By Montana Governor
Brian Schweitzer
Montana is on the move with a record number of people working, one of the lowest unemployment rates on record, and the nation' seventh fastest growing economy over the last three years.
Taverns and other small businesses play a central role in the boom of our economy. It is an honor to be your Governor, and I look forward to continuing to work with you to make your businesses, communities and our state a success.
Montana' economy can only be as strong as our Main Streets. Economic development has been a priority for my administration, and I assure you it will continue to be a driving force--Montana is open for business! Improving the economy of Montana is a never-ending process that begins with our small businesses.
As many of you know, over 250,000 Montana homeowners received a $400 rebate check this year. That money tumbled on down main streets in communities across the state many times and I hope some of that money was spent in your joint!
That is just one of the impacts of good fiscal management. The other exciting news is that Montana has had its bond rating upgraded for the first time in 26 years by both Moody Investors Services and Fitch Ratings.
In a news release Fitch Ratings said, the upgrade is based on the state's "conservative financial practices." The new rating means that Montana will pay lower interest costs on debt. That is good news for everyone.
I pledged to you there would be no new tax increases and I have been true to that pledge.
I look forward to continuing to work with you to make our great state even better. Growing our state is something I can't do alone--I want to hear from you. Please visit our website at www.governor.mt.gov and submit your good ideas or apply for boards or councils. Or stop by when you are in Helena--the door is always open.
Montana is a special place. It is the best place to start a business, raise a family and build a community. Thank you for your commitment to Montana' main streets--I appreciate all that our tavern owners and small businesses contribute.
Happy holidays!
Source: The Montana Tavern Times, December, 2007, published monthly by Continental Communications, 125 W. Granite St., Suite 102, Butte, MT 59701.