Helena B2B Magazine

summer 2014

business to business connection

margaret corcoran

B E N NY’S B I STRO and more!

homemade helena plus

montana’s state of commerce Ellen Baumler’s new book tax refund fraud protection relationships & banking

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b2b contents S u m m e r 2 0 1 4 / Vo l . 3 / N o. 3

06

Tax refund fraud protection

10

By Bill Hughes, Shareholder, Anderson ZurMuehlen & Co., P.C.

22

Banking today: Relationship fundamentals

14

By Andy O’Neill, President, Valley Bank of Helena

Homemade Helena Featuring Chamber members Copperline Pasty Co., Benny’s Bistro, Bullman’s Pizza, The Dive Bakery, Montana City Grill, Park Avenue Bakery, and Mediterranean Grill

montana’s state of commerce

18

By Meg O’Leary, Director, Montana Department of Commerce

37

Historically speaking: Ellen Baumler Helena: The Town That Gold Built – The First 150 Years

business climate report How do we measure up? Find out in the latest report detailing Policom ranking, residential and commercial permit values, homes sold, air passenger traffic, and more.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE 04 Welcome 12 workforce development 20 ribbon Cuttings 40 B2B CONVERSATION 3

welcome

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

225 Cruse Ave, Suite A Helena, MT 59601 (406) 442-4120 1-800-7HELENA Fax: (406) 447-1532 helenachamber.com

This issue of the Chamber’s B2B Connection is actually a first! The past two years, we have only produced two issues per year of this publication (March and November).

But this year, we wanted to have the ability to reach out to our members more, so we added a summer edition.

magazine layout and design by

T

1131 Poplar St Helena, MT 59601 (406) 996-1361 edgemarketingdesign.com

ON THE COVER Margaret Corcoran Benny’s bistro

his publication has been well received

of business news. We also are excited to start

by our membership and goes to all

showcasing some of Helena’s unique eateries

representatives of each member business.

chosen from a random drawing – we hope to

We also use it in our member recruitment. It

continue this feature.

pleases me immensely to see the issues having

If there are articles, topics, issues, or

such long shelf life – showing up in doctors’

suggestions you might have on making this

waiting rooms, at the auto dealers, and many

publication the best it can be, please give me a

more members’ reception areas.

call or email at cburwell@helenachamber.com or

The summer issue has several guest articles and we thank Meg O’Leary (director of the Montana Department of Commerce), Andy

contact Rhonda at rretz@helenachamber.com.

Thanks again for your support and membership with Montana’s oldest chamber of commerce!

O’Neill of Valley Bank, Bill Hughes of Anderson ZurMuehlen, and Mary Lannert of Helena College for their valuable contributions to

Contributing Authors

make this magazine relevant, current, and full

Bill Hughes anderson zurmuehlen Meg O’Leary Montana Department of Commerce Andy O’Neill valley bank Patricia Spencer LEWIS & CLARK LIBRARY

©2014 All rights reserved. The information contained within this document may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written permission of the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce. Every effort was made to ensure accuracy of information in this publication. However, due to the passage of time and the anomalies inherent in the publishing process, we cannot be responsible for errors or incorrect information.

4

cathy burwell: Chamber President/ceo

in th e o f f ic e

I

am excited to move into this new position with the Chamber. Having a love for all the Helena Chamber has to offer, it is challenging, yet rewarding to work on the communications that keep our membership informed and connected.

I will be working on new ideas and focus for the B2B Connection and welcome input from all members. With the responsibility of all communication, I hope our e-news, e-advocate, and other news that are sent to you are useful and valuable.

Coming soon is the ability to pay fees, update and edit your businesses presence on the Chamber’s website: www.helenachamber.com. This will ensure that only the most current contacts and information on your business is being seen by the thousands of visitors to this popular site every month.

Rhonda retz: Office & Communications Director and B2B Connection Editor

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By Bill Hughes, Shareholder, Anderson ZurMuehlen & Co., P.C.

How to Protect Yourself from Tax Identity Theft

Tax refund fraud I

n an Accounting Today article posted on April 24, 2014, it was noted that over 100 physicians in New Hampshire had their tax identity stolen during the recent tax season. Though the IRS has been working the last few years to reduce tax identity theft, the agency currently has over 1,000 investigations underway. Despite the government’s success in obtaining hundreds of indictments, identity theft is still occurring. A 2013 report from the Treasury Inspector General’s office reported the IRS issued nearly $4 billion in bogus tax refunds in 2012.

> continued on page 9

6

7

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> continued from page 6

The typical tax identity theft is refund fraud. Armed with stolen Social Security numbers, the thief files a fraudulent tax return early in the filing season claiming a refund. When the real taxpayer files his/her tax return with legitimate information, the IRS rejects the return because their system shows a return has already been filed under the reported Social Security number. The rejection of the tax return initiates a timeconsuming process to get the legitimate return filed. In addition, it raises the threat that the tax identity theft may have carried over to other areas of the individual’s personal financial life.

The legitimate return must be paper filed, instead of electronically filed. A completed and signed Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, must be filed with the tax return. This form notifies the IRS of the identity theft and requires documentation that identifies you as the actual taxpayer. Acceptable documentation includes clear and legible copies of either a passport, driver’s license, Social Security card, or other valid federal or state government issued identification. Once the return and Form 14039 are filed, the IRS will confirm a bogus return was filed and also confirm your identity. If the tax return requests a refund, receiving the refund will take several months as the IRS completes its procedures.

Once the IRS has determined you are the legitimate taxpayer, they will issue you an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN). This PIN identifies you as an identity theft victim and is used to differentiate future legitimate tax returns from any fraudulent ones that are filed. The PIN is reported in the signature area on subsequently filed returns.

The following are additional recommended steps if you are the victim of tax identity theft: File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This can be done by selecting the “Consumer Complaint? Report it to the FTC” link at www.ftc. gov. There is an Identity Theft link. The site helps you complete the complaint, noting the type of theft, information about the theft, information about law enforcement action taken, whether you’ve contacted credit agencies, and personal information about yourself.



Report the theft to the Social Security Administration, either by telephone (800-772-1213) or at a local office.



Report the theft to credit agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and check your credit reports to ensure no other fraudulent activity has occurred. Contact one of the agencies and request a fraud



alert be placed in your file.

The agency contacted will notify the other two agencies to also place fraud alerts in their files. You will be required to provide proof of identity. An initial fraud alert will last at least 90 days. You can request an extended alert; if you do, you will need to provide an identity theft report.

File a report with the local police. If the theft is limited to tax fraud, a police report will only be necessary if requested by the IRS. If the theft includes financial account fraud, bring all supporting documentation available.



Here are some common steps you can take to help protect yourself from identity theft: Don’t carry your Social Security card or any documents bearing your Social Security number.



Don’t give your Social Security number to businesses or medical providers, unless required.



Shred documents with personal identifying information.



Don’t provide personal information via email or text.



Don’t give personal information over the telephone, unless you have initiated the contact or you know for certain who you are dealing with.



Don’t put your birthday, address, telephone number, marital status, etc. on social media websites or elsewhere on the Internet.



Change your Internet passwords regularly.



Hopefully, you’ll never be a victim of identity theft.

If you have additional recommendations on how to protect yourself from identity theft or how to recover from identity theft efficiently, please share them with us at facebook.com/ AndersonZurMuehlen. For more information, contact Bill Hughes, Shareholder, at 406.782.0451. 9

b a n k i n g T o d ay :

relations fundam

10

ship mentals E

very so often my wife and I have a very provocative discussion about our relationship. Neither of us are the same person we were years ago at our wedding. We have changed, our lives have changed, and the world has changed.

We objectively re-assess and refocus our current priorities and future plans. The discussion generally results in some acknowledgements and adjustments that for the most part improve our relationship with a better understanding of expectations.

Banking is similar and has changed significantly over the

last several years. As we crawl out of a lingering recession after the 2008 financial crises banking is faced with 16,000 pages of new regulations.

Many of the regulations have contributed to our recessionary hangover and resulted in a very sporadic economic recovery.

Banks are adapting to the new environment.

However, some things remain unchanged. A healthy relationship with your banker is more important than ever in today’s turbulent economic environment. Now is a wonderful opportunity to re-assess and refocus that relationship. Banking is still a service business about people, relationships, and trust. It’s time to re-evaluate and maintain a strong, hard working, relationship that requires mutual respect and trust as well a renewed commitment from both parties.

Following are several critical fundamentals needed to effectively manage a relationship with your banker:

 It is important to take the

necessary time and interest to keep each other informed on key issues, good or bad. A

By Andy O’Neill, President, Valley Bank of Helena

A healthy relationship with your banker is more important than ever in today’s turbulent economic environment. thinking partnership may be the most important aspect of your relationship.

and communication.

Finally, “Listen… listen to understand, not to respond.”

 Each of you should be available, approachable, professional and trustworthy.

These features are critical for an efficient and effective relationship.

Good relationships don’t just happen. It boils down to the basics: stay committed and patient with each other, close to each other, listen to what the other needs, constantly deliver what is needed and realistically expected. Don’t look for a banker and expect he or she to solve your problems. Look for a banker who will help you face your problems and solve them together.

Remember to objectively re-assess and refocus on current priorities and future plans. The discussion should generally result in some acknowledgments and adjustments that for the most part should improve your relationship with a better understanding of expectations.

 Consistency with a reasonable degree of flexibility is fundamentally important and expected in the relationship.  Today’s sophisticated technology, allowing efficient product delivery, should be top shelf. That being said, always remember the value of face to face communication. Body language and voice tonality speak loudly.  The soft intangible aspects of relationship management must be employed.

Including: commitment, attention, responsiveness,

11

workforce development partnership offers training at special rates for chamber members In an exciting partnership with Helena College Continuing Education and Workforce Development, the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to provide affordable training opportunities for Chamber members and their employees.

H

elena College’s Director of Continuing Education, Mary Lannert, is excited for the partnership with the Chamber and ability to reach out to area businesses with optional training that will also be affordable. We will be offering four, four to eight hour trainings at the Helena College campus in the upcoming year with special rates for Chamber members.

Classes are taught by recognized industry experts and will focus on the needs of our local employers to help their teams gain knowledge, improve quality, increase productivity and succeed in today’s competitive business world.

The Chamber plans to do a workforce survey this summer to help with selection of class topics and when the classes are offered. Please watch for this survey and help the Chamber and Helena College better serve the local businesses with their workforce needs.

Classes will begin this fall.

12

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13

state M o n ta na’ s

of commerce

Big Sky, Big Opportunities We are fortunate to have a strong industrial development in such close proximity and Helena businesses are recognizing the opportunities available in this marketplace.

14

By Meg O’Leary, Director, Montana Department of Commerce

F

or me, Helena is home.

Since moving back eighteen months ago, I’ve often found myself looking over the Helena valley from the city’s extensive trail system in the south hills and reflecting on the opportunity I have been given: to help support, shape and grow Montana’s economy. The task before me has been challenging at times, with a steep learning curve, but that’s the nature of business.

I’ve seen firsthand how businessmen and women have faced tough times during the recession, but have also seen them live up to Montana’s legendary work ethic and push forward together to build a brighter future for Montana.

Now it is mid-year 2014, and Montana’s economy is growing at a stable trajectory.

Montana’s world-class agricultural commodities, including wheat, barley, and pulse crops such as peas and lentils, are experiencing strong prices. Agricultural entrepreneurs are developing innovative value-added applications. Here in Helena we take great pride in buying locally grown, Made in Montana products at our farmers market. Many area

restaurants are embracing and adopting farm to table models. These practices are beneficial to the farmer, retailer, and the end consumer by keeping costs down and circulating more dollars in the local economy.

We’ve all seen the strong advancement of Montana’s energy economy over the last decade. Coal, wind, oil and gas lead the state’s growth in energy production.

Regional economies near energy development areas are benefiting from these activities and large industrial developments such as the Bakken are producing ripple effects across the state’s economy. A growing demand and influx of dollars fueled by increases in population have created a marketplace for many different products and services. A new target market has emerged for everything from CPAs and financial services to craft beer and distilled spirits. We are fortunate to have a strong industrial development in such close proximity and Helena businesses are recognizing the opportunities available in this marketplace.

Agriculture and natural resource production have long been mainstays of Montana’s economy, and both of these industries continue to thrive. But a new industry is emerging under the Big Sky: a young and vibrant technology sector.

Bozeman, Missoula, Helena, Butte and the Flathead Valley are now home to numerous high-tech manufacturing and information technology service companies. Boeing, formerly Summit Aeronautics, is proof that Montana can

reach the highest standards in advanced manufacturing.

Jim McNerney describes the Helena facility as “a reliable, globally competitive supplier to [Boeing’s] commercial airplane programs”. Boeing and other high-tech companies have located or expanded in Montana due to our business climate, sense of community, and unparalleled quality of life.

Thanks to the Department’s award-winning Promotions Division and our state’s renowned hospitality, recreation and tourism industry, over 11 million visitors came to experience Montana’s quality of life in 2013, adding over $3.6 billion to the state’s economy. Montana’s tourism industry not only provides nearly 50,000 jobs, but it also attracts attention to the world-class goods and services we produce in the Treasure State. All businesses should aim to capitalize on the benefit that this industry delivers to Montana: bringing distant markets right to our front door. A small business in Helena can now reach markets everywhere in the world.

These small businesses and Montana’s main streets are the foundation of our economy. It doesn’t matter if you are digging coal by the ton, harvesting by the bushel, or writing lines of code, at the end of the day you cash your paycheck and spend your dollars in Montana communities. We take great pride in supporting our neighbors, friends and family in Montana. We show our gratitude with our hearts, our hands, and our dollars.

Community is at the center of what we do because it makes

where we work where we want to live. Together we have built a place for our neighbors, and ourselves and we continue to develop Montana’s economy in this spirit today.

Many know about Governor Bullock’s Main Street Montana Project. It began with a series of community roundtables across the state, where we heard directly from Montanans about how we can expand economic opportunity. I have been involved with the project from the beginning as part of the Governor’s team that conducted those meetings. Taking what was learned at the community roundtables and a statewide survey, the Governor unveiled the Main Street Montana Project Business Plan, written for Montana by Montanans.

The plan is a self-sustaining blueprint that supports the creation, recruitment and retention of Montana jobs.

As the Director of the Montana Department of Commerce, I look forward to my next role in implementing the Governor’s Main Street Montana Project. We are well poised across multiple industries to advance Montana’s economy. We are the number one state for business startup activity, and just last week were ranked as the most fiscally prudent state in the country. Our unemployment rate remains one of the lowest in the nation. My Department and this Administration stands ready to serve business, large and small, through available funding, technical assistance and information programs.

These are exciting times, with big opportunities on the horizon under the Big Sky.

15

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17

“Helena is the only gold rush town in Montana that survived to become a viable cosmopolitan city.�

Ellen Baumler, shown here in Reeders Alley giving a tour 18

How do you write a book about the History of Helena in four months and in 20,000 words or less? You hire Ellen Baumler.

ellen baumler

historically speaking:

“I

t was a challenge, but ultimately I decided to focus on the evolution of Helena from dusty mining camp to cosmopolitan city,” explains historian and author Ellen Baumler. “There are so many wonderful books written on Helena’s history, and I did not want to diminish the work of any of them, so I looked for a new way to approach the same topic.”

When the book is released this fall, readers will be treated to the stories and perspectives often left out of other histories. “My focus was on the story of Helena as a town and not so much individuals,” she said.

Baumler devoted a chapter to cultural diversity, “something that hasn’t been done before,” she explained. Helena has a rich Chinese immigrant history that shaped the city’s early growth but frequently that story is forgotten or not included.

Another chapter focuses on the history of Helena area institutions, many of which remain in Helena but under different names. “The Florence Crittenton Home, The Montana Children’s Home and Hospital, and Montana Deaconess School, are all examples of places that were providing important social services in Helena during a time of great economic and physical change to the city,” Baumler said.

Another chapter focuses on the discovery of gold and naming of the city. “I’m hoping to settle any doubt or controversy about the

course of events,” Baumler said. She goes on to explain that the title of the book reflects the story she tried to tell, The Town that Gold Built: “Helena is the only gold rush town in Montana that survived to become a viable cosmopolitan city.” The book is designed to be a tribute to the 150 years of growth and development of Helena from meager mining camp to Capitol City and beyond.

Along with the stories, Baumler wove in historic and contemporary photos of Helena, as well as drawings of the Queen City. “Dennis McCahon drew some beautiful illustrations of Helena’s historic building that provide a rich complement to the book,” she said.

In addition to The Town that Gold Built, Baumler has another book being released in September, Haunted Helena. Haunted Helena is filled with original stories about many of Helena’s not so well known residents.

Baumler is an interpretive historian who has written books and articles on the most funny, bizarre, and interesting stories from her research into Montana history. She has made a hobby out of investigating the history behind Montana's ghosts and haunted places. She is the author of the popular blog “Montana Moments: A blog of funny, bizarre, and interesting episodes from Montana history.” She has written several books, including: Girl from the Gulches; Spirit Tailings; Beyond Spirit Tailings, Still Speaking Ill of the Dead; Montana Chillers; Dark Spaces: Montana’s Historic Penitentiary at Deer Lodge; Montana Moments and More Montana Moments; and numerous other articles.

Helena: The Town That Gold Built – The First 150 Years was commissioned by the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce and is available for $34.95 through the Chamber office, Leslie’s Hallmark, the Montana Historical Society gift store, and more. It is expected to arrive the first part of September.

19

ribbon cuttings

20

S upe r 1 Fo o d s

Hom e Instead Se nior Care

Ma rti n’s Wi n es

Montana Com m u nity Finance

Park Vi ew D e n tal

Q doba Mex ican G ril l

D o wl HKM

Tou ch Stone Wel l nes s – Cafe – Marketpl ace

Tr i ple Di v i d e Spi ri ts

USPS Sel f-Se r vice Kios k 21

quality

home made

delicious healthy RES T A UR A N T F E A T URE

local good for you

natural

fresh helena Quality. Delicious. Local. Fresh. Phenomenal. The homemade food restaurant trend has expanded and exploded in the Helena area.

From the established restaurants to those newly paving their way, these featured Chamber members are working hard to bring you a diverse and quality selection. Get ready to work up an appetite!

quality delicious healthy

local homemade

good for you

natural C OPPER L I N E P A S T Y C O / B E N N Y ' S B IS T RO / B U L L M A N ' S PIZZ A / T H E DI V E B A KERY MO N T A N A C I T Y G RI L L / P A RK A V E N UE B A KERY / MEDI T ERR A N E A N G RI L L

fresh (Member eateries were randomly selected. We hope to feature more in upcoming issues.)

22

homemade

copperline pasty co.

101 8 W Cu ster Av e + M o b i l e T ruc k

A

little over a year ago, Jill Michelotti opened Copperline Pasty Co. in a renovated 1949 Spartan camper trailer in the parking lot of the former ETC Dealership. The entire operation has a vintage feel to it, from the Airstreamlooking trailer, to the frilly aprons the staff wears, to the Astroturf patio dining area.

The “funky-50s” vintage setup lends a fun and whimsical dining experience.

But customers aren’t just coming for the retro look; they are flocking to Copperline Pasty Co. for Michelotti’s homemade

Hel ena

(4 06) 475 -27 7 7

pasties. The menu features the traditional meat and potatoes pasty made famous locally by Butte’s immigrant miners. In addition, she features a sweet pasty filled with fresh fruits or creamy filings. Another favorite feature is the breakfast pasties featuring traditional breakfast foods.

Michelotti regularly has specials that provide a twist on the original concept, including Philly cheese steak, pulled pork, and Mediterranean chicken.

Copperline’s motto is “Fresh. Handmade.

Local.” and Michelotti incorporates that into

all of her menu items. She has partnered with Big Dipper Ice Cream and features various flavors daily in addition to having an extensive coffee and smoothie menu.

Recently they have added a mobile truck that will travel around Helena to reach more lunch diners. Be sure to like them on Facebook to find out where they are during the day.

Whether you drive through or take time and enjoy your pasty on the retro patio, a visit to Copperline will leave your taste buds happy and your stomach full. 

23

homemade

benny’s bistro 1 08 E 6th Av e

H e l e na

M

b e nnys b ist ro.co m

argaret Corcoran, owner of Benny’s Bistro since 1994, incorporates a buy local perspective into her menu that creates a unique dining experience year round. “I keep my menu as flexible as possible so as to allow me to incorporate local produce and meat into my recipes,” she said. “It really is a different way of thinking about food and menus.”

Margaret helped introduce the term 'locavore,' which means those who eat food grown or produced locally. Benny’s features a locavore menu made with ingredients produced locally. “It is a fun and flexible way to work with the local economy.”

The impact to the local economy is something not to be taken lightly.

Margaret’s efforts to incorporate locally grown or produced food items is the result of her relationship with many area farmers and ranchers.

24

(406) 4 43- 010 5

“I began buying what produce I could at the Farmer’s Market and I’ve gradually expanded those relationships to include local providers of beef, pork, and chicken.” All of the meat served at Benny’s is from local, grass fed stock and when possible, Margaret incorporates local produce into her menu. Buying local and incorporating into her menu really is a different way of thinking, explains Margaret. “It is a very complex system and I find it fascinating and I’m enjoying learning more and more about our local agricultural system.” To learn more, and to become more involved, Margaret joined AERO, an Alternative Energy Resources Organization, whose mission is to help provide for sustainable agricultural resources for Montana’s farmers and ranchers.

“I am committed to buying as many items as I can locally while still being able to provide an appealing menu; some items I just can’t buy locally, so I adapt accordingly.” Located in the heart of historic downtown, Benny’s serves lunch Monday through Saturday.

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homemade

bullman’s wood fired pizza 1 1 3 0 H e l e na Av e

A

H e l e na

favorite summer time treat is Bullman’s Wood Fired Pizza. While you can stop in at the main location year round, during the summer owner Mike Hampton brings out his “restaurant on wheels” and serves up his traditional Neapolitan-style thin crust pizzas at many local events. Each pizza is made to order over a wood fire creating a remarkabletasting pizza.

The fun of getting a Bullman’s pizza from the vendor truck is that Hampton

b u ll m an s p i z z a .co m

(4 0 6 ) 4 4 3 - 0 0 0 4

makes single serving sized pizza that is perfect for a picnic in the park. The smaller pizzas are reasonably priced and perfect for the kids to share while enjoying the great summertime weather.

Bullman’s menu features everything from traditional toppings to regional favorites, and each pizza begins with Bullman’s specialty house red sauce. A regular customer favorite is the Rocky Mountain, a zesty combination of pepperoni, Italian sausage, green onions,

and mushrooms topped off with a healthy amount of mozzarella.

Traditional Italian wood fired oven which cooks at temperatures exceeding 800 degrees. It takes only four minutes to produce perfect results. Hampton also explains that there’s something about cooking a pizza over a woodfire that really enhances the flavors of the sauce and cheese mixture.

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406.495.3525

homemade

the dive bakery 1 6 0 9 1 1 th ave

H e l e na

W

th e d iv e bak e ry.co m

ho can resist an ooey, gooey cookie? The Dive Bakery, located at 1609 11th Ave or downtown in the Lewis & Clark Library, features many wonderful treats, but the Dive Cookie is their best treat by far.

These incredibly tasty confections are a yummy mixture of oatmeal, Rice Krispies, and chocolate chips, although owner Scott Mincemoyer keeps the recipe top secret.

Whatever the recipe, the cookies are good and the perfect mid-day snack.

The Dive Bakery makes more than just a good cookie. Their menu features crepes, sweet breads and scones, pastries, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and

(4 06) 442-2 8 02

specialty coffees. Locally owned and operated, everything on the Dive menu is made from scratch daily. They also prepare and deliver lunches for meetings and gatherings and these can be tailored to your group. If you just want sandwiches or if you want sandwiches, dessert, and more – they can make it fit your needs. 

29

homemade

montana city grill 1 Jackson Creek r d

C

hris and Becky Rehor, owners of the Montana City Grill since 2006, attribute their success to the loyalty of their guests.

“We have made a lot of new friends and are very appreciative for the loyalty of our guests,” explained Chris. The Montana City Grill offers a fantastic dinner menu, and the Rehors believe that the Montana City Grill is your destination for fine dining.

The menu features their special huckleberry sauce on ribs, chicken, and even in a chocolate huckleberry cake. Unique to their restaurant is the amazing ‘start of the meal’ salads.

Patrons can add shrimp or crab to make the salad extra special.

Seeing a need for a good salad bar in the Helena market, Chris and Becky added this new addition for weekday convenience.

With a great selection and the option of an ‘all you can eat’ or a ‘one trip’ price, it makes it very attractive to those seeking an affordable, healthy and quick lunch. It certainly

30

m o ntana c i ty

m o ntanacityg rill.co m

makes it worth the short drive to Montana City. With the frontage road and the interstate, you can be there in just five minutes.

Over the past several years, the Rehor’s have completely remodeled the interior of the restaurant and casino. Another renovation is the expansion of the parking lot to accommodate more guests.

“The expanded parking lot is a great compliment to our banquet facility, which holds up to 70 people, and includes private bathrooms and a bar,” Chris said, “making it the perfect location for your upcoming wedding reception, family reunion, or banquet needs.”

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323 N. Last Chance Gulch • Helena, MT 59601

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Delivering a bright future As an energy provider for more than 100 years, we’re committed to delivering the reliable power and exceptional service our customers and communities count on – now and for the future. For information about your electric and gas services, the many valuable programs we offer, and some of our company’s policies and practices, visit NorthWesternEnergy.com.

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homemade

park avenue bakery 4 4 S Par k Av e

H e l e na

O

pa rkave n u e bak e ry. n e t

wner Renee Kowalski operates a bakery that is steeped in tradition and community, two things that are very important to her. Park Avenue Bakery is not only located in the historic Eddy’s Bakery location but also adheres to European traditions of baking artisan breads and pastries from the freshest ingredients. When asked what sets them apart from other bakeries, Renee stressed that everything (and that means everything they make) is made from scratch – no mixes. She also said that her staff are all passionate, well-educated, and talented, and they love what they do.

(406) 4 49 - 8 424

Being a bread artisan means ‘respecting the dough.’ So what does that mean? Since the dough grows from yeast and becomes a living organism, it needs to be treated well to create the light, airy, and incredible breads, pastries, and more. They use the best quality ingredients, which aren’t cheap, but produces the best product.

Customer service is extremely important to Renee’ and her staff. Not only it is something they work on and take pride in, but they always are ready to do more training and renew their skills. Recently, they have recruited a new artisan that is actually a formally trained chocolatier They look forward to the addition of these skills and products.

Park Avenue Bakery provides bread products and desserts to many local restaurants on a regular basis in addition to their unique and handy location downtown.

33

homemade

mediterranean grill 42 S Pa rk Ave

“Q

Hel ena

uality. Consistency.

Care.” In the words of Ersun Ozer, owner and chef, this is what you can expect when you visit the Mediterranean Grill. For the past 11 years, Ersun has proudly served Helena with the best in authentic Mediterranean food, made from scratch, and with the freshest organic ingredients available. Ersun accommodates every guest by noting gluten-free and/ or vegetarian dishes and offering a wide variety of meal options to appeal to everyone.

His passion for Old World food and wine is evident throughout his ambient restaurant and is clear with just a glance at the menus.

The Mediterranean Grill was presented with the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine in 2013 and now again in 2014.

34

m edi t er ran eang rillh e l e na .co m

You’ll be amazed by their extensive selection and unique variety. The outdoor patio seating offers a perfect place to enjoy a nice relaxing beverage and a delightful meal.

Let their flavors take you to the Mediterranean countries, from Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and Turkey, to the Middle East, Northern Africa and Morocco. 

(406) 495 -1 2 1 2

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There is always something going on

HELENA’S PREFERRED SOURCE SINCE 1935

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36

Concrete/Aggregates:

Main Office:

H E L ENA M O N T ANA

business H O W D O W E M EA S URE U P ?

climate report 37

business H O W D O W E M EA S URE U P ?

climate report policom ranking for economic strength of 576 micropolitan areas

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

962223 TH

TH

nd

nd

rd

inde x

H el en a M on ta n a n at i ona l

inc o m e p e r c apita

$39, 780

$21, 400

$25, 804

m ed i a n h o u s eh ol d i ncom e

$4 6 , 3 1 3

$4 1 , 3 5 8

$5 2, 3 28

m e dian ho u s eho l d inco me o wner o ccu pied

$72, 301

$55, 288

$63, 664

m ed i a n h o u s eh ol d i ncom e re nte r occupi e d

$3 1 , 4 9 0

$3 1 , 3 7 5

$3 5 , 6 85

m e dian e ar ning s mal e

$38, 325

$34, 093

$38, 291

m ed i a n ea r n i ngs fe m a l e

$24 , 04 3

$1 9 , 4 3 3

$23 , 1 1 5

u ne m p loy m e n t r ate (2 0 0 0 )

5. 8%

4. 6%

4. 0%

u n em p loym en t rate (2010)

5 . 1 %

7 . 3 %

9.5%

u ne m p loy m e n t r ate (2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 4 )

3. 8%

5. 3%

7. 3%

p ov er t y lev el

1 4 . 5 %

1 5 . 2%

1 2. 3 %

T h e dat e i s bas ed u po n 2 0 1 0 e s t i m at e s ; S O U R CE : w w w.ce ns u s.g ov

38

nd

commercial (value) city of helena permits jan

H E L ENA M O N T ANA

16 = $2,214,408

feb

18 = $12,645,966

mar apr

11 = $6,445,406 12 = $469,535

may

540 $210K

14 = $3,089,010

YTD 71 = $24,864,325

residential (value) city of helena permits

jan 5 = $234,336 feb mar

8 = $767,430 21 = $1,925,295

may

average price per home

unemployment rate

9 = $1,362,728

apr

homes sold so far in 2014

21 = $2,903,643

YTD 64 = $7,193,432

mont h/ year

helena %

Montana %

Nat i on a l %

jan 201 4

4 .7%

6.3%

6.6 %

feb 201 4

4 .3%

5.8%

6.7%

mar 201 4

4 .7%

6.0%

6.7%

apr 201 4

3.6%

4 .5%

6.3%

air passenger traffic january – may 2014

month ON

OFF

TOTAL

%2014 VS. 2013

Jan

7,478

6,887 14,365

2.9%

on vs.

-1.1% off

0.9%

Feb

6,716

6,798 13,514

0.9%

on vs.

5.2% off

3.0%

Mar

8,398

8,373 16,771

3.9%

on vs.

4.8% off

4.4%

April

7,820

7,911

15,731

5.5%

on vs.

0.9% off

3.2%

May

8,436

8,662 17,098

3.8%

on vs.

-2.3% off

2.3%

YTD

38,848 38,631 77,479

3.5%

on vs.

2.4% off

2.9%

total

39

Conversation Born out of its predecessor, the Helena Board of Trade, the Helena Chamber has operated since

Look for the Official Guide to Helena

We’ve got a new site! helenachamber.com

1890

Here’s your dedicated Chamber staff

Happy Birthday, Helena!

years

150 40

New Chamber members since January 1, 2014

72

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finding the right employee is a

e z e e Br With ®

Providing essential PeoPle

210 E Lyndale • 443-7169 • WeStaffMt.com

Helena Area Chamber of Commerce 225 Cruse Ave, Suite A Helena, MT 59601

Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Helena, MT 59601 Permit No. 205

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42