Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen headlined the Montana Chamber of Commerce’s “Big Sky, Bright Future Economic Summit,” where she engaged in a fireside chat with Chamber CEO Todd O’Hair on topics of work culture and leadership.
“I take great pride in the daily efforts of the Secretary of State’s Office. Our team is dedicated to serving Montanans with a servant’s heart,” remarked Secretary Jacobsen. “We’ve earned recognition for having some of the nation’s highest employee engagement rates, driven by our deep commitment to assisting businesses and voters in our remarkable state.”
Secretary Jacobsen underscored her initiatives to slash fees for Montana businesses, which contributed to a surge in new business registrations each year of her initial term. In 2023 alone, nearly 60,000 new businesses were established in Montana.
Earlier this year, Secretary Jacobsen waived fees for all Montana businesses filing their annual reports by April 15, saving 217,000 businesses a total of $4.3 million. She recently proposed extending this fee waiver into 2025, estimating additional savings of nearly $5.5 million for Montana businesses.
“We’ve prioritized reducing bureaucratic hurdles and enhancing opportunities for Montana businesses to prosper,” Secretary Jacobsen emphasized. “Being the first point of contact for new businesses during their registration is an honor, and we’re committed to facilitating their success by simplifying business operations in Montana.”
The Big Sky, Bright Future Economic Summit spotlighted record business growth and investments in Montana’s business landscape. Governor Greg Gianforte and various state business leaders also addressed attendees.
“Thanks to the Montana Chamber of Commerce for hosting another exceptional event focused on Montana’s business strengths and the ongoing enhancements that bolster these strengths,” Secretary Jacobsen expressed. “I extend my gratitude to the more than 300,000 businesses contributing to Montana’s economic vitality.”
