MANHATTAN, Mont. — Governor Greg Gianforte this week continued his 56 County Tour in Carbon, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Park, and Gallatin counties, meeting with job creators across southcentral Montana.
"Business owners across Montana are representing the Made in Montana brand well on the national stage while continuing to invest in our communities here at home," Gov. Gianforte said. "It’s great to celebrate their continued success and expansion and highlight world-class craftsmanship and products that make the Treasure State proud."
In Carbon County, the governor visited Crazy Creek Products in Red Lodge to highlight the outdoor gear manufacturer producing legless chairs for outdoor use. In 2020, former employees Karson Bagby and Forrest Roger purchased the company to continue operations. With five full-time and five part-time employees in Red Lodge, the company sells over 100,000 chairs every year to customers around the world.
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"It’s been an exciting few years for us," said Karson Bagby, owner of Crazy Creek Products. "We have seen a lot of growth and success. It’s nice to be able to show the governor what we have been up to and how we continue to grow."
Continuing to Stillwater County, Gov. Gianforte visited the Montana Silversmiths headquarters in Columbus. With over 200 employees, Montana Silversmiths produces trophy belt buckles, bracelets, necklaces, other jewelry, and lifestyle accessories. The company recently announced the expansion of its facility to keep up with its record sales and invest in employee training and increased manufacturing capabilities.
"For decades, Montana Silversmiths has been a pillar in the state," said Jade Opfer, CEO of Montana Silversmiths. "Our craftsmanship and dedication to quality is second to none. We are thankful to produce these products right here in Big Sky Country while supporting over 200 employees."
Traveling to Sweet Grass County, the governor visited the Two Rivers Gallery in Big Timber to recognize the long-standing nonprofit that has operated downtown for 20 years. Featuring all Montana artists, Two Rivers Gallery highlights local, unique agriculture-related art. From pottery to wool and leather pieces, the gallery showcases the work of local artists. In July, the gallery became home to an art center to serve as a place for community members to participate in art classes.
"Being able to showcase local artists in our hometown means the world," said Mary Grace, executive director of Two Rivers Gallery. "Montana is full of talented artists and makers, being able to provide a place for people to highlight their art and create a community is vitally important."
Next, the governor traveled to Park County to visit Hamm Supply. In 2021, Amanda and Garrett Hamm opened the small-town supply shop and convenience store in Wilsall to provide the community with household staples as well as basic veterinary supplies. The shop purchases livestock projects from local 4H students to sell at their store and carries beef from the owners’ ranch as well as local eggs from Manhattan.
"Before we opened this shop, we saw a need in our community," said Amanda Hamm, owner of Hamm Supply. "We have the ability to be a resource for our neighbors and support the needs for our community. Small businesses like ours are the backbone of Montana’s economy and play an important role across the state."
Finishing the day in Gallatin County, the governor toured Big Sky Precision Inc. in Manhattan. Founded in 1993, Big Sky Precision is a veteran-owned manufacturing and engineering business. Starting in a 400-square-foot garage, the company has grown into a 20,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. With 25 employees, the company started manufacturing parts for a wheelchair manufacturer and now specializes in quick-release fasteners for sale direct-to-consumer on their website and on Amazon and direct-to-manufacturer.
"At Big Sky Precision, we pride ourselves on creating high-quality parts for our community and country," said Jonathan Chausse, vice president of production at Big Sky Precision Inc. "We have been able to develop skilled workers and support good, high-paying jobs for those in our community. Operations like this support rural development across the state."
To support small business owners and manufacturers, the governor has prioritized reforms to Montana’s business equipment tax, raising the exemption from $100,000 to $1 million to eliminate over 5,000 small businesses from the tax roll. In the upcoming legislative session, Gov. Gianforte looks forward to working with legislators to further raise the exemption.
