2017 ECONOMIC OUTLOOK SEMINARS

The High Wage Job Puzzle:

Finding Montana's Place in the New Geography of Jobs

Presented by NorthWestern Energy and the UM Bureau of Business and Economic Research.

Schedule

Helena - January 24, 2017 (Tuesday) - Best Western Great Northern Hotel

Great Falls - January 25, 2017 (Wednesday) - Hilton Garden Inn

Missoula - January 27, 2017 (Friday) - Hilton Garden Inn

Billings - January 31, 2017 (Tuesday) - Crowne Plaza/Doubletree

Bozeman - February 1, 2017 (Wednesday) - The Commons at Baxter & Love

Webcast - February 1, 2017 (Wednesday) - Accessible online, requires separate registration.

Butte - February 2, 2017 (Thursday) - NorthWestern Energy General Office

Kalispell - February 7, 2017 (Tuesday) - Hilton Garden Inn

Sidney - March 14, 2017 (Tuesday) - USDA ARS

Miles City - March 15, 2017 (Wednesday) - Sleep Inn & Suites

New for 2017: Webcast

If you are unable to make one of our live seminars we invite you to register for our Webcast of the February 1 (Wednesday) Seminar.

Program

In the past, natural resources drove local economic prosperity. Economies thrived where soil was fertile, timber and minerals were abundant, and where transportation by water was easy (e.g., at the confluence of rivers or at natural ports). Today, knowledge matters more. Natural resources and access to markets still matter, but many industries and occupations are increasingly concentrated in a few places where skilled, creative workers are abundant. This program examines what these changes might mean for Montana's economy. Can Montana -- particularly its entrepreneurs – figure out how to develop a more robust "knowledge" economy – an economy that allows more of Montana's young, creative, and ambitious people to remain in Montana?

	Program may vary because we will be highlighting local economic sectors important to each area we visit.
7:45 - 8:00	Coffee and Registration
8:00 – 8:10	Introduction and Overview – Patrick Barkey, Director, University of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research (UM BBER)
8:10 – 8:50	The High Wage Job Puzzle: Finding Montana's Place in the New Geography of Jobs - Bryce Ward, Associate Director, UM BBER
8:50 – 9:30	U.S. and Montana Outlooks – Patrick Barkey, Director, UM BBER
9:30 – 9:40	Coffee Break
9:40 – 10:10	Local Outlook
10:10 – noon	INDUSTRY OUTLOOKS
	Agriculture Energy Health Care Housing & Real Estate Manufacturing Tourism Wood Products
noon - 12:10	Lunch (provided)
12:10 – 12:40	Reaction and Discussion Panel with Local Experts
12:40 - 12:50	Wrap Up, Patrick Barkey