Former Microsoft CFO, John Connors is a ‘Montana guy’. He expresses his concerns about the state’s economy in address to Montana Ambassadors

John Connors describes himself as a "Montana guy," but the former chief financial officer at Microsoft doesn’t necessary like what he sees in the state’s economy.

The 46-year-old Miles City native, now a Seattle venture capitalist http://www.ignitionpartners.com , says the state needs to make itself more attractive to outside investors, improve its educational system and be more open to energy development.

He noted that Montana’s neighbors in the Dakotas, Wyoming and Idaho have developed an image as places welcoming of new business.

"I would rate all of those other places more attractive from business and tax perspective," Connors said in a recent interview. "How does Montana get a similar reputation as a good place to do business? I think a really good, bipartisan approach to some of these things would really help."

Connors shared his ideas for "making Montana competitive" with members of the Montana Ambassadors http://montanaambassadors.com , a group appointed by the governor to help promote the state. The group met in Whitefish in February.

By JAMES E. LARCOMBE Tribune Business Editor

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