Bear Paw Development to Host Annual Meeting February 26th

Keynote Speaker is Montana Department of Commerce Director Marta Bertoglio

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Bear Paw Development Corporation announced its Annual Meeting Luncheon will be held on Thursday, February 26th, with the keynote speaker being Marta Bertoglio, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. The luncheon will take place in the Ballroom of the Student Union Building on the campus of MSU-Northern in Havre, Montana.

Why it matters

As a regional economic development organization, Bear Paw Development plays a crucial role in supporting businesses and communities across rural Montana. The annual meeting provides an opportunity to highlight the organization's work and discuss the state's efforts to enhance the economic competitiveness of rural areas.

The details

The luncheon is open to the public, with a $15 charge for lunch. During the event, Bear Paw Development will release its Annual Report for 2025, showcasing the organization's economic and community development efforts over the past year. Director Bertoglio will discuss the state's partnership with regional organizations like Bear Paw Development and the importance of rural communities to Montana's entrepreneurial climate.

  • The Annual Meeting Luncheon will be held on Thursday, February 26th.
  • Marta Bertoglio was appointed as Montana Commerce Director in June 2025.

The players

Bear Paw Development Corporation

A regional economic development organization serving communities across rural Montana.

Marta Bertoglio

The Director of the Montana Department of Commerce, appointed by Governor Greg Gianforte in June 2025. Bertoglio is a business owner and former Montana state representative.

Paul Tuss

The Executive Director of Bear Paw Development Corporation.

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What they’re saying

“As we recognize and celebrate Bear Paw Development's economic and community development work over the past year, including through the release of our Annual Report for 2025, we are very pleased that Montana Commerce Director Marta Bertoglio will be joining us to discuss the State of Montana's efforts to enhance the economic competitiveness of rural Montana and the solid partnership that exists between state government and regional economic development organizations such as Bear Paw Development.”

— Paul Tuss, Executive Director (The Big Sandy Mountaineer)

“The impact of Montana's rural communities on our state's economy is far-reaching, and I'm excited to help celebrate the good work of Bear Paw Development during its annual meeting. The Hi-Line has greatly contributed to what makes Montana a good place to do business and invest, and I look forward to discussing the long partnership between the State of Montana and Bear Paw Development as we work collaboratively to make this special part of our state an even better place to build a business and raise a family.”

— Marta Bertoglio, Director, Montana Department of Commerce (The Big Sandy Mountaineer)

What’s next

Reservations for the Annual Meeting Luncheon can be made by phoning Bear Paw Development at 406-265-9226 or by email at sredding@bearpaw.org.

The takeaway

The annual meeting of Bear Paw Development Corporation highlights the important role that regional economic development organizations play in supporting rural communities and businesses in Montana. The partnership between the state government and organizations like Bear Paw Development is crucial for enhancing the economic competitiveness of these areas.