Montana Board of Research & Commercialization Technology
Board Members
Martin R. Connell - Billings
Founder and President
Marty Connell Agricultural and Financial Management, Inc.
Martin R. Connell, DVM, came to Glasgow, Montana in 1965 upon his graduation from the Kansas State University's School of Veterinarian Medicine. He practiced for 19 years on small and large animals, flying statewide doing herd health work. He was in the forefront of ova transplant development and developed a medical welding technique to set a calf's broken leg. He established Glasgow Veterinary Supply in 1966 and operated five locations in Montana and one in Oklahoma. Mr. Connell developed a feedlot in the late 1970's. In 1984 he moved to Billings as general manager for a large ranching operation. In 1985 he founded Marty Connell Agricultural and Financial Management, Inc., a firm that operates as trustee for individuals, farms, and corporations. The business assists in developing estate plans, managing farm and ranch operations, brokering businesses, or liquidating assets. Marty is a well-respected expert witness and is accredited in Business Valuation. He negotiates compromises with the IRS on behalf of clients. Banks, the Small Business Administration, and Bankruptcy Courts hire the firm for liquidation of companies, settlements, and receiverships. Marty owns and is involved in numerous other businesses.
Jim Davison - Anaconda
Executive Director
Anaconda Local Development Corporation
Jim Davison has served as Executive Director of Anaconda Local Development Corporation since 1982. As ALDC's Executive Officer, Davison is responsible for delivering a full range of economic and community development services to Anaconda and the surrounding areas including the encouragement of new and expanding business, loan and grant programs, technical assistance and recruitment programs. Jim is a founding director and past president of several organizations including Montana Economic Developers Association (MEDA) and Headwaters RC&D Economic Development District and its' related services. Jim has served on numerous job training and education boards including the State Workforce Investment Board and the Montana School Board Association. Davison is a 1975 graduate of Montana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Management and has ongoing training in finance, management and administration.
Erik Somerfeld - Power
Farmer/Rancher
Erik Somerfeld and his family farm and ranch in Power. They raise small grains, hay and have a cow-calf operation. He currently serves on the Montana Farmers Union Board. He is the Montana Farmer's Union representative to the Montana Beef Council where he serves on the Producer Communications Committee and is an alternate to the U.S. Meat Export Federation.
Tom Tanner - Arlee
Ironworkers Local 14
Tom Tanner works for Ironworkers Local 14, and has been president of the Western Montana Building and Construction Trades Council and trustee of the Missoula Central Labor Council. He has studied labor law at George Meany Labor College.
John Youngberg - Belgrade
Vice President of Governmental Affairs
Montana Farm Bureau
John Youngberg is employed with the Montana Farm Bureau as Vice President of Governmental Affairs. He serves as the chair of the Statewide TMDL Advisory Group, a water quality program, and is active in other statewide advisory committees. Mr. Youngberg is on the Belgrade City Council and the Belgrade City/County Planning Board. He has been involved in the Belgrade Chamber of Commerce Economic Board for several years. He attended Montana State University.
