PLAINS – Members of the Plains business community attended a roundtable discussion emphasizing Telecommuting and the prospects of bringing high-paying jobs to Montana last week.

The discussion, led by Greg Gianforte of Bozeman, centered on telecommuting, a work arrangement where employees work remotely, utilizing an internet connection to accomplish many of the tasks once performed in a traditional office setting.

Gianforte, who founded RightNow Technologies, a software company based out of Bozeman with his wife Susan Gianforte, began the midweek meeting at Heather’s Country Kitchen in Plains by explaining the potential telecommuting holds for Montana.

“It’s a great way to create jobs and a great way to bring our kids back home,”G.  Gianforte said.

G. Gianforte, who was joined by his wife  for the day’s roundtable discussion, noted many Montana graduates have sought work outside of the state due to the lack of high-paying positions within Montana.

He explained through telecommuting professionals can move back to Montana, while keeping their existing position of employment.

“Telecommuting represents the best opportunity to bring our kids back home. We have been exporting them to other states for quite a while,” G. Gianforte said.

According to G. Gianforte, Montana currently ranks 49th out of all 50 states in average salaries.

G. Gianforte believes telecommuting can help change that statistic praising the strong work ethic of the state’s denizens.

“The thing that Montana has going for it is the state’s work ethic. Montanans are very hard working people,” G. Gianforte said.

With high speed Internet in place in rural communities across the state the potential to work remotely is now a real possibility for those living in the rural areas of Montana.

According to information supplied by G. Gianfore, Montana’s high tech sector is a growing field currently consisting of over 175 firms.

He noted the ease of telecommuting enables high tech businesses to utilize employees regardless of their location.

“The only ingredient you need for telecommuting is a decent internet connection,” G. Gianforte said.

Representatives from local businesses at the afternoon dialogue included Matt Feliksa of Golden Sun Manufacturing, located on West Lynch Street, CEO Jay Wilson Preston of Montana West, LLC. Of Ronan, as well as representatives from the Sanders County Community Development Corporation and the Sanders County Job Services, both of Thompson Falls.

G. Gianforte capped the meeting by reinforcing his message regarding the positive potential telecommuting could have on local economies across Montana.

“A lot of Montanans want to come back home but they can’t find a job here. Telecommuting changes that,” G. Gianforte said.