MONTANA BUSINESS QUARTERLY

Volume 50, Number 1, Spring  2012

Economic Outlook

Q & A with Montana's Leading Experts

by

MBQ staff

A Q&A with Bureau economists and industry experts discusses the latest economic trends and forecasts, as well as the outlook for Montana's important industry sectors.

Montana Economic Outlook

Recovery Still Stuck in Starting Gate

by

Patrick M. Barkey

The Montana economy remains stuck in the starting gate - actually slowing down from the 1.5 percent growth rate of 2010 to register a disappointing 0.7 percent growth.

Butte-Anaconda

Serving the World's Economy

by

Paul E. Polzin

The Great Recession was relatively mild for the Butte-area economy.

Cascade County

Malmstrom is a Two-Edged Sword

by

Paul E. Polzin

The Cascade County economy has largely escaped the effects of the Great Recession due to its dependence on noncyclical Malmstrom Airforce Base (AFB) and the health care industry.

Fergus County

Lewistown Area Did Not Escape Recession

by

Paul E. Polzin

Fergus County did not entirely miss the Great Recession, but fortuitous growth in several basic industries helped to cushion the blow

Flathead County

The Economic Rebound: Three Business Perspectives

by

Gregg Davis

Probably most would now agree that the peak employment experienced in Flathead County during 2007 was the result of too much boon in the boon phase of economic expansion.

Gallatin County

Recovery has Started

by

Paul E. Polzin

The Great Recession hit the Gallatin County economy hard, but none of the basic industries were permanently scarred.

Hill County

Growth to Accelerate as Recession Effects Fade

by

Paul E. Polzin

The Hill County economy declined only for one year (2009) during the Great Recession. But the 2008 and 2011 increases were close to zero.

Lewis and Clark County

A Distinctly Different Recession Experience

by

Patrick M. Barkey

The recession impacts have been much more muted in Lewis and Clark County than elsewhere in the state.

Missoula County

Still Waiting for Growth to Arrive

by

Patrick M. Barkey

The postponement of the return of stronger growth to Montana's economy was felt acutely in Missoula.

Ravalli County

Waiting for Recovery

by

James T. Sylvester

Ravalli County continues to experience the hard times of the current recession, which is evident in the depressed real estate market.

Yellowstone County

Economy Improves Moving East

by

Patrick M. Barkey

The Billings-area economy saw respectable growth in 2011 led by growth in its traditional base as a services and distribution hub.