Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity Hires New Business Recruitment Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 26, 2001
Contact: Mary Schwarz
406-444-5523

Helena, MT - Governor Judy Martz and Chief Business Officer Dave Gibson today announced that Quinn Ness will join the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity as the Business Recruitment Officer. Ness begins work with the office this week.

"The Office of Economic Opportunity will play a critical role in Montana's economic growth. Business recruitment and retention are key components of that office's efforts," said Governor Judy Martz. "Our goal is to bring the functions that lead to business start-up and expansion under one roof for easier access by the state's business community."

Ness joins the state from the Montana Department of Commerce, where he has served most recently as the Business Recruitment Officer for that department.

"We are excited to have Quinn joining us from the Department of Commerce," said Chief Business Officer Dave Gibson. "He has already played an important role in the Business Montana web site, and other associated business recruitment functions. His work to date to grow businesses in Montana will be vital as we move forward to improve the state's economy."

Ness is a native Montanan from Billings. He graduated from Bozeman High School in 1986, and graduated from Montana State University Bozeman with a degree in business finance in 1993. Since his graduation, Ness has worked in various capacities with state government and private industry, including Wells Fargo in Missoula (credit manager, 1993-1994), the Montana Department of Transportation (economist, 1994-2000), and the Montana Department of Commerce (business recruitment officer, 2000-2001). Ness' salary will be $55,000.

In addition to the state's Chief Business Officer, Dave Gibson, Ness joins Workforce Development Specialist Desiree Taggart, Energy Specialist Mark Lindberg and Office Manager Lynette Brown in the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity.

"We have in place a team that will provide the best possible services to the State of Montana, its communities and its businesses." said Gibson.

The Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity was funded in the 2001 Legislative Session to carry out key functions to improve and enhance the state's economy.

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