Montana Chamber of Commerce - PRESS RELEASES

Montana Chamber Endorses LR-119 on Primary Ballot

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:22:25 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE as of February 3, 2012 7:22 am

Contact: Jon Bennion at 406-442-2405 ext: 104 or jon@montanachamber.com

Contact: Jon Bennion
406-442-2405, ext. 104
Montana Chamber Endorses LR-119 on Primary Ballot
Referendum Will Change How Supreme Court Justices Are Elected

The Montana Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has endorsed Legislative Referendum 119 (LR-119). This referendum, which will be on the Primary Election ballot, will change elections for Montana Supreme Court justices from statewide elections to elections by district.

The Board made the decision following presentations from individuals who support and oppose the referendum. After hearing both sides, and discussing the arguments, LR-119 received the Board's endorsement.

"LR-119 will change the way we elect members of our highest state court. We believe those changes will create more competition in Supreme Court elections, more recognition among the electorate of these judicial contests, and membership on the Court that brings together jurists from all around the state," said Webb Brown, President/CEO of the Montana Chamber.

More than half of the judicial elections over the past few decades have been uncontested. In addition, only one sitting justice was voted out when challenged during that time period, which means judicial incumbents have a better chance of winning compared to incumbents in elections for other statewide offices.

"Even in the limited circumstances when there is a choice between two candidates, polls often show high undecided levels among voters when asked about Supreme Court races," explained Brown. "They don't have a lot of information about the candidates. Localizing the races to districts will encourage candidates to run from their area and allow voters to make more informed choices about these important positions."

LR-119 is scheduled to be on the 2012 primary election ballot. The Montana Chamber Board of Directors will have interviews and presentations on all of the other statewide races, initiatives and referenda at its June board meeting, prior to the General Election.

The Montana Chamber of Commerce, through its Montana Justice Coalition, addresses issues in the state's legal system. This includes monitoring judicial branch activity, intervening in important cases, evaluating judicial decisions at the Montana Supreme Court and Workers' Compensation Court levels, advocating for appropriate legal reform, and interviewing and endorsing candidates and nominees for Montana's highest court.

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Business Days a Big Hit

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:54:38 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE as of January 24, 2012 2:54 pm

Contact: Webb Brown or webb@montanachamber.com

BUSINESS DAYS A BIG HIT

Although the weather didn't cooperate (do we detect a trend with Business Days and bad weather?), Business Days at the Capitol 2012 (BD@C'12) is now one for the history books. From the Opening "State of Business" address to the Concluding "Power of Broadband" talk, there was something for everyone.

Lyle Knight proved once again why he is one of Montana's top business leaders, and was given an "over-sized" reminder of that he can display in his retirement!

Thanks to the entire Congressional delegation for stopping in to offer their perspective. Ditto, Lt. Gov. John Bohlinger for an update from the Administration. The Eggs & Issues Breakfast, featuring leadership of the Economic Affairs Interim Committee was right on the mark, discussing job growth for the future. Our afternoon and morning presentations, while sometimes depleted due to the weather, still enjoyed attentive audiences and important information.

Besides that, there was plenty of networking and other activities. Plans are already underway for BD@C'13 to be held at the start of the 2013 Legislative Session, January 3-4. After the success of BD@C'12 and recognition that we sold out the banquet at BD@C'11, we already have sponsors reserving for next time!

Knight to Keynote Business Days

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:52:14 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE as of December 11, 2011 12:00 am

Contact: Webb Brown or webb@montanachamber.com

Knight to Keynote Business Days

Lyle Knight, President/CEO of First Interstate BancSystem, based in Billings, will keynote the Lawmaker Appreciation Banquet of the State Chamber’s 2012 Business Days at the Capitol. Knight will speak Thursday night, January 19, 2012 at the Best Western Premier Helena Great Northern Hotel.

Business Days at the Capitol is the largest annual event of the Montana Chamber of Commerce, occurring even when there is no legislative session. Business Days features two days of programs about business issues, along with the traditional “State of Business” address by the Montana Chamber Board Chair, the Banquet, the Eggs & Issues breakfast, and concluding luncheon, this coming year, January 19-20.

Knight is retiring in 2012, following over 40 years in the banking industry. He and his wife Toril have lived in Montana since 1998, when he was selected to run the First Interstate BancSystem. During that time, Knight also served on the Board of Directors of the Montana Chamber of Commerce, and as Chair of the organization from 2003-2004. He also served on the Board of the Montana Chamber Foundation and as Chair, 2005-2007.

“We are delighted to have Lyle provide our keynote address this coming Business Days,” said Webb Brown, President/CEO of the Montana Chamber of Commerce. “He has given a lot to this organization and Montana and we look forward to his remarks.”

Sponsors for Business Days at the Capitol currently include BlueCross BlueShield of Montana, Liberty Northwest, Montana State Fund, Mountain West Benefits, MWI Benefits Group, and NorthWestern Energy. More information can be found at http://Events.MontanaChamber.com.

Big Work Comp Savings for Montana Employers

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 22:49:30 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE as of January 27, 2011 4:30 pm

Contact: Webb Brown at 406-431-9508 or webb@montanachamber.com

Montana Safety Choices Participants See Nearly 28% Retro Rating Adjustment

Customers of Montana Safety Choices (MSC), the association work comp insurance and safety program of the Montana Chamber of Commerce, will soon receive checks of nearly 28% of their work comp premiums. At a time when the cost of work comp is being talked about, including the Governor’s State of the State address, this relief will be welcomed in the business community.

It’s no secret that Montana has been struggling with a staggering number of workplace injuries. In addition to having the highest average workers’ compensation rates in the nation, a recent report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics ranked Montana nationally as having the highest fatality rate in the workplace per 100,000 workers. The Montana Chamber of Commerce joined with Liberty Northwest in 2009 to offer the Montana Safety Choices group workers’ compensation program.

Today, Liberty Northwest announced an overall retro rating adjustment of nearly 28 percent in premium adjustments and premium surcharge savings totaling nearly $280,000. This savings will be distributed to the 100 MSC member companies participating in the July 1, 2009 to July 1, 2010 policy year. During that year, the MSC program recorded a loss ratio of just 7.5 percent, the lowest loss ratio yet for a Liberty Northwest workers’ compensation group safety program in its first year.

Created to support businesses with a commitment to safety and the well-being of their employees, the MSC program helps businesses manage workplace risks. That in turn helps control costs, reduce losses, and in a favorable performance year, earn premium back through a retrospective rating return. Participating employers work with Liberty Northwest personnel throughout the year to establish and maintain comprehensive loss prevention plans and safety training for management and employees. These employers may also qualify for a five percent premium credit for maintaining an approved drug-free workplace program during a policy period.

“Teaming-up with the Chamber to offer this group program to Montana employers is a great fit, as we share the same goals and objectives,” said Julie Burnett, president and chief executive officer, Liberty Northwest. “We can’t ignore increases in workplace injuries and fatalities as we’ve seen in Montana. With the positive results we’re seeing from Montana Safety Choices program, we’re definitely taking steps in the right direction and welcome more Chamber members.”

“Liberty Northwest has demonstrated its commitment to our great state by partnering with us to help improve workplace conditions for Montanans,” said Webb Brown, President/CEO of the Montana Chamber of Commerce. “Happy as we are with the retro return, we’re prouder of the excellent safety success this first year.”

Montana employers can learn more about the Montana Safety Choices group workers’ compensation program by speaking with their local independent insurance agent or by contacting Ms. Denise Moore, Liberty Northwest’s Association Programs Director at 800-275-5600, ext. 789-7328 or denise.moore atlibertynorthwest.com. There is also more information on the program website at Montana Safety Choices.