Business

News from the Center for Responsible Lending WASHINGTON, D.C. — Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) Senior Policy Counsel Nadine Chabrier issued the following statement: “Holiday shopping is ramping up and shoppers are increasingly using new, underregulated credit products like ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ and ‘Earned Wage Access.’ Retailers are also facilitating predatory point-of-sale loans for purchases including for puppies and jewelry. Policymakers should use this moment to recommit to strengthening consumer protections. Holiday dreams should not turn into debt nightmares.” For decades, payday lenders have exploited low-income Americans in ...

POLSON — Handmade Montana recently wrapped up its biggest year of MADE Fairs yet, supporting artists throughout the state and providing new opportunities for Montanans to shop local.  Started 16 years ago in a little room above a bar, with about 18 artists by cofounders Carol Lynn Lapotka and A...

News from the office of Governor Gianforte HELENA — Governor Greg Gianforte today announced Amazon’s first facility in Montana is currently under construction in Missoula. Representing Amazon’s first major investment in Montana, the new facility will create more than 100 new jobs. &...

RONAN — The Ronan Cooperative Brewery has started bringing in new events for the community as 2022 draws to a close. Board n’ Brew Sunday had its first gathering earlier this week to start bringing together local board game enthusiasts. Touting that boardgames have come a long way from Monopol...

News from the MT Dept. of Labor and Industry HELENA — Montana’s private sector payrolls rose by 1,800 jobs in October, led by job gains in the manufacturing, professional and business services, and accommodation and food services industries, according to data from the Montana Department of L...

RONAN — The Ronan Cooperative Brewery found itself on the pages of Craft Brewing Magazine recently when their Forbidden City Amber was listed as one of contributing editor Kate Bernot’s best beers of 2022. Described by Craft Beer and Brewing magazine as “one of the most respected voices ...

By Taylor Davison / Valley Journal POLSON — The Saturday after Thanksgiving will see local businesses open their doors for this year’s Small Business Saturday.  A national movement to encourage support for local economies, Polson will participate this year with businesses downtown and ...

MISSOULA — Ada Smith didn’t own any camoe when she started hunting. Or a range finder, or decoys or turkey calls.   The Ph.D. candidate in the University of Montana College of Forestry was fortunate to befriend a community of adult-onset hunters and mentors who lent her the gear and taugh...

News from the Polson Chamber of Commerce NORTHWEST MONTANA — Glacier Country Tourism is excited to announce that Missoula has been selected as the destination for next year’s Northwest USA Spotlight, April 16-18, 2023. This is an excellent opportunity for Glacier Country Tourism partner hote...

News from the Montana Contractors Association HELENA — The Montana Contractors Association (MCA) is thrilled to announce that the Build Montana education program is the recipient of the 2022 Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) National Chapter Workforce Development Award. “Bui...