Governor's Office
CHOTEAU, Mont. Continuing his 56 County Tour, Governor Greg Gianforte highlighted investments in rural communities in Toole, Glacier, Pondera, and Teton counties.
“Montana’s small businesses are the backbone of our rural economies,” Gov. Gianforte said. “It’s great to celebrate the success of these businesses as they grow, expand, and showcase the best of Montana while acknowledging the growing power needs and the role of community support in keeping our communities strong.”
Visit to Prairie Peddler in Toole County
Beginning the day in Toole County at Prairie Peddler, the governor visited the local gift and coffee shop in Shelby to recognize its recent reopening after having to relocate following a fire that destroyed the original location in 2024. After purchasing and remodeling an old gas station, the shop had its grand reopening in November 2025.
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In the shop, products from Montana small businesses are available for purchase including home décor and gifts in addition to a full coffee bar and drink menu. During the governor’s visit, he met with nearly a dozen local small-business owners to discuss the rebuilding process, which impacted several other shops, as well as to highlight their investment in the community.
“After the fire, we were determined to bring back the coffee and gift shop,” said owner Kelli Lohr. “Small businesses power the economy. It means a lot to me and the other owners for the governor to talk with us about how we can continue to support entrepreneurs in Montana.”
Energy investments in Glacier County
Continuing to Glacier County, Gov. Gianforte visited the site of the BHE Montana Glacier Battery System to meet with employees and site supervisors on the critical investment that strengthens grid reliability for utility users.
Highlighting the importance of increasing the supply of affordable, reliable energy for Montanans and embracing Montana’s all-of-the-above approach to energy, the governor recognized BHE Montana for its investment in wind and solar projects and the first-of-its-kind battery system in Montana that represents a $100 million investment in advanced energy storage technology with a capacity of 75 megawatts for two hours.
“We are proud of our significant investments to produce affordable, reliable energy and strengthen grid reliability for Montanans. This battery is the first of its kind in Montana and showcases the Treasure State as a leader in energy innovation,” said Scott Rooney, site manager of the Glacier Battery System.
Embracing an all-of-the-above approach to energy to diversify Montana’s energy resource and increase the supply of affordable, reliable energy is a top priority for the Gianforte administration. Through the governor’s Energy Task Force, the state convened a group of state agency leaders, legislators, local officials, association representatives, economists, and researchers to provide recommendations and strategies for Montana to unleash American-made energy.
Meeting with Blackfeet Tribal Council
Following the visit, the governor traveled to Browning to visit with the Blackfeet Tribal Council to learn more about the Blackfeet Boarding Dorm, a residential facility for Native American students to provide stable housing and after-school programming. With the capacity to serve over 250 students, the facility is open for nine months out of the year to support students during the school year.
Meeting with the tribal council, Gov. Gianforte discussed his priorities to reduce the number of native children in foster care by encouraging kinship placements and strengthening families to prevent children from entering the system in the first place.
Tour of Windrift Hill in Pondera County
Next, in Pondera County, the governor visited the Windrift Hill manufacturing facility in Conrad to highlight the growth of the family-owned business adding value to Montana ag products through its sale of more than 45 different types of goat-milk soaps, lotions, and body butter.
Founded in 1999 by Dick and Deena Maier, the company has expanded from the couple’s kitchen to an 8,000-square-foot manufacturing facility with eleven employees. Shipping products nationwide and internationally, the company works with more than 7,000 suppliers for retail sales in all 50 states.
“We’ve been proud of our growth and the popularity of our products which showcases the best of adding value to Montana ag products,” said Deena Maier, founder of Windrift Hill.
