Read the full February 2026 Insights publication here.

Insights is the Northwest Montana Business Journal from the Daily Inter Lake published the first Sunday of each month.

From Anton Kaufer, Regional Publisher of Hagadone Media Montana

If you used Microsoft’s Clippy in the 1990s or rely on autocorrect to clean up a text message today, you have already been using a version of artificial intelligence for years. Long before it had a headline-grabbing name, AI quietly worked in the background, making suggestions, fixing mistakes, and learning our habits one prompt at a time. As Bob Dylan reminded us of decades ago (and Jane Karas more recently), the times they are a-changin’. What feels different now is not the existence of artificial intelligence, but the speed at which it is evolving and the visibility it has gained in everyday life.

For this edition of Insights, we wanted to explore what that change looks like in the Flathead Valley.

In this month’s feature, reporter Taylor Inman takes readers into classrooms and programs where students are being introduced to artificial intelligence with intention and care. The emphasis is not just on what AI can do, but on how to use it responsibly, ethically, and critically. That approach reflects a broader shift in education; one focused less on chasing every new tool and more on teaching students how to adapt as change continues.

Our accompanying profile highlights John Ghekiere, a Flathead Valley tech entrepreneur with decades of experience in advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies. His perspective brings the conversation into the business community, where AI is increasingly viewed as a tool for productivity and problem-solving, not replacement. His message is a familiar one: understanding the technology matters, because those who take the time to learn it will be better positioned for what comes next.

Artificial intelligence raises fair questions, and it should. But what stood out most was not fear — it was thoughtful engagement. Educators, students, and business leaders alike are leaning into learning, recognizing that human judgment, ethics, and adaptability remain central, even as tools evolve.

If this issue sparks curiosity, we welcome the conversation. Like many of you, our industry is navigating these same questions, and we are always willing to share how we are thinking about and leveraging the efficiencies of this technology.

Thank you for reading, supporting our journalism, and for continuing to engage with the ideas shaping our community.

READ MORE:

Artificial Intelligence in the real world: How students are being prepped to use AI

Tech company owner wants to help others feel prepared for AI

Montana State business professor publishes research on social media and customer service agents

Keeping the human in the loop