Seminar to examine
laws' effects on business

Laws not only influence business startups, survival and relocation; they also affect most business transactions.

The fact that Montana is one of four states where business trade secrets are not entirely protected from departing employees in a noncompete agreement is worrisome.

The fact that Montana, with its strong union history, is surrounded by states that have “Right to Work” laws where employees may choose whether or not to join a union gives businesses in other states more flexibility.

The fact that Montana’s businesses must comply with myriad state and local regulations sometimes causes confusion and frustration – and makes for lively conversation among business circles.

At the 31st Annual Montana Economic Outlook Seminar, Jack Morton and Michael Harrington, both lawyers and professors at the UM School of Business Administration, will discuss the relationship between our state’s business and legal environments.

Recent trends and the outlook for Montana’s important industries also will be examined in detail at the seminar. Experts from the UM Bureau of Business and Economic Research, Montana State University and the UM Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research will look at the wood products industry, manufacturing, agriculture, health care, and travel and tourism.

The seminar will be offered at seven Montana cities in January and February. Dates and seminar locations are Jan. 24, Great Northern Hotel, Helena; Jan. 25, Hampton Inn, Great Falls; Jan. 27, Holiday Inn Parkside, Missoula; Jan. 31, Northern Hotel, Billings; Feb. 1, Holiday Inn, Bozeman; and Feb. 2, Copper King, Butte; Feb. 7, WestCoast Kalispell Center Hotel.

Registration is $70 and includes the seminar, proceedings booklet, lunch and a one-year subscription to the Montana Business Quarterly. Continuing education credits are available for an additional $20.

For more information or to register, call (406) 243-5113 or visit BBER’s Web site, http://www.bber.umt.edu.