Inc., Tualatin, Ore., 800-955-0600.

208-570-1246.

Big Sky Jewelry Designers, 2913 Young Gunz Plastering, 605 18th Third Ave. N., 259-3952.

St. W., 696-5508.

LDH Financial LLC, 203 Alderson, Garcia Concrete, 300 N. 25th St., 371-5956.

647-4690.

Hammer Down Auctions Inc. 206 Ehrenberg Construction Group Reynolds, 698-8767.

Inc., Omaha, Neb., 402-541-3803.

Allied Control & Electric LLC, Triple A Photography, 2210 3660 Rosebud Drive, 860-6821.

Lyndale, 860-5254.

Last Best News LLC, 1 S. 28th, LDH Global Enterprises LLC, 203 794-4881.

Alderson, 371-5956.

RJI Professionals Inc., Golden, Mountain Air, 3404 Gallatin, Colo., 303-271-0100.

696-7185.

American Electric Inc., Kalispell, USKH Inc., 1536 Mullowney 756-9473.

Lane, Suite 202, 907-276-4245.

Advanced Glass, 516 Miles, WSM Enterprises LLC, Shepherd, 671-9172.

698-5478.

Pfeifle Construction, 3126 S. Where’s My Parts, 2156 Fair 67th St. W., 855-1075.

Park, 340-0632.

Tom’s Repair, 4814 Old Jellison, Adam & Eve, 1211 Mullowney 749-1789.

Lane, 259-4688.

Mountain West Mobile Home Terry L. Lyle Rental Apartment, Supply LLC, 115 S. Eighth St. W. 410 Constitution, 860-5492.

Lynn Carpenter Handyman SerBliss, 819 Calico. vice, 1204 Yellowstone, 698-0238.

Aero Compliance Partners LLC, Rather Enterprises Inc., 5535 704 S. 31st St., 970-985-2207.

Interstate, 543-5181.

A+ Communications, 267 Superior Tile and Flooring, 311 Sahara, 696-4168.

Covert, 321-1060.

JLK Contractors LLC, 7195 Arrow Roofing, 424 Burlington, Lakeshore, 208-8545.

701-204-3965.

Ron Evans Sewer and Drain Burger King/HR Restaurants LC Cleaning, 513 Woodland, 534-4051.

(King Avenue): 47809 King Ave. E., Rick’s Blankets, 1005 Main St., 252-1046.

845-4946.

Burger King/HR Restaurants Billings Commercial Cleaners, LC (King Park): 790 King Park, 1304 Eldorado, 850-5117.

656-6711.

Radio Billings LLC, 222 N. 32nd Burger King/HR Restaurants LC St., 10th floor, 238-1000.

46

I May 2014

C & S Property Management LLC, 1727 Miles Ave., 860-8346.

Morris Nielsen Jr., 901 Terry Ave., 248-3925.

Joseph R. Lyman, 602 S. 25th St., 256-3952.

Affordable Stump Grinding, 2303 Wingate, 839-1032.

Moser Construction LLC, 6247 Gray Hawk, 690-1718.

Solving It LLC, 1645 Avenue D, Suite H, 272-9000.

Reel Motor Cops, 1530 Bitterroot, 939-1925.

KC Kustom Concrete, 2937 Springfield, 647-2579.

Richard Charles Jensen, 330 Clark Ave., 696-4161.

T Lazy H Inc., 2901 State, 2452887.

Hagan Construction, 15 Lantana, 647-4570.

Dawgs on a Bun LLC, 13 King Henry.

Excel Janitorial & Maintenance Service Inc., Laurel, 256-5033.

Meow Boutique, 219 N. 29th St., 969-1878.

Equipment Plus Incorporated, 7239 Frontage Road, 672-3838.

Clark Contractor LLC, Little Rock, Ark., 501-868-3133.

QM Appraisal, Cody, Wyo., 307587-2313.

Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, 3212 First Ave. S., 6552100.

Whitehorse Salon LLC, 182 S. 32nd St. W., Suite 3, 861-3748.

Yo DJ! Disc Jockeys, 1146 Poly Drive, 860-0699.

TNT Mobile Repair, 125 Foster, 855-3905.

Breathe Fresh LLC, 300 S. 24th St. W., 647-1173.

Faithful Cleaning & Restoration, 2697 Enterprise, Suite D, 672-3200.

Richard Evans, Spokane Valley, Wash., 509-535-7701.

C7 Solution, 3520 Becraft, 390-5241.

Advanced Telecom Services, 1317 Nutter, 590-1090.

Atherly Handyman Services & Contracting, Red Lodge, 860-1953.

S & L Poker, 1341 Main, 6964460.

MagicCity Truck Accessories, 2134 Lyman, 690-8724.

Tiny Miracles Doula Services, 1024 El Rancho, 670-7433.

Thor General Contracting, 741 Avenue F, 208-6965.

Rocky Mountain Deck & Rail, Red Lodge, 861-1581.

BLK Construction, 2808 Third Ave. S., 808-896-8724.

Leading Tech Development LLC, Perry, Utah, 435-734-2012.

Rob’s Repair and Handyman Service, 5954 Canyonwoods, 248-2988.

Edward Jones, 3936 Avenue D, 655-7836.

Perspectives Family Mediation, 1601 Lewis Ave., 702-1933 Freedom Fencing, 1525 Central Ave., 294-1799.

J & R Cleaning, 225 Ashley Court N., 855-3547.

TB Construction, 4245 Long Beach, 672-9358.

Billings Softball Association, 260

Stewart Park, 839-2007.

Montana Food Products Laurel LLC, Laurel, 273-2515.

Do Ya Ugly BBQ, 238-1/2 Terry Ave., 671-0245.

Montclairs Construction LLC, 37 Washington, 633-1736.

Legendary Tattoo Studio & Art Gallery PLLC, 406 Grand Ave., 623-0900.

Font and Figure, 1215 Princeton, 671-4661.

Big Sky Imaginarium, 2906 Third Ave. N., 294-5140.

Chris Schreiber, 345 Jefferson, 210-7411.

Arlington Construction Inc. 2829 King Ave. W., 614-299-2990.

Mother’s Embrace

Remind Mom how special she is every day with this selection of Sterling Silver, Murano Glass and Family-themed beads.

Jewelry

312 8th Street West Billings, MT 59101

406.245.7424

www.greenleafsjewelry.com

Billingsbusiness

BUILDING TOMORROW’S VISIONS TODAY www.daconstruction.com

Building Permits DESIGN/BUILD • TURN-KEY CONSTRUCTION • PRE-CONSTRUCTION PLANNING • CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT • 406-248-3700

Billings Commercial Building Permits April 1-30, 2012 Footing/Foundation

534 S. Billings Blvd.

Mountain Supply

$100,000

Remodel

2832 Broadwater Ave.

Rocky Mountain Community Church

Remodel

3605 Hesper Road

FedEx Ground

Remodel

182 S. 32 St. W.,

MLZ LLP

Neumann Construction

Remodel

1301 Industrial Ave.

Heartland Ponderosa Ltd. Ptnrs.

Win-Dor Industries

$2,686

Fence/Roof/Siding

2202 Central Ave.

US Bank Trust National Association

Empire Roofing Inc.

$5,200

New Other

1500 University Drive

State Of Montana

Remodel

2036 Overland Ave.

Billings Hospitality LLC

Hardy Construction Co.,

Remodel

1601 Miles Ave.

School District #2

Star Service Inc.

Remodel

17 N. 31 St.

Alternatives Inc.

Dutton Construction

$16,700

Remodel

749 S. 20 St. W.

Pentex Management Inc.

Cucancic Construction Inc.

$14,500

Remodel

1643 Kelby Drive

Lyle Terry L.

Terry Lyle Rental

$54,000

Remodel

880 N. 29 St.

Riversage Billings Inn

Jones Construction Inc.

$10,000

Remodel

615 N. 19 St.

Head Start Inc.

Win-Dor Industries,

T Davis Construction Inc.

$150,000 $50,000 $48,000

$50,000 $235,000 $1,000,000

$2,670

Remodel

2520 1 Ave. N.

Montana Rescue Mission

Van Arsdale Construction

$5,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

411 N. 18 St.

Allen Gerald L.

All Metal Construction Inc.

$13,286

Fence/Roof/Siding

917 Lake Elmo Drive

Baisch Lynnette Rae

Chapel Custom Handywork

$2,000

Fence/Roof/Siding

2212 Main St.

Blyton Donald J., Joanne G.

Sprague Construction Roofing Division

Remodel

21 N. 15 St.

Kairos Properties LLC

Remodel

1517 Broadwater Ave.

DSD LLC

Remodel

602 S. 25 St.

Lyman Joseph R., Jerralee A.

Demolition Permit Commercial

510 N. 28 St.

City Of Billings

LM Excavating Inc.

$125,000

Dick Anderson Construction

$189,900

$37,500 $271,000

Ralph Dupea Contracting

$4,000 $1,000

Addition

3000 King Ave. W.

Denny Menholt

Fence/Roof/Siding

1707 Parkhill Drive

Parkhill Assembly Of God Church

$16,196

Remodel

5151 Midland Road

Farm To Market Engines LLC

Eggart Engineering Construction

$36,950

Remodel

401 N. 31 St.

First Interstate Bank

JLK Contractors LLC

$41,000

Remodel

669 Main St.

Stanek Stephanie R.

Scott Peterson Construction

$25,000

Remodel

2032 Central Ave.

Billings Unitarian Universalist,

$1,000

Remodel

610 Wicks Lane

CHS Inc.

$4,000

Remodel

501 Custer Ave.

Roman Catholic Bishop

Remodel-Change In Use

1331 1 Ave. N.

Rimrock Foundation

$60,000

Remodel-Change In Use

1041 Broadwater Ave.

Ty Nelson

$25,000

Billingsbusiness

Billings Alarm Co. Inc.

$1,000

May 2014

I

47

Wayne Nelson Billings Market President

Tim Ludewig

King Ave Branch Manager

Terry Lee

Heights Branch Manager

Tim Anderson Shiloh Branch Manager

Jeremy Morgret Downtown Branch Manager

Spencer Frederick Grand Ave Branch Manager

Helping Businesses PRoSPER aND GRow BUSINESS CHECKING | BUSINESS LoaNS LINES oF CREDIT | CaSH MaNaGEMENT oNLINE & MoBILE BaNKING SBA Preferred Lender

King Ave 655-2700

Hilltop & Main 896-4800

Š 2014 Stockman Bank | Member FDIC 48

I May 2014

Shiloh & Grand 655-3900

Downtown 655-2400

14th & Grand 371-8100

www.stockmanbank.com Billingsbusiness