Bureau of Business and Economic Research, Montana Business Quarterly Issue

Volume 50, Number 1, Spring

A Q&A with Bureau economists and industry experts discusses the latest economic trends and forecasts, as well as the outlook for Montana's important industry sectors.

The Montana economy remains stuck in the starting gate - actually slowing down from the 1.5 percent growth rate of 2010 to register a disappointing 0.7 percent growth.

The Great Recession was relatively mild for the Butte-area economy.

The Cascade County economy has largely escaped the effects of the Great Recession due to its dependence on noncyclical Malmstrom Airforce Base (AFB) and the health care industry.

Fergus County did not entirely miss the Great Recession, but fortuitous growth in several basic industries helped to cushion the blow

Probably most would now agree that the peak employment experienced in Flathead County during 2007 was the result of too much boon in the boon phase of economic expansion.

The Great Recession hit the Gallatin County economy hard, but none of the basic industries were permanently scarred.

The Hill County economy declined only for one year (2009) during the Great Recession. But the 2008 and 2011 increases were close to zero.

The recession impacts have been much more muted in Lewis and Clark County than elsewhere in the state.

The postponement of the return of stronger growth to Montana's economy was felt acutely in Missoula.

Ravalli County continues to experience the hard times of the current recession, which is evident in the depressed real estate market.

The Billings-area economy saw respectable growth in 2011 led by growth in its traditional base as a services and distribution hub.