Stockman on Forbes' list of best banks
Stockman Bank has been honored by Forbes on its list of the World’s Best Banks for 2024, making it the third consecutive year it has been recognized by Forbes.
“We are proud to once again be recognized for the outstanding service we provide to our customers and communities across Montana,” said Bill Coffee, Stockman Bank CEO.
He said it reflects the trust customers put in the bank to meet their financial needs.
"It is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our staff, who always put the needs of our customers and communities first, backed by a commitment to local management and quick decision making,” he said in a news release.
Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista to survey more than 49,000 people across 33 countries for their opinions on their current and former banking relationships.
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Banks were rated on general satisfaction, whether they would recommend the bank and how they perform in five key areas: trustworthiness, terms and conditions (fees and rates), customer service (wait times and helpfulness of employees), digital services (ease of website and app), and quality of financial advice.
Founded in 1953, Stockman is Montana’s largest, family owned, community bank, with convenient full-service locations across the state. To learn more, visit www.stockmanbank.com.
Employer of Choice winners announced
The Helena Job Service Employers Committee has announced Silverman Law Office, Pioneer Aerostructures and Mountain Pacific Quality Health as the recipients of the 2023 Employer of Choice Awards.
“The Helena Job Service Employers Committee (JSEC) sponsors an award each year to recognize outstanding businesses in our community that create great workplaces,” the Job Service said in an email. “The quality of life in our community is directly affected by the jobs and workplace environment created by our local businesses.”
The winners of these employee-nominated awards receive bragging rights, a commemorative plaque and a window decal. They are also featured on a digital billboard at the intersection of Montana Avenue and Cedar Street in Helena for a month.
TDS seeks intern for Helena area
TDS Telecommunications is expanding its annual Field Service Technician Internship Program this summer to 17 communities nationwide, including Helena.
For more than three years, the FST Internship Program has been a resource for growing professionals to get real industry experience working with cutting edge technology in the telecommunications industry.
The FST program offers paid internship positions to local students and developing professionals interested in a potential career in the telecommunications industry.
Interns will be matched with mentors to maximize learning experiences and professional development. During the internship, they will assist with on-site installation, troubleshooting, and repairs and maintenance of telecommunications products, services and equipment provided to our residential and commercial customers.
Field Service interns will work 15-30 hours a week with a competitive base rate pay of $15 an hour, plus health benefits.
Additionally, as a member of the TDS community, interns will have access to the Intern Associate Resource Group, which provides support and opportunities for development and advancement.
To apply for FST Internship Program or learn more, visit https://go.helenair.com/RSLmgO.
Quint joins Great West Engineering
Great West Engineering announces the hiring of Kassandra Quint as a Grant Administrator/Compliance Specialist in the Billings office.
Quint has two years of experience in grant administration and another five years of experience in accounting and finance.
When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, William, and two children, Talan and Adrianna. She also enjoys hiking, reading, collecting board games and watching anime.
State hosting disability conference
The Department of Public Health and Human Services is hosting a Disability Employment Conference May 14-16 at the Great Falls College Heritage Hall.
“This conference will provide Montana businesses with information related to the value of hiring people with disabilities and how to support behavioral health in today’s workforce,” said Chanda Hermanson, administrator of the DPHHS Disability Employment and Transitions Division.
Participants will learn about the value of hiring people with disabilities, promoting mental health in the workplace, supporting employee wellness, integrating assistive technology, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace.
Service animals and changes in labor laws will also be among the topics discussed.
Hermanson oversees the Vocational Rehabilitation and Blind Services (VRBS) program. VRBS connects individuals with disabilities with employment opportunities and provides them with the tools they need to be successful.
VRBS counselors work with businesses to find and retain qualified candidates, solve issues related to accessibility and technology, provide consultation on issues such as transportation, and deliver training on disability inclusion to empower businesses.
Hermanson said VRBS is here to help businesses who employ or want to employ people with disabilities.
“We support businesses with a wide array of services, resources, and solutions related to disability employment,” Hermanson said. “We also provide businesses no-cost assistance with recruiting skilled candidates, retaining staff, increasing accessibility, and accessing other resources that can save time and money.”
There are about 79,000 Montanans with disabilities ages 18-64. This population is split among 35,000 Montanans with disabilities who are not in the labor force and 41,000 who are in the labor force and working. The remaining 3,000 are in the labor force, but unemployed.
The conference is free, but registration is required. Visit Business Services (mt.gov) to register and view the conference agenda.
Clark attends trade mission to Vietnam
Montana Department of Agriculture Director Christy Clark joined the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture on an “emerging markets” trade mission to Vietnam April 5-13.
The visit was to foster stronger ties with Vietnamese ag trade partners as well as find more trade opportunities for Montana agricultural products.
Additionally, the delegation sought to gain a better understanding of trade rules, regulations and culture to strengthen the United States’ trade relationship with Vietnam.
Clark joined Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward; Rick Pate, Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture; Sherry Vinton, Nebraska Director of Agriculture; Derek Sandison, Washington Director of Agriculture; Amanda Brondy, Global Cold Chain Alliance; and members of the NASDA staff.
The delegation met with supermarket executives, various agriculture businesses, seed groups, as well as toured the Cai Lan Port as part of their collaboration exploration efforts.
Funding for this trade mission was provided by the USDA’s Foreign Ag Service’s Emerging Markets Program through NASDA.
The Emerging Markets Program helps U.S. organizations promote exports of U.S. agricultural products to countries that have, or are developing, market-oriented economies and that have the potential to be viable commercial markets.
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