The University of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic research will be on the road with the 11th annual Economic Update series,. August 9th through the 11th.

Director Patrick Barkey said the focus of the presentations to six major Montana cities will focus on the challenge of finding and retaining top quality workers.

"It's a good problem to have, but it's still a problem," Barkey said. "The economy is growing and the workforce is tightening, and that is making finding available workers at all levels increasingly difficult. It's more difficult here at our research center at the university, it's more difficult at your radio station, and so it cuts across all businesses. We've made it the theme of our Economic Update, which is our summer program to help assess where the economy is going."

Barkey said the speakers at the events will offer concrete suggestions to help alleviate the problem business are facing.

"I'm joined in the program by the new director of executive education efforts Kate McGoldrick, and she's talking about the issues of retaining, attracting and developing talent for small and medium sized business across the state," Barkey said.

The seminars will be held at the following locations:

7 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9: Billings, Crowne Plaza., Noon Tuesday, Aug. 9: Bozeman, Holiday Inn, 8 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10: Helena, Radisson Colonial Hotel, Noon Wednesday, Aug.10: Butte, NorthWestern Energy, 7 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 11: Great Falls, Hilton Garden Inn, and Noon Thursday, Aug. 11: Missoula, Hilton Garden Inn.

Get more details at the BBER website.

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