UM Business Bureau Wins Publication, Web Site Awards

The University of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research has earned the 2005 Award of Excellence in Publications for The Montana Business Quarterly and the 2005 Web Site Award for BBER’s Web site, http://www.bber.umt.edu.

The awards were presented by the Association for University Business and Economic Research, which recently held a conference in Missoula. AUBER is the professional association of business and economic research organizations at public and private universities and consists of 100 leading university-based economic research centers.

Published by BBER, the Montana Business Quarterly is distributed to nearly 2,000 subscribers and includes articles on Montana’s business and economic climate.

Redesigned and revamped in 2004, BBER’s Web site provides current, in-depth information on BBER research, including manufacturing, forest products, health care and the Montana Kids Count program. The Web site also provides economic forecasts for local areas, the state and the nation, as well as an overview of the bureau’s various programs and publications.

"Recognition of our Web site and publications validates our mission to serve the general public, as well as people in business, labor and government, by providing an understanding of the economic environment in which Montanans live and work," said BBER Director Paul Polzin.

Though some organizations are phasing out print publications in favor of electronic media, Montana Business Quarterly editor Shannon Furniss sees the importance of having both.

"We like to have our research available in print and on the coffee tables of business owners, bank presidents and government officials," Furniss said, adding that she also realizes businesses need quick and easy access to BBER information on the Web.

The Montana Business Quarterly staff includes Melissa Bubnash, publications assistant; Sherry Devlin, contributing editor; Julie Ehlers, marketing director; Furniss, editor; and Amy Joyner, reporter. Gwen Landquist is responsible for cover design.

The Web design committee includes Melissa Bubnash, Julie Ehlers, Furniss, Gwen Landquist and programmer Sean McMullin.

BBER monitors economic and business conditions in Montana, providing information to individuals, businesses and government agencies across the state.

Contact: Julie Ehlers, UM Bureau of Business and Economic Research, (406) 243-5113.