Big Sky Times

Company expanded its operation from Washington to Livingston, projects to create as many as 140 Montana jobs

LIVINGSTON, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte on May 18 welcomed glassybaby to Montana, cutting the ribbon on the company’s new facility that the company projects to create as many 140 good-paying jobs in Park County.

“Since I took office, we’ve been focused on making Montana a better place for innovators to do business and create Montana jobs,” Gov. Gianforte said. “We’re thrilled to officially welcome glassybaby to the Treasure State.”

During an event at the new glass blowing facility in Livingston, glassybaby officials shared they are one of the largest glass blowing hot-shops in the nation, producing a variety of hand-blown glass votives. Since expanding its operation from Washington to Livingston, Montana, glassybaby has donated $375,000 to 45 Montana-based nonprofits.

Gov. Gianforte joined Lee Rhodes, owner and founder of glassybaby, to cut the ribbon on the new location.

“This was a huge leap of faith, coming from Washington State. We've already hired 34 people from the community, which means 34 people will have a great wage and benefits and be able to live in town. The governor's office and Scott Osterman have helped me so much, in terms of thinking things through and finding opportunities and I just can't say thanks enough,” Rhodes said.

glassybaby is one in a growing list of businesses which have expanded or relocated to Montana. In the governor’s January 2023 State of the State address, he announced the relocation or expansion of 15 businesses to Montana since January 2021 that project to create 900 new Montana jobs.

Since the governor took office, 36,000 new jobs have been created across Montana.

“Businesses like glassybaby see Montana’s clear value. From Montanans’ unparalleled work ethic to our pro-business, pro-jobs policies, there’s no doubt about it – Montana is open for business,” Gov. Gianforte concluded.

Creating a better climate for business development and job creation, including cutting taxes, overhauling regulations, and encouraging entrepreneurship, is a central element of Governor Gianforte’s Montana Comeback Plan.

Original source can be found here.