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Plentywood is a clean, peaceful, family oriented place free from the metropolitan crime atmosphere. Nature, along with its wildlife is abundant. Here the air is fresh as fresh can be. The area offers accessible and affordable recreational lakes and golf courses. Want to go to the movies? Go to one of the only outdoor/drive-in movie theaters left or you may choose the indoor theatre. How about the costs? There are many things you will enjoy about the expenses in Plentywood, including the city services. The city taxes are the lowest of any city in the State of Montana. 

Just 20 minutes from Plentywood is Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge, which is a well-known waterfowl producing wetland. Many Northeastern Montana residents and visitors have favorite pastimes of fishing, boating, hunting, and bird watching. The National Refuge is open for fishing. Also for recreation in Plentywood, Box Elder Dam on the edge of town is a prime site for northern pike and walleye fishing. Ice fishing is a popular winter sport on Box Elder Reservoir. 

Agriculture plays a major role in Plentywood’s economy. The Plentywood area produces 7% of the nation’s total durum wheat on 200,000 acres of cropland. Spring wheat is produced on 100,000 acres. Many specialty crops are produced on dry land and irrigated land, including canola, mustard, flax, peas, lentils, chick peas, alfalfa, sugar beets, and pinto beans. Livestock production includes beef cattle along with some hogs and sheep.

For further information, see the City of Plentywood Website

Plentywood offers many business attractions:

• Available Workforce
• Telecommunications
• Tax Advantages
• Organized Economic Development Efforts
• Real Estate
• Accessibility
• Municipal Services and Facilities

Plentywood’s new high school, which has a graduation rate of 95.3%, has an enrollment of 149 students, and kindergarten through eighth grade has a student enrollment of 251. Plentywood is located between Williston State College with 911 students enrolled and the University of Regina in Canada with 10,589.

Minot State University is a few hours East in North Dakota with 3,432 students enrolled. Plentywood and several nearby towns have Interactive Video Studios, which offer degrees and classes from surrounding universities and colleges, including: University of Great Falls, Rocky Mountain College, Montana State University-Northern, and Dawson Community College.

Most of these colleges will offer training and classes suited to meet any employer’s needs. The job service and local high school also offer public programs such as welfare-to-work, school-to-work, on the job training, and pre-employment skills training.

2000 Census	City/Town	County	50 Mile Radius
General Population:	2,061	4,105	7,693
Employee Population:	905	1,860	3,499
Unemployed Population:	31	68	121
Unemployment Percent:	2000	4.5%
	2001	3.2%
	2002	3.2%
	2003	3.5%

The following information about age and race distribution, income, and educational attainment is just for the Town of Plentywood. However, most of the area’s workforce commutes an average of 50 miles to work, which is only about a 45-minute drive. Therefore, to get an accurate measure of the available workforce the statistics for the 50-mile radius should be used. 
 

Age Distribution	Race Distribution
Under 20 years: 523	Caucasian: 98.8%	Black/African American: 0.1%
20-29 years: 110	American Indian: .6%	Asian: 0.4%
30-39 years: 232	Two or more races: 1.1%	Other: 0.1%
40-54 years: 469
55-64 years: 201
65 years and over: 526	Income
Median Age: 44.4	Number of Households: 879
Number of Grades Completed	Median Household Income: $30,037
By Adult Population in 2000	Number of Families: 530
Less than 12 Years: 19.2%	Median Family Income: $37,679
12 Years: 30.4%	Number of Non-Families: 349
Some College, No Degree: 26.6%	Median Non-Family Income: $19,375
2 Year College: 5.0%	Per Capita Income: $15,609
4 Year College: 15.4%
Post Graduate: 3.3%

	% of Total Employed	Average Annual Wage
Executive and Professional:	26.4%	$52,230
Sales and Office:	24.2%	$24,540
Service Personnel:	20.7%	$17,610
Trade and Labor:	28.8%	$29,337

The average annual salary for Sheridan County is $23,123. In Plentywood, the major employers are Sheridan Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home-200, Plentywood Public Schools with 70 employees, Sheridan County with 70, and Rueb’s Grocery Store with 38. The nearest call center is 110 miles away in Ray, North Dakota. The call center has approximately 100 employees, and the starting wage is $7.50 per hour with a generous fringe benefit plan

Labor Legislation:

Montana labor laws follow the federal laws with some exceptions where they have enacted guidelines to protect the employer or employee more than the federal laws do. Although employment at will is presumed by statute, Montana has enacted a comprehensive Wrongful Discharge from Employment Act making Montana not really a true employment at will state. 

In most cases, state law prohibits public and private sector employers from conducting random blood and urine tests on employees and applicants, except when: the business involves a hazardous occupation, the primary responsibility is security, safety, or one of confidence and trust, the job involves intrastate commercial transportation, or an employee is subject to driver qualification requirements. Montana has no restrictions on applicant testing, but the employer must be able to show a given selection test is appropriately and adequately related to the requirements of the job. 

Montana law adheres to federal law, which under the Electronic Communication Privacy Act bars electronic monitoring, unless one participant in a conversation consents to intercepting or taping it. A disclaimer statement that the call may be monitored for quality control must be stated clearly and before the conversation is begun. The Montana Wrongful Discharge from Employment Act sets guidelines an employer must follow to discharge an employee. The Montana Wage and Hour Laws states that an employer should immediately notify the employees, affected employee organizations, affected local governments, and newspaper of general circulation in the county that a plant is closing. 

Montana also has enacted the Montana Safety Culture Act, which provides guidelines for safety in the workplace. A training wage is permitted for employees under 20 years of age. They may be paid $4.25 per hour during their first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment; certain restrictions do apply. In Montana, striking workers are not entitled to unemployment insurance, and mental stress is not permitted in worker’s compensation claims. As with all laws and legislation, there are exceptions where the laws may or may not apply, so each case must be considered individually. 

Nemont Telephone Cooperative, which is locally owned and operated in Scobey, is the principal supplier of telephone, internet, and cellular service for Northeast Montana. Nemont is a major local and long distance telephone carrier and provides unlimited local dial-up internet access and ADSL. Nemont's wireless network is a reliable and extensive cellular and PCS network in Montana and northwest North Dakota. Wireless phones can be used throughout the US and Canada. Nemont Telephone Cooperative is fully equipped for every business’s needs. Please call Nemont Telephone Cooperative, Inc. at 1-800-636-6680 for further information or special requirements.

The State of Montana does not use sales tax to generate revenue. Montana also does not tax water use, electric power, sewer, natural gas, heating oil fuel, local tlephone calls, toll-free telephone calls, membership sales, or direct mail lists. However, Montana does have a state wage tax based upon one’s income at a graduated rate of 2-11 percent. Montana does not have a commercial rent tax, but the Town of Plentywood as well as the State of Montana collect a property tax. The property tax amount is based on the market value of the property times the taxable value set by legislation times the mill-levy amount set by school officials and city council. 

The average weekly unemployment insurance rate for the State of Montana for May of 2000 was $187.20. The average worker’s compensation premium rate for Montana is a minimum of $245 per year. The rate is based on salary, type of business, type and number of employees, and gross earnings of the company. Premiums are figured by taking a varying rate from 50 cents per 100 employees to $81.55 per 100 employees times the gross earnings of the company. The primary insurance carriers for Northeast Montana are Blue Cross Blue Shield, Montana Medical Benefits, John Alden, Intermountain Administrators, EBMS, and independent insurance carriers. Because insurance rates and premiums vary so much with different types of businesses, number of employees, and kinds of coverage, each carrier must be called for quotes. Managed care is not yet available in this area, but it should be offered soon. 

Many incentives are available in the State of Montana for new businesses. State funded pre-employment training is available for new and expanding industries. This service is either free or partially free to companies depending on the business. Through the Department of Commerce up to $5,000 per employee with a total of $400,000 per company in aid is available for training in a new business. The company must go through a competitive process in order to receive this aid. Montana offers no state income tax credits for new capital investment or new jobs created. However, industrial revenue bond financing is available.

Another incentive available for businesses in Montana is property tax abatement for land, buildings, non-production machinery and equipment, standard computer software, specialized computer software, and office furniture and equipment. The company may be taxed at a lower rate that is increased incrementally each year until the full rate is paid. In order to receive these incentives, the business must fulfill the requirements laid out by the State of Montana.

Special incentives are also available for designated industries as well as larger companies. Larger companies can obtain special financing assistance if qualifications are met.

Grants are also available for new and expanding industries. However, certain requirements must be met in order to receive grant money. The employer must pay a starting wage of $7.15 per hour plus benefits. The maximum amount available per project is $5,000 per job up to $400,000 per business.

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit program offers employers a credit against their tax liability for hiring individuals from nine target groups who have traditionally had difficulty obtaining and holding jobs. Employers must apply for and receive certification from their state employment security agency that their new hire is a long-term welfare recipient or a member of one of the WOTC target groups. 

The cost of living index for the State of Montana is 101.8. However, Plentywood would be much lower than this average. For instance the average cost of a single-family house in Plentywood ranges from about $50,000 to $60,000. 

Warehouse, office, and land space is definitely available, negotiable and inexpensive. Many buildings, ranging from 1,200 square feet to over 10,000 square feet, are available. Land and business space availability is plentiful in Plentywood. 

1. The Family Recreation Center (previously a roller rink) has 14,000 square feet on the main floor, a 4900 sq. ft. basement, and a 25,000 square foot lot surrounding it. Sale price is $200,000 and lease size and terms are negotiable (contact Nancy Dirkson at Ph# 307-682-6900).

2. The former Paulbeck Clothing Store is for sale.  The building is in poor shape and needs to be torn down.  The location is a prime Main Street property.  (contact John Kemp at 765-1127 for more information). 

3. Gaffaney’s office supply is 1200 square feet and could be rented for $350 per month (contact Woody Michels at 765-2220).

4. The Assembly of God Church with 3,000 square feet plus the basement will sell for $50,000. 

5. Dr Debelle Night Club has approximately 21,000 sq. ft available.

6. The Dry Goods has 1200 sq. ft. of office space in the basement (contact Adele Michels at 765-2220).

7. The former Dairy Queen has 1200 sq. ft. is for sale (contact Bill Lord).

8. The former Flower Shack with 2250 sq. ft. available.  The building is in poor shape and needs to be torn down.  The location is a prime Main Street property.  (contact Conrad Olson at 286-5281)

9. 3000 sq. ft. of the Plains Motel center section is available and negotiable (contact Karla Aus at 895-2489).

10. The former Post Office with 3000 sq. ft. including loading dock and 12 parking spaces is available and negotiable
    (contact Ron Grove at Grove Furniture 765-2552).

11. The Plentywood Furniture store with 2500 sq. ft. of display area.  This is a prime commercial Main Street property that could be used for any type of business one wanted to open.  For more information, contact (406) 765-1851 or Randy or Wanda Swenson at Bekk's Realty at (701) 570-0642.

12. AG Grain, Inc., a fertilizer plant, is for sale.  The main plant is in Plentywood, but there are also branches in Homestead, Scobey, Flaxville, Opheim, and Glentana.  For more information, contact Randy or Wanda Swenson at Bekk's Realty at (701) 570-0642.

13. Sheridan Ready Mix is for sale.  This company has two sites, in Plentywood and Scobey, Montana.  The business comes with everything one would need for a successful Ready-Mix, Sand, and Gravel operation.  For more information, call (406) 765-1570 or email Mickey McCall, Director of Sheridan Development Corporation at director@plentywood.com.

14. There is a small shop on a commercial lot for sale.  It is on highway frontage.  For more information on this property, contact Woody Michels at (406) 765-2220.

For more information, or an updated property list, please contact Woody Michels at the Michels Agency, (406) 765-2220, or  by email at michelsins@nemont.net.

Since listings are constantly changing, please contact a local real estate agent for up-to-date information:

Plentywood’s airport is chiefly used for private planes and emergency ambulance services. The airport, at an elevation of 2250 feet above sea level, is located within a mile of town at N48-47.4; W104-32.0 with radio contact at 122.8. The airport has a lighted, 4000 ft long, asphalt runway and available fuel.

Ninety miles to the southeast, the Sloulin Field International Airport of Williston offers flights to Denver via Great Lakes Aviation. 120 miles north, Regina also has connecting flights. Rental cars and taxi are available in Plentywood and Williston.

Amtrak also services Williston and Wolf Point daily from the East and West. The closest interstate highways are 120 miles North in Regina or 140 miles South in Glendive. The major North Dakota and Montana highway, US highway 2, is 47 miles South.

Canadian markets are very accessible from Plentywood. The 24-hour Port of Raymond, 16 miles North of Plentywood, is only 100 miles from Regina, which offers commercial air service, major shopping, museums, concerts, and an impressive science center. 

Plentywood’s average annual temperature is 42.43° F. It can get quite cold in the winter with January’s average temperature being 11.54° F, with an annual average snowfall of 22.4 inches. However, the schools don’t usually close due weather. July’s average temperature is 68.41° F. The average precipitation is 13.09 inches per year, and the average annual wind speed is about 7 miles per hour. The growing season in the area is about 120 days, from May to September. With Plentywood’s extreme weather one can enjoy a hot summer as well as a white Christmas. 

Sheridan Memorial Hospital employs 200 people, including 4 doctor, 2 physicians assistants, 22 registered nurses, 15 LPN’s, and 65 certified nurse practitioners. The hospital has 20 beds available, while the nursing home has 78 available beds. The Town of Plentywood has its own ambulance service, and emergency medical services are available at the airport. The hospital also has tele-med available which can hook to hospitals inside and outside the state. This allows doctors and technicians in other cities to review x-rays. The tele-med equipment is also used for college classes and mental health consulting. Other health care services in Plentywood are a dental clinic, chiropractic clinic, vision clinic, and retirement center. 

Local suppliers provide Plentywood with many of its basic utilities Montana-Dakota Utilities supplies the Town of Plentywood with its electrical power, while Sheridan Electric Cooperative provides the rural areas outside of the city limits with their electricity. Montana-Dakota Utilities has a base cost for a medium commercial user of $9.57 plus energy charges of 4.618 cents per kilowatt-hour for the first 2000 kilowatts and 4.093 per kilowatt thereafter. Whereas, Sheridan Electric has a base cost of $15.00 plus 6.08 cents per kilowatt-hour. MDU has an average of .274 outages per year, with an average time without power of 27.49 minutes.

The City of Plentywood obtains its water for the town from two wells with a million gallons total capacity. Plentywood uses aerobic lagoons for its sewage treatment. The two lagoons are twenty acre cells.

Plentywood has a volunteer fire department, an ambulance service, sheriff, public library, chamber of commerce, and highway department. The town businesses include a weekly newspaper and shopper, a radio station, three motels with a total of 103 rooms, two RV parks, eight restaurants, four gas stations, two car dealerships, a fine bakery, a floral shop, a lumber yard, hardware and sports stores, an appliance and electronic store, furniture stores, night clubs, office supply stores, beauty and barber shops, clothing shops, two drug stores, three insurance agents, and three banks.

As well as several businesses, Plentywood also offers many recreational facilities including: a senior citizen center, a public pool for swim team and swimming lessons, five public parks, a nine-hole golf course, two tennis courts, horseshoe courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts, three baseball diamonds for the summer ball programs, and an ice skating rink during the winter.