Are you a passionate baker whose cookies receive rave reviews from family and friends? Why not put your skills to work and start a cookie business from home?  You could sell your cookies locally, or package them in tins and sell them online.  Here we will offer some tips to help you get a cookie business started.

Startup Costs
First, you need to know what it will cost to get started. If you’re going to run your business from home, your costs will be very low. Assuming that you already have all the equipment you need, you’ll just need to invest in some packaging materials and an inventory of ingredients. That might cost you about $500 or so. You’ll also need to register your business with your state, get any required business licenses and permits required by your state and local governments, and obtain business insurance. All of that will cost between $300 and $500. Finally, you should have a website to help you market and sell your cookies, which could cost about $1,000 if you have it professionally developed. So, in total, starting your business will cost around $2,000 or less. 

How Much Can You Make?
You’ll probably sell your cookies by the dozen, and prices average between $10 and $20. So, let’s say you sell them for $15 a dozen and sell 50 dozen online per week. That’s $39,000 in revenue, and after the cost of ingredients and packaging, you’ll probably keep about 70%, which amounts to $27,300. Not bad for a home-based business!  Over time, you can probably at least double that amount if you begin to get referrals and repeat business. 

Create a Business Plan
Writing a business plan will help you to think through every part of starting and running a business. A business plan is also necessary if you apply for a loan.

Your business plan should include:
• Executive Summary: Brief overview of the entire business plan. Write this after your plan is complete.

Determine Your Business Structure
You need to decide what your company's business entity type will be. Here are the main options:

Finding Customers
You’ll need to start marketing your business to find customers. You’ll probably get local word-of-mouth business from family and friends. You’ll also want to use social media to get some visibility for your business. Post on as many sites as you can including TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. You can also do paid ads on those sites and do pay-per-click campaigns on Google. You should also get listed on Google My Business and Yelp. The key is to direct people to your website where they can see your products and place orders. 

Start Selling!
Once you follow the steps, you’re ready to bring in some cash. Once you’ve had some customers your business should start to grow from referrals, as people tell other people how delicious your cookies are. You’re also likely to get repeat business. You might want to change up your cookie products occasionally so that people have new cookies to try. 

You’ve got some knowledge about the business now, so start baking and get your cookie business off the ground!

On Friday, May 13, the Gallatin County Elections Office mailed about 59,000 ballots for the June 7 primary election to active registered absentee voters in Gallatin County. Ballots will begin arriving in mailboxes in the following days.

Two ballots will be included in each envelope. Voters will have a choice to vote for either a Democratic or Republican ballot this upcoming primary election. Voters must choose ONE party ballot to vote and then return just that ballot. Detailed instructions will be provided with ballots.

Sample ballots can be found at the following links: Democratic  or Republican.

Ballots must be returned by 8 PM on Election Day, Tuesday June 7. Ballots postmarked on or before Election Day but received after 8 PM on Election Day cannot be accepted.

Polling places for in-person voting will also be open on Election Day. Those locations include:

• Bridger Canyon Fire Station – 8081 Bridger Canyon Rd.
• Gallatin County Fairgrounds – 901 N. Black Ave. in Bozeman
• Hope Lutheran Church – 5152 W. Graf St. in Bozeman
• Povah Community Center – 10 Geyser St. in West Yellowstone
• Big Sky Water & Sewer District Office – 561 Little Coyote Rd. in Big Sky
• Gallatin Gateway Community Center – 145 Mill St. in Gallatin Gateway
• Belgrade Special Events Center – 220 Spooner Rd. in Belgrade
• River Rock Community Center – 101 River Rock Rd. in Belgrade
• Three Forks High School – 212 E. Neal St. in Three Forks
• Manhattan Christian School – 8000 Churchill Rd. in Churchill
• Manhattan High School – 200 W. Fulton Ave. in Manhattan

Late registration for this election began this week. From now through Election Day, new registrations or updates to voter registration must be made IN PERSON at the Gallatin County Elections Office, located on the second floor of the Gallatin County Courthouse (311 W. Main St., Bozeman).

Check your voter registration status at MyVoterPageMT.com.

For questions or more information, contact the Gallatin County Elections Office at 406-582-3060 or gallatin.elections@gallatin.mt.gov, or visit us online at gallatinvotes.com.

BOZEMAN, MT — Adults 55 and older seeking affordable, independent-style living arrangements can now lease an apartment home at Perennial Park, a new community developed by HRDC and Seattle-based GMD Development, LLC. Located at 1683 TschacheLane, this development includes convenient, co-located supportive services from Community Health Partners including medical, dental, and mental health clinics, as well as a pharmacy. Additional amenity highlights include a schedule of social activities, paths throughout the property lined with benches and tables, community gardens, a library, and a fitness room.

The addition of 96 new units to the Bozeman market provides income-qualified seniors with a much-needed housing solution. Located at 1683 Tschache Lane and served by HRDC’s Streamline, the development provides one- and two-bedroom units with convenient, co-locate supportive services from Community Health Partners, social activities, outdoor common areas, community gardens, a library, and a fitness room. For more information regarding income qualification and the application process, interested parties can visit https://www.perennialparkmt.com/.

Perennial Park was developed with funding assistance from Low Income Housing Tax Credits provided by the Montana Board of Housing and with additional support from the City of Bozeman.

“In addition to the many on-site amenities Perennial Park offers residents easy access to the Community Health Partners clinic, and to numerous retail and services along 19th Avenue”, said Steve Dymoke, GMD Development Partner.

Heather Grenier, HRDC’s President/CEO, is pleased the leasing process is underway. “Seniors in our community have experienced diminishing affordable rental opportunities in our current market. We are grateful to GMD for sharing in our vision to create a high-quality development to serve this critical need. It’s such a relief to see these homes come online and be leased by waiting community members.”

HRDC is a private, not-for-profit Community Action Organization, Community Development Corporation, and a Certified Housing Development Organization. With experience in project and community development ranging from historic preservation to community housing trusts along a housing continuum spanning from homelessness to homeownership, HRDC has completed a total of over $120 million dollars in housing and public facilities development since the early 90's. HRDC brought the first community housing trust development to the state of Montana and has since developed and/or preserved more than 900 homes that Montanans can afford across Southwest Montana. HRDC’s development activities are supported by housing programming and property management services provided through in-house Property Management.

GMD Development is a private, mission-based developer/owner of affordable housing based in the Pacific Northwest and is committed to a proactive and solutions-oriented approach to the challenging task of creating affordable housing for families and seniors that delivers meaningful outcomes for communities and changes people’s lives. GMD Development targets higher growth markets with the significant disparity between average workforce incomes and affordability.

More information can be found at https://www.perennialparkmt.com/

Interested donors, volunteers, and community members can learn more at https://thehrdc.org/

Seniors can learn about final expense insurance at https://finalexpensedirect.com/

GOLDEN, CO — During the month of May 2022, the Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC) is celebrating its 10 year anniversary with community events, giveaways, and festivities up and down the Continental Divide.

“We are so grateful for our progress over the past decade,” says CDTC founder and Executive Director, Teresa Martinez (she/her). “CDTC started ten years ago as four friends around a kitchen table, forging a new non-profit to support the Continental Divide Trail through community stewardship, and we’ve now blossomed into a thriving organization that’s innovating new paths in service to the landscape and in partnership with the wonderful communities of the Divide.”

The celebrations for the 10th anniversary will include synchronous community hikes and parties at four locations along the Divide on May 21st. The birthday parties will include music, games, prizes, free cake, and drinks specials. All events are free admission and open to the public.

• A community hike in Golden, CO., to be followed by a birthday bash at the Golden Mill.

• A community hike in  Helena, MT., to be followed by a birthday bash at Blackfoot River Brewing.

• A birthday bash in Butte, MT. 

• A birthday bash in Bernalillo, NM. at Bosque Brewing.

There will also be ongoing celebrations at partnering breweries and distilleries, and a variety of limited edition merchandise, including:

• A custom 10-year anniversary limited edition BUFF®  Original Multifunctional Headwear

• A custom-engraved TentLab The Deuce® #2 lightweight trowel

• A custom-embroidered Osprey Daylite cinch daypack

• A custom-engraved YETI Rambler 18 oz. insulated bottle

• A custom-blend 10 Year Anniversary Coffee from Triple Crown Coffee

CDTC has had several significant milestones in the past decade that mark distinct progress in its work to complete, promote, and protect the 3,100-mile Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. In 2018, USFS, BLM, CDTC, youth corps, and other stewardship organizations partnered to “Blaze the CDT,” marking the trail in its entirety for the first time. In 2020, CDTC signed onto a memorandum of understanding with USFS, BLM, and NPS recognizing CDTC as the lead private partner in the completion, protection, and promotion of the CDT. In the same year, passage of the Great American Outdoors Act secured permanent funding for completion of the CDT through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. CDTC continues to set new records of trail maintenance projects along the trail corridor, as well as support local economic development through its Gateway Community program. With ever-increasing use of the trail from hikers, horseback riders, bikers, fishers, hunters, and many more visitors from both nearby communities and around the globe, CDTC works to inform and educate the public about best practices for outdoor activities, as well as help travelers find the tools they need to enjoy the healing nature and beauty of the Divide.

“With the trail 95% complete, and the Continental Divide Trail Completion Act (CDTCA) currently in Congress, we are on the cusp of an even brighter second decade,” says CDTC founder and Executive Director, Teresa Martinez (she/her). “As we celebrate how far we’ve come, we are excited and ready to embark on the journey of our next  decade of stewardship for the CDT.”

GREAT FALLS – For the third time in less than 15 months, a Montana angler has caught a new state record longnose sucker.

Jonathan Miller used a jig to land his 4.78-pound, 22¼-inch fish on May 10 from Hauser Reservoir near Helena.

The previous longnose sucker record was set in May of 2021, with a 4.21-pound fish from Holter Reservoir. That record surpassed a 3.42-pound longnose sucker caught from the Missouri River in March of 2021.

The sucker family is the third-largest family of fish in Montana with nine species, behind only the minnow and salmonid (trout) families. Longnose suckers are native to the state and widely distributed across nearly all of central and western Montana.

With a total of 91 native and introduced fish species found in Montana, interest in fish records has increased in recent years. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks maintains the list of record fish, and it is available on FWP’s website at https://fwp.mt.gov/fish/anglingData/records.

Anglers who think they may have caught a state record fish should keep the following things in mind:

• To prevent loss of weight, do not clean or freeze the fish. Keep the fish cool – preferably on ice.
• Take a picture of the fish.
• Weigh the fish on a certified scale (found in grocery store, hardware store, etc.), witnessed by a store employee or other observer. Obtain a weight receipt and an affidavit from the store personnel if no FWP official is present. Measure the length and girth.
• Contact the nearest FWP office to have the fish positively identified by a fisheries biologist.
  
  

HELENA – Temperate weather with a few cold spells during the first quarter of 2022 contributed to a slight decrease in the number of overall visitors to state parks in Montana.

The state park system recorded 358,230 visitors in the first quarter, a decrease of 8.6 percent from 2021, but an increase of 9.3 percent over the same period of time in 2020 and an increase of 62 percent over 2019.

 “We’re grateful for the cooler temperatures and some moisture along with the benefit that has for the habitat and resources at our sites,” said Hope Stockwell, administrator of the Parks and Outdoor Recreation Division at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. “While that may have contributed to a decrease in visitation this quarter, our numbers remain high compared to historic levels. We appreciate our users continuing to recreate responsibly and practicing ‘Leave No Trace’ principles during their visits.”  

The five most visited state parks in the first quarter of 2022 were:

1. Giant Springs State Park, Great Falls – 79,355 visitors
2. Spring Meadow Lake State Park, Helena – 39,000 visitors 
3. Flathead Lake State Park (all units), Flathead Lake – 28,612 visitors
4. Cooney Reservoir State Park, Roberts – 25,935 visitors
5. Lake Elmo State Park, Billings – 18,081 visitors

Visitation snapshot for the first quarter of 2022:

Northwest Montana: Region 1 saw an estimated 71,980 visitors across its eight parks reporting visitation figures during the first quarter of this year, an estimated 13.5 percent decrease in visitation compared with last year.

West Montana: Region 2 saw an estimated 42,836 visitors across its nine parks reporting visitation figures during the first quarter of this year, an estimated 25.3 percent decrease in visitation compared with last year.

Southwest Montana: Region 3 saw an estimated 21,755 visitors across its six parks reporting visitation figures during the first quarter of this year, an estimated 11.3 percent decrease in visitation compared with last year.

North-central Montana: Region 4 saw an estimated 137,367 visitors across its eight parks reporting visitation figures during the first quarter of this year a slight 1.1 percent decrease in visitation compared with last year.

South-central Montana: Region 5 saw an estimated 51,942 visitors across its four parks reporting visitation figures during the first quarter of this year, an 11.1 percent decrease in visitation compared with last year.

Eastern Montana: Regions 6 and 7 saw an estimated 32,350 visitors across their six parks reporting visitation figures during the first quarter of this year, a 9.8 percent increase in visitation compared with last year.

A full list of state parks and their estimated visitation levels can be found in the 2022 report.

Bozeman, May 2022 – The Bozeman Symphony announced its much-anticipated 2022/23 Concert Season full of revolutionary masterpieces, new contemporary works, unforgettable world premieres, virtuosic guest artists, and passionate musical storytelling. Celebrate the Symphony’s 55th concert season with Music Director Norman Huynh as he continues to bring the Bozeman Symphony Orchestra to new heights in our community and beyond.

“Your Bozeman Symphony Orchestra invites you to a musical journey where the greatest orchestral compositions are paired with a vibrant mix of hidden gems and world premieres," said Huynh.

The 2022/23 Concert Season Classical Series (6 concerts) explores some of the greatest musical treasures in the orchestral canon. Hear your Bozeman Symphony perform blockbuster hits from the most notable composers of all time—Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Mozart, and Mahler—to new works from Andy Akiho, Composer-in-Residence Scott Lee, and beloved local composer Eric Funk.

Here are some highlights from the Symphony’s 2022/23 Classical Series:

• Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, the most iconic four notes in classical music history;
• Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, an extraordinary musical journey through darkness and light;
• Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, an explosion of power and goodness, igniting a wildfire of musical bliss;
• Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez, featuring world-renowned guitarist Pablo Sáinz-Villegas;
• Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5, starring Concertmaster Carrie Krause;
• Poulenc’s Gloria and Mozart’s Ave Verum Corpus, featuring the Bozeman Symphonic choir for two mainstays of the sacred choral repertoire;
• World Premiere piece celebrating Yellowstone National Park’s 150th Anniversary written by Composer-in-Residence Scott Lee;
• World Premiere piece, Apocalypse Phoenix Rising, by Emmy award-winning local composer Eric Funk;
• Contemporary works by Andy Akiho and Missy Mazzoli.

In addition to the Classical Series, the Bozeman Symphony Presents series continues with the second annual Holiday Spectacular. With two sold-out performances last season, Music Director Huynh added an additional performance for all to experience the spirit of Christmas with your Bozeman Symphony, featuring your favorite festive classics, like Sleigh Ride, the Christmas Carol Sing-Along, and more. You and your family won’t want to miss the Symphony’s most popular performance of the year.

To enjoy the Bozeman Symphony’s 55th concert season to its fullest, patrons can subscribe to all six 2022/23 Classical Series concerts now through July 29, 2022. In addition, early subscribers will have the first chance to purchase tickets to the extremely popular Bozeman Symphony Presents Holiday Spectacular performance.

“Join us as a subscriber to experience the full spectrum of this season's vibrant symphonic journey," said Huynh.

The Bozeman Symphony’s 2022/23 Classical Series (6 concerts) subscription is now available to purchase online at bozemansymphony.org/subscribe or by contacting the Bozeman Symphony office at 406-585-9774 or tickets@bozemansymphony.org, or by stopping by the Bozeman Symphony’s new office location at 402 East Main Street, Suite 202, Bozeman, MT 59715. Individual concert tickets will be available to purchase starting August 6, 2022.

Norman Huynh, Music Director - Conductor Norman Huynh continues to establish his reputation as one of classical musics most adventurous ambassadors. Hailed for the exuberance with which he leads orchestras across Europe, Asia, and North America, Huynh has received equal renown for his ability to attract new audiences to the orchestra. The 2020 season inaugurated his tenure as Music Director of the Bozeman Symphony Orchestra.

Huynh has attained international prominence in the first years of his career, most recently through an invitation to the Bruno Walter Young Conductor Preview, a selective showcase hosted by the League of American Orchestras, and competing in the 2021 Malko Competition for young conductors in Copenhagen, Denmark in June.

People are always looking for ways to sharpen their focus and improve memory, especially as they age. Many people take supplements daily to help improve the functioning of the brain. What are these supplements, and how do they work? Keep reading to find out.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Tuna and salmon are high in omega-e fatty acids, a kind of unsaturated fat with anti-inflammatory effects and builds cell membranes in the brain. Some research also suggests that omega-3s may protect the brain following a concussion or brain injury. Fatty fish, nuts, seeds, eggs, and yogurt contain omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, BiOptimizers has brain supplements that can be added to any diet to improve brain function.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant in the body that guards against oxidative stress, which is a major contributor to the decline in cognitive health as people age. Vitamin E is also an anti-inflammatory, keeping DNA healthy and helping the structure of the brain stay healthy. Avocados, red peppers, mango, nuts, seeds, and dark leafy greens contain vitamin E. 

Vitamin B6, B12, and B9

The brain needs vitamins B6, B12, and B9 for normal functioning. A lack of these vitamins increases the risk of memory loss and other brain declines. Vitamins B6, B12, and B9 (also called folate) help increase neurotransmitters to take messages from the brain to the body. Foods such as bananas, oranges, and cantaloupe contain vitamin B6, broccoli, greens, eggs, and sunflower seeds contain folate. Only meat and fish products contain B12, so people who eat a plant-based diet often need a supplement for this important vitamin. A B12 supplement is also recommended as people age to help with memory loss.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C has long been known for its ability to help the immune system, but it also helps the brain by lowering the inflammation in the brain. Kiwi, red and green peppers, berries, cauliflower, and tomatoes contain vitamin C. 

When Supplements are Important

Nutritionists and doctors alike agree that getting these important vitamins in food is the best source. However, there are circumstances in which a supplement would be beneficial. Someone with an allergy or dislike to a group of foods (such as dairy or seafood) or someone with a limited diet (like vegan) may benefit from supplements. 

Be sure to take high-quality supplements if you do take them. Look for certifications from places like Consumer Lab or the US Pharmacopeial Convention. The product must go through testing for quality before it can gain approval. Choose supplements that improve blood flow (such as Gingko Biloba), support brain support (Omega-3 fatty acids), and help build neurotransmitters (L-theanine). Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K are also beneficial vitamins, and taking supplements of them can be beneficial.

Some other common and helpful supplements include L-carnitine, which has been shown to improve cognition and neurotransmitter function. Mushrooms also have connections to brain health. Mushroom supplements can improve attention, mood, cognition, and focus. Ginkgo Biloba can improve memory and provide more healthy blood flow to the brain. 

For optimum health, eat healthy foods full of brain-boosting vitamins and nutrients. When it isn't possible to eat enough of these foods, or if your doctor or nutritionist thinks you need more, consider adding a high-quality supplement to your diet to improve overall brain functioning.

HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks continues to prepare for fall pheasant stocking efforts with the final decision on an environmental assessment (EA) and ensuring biosecurity protocols are in place at the rearing facility at the Montana State Prison.

Last week, FWP Director Hank Worsech signed the decision notice on the EA for releasing pheasants on suitable state lands. Additionally, Worsech and the department have worked closely with the Montana Department of Corrections (DOC) on biosecurity protocols at the pheasant rearing facility. The rearing facility is being operated by the DOC and has been certified by the Montana Department of Livestock (DOL) as a National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) facility. DOC staff has worked with FWP and the DOL to ensure biosecurity measures are in place, which is particularly important with the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Montana.

As a NPIP certified facility, the pheasants are tested every three months for avian influenza. The last tests were done in recent weeks, and all results came back negative.

“We’re taking the threat from HPAI very seriously and monitoring the flock closely in partnership with staff at the prison. The safety measures folks are taking to ensure the health of the flock are impressive – on par with any medical facility,” said Director Hank Worsech.
“They’ve gone above and beyond from a biosecurity standpoint.”

To see the EA decision notice: https://fwp.mt.gov/public-notices/news/2022/may/0502-pheasant-release-ea-decision-notice.

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission will vote on the proposal to proceed with pheasant releases in the fall to increase hunter opportunities. Under Montana statute, the commission has to approve pheasant translocations. This decision was slated for the commission’s June 23 meeting but is being moved to the Aug. 25 meeting. This will give the public more opportunity to comment and the department more time to monitor HPAI on the landscape before the final decision is made to release pheasants this year.  

To comment on the proposed commission action, go to: https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/commission/meeting.

“The reality is, if we find HPAI in our pheasant program, we’ll follow the Department of Livestock recommendations,” Worsech said. “We won’t take any chances of releasing diseased birds in the wild.”

Background
In March of 2021 a new FWP pheasant release program was established, following legislative action. The program’s aim is to support recruitment, retention and reactivation (R3) efforts in Montana. This program will engage youth in the sport of hunting, promote hunter success and provide additional hunting opportunities for hunters of all ages.

Under the legislation, FWP will develop and implement the program and release up to 50,000 pheasants annually on suitable and eligible state-owned lands. Some releases will occur a few days before the youth pheasant season opener to maximize opportunity for youth hunters, and some releases could occur later in the months of October and November to increase hunting opportunities for all hunters.

BOZEMAN — Six entrepreneurial ventures took home a share of $75,000 in prize money from Montana State University’s third annual $50K Venture Competition, which was held April 27 in Inspiration Hall on the MSU campus.

The event featured 10 finalists in traditional and social venture categories, all of whom had connections to MSU or the University of Montana as students, faculty, staff or alumni. The event was hosted by the MSU Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship and the MSU Blackstone LaunchPad.

The event started with an announcement that the available award funds had increased to $75,000 this year.

During the competition, the finalists pitched their ideas to a panel of four judges and then answered questions. The judges were Eric Ladd, founder and chairman of Outlaw Partners, L&K Real Estate, Outlaw Real Estate Partners and Boundary Expeditions; April LaMon, CEO and co-founder of Alosant; Garrett Leach, an MSU alumnus and analyst at Next Frontier Capital; and Scott Peterson, MSU alumnus and vice president of development for United Properties.

The winners are listed below by category, place, prize amount and venture:

Traditional ventures:

• First place, $18,000: Morel Technology, presented by Bruce Clark and Marcus Twichel, is a platform enabling mobile apps for local and regional restaurants to compete in an industry that's rapidly demanding new technology.

• Second place, $9,000: Ignis Technologies, presented by Andrew Dixon, provides tools to modernize how firefighting organizations communicate and distribute information.

• Third place, $6,500: The Giddy Thrifter, presented by Mariah Karis, is a media and e-commerce venture that inspires and educates budget-conscious young people on styling their home spaces and wardrobes using primarily thrifted goods.

• In addition, the two finalists in the traditional venture track who finished outside of the top three places – Aizy Tech and Hear It Clear – each received a $2,000 award.

Twichel, Morel’s co-founder and an MSU student studying computer science, was appreciative of the support Morel received.

“We are again blown away by the generosity of our community in donating their time, expertise and money to help students like us start a business,” Twichel said. “We are thrilled to meet so many people that believe in our vision and want to help in whatever ways they can to get us there, and we are working hard to turn that belief into a successful venture.”

Social ventures:

• First place, $18,000: Plus, presented by Jasmine Schroeder and Nathan Saier, connects college students to provide a peer-based social support system.

• Second place, $9,000: TrialWear, presented by Elizabeth Johnson, provides technology for clinical trial participant safety.

• Third place, $6,500: Homecoming Seed Co., presented by Charlie Watt, is an organic vegetable seed producer focused on bio-regionally adapted varieties of seeds.

• In addition, the two finalists in the social venture track who finished outside of the top three places – High Morel and Sweet Grass Woman – each received a $2,000 award.

Schroeder, the co-founder of Plus and a current MSU business student, said that she is thrilled to have an opportunity to positively impact others with their new venture.

“Our dream is to make the world a better, more connected place, and winning this competition is a huge step toward that goal,” Schroeder said. “We'd like to congratulate all of our competitors for not making this easy on us, and we’d like to thank the Blackstone LaunchPad as well as Dean (Matt) Caires for the support.” Caires, MSU’s dean of students, has pledged additional support to Plus from his office because it focuses on an area of importance to MSU students.

Ladd, one of the judges, said he was honored to be a part of the event.

“To witness such a talented group of candidates with inspiring concepts and ideas was very exciting,” he said. “There are a few concepts that were presented at the event that stand to be market disruptors and really make positive ate and entrepreneurship certificate.

MSU’s Blackstone LaunchPad helps MSU students succeed in entrepreneurship and in their careers. Open to students, faculty, and alumni in all majors, the campus-based LaunchPad provides mentoring, opportunities for participants to grow their networks and resources to help their businesses succeed. For more information, visit montana.edu/launchpad