Montana Chamber Survey - 10-year Strategy & Employer Needs

10-minutes + 10-questions

➡️ We are asking for feedback about your business and your input into the Montana Chamber's strategy.

A decade ago, the Montana Chamber embarked on a journey to establish a ten-year strategic plan - Envision 2026 built on four key pillars: Business Climate | Infrastructure | Workforce Development | Entrepreneurship

As the sun starts to set on Envision 2026, we are diligently working on our best roles for the next decade.

We look forward to your feedback and to continue serving as your #1 Business Advocate and Partner In Policy!
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1.Which of the following describes the most value that the Montana Chamber of Commerce provides to your business?

Non-partisan, credible leadership

Effective government advocacy and consensus-building

Strong professional network and impactful events

Workforce development and K–12 classroom engagement

Encouraging Youth Entrepreneurship

Other (please specify)

2.Which initiatives should we prioritize to increase our state-wide impact on behalf of our members and partners?

Tackling Tax Reform

Leading a pro-business coalition to elect business-friendly judicial candidates

Building a coalition to ensure affordable and reliable electricity

Pursue policies to make housing more affordable and attainable

Promoting entrepreneurship to maintain Montana’s top ranking

Encouraging appropriate infrastructure investments that make Montana livable and marketable—broadband, roads, water treatment, etc.

Other (please specify)

4.Which infrastructure needs should the Chamber prioritize over the next decade?

Other (please specify)

5.Energy - What role should the Montana Chamber play in shaping Montana’s energy future?

Reform permitting and regulatory processes

Promote energy affordability and reliability

Support energy infrastructure and transmission development

Advocate for diverse and reliable energy sources (all-of-the-above resource strategy)

Educate stakeholders and the public on energy prices and consumption costs

Other (please specify)

6.Childcare - How much of a barrier is childcare access to your ability to attract and retain employees?

Other (please specify)

7.Housing - How much of a barrier is housing attainability and affordability to your ability to attract and retain employees?

Other (please specify)

8.Workforce Development - Which K-12 workforce development strategies and Montana Chamber Foundation initiatives should be prioritized?

Cultivating Careers - Hands-on work experiences promoting trades and technical skills

Prospects - K–12 entrepreneurship and business pitch competitions

Empowered - Classroom engagement promoting workforce readiness skills

Empowered - K-12 educator alignment with industry leaders

Empowered - Professional development for K-12 educators and existing workers

Other (please specify)

9.In 2019 & 2021, Montana employers provided the Montana Chamber a wish list of essential skills most needed in their entry level employees. Which skills below should be our focus in K-12 classrooms? (check all that apply)

Professionalism - following instructions, meeting deadlines, taking feedback, etc.

Verbal & Written Communication - e-mail structure, phone call etiquette, interview skills, addressing an envelope, etc.

Workplace Behaviors - 40-hr. workweek, punctuality, meeting deadlines, managing phone time, etc.

Understanding Paperwork - W2, tax obligations, 401K, etc.

Basic Computer Literacy - Microsoft Office Suite, saving and sharing files, typing skills, etc.

Other workplace readiness skills (please specify below)

10.Open Feedback - Please tell us what's on your mind about Montana's Economy.