5 MINUTES WITH
COLTER DEVRIES
WELLS FARGO BANK
JOHN AND ANN SOARES, STEVE ZABAWA AND SUSAN SULLIVAN
September 2014
RIMROCK CHEVROLET
CLEAN TEAM Downtown business owners ponder renewing Business Improvement District
INSIDE: Montana Energy Review special report on energy
Billings Business 401 N. Broadway Billings, MT 59101-1242
CONTENTS
september 2014
An indispensable business resource FEATURES
This team cleans up........................................................................................................................................................................................ 6 Downtown business owners ponder renewing Business Improvement District
‘We’re glad you’re here’........................................................................................................................................................................ 18 Proposed Bakken oil refinery gets warm reception from county officials
Construction Zone........................................................................................................................................................................................ 35
Energy briefs........................................................................................................................................................................................................31
24 Hour Emergency Flood & Fire Restoration Services
Battle in the Bull Mountains.............................................................................................................................................................33
Commercial & Residential
MONTANA ENERGY REVIEW
On the Cover Purple Street Team members Milo Pierce, right, Jerrid Gray, left, and James Chandler clean a sidewalk on Broadway.
Photo by CASEY PAGE
New Scheels store expected to shake up Billings retail scene, Page 22
Carbon capture research project underway in Montana............................................................................29
COLUMNS
Economic Development.........................................................................................................................................................................10 Ben Rose - Own a business? You should have a plan.
Strategies for Success.............................................................................................................................................................................14 Joe Michels - Customer service can set downtown businesses apart from competitors
Sales Moves..........................................................................................................................................................................................................15 Jeffery Gitomer - Follow these tips when meeting with the CEO
Marketing Cooler............................................................................................................................................................................................17 Dana Pulis - Don’t forget the important role of internal communications
Travel & Leisure................................................................................................................................................................................................20 Billie Ruff - Your smartphone will be your best traveling companion
Personal Finance ............................................................................................................................................................................................21 Mark Cain - Don’t delay estate planning; your heirs will thank you
Better Business.................................................................................................................................................................................................28 Erin T. Dodge - Charitable giving makes us feel better, but know the ropes before you do
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BILLINGS BUSINESS EVERY MONTH
From the Editor.......................................................................................................................................................................................................4
Billings Business is mailed each month
By the numbers .....................................................................................................................................................................................................5
to area business owners, managers and
The local economy at a glance
Five Minutes with...........................................................................................................................................................................................12 Colter DeVries - Wells Fargo Bank in Billings
Chamber News................................................................................................................................................................................................. 13 Seth Mattison - Empowering young employees to change the world Page 12 Colter DeVries
Business Briefs .................................................................................................................................................................................................46 Success Stories................................................................................................................................................................................................47 The Listings............................................................................................................................................................................................................49
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decision makers for $19.95 per year. To subscribe, please send payment, name, business name, mailing address and phone number to:
Billings Business 401 North Broadway Billings, MT 59101 BILLINGSbusiness
Billingsbusiness
September 2014
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the editor
O UR COMMUNITY IS BETTER BECAUSE OF PEOPLE LIKE P AUL M ETZGER Thousands of people, many of them not yet born, stand to benefit from the generosity of Paul Metzger, the Laurel farmer who left $38 million from his estate to St. Vincent Healthcare and the Billings Clinic. Metzger’s amazing gift to both Billings health care facilities was made public on July 30 at the Billings office of D.A. Davidson Co. where Metzger did business. It is the largest single gift that either of the two hospitals has ever received. Metzger died last May, just two months shy of his 98th birthday. His formal education ended in the eighth grade. But over the years he demonstrated a knack for business and investing. People who knew him say he wasn’t the kind of person who yearned to see a building named in his honor. Throughout its history, Billings has benefited from a number of generous benefactors who have been remembered in different ways. The Alberta Bair Theater proudly carries the name of the feisty philanthropist who primed the pump for the theater’s $5 million renovation with a $600,000 gift. Four years ago, officials with the Education Foundation at Billings Public Schools were bowled over when they learned that Dewey Hansen, a former Senior High history teacher, had left the foundation a $2.7 million endowment to enhance education at the three Billings high schools. Generations of students will use calculators, computers and other equipment purchased with money gifted by Hansen, who died in 2009. I asked Todd Preston, Metzger’s financial adviser at
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D.A. Davidson, whether Billings will continue to benefit from the generosity of others like Metzger and Hansen. He said there are a number of large estates in the Billings area. But in most cases, the family plays a big role in how much money ends up being donated to charities, Preston said. Metzger’s generosity is unprecedented. But it’s also worth asking: How did a modest man with an eighthgrade education manage to show a Warren Buffett-like knack for making money? Preston said Metzger was an astute investor who kept constant track of the stock market, even in his later years. Metzger’s investment style leaned toward buying and holding stocks. Using his own research as well as recommendations from Davidson, Metzger’s portfolio continued to grow over time. In the wake of the financial crisis of 2008-09, when investors were fleeing the stock market in droves, Metzger saw plenty of buying opportunities and profited handsomely, Preston said. “He was a real student of the market,” Preston said. “I don’t know if we ever argued, but his decisions were always well thought out.” Preston, a Senior High graduate, noted that Hansen also had a long-term interest in investing, and often taught students about the stock market. There’s not much else to say about Metzger, Hansen and others like them, except that our community is a better place because of them.
September 2014 • VOLUME 20 • NUMBER 9
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 October 2014 issue is 5 p.m. Tuesday, September 9. You may send material to ads@billingsbusiness.com or FAX to 657-1538. NEWS If you would like to submit a news tip, story idea, announcement about your business or press release, please e-mail it to: editor@billingsbusiness.com website: www.billingsbusiness.com Information published herein does not reflect the opinion of Billings Business. Contents are the property of Billings Business.
BILLINGSbusiness
Personal
By the Numbers
Business
LocaL and regionaL economic trends
real estate Member FDIC
agriculture Hilltop & Main 896-4800
Shiloh & Grand 655-3900
ROAD TRIP
Downtown 655-2400
14th & Grand 371-8100
Worden 967-3612
Airport boardings
National park visitors
50
8
Visitation to Yellowstone National Park climbed to 858,856 in July, a 6 percent increase from the same month last year. More than 2.5 million people have visited Yellowstone through the first seven months of 2014.
40
In hundred thousands
7 6
30
In thousands
King Ave 655-2700
www.stockmanbank.com
5 4
20
Source: Yellowstone National Park
3
Billings housing starts
10
2
New single-family home building permits 60
300
50
250
40
200
30
150
20
100
10
50
0
February
March
April
May
February to July 2013
June
July
February to July 2014
0
1
281
0 208
June
July
Bozeman
Glacier National Park
YTD Through July 31 2013
April
Billings
April to July 2013 April to July 2014
May
June
July
April to July 2013 April to July 2014 April to July 2013 April to July 2014
Missoula
April to July 2013 April to July 2014
April to July 2013 April to July 2014
2014
Ag prices
Source: Montana Department of Transportation
Unemployment Montana Beef Cattle
(per bushel)
10
(per cwt.)
$10
$150
8
120
6
90
4
60
2
30
0
0
May
June
July
February to July 2013 Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Billingsbusiness
May
Source: National Park Service
Montana winter wheat
March April
April
Yellowstone National Park
Source: City of Billings
Feb.
0
8 6 4 2 0 Feb.
March April
February to July 2014
May
June
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
Montana
Yellowstone County
U.S.
Source: Montana Department of Labor and Industry
September 2014
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THIS TEAM CLEANS UP
BILLINGSbusiness
The Purple 5K along with the Downtown Crit continue to grow as they empower the community to be actively involved in the fight against homelessness. Photo by LARRY MAYER
Downtown business owners ponder renewing Business Improvement District BY TOM HOWARD A DECADE AGO , LOCAL PROPERTY OWNERS , WITH THE BLESSING FROM THE C ITY C OUNCIL , ROLLED OUT A BOLD PLAN TO MAKE DOWNTOWN B ILLINGS CLEANER , SAFER AND MORE INVITING . Since the Business Improvement District was launched in 2005, purple-shirted workers have been a constant presence in the core of downtown. They stay busy by picking up trash, erasing graffiti, grooming landscaping and clearing snow from sidewalks. BID employees are on hand for Alive After Five, the Strawberry Festival and other downtown events.
The BID is funded by an assessment that property owners pay, above and beyond traditional property taxes. The BID also pays for Billings police officers Tony Nichols and Matt Lennick. As the 10-year anniversary of the BID approaches, more than 500 property owners are being asked to support renewing the district. Lisa Harmon, executive director of the Downtown
Photos by CASEY PAGE At right, Lisa Harmon is the executive director of the Downtown Billings Association, pictured July 31. On the facing page, Purple Street Team members Milo Pierce, right, Jerrid Gray, left, and James Chandler clean a sidewalk on Broadway on July 31.
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Billings Alliance, is confident that property owners will approve renewal of the BID. In order for that to happen, property owners who control at least 60 percent of the roughly 18 million square feet of space within the BID must sign a petition asking the City Council to renew it for another 10 years. “When we started the district, it meant putting people on the street to develop clean and safe programs, and I think we have delivered for property owners,” Harmon said. The BID encompasses 57 blocks in an area bounded by St. Vincent Healthcare to the north, North Park and the First Interstate Bank Operations Center to the east, South Park to the south, and 32nd Street to the West. Within the larger district is Zone 1, also known as the Clean and Safe District, which encompasses an 18-block area in the downtown core. Services provided within this district include trash pickup, street cleaning, landscaping, graffiti removal, snow shoveling, crime watch and other services. Michelle Lee said she and her parents, Pat and Angie Cormier, were initially skeptical about whether the BID would work after it was first proposed. “Going in as a skeptic, I have been impressed with what has been accomplished. It has impressed me how much the BID has done in coalescing the downtown,” she said. “The Purple People are always around, and that constant presence makes a difference.” “You don’t think of it today when it’s 90 degrees out, but in the winter it’s nice to have your sidewalk shoveled by the time you come to work. That’s part of the Clean and Safe program,” said Michael Gray, president and creative director of G&G Advertising, who is also on the BID’s board of directors. The June stabbing death of Billings photographer Michael Sample, who was attacked at his office on Montana Avenue, has galvanized attention on public safety. Zachariah James Wiseman, a homeless man who police believe was high on meth at the time of the stabbing, has been charged in Sample’s death.
“This year, with all that has happened, the transient problem has reached the surface,” Gray said. “But it goes to show you how important the BID is. That’s what pays for the resource officers.” Downtown Billings didn’t invent the idea of creating a business improvement district. New York City has 65 BIDS, each one concentrated in a specific neighborhood, Harmon said. Despite challenges presented by the transient population, downtown Billings continues to grow. The downtown area has seen hundreds of millions of dollars worth of investment in new and renovated buildings in the past decade. Major projects include construction of the downtown Stockman Bank branch, which opened late in 2011. The Northern Hotel reopened in March 2013 after a topto-bottom renovation. The Babcock Theatre has been extensively renovated. Other recent additions to the BID include First Interstate Bank’s operations center near North Park, the new Billings Public Library, the new federal courthouse and a privately owned office building for federal agencies. The new Empire parking garage also provides a new crop of street-level retail space while also adding much needed parking spaces for downtown. Property values within the have more than doubled, from a little more than $80 million in 2005 to nearly $120 million in 2012. Battling graffiti has been a priority throughout the BID’s existence. BID crews, known informally as the Purple People, remove graffiti within 24 hours after it appears. Because the response to graffiti has been so quick, business owners have noticed a sharp decline in the problem. Sometimes weather causes challenges. “Last year was a big year for snow. We’ve gone through tons of salt, and thankfully our equipment held up,” Harmon said. Surprisingly, several BID employees have become adept at welding. One helpful project involves welding together horseshoes and erecting them around street-level planters as a way to prevent people from crawling in to them to sleep, Harmon said.
Photo by BOB ZELLAR Ziggy Ziegler is the strawberry at the 22nd annual Strawberry Festival.
“You don’t think of it today when it’s 90 degrees out, but in the winter it’s nice to have your sidewalk shoveled by the time you come to work.”
— Michael Gray, president and creative director of G&G Advertising and member of the BID board of directors
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BILLINGSbusiness
DARNIELLE
1320 28th Street West Billings, MT 59101 call us: (406) 652-4180 visit us online: darnielle.com
INSURANCE AGENCY
Photo by JAMES WOODCOCK Steve Zabawa, right, and his partner in the Rimrock Auto Group, John Soares Jr., have been part of the Billings auto market for 20 years.
Longtime Laurel business Fichtner Chevrolet under new ownership By Billings Business A fter 62 years and three generations of family ownership ,
F ichtner C hevrolet of L aurel is under new ownership .
M eanwhile ,
R imrock A uto G roup of B illings has added a broad new product category . Officials from General Motors Corp were in Laurel Aug. 21 to mark the transfer of Fichtner Chevrolet to the new owners: John and Ann Soares and Steve Zabawa and his wife, Susan Sullivan, owners of Rimrock Auto Group. After 62 years in business, third-generation owners Leonard, Jeanne and Ken Fichtner agreed to sell the dealership to Rimrock Auto Group. The business is also being renamed as Billingsbusiness
Rimrock Chevrolet. General Motors has been pleased with out representation of the GMC and Cadillac lines,” Soares said. “They acknowledge that Laurel is a gateway for the rural communities in the region and a growth area for regional automotive shoppers. To support this, they have offered Rimrock Chevrolet an additional inventory allocation.” “Realistically, our new store will be less than 15 minutes from the Billings
King Avenue Auto Row, offering car buyers even more choice,” Zabawa said. “Our group is excited because we now have a franchise with a complete car, truck and SUV offering across all model segments from subcompact cars to heavy-duty trucks.” Ken Fichtner will remain in a management role in the new Rimrock dealership. “Ken Fichtner is a nationally recognized Corvette expert,” Zabawa said. “With his strength in Corvette sales, service, parts, accessories and service plans, it was easy to pledge to GM that we will continue to be one of the top Corvette dealerships in the country.” Rimrock Chevrolet joins 20-year-old Rimrock Auto Group’s growing family, which includes GMC, Cadillac, Subaru, Kia, MercedezBenz, Volkswagen, Sprinter Commercial Vans and the new Auto Trim Design, CarNu Detailing, Rimrock Auto Body and Paint and Rimrock Express Lube.
Managing Your Insurance Moves
Current Articles “Managing Risk” “A Serious Gap in Homeowners Insurance Coverage” “Claims Made…..and Reported” By guest blogger Dennis P. Gambill, Insurance Litigation Consultant.
Read More at darnielle.com
Our Business is to Improve Your Business We always do what’s best for you and your business with low cost loans, convenient checking and savings options. Jason Hagadone, Business Lending Manager 406-651-2315 • jhagadone@altanafcu.org
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TM
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SPONSORED BY THE BIG SKY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
O WN A BUSINESS ? Y OU SHOULD HAVE A PLAN Stop rationalizing opposing evidence and dig deep to find new solutions, products and processes.
Ben Rose Ben Rose is a business adviser with the Small Business Development Center at Big Sky Economic Development. Ben may be contacted at 406-256-6871 or ben@ bigskyeda.org.
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When running or starting your own business, it can be easy to slip into selfdeception. This begins when you start rationalizing any opposing evidence that is presented against your business idea. You start telling friends and family that you are doing well, the business is booming, and that your idea will work: “Just wait and see.” Perhaps in reality, the business could be better and problems need to be solved. Now don’t get me wrong; not all feedback is correct or should be honored. However, constructive feedback from trusted resources should be considered. If you harness suggestions correctly and implement changes, they can work in your favor, erasing selfdoubt. Rather than becoming furious, become curious. As an entrepreneur you want to limit your business pitfalls and find areas of growth by receiving feedback. You confront problems and determine
costs initially in the planning phases, putting the right people and processes to work. In reality, all you are doing is simplifying decision-making later by prioritizing and breaking down tasks now. What does this do? It prevents and limits possible roadblocks in the future. A resource to help with this preventive maintenance is a business or strategic plan. They are roadmaps with built-in, pre-determined strategies to help you grow or start your business. The plan should be a working document where you first brainstorm, take notes and then prepare a plan about your business. The plan should scout out pitfalls, find creative methods to tackle problems, and examine growth opportunities. Throughout this planning you identify real issues and discover ways to confront problems without sweeping them under the rug. You gain focus and vision to empower employees to all work toward a
common, measurable, and well-laid-out goal. Self-deception and operating devoid of feedback will certainly put a damper on your business. Planning
your business and listening to sage advice will help you confront reality. Stop rationalizing opposing evidence and dig deep to find new solutions, products
and processes. Breaking down tasks and creating order will simplify your problems so that once they arise, they become opportunities. M O N TA N A’ S # 1
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The Future of Medicine
Dawn of a New Day Billings Clinic Internal Medicine Residency Program
Billings Clinic is committed to addressing the serious shortage of primary care physicians practicing in our region. As the only Internal Medicine Residency Program in the state of Montana, six or more new Internal Medicine physicians will graduate each year with the hope they will choose the “last best place� to call home.
Internal Medicine Residents (L-R): Reno Terribilini, MD; Malathy Tharumarajah, MD; Thomas Grillot, MD; Sindy Byington, MD; Sean Jones, MD; Noelle Thomas, MD; Sierra Gross, MD; David Stordahl, MD; Brenda Nyamogo, MD; Giorgos Hadjivassiliou, MBBS; Shelby Halsey, MD; Jot Preet Singh Sahi, MD
Billingsbusiness
billingsclinicimr.org September 2014
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Colter DeVries
Banking on the Boom
Colter DeVries. Photo by LARRY MAYER
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BY TOM HOWARD COLTER DEVRIES, A BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP MANAGER WITH WELLS FARGO BANK IN BILLINGS, HAS BEEN GETTING A FIRSTHAND VIEW OF THE ENERGY BOOM IN N ORTH D AKOTA AND E ASTERN M ONTANA . W HEN BANK MANAGERS SAID THEY WERE LOOKING FOR SOMEBODY TO HELP GROW BUSINESS IN
EASTERN MONTANA, DEVRIES, A NATIVE OF ROBERTS, VOLUNTEERED. HE VISITS THE ENERGY - PRODUCING REGION EVERY FEW WEEKS TO HELP CLIENTS AND TO DEVELOP NEW BUSINESS . H ERE ’ S HIS STORY : Growing up in Roberts undoubtedly gave you some experience in agriculture. How has that background prepared you for your banking career? I understand firsthand the conflicting family dynamics involved — the different personalities, appetites for risk, ambitions, visions, education, industry experiences and goals. These dynamics are among people who usually have an equal say or even legal ownership in the same asset (the land, cattle, crops and equipment), not to mention an equal love. It’s easy for me to empathize with my ag customers because I understand that what they do is not solely based on internal rates of return, operating ratios or heuristics — it’s largely an altruistic love of the land and lifestyle, and it often seems like their business is more of a generational obligation than it is an opportunity for achieving profits and creating wealth. Are things still growing as quickly in Sidney as has been the case for the past few years? Absolutely. The entrepreneurial spirit is thriving from the growing economic demands created in the energy sector. You have everything from your large commercial real estate and housing projects created by some of the nation’s largest private equity firms, to food trucks and main street clothing stores started by the hometown girl who otherwise would have never had the opportunity because previously it did not make business sense. Fortunately, Wells Fargo can and does support a wide range of entrepreneurship, which enables me to be involved in many different businesses and industries. Are local officials making any progress in addressing the community’s infrastructure needs? Richland County Commissioners, city officials, school districts and even nonprofits are all doing an excellent job of responding to the challenge of changing conditions. Their progressive and proactive approach to long-term planning is evidence of how dynamic Eastern Montana is and how ambitious and resilient the people are. I try to do my part by being involved in affordable housing, highway bypass construction and wastewater treatment projects.
At Wells Fargo, we’re responsible for promoting the longterm economic prosperity and quality of life for everyone in our communities. If they prosper, so do we. When it comes to finding new business, what works for you? For me, local networking is by far the most effective. I attend the Billings Ag-Chamber breakfasts and recently joined the Billings Next-Gen Chamber group. Because I am early in my career and can be considered a “young professional,” Next Gen is a great way to meet other professionals in my demographic who will be the future business leaders of the state. Where do you stay when you work in the Sidney office? I’ve had it fairly easy — no man-camps or RV parks in the winter. I stay at the Holiday Inn Express as long as I reserve it at least 10 days in advance. I also use the Essential Air Service on occasion, and I think that has been very helpful in serving the Bakken region. It allows easy, affordable access to the region for engineers, doctors, accountants and other professions that rural communities usually lack. Looking down the road, is there a chance that you may become more involved in the family ranching operation, or will banking keep you occupied from here on out? Between my professional ambitions with Wells Fargo and my commitments to the communities of Billings and Sidney, right now my hands are too full to consider taking on a larger ranching role other than moving cows or fixing fence. And even on the ranch, my skills are probably better suited to being in an office rather than on a tractor. Many area professionals are able to find a balance between off-farm income and on-farm duties, so I hope to be able to do that eventually without upsetting my own family dynamics. I don’t think my dad would find any humor in it if I drove in from town and said, “You see that black angus bull there? Well, I think he needs to be a Belgian Blue.” BILLINGSbusiness
Upcoming Chamber/ CVB Functions More details and RSVP: www. billingschamber.com or call 245-4111
SPONSORED BY THE BILLINGS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND CVB
T HESE DAYS , YOUNG EMPLOYEES MUST BE EMPOWERED TO ‘C HANGE THE W ORLD ’ ... you don’t have to be Google or Facebook to leverage the story that the tech space has embraced.
Seth Mattison Seth Mattison, founder and CEO of Futuresight Labs and Strategic Partner at BridgeWorks, LLC, is an internationally renowned expert on workforce trends and generational dynamics.
BILLINGSbusiness
People are usually surprised when I tell them I’m a farm kid. I guess I don’t look the part in a suit and tie. People can’t see the torn-up Carhartts hanging in the closet or the 10 pairs of mismatched jersey gloves on the front porch. But, I assure you, they’re there. Today I’m blessed to travel around the world and work with some of the brightest minds across a myriad business sectors, but I actually got my start in the ag world. I was born into a fourthgeneration farm family in southern Minnesota and had the good fortune of growing up working alongside my father, grandfather and greatgrandfather. At times it was the greatest gift ever and at others it was pure hell. I shoveled more manure and picked more rock than most people can imagine. It was hard work, but it shaped my character and my perspective on things like work ethic, ownership and tenacity. When I found out earlier this year I’d be given the chance to participate in the Billings Chamber Annual Meeting I was excited. Knowing that the community was anchored by the ag, energy, and transportation space, I
knew I ‘d be able to relate and offer some unique perspectives. These are extremely important industries for our world today. And while they may struggle with recruiting the next generation of talent for their perceived lack of curb appeal, they have a lot to offer. The challenges that industries like these and others face is not that they’re not great opportunities for the next generation workforce, it’s that they’re not telling the right story. Just like brands tell a story in the marketplace to consumers, companies and industries tell a story to their potential workforce. The question is, what’s your story? Leaders usually say to me, “What should I say to this new workforce to get them to work for me because let me tell you something, we’re not Google.” What I always tell people is that you don’t have to be Google or Facebook to leverage the story that the tech space has embraced. The story kids hear from the tech community today is you are empowered to create game-changing disruptive innovation at any age. This is what the Hackathon Culture is all about. This is what the
Maker Movement in the manufacturing space is all about. Anyone from anywhere can come in and create something amazing in a relatively short time. Anyone can have a great idea. Anyone can have a seat at the table. Remember, this generation is watching as people their age — 16, 20, 25 — create billiondollar companies. You’re recruiting against that level of empowerment. So when we
September Business After Hours
Annual Meeting and Business Expo
Wednesday, Sept. 10, Altana Federal Credit Union, 32nd Street West and Central Avenue,, 5-7 p.m. Cost is $8.
Presented by CenturyLink, Thursday, Sept. 18, Expo 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Luncheon 11:45 a.m.. Holiday Inn Convention Center.
October Business After Hours Wednesday, Oct. 8, Anytime Fitness, 24th Street West and Broadwater Ave., 5-7 pm. Cost is $8.
say, “Come in, pay your dues, do the grunt work, and maybe after 10-plus years you can do something really interesting and make an impact in the company or the industry,” it’s not effective. Industries that require you to get a little dirt under your fingernails have to tap into the bigger altruistic reasons for doing business. You have to reach out to young people and say, “Come help us change the
world. Yes, there will be hard work involved. And yes, we have super high expectations and big, big plans to change the world, but we believe you have what it takes to help us do it.” Now, that’s a more inspiring call to action than, “We have great benefits and job security.” Hear more from me during the Chamber’s Annual Meeting, Sept. 18. Presenting Sponsor
BillingsChamber.com
2014 Annual Meeting and Business Expo September 18th | $30 each or $300/table Holiday Inn Convention Center 11:45 - 1:00. Keynote Speaker Seth Mattison examines workforce trends, generational dynamics, and more. Business workshops and seminars planned before and after the luncheon. And, do business at the Expo! BillingsChamber.com or call 245-4111 for Expo details and Luncheon tickets.
September 2014
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STRATEGIES for success
C ustomer service can set downtown businesses apart from competitors
Friendly, genuine, sincere smiles go a lot farther than the stereotypical “Next” that is often found in a big box store.
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.
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Gov. Steve Bullock’s recently released Main Street Montana Project has a plethora of information for the business owner interested in increasing their business. The report, divided into various sections of the state, addresses issues that are important for enhanced economic growth throughout Montana. However, the chart that really got my attention was chart B3, Challenges To Economic Growth, County Survey. The key factor identified in this part of the survey was downtown businesses. While this was common throughout the state, what this tells me is that there is opportunity here that has yet to be tapped. Sometimes, it takes a fresh set of eyes to identify why a downtown business struggles. Downtowns offer walkable streetscapes, arts and culture, great food, great boutiques, heritage and history. Downtown businesses are more competitive than a box store or open air mall. Why does a downtown business struggle? Well, the first question that I want to define is: “What does struggle mean?” If the answer is, “The box stores located on the West End” have taken all of our clients, well, now is the time to get those clients back in your door. One thing that any downtown business has that is not available in any other part of any town is warm, friendly, genuine customer service. Survey after survey shows that
Photo by CASEY PAGE A view of Broadway and First Avenue North in downtown Billings on Aug. 12. Gov. Steve Bullock recently released a report called the Main Street Montana Project that has a plethora of information for business owners interested in increasing their businesses.
people will pay more for good customer service. In today’s world, going to any box store is basically a self-service experience. There is never anyone to help you find what you came into buy, or if you are fortunate enough to find a clerk, he is usually a new hire who does not know the product line or how to use a particular product. Downtown businesses often carry a higher-end type of product, which, costs more than those stores located in other parts of town. Why?
Well, the product is normally of higher quality, commanding a higher price. Downtown businesses are usually owned by individual community members who not only support the local community, but are often community leaders who know what the community needs and wants in terms of product offerings. If your business is downtown, perhaps a fresh coat of paint, a new carpet, a new sign in the window, rearrangement of the furniture may be all that it takes to increase business.
No matter what changes a downtown business makes, customer service is key. As a local business, the business owner can provide significantly better service than any store located in the outskirts of town. Friendly, genuine, sincere smiles go a lot farther than the stereotypical “Next” that is often found in a big box store. More people want to live downtown or near downtown today as well. These clients want to be able to shop where they live, not have to drive to
the outskirts of the town to try and find what they need in some box store. Downtown businesses are unique. With tourism in Montana as a key industry, being in a downtown business will allow out of state tourists to experience real Montana flavor and bring something back that is probably not available at home. The Main Street Montana project report can be found at www. mainstreetmontanaproject. com. Billingsbusiness
SALES moves
F ollow these tips when meeting with the CEO If employees are not happy on the inside, customers will be served poorly on the outside.
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
Everyone tells you to meet with the decision maker. Everyone tells you to meet with the CEO. However, it seems no one offers any advice on what to say when you get to that meeting, what to do when you get to that meeting, or what to ask when you get to that meeting. HARSH REALITY: It’s more than likely the CEO doesn’t want to meet with you, much less talk about your product or service. The paradox is that you, the salesperson, are polishing up your presentation to make it your best one ever. But the only problem with that is the CEO doesn’t want to hear your presentation. He or she is busy running a business and has little time or interest in getting down to your specific offer. HARSH REALITY: Instead of making your presentation, why don’t you just email it to the CEO? That way, when you get there, a decision has already been made and you can talk about what the CEO really wants to talk about. Here are the 7.5 things CEOs are interested in: 1. Productivity. Productivity has many sides. It may be the production of people or the production of a manufac-
turing facility. It may even be the CEO’s personal productivity. Whatever the circumstance is, productivity plays a key role. 2. Morale and attitude. CEOs understand that attitude dictates morale and morale dictates communication both internally and externally. If employees are not happy on the inside, customers will be served poorly on the outside. 3. Loyalty of customers.
A far cry from satisfaction, customer loyalty is at the heart of growing the business and increasing percentages of profit. Loyal customers will do business with you again and refer others to you. 4. Loyalty of employees. The secret to loyalty is to hire smart, happy, self-starting people with a history of success. Treat them well, pay them well, and give them success training, not just on-
the-job training. 5. Competition. Not your competition for the sale — their competition for their sales. What do you know about them and how can you help? 6. Market conditions/ future. If you are able to talk market conditions and the future with the CEO, you will have their total undivided attention and respect. As a salesperson you cannot ask
for more than that. 7. Profit. Everything I’ve just talked about has, at its core, profit and profitability. CEOs do not want to “save” money. They want to “make” money. If you understand their profit, you will earn their business. 7.5 Intellectual exchange. Most CEOs are smart people. They like talking to smart Please see Sales, 16 September 2014
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Sales Continued from 15 people — people who make sense, provide value, offer useful information and want a relationship, not just a sale. Is that you? Here are the real-world to-dos that will get you in the door prepared to give your presentation: n Get personally ready. Most executives have some kind of bio online. Find it and figure out what you can talk about that fits with who you are or what you do. n Get familiar with the 7.5 things CEOs are interested in and have something meaningful to say about each. You have to know about each one from the perspective of the customer, and then add your wisdom or your thinking. n Have a reputation they can find. Be mindful that the CEO will Google you, find 16
I September 2014
you on Facebook, look you up on Twitter, check out your LinkedIn profile, look for your blog, and look to see if you have any testimonial videos on YouTube. You can’t stop them. What they find will impact the decision that they’re about to make. How’s your reputation? n Your first question must be emotional. It will lead you to the second — and may even lead to early rapport or common ground. Ask, “Where did you grow up?” This one question sends the decision maker on an immediate, stream of conscious, emotional journey. Thoughts will flash about siblings, parents, friends, and growing up life. If there’s a smile on his face, continue a little bit. Notice immediately that the atmosphere between the two of you is relaxed. If you have something in common say it right away. Note: The first
question is based on your preparation and research. n When you go from personal to business, ask before you tell. When it’s time to segue into business, ask him for his knowledge of the history of his company’s use of your product or service. Get his wisdom and experience and get him talking about himself and his company in terms of you. n Ask “who else?” It is likely you will not be working with the CEO once your sale has been made. Ask, “Who would be in charge?” Then ask, “Are they available now?” By meeting with the lowerlevel person you automatically have an endorsement. FREE GITBIT: Interested in an article I wrote 21 years ago on this same topic? It has great ideas and insights about getting to meet the CEO. Just go to this link: http://www. gitomer.com/articles/View. html?id=15149.
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MARKETINGcooler
D on ’ t forget the important role of internal communications At a time when local employers are struggling to find qualified applicants, companies that have a communications strategy that targets both customers and employees will have an edge.
Dana Pulis Dana Pulis is CEO/founder of Kinetic Marketing Group, www.Kineticmg.com. Contact her at info@kineticmg.com or 406-651-2000.
Billingsbusiness
It was just a few weeks ago that I sat in a room with many other business owners in our community at a special invite breakout session from the Big Sky Economic Development. Steve Arveschoug, executive director, asked each business leader to share their suggestions of what they thought the BSED should focus on for our business community. Now in other cities across the nation, the topic of unemployment and loss of good customers because of it is certain to be the number one concern of business owners. Not so much here. In our city we have a different issue of concern. Their biggest consideration? Hands down it was a shortage of manpower. Some Billings businesses are struggling to keep the doors open because they can’t service the customer. The challenge of recruiting qualified employees is tough. An Aug. 3 story in The Billings Gazette highlighted the frustrations that employers are experiencing as they confront a shortage of workers. The pool of qualified candidates is small for many vacancies, managers said, and retaining good workers is a never-ending battle. Yellowstone County’s
unemployment rate dipped to 3.7 percent in June. Officials say full employment for the county is pegged at 4 percent. You can see why things are tight and employers cite the worker shortage as a top concern. At a time when local employers are struggling to find qualified applicants, companies that have a communications strategy that targets both customers and employees will have an edge. Those who emphasize external over internal communications are missing opportunities to strengthen their workforce and, in turn, their business. So why do so many companies fail to assign similar priority and resources to internal communications? At Kinetic Agency, we have seen a massive shift with our clients’ focus. Many are turning their attention to internal communications as a primary, or at least a very marginal secondary, focus of their marketing. Some are putting out newsletters and using internal social media efforts with the same quality as they would to gain new customers. Strong internal communications can increase productivity, boost morale and improve employee recruitment
and retention efforts, all good for that bottom line, too. Employees want many of the same things as customers — respect, courtesy, clear communication, promises kept, no surprises. Internal communication should be regular — daily, weekly, monthly — whatever best fits the rhythm of the company. The emails, newsletters, fliers or posters must be professional, interesting, inviting, even delicious to employees — just like communications with customers. When there is “breaking news” that employees will
want to hear, staff meetings or timely emails are essential. This is true for “good news” of company expansion or other initiatives and “bad news” of layoffs or key departures. Rumors thrive in a climate of limited communication. Internal communications is a two-way street. Companies should encourage employees to openly communicate their ideas and concerns in the manner they are most comfortable with. That’s why we’re working with some companies to employ social media-like efforts to get their
employees to communicate to leadership and among each other. Departing employees often say they’re not leaving for more money. They say they don’t feel appreciated, their prospects for job advancement are limited, they never get feedback, the pressure of the job is weighing on them, or they don’t trust upper management. Consistent communications can help address some of these issues that cause good people to seek another job, and the company stands a better chance of retaining good people. September 2014
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Proposed Bakken oil refinery gets warm reception from county officials BY TOM HOWARD AND CLAIR JOHNSON Y ELLOWSTONE COUNTY OFFICIALS ARE ROLLING OUT THE WELCOME MAT FOR THE DEVELOPERS OF A PROPOSED
$500 MILLION OIL REFINERY BEING
CONSIDERED FOR THE
Photo by CASEY PAGE Quantum Energy CEO Andrew Kacic answers questions from the Yellowstone County commissioners during a recent presentation to the commissioners.
“We do try to hire local. That’s where we get the best craftsmen. We have around 2,500 Montanans in our database who have worked for us across different projects.” — Bill Bradley, project director for Bilfinger Westcon Inc.
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B ILLINGS AREA .
“We’re glad you’re here,” Commissioner Jim Reno said during a recent presentation by Quantum Energy Inc. “What can we do to help you?” asked Commissioner John Ostlund. Billings is one of five sites, three in Montana and two in North Dakota, being considered for new “clean energy centers,” plants sometimes called microrefineries, that would process crude oil from the booming Bakken oil play. Andrew Kacic, chief executive of Quantum Energy, said existing infrastructure and a ready labor force both make Billings an attractive option for the proposed plant. He said the Billings project would create 500 to 600 construction jobs. The 100 to 150 permanent employees would make at least $100,000 per year, he said. Kacic said Quantum is in the process of acquiring property. He declined to identify where the company is shopping for real estate, but said around 80 to 100 acres is needed. “We are looking at trying to break ground in mid- to late spring next year, and that will be dependent on the permitting process,” said Bill Bradley, project director for Bilfinger Westcon Inc., which is partnering with Quantum Energy. The effort to control sulfur dioxide pollution in the Yellowstone Valley has existed for many decades. Sulfur dioxide pollution, which comes from industrial plants, has declined in recent years as industries have invested in new equipment. Bradley said Quantum’s proposed plant would meet all environmental standards. “One benefit is we’re starting with a state-of-the-art design,” Bradley said. “A lot of the existing refineries are bringing up the standard. We’re setting the standard.” The proposed plant’s 20,000 barrel-a-day capacity is significant because it would be permitted under state environmental standards and would not fall under the jurisdiction of the federal Environmental Protection Agency, Kacic said. Bradley said the plant’s water usage is fairly small compared to other refineries, about 150 gallons per minute. “With the lighter, sweeter crude coming out of the Bakken, that process doesn’t take the amount of water that the heavier crudes do,” Bradley said. The commissioners also asked about another sensitive topic: jobs. “One of the problems we have when somebody comes in, a lot of times they bring in contractors from out of state,” said commissioner Bill BILLINGSbusiness
Photo by CASEY PAGE Bill Bradley, project director for Bilfinger-Westcon Inc., gestures to Quantum Energy CEO Andrew Kacic, seated, as they make a presentation to the Yellowstone County Commissioners.
Kennedy. “Hiring local and making sure we have permanent jobs in this community is a big thing.” “We do try to hire local,” Bradley said. “That’s where we get the best craftsmen. We have around 2,500 Montanans in our database who have worked for us across different projects.” In response to the commissioners’ offer to help, Kacic said he has already met with officials from Big Sky Economic Development, Yellowstone County’s economic development agency. The company also hopes the permitting process will proceed smoothly. Quantum Energy is a publicly traded company involved in refinery development, land holdings and oil and gas development. Its outstanding shares are worth Billingsbusiness
about $3.5 million. Lately its stock price has been trading at around 50 cents per share. Kacic said Quantum has received a lot of interest from investors, and obtaining environmental permits is a key factor in the financing process. The Bakken oil boom has ramped up demand for diesel fuel to around 75,000 barrels per day, but diesel production from within the region falls well short of that, around 27,000 barrels per day. That means diesel produced elsewhere must be shipped to the Bakken. Quantum says each of its five proposed plants would produce about 6,000 to 7,000 barrels of diesel per day. In addition, each plant would produce about 6,000
barrels per day of lighter petroleum products, known as natural gas liquids, which include propane and butane. Naptha, another part of the crude stream, would be shipped to Canada for use in transporting oil from the tar sands. The plant is also designed to capture carbon dioxide, which would be used in enhanced oil recovery. In response to a question about why Quantum would invest in five relatively small refineries rather than one larger plant, Russell Smith, Quantum’s executive vice president, said: “It boils down to three letters: EPA.” Smaller plants built within different communities would fall under the jurisdiction of state
regulators rather than more involved federal permitting, Smith said, in a previous interview. Billings resident Deb Fischer also attended Quantum’s presentation and said she was concerned about how such a project could affect the community’s health and safety. Fischer asked commissioners to “take some safety and health aspects into consideration.” Noting she has a daughter with asthma, Fischer said the community has had problems with sulfur dioxide pollution and already has three oil refineries. Fischer also said she was concerned about safety and referred to the recent explosive oil train wrecks. “The safety aspect is huge,” she said. September 2014
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TRAVEL &leisure
Y our smartphone could be your best traveling companion
Now that key cards are commonplace, it’s time to evolve to the next tech step: your smartphone.
Billie Ruff Billie Ruff is owner of Travel Cafe. Reach her at travelcafeonline.com.
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What’s next in corporate travel technology? Your smart phone is your hotel room key? Yes, it’s on its way and in some cases, already here. Remember when traditional hotel room keys were replaced with high-tech credit-card-style keys you could slip into your wallet for safekeeping? The little green lights and card readers mounted on doors made it seem like the future had arrived. Now that key cards are commonplace, it’s time to evolve to the next tech step: your smartphone. A few hotel chains have put check-in kiosks in the lobby where guests can swipe their credit card and get their key, but as NFC (Near Field Communication) locks become more common on hotel doors, guests could soon be skipping that step entirely. Guests can check in on their cellphones, just like they do now for flights, before they arrive at the hotel, then use the NFC chip in their cellphones as their room key. Travelers could skip the line and go straight to their room. Hotels would appreciate it because not only would it make their customers happier, but they would also avoid having to cover the expense of lost and unreturned key cards. Like hotel keycards that are rejected by door locks after your checkout date, the app on
your phone would delete the NFC code for the room when you checked out. Travelers can also do this from their phones, instead of using the TV remote to check their bill. Hyatt hotels use NFC in the room card to send the lift to the right floor for travelers automatically. This saves time and electricity by putting people going to the same floor in the same lift. Nordic Choice Hotels was the first chain to let guests select and unlock rooms with an NFC phone in 2010, and started putting NFC locks into its hotels in 2013. Best Western
Hotels have them installed in many locations. NFC involves connecting apps up to room management systems that know which rooms have been cleaned and are ready to use. Micro PMS, the company that develops point of sale software, and enterprise information system software for the retail and hospitality industries is working on this for its own management service, which is also used by Marriott, Four Seasons and Omni and almost all three-star hotels. Currently, the mobile check-in in Marriott’s app
lets travelers check-in the day before they arrive. It then gives them a message when the room is ready so they can pick up the pre-made keycard at the reception desk and check out from their phone at the end of their stay. With NFC, they won’t have to stop in the lobby to grab the keycard. Hilton is launching an initiative that lets guests use their Android or iOS device to control virtually every aspect of their stay. Later this year, a Hilton app will let you choose your preferred room, make special requests, check
in and check out. Guests will only have to speak to staff when it’s time to pick up or return keys. And in 2015, Hilton will add the NFC locks allowing their guests to make a bee-line to bed after that long flight. Because iPhones do not support NFC, Starwood Hotels are using the Bluetooth on traveler phones as a keycard replacement instead of NFC, although it only has mobile check-in at a handful of Aloft hotels so far. Their plan is to offer the same in their high-end W Hotels by the end of this year. Billingsbusiness
Pf
PERSONAL finance
D on ’ t delay estate planning ; your heirs will thank you A valid will may save your heirs from some expensive headaches linked to probate and ambiguity.
Mark Cain Mark Cain, LUTCF, is founder and chief executive of Cornerstone Financial Associates. Contact him at www. cornerstonefa.com or by calling 406238-9700.
Billingsbusiness
Estate planning is a task that people tend to put off, as any discussion of “the end” tends to be off-putting. However, those who leave this world without their financial affairs in good order risk leaving their heirs some significant problems along with their legacies. No matter what your age, here are some things you may want to accomplish this year with regard to estate planning. Create a will if you don’t have one. Many people never get around to creating a will, even to the point of buying a will-in-a-box at a stationery store or setting one up online. A solid will drafted with the guidance of an estate planning attorney may cost you more than a will-in-a-box, and it may prove to be some of the best money you ever spend. A valid will may save your heirs from some expensive headaches linked to probate and ambiguity. Complement your will with related documents. Depending on your estate planning needs, this could include some kind of trust (or multiple trusts), durable financial and medical powers of attorney, a living will and other items. You should know that a living will is not the same thing as a durable medical power of at-
torney. A living will makes your wishes known when it comes to life-prolonging medical treatments, and it takes the form of a directive. A durable medical power of attorney authorizes another party to make medical decisions for you (including end-of-life decisions) if you become incapacitated or otherwise unable to make these decisions. Review your beneficiary designations. Who is the beneficiary of your IRA? How about your 401(k)? How about your annuity or life insurance policy? If your answer is along the lines of “Mm … you know … I’m pretty sure it’s…” or “It’s been a while since …”, then be sure to check the documents and verify who the designated beneficiary is. When it comes to retirement accounts and life insurance, many people don’t know that beneficiary designations take priority over bequests made in wills and living trusts. If you long ago named a child now estranged from you as the beneficiary of your life insurance policy, he or she will receive the death benefit when you die — regardless of what your will states. Time has a way of altering our beneficiary decisions. This is why some estate planners
recommend that you review your beneficiaries every two years. In some states, you can authorize transfer-on-death designations. This is a tactic against probate: TOD designations may permit the ownership transfer of securities (and in a few states, forms of real property, vehicles and other assets) immediately at your death to the person designated. TOD designations are sometimes referred to as “will substitutes” but they usually pertain only to securities. Create asset and debt lists. Does this sound like a lot of work? It may not be. You should provide your heirs with an asset and debt “map” they can follow should you pass away, so that they will be aware of the little details of your wealth. n One list should detail your real property and personal property assets. It should list any real estate you own, and its worth; it should also list personal property items in your home, garage, backyard, warehouse, storage unit or small business that have notable monetary worth. n Another list should detail your bank and brokerage accounts, your retirement accounts, and any other forms of
investment plus any insurance policies. n A third list should detail your credit card debts, your mortgage and/or HELOC, and any other outstanding consumer loans. Think about consolidating your “stray” IRAs and bank accounts. This could make one of your lists a little shorter. Consolidation means fewer account statements, less paperwork for your heirs and fewer administrative fees to bear. Let your heirs know the causes and charities that mean the most to you. Have you ever seen the phrase, “In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to …” Well, perhaps you would like to suggest donations to this or that charity when you pass. Write down the associations you belong to and the organizations you support. Some nonprofits do offer accidental life insurance benefits to heirs of members. Select a reliable executor. Who have you chosen to administer your estate when the time comes? The choice may seem obvious, but consider a few factors. Is there a stark possibility that your named executor might die before you do? How well does he or she comprehend financial matters or the basic principles of estate
law? What if you change your mind about the way you want your assets distributed — can you easily communicate those wishes to that person? Your executor should have copies of your will, forms of power of attorney, any kind of healthcare proxy or living will, and any trusts you create. In fact, any of your loved ones referenced in these documents should also receive copies of them. Talk to the professionals. Do-it-yourself estate planning is not recommended, especially if your estate is complex enough to trigger financial, legal and emotional issues among your heirs upon your passing. Many people have the idea that they don’t need an estate plan because their net worth is less than X dollars. Keep in mind, money isn’t the only reason for an estate plan. You may not be a multimillionaire yet, but if you own a business, have a blended family, have kids with special needs, worry about dementia, or can’t stand the thought of probate delays plus probate fees whittling away at assets you have amassed … well, these are all good reasons to create and maintain an estate planning strategy. September 2014
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New Scheels store expected to
SHAKE UP the Billings retail scene BY BILLINGS BUSINESS I T ’ S ALMOST AS IF THE NEW 220,000- SQUARE - FOOT S CHEELS STORE AT S HILOH C ROSSING HAS ITS OWN GRAVITATIONAL FIELD . The new Billings megastore will be the second largest for Fargo, N.D.-based Scheels. Company officials have touted the store as a retailing magnet that will attract shoppers off of the highways and from across town. Last year during a visit to Billings, Steve Scheel, the company’s chief executive, predicted that the Billings store will be a slam dunk, especially with female shoppers. Some of the store’s distinguishing features include a working Ferris wheel, an arched saltwater aquarium that’s home to 700 fish and a wildlife mountain featuring about 200 mounted animals. Animatronic replicas of Abraham Lincoln reading the Gettysburg Address and Thomas Jefferson reading the Declaration of Independence are also part of the concept. “I view this as being the crown jewel of Billings,” Ed Workman, a board member for Big Sky Economic Development, said during a recent sneak preview event. “I really believe that when people come ot town to do their shopping, they won’t leave without
Photo by CASEY PAGE This indoor Ferris wheel is one of several unique amenities at the new Scheels store.
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BILLINGSbusiness
Photo by CASEY PAGE Bronze statues at the entrance to Scheels on Aug. 19.
coming here first or last.” The Sept. 6 opening of Scheels has also helped tilt Billings’ retail landscape toward the West End, as new and existing retailers are opening new outlets nearby.
Construction of the Shops at Shiloh Crossing began last spring and is nearing completion. The strip mall will feature local tenants Neecee’s women’s clothing store, Party America, weight-loss
clinic BalancedDiet by Elementa, women’s clothing store Meridian Limited and Country Cottage, a home décor store. Shops at Shiloh Crossing will also feature a second location for Soup and Such, a
downtown restaurant. Shiloh Crossing developer Steve Corning said Scheels has developed a best-in-class reputation for sporting goods stores. “In terms of the installation cost
and the quality of their building, they’re similar to a Nordstrom,” Corning said. “Given our population and the number of outdoor enthusiasts we have, we expect them to do very well.”
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Farmers struggling to cope with emergence of ‘superweeds’
Glen Stubbe University of Minnesota graduate student Jared Goplen studies giant ragweed, a “superweed” that is resistant to commonly used herbicides. Minneapolis Star Tribune photo
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BY TOM MEERSMAN MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE O N A RESEARCH PLOT NEAR THE R OCHESTER , M INN ., AIRPORT , J ARED G OPLEN HAS WATCHED WEEDS FOR THE PAST THREE SUMMERS . H IS SPECIALTY IS GIANT RAGWEED , ONE OF MORE THAN A DOZEN SPECIES OF “ SUPERWEEDS ” THAT RESIST THE MOST WIDELY USED HERBICIDES . S UPERWEEDS CAN TAKE OVER CROPLAND , REDUCE YIELDS AND WIPE OUT FARMERS ’ PROFITS . E VEN CONSUMERS CAN FACE A SECONDARY EFFECT IN THE FORM OF HIGHER FOOD PRICES . “It’s a serious problem and one that will continue to grow,” said Paul Meints, research program manager for Minnesota Soybean. Weeds that won’t succumb to mainstream herbicides are a rising concern nationally, especially in cotton, corn and
soybean country, and the largest agribusinesses are racing to propose solutions. In Minnesota alone, growers plant nearly 16 million acres of corn and soybeans each year. Goplen, a University of Minnesota graduate student, is testing whether crop
rotation and other nonherbicide methods can make a difference in keeping weeds under control. He records the number of giant ragweeds as they come up, collects and counts seeds that fall from mature plants, and even sifts seeds in the soil to map hot BILLINGSbusiness
spots in the seedbank where seeds are waiting to sprout next year. In states such as Arkansas, Tennessee and Georgia, the primary menace is a different weed. Thousands of acres of soybeans and cotton had to be mowed down in recent years because the herbicideresistant Palmer amaranth had overrun the fields. Meints said the Palmer weed has reached southern Iowa but is not yet in Minnesota, where farmers grow more than 7 million acres of soybeans and about 8.5 million acres of corn. No Minnesota farmers have lost entire crops to herbicide-resistant weeds, he said, but some have experienced yield losses. University researchers and grower associations have pushed hard the past couple of years to let farmers know that using the same herbicide year after year is a bad idea, Meints said, and that herbicides and crops need to be rotated more frequently to lessen the
Billingsbusiness
chances of runaway superweeds on their fields. Weeds that can tolerate herbicides are nothing new, said Jeff Gunsolus, University of Minnesota Extension agronomy professor and weed specialist. Weeds are able to adapt to different environments, he said, so it shouldn’t be surprising that they can also adapt to certain herbicides. He said only a small number of weeds within a species, perhaps one in a billion, have the genetic makeup that enables them to survive a particular herbicide application. But that single weed can produce 10,000 to 300,000 offspring seeds, depending on the species, that also will be resistant to the herbicide. Those that sprout the next year or remain dormant in the soil for a longer period also won’t be killed, he said, unless the farmer applies a different herbicide that’s effective against them. Changing herbicides annually or using multiple herbicides was a standard practice
in the 1970s and 1980s, and agronomists referred to the chemicals as tools to control weeds and get the most yield from crops. But in 1996 came the tool that some nicknamed “the big hammer”: Monsanto introduced Roundup Ready, a seed and herbicide combination that allowed farmers to plant genetically engineered soybeans that would not be harmed by the herbicide glyphosate, sold under the trade name Roundup. Farmers could apply Roundup and kill nearly everything in sight, except the soybean plants, whose seeds were genetically altered to tolerate the herbicide. Corn, cotton and sugar beets were soon modified to tolerate it as well. The system was revolutionary for farmers because it simplified the issue of what herbicide to use and reduced time and money spent to grow crops. Gone was the need to till the soil, apply multiple herbicides and use cultivators to turn under weeds or hire
laborers to yank them. Roundup Ready seeds now account for about 90 percent of soybeans and 85 percent of corn planted in the United States each year. “Initially when the technology first came out, you literally could go into the fields and kill weeds that were 18 inches tall and they would all die,” Gunsolus said. “It was just like penicillin was in the 1950s. It was a miracle.” But overreliance on Roundup accelerated the spread of weeds resistant to glyphosate. After the first few years of remarkably clean fields, farmers began to notice that they needed to apply Roundup earlier in the year, when weeds were no more than 3 or 4 inches tall. Then, some fields began to need two or three applications a year for effective weed control. Weeds that were resistant to glyphosate survived, flowered and seeded. In fields that used the herbicide year after year, the weed populations skyrocketed.
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Oregon regulators reject proposal for coal export terminal Associated Press
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PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon state regulators rejected a proposal for a coal terminal on the Columbia River that would be a conduit for exporting millions of tons of American coal a year to Asia. The decision is a victory for tribal groups that said the terminal threatened their fishing and environmentalists opposed to sending what they call “dirty coal” abroad. In denying an important permit, the Department of State Lands said the terminal would interfere with what regulators called “a small but important and longstanding fishery in the state’s waters.” The department said the applicant, Ambre Energy, presented some possible options to mitigate the effect on fishing, but failed to commit to any specific action. It also said Ambre hadn’t properly investigated alternatives that would avoid construction of a new dock. “From reading more than 20,000 public comments to carefully analyzing technical documents and plans, this application has been scrutinized for months,” agency director Mary Abrams said. “We believe our decision is the right one.” Ambre Energy, based in Brisbane, Australia, wants to transport coal mined from the Powder River Basin in Montana and Wyoming through Oregon on its way to power-hungry Asian markets. The company proposed bringing the coal by train to
Boardman, Oregon, where it would be loaded on barges at the Port of Morrow and then sent down the Columbia River to the Port of St. Helens, where it would be transferred to oceangoing ships. The project was expected to generate several hundred jobs during construction at the Port of Morrow and add about 30 port workers permanently. Ambre said it would pay $850,000 in annual fees to each of the two ports while paying property taxes in Morrow and Columbia counties. “We disagree with this political decision,” Ambre spokeswoman Liz Fuller said. “We are evaluating our next steps and considering the full range of legal and permitting options. Democratic Gov. John Kitzhaber, a major opponent of the terminal who is up for re-election this year, released a statement in support of the decision, saying Columbia River Tribes have fundamental rights to fisheries and projects that affect them should be held to a high standard. Environmentalists and tribes were thrilled with the ruling. “Today’s landmark decision reflects what is in the best interest of the region, not a company’s pocketbook,” Carlos Smith, chairman of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, said in a statement. “Gov. Kitzhaber and his Department of State Lands stood up for dozens of communities along the railroad tracks from Wyoming to Oregon,” said Billings pulmonologist Dr. Billingsbusiness
COMING SOON! Nominations open
OCTOBER 1-31, 2014
Recognizing the best and the brightest achievers in Billings
Associated Press photo This August 2006 file photo shows a train loaded with coal near Gillette, Wyo. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued draft permits for air and water quality on May 31, 2013, for a coal chipping terminal being developed by Ambre Energy of Australia, along the Columbia River at the Port of Morrow.
Robert Merchant. “Shipping export-bound coal through towns like mine has significant health impacts ranging from increased problems with asthma and COPD to
increased heart attacks and strokes.” “Port Morrow would have directly hurt Montana’s number one industry, agriculture,” said farmer
Arlo Skari of Chester, a member of the Northern Plains Resource Council. “Port Morrow would have further restricted our ability to sell our product.”
The 40 under Forty issue recognizes 40 people under the age of 40 who are making positive contributions to the business environment of the greater Billings area. Honorees will be selected from the pool of nominees and profiled in the February 2015 Billings Business. Successful entrepreneurs, business owners and managers are encouraged to apply. Nominate yourself, or someone you know!
To submit a nomination for consideration, log on to www.billingsbusiness.com or facebook.com/billingsbusiness between 10/1-10/31. WE CARE. Downtown Chapel 925 S. 27th Street Billings • 245-6427
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BETTER business
C haritable giving makes us feel better , but know the ropes before you do
Want to give employees a boost in morale or foster stronger relationships with your customers and community? Create a company initiative of charitable giving.
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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There are good business reasons why companies, large and small, should participate in charitable giving. Studies have shown that customers have a positive reaction toward a product or company that supports charitable causes. Donations of money, property and inventory and expenses related to giving can be tax deductible. These are fine reasons for charitable giving. Studies have shown that several powerful results occur from the act of giving. Giving makes us feel happy. It reduces stress to help us be healthier. It produces feelings of gratitude and promotes cooperation and social connections. Giving can also be contagious. By embracing charitable giving in your company, you and your employees can experience all of these great side effects. When offered the opportunity to participate in community and charitable causes through work, I’ve always jumped right in. There’s that moment within the act of helping when you realize that someone is going to eat a good meal because you’ve helped sort and bag food at the food bank or that someone is going to have a roof over their head because you helped build a home. I’ve been struck by an overwhelming sense of awe when a child laughed at the funny
story I was reading out loud as part of a literacy program. In that moment, I thought, “This child may get a chance at college or a fulfilling career because of this program.” Besides being contagious, giving back to the community can be addictive. Want to give employees a boost in morale or foster stronger relationships with your customers and community? Create a company initiative of charitable giving. When choosing causes to support, you may want to consider ones that relate directly to your business and resonate with customers. You can also encourage employees to share their favorite causes for consideration as a company cause. Once you’ve got a good idea of the cause or causes you’d like to support, do some research. Before donating money, time or resources, you can contact a charity directly to ask for details about its programs, finances and governance. You can also check out a charity and review helpful tips at the BBB Wise Giving Alliance website, www.bbb. org/us/charity. To find out what is and is not deductible before you donate, you can consult a tax accountant or read the information available from the IRS about charitable contributions at www.irs.
gov/Charities-&-NonProfits/Contributors. You can be creative in your support. Consider the charity’s needs and your company’s limitations when deciding among the many ways to give. You have options: n Cash donations are fairly easy. They don’t require much preparation beyond researching causes. n Matching employee and customer donations can result in larger amounts of fund raising and greater community goodwill. Many businesses set a cap on their matching contributions. n Sponsorship of fundraising events can take the form of donating money, supplies, goods, or services to auctions, tournaments,
bake sales and other types of community gatherings. n Retail establishments may consider donating a portion of a day’s profits to charity. Promoting the event should bring in new customers and generate feelings of goodwill from all involved. n Creating and selling items with your company logo and that of the charity and donating all proceeds to the charity can be another way to give. n When money is tight, consider donating services, equipment or space for a charitable event. n Charities rely on volunteers. Lead the way by encouraging employees to sign up with you for volunteer opportunities. Also, wear-
ing company shirts or hats while volunteering can help foster positive team feelings that can spill over into the day-to-day work. Supporting your local community or national causes can provide relief and benefit those receiving the charity. It can also benefit you, your employees and your customers in very real ways. When you embrace giving and charity into your company culture, you are embracing what it means to be human. That may just be the best attribute of a company’s culture. To learn even more about the best ways to make your charitable donations count, check out the resources at www.bbb.org/us/DonationTips/. Billingsbusiness
Montana Energy Review
Carbon capture research project underway in Montana By TOM HOWARD T he effort to address climate change has gone underground , in a matter of speaking . In Montana, researchers working with the Big Sky Carbon Sequestration Project have been busy probing the depths of Kevin Dome, a 700-squaremile geologic formation near the U.S.-Canadian border in Montana’s TooleCounty. The eight-year, $85 million project, funded in part by the Department of Energy, will help determine whether underground geologic formations like Kevin Dome (pronounced Keevin) can be used to safely and economically store carbon dioxide, a heat-trapping gas that’s a byproduct of industrialization and is a major contributor to global warming. Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide that would otherwise be emitted into the atmosphere. Although carbon capture is just one of many potential strategies that can be implemented for curbing climate change, some scientists believe that it can play a key role in efforts to curb global warming. The Big Sky Carbon Sequestration Project is one of seven partnerships involved in the DOE’s Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership program. Two years into the project, researchers are completing a process known as site characterization, which includes conducting a three-dimensional seismic survey, completing environmental and geologic modeling and acquiring the necessary permits. Over the winter, large ground vibrators mounted in vehicles the size of earth movers sent sound waves deep into the earth. Energy that bounces off of underground rock layers is then picked up by a series of geophones, the same types of instruments that are used to measure earthquakes. The extensive seismic survey provides a detailed view of underground formations within the research area. “If you were to look underground, Kevin Dome looks like a large shallow inverted bowl,” said Lee Spangler, director of the Big Sky Carbon Sequestration Project.
Graphic courtesy of Big Sky Carbon Sequestration Project. This schematic shows the process being used to capture and re-inject carbon dioxide at the Kevin Dome in northern Montana.
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This spring, researchers began drilling a series of wells that will be used for monitoring environmental conditions, in addition to wells that will be used to produce and re-inject carbon dioxide. Part of what made Kevin Dome attractive for this project is that there’s a nearby source of underground carbon dioxide that can be tapped. The gas will be re-injected into a deep formation that’s being targeted for carbon dioxide storage, Spangler said. During the operation phase, tentatively scheduled to begin some time in 2015, about 1 million tons of carbon dioxide will be injected a mile underground into duperow, a porous sandstone formation that contains a salty brine. Plans call for drilling five carbon dioxide production wells. A 2-inch pipeline will transport the gas to a single injection well. Scientists describe the duperow layer as a reservoir capable of storing millions of tons of carbon dioxide. When people think of a reservoir, an image of a lake
“Our work should show the viability of that structure, and there could be an interest in doing commercial storage there. But right now it depends on how the economics of carbon storage works out and what the policies are (for carbon sequestration).”
— Lee Spangler, director of the Big Sky Carbon Sequestration Project
usually comes to mind. But the duperow doesn’t contain large cave-like voids. Instead, underground reservoirs consist of billions of tiny pores within the rock layer that are capable of holding carbon dioxide, much like a sponge holds water, Spangler said. One important feature of the Kevin Dome is that the porous reservoir rock is topped by hundreds of feet of impervi-
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ous rock that prevents carbon dioxide from escaping. The cap rock is an essential component. “You do absolutely need some rock that’s not porous to act as a cap rock,” Spangler said. Storing carbon dioxide in deep geological formations represents only part of the carbon capture equation. Elsewhere, scientists are developing
technologies to capture carbon dioxide from the smokestacks of coal-fired power plants. A $5.5 billion project under construction in Mississippi is designed to sweep carbon dioxide from the smokestacks at a coal-fired power plant. Scientists have also developed other ways to make use of excess carbon dioxide. For around 30 years, the oil and gas industry has pumped it underground to stimulate oil production, Spangler said. Information garnered from the Kevin Dome project could have broad-ranging implications. The carbon reservoir formation is widespread and has potential to be used throughout the region. “Our work should show the viability of that structure, and there could be an interest in doing commercial storage there. But right now it depends on how the economics of carbon storage works out and what the policies are,” for carbon sequestration, Spangler said. “We expect the information we learn here will help make future carbon capture storage projects successful.”
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Montana Energy Review Report: 1 in 7 ND jobs oil-related
The tribes broke ground for the refinery project in May 2013 and said the conBISMARCK, N.D. — Job struction would be done in Service North Dakota data several phases. show about one of every The groundbreaking seven private sector jobs in marked more than 10 years the state are related to oil of work since the tribes and gas production. first started making plans Agency data also show for a refinery for the Fort that 28.5 percent of North Berthold Reservation. Dakota wages come from The refinery was delayed the oil industry. at times because of the The report says every various federal permits and one of North Dakota’s 53 other approvals the tribes counties has some oil- or are required to obtain for gas-related jobs. the project. The Legislature gave Job Hall said the project Service $120,000 to do the management for Thunder report. Butte is Corval Group from Beulah. ND refinery “The refinery will be built in Houston, Texas, as nears opening a design-build 20,000 barMAKOTI, N.D. — The rels per day clean fuels fulltransload facility, the first service product refinery and part of the Three Afwill be done in 22 months fililated Tribes’ Thunder (2016),” Hall said. Butte Petroleum Services He said the storage tanks Inc. refinery project west that are at the refinery site of Makoti, will be finished are holding tanks for crude this fall, said Tex Hall, tribal for either the transload chairman. facility or refinery. “The transload facility The refinery is being is under construction now planned as a facility to proand will be complete Nov. 1, cess 20,000 bpd of Bakken whereby we will transport crude oil into diesel fuel and Bakken crude to market,” other products. Hall said Thursday.
The refinery is conservatively projected to cost $450 million. Located about two and a half miles west of Makoti in southwest Ward County, the tribes own 469 acres of land, with a portion of that land specifically for the refinery project. The site is near North Dakota Highway 23 and also Canadian Pacific Railway tracks. The refinery is named for one of the most sacred buttes on the Fort Berthold Reservation. Construction of the Dakota Prairie Refinery near Dickinson is roughly 75 percent complete and most of the jobs created there have already been filled, The Associated Press reported July 25. When completed, the Dakota Prairie Refinery and Thunder Butte Petroleum Services will be two of the first refineries built in the U.S. in many years. The last refinery was built in Garyville, Louisiana, and began operating in 1976. The only refinery in North Dakota is the Tesoro Corp. facility in Mandan.
Property owners seek protection
and gas development,” said Deb Muth, Chair of Carbon County Resource Council. Members of Carbon “Oil and gas is already exempt County Resource Council and from so many basic proteclandowners in the Belfry area tions, there is a lot of room for have presented a petition to improvement to make sure the Carbon County commis- our agricultural economy is sioners to request the creation not compromised. We just of a “Silvertip Zone,” a 3,000- want it to be fair.” acre strip north of Belfry Carbon County Resource roughly following the Clarks Council members alongside Fork of Yellowstone. The Sil- landowners in the proposed vertip Zone seeks to “mainSilvertip Zone have already tain the quality of life, to been to the Montana Board protect surface and ground- of Oil and Gas Conservation water and soil, to require that to request simple protections any natural resource activity on an oil well that was drilled be done in a responsible way, this spring. They requested and to protect and improve baseline water testing, no the public infrastructure and open reserve pits to store public services.” the chemicals, and proof of “We have been working sufficient water for fracking, within the laws and finding among others. None were ways to protect landowngranted. ers, their water, soil, and This is our opportunity to livelihoods in the face of oil
see who the Commissioners are working for.” said Bonnie Martinell, an organic farmer near the drilled well. “Are they here for the citizens of Carbon County, or are they here for the oil and gas companies?” “We hope we can work together and get this done,” said Martinell. “We shouldn’t have to be worrying about losing our water and soil in an ag state and an ag county, but we’ve learned from accidents all over the country. It’s time we do something here. Carbon County Resource Council is an affiliate of Northern Plains Resource Council, a conservation and family agriculture group that organizes citizens to protect Montana’s water quality, family farms and ranches, and unique quality of life.
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Battle Bull Mountains in the
Northern Plains files suit to overturn coal lease
BY TOM HOWARD
coal seam is excavated, the roof jacks are moved and the ceiling behind it is allowed to collapse. The fissures are the direct result of mining operations This “controlled subsidence” is a source of concern for from Montana’s only underground coal mine, owned by Siglocal ranchers, and is a key factor in a federal lawsuit that nal Peak Energy. The mine has been in operation since 2009, C RACKS IN THE GROUND , SOME seeks to void a federal coal lease that would allow Signal Peak employs more than 300 workers and produced 8.7 million DEEPER THAN A MAN ’ S HEIGHT , ARE to mine some 60 million tons of coal. tons of coal last year. Last May the Northern Plains Resource Council sued In the longwall mining method used by Signal Peak, a CROPPING UP ON HILLSIDES IN THE B ULL massive machine shears coal from a long face, called a panel. the Bureau of Land Management, alleging that the federal agency didn’t adequately address serious environmental The coal leaves the mine on a conveyor belt. M OUNTAINS . issues when it approved the coal lease in 2012. A series of hydraulic jacks support the roof. But as the BILLINGSbusiness
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After the lease was approved, Northern Plains, an environmental and agricultural organization, filed an unsuccessful administrative appeal to the Board of Land Appeals. After that appeal was denied, Northern Plains asked a federal court to void the federal coal lease until a more thorough environmental review can take place. “The environmental, economic and regional interests of Northern Plains’ members have been, are being, and will be adversely affected by the actions of the defendant,” the complaint says. Rancher Steve Charter, who is chairman of Northern Plains, grazes cattle in the area where the mine operates. He worries that subsidence resulting from mine operations is already affecting springs that are used to water his cattle. “We’re trying to get the BLM to make some stipulations as far as water and subsidence,” Charter said. “We’re asking for a stipulation in the lease requiring subsidence repair and replacement of water.” He said Signal Peak has begun paying more attention to the cracks compared to when the mine first started operation. “In the beginning the company was reluctant to fill them in, but within just the last year they’ve gotten serious,” Charter said. In an environmental impact statement conducted in 1992 by the Department of State Lands, predicted that the “most surface cracks are expected to close during the first two years after mining,” and that the effects on the surface “would be minor over the short term and negligible over the long term.” In fact, the cracks and fissures “present a real, significant and ongoing hazard to the owners and users of the surface estate,” the complaint says. Northern Plains alleges the BLM didn’t address the cumulative impact of sustained mining operations. Specifically, the agency relied on an outdated 20-year-old environmental study when
A tape measure shows this narrow crack is around 22 feet deep.
it prepared to lease the coal “Basically, they lifted the data from 1990, but we’re getting different results than what they predicted,” Charter said. “They were using this stale data when they could have gone out there and found out the real story.” In addition to the impacts of expanding current mining methods, Northern Plains members are concerned about the impacts of new mining methods, such as open-pit surface mining, as the mine expands. “Signal Peak Energy is talking about strip mining in the Bulls, as well as mining additional seams of the coal that they already
have,” said Ellen Pfister who ranches above Signal Peak Energy’s Bull Mountain coal mine. “The BLM’s coal lease gave Signal Peak 25 seams of coal, and they’re already talking about mining three of them, even though the BLM only looked at the impacts and charged them for mining one. If they mine under my ranch three-plus times to get at those other seams, I worry that I’m done for.” In addition to the impacts of coal mining, landowners are concerned about what they believe is a hidden subsidy in the coal lease. “By giving away 25 coal seams for the price of one, the BLM has shorted taxpayers out of an
incredible amount of revenue,” said Charter. “With evidence that Vladimir Putin may secretly control up to 75 percent of part-owner Gunvor, it looks like the BLM might have cut a sweetheart deal for Putin’s golden parachute. We shouldn’t subsidize hostile foreign interests. The BLM ought to have to take a look at everything they’re giving away and to whom.” Gunvor, an international commodities trader, bought into the coal mine in 2011 to boost coal exports. Bureau of Land Management spokeswoman Mel Lloyd said the agency is reviewing the lawsuit with its attorneys.
“Basically, they lifted the data from 1990, but we’re getting different results than what they predicted. They were using this stale data when they could have gone out there and found out the real story.” — Steve Charter, rancher and chairman of Northern Plains
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EMPIRE EMPIR E PARKING PAR K ING GAR GAR AGE AGE
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Alpha-Omega
Disaster restoration business gets facelift with upgraDes By Brittany Cremer • Photos By Larry Mayer
Willy Johnson and his wife, Julie, are pressure cookers. Neutralizing overwrought emotions during a time of personal crisis is their specialty. “Disaster restoration is hard work, but it’s so rewarding to restore hope to people in the midst of a crisis,” Julie said. Alpha-Omega provides all-inclusive services to residential and commercial customers who’ve undergone water, fire or mold damage. And, as their moniker suggests, Alpha-Omega assists from the beginning of every disaster restoration project to the end. 36
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“Say we’re talking about water damage,” Julie said. “Some disaster restoration businesses come in, pull up flooring, put down fans for it to dry out and are done.” This sounds reasonable, until you consider all the work that needs attention after that. “We assist in everything from clean -up to restoring and refurbishing lost items like pictures and paperwork to remodeling the damaged property,” Julie said. Oftentimes, this means connecting The building ThaT customers to trusted and reliable subcontractors, but on a more personal houses alpha-omega level, their service also includes coordinating hotel stays if the customer used To be an was displaced and even providing clothing or hygiene items. old gas sTaTion. “Our service is comprehensive and includes just about anything the client buT conTemporary needs to get them back to good,” Willy said. add-ons and updaTes And their newly-remodeled storefront at 204 E. Main Street in have repurposed The Laurel affords them even more space to serve those in need. space inTo The perfecT venue To house and sTore disasTer resToraTion maTerials.
When disaster strikes
Norma Buchanan, co-owner of Buchanan Capital in Billings, knows just what it’s like to walk into a catastrophe and feel helpless. About a year ago following torrential rains, Buchanan walked into their business, located at 201 N. Broadway in
Billings, and couldn’t believe her eyes. “The carpet was soaked, water was seeping through the walls and leaked into our storage room where our files were stored,” she said. “Panic immediately set in.” Because Buchanan Capital deals with daily deadlines and time-sensitive transactions, Norma and the team at Buchanan Capital knew they needed to
Top left: Visitors drive up to a dramatic wood beam and stone overhang that leads them through the entrance. Far left: Carefully manicured lawn and stone landscape surround the facility. Top right: a vaulted wood beam and wrought iron truss ceiling above the entrance to the clinic. Right: A stone fireplace is the centerpiece of the lobby.
Left: Alpha-Omega disaster restoration, located at 204 East Main St. in Laurel, provides comprehensive services to residential and commercial customers who’ve undergone fire, water and mold damage. Inset: Julie and Willy Johnson, owners of AlphaOmega, have been in the disaster restoration business for nine years. Right: The exterior of the remodeled business is accented by earth-colored culture stone.
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act quickly to have the problem addressed. “Alpha-Omega responded so quickly and professionally,” Buchanan said. “They immediately restored my sense of calm and quickly recognized the sensitive demands of our business.” After addressing the immediate flood damage, Alpha-Omega partitioned off a portion of the building so staff could continue to work. “Much of our business involves over-the-phone conversations, and Willy was so sensitive to this,” Buchanan said. “Noise and foot traffic were very well organized and contained.” Business continued as usual for Buchanan Capital until all repairs were complete, a feat Buchanan wholly credits to Alpha-Omega’s dedicated and
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Thanks to Our Construction Team For All Your Hard Work & Thanks To Our 406-628-0178 Loyal Customers —24 hour contact line— www.alphaomegapros.com For Your Patience! Julie and Willy Johnson have been in the disaster restoration business for nine years and at their current location for four. “As our business grew, we needed additional space for administrative staff and for storage,” Julie said. The business, which offers 24-hour service, features administrative offices, a spacious break room, expansive water bay storage area, refurbishing area, laundry room, ozone chamber, damaged material drop-off area and hardware storage. “We really did the project in three phases, but it’s all come together so nicely,” Julie said.
These four walls
Top left: The remodel added a considerable amount of administrative space to the business. The entry leads to three private offices with a smartly-appointed reception desk. Center left: Additional administrative storage space makes organization at Alpha-Omega a cinch. Left: The newly-remodeled break area allows the employees at Alpha-Omega the space to huddle up for meetings or coffee. Top: The water bay at Alpha-Omega houses all the equipment and materials needed for water restoration, including heavy-duty fans. Above: Corrugated steel accents on the exterior evoke a naturally rustic vibe to the remodeled business.
professional staff. “You never expect something like this to happen to you,” Buchanan said. “It could have been a real mental disaster had it not been for Willy and his team. If anything like this happens again, I’ll never go anywhere else.”
Room to grow
The building that houses Alpha-Omega used to be an old gas station. But contemporary add-ons and updates have repurposed the space into the perfect venue to house and store disaster restoration materials.
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The front facade of the building is accented by ironwork embellishments, perfectly complemented by rock accents and corrugated steel panels. Predominantly used as administrative space, this add-on nook improved functionality and efficiency in the office, Julie said. “Before, we were all crammed into a tight-fitting space along one wall,” she said. A rich color palette of tortoise, taupe and charcoal continues from the administrative space through the break/meeting area, which is equipped with flat screen TV. To the right is the business’s water bay, where Alpha-Omega stores and houses all the materials and tools they need to combat flooding and water damage. Five rows of shelves are neatly-stacked with blue and red fans. In the facility’s back room, Alpha-Omega has an assembly line set up to treat and restore items damaged by either flood or fire. Special chemicals and precise processors strip these items of damage and odor. Adjacent this space is also a laundry room, where Alpha-Omega staffs a person fulltime to wash clothing items that may have sustained smoke absorption or water damage. “During a fire, even a small-scale one, all of the homeowner’s clothing needs to be thoroughly washed and treated to completely remove the smell,” Julie said. To achieve these, items are placed in a special ozone room that deodorizes every last fiber of the clothing. Just off the restoration room is a bay that houses all the damaged materials that await treatment. “We needed a buffer to store items so the odor and mess wouldn’t seep into the restoration room,” Julie said. Around the back side of the property, Alpha-Omega added on an additional space intended to house hardware and building materials needed for restorations. “This makes it handy to keep lumber and materials organized,” Julie said. All told, Willy and Julie said the remodeling process went very smoothly , and the couple is exceedingly happy with how well it turned out. “We’ve increased efficiency and improved our ability to be there for customers when they need us most,” Willy said, “and that’s what it’s all about.”
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Empire Parking Garage: King of the Corner By Brenda Maas Photos By James Woodcock & Larry Mayer
Change is in the air. Over the past several years, downtown Billings has witnessed a massive transformation, including remodeled buildings along Montana Avenue, a new library, renovated Northern Hotel, a new federal courthouse and a plethora of changes in the medical corridor. In September, the long-awaited Empire Parking Garage (its current moniker) will open for business.The $10.5 million facility fills a halfblock, bordered by Montana Avenue to the south, and sandwiched between Broadway (28th) and North 27th Streets. As the newest and most decorated of parking garages, the Empire provides both leased and public parking with a bit more—the street level offers 15,550-square-feet of commercial space. “We planned to sell retail space from the onset,” noted Bruce McCandless, City of Billings’ assistant administrator who represented the city on the project in lieu of a parking manager.“That added some complexity to the project, but in the end it will work out well for the city and downtown property owners as well.” 40
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Mixed-use
As a mixed-use facility, the Empire Parking Garage provides parking for Northern Hotel employees and patrons, a private company’s employees, plus both leased and hourly public parking. In addition, the final design includes an undeveloped space on the southeastern corner, a center retail location in the center and a large space on the southwest corner. The property sales are currently “pending,” to be closed in early September. As such, the City of Billings does not own the entire facility. However, the main objective is to provide more parking now, and into the future. With 540 total spaces across six floors and 192,977-square-feet, the Empire Parking Garage Empire Parking Garage hits the by the numbers: mark.
Perfect fit
Sletten Construction Companies, which was founded in 1928, teamed with Schutz Foss Architects to simultaneously design and build the project. Allen Rapacz, Schutz Foss Architects president and architect, noted that despite being a parking garage, the structure could still have valuable design elements. “We tried to build this into
540 total parking spaces
(9 are handicap accessible)
25 are privately held 187 dedicated to Northern Hotel 328 public parking (hourly & leased) 6 levels = 192,977 square feet 15,550 square feet = retail space
According to architect Allen Rapacz, of Schutz Foss Architects, signage both in and out of the facility was designed specifically to reflect historical Montana Avenue.
the fabric of Montana Avenue, to respect the design details of the area without mimicking anything specific,” he said. To that end, the city’s building committee requested brick for the exterior, for example. We tried to be especially sensitive to the area, Rapacz added, noting they selected a larger-size brick to mirror the neighborhood while fitting the scale of the project.
Congratulations to the CITY OF BILLINGS THANK YOU from your
Design Team
for more information visit:
www.schutzfoss.com www.dfdg.com Billingsbusiness
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Other details, such as the tower-style stairwells, which anchor the northwest and southeast corners, the galvanized tubing and street-level canopies, serve aesthetic and utilitarian purposes. For example, the overhangs create a “warmer” feeling for pedestrians and also provide a place for retail signage. “From its location on 27th Street, this is the gateway to the downtown area,” Rapacz noted of the stair-towers, adding that the building reflects the area and “signage has been designed to complement the historic district along Montana Avenue.”
Eyes of beholder
The most modern elements, however, remain to be seen—literally. Dave Warner, site supervisor from Sletten Construction Companies, pointed to the level between the first and second floors, directly above the retail space for its highlyadvanced structural engineering techniques. Using what is known as post-tension construction, concrete is poured and then the
CongratulatIonS CIty of BIllIngS! Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Contractors
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What’s in a name? Coined after the legendary Empire Bar that once stood on the same location, the Empire Parking Garage may follow the naming scheme of other city parking lots (Park One, Park Two, and so forth), but that remains to be determined, noted McCandless. However, the working name will likely stick with Billings’ residents and business personnel alike.
internal steel cables, or tendons, are stretched (in this instance, to 70 percent of their strength) to make them even stronger. “This protects the retail space from sound and traffic vibrations,” said Warner, “in addition to making the entire structure stronger.” Rapacz also noted that the stairwells and garage themselves are independent components—both need to expand and contract on their own. Although that is standard on most projects, it’s always a tricky aspect. “Sletten had a high-profile, challenging project, and they really did a good job on it,” said Rapacz.
Safe & Secure
To enhance security, the entire facility is well-lit with extra motion-detecting lights. In addition, the mezzanine bridge to the Northern Hotel is locked and accessible only via a room card through either a door or the elevator. The corner stair towers are transparent with large windows with “roughed in” spaces for security cameras; in addition, the stairwells contain a panic button on each floor. When the Empire Parking Garage opens, it will be the city’s fourth, and newest, public parking facility, adding approximately 55 hourly spots with 273 spaces designed for monthly leases. While hourly parking will be on the second level because that traffic comes and goes more often, the leased spots are on the higher floors and rent for $5025 per month, depending if they are covered or uncovered. According to McCandless, the city now offers approximately 2,100 public parking spots in the downtown area. Opposite page top: Stair towers, on the southeast and northwest corners, anchor the Empire Parking Garage. Architect Allen Rapacz notes that the building’s presence on Montana Avenue makes it the southern gateway to downtown Billings. Opposite page left and top: The southernfacing, street level houses commercial space that has been sold or is pending. Right: The street-level canopies are a functional architectural detail that give pedestrians a “less-exposed” feeling plus protects them from the elements while providing space for safety lights and signage.
Billingsbusiness
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Business Briefs Local Commerce at a Glance
New marketing firm launches John Hart has started a marketing consulting firm, Rough Rider Business Solutions, specializing in internet, social media and direct mail marketing. Hart has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from MSUBozeman, and more than 20 years of sales and marketing experience. Some of the other products and services offered include web site design, search engine
optimization, social media marketing, online training and contests, small business marketing plans and more. Hart can be reached at 672-2423, by email at jcodyhart@hotmail.com or at the office at 3943 Old Highway 10 West in Laurel.
Bacterin Int’l reports loss
BELGRADE — Bacterin International Holdings, Inc., a leader in the development of bone graft material and coatings for
medical applications, has reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30. The company reported quarterly revenues of approximately $8.9 million, and a net loss for the quarter of approximately $1.9 million, or 35 cents per share. Second quarter 2014 revenue was approximately $8.9 million, an increase of 7. percent compared to approximately $8.3 million for the same period during 2013. Sequentially, revenues were flat with approximate-
ly $8.9 million in revenues also reported for the first quarter of 2014. “During the second quarter, we continued restructuring our sales organization. Melanie Head joined us as vice president of sales on May 1, and Bob DiSilvio joined us as president on July 1. These new executives have taken steps to further enhance our sales organization,” said Bacterin CEO, Dan Goldberger. “I am looking forward to continued revenue growth in the second half of the year as
our new team takes hold.” Gross profit for the second quarter 2014 was $5.6 million or 63 percent of revenues, compared to $4.7 million or 57 percent of revenues for the second quarter 2013. The increase was the result of improved processes between the two periods. Sequentially, gross profit increased slightly from $5.5 million in the first quarter to $5.6 million in the second quarter of 2014. Gross margin in those quarters increased from 62 percent
to 63 percent, respectively.
Big Sky center ‘Best in West’
BIG SKY — For the 13th consecutive year, the Yellowstone Conference Center at Big Sky Resort has been awarded one of 50 “Best in the West” meeting properties for the western region to be released in the September issue of Meeting Focus magazine. Readers are polled on Please see Briefs, 48
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Business Success StoriesBriefs Recognizing People and Local Achievements Commerce at a Glance
Chamber honors Scott
service includes numerous lustrator Cole boards of nonprofit organizaReichenberg tions including Leadership completed The Billings Chamber of Montana’s governing board, the graphic Commerce and its board of the Federal Reserve Bank design prodirectors announced the seBoard of Minneapolis, and the gram at Monlection of Tom Scott with First Montana Economic DevelopReichenberg tana State Interstate Bank as the 2014 ment Action Group. University Lifetime Achievement honScott will receive the and worked oree. This award recognizes Lifetime Achievement Award in Bozeman as a graphic dean outstanding individual during the Billings Chamber signer for several years before who dedicated his/her career Annual Meeting luncheon on moving to Billings. to improving the business September 18. climate in our community Merrill joins while giving back to improve Kinetic Agency our quality of life. Stockman Bank “No one better deserves Janine Merrill has joined hires three this type of recognition,” The Kinetic Agency has Stockman says Chamber Board Chair added three people to its staff. Bank as a Ron Yates. “Tom and three Erika McLaughlin is an marketing generations of the Scott account officer for family worked tirelessly planner. the north operating and expanding McLaughcentral area First Interstate BancSystem lin recently offices. Her MERRILL throughout Montana and returned to responsibiliWyoming. Tom’s efforts, Billings after ties include vision and strong leadership working as implementing the advertisis universally-recognized and McLaughlin an event co- ing, public relations, sponwidely-respected.” ordinator in sorships and events for the Scott was born in SheriAustin, Texas, for more than Great Falls, Helena, Conrad, dan, Wyo.,, and grew up on four years, where she was part Cut Bank, Havre, Stanford, the family ranch, beginning of the 2013 SXSW coordinaLewistown and Geraldine his banking career in 1969. tion team. Stockman Bank branches. He and his wife, Joan, moved Lorinda Lucas is an acMerrill brings 17 years of to Billings in 1970 and as the count planbanking experience to the family’s banking interests ner and traffic position, which includes expanded, Scott’s responsimanager. marketing, human resources, bilities focused on managing a A graduate accounting and lending. She growing, multi-bank holding was previously with Basin of Montana company. He currently serves State Univer- State Bank, now Stockman as chairman of the board of sity, Lucas Bank, as the cashier and First Interstate BancSystem, Lucas joined the director of human resources Inc. and served as its CEO Kinetic team and marketing for the Basin from 1978 to 2003, and as a after nine years at US Bank. State Bank system. Previous director since 1971. Scott’s Graphic designer and ilto Basin State Bank, Merrill
Billingsbusiness
was a department head at Northern Wyoming Community College DistrictGillette Campus in Gillette, Wyo. Merrill graduated from Eastern Montana College (now MSU-Billings) with a bachelor’s degree in education and also earned her master’s degree in community service administration from Regis University in Denver.
Altana hires Wiechman
Colleen Wiechman has joined Altana Federal Credit Union, 1111 24th St. W., as financial services manager. Wiechman has more than 20 years of business and sales experience in the Billings community. Wiechman is a 1991 graduate of MSUBillings School of Business with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and an associate’s degree in Computers-Word Processing. She was part of the Lady Yellowjacket basketball team from 1987-1991 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000. She is active in the community and enjoys volunteering at youth sporting events. Altana Federal Credit Union has locations in Billings, Columbus, Laurel, and Red Lodge. Wiechman can be reached at 406-651-2318.
Boland joins credit union
EasternMontanaCollege (now MSUB) with a bachelor of science degree in educaBecky Boland has joined tion and also earned her Altana Federal Credit Union, master’s degree in commulocated at 1111 24th S.t W., nity service administration as a mortgage consultant. from RegisUniversity in Boland has been in the fiDenver. nancial industry for 10 years with experience in in both Photographer consumer and mortgage lending, and most recently now certified in mortgage loan processing. Ric Zimmerman of ZimBoland is a 1998 graduate merman’s Portrait Designs in of Bemidji State University Billings has earned the Certiwith a bachelor’s degree in fied Professional Photograsports management. Altana pher (CPP) designation from Federal Credit Union has lo- Professional Photographers cations in Billings, Columof America after meetbus, Laurel, and Red Lodge. ing rigorous requirements Boland can be reached at measuring his artistic and 406-651-2310. technical competence. Professional Photographers of America currently recognizes Border States fewer than 2,000 Certified manager honored Professional Photographers. Eric Keller, the account Requirements include commanager at the Border States pleting a written examinaElectric’s office in Billings, is tion, an image evaluation on tED Magazine’s 2014 “30 and adhering to a stringent Under 35” list of rising stars code of conduct. Certificafrom across the electrical tion must be renewed on a industry; tED is the official periodic basis. publication of the National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED). He was Super Lawyers recognized for his initiative, honors locals drive, creativity and leaderSeveral Moulton Bellingship. The “30 Under 35” are ham attorneys were recently featured in tED’s July issue, honored in the 2014 Mounand NAED recognized them tain States Super Lawyers. at its Leadership Enhance Gerry Fagan, an experienced and Development Confershareholder at the firm, was ence in July. Merrill graduated from Please see Success, 48 September 2014
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Success Continued from 47 injury–products and medical malpractice, as well as general personal injury. Andy Forsythe, also one of Moulton Bellingham’s experienced litigators, was honored as a Super Lawyer in the areas of civil litigation, employment and labor, and construction litigation. Shareholders Doug James and John Jones were both selected as Super Lawyers in the area of real estate. In addition, Jones was recognized for his health care and tax work. James was further selected as a Super Lawyer in the areas of bankruptcy and business litigation. Jerry Murphy, who is of counsel with Moulton Bellingham, was recognized for his work in personal injury–products, business litigation, and aviation and aerospace. Michele Braukmann, also a shareholder litigator at the firm, was selected as a Super Lawyer for civil, employment and business litigation. Shareholders Mike Begley and Jeff Sorenson were both honored as Mountain States Rising Stars. Begley was recognized for his general and business litigation work. Sorenson was honored as a Rising Star in the areas of closely held business, real estate and estate planning and probate.
Billings women in national posts
Three members of the Billings Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance have been named to national posts. Renée M. Richards, CPA, has been named national
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director of the 2014-2015 national board of directors for AFWA. She is the owner of Renée M. Simmons, PC, a CPA firm in Billings. An AFWA member since 2004, Richards has served on the National Board since 2013, was a regional director from 2010 to 2013 and was president of the Billings Chapter in 2009. Richards is also a member of Montana Society of CPAs. Linda E. Harris, CPA, has been named vice president of the 2014-2015 national board of directors for the AFWA. Harris is the owner of Linda E. Harris, CPA, PC, in Absarokee. An AFWA member since 1993, Harris has served on the AFWA National Board since 2009, served as a regional director and the Billings Chapter board of directors. Harris also served on the Montana Board of Public Accountants for five years and on numerous other boards. Christie Lininger has been named director of the 2014-2015 national board of directors for the AFWA Foundation. She is a member of the Billings Chapter 100 in Montana. Lininger is a president at BookEnds Inc. in Billings, a bookkeeping and payroll service. An AFWA member since 2006 and a donor of The Foundation since 2006, Lininger has served on the Billings chapter’s board of directors in many capacities and as president in 2013. Lininger is also a member of the Foundation of AFWA’s educational committee, Mary Craig Scholarship golf committee chair and a member of the Mardi Gras Montana committee.
Briefs Continued from 46 hotels and resorts delivering a superlative meeting experience. Properties are judged on the quality of meeting space, guest rooms, guest services and amenities, food and beverage service, high-tech services and equipment, recreational facilities and activities, the efficiency and helpfulness of staff, and overall value and experience. Big Sky Resort has one of the largest convention centers in Montana, the Yellowstone Conference Center, with 55,000 square feet of meeting and function space. Able to host up to 750 people with state of the art services and lodging accommodations from basic to luxury for over 2,000 guests. The versatile meeting facilities include the Lone Peak Pavilion outdoor reception venue. Meeting Planners report increased attendance when meetings are held in popular destinations. Big Sky Resort is located between BozemanYellowstone International Airport and Yellowstone National Park’s West Entrance. Participants focus on their conference with plenty of outdoor adventure in their free time including the 18-hole Arnold Palmer designed Big Sky Resort Golf Course and within the tight-knit Mountain Village plaza, ziplining, scenic lift ride, and the Lone Peak Expedition: Tram to the Top offering views at 11,166
feet of three states and two year earlier. And a measure of signed national parks. contracts slipped 1.1 percent in June, suggestHome prices ing that sales might cool in growing slower coming months. It typically U.S. home prices rose in takes one to two months June by the smallest year- for a signed contract to over-year amount in 20 become a completed sale. months, slowed by modest More homes have been sales and more properties put up for sale, though the coming on the market. supply remains generally Data provider CoreLogic tight. There were 2.3 milsaid Tuesday that prices lion homes for sale at the rose 7.5 percent in June end of June, 6.5 percent compared with 12 months higher than a year ago. earlier. That’s a solid Home prices in Argain but less than the 8.3 kansas fell 0.4 percent in percent year-over-year in- June compared with a year crease in May and a recent earlier, CoreLogic’s report year-to-year peak of 11.9 said. It was the only state percent in February. to post a decline. The states On a month-to-month with the biggest increases basis, June prices rose just were Michigan, where 1 percent, down from 1.4 prices jumped 11.5 percent; percent in May. But Core- California, 11.3 percent; Logic’s monthly figures Nevada, 11.1 percent; aren’t adjusted for seasonal Hawaii, 10.8 percent; and patterns, such as warmer Oregon, 9.5 percent. spring weather. Overall, prices rose in The slowing price gains 98 of the 100 largest cities should make buying a tracked by CoreLogic from house more affordable. a year earlier. They fell in Prices had risen sharply Worcester, Massachusetts last year, along with mort- and in Little Rock, Arkangage rates. At the same sas. time, Americans’ payMost economists forechecks haven’t risen nearly cast that sales will barely as fast, having increased rise this year from 2013’s roughly 2 percent a year pace of 5.1 million. Slugsince the recession ended gish sales, in turn, will slow — about the same pace as annual price gains this inflation. Many would-be year to roughly 5 percent buyers, particularly young- or 6 percent, economists er ones, were priced out of predict. the market as a result. Sales of existing homes TV partnership fell in the second half of last year and have only announced Community 7 Televimodestly recovered since sion and Avitus Group have then. They rose to a seaannounced a partnership sonally adjusted annual rate of 5.04 million in June, that brings new television the third straight increase. programming via cable and Community 7 Television’s But that was still 2.3 percent fewer than the pace a website. The partnership
is an effort to build community through communication and features three monthly shows titled “Your City,” “Your County,” and “Your Schools.” The programs are 30 minutes each and aim to give taxpayers in-depth information about how their tax dollars are being spent. Programming officially launched this summer and is available on Channel 7 as well as Community 7 Television’s website under “watch live” or “archived meetings.” “This is something we had been wanting to launch for the past few years as a service to the taxpayers of YellowstoneCounty and couldn’t until we had the right host and the right community partner,” said Tim Harrington, Community 7 Television general manager Avitus Group is a nationwide company, based in Billings. Avitus Group helps other companies with administrative hassles. When businesses use Avitus Group, all of the necessary, yet burdensome functions of the business become Avitus Group’s responsibility, so the business can focus on what they do best, grow and increase profits. Avitus Group serves clients nationwide through 10 regional office locations from California to Florida. They also serve international clients through partner locations in Europe, Canada, China, England, India, Japan and Singapore. Community 7 Television is Billings’ only public, education and government access channel. Billingsbusiness
Residential Permits Demolition Permit Residential — 115 N. 22nd St., Carol Kraft Living Trust, Cayton Excavation Inc., $12,600 524 Jerrie Lane, Carroll Bros. LLC, Jones Construction Inc., $30,000
Addition Single/ Duplex/Garage — 743 Cook Ave., Van Wagoner, Roger B. & Marie L., V.W.C. Inc., $15,120 584 Oasis Drive, Nilles, Travis R. & Meadow S., Billings Custom Carpentry LLC, $2,160 1805 Crystal Drive, Cunningham, Robert M. & Jackie, David Cunningham Construction Inc., $25,000 3029 Glenwood Lane, Olsen, Ronald L., Belcourt Construction, $1,560 4214 Jansma Ave., Hardtke, John S. & Sheri L., $3,500 330 Clark Ave., Jensen, Richard C., Brown Construction Inc., $10,000 4375 Laredo Place, Laughlin Construction, Laughlin Construction Inc., $65,000 713 N. 16th St., Racki, Daniel A. & Evelyn G., $10,000 734 Moccasin Trail, Smith, Lore Jane, KB2 Deck And Fence Co., $3,443 1308 Terry Ave., Hoerner, Steven J. & Patti A., $4,000 3202 Nolana Drive, Gilbert, Luana J. & Steven P. TR, $9,210 833 Constitution Ave., Perius, Michael J. & Elizabeth, Freyenha-
Billingsbusiness
Habitat For Humanity, $128,140 2432 Icewine Drive, Best Development Corporation, Pierson Jensen Construction Co., $162,535 5826 Horseshoe Trail, Trails West Homes LLC, Trails West Homes LLC, $205,170 5313 Sundance Mountain Circle, Jeff Junkert Const., Jeff Junkert Construction Inc., $194,460 1705 Hollyhock St., McCall New Garage Development Inc, McCall Development, $247,500 937 Ninebark St., Trails West — 1107 Avenue F, Schauer, Homes LLC, Trails West Homes Richard A. & Alyssa C., $16,016 LLC, $192,005 1630 Elaine St., Francis 1730 Hollyhock St., McCall Curtis, $25,200 Development Inc, McCall Devel702 N. 23rd St., Hafer, W. opment, $296,520 Randall & Jenna S., $10,000 5201 Frontier Drive, Dan 2260 Richards Road, Schilling, Marsich, Marsich Investments, Terry J., $22,400 $122,600 1301 Governors Blvd., Riley, 3416 Lucky Penny Lane, Michael T. & Janet L., $11,200 1210 Second St. W., Tresidder, Oakland Built Homes, Oakland Built Homes Inc., $171,055 Dennis L., $12,600 2238 Pine Creek Trail, Helgeson Homes, Helgeson S. D., New Single Family $325,775 922 Royal Ave., King Heights — 558 Boca Raton Road, Ron LLC, Dorn Construction LLC, $256,420 S. Hill Living Trust, Specialized 5317 Sundance Mountain Construction, $176,125 Circle, Jeff Junkert Const., 381 Cherry Hills Road, SulJeff Junkert Construction Inc., livan, Julie K., $290,260 $183,850 1830 Stony Meadow Lane, 702 N. 23rd St., Hafer, W. McCall Development Inc., McCall Randall & Jenna S., $340,000 Development, $304,250 5650 Canyonwoods Drive, 318 Cherry Hills Road, Classic Price, Larry & Amy, Kisling Quality Design Homes, Classic Design Builders, $4,500,000 Homes, $293,155 504 Shadow Lawn Court, Glen 1501 Anchor Ave., NA, Infinity & Michelle Foy, Jones ConstrucHomes LLC, $216,985 tion Inc., $695,000 4725 Rebecca Place, Habitat 508 Shadow Lawn Court, For Humanity Mid Yellowstone, gen Construction Inc., $40,000 2330 Avenue B, Graham, Hugh G. & Mary J., Rocking JR Services LLC, $5,000 2216 Clark Ave., Ruff, James P. & Sharon A., SpoonheimBuilding Service, $2,880 570 Mecca Drive, Rasmussen, Jason & Rana, McLeod Construction, $17,500 4151 Phillip St., Davison, James M., $2,000
Chuck & Jeanne Widdicombe, Jones Construction Inc., $1,250,000 1744 Songbird Drive, McCall Development Inc, McCall Development, $339,200 1710 Hollyhock St., McCall Development Inc, McCall Development, $283,080 2140 Clubhouse Way, Kring, Kyle, Kyle Kring Construction, $213,390 5815 Horseshoe Trail, Trails West Homes LLC, Trails West Homes LLC, $174,795 4215 Woodcreek Drive, Jeff Kirby, $347,105 1426 Watson Peak Road, Twin Oaks Corporation, Twin Oaks Corp., $145,680 3070 Western Bluffs Blvd.,Double Dutch Const., Double Dutch Construction, $241,815 5305 Sundance Mountain Circle, Jeff Junkert Construction, Jeff Junkert Construction Inc., $236,230 1428 Watson Peak Road, Twin Oaks Corp., Twin Oaks Corp., $143,520 3464 Lucky Penny Lane, Oakland Built Homes Inc., Oakland Built Homes Inc., $135,900 3453 Lucky Penny Lane, Oakland Built Homes, Oakland Built Homes Inc., $171,625 5940 Foxtail Loop W., Classic Design Homes, Classic Design Homes, $169,410 1422 Watson Peak Road, Twin Oaks Corporation, Twin Oaks Corp, $152,200 1424 Watson Peak Road, Twin Oaks Corporation, Twin Oaks Corp, $144,981 3215 Peregrine Lane, Dana
Garage 713 N. 16th St., Racki, Daniel A. & Evelyn G., $20,000 2602 Glenwood Lane, Bond, David & Debbie, $3,000 3401 6th Ave. S., Lindell, Kathy, $3,500 528 Park Lane, Agnew, Deborah, Ty Nelson Construction, $30,000 2108 Yellowstone Ave., Jordon, Thomas L. & Susan A., Phil’s Glass, $2,000 128 Lewis Ave., Brady, Brenda C., Pella Window Store, $900 1331 Avenue F, Cady, Rita M., Van Arsdale Construction, $3,000 3010 Golden Acres Drive, Thole, Gary Joseph, $4,000 1718 Mariposa Lane, Britney Sinclair, $24,000 1308 Terry Ave., Hoerner, Steven J. & Patti A., $800 3469 Winchell Lane, DNA Enterprises LLC, $300 1839 Bender St., Rees, Albert R. & Kimberly D., Lynnrich Inc., New Two Family $11,483 4355 Pine Cove Road, Adolph, Travis J. & Margo E., Lynnrich Inc., — 701 Winter Green Drive, HS $13,220 1217 Cresthaven Way, Spildie, Development LLC, Hulteng Inc., Eugene N Y Shirley M., Lynnrich $359,977 Inc., $1,956 3021 Golden Acres Drive, 1551 Tiburon Lane, Dare, Kracker Properties Inc., Hanser Construction Company, $359,164 Richard F. & Margaret M., Lynnrich Inc., $2,460 3831 Avenue C, Tvetene 4150 Waterford Drive, Kenmark LLC, Kenmark Inc., Vankeuren, Home Value Restora$287,810 tion, $1,000 4189 Bainbridge Circle, Nel1632 Lewis Ave., Barker, son Samuel J. & Jaime L., Cougar Rochelle, Northwest Custom Construction, $350,000 626 Presidents Place, Hanser Improvements, $2,000 123 S. Crestwood Drive, Capital Holdings LLC, Hanser Construction Company, $354,750 Heser, Jeffrey W. & Jeanni L., Big Sky Exterior Designs Inc., $2,200 Remodel Single/Duplex/ Fink, Mac Leffler Construction, $245,185 3615 Flagstone Drive, Barta, Eaton And Yost Contractors, $382,390 599 Boca Raton Road, Ron S. Hill Living Trust, Specialized Construction, $196,590 4020 Wildridge Meadows Drive, Classic Design Homes, Classic Design Homes, $242,260 3342 Lucky Penny Lane, Oakland Built Homes, Oakland Built Homes Inc., $171,625 5727 Horseshoe Trail, Trails West Homes LLC, Trails West Homes LLC, $174,795 1121 Jordan Circle, Habitat For Humanity Mid Yell, Habitat For Humanity, $163,155 6116 Calloway Blvd., Randy & Jennie Allies, Rausch Const., $295,000 5321 Sundance Mountain Circle, Jeff Junkert, Jeff Junkert Construction Inc., $182,870
September 2014
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Residential Permits, continued 81 Mountain View Blvd., Thompson, Diann, TB Construction, $8,600 746 Cook Ave., Allen, Ed, Big Sky Exterior Designs Inc., $1,000 215 14th St. W., Walton, Jon David, $1,500 625 Tabriz Drive, Anderson, Dana S. & Kay D., Win-Dor Industries, $7,381 1927 Northridge Circle, Frank, Raymond A., Win-Dor Industries, $22,271 2370 Westfield Drive, Shenk, Lynn Fox, Win-Dor Industries, $5,253 1170 Capricorn Place, Everett, Donald E., Win-Dor Industries, $2,872 510 Pinon Drive, Cushing, Kenneth D. & D’juana M., Win-Dor Industries, $8,906 4541 Hi Line Drive, Dickerson, Jared J. & Natalie L., Pella Window Store, $1,200 3323 Reimers Park Drive, Demars, Sean M. & Sarah F., $700 2912 Monad Road, MagicCity Properties LLC, Belcourt Construction, $8,300 200 Mountain View Blvd., Smithberg, Wayne L., $5,000 4200 Rimrock Road, Yarbrough, Jordan, Liberty Works, $1,200 3444 Poly Drive, Young Dusty A., Dustin Davison Construction,
$1,000 535 Poppy Place, Bennett, Kara L., B & B Disaster Restoration, $10,000 3116 McBride St., Anderson, Dale S., Myers Custom Homes, $2,000 1317 Yellowstone River Road, Pavlish Donna Marie, $2,500 3448 Arlene Circle, Fawcett, William L., All Season Construction, $1,000 1841 Arcadia Drive, Hall, Dennis L. & Robyn Butler, All Season Construction, $8,000 4724 Stone St., Schessler, Irmtraut R., All Season Construction, $3,000 1705 Brewington Drive, Fangsrud, Mark J. & Dorothy J., All Season Construction, $900 2939 Lewis Ave., Rickert, John R., Stevens Renovations Plus, $700 324 Broadwater Ave., Herbert, Lawrence L. & Leslie E., MccCormick Dennis Construction, $1,000 1331 Yellowstone Ave., Forney, Arlene S., Pella Window Store, $800 613 6th St. W., Lehman, Carl William, Lehman Properties, $1,000 2539 Woody Drive, McEnany, Judith Bradford, Dave’s Exteriors Inc., $9,800
107 Sky Ranch Drive, Moyer, William Arthur & Leslie, Matt Caudill Construction LLC, $4,500 2934 Terry Ave., Holst, John S. & Carrie J., One Source Construction LLC, $800 3034 E. Copper Ridge Loop, Harrington, Bernard J. & Lynnet, Win-Dor Industries, $1,000 2002 Avenue D, Duke, Raymond L. & Lorraine I., EEC Inc., $17,576 3035 Beech Ave., Vigesaa, Lawrence W. & Delores, Pella Window Store, $925 3160 S. Daffodil Drive, Goodvoice, Teague, Alpha-Omega Disaster, $3,000 507 Rimrock Road, Veraldi, Marion E., All Season Construction, $1,000 3441 Poly Drive, Anseth, Rebecca L., All Season Construction, $900 22 19th St. W., Hartung, Ronald Allen & Carrie, One Source Construction LLC, $998 1289 Governors Blvd., Kerr, Phyllis C., Lynnrich Inc., $3,600 306 Joy Lane, Ann C. Bustell Revocable Living Trust, Lynnrich Inc., $6,000 1541 Silver Run Trail, Jeff Junkert, Jeff Junkert Construction Inc., $14,500 3150 E. Copper Ridge Loop, Bob Baxter, A To Z Contracting
Inc., $20,000 1727 Hollyhock St., McCall Development Inc., Mccall Development, $15,320 2920 Walden Place, Birkeland C. W., All Decked Out Inc., $8,000 139 Adams St., Dorn, Donald, $17,000 1271 Frost St., Brown, David I., Cedar Valley Exteriors Inc., $1,000 1644 Wicks Lane, Savinski Mark T., Cedar Valley Exteriors Inc., $1,500 1035 Babcock Blvd., Nehring, Douglas L. & Lillian B., Lynnrich Inc., $3,812 4607 Pine Cove Road, Ligman, Keith F. & Mary D., Pella Window Store, $2,200 1303 Cortez Ave., Harpole, Kevin, Swift Construction, $3,000 1405 Carson Way, Engel, Jeffrey T., $23,000 1145 Cook Ave., Webb, Jason M. & Kristina L., District 7 HRDC, $1,000 267 Westchester Sq. N., Betances, Raquel, District 7 HRDC, $1,000 1149 Caroline St., Elenbaas, Herman J., District 7 HRDC, $1,000 1641 Custer Ave., Crawford, Sandra M., C’s Construction Of Billings, $1,588 6167 Aviara Blvd., Johnson,
Robert N. III, Lynnrich Inc., $1,478 829 Lynch Drive, O’dea, Thomas William & Mary P., WinDor Industries, $8,783 610 Pinehurst Road, Vogel, Corey L. & Tammy R., Win-Dor Industries, $5,771 2153 St. Andrews Drive, Lambott, Mark R. & Amanda, Win-Dor Industries, $1,889 920 Mossman Drive, Adams, Joyce N. & Alvin C., Win-Dor Industries, $13,685 2217 38th St. W., Enger, Eric C. & Rosemarie, Win-Dor Industries, $1,839 1735 Morocco Drive, Carter, Toby A. & Amy Lynn, Win-Dor Industries, $3,956 2604 Constellation Trail, Cahill, Linda, Lynnrich Inc., $8,912 2203 Sunnyview Lane, Westerman, Ryan T. & Shannon M., Phil’s Glass, $2,000 514 Judith Lane, Khaleel Tasneem F. & Shafiq A., $395 421 Judith Lane, Khaleel Shafiq A. & Tasneem F., $235 1332 Benjamin Blvd., Jeff Kreitzberg, KreitzbergJeffHomes, $12,700 1423 Benjamin Blvd., Jeff Kreitzberg, KreitzbergJeffHomes, $14,740 1441 Benjamin Blvd., Infinity Homes, Infinity Homes LLC, $9,840
2320 Avenue B, Wright, Lois N., J & J Construction, $2,500 2435 Miles Ave., Pringle, Kathryn A., Lynnrich Inc., $1,604 509 Nelson Drive, Elliott, Delbert O. & Shirley A., Lynnrich Inc., $1,678 1322 Mossman Drive, Ecker Eric A. & Nikki D., $300 1322 Mossman Drive, Ecker Eric A. & Nikki D., $4,400 960 Ginger Ave., Worthington, Michael W. & Pamela, Pella Window Store, $600 13 Heather Drive, William T. & Eileen C. Johnson, Big Sky Maintenance Inc., $25,804 1229 Parkhill Drive, Rech, Craig L., Complete Service Co. Inc., $750 1447 Shannon St., Lori Schweigert, One Source Construction LLC, $1,950 3025 Stillwater Drive, Schell, Victor A. & Becky J., $1,000 302 Beverly Hill Blvd., Bentler, James & Catherine C., Freyenhagen Construction Inc., $8,000 1226 Cottonwood Blvd., Nick & Amy Maetche/Baldwin, $10,080 537 Avenue E, Thorpe, Lynn, Reule Builders, $1,200 In July, there were 2,379 residential fence/roof/siding building permits issued
Professional Fire Protection Inc., Laurel, 591-3683. J Bar J Construction, 955 Pegasus Place, 694-4656. Parks Building Construction, Roundup, 861-6124. JD & Sons, 1520 Clark Ave.,
696-0879. Vapor Craziness Montana Inc., 315 Main St., Suite 400, 208-5701246. C & C Garage Doors LLP, 6530 Neibauer Road, 498-2044. Golden Era Music Company,
936 Howard Ave., 633-3709. Complete Communications Inc., Butte, 498-2137. Stice Construction, 2141 Burnstead Drive, 208-6770. Sullivan & Son Inc., 2018 Main St., Suite 2, 237-9999.
Concepcion Construction, 420 Alkali Creek Road, 591-9911. Kirchheck Trim Carpentry and Remodel, 4628 Gros Ventre Trail, 671-9803. Ralph’s Handyman Service, 3104 St. Johns Ave., 860-7790.
Business licenses, continued 2224 Highway 87 E., 545-9952. Not Afraid Construction, 1129 Primrose Drive, 672-5590. Tough Girl Construction, 16 Prince Charles Drive, 598-0583. Larry Heafner Construction, 815 Miles Ave., 860-1995. 50
I September 2014
Greater Gallatin Contractors Inc., Bozeman, 570-3784. B & L Painting, 1020 N. 22nd St., 647-8181. 1st Look Home Inspection LLC, 2704 Beartooth Drive, 8550569.
Billingsbusiness
Business licenses The following business licenses were issued during July 2014. The information is collected by the city of Billings. Fed Ex Ground Package System Inc., 3605 Hesper Road, 412-859-5903. Supreme Construction, 1915 Burnstead Drive, 927-7685. Prestige Powder Coating & Upholstery, 2224 Minnesota Ave., 256-0492. Robbins Construction, Roundup, 740-2838. Invisage Consulting, 512 N. 29th St., 690-2967. A1 Classic Lawn Care, 222 Moore Lane, Suite A, 694-5946. Agrika Foods, 1205 Yellowstone Ave., Suite D, 208-0011. Stylin & Fit, 1500 Broadwater Ave., 651-9500. Schreiber Fabrications, 345 Jefferson St., 210-7411. KC Exteriors, 2730 41st St. W., 214-2848. Frame Consulting, 3808 Slalom Drive, 860-4098. Taurus Records, 215 Broadwater Ave., 690-7841. H.T. Construction, 922 Yellowstone River Road, 223-5495. Malina’s Lawncare Service, 462 Hillview Lane, 208-7571. Design Roofing LLC, Denver, Colo., 303-495-4909. Underworld Securities and Investigations, 1217 25th St. W., 861-2101. I & E Customs, 4575 Box Canyon Springs Road, 647-3283. Green & More, 1603 Grand Ave., 867-0888. Bruce Flooring, Hardin, 360632-1573. Billingsbusiness
Sheehan Custom Construction, 2223 Dallas Drive, 671-7143. Kristian Nickol Construction, 1519 Mustang Valley Drive, 781-3067. Papa Bear Photography, 4231 Fenton Ave. S.W., 698-0114. PB Billings LLC, 3225 Rosebud Drive, 702-7212. Bill’s Roofing and Construction, 1926 Mullowney Lane, 696-6903. Kraus Property Services, 952 Dixon St., 690-3298. Armand Roofing, 16 Vandalay St., 281-3025. Atta Boy Co., 7527 Lewis Ave., 371-1416. Detienne & Son LLC, 1412 Teton Ave., 670-8245. Factory Edge Flooring, 421 St. Johns Ave., 694-3643. TJ’s Flooring & Restoration, 768 Fallow Lane, 694-2494. Jim Besel Repair, 1528 Parkhill Drive, 259-9203. JB’s Concepts, Huntley, 6724158. Systems Northwest LLC, Kalispell, 756-1100. J & B Construction, 313 S. 28th St., 876-4877. R5carpentry, Lavina, 8606918. Classic Restoration and Stucco LLC, Greeley, Colo., 970302-6025. Stellar Roofing, Worland, Wyo., 307-347-3289. Michael Boeker Carpentry, 804 Ave. E, 516-458-7895. Ulises Roofing, Dallas, Texas, 972-408-7111. JTS Drywall, 1636 Hollyhock St., 690-3022. RBK Properties, Belgrade,
581-3233. Duggins Construction, Broadview, 922-551-8958. Alliance, 13 Memory Lane, 855-1143. Lexington Inn & Suites, 3040 King Ave. W., 294-9090. Noah Jackson Construction, 2016 Central Ave., 702-994-4159. RJD Construction, 4303 Fenton Ave. S.W., 661-7360. Howard Home Restoration of Montana, Delaware, Ohio, 272-1773. General Lawn & Garden Maintenance, 208 Terry Ave., 690-0378. Crooked Line Studio, 3330 Fourth Ave. N., 855-9208. Collins Custom Construction, 4156 Ryan Ave., 860-8344. True Blue Services LLC, 1105 El Rancho Drive, 272-6151. Kars, 5825 Titan Ave., 6985796. Andersen Exteriors, 6 Cavalier St. N., 208-8755. Bruce Pouliot, Middleburg, Fla., 904-214-5260. Madsen Consulting, 3808 Slalom Drive, 702-3348. Jon Frame Contracting and Consulting, 3808 Slalom Drive, 647-3454. Kole Ploehn Construction and Roofing, 3322 Iris Lane, 696-7854. Rehbein Enterprises Inc., Polson, 883-5472. Netta Photography by: J.K., 801 N. 16th St., 426-8091. Kris Barger, 1207 S. 32nd St. W., 670-6343. Fox Valley Roofing & Siding, 3970 Ave. D, 876-1168. Magic City Painters, 3241
Phillip St., 794-8893. Montana Gutter Works Inc., Townsend, 908-3095. Niner Two Enterprises, 3031 Grand Ave., Suite 100-166, 928231-2144. Herrera’s Roofing, Arlington, Texas, 817-456-0427. McFiny’s Inc., 1711 17th St. W., 259-3033. FC Restoration, 645 Grand Ave., Suite B2, 602-971-0337. Rindal Roofing & Remodeling, 8735 Story Road, 949-0861. Mountain Mudd, 4001 Montana Ave., 321-2090. Mountain Mudd, 236 Main St., 321-2090. Mountain Mudd, 1039 N. 27th St., 321-2090. Big Sky Properties 01 LLC, 424 Burlington Ave., 781-9968. Mountain Mudd Espresso, 16 Shiloh Road, 249-5775. Mountain Mudd Espresso, 2662 Grand Ave., 249-5775. Mountain Mudd Espresso, 1212 Grand Ave., 249-5775. Mountain Mudd Espresso, 925 Broadwater Ave., 249-5775. Mountain Mudd Espresso, 605 24th St. W., 249-5775. Chuck Irons, Bridger, 4268029. Stewart Construction & Remodeling, Joliet, 780-0667. Roberto Lopez Verde, Arlington, Texas, 817-709-7473. Kiedrowski Construction, 3121 Boulder Ave., 223-6475. Curb Appeal, 1926 Mullowney Lane, 671-9502. Wood and Stone, 36 Clark Ave., 259-5138. US Research, 3808 Slalom Drive, 697-9255.
Callaghan Enterprises LLC, 608 Crawford Drive, 245-0435. Carey Electric, 3663 Harper Drive, 647-6198. CB Roofing, Helena, 4229306. Kate’s Place, 928 Broadwater Ave. Slug Bug Heaven, 2323 Belknap Ave., 855-6337. RCV Contractors, 2612 Belknap Ave., 985-662-6784. Katrina Osborne, 4 Parkside Drive, 581-5036. Agora Tree LLC, 2110 Overland Ave., Suite 115B, 672-2409. Delta Construction Systems, Shepherd, 598-5155. MM Construction, 2224 US Highway 87 E., 694-9429. AJC Roofing & Construction Inc., 3044 Rimrock Road, 978985-5533. Fou Fou 4 U, 805 Avenue F, 281-0152. Alpha Roofing & Construction Inc., Oklahoma City, Okla., 405521-8333. Paul Parker Construction, 2815 Palm Drive, 671-2821. David S. Siding & Windows, 402 Roxy Lane, 855-9762. Blake Construction, 744 Howard Ave., 672-6943. KLS Construction, 3015 11th Ave. S., 670-5761. Abuelita’s Cocina, 303 Monroe St., 281-4487. J. Muleshoe Enterprises, 4163 Pine Hills Road, 694-6839. Your Time Studio, 2059 Broadwater Ave., Suite D, 425-1063. 1st Class Auto Body & Restorations, 703 Daniel St., 861-2730. Jason James Exteriors, 1943 Clubhouse Way, 672-8264.
Old School Auto Body & Paint, 701 Daniel St., 647-7237. DLD Roofing, 711 Wyoming Ave., 214-8460. Boit Construction, 2224 Monad Road, 672-6767. Cougar Construction Clean Up, Bridger, 425-4025. Peter & Omar’s Drywall, 309 Garden Ave., 701-690-4166. Bruce Tall Construction and Roofing, 2596 Enterprise Ave., 694-5020. Zane’s Construction, 3042 Boulder Ave., 671-3613. Kevin Ohlin Roofing & Construction, 4522 Harvest Lane, 671-7752. Bearrd Construction, 4012 Second Ave. S., 696-6860. Jr’s Construction, Roundup, 220-2661. NWD Builders, Shepherd, 696-5854. Morrison CPA P.C., 222 N. 32nd St., Suite 102, 702-1324. Tom’s Towing, 101 Rhea Lane. S. A. Khaleel, 1349 Lake Elmo Drive, 252-2040. Taco Treat of Great Falls Inc., 300 S. 24th St. W., 727-7582. All Valley Custom Roofing and Contracting, 1144 N. 22nd St., 262-2876. Albano Environmental LLC, 2076 Faye Circle, 696-1418. JSK Properties LLC, 2812 First Ave. N., 252-0576. Party Gold Style, Palatine, Ill., 217-415-2433. Starbucks Coffee No. 23045, 910 Grand Ave., 206-318-8705. American Advisors Group, 928 Broadwater Ave., Suite 252A, 866-948-0003. David Garrett Construction, September 2014
I
51
Montana patents Below are listed U.S. patents issued to Montana inventors June 24 through July 15, 2014. For assistance in patent filing, call Billings patent attorney Antoinette M. Tease at 406-294-9000. David Snow of Bozeman, Michael Chase of Bozeman, Alex Woidtke of Bozeman, Luke Mauritsen of Belgrade, Peter B. Sellin of Bozeman and Kris Merkel of Bozeman: Apparatus and methods for improving vibration isolation, thermal dampening and optical access in cryogenic refrigerators. 8,756,941. June 24. S2 Corporation of Bozeman. Greg A. Drapes of Missoula and Chad Komlofske of Polson: Interchangeable two-piece insert for snow ski or snowboard. 8,757,665. June 24. SkiBling, Inc. of Missoula. Wilmer L. Sibbitt Jr. of Albuquerque and Randy R. Sibbitt of Helena: Vascular closure methods
and apparatuses. 8,758,397. June 24. Abbott Vascular Inc. of Santa Clara, Calif. Jennifer M. Mach of Chicago; Gregory P. Copenhaver of Chapel Hill, N.C.; Helge Zieler of Del Mar, Calif.; Kevin Keith of Three Forks; Daphne Preuss of Chicago; and RongGuan Jim of Chicago: Methods for generating or increasing revenues from crops. 8,759,086. June 24. University of Chicago of Chicago. Jon P. Christophersen of Idaho Falls, Idaho; John L. Morrison of Butte; William H. Morrison of Manchester, Conn.; Chester G. Motloch of Idaho Falls, Idaho; and David M. Rose of Mountlake Terrace, Wash.: Crosstalk compensation in analysis of energy storage devices. 8,762,109. June 24. Battelle Energy Alliance LLC of Idaho Falls, Idaho. Sebastian Winkel of San Jose, Calif.; Koichi Yamada of Los Gatos, Calif.; Suresh Srinivas of
Portland, Ore., and James E. Smith of Missoula: Transitioning from source instruction set architecture (ISA) code to translated code in a partial emulation environment. 8,762,127. June 24. Intel Corporation of Santa Clara, Calif. Seth M. Enes of Missoula: Ornamental design for a hub for a strap system. D707,448. June 24. Sun Mountain Sports Inc. of Missoula. Seth M. Enes of Missoula: Ornamental design for a hub for a strap system. D707,449. June 24. Sun Mountain Sports Inc. of Missoula. Seth M. Enes of Missoula: Ornamental design for a hub for a strap system. D707,450. June 24. Sun Mountain Sports Inc. of Missoula. John Walsh of Bozeman: External thermostat fan controller. 8,763,920. July 1. Aida E. Rieder of Westbrook, Conn.; Luis L. Rodriguez of
Old Saybrook, Conn.; Jason R. Hollister of Stevensville, and Sabena Uddowla of Ivoryton, Conn.: Development of a marker foot and mouth disease virus vaccine candidate that is attenuated in the natural host. 8,765,141. July 1. The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture of Washington, D.C. Gary A. Strobel of Bozeman, Yuhao Ren of Bozeman and David B. Teplow of Tarzana, Calif.: Endophytic fungi from Pteromischum sp. plant, compounds and methods of use. 8,765,147. July 1. The Regents of the University of California of Oakland, Calif. Chris G. Sanford of Billings: Arrow broadhead having a pair of cutting blades held in a retracting position during arrow flight and extending outwardly in an expanded position upon arrow contact. 8,771,112. July 8. Amy Sealey of Bozeman; George A. Ball of Hampstead,
N.C.; and B. Bryant Slimp Jr. of Houston: Methods for inhibiting polymerization of vinyl aromatic compounds during extractive distillation. 8,771, 476. July 8. GTC Technology LP of Houston. Andreas Nocker of Utrecht, The Netherlands; and Anne K. Camper of Bozeman: Method of microbial profiling of a sample using phenanthridium derivatives. 8,771,977. July 8. Montana State University in Bozeman. Bryan Dell Geary of Missoula; David Glenn Hall of Houston; Carlton Frazier Sorrell of Missoula; Gary J. Davis of Austin, Texas, and Richard F. Watkins of Austin, Texas: Spherical pellets containing common clay particulate material useful as a proppant in hydraulic fracturing of oil and gas wells. 8,772,207. July 8. Brownwood Clay Holdings LLC of Austin, Texas. Scott VanDyke of Manhattan: Ornamental design for a beverage holder. D708,485. July 8.
Thomas W. Bates of Kila; Dan Morgan of Vacaville, Calif., and Jay P. Hendrickson of San Rafael, Calif.: Resusable beer keg. 8,777,056. July 15. Michael J. Coleman of Dillon: Pipe support system and method for use in underground pipe ramming. 8,777,518. July 15. MPC Bedrock Montana LLC of Dillon. Michael T. Tessmer and Lee E. Cannon, both of Bozeman: Method and apparatus for providing an advantage to a player in a bonus game. 8,777,715. July 15. IGT of Las Vegas. Matthew C. Miller of Cincinnati; Daniel W. Price of Loveland, Ohio; Stuart Morgan of West Chester, Ohio; Barry C. Worrell of Centerville, Ohio; Shawn C. Snyder of Greendale, Ind.; and William E. Clem of Bozeman: Ornamental design for a handle for surgical instrument. D709,194. July 15. Ethicon Endo-Surgery Inc. of Cincinnati.
Bankruptcies Billings-area bankruptcy filings in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, July 1-31. Addresses are in Billings unless otherwise noted.
Chapter 7 Sheri K Lahti, P.O. Box 50064, July 7. Christopher J. Christian, 1631 Roadrunner Place, July 8. Melanie Dawn Israel, P.O. BOX 226, Custer, July 15.
Amanda F. Ericson, 1314 Steffanich Drive, July 15. Ilishe Marie Harasymczuk, 527 Badger Square, Laurel, July 16. Diana M. Nyquist, 2103 Brentwood Lane, April 16.
Richard Everett Lutton, 28 Alderson Ave., July 21. Brandy Kaye Dreese, P.O. BOX 134, Broadview, July 24. Pamala J. Castle, 1602 Miles Ave., July 31.
Chapter 13 Jamie Jo Robinson, 3013 Lampman Drive, July 7. Michael James Kirkpatrick, Windy Renee Stonebraker, 3205 Rimrock Road, July 28.
Billings Commercial Building Permits July 1-31, 2014 Addition
415 Broadwater Ave.
School District 2
Hardy Construction Co.
$1,800,000
Fence/Roof/Siding
31 Heather Drive
Lynch Mary Jean
All Seasons Roofing
$10,700
Fence/Roof/Siding
22 Heather Drive
Hill Beverly A. & Wesley W.
All Seasons Roofing
$10,700
Fence/Roof/Siding
1 Heather Drive
Smith Trevor J.
All Seasons Roofing
$10,700
52
I September 2014
Billingsbusiness
Billings Commercial Building Permits, continued Fence/Roof/Siding
1 Heather Drive
Smith Trevor J.
All Seasons Roofing
$10,700
Fence/Roof/Siding
1 Heather Drive
Smith Trevor J.
All Seasons Roofing
$10,700
Fence/Roof/Siding
23 Heather Drive
Sanders David J.
All Seasons Roofing
$10,700
Fence/Roof/Siding
5 Heather Drive
Iams Jeffrie L.
All Seasons Roofing
$10,700
Fence/Roof/Siding
5 Heather Drive
Iams Jeffrie L.
All Seasons Roofing
$10,700
Fence/Roof/Siding
24 Heather Drive
Wetch Connie S.
All Seasons Roofing
$10,700
Fence/Roof/Siding
9 Heather Drive
Walters Alice A.
All Seasons Roofing
$10,700
Fence/Roof/Siding
25 Heather Drive
Hamilton Michael S. & Marlene
All Seasons Roofing
$10,700
Fence/Roof/Siding
13 Heather Drive
William T. & Eileen C. Johnson
All Seasons Roofing
$10,700
Fence/Roof/Siding
13 Heather Drive
William T. & Eileen C. Johnson
All Seasons Roofing
$10,700
Fence/Roof/Siding
26 Heather Drive
Hoban Donna
All Seasons Roofing
$10,700
Fence/Roof/Siding
17 Heather Drive
Geisler Larry W.
All Seasons Roofing
$10,700
Fence/Roof/Siding
17 Heather Drive
Geisler Larry W.
All Seasons Roofing
$10,700
Fence/Roof/Siding
27 Heather Drive
Matthews Winston C. & Dawn A.
All Seasons Roofing
$10,700
Fence/Roof/Siding
33 Heather Drive
Burroughs Karen E.
All Seasons Roofing
$10,700
Fence/Roof/Siding
29 Heather Drive
John B. Willard Trust
All Seasons Roofing
$10,700
Fence/Roof/Siding
35 Heather Drive
Wetch Patsy Sue
All Seasons Roofing
$10,700
Fence/Roof/Siding
1524 Westchester Square East
Burns Michael P.
Rambur Construction
$38,083
Fence/Roof/Siding
1932 Clubhouse Way
Mayfield John B. & Janice M.
Kyle Kring Construction
Fence/Roof/Siding
2010 Swanson Lane
Streck Robert
Home Value Restoration
Fence/Roof/Siding
2010 Swanson Lane
Streck Robert
Home Value Restoration
Fence/Roof/Siding
251 Westchester Square S.
Hendricks Eric & Joan
Kirkness Roofing & Supply
$12,251
Fence/Roof/Siding
241 Westchester Square S.
Hendricks Eric & Joan
Kirkness Roofing & Supply
$12,251
Fence/Roof/Siding
1467 Westchester Square E.
Winding Creek Properties LLC
Detienne And Sone LLC
$10,000
Fence/Roof/Siding
1467 Westchester Square E.
Winding Creek Properties LLC
Detienne And Sone LLC
Fence/Roof/Siding
1901 Broadwater Ave.
J & L Properties LLP
Built Wright Homes & Roofing Inc.
New Other
1801 Majestic Lane
Billings Ventures LP
New Warehouse/Storage
525 Wicks Lane
McDonalds
Remodel
2802 Belvedere Drive
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
Remodel
910 Grand Ave.
Starbucks
Remodel
1500 University Drive
State Of Montana
Remodel
2802 Belvedere Drive
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
$50,000 $1,000
$2,000 $16,000 $100,000
$12,727
$145,000 $400,000
Summit Roofing Inc.
$345,558 $40,000
Remodel
3940 Rimrock Road
Lutheran Retirement Home Inc
Remodel
1939 Grand Ave.
Miller Spencer
Kovash Construction LLC
Demolition Permit Commercial
820 N. 31 St.
School District 2
Knife River-Billings
Billingsbusiness
$4,800
$25,000 $500 $93,000 September 2014 I 53
Billings Commercial Building Permits, continued Addition
1667 Main St.
Knight Business Venture Inc.
EEC Inc.
$125,000
Fence/Roof/Siding
1232 Yellowstone Ave.
J.R. Glennon LLC
Perschon Associates Inc.
$32,537
Fence/Roof/Siding
219 Wicks Lane
Lyle Terry L.
Terry Lyle Rental
$18,000
Fence/Roof/Siding
1901 Broadwater Ave.
J & L Properties LLP
Built Wright Homes & Roofing Inc.
$16,000
Fence/Roof/Siding
820 Main St.
BK RE 8411 LLC
Leishman’s Roofing & Waterproofing
$16,000
Fence/Roof/Siding
1299 Rimtop Drive
City Of Billings (Airport)
New 3/4 Family
6430 Southern Bluffs Lane
Anderson Jamie J.
$5,847 Buscher Construction Ltd.
$650,000
$664,807
New Other
2290 King Ave. W.
Costco
New Warehouse/Storage
2922 Millennium Circle
Stock Michael D.
Stock Construction Company
Remodel
3723 Central Ave.
School District 2
Systems Northwest LLC
$40,000
Remodel
415 N. 30 St.
School District 2
Systems Northwest LLC
$40,000
Remodel
425 Grand Ave.
School District 2
Systems Northwest LLC
$40,000
Remodel
1775 High Sierra Blvd.
Billings High School District
Systems Northwest LLC
$40,000
Remodel
2201 St. Johns Ave.
School District 2
Systems Northwest LLC
$40,000
Remodel
1116 Grand Ave.
1116 Grand Ave LLC
Remodel
1500 Poly Drive
Asjs Property LLC
Jones Construction Inc.
Remodel
1041 N. 29 St.
Sisters Of Charity Of Leavenworth
Langlas & Assoc. Inc.
$350,000
Remodel
105 S. 37 St.
Hodgson James J. & Vicki L.
Tinman Construction
$50,000
Remodel
1939 Grand Ave.
Miller Spencer
Kovash Construction LLC
$15,000
Remodel
602 S. 25 St.
Lyman Joseph R. & Jerralee A.
Remodel
1440 Nutter Blvd.
School District 2
Systems Northwest LLC
$21,747
Remodel
681 Alkali Creek Road
School District 2
Systems Northwest LLC
$28,966
Remodel
2545 Central Ave.
Qayum Investments Properties
EEC Inc.
$50,000
Addition
820 N. 31 St.
School District 2
Dick Anderson Construction
Fence/Roof/Siding
2850 Grand Ave.
Sticka Brothers Properties LLC
Klunder Roofing Inc.
$18,000
Fence/Roof/Siding,
2625 St. Johns Ave.
Hardt Raymond (50 percent)
Arc Roofing LLC
$16,000
Fence/Roof/Siding,
1511 Poly Drive
Rocky Mountain College
Commercial Roof Wtr Proof
$39,600
Fence/Roof/Siding,
2108 Broadwater Ave.
Paugh Solar LLC 66.67 percent Undiv
Donahue Roofing LLC
$20,435
Fence/Roof/Siding,
2306 Rehberg Lane
Schuster Wayne M.
Donahue Roofing LLC
$35,000
Fence/Roof/Siding,
1403 1 Ave. N.
Gerald And Della Struckman Liv
Infinity Roofing & Siding Inc.
$37,800
Fence/Roof/Siding
3307 3 Ave. N.
Billings Full Gospel
4M Construction Inc.
$22,500
Fence/Roof/Siding
1342 Main St.
Auto Body & Boat Specialists
Zach Besel Construction LLC
Fence/Roof/Siding
2120 Grand Ave.
McBride Beverly A.
Outlaw Construction
$32,168
Fence/Roof/Siding
1341 Main St.
Popelka Enterprises LLC
Singh Contracting Inc.
$31,897
New Other I September 2014
710 Lake Elmo Drive
Volunteers Of America Wy & Mt
54
$125,000
$100,000
$50,000
$10,000
$1,750,000
$6,000
$42,779
Billingsbusiness
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Billings Commercial Building Permits, continued New Warehouse/Storage
301 Sioux Lane
Housing Authority Of Billings
S Bar S Supply Contractor
$3,650
Remodel
3109 First Ave. N.
Alternatives Inc.
Remodel
1105 Grand Ave.
Big Sky Holdings LLC
Cucancic Construction Inc.
Demolition Permit Commercial
1026 Bench Blvd.
Billings Storage LLC
CMG Construction Inc.
$7,000
Fence/Roof/Siding
275 Westchester Sq. S.
Bomar Jacqueline
Robbins Construction
$29,000
Fence/Roof/Siding
3220 First Ave. N.
Rider Theodore J. (Etal)
Infinity Roofing & Siding Inc.
Fence/Roof/Siding
2502 First Ave. N.
Montana Power Building
Lennick Bros. Roofing
$20,000
Fence/Roof/Siding
824 Central Ave.
Fire Place Center
Lyman Roofing
$18,400
Fence/Roof/Siding
4070 Avenue B
Adventure Properties LLC
Kirkness Roofing & Supply
$25,220
Fence/Roof/Siding
702 Avenue E
HMT Rentals LLC
Hi-Line Roofing Of Montana LLC
New Other
3300 Rim Point Drive
Eaton Land Development Partner
Western Municipal Const Inc.
Remodel
1711 Sixth St. W.
Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints
Hanna Construction
$35,000
Remodel
23 Yellowstone Ave.
Cosman Properties LLC
Cucancic Construction Inc.
$50,000
Demolition Permit Commercial
3733 Montana Ave.
Tired Man LLC
Weber Gary Construction Inc.
$24,000
Fence/Roof/Siding
1211 Twain St.
Lane Myrtle
Rambur Construction Inc.
$85,789
Fence/Roof/Siding
1780 Shiloh Road
Shiloh-Grand Center LLC
Infinity Roofing & Siding Inc.
$60,951
Fence/Roof/Siding
3616 Broadwater Ave.
Billings Baptist Temple
K.O.S. Construction Inc.
$16,800
Fence/Roof/Siding
3616 Broadwater Ave.
Billings Baptist Temple
K.O.S. Construction Inc.
$4,000
Fence/Roof/Siding
2545 St. Johns Ave.
Rocky Mountain District
Aspen Contracting Inc.
$13,814
Fence/Roof/Siding
1542 Governors Blvd.
Fricke Weston & Mark
Built Wright Homes & Roofing Inc.
$14,000
Fence/Roof/Siding
1584 Governors Blvd.
Fricke Weston & Mark
Built Wright Homes & Roofing Inc.
$14,000
Fence/Roof/Siding
513 Hilltop Road
Campground Brokers & Associate
Brock Barney Construction Inc.
$27,500
Fence/Roof/Siding
2046 Grand Ave.
Larsen Ingibjorg
Dunmore LLC
$9,800
Fence/Roof/Siding
1439 Flathead St.
Ryan and Jodi Rookhuizen Family
John Niezwaag Siding
$1,827
Fence/Roof/Siding
1447 Flathead St.
Ryan and Jodi Rookhuizen Family
John Niezwaag Siding
$1,800
Fence/Roof/Siding
2030 Overland Ave.
Midwest Hotels LLC
Adan’s Construction LLC
$45,000
Fence/Roof/Siding
1201 18th St. W.
Coronado Condominium
Rambur Construction
$85,000
New Store/Strip Center
1601 S. Shiloh Road
Reger James R. & Deborah C.
Remodel
1025 Shiloh Crossing Blvd.
Shiloh Crossing LLC
Langlas & Assoc. Inc..
$168,735
Remodel
1595 Grand Ave.
West Park Shopping Center LLC
Langlas & Assoc. Inc.
$20,000
Remodel
2545 Central Ave.
Qayum Investments Properties
EEC Inc.
$10,500
Remodel
1200 30th St. W.
School District 2
Empire Htg. & Cooling
$95,000
Remodel
1511 Poly Drive
Rocky Mountain College
Advanced Protection Systems Inc.
$68,541
Remodel
1541 Custer Ave.
Valley Credit Union
Yellowstone Electric Co.
$24,000
Remodel
1640 Grand Ave.
17th & Grand LLC
Matt Caudill Construction LLC
$15,000
Billingsbusiness
$43,233 $60,000
$129,568
$17,200 $4,949,970
$80,000
September 2014
I
55
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 56
I September 2014
Shiloh & Grand 655-3900
Downtown 655-2400
14th & Grand 371-8100
www.stockmanbank.com Billingsbusiness