Montana Lt. Gov. Angela McLean touted the state’s economic record on Friday as she met with a group of business representatives picked by Gov. Steve Bullock to help promote commerce in Montana.

McLean attended a lunch in Kalispell with the northwestern chapter of the Montana Ambassadors.

“All is right in the Big Sky state and it’s not by chance,” McLean said. “You folks are a part of that.”

McLean pointed to a recent study that found Montana was the best state in the nation for entrepreneurs. She also remarked that all but one sector of the state’s economy is growing, as are wages.

“It’s is an exciting time for Montana, especially on the economic front,” McLean said.

Tagen Vine, past president of the Montana Ambassadors, told the group that the business climate in Kalispell also was doing well.

“Great things are happening in Kalispell,” Vine said.

During the meeting. ambassadors threw names in the nominations hopper for Montana Business, Educator and Entrepreneur of the Year. Other Ambassador chapters will also meet and make their nominations of notable candidates to Bullock’s office. The awards will be presented in 2016.

Montana Ambassador Tracy McIntyre of Libby said that she enjoyed listening to McLean’s speech about business in the state.

“I thought it went very well,” McIntyre said.

Reporter Megan Strickland 758-4459 or [email protected].