HELENA — The Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) is touring the state with its annual Montana Economic Outlook Seminars.
They kicked off the seminar's 50th anniversary in Helena on Tuesday, Jan. 28.
"Our purpose really involves taking the Montana economy, putting it up on a hoist, taking it apart, seeing how the pieces are fitting together, and then putting it all back together," said Patrick Barkey, the research director at the Bureau of Business and Economic Research.
The Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER), through the University of Montana, travels to nine different communities around the Treasure State, breaking down the trends they see at the national, statewide, and county levels.
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"One thing that's really changed in 2024 is that we've seen the growth rate in the population slow in Montana, and the number of people moving here is kind of coming back down to historic levels," Director of BBER, Jeff Michael, said.
According to the BBER, in 2024, Montana's "population growth rate reached the lowest point in two decades, and the state is in the top five in the nation for job growth.
Their predictions for 2025 include population growth continuing to slow and Montana feeling the "full impact of mining and wood products closures/layoffs."
The state government is the most prominent industry in Lewis and Clark County, more than double the second highest, other governments, like local and federal.
The BBER says, "Job openings peaked higher than nationally in Helena."
"There aren't really any huge surprises in the economy this year. I think that growth has been stronger than we thought it would be," said Barkey.
This year's seminar also closely examines artificial intelligence (AI).
Watch related coverage: Artificial Intelligence could change Montana's economy:
"It actually can make people's jobs – make them more productive and actually makes them happier by taking out some of the drudgery and efficiency," Michael said.
BBER specifically says that AI has the potential to help Montana's low unemployment rate with the recruitment and retention of employees.
"Refining the process of screening candidates, refining the process of what skills are needed for a particular job, and improving the match between candidates and the job openings that exist," said Barkey.
Additional information from the Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research:
In addition to an in-depth look at Montana’s economy, the 50th annual seminar features keynote speaker Paul Gladen, UM associate vice president for research and economic development, who will discuss artificial intelligence and what it means for Montana businesses.
The seminar theme, “Montana’s AI Future: Rethinking How to Staff and Run Your Business,” addresses advances in computing power and machine learning, which have spawned an avalanche of innovations and investments that mimic what human brains do at higher speeds and lower costs.
Gladen’s keynote presentation will focus on how Montana businesses can creatively leverage AI. The seminar will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the following cities:
Great Falls – Wednesday, Jan. 29, at the Hilton Garden Inn
Missoula – Friday, Jan. 31, at the Hilton Garden Inn
Billings – Tuesday, Feb. 4, at the Big Horn Resort
Bozeman – Wednesday, Feb. 5, at the Commons
Butte – Thursday, Feb. 6, at the NorthWestern Energy General Office
Kalispell – Tuesday, Feb. 11, at the Wachholz College Center
Sidney – Tuesday, March 11, at MSU Richland County Extension
Miles City – Wednesday, March 12, at Sleep Inn and Suites
Visit EconomicOutlookSeminar.com or call 406-243-5113 for more information about the seminars or to register. Registration is $99 and includes lunch.
Webcast streaming live from Bozeman is available in addition to in-person options. Continuing Education credits are offered for both the webcast-only and in-person options.
