• Area Development Research Desk
• Steve Kaelble, Staff Editor, Area Development

The leading metro areas are those poised for long-term growth and are often hubs of high-tech industry, where workers may benefit from an affordable cost of living.

• Mark Crawford, Staff Editor, Area Development

Although their economies have been traditionally resource-based, the Mountain States also have flourishing high-tech and alternative-energy sectors.

• Area Development Research Desk

Corporate income tax, Sales and use taxes, Property tax, Property tax incentives, New or expanding industry wage credit, Property tax abatements

• Area Development Research Desk

Montana's economic development, finance and tax organizations provide a range of incentive programs to initiate new business and commercial investment.

• Steve Kaelble, Staff Editor, Area Development

Their economies are faring well, but the Mountain States continue to keep themselves busy building new industries and supporting existing employers.