By CAMDEN EASTERLING Chronicle Staff Writer
U.S. Sen. MaxYour browser may not support display of this image. BaucusYour browser may not support display of this image. touted a bill designed to boost hightech research and development during a Friday stop at Bozeman's TechRanch.
"I think we're on the cusp" of growth that "could explode" for Montana's high-tech sector, the Democrat said while visiting the entrepreneurial resource center off College Street.
His goal is to "fashion legislation that really helps here," he said.
He pointed to the Research Competitiveness bill he's working on, which could be an important tool to assist businesses here and across the country.
The bill, a revision of a taxcredit program that has been in effect for several years, would give tax credits to businesses doing research and design work.
The new language would let businesses claim credits for money spent on research and design, rather than basing the credits on companies' incomes, Baucus spokesman Barrett Kaiser said.
"So even the smallest of businesses that spent money on research and design will be able to get the benefit of this tax credit," he said.
The bill, which is in committee hearings now, would also give state and city governments tax-exempt bond authority to build or enhance research parks.
At the TechRanch, BaucusYour browser may not support display of this image. also heard from local business owners who told him that Montana is a good place to do business.
RightNow founder and Chief Executive Officer Greg Gianforte said he finds doing business here easier than elsewhere in the country.
"Why is it easier?" BaucusYour browser may not support display of this image. asked.
"There's a work ethic here I didn't see on either coast," Gianforte responded.
He credited the state's "git 'er done" attitude toward problem solving for that ethic. When Montanans see a broken tractor, "you don't call a consultant, you don't form a committee," you just fix it, Gianforte said.
BaucusYour browser may not support display of this image. also took the opportunity to pitch his upcoming Montana Economic Summit in Butte this spring, which will feature guests such as Microsoft's Bill Gates and NBC newsman Tom Brokaw.
The conference goal is to encourage entrepreneurial endeavors and help Montanans market their goods and services.
TechRanch recognized BaucusYour browser may not support display of this image.' work on business issues by presenting him with a framed certificate, thanking him for "outstanding support" of "entrepreneur development."
"Max has helped bring millions of dollars to Montana for worthwhile projects," John O'Donnell, TechRanch's executive director, said.
The senator said he's committed to helping Montana business owners make connections across the country to build their companies.