Friends and Colleagues,

One of my many extra-curricular activities has been advocating our State’s economic development. One of my goals has been to develop a statewide business news & web portal. I believe it is vital that we promote and discuss Montana’s business climate, economic development opportunities, education, and resources such as MATR. Additionally, I want to learn about those businesses, leaders, and happenings outside of my home community. I’ve been working on the concept for some time, and will be launching the site July 5^th, 2007.

My plans for content include company profiles, leadership profiles & interviews, Government updates, profiles, and interviews as well as thumbnail sketches of websites, technology, and local innovation. The site will feature a well rounded and complete web portal with links to governments, resources, education, and economic development information available via the web. The mtbusiness.com blog, econengine, launches as well. Audio & video podcasts are also planned.

I am in the process of compiling the names of companies, business & community leaders to profile and interview. As with all of my projects, I take professionalism very seriously and the product will certainly reflect that commitment. I would like to add you and your company to my list, as well as asking you to recommend companies and individuals for profile & interview consideration, statewide and local. If you can assist in recommendations it would be most appreciated.

The site, Montana Business, can be found at www.mtbusiness.com

I urge you to take a visit and certainly provide any feedback, comments or recommendations. If you are willing, I would like to make arrangements for an interview or please complete and return via email the attached generic profile or conversation template at your leisure.

Please feel free to forward the email to your friends and colleagues. All feedback is appreciated, and don’t hesitate to email comments, links, news, or events. As always, I look forward to hearing from you.