Program

8:00 am – 8:10 am
Introduction

8:10 am – 8:25 am
Sales Tax in Montana: Is It Time?
Jeff Michael, Director of Research, Bureau of Business and Economic Research, University of Montana

8:25 am – 9:00 am
U.S. and Montana Outlook
Jeff Michael, Director, Bureau of Business and Economic Research, University of Montana

9:00 am – 9:20 am
Housing and Construction Outlook
Derek Sheehan, Economist, Bureau of Business and Economic Research

9:20 – 9:30 am
Q&A Panel

9:30 am – 9:40 am
Break

9:40 – 10:00 am
Tourism and Recreation
Melissa Weddell, Director, Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research

10:00 0 10:20 am
Agriculture Outlook
Joel Schumacher, Extension Specialist, Montana State University

10:20 – 10:40
Manufacturing and Wood Products
Samuel Scott, Forest Economist, Bureau of Business and Economic Research, University of Montana

10:40 – 10:50
Q&A Panel

10:50 – 11:00
Break

11:00 – 11:15
Local Outlook
Jeff Michael, Bureau of Business and Economic Research, University of Montana

11:15 – 11:30
Local Economic Expert

11:30 – 11:45
An Update on Our Energy Investment
Brian Bird, CEO, NorthWestern Energy

11:45 – 12:00
Break and Lunch

12:10 – 12:50
Historical Perspective on the Sales Tax Question
Bob Story, Montana Taxpayers Association

12:50 – 1:00
Conclusion

1:00 pm
Adjourn