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KALISPELL- The seventh annual mid-year update to the economic outlook shows Montanans are doing better economically compared with the country, partly because of the energy boom in the eastern half of the state.

The economy may feel sluggish in western Montana, but the good news is most local business owners say they plan on keeping the number of employees they currently have through the end of the year.

State chamber of commerce president Webb Brown quoted from a recent survey of Kalispell businesses, where about 30 percent said they planned to hire more employees in the next few months.

"Much higher numbers here in the local economy," Brown said. " 61 percent staying the same and nine percent dropping, so a little bit better figures that we have here overall."

Brown add that some Montanans worry about tax rate increases.

The Montana Chamber of Commerce is hosting a series of events throughout the state to talk about the economy. Missoula's is scheduled for August 9. Learn more by clicking here.