Montana Means Business: GIS Solutions for Economic Development

Montana Means Business: A Comprehensive Economic Development Web Application

GCS developed the “Montana Means Business” (MMB) web application for the Montana Governor’s Office of Economic Development. This custom Esri ArcGIS solution leverages GIS technology to provide on-demand analysis, presentation-ready reports, and detailed maps tailored for economic development in Montana.

Key Features of Montana Means Business (MMB):

• In-Depth Analysis: MMB empowers prospective and existing businesses to explore demographic trends, consumer spending patterns, and the overall commercial landscape of any location within Montana. Users can access results in both interactive maps and comprehensive reports.
• Site Selection and Market Analysis: Organizations across various industries utilize MMB to identify optimal sites for new stores, assess competitive forces, and understand consumer behavior to tailor products and services effectively within Montana.
• Customizable Analysis Areas: Users can define their analysis areas using concentric rings on an interactive map or by selecting specific counties, ZIP Codes, or city boundaries. The application generates detailed reports and maps in PDF format for easy distribution and sharing.
• Presentation-Quality Reports: MMB’s reports combine extensive data with visually appealing maps and imagery, supporting mission-critical business decisions.

Economic Development Geodatabase

GCS also designed and developed an ArcGIS geodatabase specifically for the State of Montana, used in the MMB web application. Key economic development layers include:

• Foreign Trade Zones
• Community Development Centers
• Site Zoning
• Business and Industrial Parks
• Tax Increment Districts
• Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Zones
• Landfills and Superfund Sites
• Flood Zones and Soil Productivity Ratings

GCS compiled geographic features and attribute information from local governments across Montana to populate these essential layers.

Advanced Technology and Integration

The MMB application effectively consumes, analyzes, reorganizes, and enhances economic development data to deliver valuable insights to users. Its software architecture is based on a geospatial service-oriented architecture (SOA), which enables analysis and reporting through several distributed web services.

MMB integrates information from the state-wide cadastral web service, ESRI ArcWeb Services, Business Analyst Online (BAO), and data from the State’s Department of Labor. This geospatial SOA foundation allows MMB to expand and enhance its analysis and reporting capabilities while incorporating new mapping technologies and partnerships as they emerge.

In December 2008, GCS extended MMB to include Google Maps and the browser-based Google Earth plug-in, enhancing the user experience and interactivity.

Governor’s Office of Economic Development: Fostering Business Growth in Montana

The Governor’s Office of Economic Development focuses on critical areas essential for enhancing Montana’s economic landscape, including:

• Business Retention and Recruitment: Implementing strategies to support existing businesses while attracting new investments to the state.
• Workforce Development: Creating initiatives to build a skilled workforce that meets the demands of Montana’s evolving job market.
• Technology Development: Promoting innovation and supporting the growth of technology sectors to drive economic progress.
• Infrastructure Improvement: Advocating for enhancements in transportation, utilities, and facilities to support business operations and attract new companies.
• Permitting and Regulatory Processes: Streamlining regulatory procedures to facilitate business operations and ensure compliance with state and federal requirements.

To achieve these program goals, the Governor’s Office may engage policy specialists through contracts or direct employment. These experts assist the Chief Business Development Officer in executing strategic initiatives and ensuring effective implementation of economic development programs.