State of Montana Newsroom
Governor Gianforte Kicks Off Sixth Annual 56 County Tour
Visits Jefferson, Butte-Silver Bow, Madison, and Beaverhead counties
DILLON, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today kicked off his sixth annual 56 County Tour as governor, meeting with Montanans in Jefferson, Butte-Silver Bow, Madison, and Beaverhead counties to highlight Montana manufacturers, small business owners, veterans, and community leaders.
“The best and most important part of my job is traveling the Treasure State to hear directly from Montanans and celebrate the people, businesses, and communities that make our state strong,” Gov. Gianforte said. “From job creators and innovators to veterans and public servants, it’s a privilege to recognize the hardworking Montanans who embody our values and keep our economy moving forward.”
Gov. Gianforte visiting the R.L. Winston Rod Company in Madison County
Beginning the day in Jefferson County, the governor visited Marks-Miller Post and Pole, a family-owned manufacturer producing fence posts, rails, and specialty wood products using Montana-sourced lodgepole pine. During the visit, the governor met with foremen and toured the facility to see the company’s production process.
“We take pride in using Montana wood and turning it into a quality product people can rely on,” said Marvin Allison, foreman at Marks-Miller Post and Pole. “This work started with a simple need on a family ranch, and today we’re proud to continue that tradition while supporting jobs and serving customers across the region.”
Continuing to Butte-Silver Bow County, the governor honored Corporal Lyndsay Alt, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, with the 2025 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation.
“It’s a privilege to recognize Montana’s veterans who have stepped forward to defend our freedoms and continue to give back long after their time in uniform,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Their service, leadership, and dedication to their communities represent the very best of the Montana way of life.”
Graduating second in her boot camp class, Alt was assigned to Marine Corps Base Quantico with the Marine Security Battalion where she worked alongside the FBI and DEA. For her service, she was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Continuing her commitment to service in Butte, Alt serves as a Project Manager for Butte-Silver Bow and remains active in multiple veterans’ organizations and mentors fellow veterans through Butte’s Veterans Court program.
The Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation recognizes veterans who have selflessly served in uniform and made positive impacts in their communities. Since 2021, more than 170 veterans have received the honor.
Continuing the tour in Madison County, Gov. Gianforte visited the R.L. Winston Rod Company in Twin Bridges. Joined by General Manager Andy Wunsch, the governor toured the manufacturing floor and learned more about the company’s nearly century-long history of producing premium fly-fishing rods. Winston has manufactured rods in Montana for approximately 40 years and distributes its products nationally and internationally, supporting local jobs and skilled craftsmanship.
“We’re proud to call Montana home,” said Andy Wunsch, general manager of R.L. Winston Rod Company. “For nearly a century, Winston has been committed to craftsmanship, innovation, and quality. The rivers, landscapes, and communities here inspire everything we do, and we’re proud to continue building our rods here while reaching customers around the world.”
In Beaverhead County, the governor honored Sergeant Montana Mansfield-Reynolds, a U.S. Army veteran, who served with the 82nd Airborne Division with the 2025 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation. Mansfield-Reynolds served in the Army for ten years including in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Following his military service, he continued serving others through the Montana Youth Challenge Program in Dillon, helping young Montanans develop leadership and resilience and supported fellow veterans through Project Healing Waters.
While in Dillon, Gov. Gianforte visited Frecker’s Saddlery where he met with owners Karsten and Jolly Ann Frecker. A generational family business, Frecker’s specializes in custom saddles and western tack, continuing a legacy of craftsmanship passed down through apprenticeship. During the visit, the governor observed saddle-making and leather tooling, highlighting the role of skilled trades and Montana-made products in local communities.
The governor will continue his 56 County Tour tomorrow visiting Deer Lodge, Powell, and Granite counties.
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