Montana Secretary of State Selected to Co-Chair National Business Services Committee

HELENA — Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen has been selected to co-chair the Business Services Committee for the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS), the organization announced Sunday.

Jacobsen will serve alongside Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore in the bipartisan leadership role through the conclusion of the NASS 2026 Summer Conference.

The Business Services Committee educates and informs NASS members about state practices regarding corporate registrations, electronic business filings, notarizations, Uniform Commercial Code filings, and related services. The committee also focuses on business identity theft awareness and prevention and follows the activities of relevant federal agencies and congressional committees.

“I’m deeply honored to be selected as co-chair of the Business Services Committee by my national peers,” Jacobsen said in a statement. “I take immense pride in our work in Montana, partnering with the business community, cutting fees, removing red tape, and allowing businesses to focus on growth rather than government bureaucracy.”

During her tenure as Secretary of State, Jacobsen has implemented several changes to business filing processes in Montana. She reduced registration fees by half for new Montana businesses, eliminated several other fees, and provided fee waivers for all Montana businesses filing their annual reports in 2024 and 2025.

The changes have resulted in what her office describes as “millions of dollars yearly” in savings for Montana businesses.

Montana has seen significant increases in business registration numbers during Jacobsen’s time in office. Nearly 64,000 businesses registered with the Secretary of State’s Office in 2024, and the state is on pace to exceed that number in 2025. In July, Montana recorded nearly 7,000 new business registrations, setting a monthly record.

“I look forward to continuing to work alongside the dedicated business leaders in our state to pave the way for future business growth and success,” Jacobsen said. “I’m proud to share Montana’s successes with my national peers on the Business Services Committee.”

NASS President Michael Watson, Mississippi Secretary of State, praised the committee appointments in the organization’s announcement.

“I am extremely grateful to my colleagues who have committed to help guide our historic association in these crucial areas,” Watson said. “I am honored to serve alongside these exemplary public servants.”

The appointment positions Montana to have influence in national discussions about business filing practices, electronic systems, and regulatory approaches used across different states.