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Gov. Greg Gianforte and Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen talk about record business creation in Montana in 22024 during a press event at Granite Peak Athletics in Helena on Jan. 15.
Kampgrounds of America Inc. the world’s largest system of privately owned campgrounds, announces Helena North KOA Journey has been recognized with the KOA Icon Award.
Kampgrounds of America
This recognition highlights campgrounds that show exceptional operational excellence, customer satisfaction and a commitment to the KOA brand.
The award is granted to the top 10% of KOA campgrounds across North America based on criteria including growth in camper nights, Net Promoter Scores – a widely recognized customer loyalty and satisfaction metric broadly used throughout the hospitality sector and engagement with KOA programs that drive brand excellence.
Replacing the long-standing President’s and Founder’s Awards, this new recognition program focuses on measurable performance metrics and brand participation, celebrating campgrounds that consistently go above and beyond, providing superior experiences for their guests.
As a KOA Icon campground, Helena North KOA Journey will enjoy unique benefits designed to amplify their achievement, including dated logo placement on KOA.com, enhanced award designation marketing materials, and recognition in KOA corporate marketing initiatives. This honor underscores the importance of delivering exceptional service and fostering a loyal camper base.
Helena North KOA Journey, 850 Lincoln Road West, is open year-round.
Attorney Michelle Ostrye has joined Silverman Law Office, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in real estate, business, commercial litigation and bankruptcy law.
Michelle Ostrye
Born and raised in central Montana, Ostrye earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Montana before completing her law degree at Texas Tech University School of Law. Her career includes practicing law in Texas and New Mexico, where she was elected shareholder in a 50-attorney firm and recognized as a top candidate for a federal bankruptcy judge position.
After spending a year abroad with her family in southern France, Ostrye returned to Montana and operated her own successful law firm in Fort Benton. She is excited to bring her expertise back to her home state.
“I’m honored to join Silverman Law Office and contribute to a team dedicated to making a difference for clients,” Ostrye said. “I look forward to helping individuals, families, and businesses in Montana navigate legal challenges.”
Silverman Law Office serves clients across Montana and the United States from offices in Helena, Bozeman and Big Timber. The firm is licensed in Montana, Washington, Idaho, North Dakota, Wyoming, New Mexico, Colorado and Texas.
“Michelle’s vast experience and dedication are tremendous assets to our clients,” said Joel Silverman, the firm’s founder and CEO.
Founded in 2012, Silverman Law Office has helped more than 7,000 clients with tax law, business law, real estate, probate, estate planning, litigation and more. Visit www.mttaxlaw.com or call 406-449-4829 to learn more.
The University of Montana has hired Jeffrey Michael to serve as the next director of the Bureau of Business and Economic Research.
Michael joins BBER from the University of the Pacific, where he has served as director of public policy at the McGeorge School of Law since 2021. He specialized in economics and regional economic forecasting, according to an Oct. 10 press release from the university.
Jeffrey Michael, director of the Bureau of Business and Economic Research
Michael was previously the executive director of the Center for Business and Policy Research and the director of the Business Forecasting Center in the Eberhardt School of Business at the University of Pacific for 13 years.
“BBER has a tremendous legacy of helping business, government and the public understand the economy of Montana,” Michael said. “I am excited to contribute to BBER’s mission and engage with Montana business and civic leaders on critical and emerging economic issues.”
Patrick Barkey of Bureau of Business and Economic Research
Longtime BBER Director Patrick Barkey will stay on as research director until June, when he plans to retire.
“We are truly fortunate to be bringing on a new leader with the experience and skills of Jeff Michael to the state of Montana,” Barkey said. “He will hit the ground running in putting his own stamp on everything that we do.”
As BBER director, Michael will lead the team of 20 research professionals at a research center that produces economic and industry data for all geographic areas of Montana. They also present economic forecasts at the annual Economic Outlook Seminars throughout the state.
Barley producers are invited to attend the Golden Triangle barley update hosted by Montana State University Extension on Feb. 13, at the Pondera Shooting Sports Complex in Conrad.
This free event, which is held every three years, will feature leading industry professionals and provide updates on production, marketing and trends. One private or commercial pesticide applicator credit will be available those who attend.
Barley grown in Montana.
Registration is from 8:15 to 8:45 a.m., and the event will run from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Agenda highlights include the following:
The seminar will also include a malting barley industry panel discussion featuring Katelin Standley from Anheuser-Busch, Cody Shick from Molson Coors, Mark Black from Malteurop, Jeff Farkell from Centrol Crop Consulting, Sam Anderson from Malteurop and Dave Tweet from Tweet Consulting.
Attendees can ask questions and engage with industry experts. Lunch will be provided courtesy of the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee. Those interested should RSVP by Feb. 6 to the Pondera County Extension Office at 406-271-4054 or pondera@montana.edu.
Event sponsors and contributors include Centrol Crop Consulting, Malteurop, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Molson Coors, American Malting Barley Association and the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee.
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Gov. Greg Gianforte and Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen talk about record business creation in Montana in 22024 during a press event at Gr…
Kampgrounds of America
Barley grown in Montana.
Michelle Ostrye
Jeffrey Michael, director of the Bureau of Business and Economic Research
Patrick Barkey of Bureau of Business and Economic Research
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