Back to SOS News & Media Center >>

HELENA, Mont. — Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen is recognizing Rogue Brownies, a Made in Montana business based in Great Falls, as the latest feature in her “Montana Business Spotlight” series. Rogue Brownies, owned by Jenny Watson and her sister, has built a loyal following with its handcrafted gourmet brownies and Montana‑made treats.

Watson says the business grew out of a family recipe and a willingness to “go rogue” in the kitchen.

“The brownie thing was my mom’s recipe,” she explained. “I moved away from home after graduating high school, and I followed her recipe to a T, exactly how she told me to do it.”

“Then, 20 years later, I visited her, and I watched her (make brownies) and said, ‘That is not how you told me to make your brownies!’ So, we went rogue in that way. The fun part is (mom) just adopted our method,” Watson laughed.

Rogue Brownies offers a full lineup of rich, gourmet brownies and baked goods, featuring high‑quality ingredients and Montana‑sourced products. Watson’s sister, Karyl Vassilaros, is her business partner and handles much of the design and presentation.

“Oh, it’s a lot of fun,” Watson said. “My sister, she’s my partner. She got me back into it and (helped) start up the business. She does all this designing; all of these pretty things she did.”

Watson says the name Rogue Brownies reflects both the creative baking approach and the spirit behind the business: “This is why we’re Rogue. As I told my sister, we live life following the rules all the time and feeling limited by all the rules. And I wanted to break away from that. I’m like, ‘Nope, I’m just going to jump with both feet in.’”

When asked what she enjoys most about doing business in Montana, Watson quickly points to the customers.

“Meeting people. I absolutely love talking to people and finding out about them, and meeting other people at businesses,” she said. “My next favorite thing —maybe I have to switch that — I love seeing people’s faces when they taste things. Their reactions are like, ‘I wasn’t expecting that,’ or ‘Oh, I love it.’ I just love to make people happy.”

Rogue Brownies sells its products online and through events, sharing its delicacies with customers who want a taste of Montana‑made indulgence. As a Made in Montana member, Rogue Brownies continues to grow its reach while staying rooted in Great Falls and building relationships with local customers and fellow small business owners. Watson and Vassilaros were honored at the recent Made in Montana Tradeshow when Rogue Brownies was named the Best in Show New Exhibitor by the Montana Department of Commerce.

“This is exactly the kind of Montana success story the Business Spotlight series is meant to showcase,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “Rogue Brownies started with a family recipe and a lot of hard work, and today they’re sharing Made in Montana products with customers near and far. I’m grateful they chose to build and grow their business right here in Montana.”

“Small businesses like Rogue Brownies are the backbone of our economy,” Secretary Jacobsen added. “My goal has been to make it easier to do business in Montana by cutting red tape and lowering costs, so entrepreneurs like Jenny and her sister can focus on what they do best — serving their customers and strengthening our communities.”

Back to SOS News & Media Center >>

HELENA, Mont. — Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen supported projects during Monday’s State Board of Land Commissioners (Land Board) meeting that are estimated to generate more than $750,000 in revenue for Montana’s state trusts, with over $600,000 dedicated to supporting the state’s K–12 schools.

The Land Board approved four western Montana timber projects that will provide important revenue for Montana’s state trusts while supporting timber professionals and strengthening local economies. The timber sales are expected to deliver hundreds of thousands of dollars for Montana’s trust beneficiaries, including schools across the state.

“These timber sales show how we can responsibly manage our forests while providing real economic benefits for Montana families and classrooms,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “I’m grateful for the timber professionals who do this work and proud to stand with them.”

In addition to the timber projects, Secretary Jacobsen joined her Land Board colleagues in approving several easements that will help deliver long‑term benefits for Montana communities. Among them was a pedestrian and bicycle trail easement in Lincoln County that will improve access for northwest Montana recreationists and families while bolstering revenue for state trust lands.

“Whether it’s a timber sale, an easement for improved infrastructure, or a trail project that expands opportunities for outdoor recreation, my focus on the Land Board is to responsibly manage our trust lands, support local jobs, and maximize returns for Montana’s students,” Secretary Jacobsen said.

Back to SOS News & Media Center >>

HELENA, Mont. — Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen is recognizing Copper Creaxions, a Helena family business specializing in handcrafted copper jewelry, as the latest feature in her “Montana Business Spotlight” series. Copper Creaxions owner Travis Terry says the business grew from a simple family Christmas tradition into a thriving venture that now attends more than 40 trade shows and farmers’ markets each year.

“What started as handmade gifts for family and friends has become a successful Montana small business,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “Copper Creaxions is a great example of the creativity, work ethic, and family values that drive Montana’s entrepreneurs, and I’m proud they choose to do business right here in Montana.”

Terry explained that Copper Creaxions began about a dozen years ago, when he started crafting Christmas gifts from scrap copper. Eventually, family and friends asked for more custom works, insisting on paying for them, so Terry and his wife, Brenda, registered Copper Creaxions with the Secretary of State’s Office, and the business has steadily grown each year.

Today, Copper Creaxions produces solid copper bracelets, rings, and other jewelry by hand in Helena. Brenda creates copper earrings and other pieces, while their son, Casey, has joined the business and now makes roughly a third of the items offered at events and online.

“This is kind of cool; this is a proud father moment. So, on the inside of these bracelets is my brand, my initials, ‘TT’, but if you see a ‘CT’, it’s Casey,” explained Travis, referencing the marker’s mark on each piece that gives customers a personal connection to the Montana family behind the work.

“Copper is an amazing element, and I’ve always been drawn to it,” Travis continued. “It’s known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, and it’s an excellent conductor, so people like it for grounding and overall wellness. I’ve had my share of construction and sports injuries, and wearing copper has really helped with the aches and pains.”

Copper Creaxions can be found at more than 40 vendor shows annually, including a regular presence at the Helena Farmers’ Market. The business also connects with customers through its website, https://coppercreaxions.net/, where Montanans and visitors can browse handcrafted copper pieces and place custom orders made in Helena.

As a Helena native, Travis says operating Copper Creaxions in Montana carries special meaning. He points to the state’s rich copper mining history and the independent, hardworking spirit of Montanans statewide.

“As a native Montanan, there’s definitely some pride involved,” he said. “Montana is a unique state with a lot of independent and hardworking folks, and with our copper heritage, it just fits. I love Montana, I love doing business here, and the people are the best.”

“From the very beginning, I’ve worked to make it easier and more affordable to do business in Montana,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “By cutting and waiving fees and removing red tape, our goal is to give family businesses like Copper Creaxions more time to create, serve their customers, and pass opportunities on to the next generation.”

Back to SOS News & Media Center >>

Editor’s note: The final county has now finished its sample ballots. The 2026 Primary Election sample ballots are available to registered Montana voters at http://voterportal.mt.gov/.

HELENA, Mont. — Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen says the Montana Election Team, consisting of state and local election officials, has uploaded Primary Election sample ballots for voters across the Treasure State. As of Monday afternoon, sample ballots are available to Montana voters in all but one county. (Missoula County is expected to finish this week.)

Secretary Jacobsen and the Montana Election Team completed ballot certification for the June 2^nd Primary Election last month and immediately began the ballot-proofing process for every precinct across the state. Once a county’s ballot was finalized, sample ballots were uploaded to the state’s voter information site: http://voterportal.mt.gov/.

“It’s never too soon to begin preparing for Election Day, and voters across Montana can view their sample ballots to make a plan for casting their votes in the June 2^nd Primary Election,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “I’m grateful to the Montana Election Team for the efficiency in providing these sample ballots to Montana voters in such a timely manner.”

Registered voters can log in to the state’s voter information site using their name and date of birth, then select the “sample ballot” option in the menu to view each qualified political party’s primary election sample ballot. As a reminder, voters will be allowed to vote for only one party’s ballot in the June 2^nd Primary Election.

Voters can also use the voter portal website to confirm their voter registration information, including name, address, and absentee voter status. The Montana Election Team is also reminding Montana voters of important election information, including:

• showing a photo voter ID at the polls,
• signing, dating, and including birth year on absentee return envelopes, and
• same-weekend registration will be available statewide on Saturday, May 30^th.

Back to SOS News & Media Center >>

HELENA, Mont. — Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen is alerting Montana business owners about a new deceptive mailing that misleads new businesses by forcing them to pay exorbitant fees for various documents and registrations, including Employer Identification Number (EIN), Labor Law posters, and Certificate of Status.

The solicitation, titled “2026 Additional Business Documents Needed,” includes phrases such as “REQUIRED BY LAW” in red ink, frightens and worries businesses by referencing fines as high as $25,000, and lists urgent “respond by” dates, all of which can give the impression that the notice is an official government requirement. A brief solicitation disclaimer stating that the offer is merely an advertisement is intentionally written in small, nearly unreadable font.

“This mailing is designed to look official and scare new businesses into paying egregious fees for documents and services they can obtain directly from trusted government sources, often at a much lower cost or even for free,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “I made a promise to make it easier and more affordable to do business in Montana, and I won’t stand by and let deceptive solicitations undermine that work or take advantage of Montana’s job creators.”

The latest solicitation was brought to the attention of the Secretary of State’s Office by a Montana business. In response, Secretary Jacobsen immediately sent a cease-and-desist letter to the organization responsible for the mailer, demanding that the deceptive practice stop immediately.

This is not the first time Secretary Jacobsen has acted to protect Montana businesses from misleading solicitations. Secretary Jacobsen previously issued a cease-and-desist order to a different company, successfully forcing that organization to halt its deceptive practices and safeguarding business owners across the state.

Secretary Jacobsen reminds Montana businesses that the services advertised in these types of solicitations are not required to be purchased from third parties, and the companies sending them are not affiliated with the Montana Secretary of State’s Office, the IRS, the Department of Labor, or any other government agency. Official filings and records, such as Certificates of Existence, EIN applications, and labor law information, are available directly through government websites and the Secretary of State’s online business portal at https://biz.sosmt.gov/.

Secretary Jacobsen also reminds Montana businesses to:

• Look for disclaimers or fine print stating that the document is a solicitation, advertisement, or not associated with a government office or agency.
• Ignore mailings or emails demanding large fees for filings or certificates.  
• Do not send any money to these companies. You may contact them directly to request removal from their mailing list or simply disregard their notices. 
• Share this warning to help protect your fellow Montanans. 

  Examples of Business Solicitations

Click the links below to view examples of solicitations reported by Montana businesses.

• 2026 Additional Business Documents Needed
• 2026 Annual Report Business Renewal Filing solicitation
• 2026 MT Filing Cheat Sheet solicitation

Back to SOS News & Media Center >>

HELENA, Mont. — Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen announced today that Montana entrepreneurs set a record for new business registrations, with more than 8,000 businesses launched in March 2026. The milestone marks the strongest single month on record and continues the thriving trend of business growth throughout the Treasure State.

“Montanans continue to show that innovation and hard work are part of who we are,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “After an incredible turnout at the Montana Outdoor Expo this past weekend — where our homegrown businesses and entrepreneurs were on full display — it’s clear that small business continues to power Montana’s economy and strengthen our communities.”

The Outdoor Expo, held in Helena, highlighted dozens of new and established Montana-based companies, from outdoor gear makers to local guides and product innovators. Secretary Jacobsen celebrated these business owners and their role in fueling the state’s record growth.

March’s figures reflect not only sustained entrepreneurial enthusiasm but also the growing diversity of Montana’s business landscape. Since January, more than 21,000 new business registrations have been filed across the state — a strong indicator of confidence in Montana’s economy and the opportunities available to those ready to create, build, and lead.

“Each new business represents a Montanan taking a step toward their dream,” added Secretary Jacobsen. “Whether it’s a start-up that launched this month or a business showcased at the Outdoor Expo, these entrepreneurs reflect the best of our state’s independent spirit.”

For more information about starting a business in Montana or to access online registration services, visit sosmt.gov/business.

Back to SOS News & Media Center >>

HAMILTON, Mont. — Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen joined community leaders and health care professionals in Hamilton to celebrate the ribbon cutting and grand opening of Partners in Home Care’s new location. Secretary Jacobsen praised the organization’s continued growth in western Montana and highlighted what it means for any Montana business to celebrate a grand opening.

“It’s always exciting to see Montana businesses open, grow, and invest in our communities, and it’s an honor to assist them on that journey,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “Partners in Home Care is expanding important services for families in the Bitterroot Valley, and I’m grateful for the caregivers, nurses, and staff who are making a difference for patients every single day. It was an honor to be part of such a special celebration.”

“In a state as large and rural as Montana, access to quality health care can be a significant challenge, and that’s exactly why organizations like Partners in Home Care are so important,” she added.

Secretary Jacobsen has been a special guest at numerous grand opening events, including several in western Montana. Under her leadership, the Secretary of State’s Office has cut new business registration fees in half, waived annual report filing fees for all Montana businesses, and removed red tape so entrepreneurs can spend more time serving their customers and less time navigating paperwork and government bureaucracy.

“As Secretary of State, my priority has been to support Montana’s job creators by lowering costs and streamlining the process to start and maintain a business,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “From Hamilton and communities across western Montana to the Hi-Line and Badlands country, I’ll continue working to ensure it’s as easy as possible to open your doors, create important jobs, and grow right here in the Treasure State.”

Secretary Jacobsen thanked the Partners in Home Care team, including Dyana Canavan and Corin Schneider, as well as the community leaders and members of the public who joined the grand opening celebration.

Established in 1987, Partners in Home Care provides home-based health care to families and neighbors in the Bitterroot and western Montana. With locations in Hamilton, Missoula, and Ronan, Partners in Home Care provides services for hospice, home health, infusion, palliative care, and more.

Back to SOS News & Media Center >>

HELENA, Mont. — Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen and the Montana Election Team have completed ballot certification for Montana’s 2026 Primary Election, finalizing the list of candidates who will appear before voters on Tuesday, June 2.

Pursuant to Montana law, county election administrators certify local candidates for the primary ballot in their respective counties, while the Secretary of State’s Office certifies the names and designations of statewide and state district candidates, including candidates for federal, legislative, and certain judicial offices.

The Montana Commissioner of Political Practices (COPP) notified the Secretary of State’s Office and the county election administrators of any candidate(s) whose name(s) may not appear on the ballot pursuant to Montana law.

“The ballot certification process is a key step in ensuring Montana’s elections are accurate, secure, and transparent,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “I’m grateful to our state election officials and the county election administrators and their teams across the state for their hard work preparing for the 2026 Primary Election.”

A total of 380 candidates filed with the Secretary of State’s Office during the candidate filing period (Tuesday, February 17 – Wednesday, March 4). Several candidates withdrew from their respective races, while Independent candidates are pending petition requirements to qualify for the general election ballot.

Filings with the Secretary of State’s Office included:

• United States Senator: Twelve total candidates filed for the office, though one withdrew and one is pending petition requirements. Five Democrats, three Republicans, and two Libertarians will appear on Montanans’ Primary Election ballots. One Independent candidate must meet Montana’s petition requirements.
• United States Representative: Sixteen total filings in the 1^st and 2^nd Congressional races.
  • 1^st Congressional (MT-01) Ten candidates submitted paperwork for the Congressional seat – four Democrats, four Republicans, and one Libertarian. One Independent candidate must meet petition requirements. The incumbent did not file for re-election.
  • 2^nd Congressional (MT-02) Six candidates submitted filing paperwork, including the incumbent, who is the lone Republican to file for the race. Three Democrats and one Libertarian filed, while one Independent also submitted their paperwork for the race and is pending petition requirements.
• Public Service Commission: Seven candidates will appear on the ballot for the two PSC seats.
  • PSC District 1: Two Republicans and one Democrat will appear before voters for the open seat.
  • PSC District 5: The incumbent is one of three Republicans to file for the seat, while one Democrat also filed.
• Supreme Court Justice: Two candidates filed for the Supreme Court Justice No. 4 race – Judge Dan Wilson was the first to file for Montana’s high court, and Judge Amy Eddy followed suit later the same day.
• District Court Judge: Thirteen candidates submitted filings, including several judges currently on the bench.
• Legislature: The majority of candidate filings were for Legislative seats, where 329 total filings were submitted to the Secretary of State’s Office, nearly 130 of which came on the opening day.
  • Montana State Senate: Sixty-six candidates qualified for the 2026 Primary Election, including more than 10 incumbents.
  • Montana State House: A total of 235 candidates qualified for the 2026 Primary Election. Three Independent candidates are pending petition requirements. Dozens of incumbents filed for re-election.

For more information, visit the candidate filing page on the Secretary of State’s website at https://sosmt.gov/elections/filing/.