FREE just completed a summer conference, co-sponsored with MSU, for federal judges—2011 marks the twentieth year of this program. Several asked how this series began. Here’s an overview and a prediction for Bozeman. Its attractions are an increasing strong magnet for healthy, successful people.

The foundation of the judges program began in the 1980s. I ran an institute at MSU that received a foundation grant for an environmental economics program for journalists. It was their first in Montana and the foundation’s president knew us only by academic reputation. As a condition of the grant, he asked me to call Jack Cox, a media consultant in LA.

I called Mr. Cox and explained our purpose, to host a series of conferences to provide editorial page editors with economic insights helpful for understanding the complex, emotionally charged issues of environmental policy. “Dynamite idea! Will you hold them in LA or New York?”

“No,” I replied, “Bozeman.” “Oh,” he replied, “That must be a Chicago hotel. I don’t know it.” I explained that Bozeman is a town in Montana and the home of Montana State University.

“Young man,” he condescended, “you clearly don’t understand the media. If you invite them there no one of importance will come. But if you are determined to hold it in a hick town, pick Denver or Dallas.”

We hosted it at Lone Mountain Ranch, a few miles from Bozeman. Only after representatives from the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, LA Times, Forbes, and other leading publications attended did I mention my conversation with Mr. Cox to the president of the supporting foundation. The foundation still supports my work, but Mr. Cox’s organization exists only on the web, a piece of journalistic history.

Today we would not get such an ignorant and presumptuous response from a media consultant. Bozeman and Montana State are widely known and coveted as ideal places to live and learn, not only by fun-hogs, but also by serious scholars and entrepreneurs.

As the world evolves we are privileged to reside in an ever more attractive place. And, on many dimensions, it is destined to become ever better. Here are a few reasons why.

Historically, Montana had two major problems; it was remote and cold. Our remoteness, the cost of distance, has been greatly reduced. In 1970, we received the Wall Street Journal by mail 2-3 days late. Grocery stores were quite limited in their selections. Now we have Rosauers and get the New York Times on the web. Internet has greatly improved the lives of all who choose to live in previously isolated areas. Fed Ex and UPS come by our ranch daily. Visitors agree the BZN airport is grand and remarkably well serviced by major and regional airlines.

Cold has become a far smaller hardship. Ramona and I fed hundreds of ewes at -20 — -40 F. Today it is rarely as cold and everything works better. Vehicles start regardless of temperature and clothing is warmer and lighter.

When teaching at Indiana University I had an offer to come here. I was advised of three reasons not to accept Montana. I should expect poor pay, isolation from top scholars, and political interference.

They were surely correct regarding salary; mountains are part of the pay. However, top scholars and important decision makers welcome opportunities to visit Bozeman. My various programs alone have attracted six Nobel Prize winners, one 15 times. They made two correct predictions, not three.

Our area’s attractiveness will grow for many reasons. One is quite subtle, a comparatively low level of economic entropy. The Founders vision for America was codified in our Constitution. Under it, markets and property rights favored production over redistribution. Legislation and regulation benefiting special interests generally erodes well-being, consider California.

Fortunately we’ve resisted much political plundering and maintained civility here. Further, our university complements a strong sense of community and natural amenities. It’s the last best place.