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Aadsen Ford - Family Business of the Year - Smallest Category

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Aadsen Ford in Ronan is the recipient of this year's Family Business of the Year in the "small business" category.

The late Don Aadsen established this successful dealership, following some ups and downs in the automotive industry. Since its establishment the business has seen three generations of the Aadsen family become involved with its continued growth.

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Farm Bureau Opposes Increased Dust Regulations

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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently reviewing regulations for what is called particulate matter, which is basically soot and dust. Soot is what comes from car emissions and factories and is manmade. Dust is a different story. Its particles are larger, it's naturally occurring and there is no scientific evidence in regard to being harmful to one's health.

"Anyone who has operated a tractor or driven down a dirt road knows dust in the country is inevitable," says Montana Farm Bureau President Bob Hanson. "The current regulations are working well. Increased regulations would be a definite burden on farmers and ranchers as they go about their daily chores."

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2011 Family Business Awards

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Each year, the Montana State University College of Business recognizes family-owned and managed businesses in Montana – of which there are legions of outstanding examples. Through a nomination process some of the best of the best are recognized at a special Family Business Day program in Bozeman, sponsored by the college and State Farm Insurance. Stockman Bank and the Montana Chamber of Commerce are also supporting sponsors.

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Exxon Line Back in Operation

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Exxon Mobil has restarted operations of its Silvertip oil pipeline following an eruption that kept it out of operation for about two and a half months. The company restarted operations after receiving approval from the US Department of Transportation.

The pipeline, which runs from Silver Tip, Montana to Billings, ruptured and leaked about 1000 barrels of oil into Yellowstone River in early July.

The pipeline and hazardous materials safety administration (PHMSA) of the department of transportation agency is expected to closely monitor the pipeline's restart.

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Magnum Plans Growth in New Building

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A growing manufacturing concern, Magnum Development, has purchased a building in Laurel in which to expand.

Magnum, owned by Mike and Laura Mussetter, has purchased the building which housed the Laurel Furniture Outlet, 220 West Main Street.

Laurel Furniture Outlet is closing. Ken Miller, who is campaigning for the office of Governor of Montana, said that the campaign demands too much time of him and his wife, Peggy, to continue running the 12-year-old business. They began a liquidation sale on Sept. 1.

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AZ to be Tenant of New Stockman Building

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Stockman Bank has announced that Anderson Zurmuehlen CPAs will lease the top two and a half floors of the new Stockman Bank Building which is under construction in downtown Billings.

"We are elated to have such an outstanding tenant. AZ has a strong history, great reputation and extensive customer base," said Bill Coffee, CEO of Stockman Bank.

Anderson Zurmuehlen's lease covers over 22,000 square feet on three floors. The third floor will mostly be occupied by AZ, but also allows for room to expand. Stockman Bank will use the entire first and second floors, and the remaining portion of the fifth floor. The fourth floor will entirely be occupied by AZ. A portion of the fifth floor will house AZ's computer room and file storage. Both AZ and Stockman will have backup generators on the fifth floor as well.

Both businesses intend to be in the new building at 4th & Broadway just before year-end.

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Home Energy Rating, Career Option

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On a ranch near Lavina, a group of women will gather from October 10 to 14, to learn a new career in home energy rating, or to enhance a current career.

Energy rating, also called "energy auditing", is a growing field of certified or accredited professionals who inspect a home and determine how it is functioning.

Once a house is tested, recommendations are given for improvements.

The Women's Energy Auditing course will be held at The Pure Energy Center near Lavina, and is offered by award-winning energy auditor and coach A. Tamasin Sterner, an experienced trainer whose company has audited more than 40,000 homes over 30 years. When asked why the course is limited to women, Tamasin explains: "This is a great field for women. And there are far too few women in the industry. I want that to change." And she explains the rural location: Our campus has several different types of houses that are used for teaching the inspection skills," she said. "I call the opportunity 'a distraction-free learning experience' because the students are far from shopping, restaurants and bars."

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Westfeeds Purchases Superior Feeds

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Westfeeds announced that it has reached an agreement with Superior Feeds to purchase their facility in Chester, Montana. Officials from both companies anticipate that the sale will close by mid-September 2011.

Officials from Westfeeds are looking forward to the addition of this plant to their manufacturing facilities and feel it will complement the company's existing plants in Billings, Great Falls and Miles City. With retail stores in Billings, Dillon, Great Falls, Lewistown and Miles City this purchase will enhance Westfeed's ability to provide customers with products for their livestock from a local manufacturer. Westfeed's marketing territory covers the state of Montana, Northern Wyoming, Eastern Idaho, Western North and South Dakota.

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The Big Sky Business Journal
P.O. Box 3262
Billings, MT 59103