Billings Gazette, Mont., Have You Heard column

Sept. 28--The first steps are usually the toughest for budding entrepreneurs, so a group of experts is coming to Rocky Mountain College to help.

The nonprofit Startup Weekend is holding a three-day seminar Oct. 10-12 at Rocky's Losekamp Hall.

Over the course of the weekend, participants will pitch ideas, tackle the best ones in groups then present those business plans to local experts, organizers said. Participants will also have access to mentors and coaches with experience in business.

The event begins with a dinner at 6:30 p.m.Oct. 10 and last through the weekend.

Speakers will include Scott Severance, who teaches Rocky's entrepreneurship class.

Prices range from $65 to $99. Students with ID can pay $20 for the event.

Visit swbillings1014.eventbrite.com for registration information.

Startup Weekend, based in Seattle, Wash., has facilitators in 200 cities worldwide. Its goal is to bring entrepreneurs together to help them learn new skills and possibly create new businesses from scratch.

The three-day event is being held in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of the Big Sky

Economic Development Authority, a sponsor and co-organizer of Startup Weekend.

Ag insurance deadline nears

The deadline for farmers to file state insurance claims for crops damaged by hail is Wednesday, Oct. 1, according to the Montana Department of Agriculture.

Despite high-profile storms, this year's hail season has generated fewer claims than in 2013, according to stage ag officials.

As of Sept. 1, growers filed 321 claims with the agency in 2014, down from 1,046 the previous year. Over the past decade, growers have averaged 539 claims per year, according to the state.

Claim forms are available at www.hail.mt.gov or by calling (844)515-1571.

Bozeman marketing firms merge

A Bozeman-based marketing firm announced recently it has acquired a rival firm to boost its mailing and printing business.

P4 Marketing Group bought out the 28-year-old Executive Services of Bozeman on Aug. 22, the two companies said in a joint release.

Dean and Ann Halse, former owners of Executive Services, said they think their customers will be well-served by P4 Marketing, which was founded last year.

P4 Marketing is owned by Jamey and Kylie Perlinski. The company does printing, display graphics, promotional products and direct mailings for businesses.

Award for local Mr. Rooter

Mick Brown, owner of the Billings Mr. Rooter plumbing franchise, recently received a national achievement award from the corporate office, the company announced.

The Mr. Rooter personal achievement award is given to franchisees that have increased sales or best developed their location, according to the company.

Mr. Rooter has 300 franchises worldwide and was founded in 1970. The Billings franchise is at 2721 Enterprise Ave.

Out and about

A new night club has moved into the former Bones Brewing Co. at 1425 Broadway Ave. at the Doc and Eddy's Plaza.

It's called Vice Night Lounge, and it's open Friday and Saturday nights. According to the club's Facebook page, it will have live music and DJs, and customers are encouraged to come "dressed to impress." There's also a $5 cover charge.

Haikus from the valley

I guess who you love

Trumps your volunteer time, work

At Catholic church

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