Last week my wife Susan and I got to host the Founders’ Reception for the Montana High Tech Business Alliance at our home. This was the first official gathering of the first organized group of high-tech and manufacturing leaders in the state, and we had 120 people in attendance! It was a great night, filled with networking, good food and drinks, and a lot of visiting. 
Since it officially launched in April, the Alliance has already grown to 81 member companies, and is still growing. With the high-tech and manufacturing industries providing some of the best wages nationally, these companies are the economic engine that can change our economy in Montana. They can provide well-paying jobs to raise our state’s average wage and create better opportunities for all Montanans, especially our kids and grandkids.
The Alliance will strengthen these businesses in two ways. First, it will work to remove obstacles to their growth with things like a state-wide jobs portal (since many companies told us it is hard to hire people) and networking events like the reception last week. Second, it will amplify the voice of these companies. Because Montana high-tech and manufacturing businesses are not on Main Street and have many out-of-state clients they can be invisible in their communities. The Alliance will shine a light on their successes and help the state understand the economic impact they have.
If you have a high-tech or manufacturing company in Montana, there is no better time to join the Alliance than now. As a member you are encouraged to provide input on things you would like to see happen and obstacles you face as a leader in these industries. Contact Christina Henderson, the executive director of the alliance, with input or to join at mthightech.org. Together we can work to help each other grow our businesses and make an impact on the Montana economy over the next decade and beyond.
