Montana Ambassadors San Francisco Outreach Event is a Success

On October 8th Montana Ambassadors http://www.montanaambassadors.com hosted an outreach event in San Francisco bringing together many former Montanans now living in the Bay area at the City Club. Governor Brian Schweitzer and several of his staff as well as several Montana Ambassadors were able to attend the event and spend some quality time networking with Bay area Montanans about ways to build Montana’s future. Governor Schweitzer spoke to the gathering about Montana’s economy and his commitment to new and continued development in many areas of the state. The Governor stated that he believed people in the room could be instrumental in achieving stronger development for Montana.

Montana Ambassadors is a volunteer, not-for-profit organization of leaders in business, education and the professions with a common dedication to living and doing business in Montana and furthering the best interests of the state. Since 2002, Montana Ambassadors have held outreach events in several cities, including Spokane, Seattle and Denver, in an effort to bring together former Montanans and encourage them to assist in building business bridges and promoting economic development back in Montana. Ned Weber a graduate of MSO now living in San Francisco and attended the October 8th event, said, “What a great idea. I never knew we had an organization devoted to those of us who are still attached to the last best place.”

Montana Ambassadors worked closely with alumni associations from the University of Montana, Montana State University, and Montana Tech to develop a contact list of former Montanans now living in the Bay area. The event was hosted by Mr. J.C. McLaughlin, Chairman and CEO of McLaughlin, Piven and Vogel, Inc., with logistical support provided by Ken Richardson, Montana Ambassador Vice President with CTA Architects Engineers.

The response from those who were invited and able to attend was enthusiastic and overwhelmingly positive. Debi Beall, 1974 graduate from the UofM said, “I am currently working in San Francisco and would love the opportunity to connect with other Montanans and find out what is going on with the state.”

Dale Mahugh of Northwestern Energy and Vice President of Montana Ambassadors/Butte Chapter and John O’Donnell, founder of TechRanch and the Bridger Private Capital Network, served as Montana hosts for the event. Approximately 65 people attended and enjoyed great conversation connecting with old friends and forming new friendships.

Steve Flynn, currently of Los Altos, California, is a 1984 Graduate of MSU in Civil Engineering. Flynn said, "Montana Ambassadors – What a great way to stay remotely connected to the Big Sky Country. I really enjoyed hearing and meeting Governor Schweitzer. We should all be proud we have such a great leader. "

Mahugh said, “Montana and its future were on everyone’s mind.” Similar outreach events are being planned for Los Angeles, Chicago and Minneapolis as well as several cities in Texas, in the near future.

Gloria O’Rourke, Coordinator

MEDA * 118 E. Seventh St; Suite 2A * Anaconda, MT 59711

Ph: 406.563.5259 Fx: 406.563.5476

email: [email protected]; http://www.medamembers.org

Montana Ambassadors * P.O. Box 722 * Anaconda, MT 59711

Ph: 406.563.5353 Fx: 406.563.5476

email: [email protected]; http://www.montanaambassadors.com