HELENA, Mont. —Last week, Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen congratulated the businesses earning awards during the 2024 Made in Montana Tradeshshow, and she thanked all businesses for attending the prestigious two-day event at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds.
This year’s tradeshow added extra flair as the Montana Department of Commerce celebrated 40 years of its Made in Montana program and 26 years of the annual tradeshow.
“Congratulations to the Department of Commerce and Made in Montana program on celebrating 40 years with our wonderful local businesses,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “The tradeshow has become one of the ‘must-attend’ events for both Montana businesses and customers.”
This year’s tradeshow again provided a “wholesale day” on Friday, while Saturday was open to the public. The Department of Commerce estimated more than 5,000 customers would visit the event to enjoy Montana-made goods and products.
Every year, one business is selected as the Montana Retailer of the Year upon nomination from their peers. According to the Department of Commerce, this year’s 174 votes were the most ever for the retailer of the year award, which Billings business The Maker’s Market earned by receiving 83 of the votes.
Other award recipients during the 2024 Made in Montana Tradeshow included:
- Living Sky Grains (Three Forks) — Best in Show
- Natural Essentials (Manhattan) — Best in Show Honorable Mention
- Badlands Sustainable Resources (Glendive) — Best in Show New Exhibitor
“Congratulations again to the award winners and all businesses for attending, and thank you to all of our Made in Montana businesses for doing business in Montana,” said Secretary Jacobsen.
