HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 2020 BRCD Meeting Materials
Beartooth RC&D Area, Inc.
Board of Director’s Meeting Agenda
1:00 P.M. – Zoom Meeting
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Page 2
1:00 pm
2:30 PM
Meeting Called to Order
Pledge of Allegiance, Introduction of Members and Guests
Welcome
Review September Board Minutes
Congressional Updates
Molly Bell (Sen. Tester)
Dan Stusek (Sen. Daines)
Casey Collins (Rep. Gianforte)
Treasurer/Financial Reports
1. Treasurer Update
2. RC&D Financials
3. RLF Financials
Executive Committee
1. Executive Committee Activity Report
Staff Reports – Program/Project updates
1. Food/Ag Program – Joel Bertolino
2. Revolving Loan Fund – Jillann Knutson
3. Economic Development/ CRDC – Steve Simonson
Regional Roundup – News and updates from regional
members on projects and activities in key CEDS categories….
(see topics on next page)
Next Beartooth RC&D Area, Inc. Board of Directors Meeting
January 21st, 2020 - Potential Zoom
Adjourn
Chair
Chair, All
Chair, All
Chair, All
Knutson
Knutson
Knutson
Van Ballegooyen
Bertolino
Knutson
Simonson
Carter
et al
Action
Information
Information
Action
Action
Information
Information
Information
Information
Information
Information
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Regional Roundup
Our goals for the Roundup are to find out what’s happening in the area, keep the conversations
focused, inform the others attending the meeting, and to tie it all back to and reinforce the importance of
the CEDS. Please help us identify the projects in their area that fit into our CEDS categories:
• Infrastructure
▪ Housing
▪ Transportation
▪ Broadband
• Economy
▪ Upturns or downturns in industry sectors
▪ New business openings (or closures)
• Communication
▪ Marketing and outreach
• Services
▪ Health care
• Natural Resources
▪ Agriculture
▪ Energy
• Human Capital
▪ Workforce
▪ Education
NOTES:
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Beartooth RC&D Area, Inc. Board of Director’s Meeting MINUTES September 17, 2020
Agenda
1:00 pm
2:30 PM
Meeting Called to Order
Pledge of Allegiance, Introduction of Members and Guests
Welcome- Discussion and presentation on Bridger Wind Farm
Review July Board Minutes
Congressional Updates
Molly Bell (Sen. Tester)
Dan Stusek (Sen. Daines)
Casey Collins (Rep. Gianforte)
Treasurer/Financial Reports
4. Treasurer Update
5. RC&D Financials
6. RLF Financials
Executive Committee
2. Executive Committee Activity Report
Brownfields
EDA Cares Act
Space X Broadband
Staff Reports – Program/Project updates
4. Food/Ag Program – Joel Bertolino
5. Revolving Loan Fund – Jillann Knutson
6. Economic Development/ CRDC – Steve Simonson
Regional Roundup – News and updates from regional members
on projects and activities in key CEDS categories….
(see topics on next page)
Next Beartooth RC&D Area, Inc. Board of Directors Meeting
November 19th, 2020 - Big Timber, MT
Adjourn
Chair
Chair, All
Chair, All
Chair, All
Knutson
Knutson
Knutson
Van Ballegooyen
Simonson
Simonson
Simonson
Bertolino
Knutson
Simonson
Carter
et al
Action
Information
Information
Action
Action
Information
Information
Action
Action
Information
Information
Information
Information
Information
Page 5
ATTENDANCE
Board Members Present
Ryan VanBallegooyen, Billings Job Service , Chair (by phone)
Jeffrey McDowell, Two Rivers Authority
Melanie Roe, Sweet Grass County
Don Jones-Yellowstone County Commission
Dan Lowe, Big Horn Conservation District
Maddie Alpert, Sen Jon Tester’s Office (By Phone)
Marvin Carter, City of Laurel, Vice Chair
Lorene Hintz, Big Sky EDA, SBDC
Stephanie Ray –Stillwater County Economic Development
Bill Foisy- City of Red Lodge
Randy Weimer, Sibanye-Stillwater Mining
Casey Collins, US Rep Greg Gianforte’s Office
Bob VanOosten, Stillwater Conservation District
Liz Ching- MT Dept of Labor and Industry (by phone)
Barb Wagner, Yellowstone County Cons. Dist
Scott Blain- Carbon County Commissioner
Scott Miller- Carbon County Commissioner Elect
Ex-Officio/Staff/Additional Attendees:
Joel Bertolino- FADC/ED
Jillann Knutson-RLF
Steve Simonson- Beartooth EDD
Myrna Lastusky- Operations Support Specialist
Board Members Not Present
Clinton Giesick, Carbon Cons. District
Page Dringman, City of Big Timber
Sidney (Chip) Fitzpatrick, Big Horn Co. Commissioners
Chris Mehus, Sweet Grass Co. Conservation District
Patty Sundberg, City of Columbus
Clayton Greer, Hardin City Council
Emily Ringer, Town of Joliet
Patrick Hill-Crow Tribe
Mike Waters- Greg Gianforte’s Office
Dan Stusek, Sen. Daines’ Office
Frank Ewalt, Billings City Council
Ty Hamilton, Stillwater County
Holly Higgins- Hardin First Interstate Bank
Meeting called to order by Chairman Ryan Van Ballegooyen at 1:00 pm in the Bridger Civic Center Bridger, MT.
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Introductions/Welcome: Ryan VanBallegooyen gave a welcome and began introductions followed by the
pledge of allegiance.
1. Nevin Fenstermacher, Mortenson (Bridger Wind Farm rep) was here to report. Also, Bob Van
Engelenhoven of Pacificorp was on the phone. They reported that they have got through
foundations, wrapped up in July. 114 concrete foundations done. Turbine components coming in
now. 35-40 on the ground. Trying to finish erection this year – dependent on weather. Substation
will go online this year and start producing power. 114 turbines, 240 megawatts power
production, 1 substation, 3 towers . . . Commercial building is going in and all roads are in. 200
people onsite between craft and office staff. Staying between Billings and Cody and in between.
All love working out here.
• Bill Foisy asked how housing was for the crew. Most are staying in Powell & Lovell.
• Jeff McDowell asked about the trucks coming from Laurel. They are transporting two full
sets of turbines each day.
• Most power will go into northern WY. Bob (on phone) verified that it’s going into WY –
tie into line out of Sheridan, loops into Fort Smith area dam, and back down into WY near
Frannie. General flow of power will be south into WY.
• Jillann asked how many crew members will still be around: At least 2 full-time plus a
maintenance contractor – plus 3-5 people. Total of 5-10 people.
• Steve asked about Broadband issues – their staff hasn’t had any issues with
communication, although cell service is spotty.
• What contributions does it make toward the tax base? Carbon County Commissioner Scott
Blain responded that in first year with partial buildout, it’s been significant – most revenue
increases attributed to wind farm as of end of 2019. $410 million. Put all other businesses
in county combined minus utilities and pipelines, it would all equal about $400 million, so
this one thing is very important to county (taxable value). School system received 1.2
million.
• How much was impact payment? Close to 6 million. When full amount is in there it will
be 50-60 thousand/year. Use some to work on roads impacted, possibly will use interest
earned for a radio repeater (black hole for emergency people).
Review of Minutes: Minutes from the July 2020 Board Meeting were available for review (and had already
been acted on by the Executive Committee). Motion- Jeff McDowell; Second- Melanie Roe, CARRIED.
Congressional Updates:
Casey Collins (Rep. Gianforte’s Office): St. Mary’s irrigation project went out 2 months ago.
Recently got National Suicide Hotline through - a big deal here in MT.
Maddie Alpert (Sen. Tester’s Office): Unable to hear most . . . There has been a low response to the
2020 census. Remind everyone to do that.
Treasurer/Financial Reports: Jillann Knutson presented the updated financials and discussed the current
figures.
No big changes. September is typically the month we complete the audit, but it’s been delayed due to
Covid. Auditor was present last month to do some RLF stuff. Hoping to finish by end of year.
RLF Books: Getting many calls these days. Banks breathing down people’s throats. 6 we are working
pretty hard on. Seeing a decrease in what the banks are willing to do. We haven’t lost any clients due to
Covid. One client moved to a commercial building and had to move it back home, but he’s still in business.
Page 7
Still have funding available – just have to find ones that qualify. 7 of our loan clients were able to receive
some form of special funding from the grant.
Motion Jeff McDowell, Seconded- Melanie Roe, CARRIED.
Executive Committee Report:
• Discussed moving meeting to Civic Center in Bridger.
• Discussed hiring an admin asst.
• Covid updates from Jillann on our clients.
• Gave Steve permission to move forward on some bids.
• Need to look at policies for future decisions/bids – maybe approve through Exec Com rather than
waiting for entire Board (any policy changes will be voted upon).
• General housekeeping
Brownsfields: Steve Simonson reported that EPA attorneys are still hashing out if intermediaries can also be
recipients. Stay tuned and we’ll keep you posted. A number of targeted Brownsfields apps have come in.
Costs for cannery could be $500K – asbestos, lead paint, etc. that needs to be fixed. If we are the
intermediary, we could sell the building down the line & proceeds would go to BRCD. Ryan mentioned
opportunities and risks of owning a building – Joel said to trigger the dollars for remediation, we need to act
as intermediary. Steve said existing owner may not need us as an intermediary, but it’s a possibility. Ideally,
someone will buy and trigger the dollars and make it into a commercial building. We got the Big Sky Trust
Fund but not the USDA Grant. Montana DEQ pledged a grant to help with costs. We have been in talks with
BSTF.
• EDA CARES Act: Will cover in his regular report
• SpaceX Broadband: 4x faster than existing broadband. People in remote areas would have
access to it. Request in to Sibanye-Stillwater Mine to help us. Have discussed with Stillwater &
Carbon county commissioners. More broadband opportunities coming out of this new working
environment. Ryan said it’s an amazing opportunity for MT. Steve mentioned the telemedicine
piece and how important this will be.
Staff Reports – Program/Project updates
Food and Ag Director Report: Joel Bertolino presented
Referred us to page 10. Mentioned things Myrna does.
• Staff Project Update – Covid dollars have given us a little more funding to keep these afloat. Dec.
1st deadline for Growth through Ag. Many good projects.
• Wind farm – had update already
• 406 Bovine LLC – decided to go a different direction & use some of own dollars
• Midland Bull Test – applied & received $10K Ag Adaptability grant. They will be applying for
more funds.
• Stillwater Packing/Emmett’s Meats – worked with on MT Meat Processing Infrastructure Grant.
Working with them to get another app out.
• Pioneer Meats – applied and received over $100K
• Miller’s Custom Processing – received grant for $100K+
• Restoration Beef Project & Controlled Environments Construction – both might take a little
longer to put together. Looking at larger meat processing operations: 500-1000/week type
projects.
Page 8
• Yellowstone Region Ag Sustainability Project RCPP – Nearing completion. Very successful,
even more than we anticipated. Mostly irrigation projects applied and received funding. Pivot
sprinklers, drip irrigation, etc. Very effective.
• Becky’s Berries – applied and received Ag Adaptability grant & Stephanie Ray helped her apply
for a Business Stabilization grant.
RLF Report – Jillann. Bridger School District put out bond for new school gym. Passed by a large margin
and they will be moving forward on this. One of biggest concerns is no handicap accessibility, along with
fire issues and dungeon locker rooms.
Economic Development/ CRDC – Steve Simonson directed us to page 15. Brownsfields app was submitted
on behalf of Joliet and Laurel.
Need for 700 affordable housing projects in Yellowstone County. Huge need in YC.
• Trust fund grants – discussed earlier.
• Working on final phases of economic recovery plan. EDA Cares grant money allowed us to offer
bid to Big Sky EDA to help with recovery efforts and another group to help with tourism and
entertainment sector (SaveYour.Town will be doing that and will be in the area first week of
October). Steve will keep us posted.
• Four Big Horn County commissioners have asked for help in developing housing authority.
Already have a tribal housing authority, so determining if a second housing authority would be
helpful. They have $86K from CDBG and could possibly use that.
• Still working on business assistance throughout the region.
• Jeff McDowell asked what is defined as affordable housing: 1/3 of your gross income should be
able to go toward housing. Housing projects in Yellowstone County are based on income. Sliding
scale based on income.
Regional Roundup: Marvin Carter announced that we will do Roundtable discussion:
1. Dan Lowe (Big Horn Conservation District): Not much to report. Aquatic Station has been very
active.
2. Randy Weimer: (Stillwater Mine) – coming out of Covid a bit. Let all contractors go in March.
Started bringing them back in late July. Put about 4 new buildings up. $600 million investment for
expansion. Employment approximately 1200 people. Metal prices are good. Budgeting for 85
additional people next year. Have an attrition rate of 8-10% and lose about 120 each year.
3. Stephanie Ray (Stillwater Economic Development Office): Continuing to work with commissioners
on capital facilities project. Hope to turn dirt in spring 2021. Put in Brownsfield application for
school. They got a big grant from EDA – will be presenting check on Sept. 29th to repair roads
impacted by flooding.
4. Jeff McDowell (Two Rivers Authority): Has had his eye on project for vacant property near the
detention facility that he feels is perfect for multi-family housing (four-plexes, etc). Housing
situation in Hardin has been an issue for years. 40% of housing is “poor” according to a rating scale
they developed. Many look like miniature junkyards. 1st Interstate Bank is moving along. USDA
center is just about done. Shiptons is moving into old Shopko Hometown building.
5. Yellowstone County Commissioner Don Jones reported, putting in a parking lot. Of 95 charts
reviewed that had no known contact – only 5 were from public events. Most were from parties,
meetings, etc.
Page 9
6. Lorene Hintz (Big Sky EDA): Lorene is filling Dena Johnson’s position. Virtual meeting on the 22nd.
P-Tac is having some training on how to do business in the state. Go to www.montanaptac.org/events
Three different trainings in October. Community development – South side grocery is moving
forward - doing market analysis. Closer to agreement with city council for sewer service into
Lockwood TEDD (Targeted Economic Development District). They have hired an architect.
7. Bill Foisy (Red Lodge) – Liquor is the only sector that stayed stable in April-June. Community
foundation is doing Habitat for Humanity. 9th annual e-recycle is Saturday. High school bond issue
passed 2 to 1 for $10 million. Wayfinding signs are going up in RL. This was done with state tourism
grant (Chamber project). A couple USDA grants still outstanding. Since the Beartooth Rally – no one
is talking to each other; it’s been toxic.
8. Ryan VanBallegooyen (Billings Job Service): Elder Grove opened up a new middle school. Billings
passed a safety levy. Drugs, domestic violence, etc. went up during Covid. Lack of reporting of child
abuse since no mandatory reporters in schools – so we’re glad school is in session. Good construction
in Riverside Park in Laurel. Hopefully be able to camp at some point.
9. Melanie Roe (Sweet Grass County): Had a weekly rodeo and was hugely successful. Had a drive-in
movie at fairgrounds. Farmers Market and Brewfest were good. Lots of out-of-town folks. County is
doing a CIP. Putting in new golden bridge – old one has been torn down. Housing is still a huge
problem with no houses on the market. Someone is considering a 65-unit complex, but they are going
to be small. Heritage Farms is buying a lot of things. Losing all family-type restaurants. Lost Frosty
Freeze and Crazy Jane’s. Civic Center is getting a new floor.
10. Bob VanOosten (Stillwater Conservation District): completed project on Stillwater Headgate for farm
ditch. Headgates all up and down Stillwater need help and tough to get funding. They have another
one coming up. $100K+ is cost for typical headgate projects. Must have feasibility study done first.
11. Carbon County Commissioner Scott Blain- Carbon County school levies passed. Jail was on ballot
for August but postponed. Sometime next spring – wait for next commissioner to put back on ballot.
13-acre project near Joliet. Huge population of Amish moving in and have started new businesses and
storage sheds, furniture, deli. Over 100 have moved in and more to come. Planning to build a school
and church. More buggy traffic on Hwy 212. Red Lodge Area community foundation received some
funds from MT DOT for a county-wide transportation project to make the loop around for business
needs. Businesses are struggling to keep employees. Real estate is booming. MANY people moving
here. More put on the market in last 6 months than in last 6 years.
a. Ryan mentioned that the influx of people gives some good opportunities.
Next Meeting: November 19th, 2020 - Big Timber, MT (Stillwater Lodge)
Meeting adjourned at 2:20 pm.
APPROVED:
_____________________________________________________________ ________________________
Date
Page 10
Beartooth Books- Reporting Ending August 2020
Budgeted Actual
%
of budgeted
Income
AG-FOOD AND AG CENTER 85,007 62,311 73%
AG-MCDC 1,000 0 0%
BOARD - EDA SPONSOR DUES 51,072 42,768 84%
BOARD-INTEREST INCOME 400 204 51%
BOARD-FOUNDATION MONEY 3,700 3,390 92%
RLF-STAFF REIMBURSE 18,000 0 0%
RLF-ORIG FEES 5,000 0 0%
CRDC 71,907 46,795 65%
FUELS-TOTAL - 0 #DIV/0!
EDA - GRANT 70,000 35,000 50%
NOT BUDGED INCOME - 1,875 0%
TOTAL INCOME 306,086 192,342 63%
Expense
TOTAL STAFF EXPENSE 233,104 138,142 59%
COMMUNICATIONS 6,000 4,288 71%
EQUIPMENT & VEHICLE 8,520 5,181 61%
CONTRACTUAL 20,000 2,355 12%
SUPPLIES 12,900 12,817 99%
TRAVEL 11,080 3,705 33%
OTHER 10,420 14,752 142%
RESERVE -
EXPENSE TOTAL 302,024 181,240 60%
Account Balances
Bank of Joliet-Building Account $4,470.74
Bank of Joliet- Savings Account $75,235.84
Bank of Joliet- Checking Account $98,361.83
Page 11
Revolving Loan Fund Books- August 2020
Loan Client Review
County # of loans $ Loaned out
Big Horn 2 $174,703
Stillwater 3 $437,353
Yellowstone 8 $400,195
Carbon 4 $144,281
Sweet Grass 2 $182,686
• I have 5 potential loans in various stages to get to committee. July-August-September I worked with
23 potential loan clients. Many of the clients I am seeing right now are large deals that are having
trouble getting their primary funding set.
• We are still expecting to receive the money from Big Horn County, but that process has been stalled
due to Covid.
• Overall, most of my clients have weathered the Covid storm so far! At this point, we have not lost
any loans. One client has moved business back to home to decrease on expenses, but still in business.
• One Stillwater Co. loan was paid in full!!
Bank Balances as of August 31, 2020 Total available for lending
Bank of Joliet- EDA $25,131 25,131
Bank of Joliet-CDBG $182,841 182,841
Bank of Joliet- IRP $383,805 264,315
Bank of Joliet-Fromberg $29,756 29,756
$502,043
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2020 Beartooth Resource Conservation and Development Budget
Income
ITEM Income
AG-FOOD AND AG CENTER 85,007
AG-MCDC 1,000
BOARD - EDA SPONSOR DUES 51,072
BOARD-INTEREST INCOME 400
BOARD-FOUNDATION MONEY 3,700
RLF-STAFF REIMBURSE 18,000
RLF-ORIG FEES 5,000
CRDC 71,907
FUELS AND CGWG -
EDA - GRANT 70,000
TOTAL INCOME 306,086
Expense
TOTAL STAFF EXPENSE 233,104
COMMUNICATIONS 6,000
EQUIPMENT & VEHICLE 8,520
CONTRACTUAL 20,000
SUPPLIES 12,900
TRAVEL 11,080
OTHER 10,420
RESERVE
EXPENSE TOTAL 302,024
4,062
PROJECTED NET INCOME 12/31/2020
Page 13
Beartooth Books- Reporting Ending September 2020
Budgeted Actual
%
of budgeted
Income
AG-FOOD AND AG CENTER 85,007 62,311 73%
AG-MCDC 1,000 0 0%
BOARD - EDA SPONSOR DUES 51,072 42,768 84%
BOARD-INTEREST INCOME 400 204 51%
BOARD-FOUNDATION MONEY 3,700 3,390 92%
RLF-STAFF REIMBURSE 18,000 0 0%
RLF-ORIG FEES 5,000 0 0%
CRDC 71,907 46,795 65%
FUELS-TOTAL - 0 #DIV/0!
EDA - GRANT 70,000 35,000 50%
NOT BUDGED INCOME - 6,900 0%
TOTAL INCOME 306,086 197,367 64%
Expense
TOTAL STAFF EXPENSE 233,104 156,201 67%
COMMUNICATIONS 6,000 4,375 73%
EQUIPMENT & VEHICLE 8,520 6,299 74%
CONTRACTUAL 20,000 9,325 47%
SUPPLIES 12,900 14,665 114%
TRAVEL 11,080 3,793 34%
OTHER 10,420 14,752 142%
RESERVE -12,043 #DIV/0!
EXPENSE TOTAL 302,024 197,367 65%
Account Balances
Bank of Joliet-Building Account $4,471.87
Bank of Joliet- Savings Account $75,300.66
Bank of Joliet- Checking Account $74,820.63
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Revolving Loan Fund Books- October 2020
Loan Client Review
County # of loans $ Loaned out
Big Horn 2 $173,049
Stillwater 3 $436,746
Yellowstone 8 $396,603
Carbon 3 $142,100
Sweet Grass 2 $180,935
• A $200K loan has been approved for Yellowstone County. This will not be funded until spring.
• Our loan clients (so far) are weathering the COVID storm.
• I have 3 applications in various forms that will hopefully head to the RLF meeting.
Bank Balances as of October 31, 2020 Total available for lending
Bank of Joliet- EDA $29,783 29,783
Bank of Joliet-CDBG $189,481 189,481
Bank of Joliet- IRP $388,787 152,413
Bank of Joliet-Fromberg $29,783 29,783
$401,460
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**DRAFT****2021 Beartooth Resource Conservation and Development Budget
Income
ITEM Income
AG-FOOD AND AG CENTER 85,007
AG-MCDC 1,000
BOARD - EDA SPONSOR DUES 55,907
BOARD-INTEREST INCOME 400
BOARD-FOUNDATION MONEY 3,700
RLF-STAFF REIMBURSE 18,000
RLF-ORIG FEES 5,000
CRDC 71,907
FUELS AND CGWG -
MISC GRANT ADMIN $ 10,750
EDA - GRANT 70,000
TOTAL INCOME 321,671
Expense
TOTAL STAFF EXPENSE 256,044
COMMUNICATIONS 6,000
EQUIPMENT & VEHICLE 8,520
CONTRACTUAL 21,220
SUPPLIES 9,800
TRAVEL 10,140
OTHER 8,430
RESERVE
EXPENSE TOTAL 320,154
1,517
PROJECTED NET INCOME 12/31/2021
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FOOD AND AG CENTER MANAGER PROJECTS
Beartooth FADC
Beartooth FADC Staff has been working to assist businesses with administering and completing Emergency
Ag Adaptability grant and MT Meat Processing Infrastructure grant projects. Beartooth FADC has also been
in contact with the Montana Ag Marketing staff on FADC conference calls discu ssing their activities through
the Made in Montana and efforts by the Montana Ag Exention offices. The deadline currently to spend the
money received for the Montana Meat Processing Infrastructure Grants is December 30 th.
On Going Projects
Montana Meat Processing Infrastructure Grants
Millers Custom Processing- Roberts, MT
Stillwater Packing- Columbus, MT
Pioneer Meats- Big Timber, MT
Growth Through Ag
Beartooth FADC has responded to five inquiries about the upcoming Growth Through Ag deadline, the
registration information and applications guidelines have been provided and we are working with
applicants to navigate the application process. They are expecting a large volume of applicants so there will
most likely be a prescreening process.
Yellowstone Valley Food Hub-Billings
Black Brew Coffee/ Meat Processing Business- Columbus and Joliet
Hardin Apiary-Hardin, MT
Vineyard- Laurel, MT
Buds Catering and Meat Processing- Hardin
Millers Beef- Absarokee, MT
Green House- Roberts, MT
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Toews Grain Corn- Hardin, MT
Yellowstone Valley Farms- Laurel, MT
Millers Custom Meats – Roberts, MT
Distillery – Columbus, MT
Micro Brewery- Columbus, MT
Carbon County Pryor Mountain Wind Farm
Location- Warren, MT
Contact- Pacificorp
The wind development South of Bridger, MT began construction on schedule in March and are working
towards having the construction completed by the Spring 2021 time frame. Beartooth Staff observed the
progress in constructing the wind towers November 3rd and it appeared there were over 100 towers erected.
Midland Bull Test
Location-Columbus, MT
Contact- Melissa Kramer
Midland Bull Test has been an client of Beartooth FADC over the years as their business of testing and
marketing beef seedstock is one of the best in the nation at providing excellent data on registered bulls from
all over the nation covering multiple breeds and test carcass data and weight statistics feed consumption and
efficiency statistics. Beartooth FADC was able to assist their business with a successful Ag Adaptability
Grant for $10,000.00 in increased marketing to make the business more resilient in this new business
environment, they have since been approved for Business Stabilization funds and invited to apply again for
additional funds.
Page 18
Stillwater Packing Co/ Emmett’s Meats
Location- Columbus, MT
Contact- Jason Emmett
Stillwater Packing has been working through an increase in business due to the COVID 19 having shut down
some large national meat plants shifting some buyer interest to smaller plants like theirs. Beartooth FADC
staff assisted them with a proposal for funding to expand their business through the Montana Meat
Processing Infrastructure grans initially it was not funded, however the Dept of Ag requested more money to
fund additional projects and they ended up being funded in September.
Pioneer Meats
Location- Big Timber, MT
Contact- Brian Engle
Pioneer Meats received a Montana Meat Processors Infrastructure grant of over $100,000.00 which will
allow them to expand their meat processing business, they have purchased another meat processing business
in Big Timber that will allow them to process wild meat at one location while expanding their beef, pork,
bison and lamb processing at their main facility.
Millers Custom Processing
Location- Roberts, MT
Contact- Tom Miller
Tom Miller became a custom exempt meat processor approximately three years ago and has experienced an
increase in demand every year and a dramatic increase in demand lately for processing Beef and Pork. We
assisted him with a GTA grant two years ago that was not funded, since then he invested $30.000.00 to
expanding his cooler and freezers and is now looking to build even more cooler space and processing space
as well as upgraded equipment which would allow him to more than triple the number of animals he can
Page 19
process in a week. Beartooth FADC staff has assisted him with the development of a Montana Meat
Processing Infrastructure Grant for business expansion that would help him upgrade and potentially apply for
full state inspection. Their application has been approved for $104,000.00 in expanded cooler and
processing space as well as new larger more efficient equipment that will allow them to increase the number
of beef processed in a week four fold as well as increasing their pork processing. This expansion is on pace
to be completed by December 30th, the construction is in the final phase and the equipment has all been
ordered.
Restoration Beef Project
Contact- Jess Peterson
Restoration beef has developed a feasibility study around building a high quality beef plant that processes
between 300-500 per day, they are in the process of developing interest and funding but are interested in the
Yellowstone Valley area.
Controlled Environments Construction
Contact- Gary Guesman
Gary Guesman is working with Big Sky EDA the Department of Ag and Beartooth FADC on their potential
300-500 head a day meat processing project they are interested in developing in the Yellowstone County
area. Beartooth FADC staff met August 21st to discuss the project and initial steps and potential barriers to
the project with Allison Corbin, Ty Thompson, Joe Goggins, Weston Merrill from Montana Department of
Ag as well as Gary Guesman. We will continue to meet with the group and be available to assist in the
project as needed.
Yellowstone Region Ag Sustainability Project- RCPP
Location- Huntley,
Contact- Dave Dougherty
The group had their last meeting September 10th virtually to discuss reporting, there was disc ussion about
the potential for field tours next summer and potential future funding opportunities. The final reporting for
this project is being completed by MillerCoors and we will provide that information as it becomes available.
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Becky’s Berries- Absarokee, MT
Location-Absarokee
Becky Stahl has been a client of Beartooth for several years and we last assisted her with development of an
expansion plan for her Jams, Jellies and Barbeque sauce business. She has completed construction of the
facility. Beartooth FADC staff assisted in developing a successful Ag Adaptability Grant for $9,000.00 for
the addition of a makeup air system and a commercial food processor for her new facility. Funding was also
requested for the development of labels for a new line of products and improvements to her on line ordering
presence. Stephanie Ray of Stillwater County Economic Development assisted Becky in applying for a
Business Stabilization grant as well. Becky has already had her marketing consultand develop the new
labels and review her website for updates and ordered and installed her new commercial food processor.
Becky’s Berries Website http://www.beckysberries.com/
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Beartooth Economic Development Director Report November 19, 2020
The new CARES ACT grant funding Beartooth RCD received this July is well underway. Following the
Beartooth RCD procurement policy, the “best” bid for the economic recovery regional recovery efforts was
submitted by Big Sky EDA. Contracts are executed and the first payment has been made. A draft of the
Yellowstone County Economic Recovery plan is attached.
The “best” bid for the targeted industry study was submitted by Save Your Town. The cont ract is in place
and first payment has been made. Deb Brown from the company and I recently completed an eight day
tour of the region which included meetings with civic, community, business and local elected officials.
Meetings were held in Lodge Grass, Crow Agency, Hardin, Billings, Laurel, Red Lodge, Joliet, Columbus,
Fishtail, Big Timber and Absarokee.
The third and final scope of work in the CARES ACT funding is an affordable housing study. Cushing Terrell
was determined to be the best bid to complete the project. Also I am very pleased with the assistance
Myrna Lastusky is providing me with the CARES ACT grant and the other grants and activities that I
administer. Hiring her as administrator has made for much more efficient and effective use of my time.
The Montana Economic Developers Association (MEDA) held their fall conference last month and discussed
several of the economic programs we use to grow the State’s economy. Expanding broadband speed and
service is a common area of concern as more of us are working and attending classes remotely. Remote
workers and families are choosing to relocate to Montana for remote work as well. MEDA also presented its
Next Gen Toolkit and discussed the need to strengthen our partnership with the Department of Labor
regarding the apprentice program.
To that end, the Starlink low altitude high speed internet project has been rolled out in across the region,
without needing fiber lines laid to each home or business. This may be a solution to assist rural areas and
serve islands that exist in urban areas with better access to broadband.
Three projects were funded by the Montana Board of Housing through the Low Income Tax Credit program
that we supported. The Laurel Depot, Jackson Court (Billings south side), and Crow Agency received over
$20M in funds to support affordable housing in the region.
Action Requested: Business assistance services continue and a possible reuse of the historic Absarokee
sandstone school is underway. A Big Sky Trust Fund (BSTF) grant will need your approval in order to be
submitted in mid-December. Also an EDA planning grant and a BSTF grant to bring critical infrastructure to
the new west Laurel will need your approval. I’d like to ask also for approval to submit a SPRINT grant to
EDA for assisting and expanding the regional data centers to build resiliency into our economy.
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Frequently Used Acronyms
BEAR – Business Expansion and Retention
BIA – Bureau of Indian Affairs
BLM – Bureau of Land Management
BRCD – Beartooth RC&D
BSEDA – Big Sky Economic Development Association
BSTF – Big Sky Trust Fund
CDBG – Community Development Block Grant
CRDC – Certified Regional Development Corporation
CEDS – Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
CTEP – Community Transportation Endowment Program
EDA – Economic Development Administration
EDD – Economic Development District
ESRI – Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.
GIS – Geographic Information Systems
GPS – Global Positioning System
HOME – Montana Home Investment Partnerships Program
HUD – US Department of Housing and Urban Development
IRP – Intermediary Relending Program
LESA – Land Evaluation Site Assessment
MBI – Montana Board of Investments
MDOC – Montana Department of Commerce
MDOL – Montana Dept. of Labor
MDOT – Montana Dept. of Transportation
MDFWP – Montana Dept. of Fish, Wildlife and Parks
MEDA – Montana Economic Developers Association
NADO – National Association of Development Organizations
NCOC – National Carbon Offset Coalition
NHS – Neighborhood Housing Services
NRCS – Natural Resource Conservation Service
RBEG – Rural Business Enterprise Grant
RBOG – Rural Business Opportunity Grant
RC&D – Resource Conservation & Development Area, Inc.
RCDI – Rural Community Development Initiative
RD – Rural Development (a division of USDA)
RCPP- Regional Conservation Partnership Program
RLF – Revolving Loan Fund
RTA – Resource Team Assessment
SBA – Small Business Administration
SBDC – Small business Development Center
TIFD – Tax Increment Finance District
TSEP - Treasure State Endowment Program
USDA – United States Department of Agriculture
USFS – United States Forest Service