b'E C O N O M I CT E S R U S E O T N H R N S E R E E I I S S E O M W M N U I U WT E Y M D N EE N M C G L E B S T V I T U C R V S N S C I P O BYellowstone County has encountered and overcome many economic challenges in its history, but the scale, scope, and speed of the economic stress imposed by the current COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented. Under the duress of this global crisis, the regions solid, growing economy transformed within weeks into a recession of evolving proportions. Civic, business, and community leaders responded immediately, forming the Yellowstone County Economic Response and Recovery Team to react to the immediate needs of businesses; to support, guide, and provide advocacy for their recovery; and to develop a plan that will enable the community to thrive in a post-COVID-19 future.Optimists proclaim that bigger challenges hold greater opportunities, and that will be the case with this challenge. Realizing these opportunities will take a concerted effort by all sectorsbusinesses, healthcare, local government, education, arts and cultural organizations, nonprofits, and individual citizensto restore the economy and rebuild the community. These efforts need the support, assistance, and cooperation of all levels of the public and private sectors. It is essential that the people and organizations of Yellowstone County proactively address, plan, and provide the vision for what the county will become when successfully recovered.3 BIG SKY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BIGSKYECONOMICDEVELOPMENT.ORG'