The 50th Annual Economic Outlook Seminar returned to Bozeman, Montana, this past month, bringing together industry experts, business leaders, and community members to discuss key economic trends shaping the state. This year's theme, "Montana AI Future: Rethinking How To Staff and Run Your Business", focused on the growing labor shortage across industries and what solutions could be implemented to sustain economic growth.

Presented by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) at the University of Montana, the seminar provided valuable insights into the state’s economy, with expert-led discussions covering housing, tourism and recreation, agriculture, health care, the forest industry, a Northwestern Energy update, and a high-tech panel discussion.

"AI is no longer future-speak. Companies are using it right now in ways that may surprise you. It is perhaps ironic that a technology many of us fear will eliminate jobs may wind up helping all of us find and retain better workers instead. AI-based tools hold the promise of getting deeper into skills needed to do jobs effectively and getting beyond credentials to assess the skills candidates possess. In tight labor markets, could this be a solution that proves its value?" – Economic Outlook Seminar

As a company committed to staying informed on market trends and economic factors that influence real estate, ERA Landmark Real Estate was once again well represented at this year’s seminar, with over 21 brokers, sales associates, and staff members attending in person and virtually including Ray Atteberry, Jerad Biggerstaff, Skylar Bonnette, Baylor Carter, Carolina Carter, Robyn Erlenbush, Hannah Freund, Brenna Giessen, Jamie Hetherington, Amber Johnson, Debbie McEachron, Mark Meissner, Carissa Paulson, Becca Quackenbush, Cheryl Ridgely, Jessie Sarrazin, Kim Spain, Chelsea Stewart, Brian Tudor, and Amanda Weber.

Our team looks forward to the Economic Outlook Seminar each year as it provides key takeaways that shape our understanding of the housing market, economic development, and industry trends. When it comes to buying or selling real estate in Bozeman, Big Sky, Livingston, or Ennis, trust your local ERA Landmark agents to provide expert guidance and market knowledge.