Join us for a discussion led by a leader on the front lines of designating Montana as a Tech Hub under the CHIPs legislation. This initiative has the potential to supercharge Montana's economy and position the United States as a global leader in this critical area of technology.
Featured Speaker: Paul Green, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce
What the recent CHIPS Act designation means for Montana:
Recently, President Biden signed the transformative CHIPS and Science Act into law. The CHIPS Act aims to boost American semiconductor manufacturing, which means significant job creation, innovation, and opportunity for Montana. However, the global demand for semiconductors has outstripped supply, leading to a chip shortage, job losses, and missed growth opportunities. This shortage emphasizes the need for increased domestic manufacturing capacity.
In 1990, the U.S. held 37% of the global semiconductor fabrication capacity, while China had none. Now, the U.S. share has dropped to 12%, and China’s share is expected to reach 24% by 2030, potentially becoming the world leader in this field.
The bipartisan CHIPS Act, supported by both of Montana’s U.S. Senators, invests in rural America by boosting high-tech production, strengthening supply chains, and increasing domestic research and development. Specific provisions include:
$39 billion to build semiconductors and increase U.S. manufacturing
$10 billion for Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs, benefiting rural areas like Montana
$13 billion for the National Science Foundation to support STEM workforce initiatives, including scholarships, fellowships, and traineeships.
This technology hub designation gives Montana a significant opportunity to contribute to national competitiveness and secure supply chains for technological innovations. Key industries such as mining, agriculture, construction, and infrastructure development will benefit from this program.
About our Speaker:
Paul Green – Director, Montana Department of Commerce
Paul Green, a U.S. Navy veteran, became Director of the Montana Department of Commerce in 2024 after serving in the Montana House of Representatives. While in office, he championed tax relief, economic development, red tape reform, and workforce housing development.
Green has extensive leadership experience in both the public and private sectors, with a strong background in economic development. He has served as Executive Director of the Two Rivers Economic Development Authority and held leadership roles with the Montana Economic Developers Association. He also founded and ran a small business, and oversaw maintenance and civil engineering operations for Burlington Northern Santa Fe and the Bureau of Land Management.
In addition to farming and ranching with his family near Hardin for nearly 30 years, Green has held various leadership positions in his community. He has been on the Board of Directors for Little Horn State Bank since 2007 and co-founded the Big Horn County Search and Rescue for Murdered and Missing Indigenous Persons, serving as director until 2022.
We look forward to seeing you at the event!
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