HAVRE – Bear Paw Development Corporation recently announced its Annual Meeting Luncheon will be held on Thursday, February 26th and the keynote speaker will be Marta Bertoglio, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. The luncheon will begin at 12:00PM in the Ballroom of the Student Union Building on the campus of MSU-Northern in Havre. The event is open to the public and reservations are required. There is a $15 charge for lunch.
“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,” said Paul Tuss, Executive Director. “Director Bertoglio understands the opportunities and challenges of an ever-changing economy and knows the importance of our rural communities to a strong entrepreneurial climate in Montana.”
Bertoglio was appointed by Governor Greg Gianforte as Commerce Director in June of 2025, following serving in the Montana House of Representatives for three legislative sessions representing Jefferson County. A native of Deer Lodge, Bertoglio graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1991 and served in the Air Force until her return to Montana in 2007. She is a business owner, having operated a boutique real estate firm based in Helena with satellite locations across the state.
“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,” Bertoglio said. “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.”
Reservations can be made by phoning Bear Paw Development at 406-265-9226 or by email at sredding@bearpaw.org
