Over the last six weeks I’ve been traveling around Montana delivering the keynote speech for the 39th Annual UM Economic Summit, and in the process I have met some great folks. My message centered on how to create better jobs in every community and lift Montana out of 49th position in national wages.
When my wife and I moved to Bozeman almost 20 years ago with our young family, people told us that it was not possible to create a global business here. They said, “There is no capital. You can’t find the workers. There is not enough internet bandwidth. And the air service is insufficient.”
I heard some similar skepticism on this tour. People were very impressed with what we accomplished in Bozeman at RightNow, but they were quick to say that their community was different. Yet, for the most part, they cited exactly the same set of reasons we heard 20 years ago. My message is clear: Our success at RightNow is repeatable right here in your community.
March 31, 2014 @ 12:31 pm
I have been living in Bozeman for nearly 3 years now. After 15 years as an Information Systems Recruiter in Atlanta I moved my desk to my new home in Montana. On a daily basis, I interact with Fortune 1000 and Fortune 500 clients all across the country. My internet bandwidth and air service has never been a problem. I send out and receive hundreds of emails on a weekly basis. I use internet face to face interview tools and participate on large group conference calls without disruption. I am just as successful if not more successful than I ever was in Atlanta. Not to mention I have the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful lifestyle that Montana has to offer me and my family!
July 17, 2014 @ 2:54 pm
Success is not only possible in Montana it is likely if the proper attitude goes forward. Montana is one of the best states in the nation in many categories.
Dissenters can be listened to but then they should be set aside and replaced with “doers.” We require a winning team effort to accomplish many things. Yes, technology is a key element along with educating our youth. Thank you. Gary and Joan