The Story Behind the "M"

The "M" is 620 feet above the Missoula Valley floor. It is 125' feet long and 100' feet wide. University of Montana forestry students cut the switchbacks into the side of the hill in the early 1900's. The first "M" was assembled out of whitewashed rocks in 1909, and given a fresh coat of paint by freshmen every year, until 1968, when all those rocks were cemented together with concrete.

Photo by Nelson Kenter, kenterphotography.com

Archive for the ‘Featured Business’ Category

6 Ways to Enhance the Safety of Your Retail Store Without Breaking the Bank

This guide will walk you through practical, cost-effective strategies to create a safer business environment.... more

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late: Key Indicators for Roof Inspection

This blog is designed to arm homeowners with the essential knowledge needed to identify the initial warning signs that their roofs may require attention.... more

Missoula-Based Soap Manufacturer, Botanie Soap, Set To Expand

Botanie Soap, a Missoula-based soap manufacturer, plans to expand their manufacturing efforts and workforce this year.... more

4 Elements That Makes Montana a Prime State to Start a Business

If Montana is on your list of possible places to incorporate your startup, check out these four elements that make it a prime location to do so. ... more

Targeted New Economic District Expected To Improve Infrastructure At Wye West of Missoula

Industrial development is the key to economic growth in any region. However, it involves many processes, including planning and development, procurement, designing, and construction. ... more

COVID-19 Update in Downtown Missoula

As our country and our community quiets itself in an effort to “reduce the curve”, we are all concerned about how this worldwide pandemic will play out, both globally and locally. We are reminded to slow do... more

How Missoula Locals Are Taking Advantage of Online Business

It’s hard to find something unaffected by the internet. But few sectors have changed quite as much as retail.... more

Customers For Life Are Often Made, Rather Than Found

By MARK RIFFEY - On their worst day, what can you do to make your customer's situation better, less frustrating, and memorable in a positive way?... more

Learning From Our History: Keeping Missoula Workplaces Safe

As local business owners and employees, there are things we can all do to continue making Missoula safe for all workers.... more

Employers: REGISTER NOW for Western Montana’s Largest Career Fair

Skills and talent available! Employers - Register Now for Western Montana’s Largest Career Fair, Thursday, April 28 from 3:00-6:00 p.m.... more

The Old Homestead (VIDEO)

By BOB ZIMORINO-Lately the world has been a stressful place and I wanted to do something nice with a feel good message. The Old Homestead gave me every opportunity musically.... more

DIRECTV Partners with Easter Seals-Goodwill to Collect Donations and Electronic Waste

Here's a FREE and EASY way keep your non-hazardous computer/electronics out of the Landfill: Dropoff On March 28 from 10 am-4pm at DIRECT TV.... more

Employers Can Reserve Space Now for Missoula Career Fair

ATTENTION EMPLOYERS: Employer registration is under way now for the Missoula Job Service Career Fair, April 21, at the Hilton Garden Inn. Sign-up Now!... more

DIRECTV’s Local Transformation Offers New Job Opportunities to Missoulians

This is a great time to work for DIRECTV. We have one of the best call center environments in the industry and we're expanding our Missoula call center.... more

Missoula’s PartnersCreative Named One of Outside Magazine’s Best Places to Work 2014

Missoula-based marketing agency PartnersCreative has been selected one of Outside magazine’s Best Places to Work 2014.... more

Testing the Waters–Ensuring the Water You Drink is Healthy

Hard water is the leading water problem in America and, and Missoula and Western Montana are no exception. Here are few things to know about hard water and what to do about it:... more

Hard Water Problems in Missoula

Hard water is the leading water problem in America and, and Missoula and Western Montana are no exception. Here are few things to know about hard water and what to do about it:... more

Earning Return Business, Part Two

By MARK RIFFEY - Not long ago I heard someone say “Excuses are a lie wrapped in a reason.” Training is a critical component to building a team that brings clients back repeatedly.... more

Wayne and Kathleen Newton Set Up Shop in Lakeside

By JUSTIN FRANZ-Kat’s Korner is one of several new shops and restaurants that have popped up in the small community of Lakeside and Wayne Newton, 72, said it’s no surprise the town is growing.... more

Earning Return Business

By MARK RIFFEY - When you make client service decisions, do you weigh the cost of losing the client?The incremental cost of service is usually tiny compared to losing the client.... more

Consistency is Critical to Repeat and Word-of-Mouth Business

By MARK RIFFEY - What inconsistencies can you address to increase repeat and word of mouth business?... more

Busy Business Owners Have No Time

By MARK RIFFEY - The average CEO says they only spend about 25% of their day doing what they feel is meaningful work. Does that sound like your typical work day?... more

Help Them Produce Their Best Work

By MARK RIFFEY - No matter what business you’re in and what summer does to your workload – summer is a great time to implement improvements that help your staff produce their best work.... more

New High Tech Company Opens in Missoula

Metals US, a Montana-based company with a sustainable metals processing technology, today announced that it will be headquartered in Missoula, Mont. The technology company offers cost effective and sustainab... more

Cabela’s Prepares for Grand Opening of Missoula Store

Cabela’s Incorporated, the World’s Foremost Outfitter® of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, will celebrate the grand opening of its Missoula Cabela’s Outpost store Thurs., June 12.... more

4th Annual Winter BrewFest Comes to Caras Park Friday, Feb 21

The Missoula Downtown Association and KettleHouse Brewing Co. will host the 4th annual Winter BrewFest on Friday, Feb. 21, 2014 from 5-10 pm in Caras Park.... more

How Do You Create The Right Surprises? Baby Steps

By MARK RIFFEY - One of the best ways to figure out ways to transform your customers' experience is to walk through the process of doing business with you in little, tiny steps: Baby Steps.... more

Melanie Brock Joins Missoula Economic Partnership Staff

FYI - Seasoned leader will work with Missoula’s entrepreneurs, Partnership investors and government partners to help the Missoula community thrive.... more

Governor Bullock’s Main Street Montana Project Launches Surveys

Montanans are encouraged to take in-depth county surveys in an effort to to build an economic development business plan for Montana. CLICK ON SURVEY.... more

Are They Proud Of Their Work? It Will Show

By MARK RIFFEY. Just because it is "grunt work" doesn't mean it isn't valuable. Your employees' work and personality at 2:00 am is the face of your business to many customers.... more

Avail-TVN Named One of Fastest Growing Tech Companies in North America

By MYERS REECE - Avail-TVN, a company with Flathead roots and a primary office in Kalispell, recently was named the sixth-fastest growing tech company in North America. ... more

ALCOM to Open Manufacturing Facility in Bonner

F.Y.I. - One of America’s fastest-growing and most respected brands of aluminum trailers will soon be made in Missoula County. ... more

Why They Don’t Answer Your Calls Or Read Your Email?

By MARK RIFFEY. Do your customers and prospects let your calls go to voicemail? Do they open your emails? It's time to get relevant and engage them in THEIR context with you – not as total strangers.... more

The Scariest, Most Painful Business Conversation

By MARK RIFFEY. The most painful (and scary) conversations I have with small business owners are about marketing.Commonly it involves how another company "stole" their business with "more aggressive" marketing.... more

Missoula-Based Legal Atlas a Top Three Finalist for International Award

It was announced this morning that Legal Atlas, a Missoula-based startup, is one of the top three finalists for the international Innovating Justice Award.... more

Press Release: Flathead Lake Brewing Company Temporarily Closes

On Oct. 6, a flood caused extensive damage to the Flathead Lake Brewing Company and Sapore. When the building reopens, both businesses will merge into one entity.... more

Press Release: Missoula-Based Legal Atlas Contends for International Award

The Innovating Justice Forum in The Hague, Netherlands has nominated Missoula-based Legal Atlas for its innovative ideas award. The public can vote thru October 8.... more

Business is Personal: What’s a Core Story?

By MARK RIFFEY - One of the more common things you'll see from a business that's differentiating themselves using things other than price is their use of a unique selling proposition (USP), and a "core story" t... more

The Most Expensive Advertising Ever

By MARK RIFFEY. Are you wasting those carefully planned advertising investments? The most expensive investment we can make is one that's wasted.... more

Firm Ground: Black Coffee Makes Its Mark in Missoula

By DILLON KATO - Black Coffee Roasting Company, started in 2010 by Matt McQuilkin and Jim Chapman, has been carving a niche in Missoula's gourmet coffee world.... more

Local Vitamin Manufacturer Reaches Global Markets

By JON TWEETEN - In an inconspicuous building on Third Street, Nutritional Laboratories International makes supplements and vitamins that are sold all over the world.... more

Missoula Restaurant Owners & Chefs: Bob Zimorino of Red Pies Over Montana

In the latest installment of the Missoula Restaurant Chefs & Owners series, Bob Zimorino of Zimorino's Red Pies Over Montana answers Make it Missoula's questions.... more

Flathead Valley Distilleries Getting National Attention

By MOLLY PRIDDY. Like some of the best things in Montana, the Flathead Valley’s distilleries started with humble roots and grew through hard work.... more

View Marketing as an Investment, Not an Expense

By MARK RIFFEY.When something is viewed as an expense, your instinct is to reduce it to the smallest possible amount. Doing this to your marketing is not unlike choking yourself.... more

Simple Advice for Acquiring and Retaining Customers

By MARK RIFFEY. Some of the simplest advice I give is the most powerful: "Do at least one thing today to get, or keep, a client."... more

Let Your Customers Turn On the Lamp

By MARK RIFFEY -What's the first thing you do when deciding which lamp to buy? YOU TURN ON THE LAMPS. Give your customers the opportunity to see your products in a place that makes it easy for them to buy.... more

Starting a New Business – What’s Your Plan?

By MARK RIFFEY - Let's talk about business startups. Before you order those business cards, buy those supplies, determine your costs and set your prices...you need to research your market.... more

Chimps, bikinis, cold beer, fast cars… I love the Super Bowl!

By SEAN BENTON - The Super Bowl is bigger than the game of football... I’m talking about the commercials.... more

What Does a New Business Owner Do First?

By MARK RIFFEY - Let's talk about business startups. The overwhelming load at startup can freeze you in your tracks.... more

Why Much of the Internet is Blacked Out Today

By MARK RIFFEY - What is Intellectual Property? And what's it got to do with much of the Internet being blacked out this week? Mark Riffey of the Flathead Beacon explains.... more