Russ Connole selected as Economic director in Butte

After 12 years in the planning department, Russ Connole is moving on up to become Butte-Silver Bow’s new economic development director.

Chief Executive Paul Babb announced the decision Thursday, just one day after interviewing eight candidates.

Babb said he was really impressed with all the candidates and the wide variety of skills they possessed.

By Roberta Forsell Stauffer

Full Story: http://www.mtstandard.com/articles/2006/02/03/newsbutte/hjjdjhjgjjeghe.txt

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Local economy on mend

Mine reopening, stable existing businesses, new companies boost Butte

By Erin Nicholes

Montana’s economy is steadily growing and Butte’s economy is emerging from a dark spell, and the upward trends are expected to continue, experts said Thursday.

“Factors we think are now in place will lead to a period of economic growth in Montana that we haven’t seen since the 1970s,” said Paul Polzin, director of the Bureau of Business and Economic Research at the University of Montana.

Full Story: http://www.mtstandard.com/articles/2006/02/03/newsbutte_top/newsbutte_top.txt