Governor Gianforte Spotlights Small Business Owners Fueling Local Economies

• August 06 2024

EDITOR’S NOTE: A media package of the governor’s visit to Stillwater County can be viewed here.

COLUMBUS, Mont. – Continuing his 56 County Tour, Governor Greg Gianforte today spotlighted small business owners in Sweet Grass, Stillwater, and Carbon counties.

“It’s great to spotlight our small business owners who are building community and fueling our rural economies,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Through our pro-business, pro-jobs policies, we’re working to get government out of the way so small businesses can thrive in Montana.”

Gov. Gianforte talking with Wes Tuscano at Tuscano Machine in Big Timber

Kicking off the day in Big Timber, the governor toured Tuscano Machine, LLC, and heard from founder Wes Tuscano on the growth of the business and support for the next generation of Montanans.

Tuscano Machine began as a small-scale manufacturing operation in the founder’s garage and has recently expanded to a newly built warehouse.

Touring the new building and meeting with Tuscano Machine employees, the governor heard more about their manufacturing capabilities and their work for companies across the country in a wide variety of industries – from aerospace to archery.

Tuscano Machine is especially proud of its involvement in the 2024 Paris Olympics, having produced a component of Hoyt Archery bows used in this year’s competition.

The company has also made investing in the next generation of skilled workers through apprenticeship and work-based learning opportunities a top priority. Partnering with local high schools and Gallatin College, Tuscano Machine is providing first-hand experience to Montanans looking to explore a career in high-end machining.

Hearing from a recent high school graduate who participated in a work-based learning opportunity at Tuscano Machine, Jake Chulyak said, “Coming out to Wes’ shop and seeing an industry I didn’t know existed, to now pursuing a career in, was extremely beneficial. Wes has a passion for leadership and a passion for education, and passing on that knowledge that he has built is truly inspiring.”

“Our focus is on our employees – to provide them with the training and skills necessary to progress in their careers,” Wes Tuscano added.

Gov. Gianforte visiting with JT Robertson at the Bearded Viking Mead Co. in Columbus

Traveling to Columbus, the governor visited the newly opened Bearded Viking Mead Co. to highlight the veteran-owned business.

Founded by U.S. Marine veteran JT Robertson, fellow veterans, and other partners, Bearded Viking Mead Co. opened a tasting room and production facility in May.

Through a partnership with Sunshine Apiary in Coumbus, the company produces mead with new flavors released every six to eight weeks. When at full production, it uses upwards of 16,000 pounds of Montana honey per month.

During a visit to the tasting room, JT shared more with the governor about starting their business and their plans for growth. Currently shipping to 42 states and sold in local stores, the company is looking to expand its building and outdoor venue as well as add a cherry orchard.

“We wanted to create a place for folks to enjoy some mead and get to know people they don’t already know. We’re always evolving and inventing new ways to market our products,” Robertson said.

Gov. Gianforte meeting with Michelle Visocan at the Joliet Country Market

Stopping by Joliet, Gov. Gianforte visited the new owners of Joliet Country Market to thank them for their recent investment.

In 2020, Josh and Michelle Visocan set out to revitalize the local food store that serves as an essential marketplace for the Joliet community and to take over from the previous owner who had recently passed away.

From putting in new lighting, flooring, and coolers to maintaining the culture of the store, the community has welcomed the Visocans for their investment and management. While at the store, the governor heard from a longtime shopper and resident on the importance of keeping the store open for business.

“This is the only option for groceries in Joliet, but even after I moved to Robinson I still come back to shop here,” the shopper said.

Speaking to the importance of their service to the community and of keeping the business in their family, owner Michelle Visocan added, “Coming here and getting to know people and hear from them on how grateful they are to have a grocery store here has been really special.  And getting to build this business with my husband has been really amazing, and we have our son who hopefully one day will take this over.”