EPEDC attends House Bill 52 signing

Executive Director of Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation, Beth Epley, attended Governor Steve Bullock's signing of House Bill 52, an economic development priority piece of legislation which reauthorizes a set of tools that support business growth and entrepreneurship. Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation (EPEDC) serves Carter, Dawson, Fallon, Prairie and Wibaux County by providing local economic development and business assistance in the eastern Montana communities. "Ensuring that eastern Montana continues to have access to a variety of economic development tools while maintaining and growing local capacity has been a priority of EPEDC's over that past two years leading up to this legislative session" said Director Beth Epley. "We believe that there is huge potential for growth and a wealth of opportunities in our small eastern Montana towns, it's my goal to connect businesses and municipalities with the resources offered by the State of Montana, as well as federal and private agencies."

Since Governor Bullock's time in office, the economic development tools reauthorized in HB 52 have leveraged assets of $667.5 million, have helped more than 15,000 small businesses expand their footprint, and have supported more than 12,000 jobs. The economic development tools were originally signed into law by Governor Marc Racicot in 2000 and renewed in 2009. The signing of HB 52 prevents the programs from sunsetting on July 1, 2019.

The writing and passing of HB 52 required bipartisan and a statewide coalition of individuals ranging from small business owners to economic developers to farmers and ranchers, proving that when we work together great things can be accomplished. "It's only appropriate that a bill to continue successful investments in small business growth and good-paying jobs across the state will be signed into law during Economic Development Week," said Rep. Jim Keane (D-Butte), sponsor of HB 52. "This will allow us to utilize coal revenue for the next 8 years to ensure that Montana's economic development continues long into the future."

The suite of eight tools reauthorized by HB 52 include technical assistance and grant programs housed at the Departments of Agriculture and Commerce:

• Small Business Development Centers

• Cooperative Development Centers

• Certified Regional Development Corporations

• Growth Through Agriculture

• Export Trade

• Small Business Research

• Montana Manufacturing Extension Center at MSU

• Food & Agricultural Development Centers

For additional information about Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation and the services they offer, please contact Beth Epley at (406) 853-6471 or go to epedc.com