The 52nd Annual Economic Outlook Seminar
Coming to 7 Cities January – February 2027
Economic Outlook Seminar 2027
The 2027 Economic Outlook Seminar will highlight the latest economic trends for local economies and the state of Montana, with special focus on the changing health care landscape.
Future-Focused Health: Can Montana Redesign Health Care?
Health care’s role in Montana’s economy is large and increasing. More than one in seven employed Montanans works in the industry. Last year, Montana added 1,276 health care jobs while total jobs in the state fell by 350. Demand is growing as the population ages and new treatments are developed. Health insurance costs are growing nearly twice the rate of inflation, straining employers, households, and government budgets. In 2027, the cost of the average individual marketplace health policy in Montana is increasing 23%, the 4th highest increase in the United States. As cost pressures grow, major change is on the horizon, with new legislation expected to transform the health care landscape.
Join us this winter as we explore the innovative approaches Montana is pursuing to strengthen its health care system and the implications of federal legislation to reduce Medicaid expenditures.
This year, Montana received a historic $233.5 million federal investment through the Rural Health Transformation Program to help stabilize and modernize rural health care delivery as hospitals and other key health providers navigate new technology, challenging demographics, and more uninsured patients.
Our keynote speaker, Ed Buttrey, president and CEO of the Montana Hospital Association, will examine the key issues and changes shaping the future of health care in Montana, including impacts from the One Big Beautiful Bill and the Rural Health Transformation Program. He’ll also discuss our future health care workforce, technology innovation, and new evolving health care models.
A special health care panel, moderated by Matthew Fete, dean of the University of Montana College of Health, will take a closer look at the challenges and opportunities affecting health care in communities across the state.
As always, we’ll highlight the latest economic trends for the state and national economies and provide economic forecasts for communities around the state, along with a look at Montana’s important industry sectors. Don’t miss this informative program about Montana’s economy.
Why Attend EOS 2027?
BBER economists will present national, state, and local economic forecasts for Montana’s largest communities, and industry experts will give their outlook for the state’s important sectors, including tourism, health care, real estate and housing, agriculture, manufacturing, high-tech and higher education.
Where Can I Attend?
EOS 2027 will travel to seven cities across the state and provide a live webcast for other regions. This year we will offer in-person events in Helena, Great Falls, Missoula, Billings, Bozeman, Butte, and Kalispell.
Keynote Speaker
An information packed half-day seminar, including a presentation by
Ed Buttrey, President and CEO of the Montana Hospital Association
BBER’s long-running economic outlook seminar series will run from January through February 2027 in seven Montana cities. Attendees will have the opportunity to network and take advantage of the insightful economic forecasts that have benefited the Montanans for more than 50 years.
Ed Buttrey
Ed Buttrey serves as President and CEO at the Montana Hospital Association, a nonprofit organization with more than 80 members that provide the full spectrum of health care services. In this position, Mr. Buttrey advocates for state and federal policies that improve the health of Montanans and recognize the value of health care providers in sustaining their local communities.
Mr. Buttrey is an accomplished business leader and long-serving state legislator from Great Falls, Montana. With a career that spans public service, health care policy and business, Mr. Buttrey has established himself as a trusted figure in both local and state-level initiatives, with a deep commitment to improving the lives of Montanans. During his time in the Montana State Legislature, Mr. Buttrey was a strong advocate for policies that enhanced health care access, improved education, and supported economic development, particularly in rural areas. Mr. Buttrey is a graduate of Montana State University.
Schedule
The seminar will be held in seven cities across the state of Montana
January 26, 2027
Helena
Helena Great Northern Hotel
835 Great Northern Blvd.
Helena, MT 59601
January 27, 2027
Great Falls
Meadowlark Country Club
300 Country Club Blvd,
Great Falls, MT 59404
January 29, 2027
Kalispell
Red Lion Hotel
20 N. Main Street
Kalispell, MT 59901
February 2, 2027
Billings
Northern Hotel
19 North Broadway
Billings, MT 59101
February 3, 2027
Bozeman
The Commons
1794 E. Baxter Ln.
Bozeman, MT 59718
February 4, 2027
Butte
NorthWestern General Office
11 East Park Street
Butte, MT 59701
February 5, 2027
Missoula
Hilton Garden Inn
3720 North Reserve
Missoula, MT 59808
The Speakers
Our lineup of speakers include industry and economic experts focused on Montana.
Jeff Michael
Director
Bureau of Business and Economic Research
Ed Buttrey
President and CEO
Montana Hospital Association
Matthew Fete
Dean, College of Health
University of Montana
Brietta Russell
Economist
Bureau of Business and Economic Research
Joel Schumacher
Extension Specialist
Agricultural Economics & Economics
Montana State University
Derek Sheehan
Economist
Bureau of Business and Economic Research
Melissa Weddell
Director
Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research
Seminar Sponsors
Principal Sponsor:
Premier Sponsor:
Statewide Sponsor:
