Whopper of the Day - July 18th:

the truth about Montana's business climate

In his first State of the State address, Brian Schweitzer proclaimed that Montana was “open for business.” However, independent studies and statements from business developers point to a friendlier business climate in neighboring states, leaving Montanans at a disadvantage when it comes to bringing in new business.

Schweitzer proclaiming Montana is, “Open for business.”

“’A better Montana begins with the best business climate a state can have because a better business climate means more good-paying jobs,’ Schweitzer said. ‘It is time to say that Montana is open for business. This means keeping taxes low, growing existing businesses and marketing Montana to the world.’”

(“Gov: No new taxes,” Charles Johnson, Helena Independent Record,
1-20-05)

http://www.helenair.com/articles/2005/01/20/top/a01012005_01.txt

Developers point to an unfriendly business climate as a reason to choose neighboring states for new projects

“’If all the factors were the same, though, we would have still chosen North Dakota,’ Pascoe said. ‘The reason for this is that business and regulations are more hospitable in North Dakota…’”

(“Problems with permitting,” Sidney Herald, 6-4-2008)

http://www.sidneyherald.com/articles/2008/06/04/news/news01.txt

Independent reviews give Montana low ranks on welcoming business, especially when it comes to our regulatory environment.

CNBC’s America’s Top States for Business ranks Montana 44th in Business Friendliness, the category examining a state’s legal and regulatory framework.

(Available at: http://www.cnbc.com/id/25501924)

Forbes 2007 Best States For Business ranked Montana 42nd overall (down from 38 the prior year), and ranked Montana 47th for our regulatory environment.

(Available at: http://www.forbes.com/2007/07/10/washington-virginia-utah-biz-cz_kb_0711bizstates-table.html)

Brian Schweitzer … You Just Can’t Trust Him