Boom! Boom! Boom!
Business is good in Helena! The boom of the nineties was not lost on Helena. New banks, shopping centers and office complexes dot the landscape all over the region.
For the most part, the more recent economic downturn that has
plagued the rest of the nation has had little effect here. Why? Because one of Helena's greatest strengths has long been its stable economy.
Government Jobs Provide Stable Employment
State and Federal government are by far the largest employers in the region, accounting for
over 55% of the labor income in our area. The remainder of our work force is comprised of retail trade, business and personal services. The region's unemployment rate is among the lowest in the nation at 4.3%. Per Capita Personal Income ranks among the
highest in the state.
Educated Workforce
Helena boasts an educated workforce; over 40% of the labor force has some post-secondary education. State economists forecast a strong decade of growth ahead, particularly in health care and business
service industries.
Regional Financial and Insurance Center
Helena is also starting to play an increasingly prominent role in Montana's financial service and insurance industries. 
Several banks have opened expanded or new facilities in the area in recent years. Currently there are
eight different banks doing business in the Helena area.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield recently consolidated their health care insurance operations into a single entity. They selected Helena as their state headquarters and are now the area's third largest private employer.
Partnering for Growth
Much of Helena's growth and success is attributable to a strong core of business and community leaders committed to sustaining and bolstering Helena's economic growth.
The Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Helena Business Improvement District, and other community groups and associations aggressively work
to continually improve Helena's business climate. Of course, being the state capital helps too. There are eight separate state and Federal economic development agencies with
offices here in Helena. Although these agencies' focus on economic development throughout the state, their planners can't help but think of Helena first since they live here!
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