Governor Gianforte Thanks Montana Job Creators

Highlights strength of local businesses, expanding opportunities on 56 County Tour

• June 17 2025

LIBBY, Mont. — Governor Greg Gianforte today continued his fifth annual 56 County Tour as governor, highlighting the strength of local businesses and expanding opportunities in Ravalli, Mineral, Sanders, and Lincoln counties.

“Our communities are stronger thanks to the job creators and neighbors who support our economy and preserve our heritage,” Gov. Gianforte said. “It’s great to be back on the road for my 56 County Tour to thank the job creators and Montanans who invest in our great state.”

Gov. Gianforte visiting the SemiLink Manufacturing facility in Stevensville

Starting the day in Stevensville, the governor toured the new SemiLink Materials manufacturing facility. As a worldwide supplier of specialty gases for the semiconductor industry, SemiLink employees refine gases and design specialty equipment for fabrication plants worldwide for companies like Intel and Samsung.

“This facility will take gases in cylinders, analyze them, and then ship them to customers, who are mainly in Korea,” said Dave Keck, President of Advanced Material Solutions, LLC.

Advanced Material Solutions (AMS) is SemiLink’s Missoula-based parent company that was founded in 2017. AMS employs 50 Montanans, and the new SemiLink facility currently employs 15 Montanans.

Expected to host a grand opening in the coming months, SemiLink is the latest manufacturer to set up shop in the Bitterroot. In September 2024, Gov. Gianforte celebrated the expansion of Alpha Loading Systems in Stevensville, an ammunition machinery manufacturer. Operating out of western Montana since 1999, Alpha Loading Systems expanded to accommodate increased demand for their American-made machinery and ammunition and tripled its workforce capacity.

Gov. Gianforte visiting with Liz Thompson of Big Sky Forest Products, Rep. Curtis Cochran, and Sen. Denley Loge, from left to right, in St. Regis

Traveling to Mineral County, the governor highlighted the strength of Montana’s forest products industry and celebrated a new law that supports production facilities and reduces wildfire risk. Joining Sen. Denley Loge, R-St. Regis, and Rep. Curtis Cochran, R-St. Regis, Gov. Gianforte ceremonially signed House Bill 79 at Big Sky Forest Products.

Founded in 1997, Big Sky Forest Products creates fencing from locally sourced woods, primarily utilizing lumber industry byproduct that would otherwise be burned.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Cochran, exempts small timber projects from Hazard Reduction Agreements, making it easier for landowners to manage their land and contribute valuable materials to Montana’s wood products industry rather than burning them as slash.

“By reducing red tape and barriers, we’re empowering landowners to be active stewards of their land, while fueling economic opportunity for our communities and mills across Montana,” Gov. Gianforte said.

“While our forest products industry faces challenging times, it’s essential that we support them. This legislation is expected to reduce administrative burdens, cut paperwork, and encourage landowners to sell timber to manufacturers – strengthening both wildfire resilience and the state’s mill infrastructure,” Rep. Cochran added.

Gov. Gianforte visiting Mount Silcox WMA outside of Thompson Falls

Continuing to Sanders County, the governor visited the Mount Silcox Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and joined Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) to recognize a new Montana law that expands recreational opportunities for apprentice trappers and hunters.

Holding a ceremonial bill signing for House Bill 96, sponsored by Rep. Paul Fielder, R-Thompson Falls, Gov. Gianforte met with FWP staff, hunter educators, and young, apprentice trappers to discuss the impact of expanded hunting and trapping opportunities.

“The more that we can promote youth and newcomers into outdoor activities such as trapping, the better the odds are that we can protect this tradition for the next generation to be able to enjoy. Having this mentor opportunity allows folks to get out in the field with someone who has hands-on experience to learn how to operate ethically and with the utmost level of respect for the species that we are trapping,” said Justin Webb, executive director of the Foundation for Wildlife Management.

Gov. and First Lady Gianforte visiting with Hoot Owl Farm owners Rudy and Bonnie Gerber

Ending the day in Lincoln County, the governor visited the Hoot Owl Farm in Libby to highlight the family-run farm and their certified organic operation growing a diverse mix of produce.

What started as a home garden in 2016, owners Rudy and Bonnie Gerber have expanded to a four-acre farm in Libby, growing over 45 varieties of certified organic vegetables, herbs, and flowers. The farm supplies produce in bulk to nearly half a dozen local restaurants and stores, including Libby Public Schools and the hospital.

Employing 8 Montanans, Hoot Owl Farm is ramping up production for the summer season and offers customizable subscription boxes to customers, attends weekly farmers markets in Libby.

“We started really small as a Community Supported Agriculture farm, serving five family members and friends and attending farmers markets before expanding to restaurants and stores – we’ve grown every year since,” said owner Bonnie Gerber.

To help small businesses, as well as family farms and ranches, the governor increased the business equipment tax exemption from $100,000 in 2021 to $1 million, eliminating the tax burden for 5,000 Montana businesses, farms, and ranches. 

“Having healthy food grown right here in the community while supporting the livelihoods of your employees is something you should be very proud of,” the governor said at the conclusion of the visit.

The governor’s 56 County Tour continues tomorrow in Flathead, Lake, and Missoula counties.

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