November 2012 Newsletter - Kalispell Chamber of Commerce

November 2012
Message From the New Directors &
President Officers Named
108th Annual Banquet
and Auction – Nov 8th
I would like to invite everyone to
attend the 108th Annual Chamber
Banquet & Auction on November
8th. This is a special evening of
celebration where we will recognize
the outstanding contributions that
business men and women have made
to this community including the 41st
Great Chief award and the Businessman
and Businesswoman of the Year. The
Auction benefits the Kalispell Chamber
Foundation (KCF), the 501(c)(3) affiliate
of the Kalispell Chamber. The Chamber
Foundation promotes leadership
development, community and
economic development, and economic
research. Through Leadership Flathead,
and community and economic
projects, KCF connects the best minds
in business with the most innovative
thinkers to solve important community
challenges. I would like to extend my
special thanks to our roster of sponsors:
Applied Materials
First Interstate Bank
Glacier Bank
Junkermier Clark Campanella Stevens
Kalispell Regional Healthcare
National Flood Services
Northwestern Energy
Plum Creek Timber Company
TeleTech
Wells Fargo Bank
At a Glance
UNWINDS
>> No November UNWINDS
Two new directors have been
nominated for terms to begin in
2013: Brian Pelc, branch manager
for First Interstate Bank at Hutton
Ranch; and, Mark Johnson, assistant
general Manager of Flathead Electric
Cooperative. The 2013 officers
proposed for the approval of the
membership are:
>> No November Luncheon
108th Annual Banquet
>>Building it Better in the Flathead
Thursday, November 8
Hilton Garden Inn
1840 US Hwy 93 South
5-9 PM
Chairman of the Board:
Jim Ness, Glacier Bank
Vice Chairman of the Board:
Mark Johnson, Merrill Lynch
Secretary: Lisa Brown, Red Lion Hotel
continued on page 7
>>
Chamber Snapshot
Visitor’s Center Information
Sept ‘12
Phone Calls:
105
Walk-ins
724
VACATION
Packets
Email Inquiries
YTD
1,197
4,449
104
34
1,118
379
54
0
465
7
Web Activity
Total Pageviews 103,325
749,271
Top three pages
Bus. Directory 17,863
Events 17,935
Hot Deals
13,587
188,873
240,999
27,437
RELOCATION
Packets
Phone Books
>>
Chamber Thank You Party
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
15 Depot Park
5-6:30 PM
In This Issue
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
New Members
New Members, continued
Renewals
November Calendar
Brown Bag Series
Business Days at the Capital
Ribbon Cuttings
State Government Affairs Report
Leadership Flathead
Annual Membership Survey
New Directors Named, continued
UNWINDs
Chamber Choices
BEAR
Visit Us Online: www.KalispellChamber.com
Kalispell Chamber of Commerce
Mission Statement
Officers
David Mitchell, Chairman of the Board, CTA
Architects and Engineers
Jim Ness, Vice Chairman of the Board, Glacier Bank
Mark Johnson, Secretary, Merrill Lynch
Reed Gunlikson, Treasurer, R. Gunlikson CPA’s
Tom Lund, Immediate-Past Chairman, Rocky
Mountain Bank
Directors
Lisa Brown, Red Lion Hotel
Kris Carlson, A+ Plus Healthcare
Brian Clark, Fun Beverage
Mark Gronley, Northwestern Energy
Scott Hagel, Crowley Fleck Law Firm
Kristen Jones, Flathead Valley Community College
Jason Manger, Applied Materials - Semitool
Denise Nalty, Nalty Real Estate
Chris Ohler, Insured Titles
Jim Oliverson, Northwest Health Care
Jim Peterson, Valley Ford
Kelly Robinson, Plum Creek Timber Company
Loren Sallee, Loren’s Automotive
Dave Waldenberg, Central Heating and Cooling
Holly Walsh, Western States Insurance
Rick Weaver, Daily Inter Lake
Ex-officio Directors
Mike Pence, Flathead County Administrator
Doug Russell, Kalispell City Manager
Professional Staff
Joe Unterreiner, President and CEO . . . . 758-2804
Cary Aubrey, Executive Assistant. . . . . . . 758-2801
Diane Bebee, Administrative Specialist. . 758-2803
Rob Brisendine, KCVB Group Sales. . . . . 758-2820
Vonnie Day, Travel Counselor.. . . . . . . . . . 758-2809
Diane Medler, KCVB Director. . . . . . . . . . 758-2808
Jill Seigmund, Kalispell Chamber
Foundation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 758-2810
DeAnn Thomas, Business Expansion
and Retention. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-8077
Consulting Staff
Anderson, Baker & Swanson - Government
Relations
Edge Communications - Media & Public Relations
Janet Schwalk - Bookkeeping
JCCS - Tax & Audit Counsel
Partners Creative - Creative Agency
The central mission of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce is the
cultivation and development of entrepreneurs and communities
through the spirit of enterprise.
New Members
Please welcome these new members with your business.
Eckstrom Consulting
100-2nd Street E
Whitefish, MT 59937
(406) 730-5105
[email protected]
http://www.eckstromconsulting.com
Eckstrom Consulting provides computer and network consulting services to small
and medium sized businesses in the Flathead Valley and beyond.
If your business uses computer than you know what a competitive advantage they
can provide as well as what a huge headache they can be when they don’t work
correctly.
Let us help you leverage technology to achieve your business goals. We take
business problems and change them into technology solutions.
We have been serving the Flathead Valley for over six years with focuses in the
Medical, Dental, Manufacturing, Engineering, Financial and Construction industries.
Ewing Sales
196 Riverview Dr
Kalispell, MT 59901
(406) 755-7750
[email protected]
Furniture Sales
Montana Heritage Commission
PO Box 338
Virginia City, MT 59755
(406) 843-5247
[email protected]
http://www.virginiacitymt.com
The Montana Heritage Commission manages the state-owned assets in Virginia City
and Nevada City. Day-to-day and long-term decisions rest with the Commission.
Its management role includes establishing policies, procedures, and parameters to
protect the assets while at the same time operating the facilities in a manner that
leads to economic self-sufficiency.
continued next page >>
2
New Members
>> from page 2
Montana Trolley
448 5TH. AVENUE WEST
Kalispell, MT 59901
(406) 752-1523
[email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/montanatrolleyco?ref=ts&fref=ts
Montana Trolley is getting a lot of interest in Christmas business Party’s. Please call
as early as you can to reserve a date and time. Montana Trolley is looking forward to
sharing a fun time with you all.
Mountain View Productions
5733 Hwy 93 South
Whitefish, MT 59937
(406) 334-5334
[email protected]
http://www.mtviewmontana.com
A full service video production company with a focus on event videography,
commercial video production, and media transfer such as 8mm & VHS to DVD.
Professional editing services available.
Bojangles Diner
First Montana Bank
Flathead Industries
Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley
Hampton Inn Kalispell
High Country Linen Supply
Kalispell Public Schools
Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply
Nurturing Center Inc
Poiema - Flooring America
Raymond James Financial Services
Flathead Regional Business Center
15 Depot Park, Kalispell, MT 59901
(406) 758-2800
(406) 758-2805: Fax
Business Expansion and Retention
DeAnn Thomas, Director
(406) 250-8077
[email protected]
www.nwmontanabear.com
Flathead Community Foundation
Lucy Smith, Executive Director
[email protected]
www.flatheadcommunityfoundation.org
Flathead Job Service Workforce Center
Mora McCarthy, Business Resource Consultant
Mike Jackson, Business Resource Consultant
(406) 758-6241
[email protected]
www.employflathead.com
Kalispell Chamber of Commerce
Joe Unterreiner, President
(406) 758-2800
[email protected]
www.kalispellchamber.com
Kalispell Chamber Foundation
Jill Seigmund, Director
(406) 758-2810
[email protected]
Renewals
10 Plus Years
1 to 4 Years
John’s Angels Catering LLC
Federal Protection of Montana
David C. Keim D.D.S./Glacier Dental
Group, PC
Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp
Kalispell Convention & Visitor Bureau
Diane Medler, Director
(406) 758-2808
[email protected]
www.discoverkalispell.com
Montana Manufacturing Extension Center
Bill Nicholson, Field Engineer
(406) 756-8329
[email protected]
www.mtmanufacturingcenter.com
Northwest Montana SCORE
Liz Scholter, Chapter Chair
(406) 756-5271
[email protected]
5 to 9 Years
Fidelity National Title
Lowes
Mountain Valley Foods
Project CRISS
Roger G. Brown MD
Silverbrook Estates
Torrent Technologies Inc
Procurement Technical Assistance Center
Doug Bolender, Director
(406) 755-4221
[email protected]
3
Chamber Calendar
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
All Meetings
are at The
Chamber
unless
otherwise
stated.
4
4 Membership Thank You Party
11 Chamber Luncheon “Legislative Session”
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Leadership
Flathead
3:00pm – 5:00pm
Daylight Saving
Time Ends
11
12
13
BEAR Meeting
3:00pm – 5:00pm
IWT Meeting
1:30pm – 3:00pm
Veteran’s Day
18
Veteran’s Day
Observed
Chamber Closed
19
7
Education &
Communications
Committee Meeting
8:00am–9:00am
Flathead Community
Foundation
10:00am – 12:00pm
Election Day
20
Kalispell Tourism BID
Meeting
3:00pm – 5:00pm
26
IWT Meeting
1pm – 2pm
27
Board Retreat
2:00 – 5:00pm
Friday
Associated
Chambers
Meeting
10:30am–12pm
8
Saturday
2
3
9
10
KALISPELL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
108TH ANNUAL
BANQUET
& AUCTION
24/0<ÍXÍ#%9³Íq`ÍÖç¦Ö
HILTON GARDEN INN
108th Annual
Chamber
Banquet &
Auction
5:00pm – 9:00pm
14
15
16
17
21
22
23
24
Agribiz Meeting
7:00am – 8:00am
Flathead Community
Foundation
10:00am – 12:00pm
Ambassador Meeting
4:00pm – 5:00pm
Discover Ireland Tour
Orientation
5:30pm – 6:30pm
Government
Executive Board
Affairs Committee
Meeting
Meeting
7:30am – 8:30am
12:00pm–1:00pm
Flathead
IWT Meeting
Community
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Foundation
2:45pm – 5:00pm
25
Thursday
1
Look for this event in December:
5IWT Meeting 6
November 2012
Christmas City
of the North
Thanksgiving Parade
6:00 pm
Day
Chamber Closed Chamber Closed
28
29
Flathead
Community
Foundation
10:00am–12:00pm
Kalispell Tourism
BID Board
Meeting
3:00pm – 5:00pm
4
6
30
31
Flathead Regional Business Center
Brown Bag Series: It Doesn’t Come with a Title:
Uncommon-Practice Leadership
How do you lead people who don’t
report to you, plant seeds for success,
or get results when you don’t have the
title or authority? Or even if you do,
how do you get results in this new era
of work? The answer is uncommonpractice leadership. It’s not your
position that gives you power – it’s
your behavior. Discover uncommonly
displayed behaviors that create positive
influence, enhance results, and initiate
natural followership.
Immediately apply four cornerstone
behaviors:
1. self-alignment
2. possibility seeds
3. soul courage
4. winning philosophies
Reduce mistakes that may be hijacking
your effectiveness, eroding your career,
business, or professional growth.
· Discover a new kind of leadership
– one that doesn’t come with a title
· Differentiate yourself as an
uncommon-practice leader and
positively impact your influence,
results and future
· Gain insight into winning behaviors
that can be utilized with any staff
approach.
This month’s facilitator: Nan Russell,
Author and Professional Speaker
Facilitator: Nan Russell found that
even a Stanford degree didn’t protect
her from being fired from her first
professional job. From minimum wage
employee to Vice President of a multibillion dollar company, Nan learned the
hard way what it takes to survive and
thrive at work. Now she’s helping others
avoid the mistakes she made, sharing
her real-world perspectives of what
does and doesn’t work at work.
Currently living a life dream to live
and write from the mountains of
her native Montana, her Winning at
Working Column is found in over 90
publications. Nan is a sought after
motivational speaker, workplace
consultant, and the author of three
books, Hitting Your Stride, Nibble Your
Way to Success and the most recent,
The Titleless Leader: How To Get Things
Done When You’re Not in Charge. She
is also a blogger for Psychology Today
on workplace issues and a job loss
recovery expert for job-hunt.org.
Monthly Blueprint for Business Success
brown bag sessions features business
professionals facilitating informative
discussions. Attend to receive relevant
information, opportunities to ask
questions of the professionals, and
network with peers.
Who should attend? Employers
interested in growing and evolving
more effective organizations. Why?
· Utilizing all available resources to
operate and grow makes for smart
business.
· Exchanging ideas, insights, and realworld solutions directly impacts your
bottom line.
· Making better decisions quickly
requires more and better
information
· Engaging and energizing your staff
helps make your business more
successful.
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012
Time:
Noon – 1:00 pm
Location: FVCC Arts & Technology Bldg, Room 139
Cost:
No cost!
RSVP:
Terri Haueter, 758-6279 or
[email protected]
5
Business Days at
the Capitol:
January 7-8
You are invited to join a delegation
of businesspeople from the Flathead
Valley in attending the Chamber of
Commerce “Business Days at the
Capitol” on January 7-8, 2013.
There will be a panel of House and
Senate leadership presenting their
preview of the key legislative issues of
the session. Look for more information
in the December issue of the Chamber
News or contact the Montana Chamber
at 406-442-2405 or email leah@
montanachamber.com. You can register
online here.
You are encouraged to make your hotel
reservation right away, due to the sellout of the host hotel in previous years:
Best Western Great Northern Hotel
406-457-5500.
Ribbon Cuttings
State Government Affairs
Report
Next week the election will be over and issue advocacy
will start to take shape in preparation of the 2013 Montana
Legislature and incoming Administration. There were no
interim legislative meetings in October; however, there are
still things worth sharing…
Here is the schedule for the leadership meetings in
November and some other dates you may want to consider.
· Senate caucuses Wednesday, November 14, 2012, 10 a.m.
· House caucuses Wednesday, November 14, 2012, 10 a.m.
· Legislator Orientation Wednesday, November 14 through
Fri, Nov. 16, 2012
· Legislative Dinner Wednesday November 14, 2012
(evening)
· Legislature starts, Monday, January 7, 2013
Sunni Downing & Rachel Winthrop cut the ribbon for Sweet Peaks,
343 Main Street, Kalispell.
Montana Chamber of Commerce Business Days at the
Capitol – Monday, January 7 – IMPORTANT well attended
event!
As of today, there are 550 bill draft requests submitted by
legislators (hold over Senators and Representatives without
a general election opponent) and interim committees.
The Revenue and Transportation Interim Committee will
meet on Monday, November 19th. RTIC will consider a
draft to provide for one 2-year property reappraisal cycle
and finalize its work on its study of centrally assessed
properties. The agenda for this meeting has not been
published.
Samantha Anderson and Tiffany Serio cut the ribbon for BYOB/Wine
& Spirits, 154-3rd Ave EN, Kalispell.
Montana voters will vote on a number of ballot issues next
week. They are included in the 2012 election information
document attached and listed below.
IR 124 deals with medical marijuana. A vote for would leave
in place legislative reforms with tougher restrictions for
growing and sale of medical marijuana
LR 120 Requires parental notification before a minor child
can get an abortion.
LR 121 Would deny state services to illegal aliens.
LR 122 Prohibits the state and federal government from
forcing Montanans to purchase health insurance.
IR 166 States corporations are not people.
LR 123 Requires the state of MT to return to the taxpayers
excess budget surplus. The District. Court has
decertified this from the ballot. The decision is being
challenged at the MT Supreme Court
Matthew Fulk, Kevin Martin, Bridgette Fulk and Diana Martin
cut the Ribbon for Mountain View Productions, 5733 Hwy 93
South, Whitefish.
Don’t forget to vote on Nov 6!
6
KALISPELL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Annual Membership
Call for
Survey Results Are In
Community
membership survey was conducted during the period of October 5-31.
Project Proposals The Annual
228 responses were received, representing 35% of the membership. Here is
Leadership Flathead is currently
accepting proposals from local 501c3
nonprofit organizations for projects
that could be undertaken by a team
of five to 12
Leadership
Flathead
participants
between June,
2013 and May,
2014. Projects
should require
a minimum of
20 hours and
a maximum
of 40 hours of
service per team
member over
the course of the
12-month period.
Ideal projects will allow team
members to hone their leadership
skills. Examples of past Leadership
Flathead community projects
include: assisting the Flathead County
Fairgrounds with gathering public
input for a master plan; establishing
an annual fundraising event for the
Columbia Falls Community Garden;
mentoring Flathead High School
students participating in the Student
Entrepreneurship Club; partnering with
Flathead Area Young Professionals to
plan and conduct the third Success in
the New West conference.
To request a copy of the full RFP,
contact Jill Seigmund at jill@
kalispellchamber.com or 758-2810.
Applications are due December 1, 2012.
the summary of the results:
1.
Please rate the overall performance of the Kalispell chamber.
a. Excellent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46.0%
b. Good. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47.2%
c. Fair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.3%
d. Poor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.6%
2.
Rank these services in order of importance from 1 to 5.(Scale of 1-5 , with 5
highest)
a. Economic Development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.67
b. Tourism Development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.23
c. Member Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.93
d. Community Development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.90
e. Government Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.49
3. Are you likely to add/lose employees in 2013?
a. Add employees (net). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34.6%
b. Stay the same. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61.0%
c. Lose employees (net) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.4%
4. What do you predict as the business climate for your business in 2013?
a. Greatly/somewhat/slightly/improve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93.8%
b. Greatly/somewhat/slightly/worsen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.2%
5.
Request for meetings and convention referrals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
6.
Request for membership and business assistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
New Directors &
Officers Named
>> from the cover
Treasurer: Reed Gunlikson, R Gunlikson & Associates CPA PC
Immediate-Past Chairman: David Mitchell, CTA Architects Engineers
Two directors are leaving the Board after outstanding contributions. Tom Lund,
Rocky Mountain Bank, served as Chairman of the Board in 2011 and served as the
chairman of the government affairs committee for two years. He has also applied
his skills to the City’s Urban Renewal Agency to benefit the citizens and businesses
of Kalispell. Brian Clark, Fun Beverage, has been a major contributor to the Board
with his involvement and support of the Mountain Madness air shows and the
international trade mission to China. Please be sure to thank these two for their
good service when you see them. They will be missed!
7
UNcover What’s Interesting, New and Developing
Great Things Happened at Rocky
Mountain Bank on October 2 when
they hosted an UNWIND. John’s Angels
delivered wonderful munchies as
usual that included Prosciutto stuffed
mushrooms, Jamaican jerk shrimp,
veggie & steak kabobs and delicious
desserts. Tamarack Brewing Company
presented some great beverages.
Prize winners included Robert ‘Nad’
Nadvornick of West Venture Real Estate
went home with the Split the Pot. Dave
Waldenburg was the lucky winner of
the Kindle Fire. Mark Bretz took home
a $50 gift certificate for Sportsman
Ski Haus, Five other lucky people took
home gift certificates for Five Guys
Burgers & Fries.
Joe Unterreiner, David Mitchell and
Tom Lund are ready to draw the lucky
winner
Lucky Winners Robert ‘Nad’ Nadvornick
and Davie Waldenburg
The nip in the air had no ill effect
on the attendance at the Red Lion
Hotel’s October 17 Luau UNWIND. The
chefs prepared a variety of choices
from the Luau menu that included,
Hawaiian rolls, Macadamia Nut Green
Salad, Tropical Ambrosia Salad, Kahlua
Roasted Pork, Teriyaki Chicken, Sweet
Potato Tots, White Rice with Pineapple
and Coconut Shrimp. The bar was
serving wine and Mai Tais made with
Whistling Andy’s Hibiscus Coconut
Rum. The evening was rounded out
with Coconut and Banana Cream Pies.
The singing Sons of Beaches provided
the live music entertainment for the
evening.
Prize winners included Rich Newberry,
Complete Restoration-Split the Pot;
Scott Duncan, Sierra Pacific WindowsThe Romance Package; Amelia, The
Refinery-Seattle Package; Shannon
Nalty, Riverview Associates, LLC-Golf
Giveaway; Dan Snyder, Flowers by
Hansen-Upscale Hoedown package;
Amy Courser, Western States InsuranceWomen’s shirt & Hat package; Nick
Luehr, Advantage Water ConditioningMen’s shirt & hat. The Aloha Package
prize for the Best Hawaiian Shirt
Contest went to Dan Snyder from
Flowers by Hansen.
The crowd enjoyed the food and music
at the Red Lion Luau UNWIND
8
Dan Snyder won the Best Hawaiian
Upcoming
UNWINDS
Chamber Thank You Party
Tuesday, December 4, 2012 5-6:30
pm in the Chamber Conference
Room, 15 Depot Park, Kalispell.
This year we will again be
donating our Split the Pot for
the evening to our local Kalispell
Food Bank. We are hoping that
our members will be generous
with their donations. For every
$10 put into the pot you will
receive a receipt and a ticket to
put into a separate (from our
regular door prizes) drawing for a
Gift Certificate to our Local Hilton
Garden Inn good for a 2 night stay
that includes a $50 dinner credit
in the Blue Canyon..
We are currently accepting basket
donations for our door prizes for
the evening. If you are interested
in donating, please contact Diane
at 406-758-2803 or
[email protected].
Montana Chamber Choices Health
Insurance Program Renewal 2013
Montana Chamber Choices, our
association health insurance and
wellness program, recently wrapped up
our renewal for the 2013 plan year. We
are excited to share with you that the
average renewal rate will only be a 5.9%
increase. Granted, some employers
may see an increase larger than that.
However, some employers on our
program could actually see a DECREASE
over last year!
The hallmark for Montana Chamber
Choices over the last nine years has
been being able to offer stable rates
to Montana businesses. The average
rate increase over the last nine years is
around 8%, beating trend and a lot of
other programs.
For the 2013 plan year there will be
some small changes. For example, in
and out of network co-insurances will
replace the current out of network
arrangement. This means that if you
go in network you pay the standard
co-insurance for whatever plan you are
on. If you happen to go out of network,
you pay 10% more in your co-insurance
than you would in network. Another
notable change for 2013 is a new drug
card option for two of the Health First
options. You may choose either a Full
Card or a Pass-Through Card – with the
pass-through card you could save up to
6% on premium.
One of the big increases this plan
year is the expansion of Women’s
Preventive Services. The Affordable
Care Act requires all these preventive
services to be covered 100%. Starting
in January, these additional services
will be included: well woman visit,
screening for gestational diabetes,
Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing,
counseling for sexually transmitted
infections, screening and counseling
for HIV, contraceptive methods and
counseling, breastfeeding support,
supplies and counseling, and screening
and counseling for interpersonal and
domestic violence.
Life and business are more than health
insurance or health care, that’s why we
provide added member benefits. Those
benefits include:
• $5,000 Life Insurance and $5,000
Accidental Death & Dismemberment
• Optional Voluntary Life Insurance
buy-up
• Annual Vision Service Plan (VSP)
Vision Exam with $10 co-pay
• $100 Annual Preventive Dental Exam*
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program
(EAP)
• Online Advanced Directive and Will
Preparation services
• Identity Theft Protection Resources
• Healthy Wonders Maternity
Management Program
*note this benefit is excluded from the
CMM HSA 50/50 plan
Montana Chamber Choices provides
high quality, affordable insurance
coverage to over 1,000 Montana
employers. This year we will continue
to provide Montana businesses with
information on healthcare reform and
wellness services to continue to keep
Montanans healthy.
Please contact me or your/an insurance
agent for more info about Chamber
Choices. Or go to
www.ChamberChoices.com. We are
proud to offer an affordable, quality
benefit for our members in these trying
times.
9
Spend St.
Patrick’s Day in
Ireland
Pre-tour presentation November 14
Join us for the next Chamber
international trip to Ireland on St.
Patrick’s Day! The adventure begins
March 13 for 9 days/7 nights and
returns on March 21. The trip includes
roundtrip airfare from Kalispell, fuel
fees, departure taxes, 11 meals: 7
breakfasts & 4 dinners, motor coach,
admissions, and baggage handling.
Highlights include: 1 night castle stay,
Kilarney, Dublin City tour, Old Jameson
whiskey distillery, Bunratty Castle
medieval banquet, Limerick, Blarney
Castle, Adare, Galway city tour.
The cost is $3,149 per person double
occupancy. Single travel is available
with a supplemental fee. Join us for
stunning landscapes, charming towns,
historic ruins, and the lively pubs that
make Ireland such a great place to
experience.
For further information and
registration, contact Diane at 406-7582803 or [email protected].
A free pre-tour presentation will be
held on November 14, at 5:30 pm in the
Chamber conference room. You can
register to attend this free meeting at
this Ireland link.
Businesses Affirm
OUTSTANDING SERVICE
NW Montana
Business Expansion and Retention Team
.
” My experience with BEAR is nothing but positive and outstanding!” was
the enthusiastic opening statement by Valerie McIntyer, professional
photographer of 39 years. “I was bumping along, not sure how to take my
business to the next level,” explained Valerie. In 1986 she opened and
began operating a successful studio. She has received numerous awards
and accolades for her wedding, portrait, and commercial photography. In
1994, she moved her studio to Columbia Falls – only 14 miles from Glacier National Park – to
continue her original love of scenic photography in addition to her portrait work. “Although I loved my
work, I knew it was time to strengthen my business offerings.”
Valerie excitedly explained she had no idea that a call to the BEAR Team would make it possible for
her and her assistant to make the connections and receive the financial support to attend a
professional training to organize, photograph, and produce fashion modeling and runway shows.
Valerie knew she also needed to strengthen her businesses’ on-line presence too. She was guided to
FVCC and received financial support for one-on-one electronic marketing and strategy training. By
June 2012 Valerie implemented both trainings she and her assistance received by producing a fullscale fashion show and creating a stunning website and interactive Facebook pages. “The cherry on
the top came when a BEAR Team member introduced me to the Dragon Boat organizers, giving me
the opportunity to be considered and selected as the official Dragon Boat photographer” joyfully
acknowledged. Valerie can still implement many other BEAR services, however without hesitation,
Valerie excitedly pronounces” With the help of BEAR my business isn’t up just by one level or two
levels, it’s up three or four levels…it has just Sky Rocketed!”
“I received phenomenal help every step of the way
working with the BEAR programs,” stated Diane
Miklos, Registered Occupational Therapist and owner
of the Hand Therapy and Lymphadema Clinic. “We, me
and our team, are committed to giving our clients the
best treatment possible. We set a clinic goal to receive
advanced training to perform additional head, neck and shoulder therapy. Accessing this specialized
training was a challenge. We were supported by Mike Jackson a BEAR Team member throughout the
process of applying for the training and funding. We have strengthened our business because we are
better educated therapists and offer greater services.” Clients agree. A recent patient confirmed her
experience was outstanding in every way, she felt she had really benefitted from the therapists
training. Diane knows that the BEAR’s business expertise offers her business a brighter future.
Diane, Valerie or any business can access numerous BEAR Services like strategic business
planning, marketing, financial and management training, capital funding, manufacturing expertise and
so much more. Over 400 businesses in the past four years have invited and benefitted from NW Montana
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BEAR visit to evaluate the ways BEAR can help strengthen their business at little or no cost! Call today for
your BEAR visit at 406.758.6252 or 406.250.8077.
10
Christmas Parties
* For Your Office
* Your Family
* Your Staff & More!
Lunch & Dinner Options at:
Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp
3 miles S. of Lakeside
For Reservations
Call 406-752-6602 or visit
[email protected]
Kalispell’s Annual
Christmas City of the North Parade
Friday, November 23 —Main Street — Kalispell — 6 pm
(one hour earlier than last year!)
Line up at 8th St. and 1st Ave. W. at 5 pm
Sponsored by
Parade Entry Form
Primary Contact Name: __________________________________ Phone: _________________________
Business/Organization Name: ____________________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________ City/State/Zip: ________________________________
Email: ______________________________________
Register
OnlineHERE
Register
Online
Or Mail entry forms to : Kalispell Area Chamber of Commerce, 15 Depot Park, Kalispell, MT 59901
Or FAX to: (406) 758-2805
Parade Guidelines

No throwing of candy or any promotional items to the spectators. Items must be handed out.

No alcoholic beverages to be consumed or exposed during the line up or procession.

All entrants with horses must have a person to scoop any waste that occurs before or during the parade. Those that show up
without a ‘Scooper’ will be charged a fee of $20 per horse that will be donated to a non-profit organization that will do the
scooping for you. Please indicate if you will be bringing a ‘Scooper’ or paying the fee.

Each entry should be decorated with the theme of the parade. (Christmas) (Since there is only ONE Santa Claus we ask that
your entry NOT include a Santa. Thank you)

A representative for each entry must check in at the Flathead High School Parking Lot.

BE CAREFUL AND MINDFUL OF THE STREET CONDITIONS.
2012
New Inventory
Finlandia Grapefruit
Kilo Caramel Rum
Grey Goose Cherry Noir
Voodoo Rum
Redrum Rum
Canadian Club Small Batch
Familia Camerana
Bloom Gin
Stoli Salted Caramel
Pinnacle Pumpkin Pie
Fullerton’s Pumpkin Pie Cream
Crown Royal Maple
Canadian Club Dock 57
Black Velvet Toasted Caramel
Kahlua Mocha
Kahlua Cinnamon Spice
Kahlua Peppermint Mocha
Featured Recipes
of the Month
Hot Spiced Cider
8 cups apple cider
1 apple, thinly sliced
1 orange, thinly sliced crosswise
2 cinnamon sticks
1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled
and thinly sliced
2 cups dark rum
Combine apple cider, apple slices,
orange slices, cinnamon sticks,
and ginger. Boil over high; reduce
to a simmer and cook 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in
rum. Serve warm.
1 part Kentucky bourbon
3 parts eggnog
State Agency Liquor Store
154 3rd Ave EN, Kalispell 257-3840
Black cherry and wild strawberries.
The palate, finely knit tannins offer
the perfect foil to the multi layered
flavors of fruit and earthy spice. Oak
plays only a supporting role, adding subtle vanilla and spice without
intruding on the wines purity. $23.45
Foris Pinot Blanc
Boil tea put in glass.
Add rum, lemon juice,
Honey and cinnamon.
B.Y.O.B.
Wine & Spirits
Foris Maple Ranch Pinot Noir
Foris Gewurztraminer
1 shot of spiced rum
1 cup of tea
5-6 tbsp lemon juice
3 tbsp honey
1 stick cinnamon
Put over ice.
Garnish with nutmeg
WINES
Classic nose of rose petal and lychee
that Gewürztraminer is known for as
well as stone fruits and lemon grass
$12.20
Spiced Hot Toddy
Kentucky Style Eggnog
NOVEMBER
FEATURED
In the nose, Gravenstein apple, wildflowers and honeycomb are interwoven with bread dough and wet stones.
its best when paired with shellfish and
seafood, our Pinot Blanc is quite versatile with a wide range of foods and
is ideal as an aperitif. $12.20
Events &
Announcements
Closed November 6th for Election Day
Wine Cellar opens November 14th,
closed on the November 22nd for
Thanksgiving.
Business FOR SALE!
Call with inquiries