Montana Made: Research confirms link between local products, economic development

A Floridian who introduced himself to Becky Stahl at a Billings trade show last year offered her a business proposal that she had never experienced in more than a decade of running her business, Becky’s Berries.

"He was this young man and he said he wanted to sell Montana-made products at farmers markets in Florida," Stahl said. Florida’s season for farmers markets starts late in the year, pretty much opposite of Montana’s summer-oriented season, she said.

Stahl welcomed the opportunity to sell more of the jams, jellies, sauces and syrups that she makes in Absarokee. So far, both parties have benefited from the arrangement.

"I’m amazed at what he has been selling," Stahl said. "He would put in an order every Monday."

TOM HOWARD for the Missoulian

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