HELENA, Mont. — Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen thanked the businesses attending the 2024 Made in Montana Tradeshow on Friday. The Secretary also congratulated the award winners for being recognized during a weekend celebrating Montana-made goods and products.
The Maker’s Market of Billings was crowned the retailer of the year, while Three Forks-area business Living Sky Grains earned the Best in Show honor.
Manhattan’s Natural Essentials was awarded Best in Show Honorable Mention, and Badlands Sustainable Resources of Glendive won the Best in Show New Exhibitor honor.
Lt. Governor Kristen Juras presented the awards on Friday afternoon at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds. All four businesses began their journey by registering with the Secretary of State’s Office
“What an incredible group of Made in Montana-businesses,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “The innovation and dedication behind these businesses is fantastic, and it’s such an honor to earn these awards in front of their fellow Montana businesses. Congratulations!”
“It’s definitely an honor. The Made in Montana program is a program for people who love what they do, and it’s something that people look towards to find Montana products” said Franck and Kari Groeneweg of Living Sky Grains. “Montana is such a beautiful state and there are so many qualities that are recognized across the United States, so it’s a prestigious thing to be from Montana.”
“We were very surprised (to earn the Best in Show honor) because you look around and there are very beautiful booths,” they continued. “To be awarded this is really an honor and a surprise.”
The 2024 Made in Montana Tradeshow is open to the public on Saturday. For more information on the Made in Montana Program, visit the official website online.
press release provided by Montana Secretary of State’s office