SMART "Southeast Montana Area Revitalization Team"

06/10/2026

Craving some one-of-a-kind American-made products? We've got you covered!

Sew What Custom Embroidery has designed some truly patriotic gear to help Fallon County celebrate America's 250th birthday. Go online to the pre-order website to get a discount on your custom t-shirts, hats, koozies, patches, or playing cards! Every purchase helps local businesses and Baker's Main Street; that's like a double win.

Order here: https://www.companycasuals.com/SMART/start.jsp

06/08/2026

Due to an overwhelming amount of requests, we are happy to announce that there will be a parade to celebrate America's 250th! Mark your calendars for July 3rd at 4:00pm for Baker's Big Parade.

We can neither confirm nor deny the rumor that there will be a string of classic cars 👀

Here's the sign-up sheet for everyone interested in being in the parade. Registration is free, and all are welcome.

06/05/2026

We got to visit the Mahlstedt Ranch for an Agritourism Day to learn more about their incredible journey and how they've used agritourism to increase profitability in their operation. Ranch tours, stargazing, horseback riding, plant and herb foraging, and hunting are only a few of the options available to guests. The Mahlstedt Ranch offers a unique experience that is authentic to its core operations, and people from across the globe have visited to enjoy a meal cooked over a campfire in Eastern Montana.

The best part? Agritourism is an option for every producer and landowner - no matter the size. If you want to learn how to add agritourism in your operation, reach out to SMART today!

06/03/2026

Good news, everyone! Baker's Reimagining Rural grant was funded, and we will have two $1,000 grants available to businesses and entrepreneurs later this year!

Using community input from the Reimagining Rural sessions in February, SMART submitted an application for 'Baker's Minnow Tank', a sub-grant program open to businesses and entrepreneurs to boost their operations and support natural economic vitality. A committee of local stakeholders will review local applications and award two lucky winners $1,000 each. Applicants will be ranked based on viability, long-term success, need, and greatest economic impact. Keep your eyes peeled, the official application will be opening in July!

Interested in joining the committee? Reach out to SMART today!

06/01/2026

It’s a simple equation: No workforce = No economy. 🛠️

Recent census estimates show a population dip in Fallon County, and at SMART, we’re taking that seriously. That’s why Workforce is one of our Four-Pillars (alongside Agriculture, Tourism, and Community & Quality of Life).

To fight out-migration, we have to make Fallon County a place where entrepreneurs can actually start and stay. How are we playing the long game?

✅ Writing grants to fund big dreams.

✅ Designing logos and building websites for new startups.

✅ Supporting trade skill development.

✅ Creating physical spaces for businesses to thrive.

Economies are only as resilient as their people, and we are here to support resiliency!

05/29/2026

The SMART office will be closed until June 4th as our team is traveling for a family graduation.

05/27/2026

You asked, and we listened!

SMART is very excited to announce that Baker is working with the Montana Department of Commerce's Community Technical Assistance Program (CTAP) to create our very first Downtown Master Plan. This will be our guide to create economic vibrancy and beautify Baker's Main Street.

Check out our blog post to learn more, and stay tuned for updates on upcoming public meetings:

The Montana Department of Commerce’s Community Technical Assistance Program (CTAP) and SMART are teaming up to create a Downtown Master Plan for Baker. After a series of public meetings to hear local input, this collaborative effort is officially moving forward. Read more to learn about the proces...

05/25/2026

"It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived" - General George S. Patton

SMART is closed today in honor of Memorial Day, staff will be back in the office tomorrow.

05/22/2026

Thank you to all of the community members who attended the 33x33 Local Summit on Wednesday! Conversations about the local food market and learning from our producers are vital to the long-term economic health of Southeast Montana. The information we learned will help shape efforts both locally and statewide.

A huge thank you to each of the local producers who helped provide the local lunch:
Barkleys Home Grown provided the honey, herbs, garlic, and flowers
Gunstock Ranch provided and prepared the meatballs (and supplied last-minute eggs after a pasta machine mishap)
Nelson Family Farm and their rainbow array of eggs

A double huge thank you to the following for donating their goods and services
Honey’s for baking such beautiful (and delicious) cupcakes
Moore Dairy Delights for their fresh milk and cream

Finally, we want to thank all of our partner organizations for all their hard work. Abundant Montana and Montana Partnership to End Childhood Hunger for all of their time and effort into the 33 x 33 Initiative and these Local Food Summits. Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation - EPEDC and Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture for helping us host this event!

05/21/2026

Looking for something to do this summer that actually lets you be creative? SMART is offering a volunteer Social Media internship, and you get creative freedom to plan and execute real social media campaigns promoting Fallon County to visitors. And yes, you can bring your friends and work as a team.

SMART’s mission is to make our region a thriving, sustainable local hub for business and community life. We focus on four main pillars: Agriculture, Tourism, Workforce, and Community & Quality of Life. This internship falls within our Tourism pillar, showing the world why Fallon County is the place to be.

The role:
Interns will work collaboratively to plan and execute social media campaigns to encourage visitors to come to Fallon County. Interns will research current social media trends and gather visitor data, storyboard film ideas, film, edit, and create finalized content to be scheduled and uploaded on SMART's social media channels.

Learning Objectives:
Interns will become familiar with Canva, CapCut, Meta's Business Suite, Monday, Google Drive, and Squarespace. Interns will learn how to research and interpret project-specific data, deliver pitches, coordinate collaborative efforts, write content, film and edit, and manage campaigns.

The requirements:
We are looking for students who are exploring future career options and want to build tangible skills to boost their resumes. SMART is limiting the program to High School Juniors and Seniors, College Undergraduates, or the age equivalent (16-21). Interns must have reliable transportation. Having your own camera/phone to film with and reliable access to a computer are highly encouraged but not required.

This program offers a great deal of autonomy and flexibility, allowing interns the freedom to enjoy their summer while learning professional skills. As a volunteer program, interns will not be paid wages.

If you are interested in participating, fill out the sign-up form here: https://forms.gle/Tu75MmuD8dehYBYC6

If you have any questions, email Katie at [email protected] or call the office at (406) 778-2020