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HELENA, Mont. — Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen thanked all of the businesses attending the 2026 Made in Montana Tradeshow at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds this weekend. Secretary Jacobsen also congratulated several businesses for being honored with this year’s awards.
The Made in Montana Tradeshow is hosted annually by the Montana Department of Commerce, bringing together business owners and consumers to celebrate Montana-made goods and products. This year marks the 42nd year of the Made in Montana program and the 28th year of the tradeshow.
“This is one of the most exciting weekends of the year for Montana businesses,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “Our great state is blessed with outstanding local businesses, including those in the Made in Montana program. Our office is honored to be the first stop on their business journeys, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to partner with them as they grow and succeed.”
This year’s event again featured a wholesale day on Friday, followed by Saturday’s public event, where Montanans browsed local goods and products created by neighbors from across the Treasure State. Thousands of Montanans attend the tradeshow each year to support their fellow Montana entrepreneurs.
Every year, the Montana Department of Commerce presents several awards to businesses in attendance based on nominations from fellow retailers. This year, 56 Counties from Helena accepted the 2026 Retailer of the Year honor.
Other award recipients during the 2026 Made in Montana Tradeshow included:
- Rogue Brownies, Great Falls — Best in Show New Exhibitor
- Beartooth Candle Company, Billings — Best in Show
- RJS Engraving & Design, Stevensville — Best in Show Honorable Mention
“Congratulations to this year’s award recipients and to every business participating in the 2026 Made in Montana Tradeshow,” Secretary Jacobsen said. “Thank you to all our Made in Montana businesses statewide for investing in our communities, creating jobs, and choosing to operate in our beautiful state. I’m honored to partner with the business community, cut red tape, and make it easier to do business so Montana businesses can thrive. Events like this show that Montana entrepreneurship is alive and well.”
