Visits Swanky Roots aquaponics greenhouse in Billings

BILLINGS, MT - Governor Greg Gianforte yesterday visited Swanky Roots in Billings to celebrate National Small Business Week and recognize the contributions of small business owners and entrepreneurs to Montana’s economy.

“Small businesses like Swanky Roots are the backbone of our communities and economy,” Governor Gianforte said. “It’s inspiring to see young entrepreneurs building something from the ground up, creating jobs, and providing Montanans with fresh, local produce year-round.”

Founded in 2016 by mother-daughter team Ronna Klamert and Veronnaka Evenson, Swanky Roots is a family-owned aquaponics greenhouse that grows fresh, sustainable produce year-round.

The operation combines aquaculture and hydroponics in a closed-loop system, using koi fish to naturally fertilize a variety of greens and vegetables. This method allows them to grow crops like butterhead lettuce, kale, Swiss chard, arugula, and microgreens using significantly less water than traditional farming methods.

During a visit to the greenhouse, the governor toured the facility and met with the owners to congratulate their recent recognition from the U.S. Small Business Administration as the Montana 2025 Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

“I was very surprised and very honored to be nominated, and then to win it was mind blowing. It’s exciting to see that recognition for all of our hard work over the last couple of years. We’ve really put our heart and soul into this, lots of hours, lots of miles of walking around – so it’s been great to see that recognition be put on paper,” said Veronnaka Evenson, co-owner of Swanky Roots.

Since taking office, Governor Gianforte has made supporting small businesses a top priority.

Since taking office, the governor has reformed the business equipment tax for more than 5,000 small businesses by raising the exemption from $300,000 to $1 million.

To help hardworking Montanans keep more of what they earn, Gov. Gianforte was proud to recently secure the largest tax cut in state history, providing Montanans at every income level with a tax cut and building on previous progress to cut the top individual income tax rate from 6.9% to 5.9% and simplifying the tax code to support hardworking families and job creators.

To learn more about Swanky Roots, visit swankyroots.com.