AGENDA
Montana in the World Market: Agriculture, Energy, Manufacturing & Beyond
Our 2025 agenda includes morning sessions offering tactical training for Montana firms engaging in international trade followed by afternoon sessions crafted to share essential insights regarding a dynamic global trade landscape from nationally renowned speakers. We’ll also honor the Montana Exporter of the Year as chosen by the Montana District Export Council and invite Consuls General from our trading partner nations to share their perspectives, meet with Montana firms, and amass more granular detail about mutually beneficial trade and investment opportunities.
International trade & investment are essential to Montana’s economy—from wheat to SaaS products and everything in between, Montanans are selling their products & services around the world, importing supply chain solutions, and receiving investment from global markets. Come join us to celebrate Montana’s successes on the global stage, learn about untapped opportunities, and gather together in celebration of world trade month.
Join us on May 7th from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM in Billings. For further questions, please email brigitta@mwtc.org.
Draft Agenda Subject to Change
Morning Session: Tactical Training for Montana Firms Engaged in International Business
Location
Big Sky Economic Development Offices
201 North Broadway
Billings, MT 59101
7:45 AM Event Check-In
8:00 AM Immigration Visa Considerations
Speaker: Henry Charpentier – Associate, Crowley Fleck
9:00 AM Partnering with MMEC to Grow Exports
Speakers: Jenni West and Paddy Fleming – Montana Manufacturing Extension Center
Focus: Identifying and meeting standards required by overseas markets (e.g. CE Mark), scaling to meet export demand.
10:00 AM Import & Export Best Practices: Leveraging Amazon, Shopify, and Other Platforms to Expand Your Market
Presenters: Owen Haacke and Joshua Jackson – Co-founders, Supply Chain Shark
Afternoon Session: General Session
Location
Northern Hotel
19 North Broadway
Billings, MT 59101
11:30 AM Event Check-In
12:00 PM Lunch Service Begins
12:05 PM Welcome Remarks
Speaker: Bill Cole – Mayor of Billings
12:10 PM Montana’s Global Trade Portfolio Update
Speaker: Brigitta Miranda-Freer – Executive Director, Montana World Trade Center
12:20 PM Keynote Presentation: U.S. Trade Policy and Its Impact on Industries Driving Montana’s Economy
Speaker: Tiffany Smith – Vice-President Global Trade, National Foreign Trade Council
1:00 PM U.S. Chamber of Commerce Take on Tariffs
Speaker (via Zoom): Isabelle Icso, Senior Director of International Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Introduction: John Brewer – President and CEO, Billings Chamber of Commerce
Question Moderation: Todd O’Hair – President and CEO, Montana Chamber of Commerce
1:30 PM Fireside Chat: U.S.-Canada Trade Priorities and Opportunities
The Honorable Sylvain Fabi – Consul General of Canada to the U.S. & Brigitta Miranda-Freer, Executive Director, Montana World Trade Center
2:10 PM Break
2:20 PM Exporter of the Year Award & Fireside Chat
Speaker: Angelyn DeYoung, Montana District Export Council Vice President & Exporter of the Year Winner TBD
2:40 PM Panel: Infrastructure Powering Montana’s Engagement with Global Markets
Moderator:
Paul Green – Executive Director, Big Sky Economic Development Authority
Panelists:
Matt Jones – Executive Director Public Affairs, BNSF Railway
Jeff Roach – Director of Aviation and Transit, City of Billings
Rick Edwards – Director of Community Connections, Northwestern Energy
Duane Williams – CEO, Montana Trucking Association
Focus: Billings’ strategic role in logistics and transportation infrastructure supporting the export of Montana’s key products.
3:25 PM Panel: Global Sourcing: Importing and Supply Chain Strategies in Montana
Moderator:
Owen Haacke – Co-Founder, Supply Chain Shark
Panelists:
Jeff Peterson – Supply Chain Project Manager, Montana Manufacturing Extension Center
Karson Bagby – Co-owner, Crazy Creek Products
Curtis Almy – Owner, Cat’s Claw Fasteners
Meridith Mossman – President, EverRelief
Focus: Exploring the role of importing in Montana’s economy, challenges in global sourcing, and strategies to optimize supply chain processes.
4:10 PM Panel: Diversifying Montana’s Global Reach: Ag, Energy, Manufacturing & Beyond
Panelists:
Brian Cebull – President and CEO, GTUIT
Bridger Blaine – Billings Flying Service
Deena Mansour – Executive Director, Maureen & Mike Mansfield Center
Darrel Monette – CEO Monette Farms
Focus: The diverse ways Montana engages with global markets, including traditional industries, twists on tradition and even educational exports.
4:50 PM Closing Remarks
Speaker: Brigitta Miranda-Freer – Executive Director, Montana World Trade Center
5:00 PM Close of General Session
Evening Session
Location
Big Sky Economic Development Offices
201 North Broadway
Billings, MT 59101
5:10 PM Networking Reception at Big Sky Economic Development
5:20 PM Emcee Welcome
Marcell Bruski – Chapter Vice President, Montana Ambassadors
Paul Green – Executive Director, Big Sky Economic Development
– Welcome to BSED
Focus: Emcee/evening program overview
5:22 PM Opening Remarks & Introduction of Governor Gianforte
Todd Buchanan – Chair, Montana Board of Regents and Co-Owner Buchanan Capital
Focus: From the global pull of the MUS system to building investment-grade companies with globally diversified customers, Montana is strengthened by world trade.
5:25 PM Montana Governor Greg Gianforte
Focus: The governor’s proactive commitment to building mutually beneficial trade & investment with key overseas partners, welcome to Select USA Spinoff attendees
5:35 PM Marcell Bruski – Chapter Vice President, Montana Ambassadors
5:37 PM Montana Ambassadors Trailblazer Owen Haacke & Joshua Jackson, Supply Chain Sharks
Focus: Share story of international growth
5:45 PM Networking Continues
6:30 PM Close
SPEAKERS
PARTNERS & SPONSORS
Marquee Sponsor
diamond sponsors
platinum sponsors
reception sponsor
energizer partner
student engagement partner
hotel partner
