Billings Chamber President and CEO John Brewer thanked Congressman Troy Downing for attending a recent business roundtable, hosted by the Billings Chamber and U.S. Chamber of Commerce, to discuss the critical role of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). The Billings Chamber supports the TCJA, which has been a major benefit to businesses across the country — especially small businesses.

“We know what happens when small businesses get to keep more of their hard‑earned money — they hire people, they invest, and they grow. That’s why we’re grateful that Congressman Downing took the time to visit with our businesses and discuss the importance of making sure Congress doesn’t let these benefits slip away.” – John Brewer, Billings Chamber President and CEO

Around 20 local business leaders met with the Congressman for 90 minutes, sharing the urgent need for Congress to extend the small business provisions of the TCJA, which are set to expire at the end of this year. The event, co‑hosted by the Billings Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, shined a light on the nearly $1 billion in increased taxes Montana businesses could face if these provisions aren’t extended.

One of the biggest strengths of a chamber of commerce is its ability to unite businesses and foster connections to solve pressing challenges. Even after the meeting, the collaboration continued — with business leaders exchanging ideas, making new connections, and exploring ways to advocate for policies that support a strong and growing local economy.

Travis Peterson, owner of Meadowlark Brewing and gracious host of the business roundtable, shared how uncertainty and unpredictability in the market have driven up the cost of operating his small business.
John Brewer presented Congressman Downing with Billings Brew Trail stickers and shirts!
Alex Schimke, with Stockman Bank and the current Chair of the Billings Chamber Ag Committee, highlighted the importance of extending the tax cuts are for rural communities, pointing out that ag producers are the ones spending money with local small businesses. If those ranchers and farmers take a tax hit, that means less spending with other rural small businesses.