The media is all abuzz with news of the economy these days.  Be it the Internet, television, radio, or any source, all are talking about the economy.  However, there is one phrase in particular that tends to permeate the conversation: "economic growth."  What is economic growth?  What drives it?  What hinders it?  What can we do to increase it?  These questions are especially relevant to the Bozeman area, as well as to Gallatin County as a whole.             First, let's take a look at a couple of the indicators of economic growth and how they have been faring for our valley.  Three in particular seem to stand out: population growth, number of bank deposits, and resiliency to economic change.  Positive population growth and increases in the number of bank deposits are typically construed as good economic growth indicators, while the ability t ...

  Centre Sky Architecture, Ltd. is a professional design firm with a wide range of experience in all types of architecture. The firm believes in a commitment to the highest quality solution for their clients, unique tailored design, and a heavy emphasis on ecological integration. Centre Sky has clients throughout the US and internationally. Their work sweeps from the mesas of Southwestern Colorado to the peaks and valleys of the Northern Rocky Mountains. They hold licenses in Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah and specialize in custom residential, vacation homes, resort architecture, master planning, commercial buildings, and historic restoration. Quality work is their first priority. When selecting materials, they plan for the future, researching new materials and techniques, while also respecting age-old building practices. Quality materials and quality construction result in a building that stands this test of time.   Sustainable Design Philosophy Centre Sky Architecture approaches ...

Complete Project Resource, Inc. (also referred to as “CPR”) is a Bozeman, Montana based business that has built its operations and reputation on the ability to oversee the construction of luxury primary and vacation homes – ensuring consistent quality and limiting unnecessary costs throughout the process. In this way, Complete Project Resource acts as a proxy for their client’s interests. Company Inception and Management Complete Project Resource, Inc. was co-founded in May of 2005 by E. Louie Loucks and Jay J. Cartwright. Louie, Jay and their management team have over thirty-five years of combined experience in the construction industry, managing over 50 projects with construction costs in excess of $100 million. Their team has experience building, managing, and overseeing complex construction projects in the high-end residential and custom commercial markets. Their leadership is focused on redefining the client representative industry and protecting the interests of their clients.
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  Red Twig Lane is located on Tract 6 of Old River Farm. The unique qualities of this parcel, within an area already known for is peaceful setting, include approximately .3 miles of the meandering East Gallatin River, mature cottonwood trees and panoramic vistas of the Bridger Mountains. The river is less that a minutes’ walk from the building envelope and the sounds of water caressing the rocky bottom of the river can be heard from many areas on the property. The river is fringed with mature trees and large stands of willow line its banks and the community trails.  The River Often referred to as the "locals’ river", the East Gallatin is an appealing option when fishing in the Bozeman area. Beginning near Bozeman and meandering almost exclusively through private land, the East as it is referred to in the local vernacular, is truly a remarkable and intimate stream that boasts some of the largest trout in the valley. Access to the river can be exceedingly difficult because of ...

  Unique Asset Class Real estate is a unique asset class in that every piece is different and as such, there are multiple considerations that go into a purchase or sell decision. For every purchase however, price and investment considerations play a role. The “investment test” is often the first hurdle that must be satisfied before a buyer considers other factors. In the recent past, a rising real estate market was a presumed to be a given so investment oriented buyers focused on finding the “next big project”. Annual appreciation rates of 4% to 15% were assumed by buyers which justified ever higher purchase prices. A New Market The eager appreciation seekers of yesterday have been replaced by the eager bargain hunters of today. The good news is that with buyer present, transactions rates are recovering and market prices are being reset. With buyers now more confident in stable prices, we are in the early stages of a recovery. Setting a property’s price in this volatile ...

Joe Brooks Madison-Gallatin TU Yellowstone River Clean-Up The Chapter Joe Brooks Trout Unlimited, based in Livingston, is the oldest active local TU chapter in the state of Montana. Formed in 1968, they currently have 197 members and a 10 member Board of Directors dedicated to conserve, protect and restore the Yellowstone River and its tributaries. JBTU has received both state and national attention for their work on behalf of the Yellowstone River and one of the most successful annual events they host is the one day clean-up of the river.   Pre-event Instructions to Volunteers The Event The river clean up emerged after a group of local fishing guides and conservationists realized that the pristine Yellowstone River that they called home was no longer so pristine in some places. Spring flooding, recreational users, illegal dumping and legacy businesses along the banks of the fabled river had taken their toll over the years. As members of both Joe Brooks ...

Crazy Mountains north of Big Timber, MT The Beauty of Road Trips One of the benefits of working with ranches for sale in Montana is the opportunity to experience some really amazing country and meet some really remarkable people. I was reminded of both of these important points this past weekend when business took me to the town of Winifred, MT to view another fantastic Montana ranch. This was my first trip to this particular burg and it reminded me very much of the town where I was raised. Winifred is a small community (Pop. 156) that had been much larger during the boom years of the 1920’s and 30’s. It is surrounded by tillable farmland, vast expanses of grazing land and dramatic topographical changes as you ventured north out of town towards the Missouri River and the famed Missouri Breaks country. I left Bozeman early and by the time I was a short trek north of Big Timber, the sun was rising on the eastern front of the Crazy Mountains. The Crazies rise dramatically from ...