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BUSINESS ADVOCACY

Gary Bakke,
Business Advocate,

CURRENT NEWS
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY
Click Here to View the Latest Chamber E-News

What Members Are Saying..."One of the best ways to grow your business is to get your name out in the community. Membership in the

Membership in the Missoula Chamber of Commerce is one of the best ways to earn the notice of individuals and businesses in the Missoula Community. When I opened my business five years ago, I was a newcomer to the area and knew very few people. Membership in the Chamber, and one of its Business Networking Groups, changed that - - fast!"

~Linda Faulkner,CIC, Linda Faulkner Insurance Agency Member since 04

Missoula Business Forum
Did You Miss "The Missoula Economy... where we have been and where we are headed in 2010
with Dr. Larry Swanson and industry experts?

Click Here for Dr. Swanson's PowerPoint

Economic Development Tool Made Available to Montana Communities
(HELENA) - The Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Montana Department of Commerce, Montana Department of Labor and the Montana Economic Developers Association (MEDA) have partnered to make the BEAR (Business Expansion and Retention) Program available statewide. The Montana BEAR project provides economic development teams with the tools to help local business owners and operators access resources to improve and/or expand their businesses. The State’s purchasing the rights to the BEAR program has made it far more affordable for Montana communities.
Click Here for full release

The Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce sent a letter of concern to both Senator Baucus, Senator Tester, and Congressman Rehberg in opposition to House Bill 3126. This bill would establish a new federal agency to oversee all lending institutions as well as private businesses that extend credit to the public. As stated in the letter sent: "The Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, agree that we need to strengthen consumer protection laws to bring unscrupulous lenders into compliance with industry standards of fair practice. However, we are concerned this bill will have significant unintended consequences that will harm consumers and our local small businesses that are treating consumers fairly."

The Missoula City Council Passes the Zoning Rewrite
After two years of study and drafting, consultants Duncan & Associates under contract with the Missoula Office of Planning and Grants, and with direction of the City Council, have completed the process of rewriting our zoning codes. This rewrite included the many codes that direct the building and development of all zoned lands within the city limits. Lot use, lot size, building set backs, building heights, commercial uses and signs are all part of the zoning that has been redrafted. The intent was to clean up the zoning standards and clarify with consistency.

Title 20 and an updated zoning map is now available on the opg website at: http://www.co.missoula.mt.us/opgweb/, click on the "City zoning ordinance for Title 20" or "zoning map" listed under "news and updates."

We are continuing to work on the update to the City subdivision regulations and hope to have a draft available for review in the next few months.

Are you looking for training for your or your employees?
Visit The Lifelong Learning Center
Click Here to see what classes you can receive a Chamber Member discount!

Important Information from the City of Missoula Building Inspection Division
Click Here to find out what you need to know about the EPA's new rules on lead paint removal and cleanup-first deadline looms.

From the Montana Department of Labor & Industry
Redesigned Website Educates Employers/Employees on Discrimination in Montana (Helena) The Human Rights Bureau of the Department of Labor and Industry released the newly redesigned version of its website today. It can be found at www.montanadiscrimination.com.

“We wanted to make it easier for both employers and their employees to know their rights and get the information they need”, says Labor Commissioner Keith Kelly.

On the new site, employers can go directly to the Employer section and learn about Montana’s discrimination laws; how to respond to a complaint; as well as several other issues that they may face as an employer. Those who believe they’ve been discriminated against can learn about their rights in the workplace or in housing; how to file a complaint; and how to contact the Human Rights Bureau.