December 15, 2014: MCM Weekly Newsletter |
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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 Dec. 15 Let's Get It Done Legislative Tour Bozeman RDO Equipment 258 Laura Louise Lane Social - 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Dec 16 Missoula Chapter Safety Meeting
12:00pm - 1:00pm Jokers Wild Speaker: Tim Garland, Les Schwab Tire Topic: What happens when a truck tire comes off a tractor trailer and the damages that can occur at at 65 mph. Tim will explain why this happens and how to prevent it.
Dec 16 Billings Chapter Safety Meeting
Please attend the Legislative Reception at Tri State from 5:30 p.m. -7:00 p.m. RSVP to katie@mttrucking.org Dec 16 Let's Get It Done Legislative Tour Billings Tri State Truck & Equipment 5250 Midland Rd Social 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm Dec 17 Let's Get It Done Legislative Tour Butte La Quinta 1 Holiday Park Dr Social 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm Dec 18 Let's Get It Done Tour Helena Bert & Ernies 361 N Last Chance Gulch Social 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm Dec 25 MCM Office Closed Christmas Holiday Jan 1 MCM Office Closed New Years Holiday Jan 5 Share The Road Billings Senior High 4:00pm - 5:00pm Jan 6 Share The Road Skyview High, Billings 4:00pm - 5:00pm Jan 6 Board Meeting, Helena Jorgensons Inn, Room 156 12:00pm - 4:00pm Jan 6 Safety Meeting, Helena Jorgensons Inn, Room 156 4:00pm - 5:00pm Jan 12 Share The Road West High, Billings 4:00pm - 5:00pm Jan 12 SafetyFest Kalispell Flathead Valley Community College
777 Grandview Dr.
See article below for more info
Jan 13 Helena Chapter Safety Meeting
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Perkins
Speaker: Jim Dusenberry, J&D Truck Repair
Topic: Carrier responsibilities and expectations during an accident
Jan 14 Billings Chapter Safety Meeting
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Hanser's Wrecker
Speaker: Jim Dusenberry, J&D Truck Repair
Topic: Carrier responsibilities and expectations during an accident
Jan 20 Missoula Chapter Safety Meeting
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Jokers Wild
Speaker: Jim Dusenberry, J&D Truck Repair
Topic: Carrier responsibilities and expectations during an accident
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Legislative Tour Schedule
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Plan on attending one of our legislative receptions scheduled around the state. Motor Carriers of Montana has again partnered with the Montana Contractors Association to provide members an opportunity to speak with their newly elected legislators. Please see the schedule for time and location and RSVP to Katie at MCM 442-6600, as soon as possible.
Monday, Dec. 15 ....................................Bozeman
RDO Equipment
258 Laura Louise Lane
Social - 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 16....................................Billings
Tri State Truck & Equipment
5250 Midland Road
Social - 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 17................................Butte
La Quinta
1 Holiday Park Drive
Social - 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, Dec 18.....................................Helena
Bert & Ernies
361 North Last Chance Gulch
Social - 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
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Coat Drive
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Cummins NW is conducting a coat drive and we'd like to reach out to you for support. As many of us experience throughout the year we are asked for monetary donations but all that is being asked of you is to spread the word and clean out those closets! They are looking for coats, jackets, hats, gloves/mittens, etc for adults and children of all ages. All that is required is the motivation to sort through the items you no longer use or need and drop them off at Cummins NW or contact Joe Coyne and they will pick them up! Deadline for this is today December 15.
If you wish to make a monetary donation please make checks out to Cummins Northwest (memo: coat drive).
If you have any questions please feel free to call Joe at Cummins. Thank you!
Joe Coyne
Cummins Northwest
Office 406-728-1300 ext. 4408
6900 Kestrel Dr. #20
Missoula, MT 59808
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Share The Road January
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We are in need of volunteers for Share The Road in Billings for the following dates and times.
Monday, January 5 Senior High
Tuesday, January 6 Skyview High
Monday, January 12 West High
4:00p - 5:00 pm (all three days)
As you consider volunteering please remember that we need your equipment at the location ½ hour before the class starts.
We also require additional cars/pick-ups to go in the no-zones.
Any help you can provide in these areas would be appreciated. For questions please contact Frank Molodecki at frankm@dtsb.com.
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Senior High
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January 5, 2015
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students
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4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
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Driver/Truck 1
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Ankrum Trucking Brian Ankrum
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60
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Driver/Truck 2
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Instructor 1
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Don Ruesch Stieg & Associates
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Helper
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Bob Dupree Cross Petroleum
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Helper
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Skyview
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January 6, 2015
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36
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4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
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Driver/Truck 1
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A&I Distributors Shannon Fisher
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Instructor 1
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Helper
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Bob Dupree Cross Petroleum
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West High
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January 12, 2015
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60
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4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
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Driver/Truck 1
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Ankrum Trucking Brian Ankrum
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Driver/Truck 2
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Instructor 1
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Helper
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Bob Dupree Cross Petroleum
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Helper
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November Driver of the Month
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Stan Beaudry Watkins & Shepard Trucking Missoula, MT
Stan is unique to our industry because of his "Stan-ness" which to Watkins & Shepard means his unfailing positive attitude, superior customer service and willingness to mentor and share his extensive experience.
In his 23 years with Watkins & Shepard, he has driven around 3 million miles, in his career, he is closer to 4 million. He has not had a preventable accident in 15 years. Stan has been consistently recognized by our customers for providing excellent customer service, a spirit of courtesy and willing assistance.
Stan regularly stops to assist stranded motorists and in a true act of roadway heroism, he even stopped while under a load to assist a rancher in rounding up his escaped cows from the highway.
Stan is also a vocal advocate for trucking and truck drivers. Most recently, he wrote a practical and uplifting column for our company newsletter directed to drivers who are new to the industry and who may be discouraged with the steep learning curve of their new profession.
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FMCSA Announces Relief on DVIR Rule
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On Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced the publication of a final rule to eliminate the need for commercial truck drivers to complete a Driver Vehicle Inspection Report when "no defect" is found during the end of day inspection. The rule change will take effect Dec. 18, 2014. For carriers crossing into Canada, a current DVIR will still be required. The new rule also harmonizes the pre-and post-trip inspection lists. According to the FMCSA, eliminating the "No Defect" DVIRs will save the trucking industry an estimated $1.7 billion annually. While ATA believes the savings estimate is highly overstated, we commend the agency for its efforts to provide the industry with regulatory relief. For more information, contact Ted Scott at tscott@trucking.org.
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ATRI Seeks Input on Driver Assistive Truck Platooning
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In coordination with two different US DOT-sponsored research teams, the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) is launching a new data collection effort that seeks more detailed information on the likely costs and benefits associated with Truck Platooning. The survey seeks both truck driver and motor carrier input on the specific use scenarios and price points that might accrue from truck platooning, also known as Driver Assistive Truck Platooning (DATP).
The DATP concept is based on a system that controls inter-vehicle spacing based on information from forward-looking radars and direct vehicle-to-vehicle communications. Braking and other operational data is constantly exchanged between the trucks, enabling the control system to automatically adjust engine and brakes in real-time. This allows equipped trucks to travel closer together than manual operations would safely allow. Based on industry input, ATRI will conduct an empirical cost/benefit analysis to determine the degree to which Truck Platooning may be adopted in the trucking industry.
The online survey is available on ATRI's website at www.atri-online.org and will be open through January 9, 2015.
ATRI is the trucking industry's 501(c)(3) not-for-profit research organization. It is engaged in critical research relating to freight transportation's essential role in maintaining a safe, secure and efficient transportation system.
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Bridge Improvement Work progesses Along I-15 Virgin River Gorge
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Demolition work begins Tuesday: Motorists reminded to plan ahead for delays
Motorists traveling on Interstate 15 between Mesquite, Nevada, and St. George, Utah, along the Virgin River Gorge in the far northwest corner of Arizona, are reminded to plan ahead for construction delays up to 15 minutes, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. On Tuesday, Dec. 16 traffic is scheduled to be switched to the southbound lanes at Virgin River Bridge #6 (milepost 16) to allow for the demolition of half the existing bridge structure. While one travel lane will remain open in each direction, motorists are reminded to slow down and drive carefully through work zones and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.
The $27 million rehabilitation of Virgin River Bridge #6 began in March 2014, and is anticipated to be complete in 2016. This significant project includes the replacement of the bridge's superstructure (girders, deck and railings), as well as widening the roadway through the narrow passage of the gorge.
Drivers should allow for up to 15 minutes extra travel time during construction, weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Additional delay time may occur on weekends due to heavier traffic volume and special events.
The busiest travel times through the Gorge are Friday through Sundays. With limited alternate routes due to the remote location of the I-15 Virgin River Gorge corridor, ADOT urges drivers to plan ahead and allow extra travel time.
ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions. Unscheduled restrictions or closures may occur.To stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at az511.gov or call 5-1-1; outside Arizona, dial 1-888-411-ROAD (7623).
For more information about these projects, please visit www.azdot.gov/I15virginriver. If you have questions about the project you can email ADOT at projects@azdot.gov or call the agency's Project Hotline at 1-855-712-8530
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Breaking: Hours of Service Relief Passes; Onto President to Sign
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NOTE: MCM will let you know when the President signs this and makes it official. We just wanted to let you know it has passed the House and Senate and is expected to be signed by the President. If you have any questions, please email Spook spook@mttrucking.org or Jake jake@mttrucking.org. Thanks!
On December 13, 2014, Congress passed the FY 2015 Omnibus Appropriations bill providing funding for the vast majority of the federal government, including the Department of Transportation, for the current fiscal year. The President is expected to sign the bill into law shortly. Officially titled the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, the bill is over 1,700 pages long and, as you can imagine, has a host of detailed spending and policy-related provisions affecting many industries.
The most important trucking-related provision is language that provides relief from the two new restrictions of the hours of service restart rule. Specifically, the legislation suspends the requirement that all qualifying restarts contain two consecutive periods of time between 1am and 5am, and that it can only be used once every 168 hours (or seven days). In other words, the restart rule reverts back to the simple 34 hour restart in effect from 2003 to June 2013.
Below are some frequently asked questions to help ATA's membership understand the impact of this action.
1. What does the Congressional language actually say, and what does it mean?
The legislation language is remarkably simple. It says:
"Section 133 temporarily suspends enforcement of the hours of service regulation related to the restart provisions that went into effect on July I, 2013 and directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the operational, safety, health and fatigue aspects of the restart provisions in effect before and after July 1, 2013. The Inspector General is directed to review the study plan and report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations whether it meets the requirements under this provision.
Essentially, this law eliminates, temporarily, the two new restrictions on the use of the 34-hour restart, namely the 1-5 am provision and the 168 hour rule. Drivers will be permitted to restart their weekly hours by taking at least 34 consecutive hours off-duty, regardless of whether or not it includes two periods of time between 1am and 5am. A driver can also utilize the restart more than
one time per week if necessary.
2. When is the new, simple 34 hour restart effective?
The 34 hour restart rule will revert to its pre-July 1, 2013 version as soon as the President signs the bill into law. This is expected no later than midnight on Saturday, December 13, the current deadline for government funding to expire. Soon after the law is signed, ATA fully expects the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to issue enforcement memos describing the changes and their impact to law enforcement personnel. The enforcement memos/guidance will be distributed by ATA to its members as they become available. Motor carriers may experience minor disruptions at roadside as law enforcement adapt to the changes. If a driver experiences a problem at roadside, you should contact head of the commercial vehicle safety program in that State's lead MCSAP agency.
3. How long will this change last?
Because the language resides in an annual spending bill, its terms expire at the end of FY2015, which is September 30, 2015. It's important to note that the legislation also directs the Department of Transportation to conduct a study comparing the effectiveness of the 34 hour restart rules in place before July 1, 2013 with those that took effect after. During 2015, ATA will continue to pursue strategies in an effort to keep the simple 34 hour restart rule in place for a longer period of time.
4. Does the legislation include any other changes to the hours of service rules?
No, all other hours of service rules, including the 30-minute rest break provision, remain unchanged and must be complied with.
5. If our trucks have ELDs, will we be able to use the simple 34 hour restart immediately?
Carriers are encouraged to work with their ELD suppliers to determine what software updates are necessary to comply with this legislatively directed rule change. A short transition period may be necessary, and ATA encourages fleets to be patient as ELD suppliers will need some time to write and deploy the software updates.
6. Will enforcement officials know about this change?
Soon after the law is signed, ATA fully expects the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to issue enforcement memos describing the changes and their impact to law enforcement personnel. The enforcement memos/guidance will be distributed by ATA to its members as they become available. Motor carriers may experience minor disruptions at roadside as law enforcement adapt to the changes. If a driver experiences a problem at roadside, you should contact head of the commercial vehicle safety program in that State's lead MCSAP agency.
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2014 State Chain & Snow Removal Laws
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We have gathered information from each state and alphabetically listed each state's chaining requirements.
Click here for State Chain Laws
Click here for Snow Removal Laws
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Be Ready. Be Buckled. Kids' Art Contest
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The "Be Ready. Be Buckled." art contest focuses on urging truck, bus and all drivers to buckle up to saves lives and reduce injuries. Children with a relationship to individuals or organizations in the trucking and bus industries can participate as per entry requirements. Artwork that best illustrates "the importance of commercial motor vehicle drivers buckling up" with the overarching message "Safety Belts Save Lives" will win the grand prizes in each of the two age categories. Contest ends Friday, February 28, 2015. All submissions must be postmarked no later than
Friday, February 28, 2015. Contest runs through Friday February 28, 2015. Results decided by April 1, 2015.
An awards ceremony will be held in conjunction with the American Society of Safety Engineers' (ASSE) North American Occupational Safety and Health Week (May 3-9, 2015) celebrations aimed at increasing awareness about work safety - being safe on the job.
Download your entry form today.
2014 Winning Artwork
First grader Annie Yu from Edison, New Jersey, is the grand prize winner of the Kindergarten through second grade age group for the 2014 "Be Ready, Be Buckled" art contest."
Third grader Heather Li from Orlando, Florida, won top honors in the third through sixth grade age group for the 2014 "Be Ready, Be Buckled" art contest.
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UPS Your Wishes Delivered
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During the holiday season, so many of the packages we deliver at UPS begin with a wish. UPS is responsible for delivering millions of packaged wishes during peak season through hard work, great care, and dedication.
With this in mind, UPS has launched Your Wishes Delivered, a campaign designed to invite the public to share their wishes during the holidays. For every wish shared on
ups.com/wishes or via social media channels like Twitter or Instagram using #WishesDelivered, UPS will donate $1 to one of three charities: The Boys and Girls Clubs of America, The Salvation Army, and Toys for Tots Literacy Program (up to $100,000). So far, the campaign has been met with very positive public sentiment and involvement in social media.
You can help in two important ways:
1) Spread the word by liking, sharing, and commenting on the campaign stories we've posted on UPS social channels.
-Facebook*: UPS Delivers Wishes
-Twitter*: Share a Wish Using #WishesDelivered
-YouTube: UPS Delivering Wishes Video
2) Submit your own holiday wishes to support this good cause at the UPS wishes Delivered site: http://ups.com/wishes
Thank you for sharing and supporting the cause during peak season. And be on the lookout for updates coming soon that spotlight UPSer stories and some very special wishes delivered.
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Free Safety Workshops
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The Gift of Safety: Safety Workshops 
Now that the holiday season is quickly approaching, why not give yourself a free gift, the gift of safety, by attending one of our December safety workshops.
Topics include:
First Report of Injury (FROI): When an employee gets hurt, the first thing to do is seek medical attention. The second thing to do is file a first report of injury (FROI) with the employer's workers' compensation carrier. A FROI is a document all employers are legally obligated to file if an employee gets hurt on the job. In this session participants will learn why it's so important to file a FROI as quickly as possible and how to correctly fill it out.
As OSHA Turns: In January 2015, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will change the current reporting requirements for accidents. This includes changes to OSHA's partially exempt list for recordkeeping. In this section we'll discuss the reporting changes, as well as the criteria OSHA uses to decide which business is inspected and how to prepare for the inspection.
Watch, Share and Be Safe: The web and social media have transformed the way we find and view information and entertainment. In the world of safety resources it's no different. In this part of the workshop we'll introduce you to a number of safety websites and social media outlets that will prove to be valuable tools for workplace safety.
All topics will be discussed at each location.
Dates and Locations of Workshops
December 16 - Kalispell - Hampton Inn
December 17 - Missoula - Best Western Grant Creek Inn
December 18 - Helena - Holiday Inn Express
December 19 - Great Falls - Holiday Inn
Workshops take place from 8:30-Noon. To register go to safemt.com. For more information call Kirk Smith at 800-332-6102 x5361.
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SafetyFestMT: Kalispell 2015 Is Coming Soon!
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January 12 - 16, 2015
Flathead Valley Community College
777 Grandview Dr.
Kalispell, MT 59901Don't miss this opportunity to take advantage of the fantastic line up of FREE classes available at the Kalispell 2015 SafetyFestMT. Classes like Fall Protection, What a Safety Coordinator Does, First Aid/CPR/AED, Trenching, Personal Safety in the Workplace, OSHA Certified Classes and more will give you the tools you need to be successful in the workplace.
Register Now!
Please contact the following hotels for special rates for SafetyFestMT participants:
To register as an exhibitor please use the contact information below. Spaces are limited so don't wait!
Please contact:
Casey Kyler-West at 406.444.5267 or ckylerwest@mt.gov Thank you for your support of SafetyFestMT! Look for upcoming SafetyFest classes:
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Mark Your Calendar
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Montana ESGR & Montana Department of Labor Workforce Services Offices Job Fairs 2015
Early Entry Military, Military Spouses and Vets
Employers will be hiring
Billings Jobs Jamboree
March 18, 2015
METRA PARK Billings Montana
Contact Trisha Glenn 406-655-6081 TGlen@mt.gov Registration online now
Great Falls Community Job Fair
March 24, 2015
Great Falls, MT
Montana Expo Park Exhibition Hall
Great Falls Job Service Contact Barbara Hardy (406) 791-5816 bhardy@mt.gov
Southwestern Montana Job Fair
March 25, 2015
Butte Montana
Location to be determined
Job Service Manager Butte Marilyn Ohman (406) 494-0300 mohman@mt.gov
Bozeman Community Job Fair
April 8, 2015
Gallatin County Fairgrounds Bozeman, MT
Bozeman Job Service Contact Debbie Berg (406) 582-9200 dberg@mt.gov
Bozeman Job Service Contact Debbie Berg (406) 582-9200 dberg@mt.gov
Miles City Job Fair
April 8, 2015
A small job fair but closer to energy jobs in North Dakota
Miles Community College Miles City, MT
Miles City Job Service contact Cindy Erickson (406) 232-8349 cerickson@mt.gov
Helena Community Job Fair
April 9 2015
Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds Helena MT
Helena Job Service Contact Carol Rule (406) 447-3215 crule@mt.gov
Flathead Valley Job Fair
April 16, 2015
Flathead Valley Community College Kalispell, MT
Flathead Job Service Contact Bill Gilbert (406) 758-6240 wgilbert@mt.gov
or Roberta Diegel Business Resource Consultant Flathead Job Service (406) 758-6273 rdiegel@mt.gov
North Western Montana's Largest Career Fair
April 21, 2015
Missoula, MT
Hilton Garden Inn
Missoula Job Service Contact Wolf Ametsbichler (406) 728-7060 wametsbichler@mt.gov
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Save The Date RMRSR 2015
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