32 Counties: Hill, Blaine, Phillips, Valley, Daniels, Sheridan, Chouteau, Fergus, Petroleum, Garfield, McCone, Roosevelt, Richland, Dawson, Judith Basin, Wheatland, Golden Valley, Musselshell, Rosebud, Prairie, Wibaux, Bighorn, Treasure, Powder River, Carter, Fallon, Custer, Glacier, Pondera, Teton, Toole, Liberty

Target Industries: Energy (biofuels); Manufacturing (bio - lubricant); Value-Added Agriculture

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Implementation Plan

Region Information

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The Central and Eastern Montana region seeks to establish a globally competitive bio-energy and bio-products cluster by utilizing existing cohesive partnerships and developing new partnerships with business and industry, education, community development organizations, state and tribal governments and philanthropic foundations.

These partnerships will support the following strategic objectives:

• Develop sustainable industry in rural Central and Eastern Montana;
• Create high-paying jobs in management, engineering, marketing, manufacturing and construction; and
• Increase the net return and stability of farm income.

Four primary goals have been identified for the transformation of the region. These goals have also been broken down into specific strategies and activities to be acted on to realize the transformation of the region.

1. Develop a world-class bio-products industry that catalyzes regional economic transformation from an agricultural commodity driven economy to a value added economy that supports regional prosperity in Eastern and Central Montana.
   
   
2. Develop a highly trained and stable/growing workforce to support bio-products and other value-added agricultural products.
   
   
3. Create an agile, integrated talent development system (workforce, education and economic development) that will prepare state residents to act quickly to take advantage of new economic opportunities and be responsive to business needs.
   
   
4. Create an inclusive and sustainable regional identity and leadership structure that will promote innovation and ensure the long-term success of the transformational initiative.