Montana State hosting outdoor industry business panel March 7

BOZEMAN — Montana State University’s Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship will host “The Business of The Outdoors,” a panel discussion featuring representatives from Gallatin Valley-based businesses Simms Fishing, Skwala Fishing and Stone Glacier, at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 7. The event will be held in Jabs Hall, Room 111, on the MSU campus and is free and open to the public.

Panelists will discuss the phases of building and operating a business, from startup to mid-growth to established organization. They will address what it takes for companies to survive and thrive in a constantly changing industry, as well as what happens when a larger enterprise acquires businesses. They will share what they have learned, what helped them throughout their journeys and what they seek in the industry leaders of tomorrow.

Moderated by MSU adjunct business instructor Peter Nalen, the panel includes Diane Bristol, vice president of culture and community at Simms Fishing; Kevin Sloan, founder and CEO of Skwala Fishing; and Jeff Sposito, CEO of Stone Glacier.

The MSU Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship offers four undergraduate options of study — accounting, finance, management and marketing — as well as five minors — accounting, business administration, entrepreneurship and small business management, finance, and international business. It also offers a master of professional accountancy degree, a master of science in innovation and management, a business certificate and entrepreneurship certificate. More information is available at montana.edu/business.