Fishing Montana

Montana's majestic landscape is home to countless outdoor activities.  Although warm hospitality, world class skiing, hiking, camping, and climbing are all part of the Montanan experience, adventure seekers are lured from all over the world every year to the spectacular fishing that waits in store.

Montana by Horseback

There are countless ways to enjoy the rugged beauty of Montana’s wilderness, but none can re-create the visceral experience of a trail ride on horseback.  

Winter Just Happened

In Montana, we have a complex relationship with winter. The crisp air and the natural sound-dampening effect of snow make for a uniquely beautiful environment.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is one of the most staggering examples of natural beauty the world has to offer.  The untamed splendor of the park is something visitors travel thousands of miles to see. 

Wishing for Winter

It’s not often that Montanans look forward to winter.

Usually there’s no need to look forward to it because it’s always just behind the bend.  A popular Montana idiom is that we ordinarily enjoy about 9 months of winter and 3 months of bad skiing. 

Montana Ski Areas

This is the time of year that many Montanans start to think about the ski season.  It’s 90 degrees outside, rain is a distant memory, and the hills are choked with smoke. 

Montana Red Flag Warnings

If you’re unclear on what a red flag warning is, it means that fire danger is imminent.  Almost anything could spark a blaze that could cause serious damage to countless acres of wilderness and residential zones.  

Camping in Montana

Life in Montana is anything but mundane.  We at TRG are lucky to live and work in this land of secluded beauty that is Montana, and we work hard to be here.  

Montana Pastimes with TRG

Summertime in Montana isn’t complete without some time spent outdoors in the beautiful scenery provided by nature.  Grilling is a spectacular way to bring good people together to share stories and delicious food. 

Montana Wildfires Still Raging

Part of the beauty of living in Montana is the unpredictable nature of nature itself. It can be crystal clear bluebird skies one minute, and snowing the next.  Lately, the random weather Montana is so famous for has fueled a major disaster. 

Montana Meet Approaches

The Montana Meet is nearly upon us, and the buzz of excitement around our offices is palpable. Every year, TRG sponsors summertime activities, from float trips and hikes to barbecues.  

Montana Hiking Hotspots

Anyone who has lived in the mountainous regions of Montana for very long is well aware that almost every trail here is a hiking hotspot.  All it takes is a moment’s drive or bike ride to reach world-class hiking and nature watching areas. 

Our Fun Loving Northeasterly Neighbor, Bridger Bowl

Trade Risk Guaranty is located in beautiful Bozeman, MT.  Part of the allure of locating our main office in Bozeman is the exceptional outdoor fun that can be had year-round.  One of the best examples of Bozeman’s cornucopia of fun and adventure is Bridger Bowl, a world-class community ski area located only 15 miles Northeast of town. 

Skiing in the Montana Rockies is an inimitable experience because of the mountain range’s unique geography.  An arid climate, frigid weather, and sizable distance from the coastline combine forces to form Montana’s legendary “cold smoke” snow, as it is known to locals and visitors.  This snow is not like other snow, in the sense that it is almost lighter than air and is resistant to clumping up and packing.  The result is an unparalleled experience of gliding through a cloud while only tentatively attached to the ground beneath.  Most people are helplessly addicted to the Montana Rockies after their first ride through these fabled snowflakes.

Bridger Bowl is a non-profit ski area, which means that money collected by the organization goes straight back into its infrastructure and expansion.  The latest territorial addition is accessed by the Schlasman’s lift, which leads to a section of the mountain that had long been off-limits to pass holders.  It offers expert terrain, slope angles as extreme as anyone could ask for, and of course, plenty of deep powder.  If Bridger’s terrain isn’t enough draw, the family atmosphere is more than enough excuse to get up there.  From the ski school classes to the bustling Jim Bridger Lodge and Deer Park Chalet, Bridger Bowl exudes a sense of community uncommon in other mountain resorts. 

That is why several of our employees have returned to this mountain year after year, since their childhood.  I have personally enjoyed racing down the slopes of Bridger Bowl since I was three years old, and I am not alone in my love for Bridger Bowl here at TRG.  On a given powder day, you might see just about any TRG employee spending one of their personal days amongst the glistening trees and snow-capped mountain peaks.

We are lucky to be located where we are, and we don’t take it for granted.  Esprit de Corps is one of TRG’s 8 Core Values, and being part of Bozeman and Bridger Bowl’s communities is definitely being part of something special.  The spirit of community and adventure are omnipresent here, and we gladly take part every day.

Montana's Minimum Wage Receives a Boost

The minimum wage in Montana will be increasing by $0.30 on January 1, 2012.  This increase puts Montana $0.40 above the federal minimum wage.  Washington, Oregon, Colorado and Arizona are among the other states that will be increasing the minimum wage in 2012.  Along with Arizona, Montana has the 8th highest minimum wage.  Here is a look at where Montana sits in comparison to the rest of the U.S.

$7.25 Federal Minimum Wage, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina
$5.15 Wyoming
$6.25 Arkansas
$7.25 Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Delaware, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Nebraska, South Dakota, Texas, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas, Georgia
$7.31 Florida
$7.40 Michigan, Rhode Island
$7.50 Maine, New Mexico
$7.64 Colorado
$7.65 Montana, Arizona
$7.70 Ohio
$7.75 Alaska
$8.00 California, Massachusettes
$8.15 Vermont
$8.25 Illinois, Connecticut, Nevada
$8.80 Oregon
$9.04 Washington

“As the cost of living continues to increase, the law passed by Montanans in 2006, helps those making minimum wage keep their head above water,” said Labor Commissioner Keith Kelly. The Montana minimun wage will increase from $7.35 to $7.65 on January 1st 2012.

The increase is based on an increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from August 2010 to August 2011.  The CPI for the preceding year was 3.8%.  Thus, the calculation used for determining the minimum wage rate for 2012 is: $7.35 X .038% = $.28, rounded to $0.30

10 Months of Winter: Bozeman Montana's Winter Recreation

What is your favorite thing to do in the winter?  Put on your Forever Lazy and read a book...Hike the ridge and cut fresh tracks down the mountain...Eat peppermint ice cream and hot chocolate?  Whatever it is, you will find Bozeman to be an active community during Montana's 10 months of winter.

Here are 10 activities to keep you entertained as the snow falls.

1.  ICE GLIDING:  AKA ice skating or for those less graceful, ice falling, is a popular activity to keep you in shape during the holiday season.  Beall, Bogert and Southside City Parks offer public ice skating access.

2.  BOBCAT SPORTS:  Spend an evening cheering on the Bobcat Men's and Women's basketball teams.  The Bobcats will be running sidelines until March 2012.

3.  SKIING:  One of the most beloved sports of Gallatin Valley.  Whether you ride down the mountain on a one , two or three skis, downhill skiing is a community favorite.  If you don't have a  need for speed you can also find access to many local cross country ski trails.

4.  WARM SPRINGS:  Dethaw yourself after a day in the snow by visiting Norris or Bozeman Hot Springs.  There is nothing better than relaxing in the natural springs of Montana.  There is something special in the water here.

5.  HOCKEY:  Montana does not host a professional sports team.  This however, allows us to put our full attention into our college athletic programs as well as the Bozeman Icedogs.   The Icedogs are a Junior A Tier III hockey club in Bozeman.  Support the team and attend a game this season.

6.  SNOWMOBILING:  Hop on your snowmobile and head west.  You will find many trails to ride as you navigate the canyon toward Big Sky or hit up the party at the 2012 West Yellowstone Snowmobile Expo.

7.  ICE CLIMBING:  Yes!  Ice climbing has been a secret passion for many Bozemanites for decades.  Hyalite Canyon was discovered as the home to "the most reliable and concentrated ice climbing in the United States" in the 70s.  Join the daring at next year's Bozeman Ice Climbing Festival.

8.  VISIT THE THEATER:  The Ellen Theater in Downtown Bozeman will provide you with cozy entertainment throughout the year.  Reserve your ticket to White Christmas The Musical today.

9.  SING SING SING:  Screaming Monkey Productions travels the Valley offering a vocal outlet for the best and worst in karaoke talent.  From Belgrade to Three Forks find a local pub and let your jingle bells rock.

10.  ICE FISHING:  Yet another frozen water sport...Grab your auger and fishing pole and head up to Hyalite Canyon.  Ice fishing begins the end of December.  Put your snow tires on!

Bobcat Motorsports Raffle

The MSU Bobcats could use your support!

Mike Henrich, a TRG Sales Support asks the community to help raise money for Bobcat Motorsports by purchasing a raffle ticket for the items listed below.  Bobcat Motorsports is a Montana State University (MSU) sanctioned club for engineering students who build Formula SAE race cars.  With your support, the club is able to compete with other universities throughout the U.S.

Tickets are $2 each and the prizes are as follows:

1^st Prize - $500 gift card to Diesel Pros

2^nd Prize - A drift boat rental from Big Boys Toys

3^rd Prize - $100 gift card to Murdoch Home & Ranch

4^th Prize - $100 gift card to Rib & Chop House

5^th Prize - 4 free races at Full Circle Racing

6^th Prize - $60 gift card to 2^nd Street Bistro

7^th Prize - $50 gift card to The Bay Bar & Grill

8^th Prize - 2 free races at Full Circle Racing

*The winners will not need to be present to be eligible.  The drawing will be held on December 6th.

For more information on Bobcat Motorsports, please visit their website http://www.coe.montana.edu/me/faculty/larson/sae%20club.htm.

If you would like to help out a good cause by buying a raffle ticket, please contact Mike Henrich.

Cell Phone:  406-209-7681
Email:  henrichm23@yahoo.com.

Or contact Ben Gardner, the club President, at 406-570-3162 or jbg_3d@hotmail.com.