From its exploding job growth to massive infrastructure investments, there’s a lot you can say about Butte, Montana. If you don’t know about the thriving city in western Montana, here are five of our favorite videos about Butte’s booming workforce, infrastructure, and community.
Butte Site Control and Infrastructure
To learn more about infrastructure, we sat down with Kristen Rosa, the Economic Development Coordinator for Butte-Silver Bow local city and county government. During her 13 years in this position, Rosa has largely focused on tax increment financing districts.
In the last few years, Butte has invested over $50M in its infrastructure, with another $10M pending for additional projects. The city has also invested another $5.5M in its railroad system. The industrial park’s growing transportation and infrastructure investments have quickly become a major selling point. Located at the intersection of I-90 and I-15, the Port of Montana is the only place in Montana that contains two intersecting interstates.
The economic investments are clearly paying off. In the last 12 months, Butte has seen one manufacturing company hire over 100 employees. Another Butte company, a local call center, has hired almost 200 additional workers in the last year. With a turnover rate of less than 5%, it seems that Butte’s workforce is a force to be reckoned with.
Butte Montana Workforce and Education
We met with Sarah Raymond, Director of Career Services at Montana Tech, to learn more about the college’s opportunities. Similar to Rosa, Raymond has worked in her position for 13 years.
Montana Tech offers a variety of options, including 2-year, 4-year, graduate, and Ph.D. programs. Thanks to people like Sarah Raymond, the career services at Montana Tech are something to brag about.
Unlike most colleges, Montana Tech stays in close contact with its students even after they have completed their education. The college offers career help to all of its graduates, including alumni. If an alumnus is considering moving back to Butte, the career services department at Montana Tech is more than happy to find a placement.
Butte’s Welcoming Community
Karen Byrnes, Community Development Director for Butte-Silver Bow, is perhaps one of Butte’s biggest cheerleaders. As a Butte native, it’s hard to not be a little biased.
With over 25 years working in the local government, Byrnes knows Butte as an engaging city excited for expansion. Time and time again, the residents of Butte have proven their pride and celebration for their hometown. According to Byrnes, Butte franchise openings consistently blow expectations out of the water. When Pita Pit decided to open a new branch in Butte, it quickly became the largest Pita Pit opening in the United States. The people of Butte never fail to show their support for small and existing businesses. The residents truly want to see all Butte businesses succeed.
Montana Craft Malt: A Facility Tour
If it hasn’t been made clear yet, we love sharing different Butte success stories. What better way to learn about one of MCBDP’s thriving businesses than a tour of Montana Craft Malt?
Located at the intersection of I-90 and I-15 at Montana Connections Business Development Park, Montana Craft Malt produces over 10,000 tons of malt annually. The facility spans over 50,000 square feet, and sits on top of nine acres. Though it’s located here in Butte, it’s strategic location and railways allow Montana Craft Malt to provide premium quality grains to brewers and distillers all over the northwest.
Industries in Butte, Montana
The MCBDP has brought a variety of businesses to Montana spanning different industries. While Butte was known for its mining, it is now home to many distributions, manufacturing, and even tech businesses. Joe Willauer, executive director of the Butte local development corporation, explains the benefits of bringing a business to Montana Connections Business Development Park.
The MCBDP’s prime location and access to two class 1 railroad systems make it an attractive hub for manufacturing and distribution businesses. Butte also boasts its low cost of living that improves the quality of life for residents and employees. From mountain biking to cross country skiing on your lunch break, there’s no shortage of outdoor recreation to enjoy during your downtime.
With ROI-boosting tax incentives, a low cost of living, and unlimited access to stunning nature, it’s no wonder why more and more businesses are popping up in Butte, Montana.
