Montana economy sets its own pace: Consumer sentiment survey provides reassurance
By Dave Burgess
Montana did not feel the brunt of the national recession during 2001 and 2002. But in June 2003,... Click here to read the whole story

The economic stool of Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley has three legs: agriculture, tourism, and government (university system). Agriculture provides fewer jobs today than it did, but the economic impact is still important. Gallatin county ranks first in milk, potato and alfalfa production in the state, second in hay production, eighth in livestock production, and eighth overall in agricultural production. Bozeman's proximity to Yellowstone National Park, and the valley's scenic beauty, has drawn visitors since the railroad pushed across the county a century ago. Gallatin Field Airport reports that 70% of the 200,000 annual deplanements are visitors to the Gallatin Valley. The area features two fantastic ski areas (featured on the Local Links page), several blue-ribbon fishing streams, hiking, camping, hunting, and more.

Tourism, retail, and the service industry are seeing stready growth. Montana State University employes more than 3,200 professional and support personnel, and has 2,500 students. The university also stimulates the economy with its collaborative research with local companies. The technology sector in Bozeman is rapidly growing. Bozeman's unemployment has reached a 20 year low recently. The following is a list of the high-tech companies in the area:

The retail and service sectors have also been experiencing rapid growth. Recent additions include Target, Eddie Bauer, Bath & Body Works, Fudrucker's, Denny's, The Wingate Inn, numerous banks, A & W, Kentucky Fried Chicken, The Gap, Pier One Imports, Mongolian BBQ, and local restaurants.