Four Pillar Approach to a Strong Economy

  • Three large cylindrical hay bales on a flat field under a cloudy sky.

    Agriculture

    Agriculture is Montana’s largest industry, generating significant economic output and feeding families across the planet. A strong agriculture sector encourages growth, regional resilience, and supports small businesses. As little as 3% of food consumed in Montana is produced in Montana! SMART wants to see agriculture thrive, and is taking steps to see the development of local markets and to empower producers.

  • Tourism

    Tourism economically supports businesses by increase capital, increasing demand for new businesses, and the indirect support for the construction of new infrastructure. To support a growing tourism industry, SMART oversees projects that improves infrastructure, long-term sustainability, and strategic growth.

  • Workforce

    The workforce is what makes economic prosperity possible! SMART leads initiatives to create a well diversified, skilled workforce for healthy growth!

  • Community & Quality of Life

    Quality of life and a strong sense of community are vital in the overall wellbeing of our economy. Attracting and retaining happy families creates the foundation for economic growth, making projects that focus on making Southeast Montana a desirable place to live integeral to our Mission.

Progression of pink carnations from bud to full bloom arranged along a white background.

Impact

Core Values

Our four core values guide us through every step of our projects.

Five adults engaged in conversation in a bright, modern office space with large windows, chairs, and a bookshelf.

Accountability

Multiple people stacking their hands together in a circle outdoors on grass

Partnership

Group of eight people standing outside in front of a brick building, smiling at the camera. They are dressed casually, some wearing gloves, with one person holding a cleaning tool, volunteer activity for a cleanup.

Community

Projects & Programs

  • A brick building with a sign that says Junction 39, decorated for the holidays, with snow falling on the street and sidewalk, and a stop sign nearby.

    Trade Skill Development

    We proudly partner with our local schools to give students real world projects, preparing them for success in rural economies while simultaneously improving our community.

  • Historic Photo of the Baker State Bank Building

    Baker State Bank Revitalization

    Restoring the historic Baker State Bank Building on Baker’s Main Street, creating new usable spaces, and preserving our unique history for generations to come.

  • Visitor Center

    We run the Fallon County Visitor Center, promote the region, and oversee tourism infrastructure projects, helping visitors to share in the experiences that we love in our region.

  • A snowy street scene with a brick building complex featuring a health clinic and a yellow coffeehouse, cars parked on the side, a stop sign, and snow falling heavily.

    Montana Main Street

    In a joint collaboration between the City of Baker, and the Montana Main Street Program, SMART organizes projects on Baker’s Downtown District. A healthy downtown is essential for the overall economic vitality in our rural communities.

  • grand opening of new business in Baker

    Economic Initiatives

    SMART takes a proactive approach with projects to help create new businesses, retain current businesses, and to grow the economy in Southeast Montana.

OUR PARTNERS

Baker Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture

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Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation

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Fallon County

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City of Baker

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Montana Main Street

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Town of Plevna

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Plevna Public School

Baker Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture • Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation • Fallon County • City of Baker • Montana Main Street • Town of Plevna • Plevna Public School

Awards & Recognitions

  • In recognition of excellence in economic and community development through innovation for our joint work with Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation and Eastern Montana Brownfields Coalition on the Baker State Building Revitalization with the opening of Junction 39.