MONTANA BUSINESS QUARTERLY

Volume 44, Number 3, Autumn  2006

The Sky's the Limit

Wind Farms Supplement Traditional Montana Power Sources

by

Amy Joyner

Wind energy is environmentally clean, the wind itself is free, and the technology is efficient. And though neither Montana nor the United States can be powered by wind alone, it is a vital supplemental source of power. The largest wind power plant in Montana, The Judith Gap Wind Energy Center in Wheatland County, began operating at full capacity in early 2006. At full capacity, this $180 million wind farm can put enough power onto the grid to supply 30,000 homes with electricity.

Investment in Early Childhood Shows High Rate of Return

by

Daphne Herling

It has long been known that children 5 and under are in the most vulnerable period of their lives in terms of forces that can hinder or promote social, psychological, and intellectual development. Montana has 63,347 children age 5 and younger who are at this critical time in their development. Investing in quality preschool programs for young children may be the best investment in human capital a society can make because such programs provide both short-term and long-term benefits to society.

Economic Shake-Up

by

Paul E. Polzin

Montana has experienced a radical shake-up in economic growth in the past few years with some eastern and rural counties growing faster than western and urban counties. Traditionally, western and urban counties, such as Ravalli, Gallatin, Flathead, and Missoula, have ranked in the top 10 for economic growth, while more rural counties have ranked lower. However, newly released information from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis paints a different picture.

New Program Helps Prepare Students for Careers

by

Amy Joyner

Janel Queen has created a healthy collaboration between SOBA alumni and the career needs of current business students as the director of career advancement. This newly created position was funded by school alumni to help develop long-term relationships with employers and alumni to ensure students and graduates find quality employment opportunities.

Financial Literacy Important for Future

by

Ian B. Davidson

Knowledge is the key to economic strength for each of us individually, as well as for the United States and the world. America enjoys the most vibrant economy in the world because of the entrepreneurial and educational spirit of its citizens. In order to maintain this, we must continue to emphasize the importance of education.