News Release
Governor Releases Roadmap for A New Economy
1/23/2003
Dave Gibson
406-444-5634
dagibson@state.mt.us
For Immediate Release
(Helena)-Building on Montana's current strengths is the best tool for focused economic growth, according to Governor Martz, who today released the administration's "Roadmap for A New Economy". The "Roadmap" provides an operating plan for the state to bring new, better-paying jobs to Montana.
"Those of us who have the opportunity to call this beautiful state home know firsthand the challenges and opportunities that businesses face on a daily basis," said Governor Martz. "We cannot take our economy for granted. A vibrant economy, made up of strong businesses, lends itself to healthy communities and a high quality of life."
The roadmap addresses administration initiatives in the following areas:
* Identifying regional strengths, and focusing Montana's resources on growing complementary businesses in those areas.
* Strengthening the knowledge, skills and abilities of Montana's workforce, and recruiting businesses to the state that match those abilities.
* Increasing collaboration between private industry, higher education, state government and economic development groups to bring more technology to the companies who create jobs.
* Ensuring that the structure of Montana's state and local government economic development groups supports measurable, long-term wage growth across all industries.
* Creating and maintaining a competitive business environment where companies that utilize Montana workers and technology can prosper.
* Developing and expanding a comprehensive strategy to attract businesses that complement Montana's workforce and business strengths.
The "Roadmap" provides benchmarks for each area, outlining progress to date, and goals for the next year, five years and ten years to ensure that initiatives are moving in a direction that will truly benefit the state's economy for the long term.
"Montana's economic future is important to us all," said Chief Business Officer Dave Gibson. "To affect long-term improvements in our economy, we simply must make fundamental changes in the way we attract and retain the businesses that create jobs in our state. This roadmap brings us one step closer to achieving that goal."
Copies of "Roadmap for A New Economy" are provided through the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity by calling 406-444-5634. The Roadmap is also available on the web at www.discoveringmontana.com.
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