Nationally, only one in 38 communities attempting to attract businesses is successful. But if we are to obtain better-paying jobs for Montanans, it is a strategy we'll have to master. Luckily there is a new Western Regional Development Center-sponsored project that may improve the odds. Currently Extension faculty from New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, Nevada and Montana are involved. We hope to begin testing the program in the fall of 1999.
Resources Developing and testing such projects is one challenge.
Distributing the programs to places that need them throughout Montana is another. A state community development program leader supported by contracted services from a business marketing specialist and a regional economist.