Helena, MT, Feb. 11, 2013 – The Eastern Montana Impact Coalition (Coalition) last week announced  via meetings with eastern Montana legislators and government stakeholders that it has launched a  study to identify how and when eastern Montana communities will be impacted by accelerating energy  development. The study’s goal is to help local communities understand the timing and magnitude of  these impacts and determine the priority issues to be addressed and investments required to benefit  from energy development and build the foundation for sustainable growth. Formed early in 2012, the  Coalition includes a unique collaboration between four economic Districts, including Great Northern  Development Corporation (GNDC), Richland Economic Development Corporation (REDC), Eastern  Plains Economic Development Corporation (EPEDC), and South Eastern Montana Development  Corporation (SEMDC). These Districts collectively represent 16 counties, which encompasses  approximately 43,000 square miles of eastern Montana (about the size of New York State).

“We are blessed to have large untapped energy reserves, but need only look across the border to North  Dakota to see how rapid energy development can dramatically impact local communities. Energy  development does provide tremendous opportunities for our communities but requires government and  industry to work in partnership to achieve positive long term growth through thoughtful investments in  infrastructure, housing, public safety, job training, education and healthcare. Through this study and in  collaboration with our communities, the state, federal government and the energy industry, we can  anticipate, prepare, respond and embrace energy development; creating a detailed road map that  prioritizes issues, engages local communities and anticipates the needs of future Montanans.” said  Leslie Messer with the REDC.

“With the advent of new technologies in oil extraction, several regions across the United States are  experiencing explosive energy development but none have undertaken an effort such as this that  involves federal, state and local governments as well as local communities, businesses and citizens,”  added Martin DeWitt with GNDC. “Working together we can insure we are prepared for and able to  take advantage of all that energy development has to offer our state. We want solid, sustainable  communities that can thrive now and in the future and that we can all be proud of.”

To conduct the study, the Coalition retained a multidisciplinary team of experts, from Montana and  beyond. This team, which includes civil engineers, land use planners, economists, real estate  development advisors and economic development specialists, is first working to define the impacts and  then will collaborate with local communities and other stakeholders to create a detailed road map that  prioritizes investments needed to create the infrastructure necessary to build quality communities that  support growth and long term job creation. These investments will leverage the revenue from energy  resources to generate long term returns for local communities and the entire the state while  simultaneously planning for future generations.

According to Jason Rittal of EPEDC, the initially funded portion of the study will include:
• Mapping the location, size and timing of anticipated energy development
• Projecting the impact this development will have on infrastructure, jobs, housing and public safety and healthcare as well as a variety of community land use issues
• Conducting education and outreach events with impacted communities
• Informed by the vision and concerns of impacted communities, create a high level road map to  prioritize investments that will mitigate impacts and support future growth

This consulting team is being led by Jones Lang LaSalle, one of the world’s largest real estate services  firms and is further supported by a core team which includes; SmithGroup JJR, one of the nation’s  leading architecture, engineering and planning firms; Allied Engineering, a civil engineering firm based in Bozeman that has worked extensively with energy impacted communities in North Dakota and  Eastern Montana; and Ecolibrium a multidisciplinary consulting company based in Bozeman.

For further details about the Coalition and this study, please contact a Coalition member:
Leslie Messer, REDC phone: 406-482-4679 email: lmredc@midrivers.com
Martin DeWitt, GNDC phone: 406-653-2590 email: martin@gndc.org
Jim Atchison, SEMDC phone: 406-748-2900 email: semdc@bhwi.net
Jason Rittal, EPEDC phone: 406-698-3255 email: jrittal@midrivers.com

HELENA – The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) will hold public scoping meetings to accept comments on the proposed Otter Creek Coal, LLC – Otter Creek Coal Mine project located approximately five miles southeast of Ashland, Montana. 

The public scoping period for the project will begin January 3, 2013 and end February 4, 2013. The purpose of the scoping process is to provide information about the proposed development and to identify concerns and issues the public may have concerning the project.  Comments received from the public will be used to establish the scope of an environmental impact statement that DEQ will prepare to disclose the potential direct, secondary and cumulative impacts of the proposed Otter Creek Coal Mine.

There will be 3 open house meetings to provide the public with information on the proposed project and an opportunity to submit scoping comments directly to DEQ personnel.

The following are the times and locations for three scoping meetings:

* Broadus, Montana – Community Center; January 16, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM * Ashland, Montana – St Labre School; January 17, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM  * Lame Deer, Montana – Charging Horse Casino; January 17, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Otter Creek Coal has submitted an operating permit application to conduct strip mining of the coal deposit at the proposed Otter Creek Coal Mine in Powder River County. The proposed mine operation would also include access roads, facilities, equipment staging, operational areas, and a railroad loop.  The proposed mine area is located between Ashland and Broadus and is accessed by U.S. Highway 212 and Montana Route 484.  The primary drainage in the area is Otter Creek, a northward flowing perennial tributary of the Tongue River.

The proposed permit area includes land owned or controlled by Otter Creek Coal and totals approximately 7,639 acres.  Additionally, Otter Creek Coal has identified a life-of-mine area that included an additional 10,580 acres in two tracts to the north and west of the proposed mine (Tracts I and III).

The proposed Mine Project would have an estimated life of 20 years.

Scoping comments must be received by Monday February 4, 2013.  Written comments should be submitted to Kristi Ponozzo; DEQ Director’s Office, P.O. Box 200901, Helena, MT 59620-0901.  Comments may also be emailed to deqcoalcomments@mt.gov.  For more information about coal permitting visit the DEQ website at www.deq.mt.gov.

The DEQ is an equal opportunity program and will make reasonable accommodations for persons who are not English speakers or persons with a disability that may interfere with their ability to participate in the scoping meetings or public comment process.  If you require an accommodation, please contact Kristi Ponozzo at 406-444-2813 or kponozzo@mt.gov by Thursday, January 10.

Southeastern Montana Development Corporation (SEMDC) of Colstrip is pleased to announce that John Sisson has been selected as the new Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).  As the SBDC Director, Sisson will provide confidential business counseling and training services on everything from creating a business plan to ongoing operational and financial technical services.  These services are provided on a no fee basis to both existing and start-up business in Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Powder River, Prairie, Rosebud, Treasure and Wibaux Counties.

As a native of Southeastern Montana, Sisson has a strong attachment to the local business community, and looks forward to becoming acquainted with those who are planning a new business startup or desire to expand an existing business. “I’m excited to be on board with SEMDC,” an organization with a very successful program helpful to many businesses, offering free counseling and assistance in our growing local economy,” Sisson noted.

Jim Atchison, Executive Director of SEMDC worked with the SEMDC Executive Committee to make the selection.  “We are very excited to have someone of Sisson’s background and work ethic helping the small businesses of this region,” Atchison explained.  “With his experience and positive attitude, he will fit right in with our agriculture, construction and blue-collar clients.”

SEMDC’s SmallBusinessDevelopmentCenter is among 10 centers in Montana.  It is supported by contributions made by member cities and counties and donations made by private businesses and local banks in the communities it serves.  Since 1997 the Colstrip SBDC has assisted in retaining over 403 jobs and created another 431 jobs in the nine county region. For more information or to make an appointment with John, call 748-2990.

The Eastern Montana Impact Coalition planning is a collaboration of three Economic Development Districts (EDD) and one Local Development Organization (LDO) covering 16 counties and two reservations in eastern Montana. The purpose of the coalition is to leverage resources and coordinate services to work positively and proactively for the represented counties and communities to: encourage proper planning; assist with obtaining financing for the rehabilitation and installation of infrastructure; work with developers to encourage housing development and other critical infrastructure; and work with the energy industry to encourage development and assistance during this strong period of energy development. Funding for these two positions is being provided via state and federal grants for two (2) years. The capacity for extending the initial position period may develop as the need arises. It is the intent of the coalition to devise methods to continue the positions long term, but initial funding is for a two year period.
The regional planner will work in tandem with the respective development organization(s) to develop both short- and long-term plans for infrastructure improvements, land use, and the revitalization and/or expansion of the region’s rural communities. This requires that the regional planner become familiar with various strategic plans and be able to predict, within reason, the future needs of the population. In doing so, they will assist local officials alleviate certain economic, environmental, and social problems through recommendations regarding regulations, community facilities, and public infrastructure.
The resource coordinator will work in tandem with the respective development organization(s) to determine both short- and long-term strategies for implementing improvements, as a means of revitalizing and/or expanding the region’s economy. The resource coordinator must also become familiar with various existing regional strategic plans. The coordinator may generate proposals and supporting documents needed to assist with the progression of development in relation to these strategies. In doing so, the coordinator will assist local officials alleviate certain economic, environmental, and social problems by coordinating resources and key stakeholders.
For more information regarding the positions, please contact the Montana Job Service and reference the Great Northern Development Corporation’s listing for the position you are interested in. The coalition will select the most advantageous applicant and office accommodations will be made based upon the applicant’s current location or desired location within the coalition region.

Southeastern Montana Development Corporation (SEMDC) is seeking a highly motivated individual for the position of Director of theSmallBusinessDevelopmentCenter.  Responsibilities include providing assistance to existing and potential business owners, packaging loan proposals, and training class presentations.  Minimum requirements include a Bachelor Degree in business or an equivalent related field with exceptional communication and organizational skills.   Experience in commercial lending, accounting, financial analysis, business plan preparation, consulting, or management is a plus.  Local travel required. 

Forward cover letter, resume and salary history to:

Executive Director, SEMDC,PO Box 1935,Colstrip,MT59323. EOE

Presented by MSU Local Government Center and MSU Extension Staff, Wednesday, June 13th, 6pm at the Haugo Center, Riverview Villa in Forsyth, MT.  Snacks and refreshments will be provided.  Please RSVP by calling 406-346-7320.

The Montana Small Business Development Network
will be hosting their 3rd annual state wide conference
Missoula, MT
April 23 & 24
Holiday Inn, Downtown

The conference will provide essential business resources on financing, manufacturing, government contracting, marketing and business management during breakout sessions throughout the day.

We are honored to have keynote addresses from:              

Tom McMakin
Business author and former COO of Great Harvest Bread Co.

To learn more and to register, please follow THIS LINK

Southeastern Montana Development Corporation (SEMDC) of Colstrip is pleased to announce that Jaimi Balsam has been selected as the new Director of theSmall Business Development Center.  As Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Balsam will provide confidential business counseling and training services on everything from creating a business plan to ongoing operational and financial technical services.  These services are provided on a no fee basis to both existing and start-up business in Carter, Custer,Dawson, Fallon, Powder River, Prairie, Rosebud, Treasure and Wibaux Counties. 

Balsam noted “I am really excited about this opportunity because easternMontana contains some of the most resourceful people, and I look forward to helping those individuals realize their dream of developing a successful small business.”    

Jim Atchison, Executive Director of SEMDC worked with the SEMDC Executive Committee to make the selection.  “We are very excited to have someone of Balsam’s background and energy helping the small businesses of this region,”Atchison explained. 

SEMDC’s Small Business Development Center is among 10 centers inMontana.  It is supported by contributions made by member cities and counties and donations made by the private and local banks in the communities it serves.  Since 1997 the SBDC at Colstrip has assisted in retaining over 360 jobs and created another 370 jobs in the nine county region. For more information or to make an appointment with Jaimi, call 406-748-2990.

Miles Community College is hosting an Energy Summit on Thursday, March 15-16 titled “Solutions for Eastern, MT.”  The summit will be on the MCC campus and includes discussion on topics such as community change, economic forecast, legislation, workforce training, and industry impacts.
 
Community and industry experts will give their opinion on the impacts and solutions for energy booms. Thursday will concentrate on communities with speakers in the field of economic development, tourism, communication, social services, law enforcement and more.  There will also be a discussion on how an energy boom changes a community. Friday will focus on workforce training with speakers from community colleges, university systems, job service, the governor’s office, as well as unions. The second forum will discuss production with speakers from BLM, producers, legislators, aankg production and more.  There will be a presentation on economic changes with a boom. Senator Max Baucus and Senator Jon Tester will be presenting and Representative Dennis Rehberg has been invited to speak.
 
In conjunction with the Energy Summit, Miles City Job Service and Miles Community College are hosting the Miles City Job Fair on Thursday, March 15 from noon to 4:00pm in the MCC Centra.  The event provides job seekers of all ages the opportunity to contact employers and community resources.
 
If you would like more information on this topic or schedule an interview, please call Brandi Gray at 406-874-6288 or email Brandi at grayb@milescc.edu.