July/August 2013 Newsletter - Kalispell Chamber of Commerce

July/August 2013
Join Us - 109th
Annual Kalispell
Chamber Banquet
and Auction
November 14
The 109th Annual Kalispell Chamber
Banquet and Auction is scheduled
for November 14, 2013 at the Hilton
Garden Inn. Proceeds from the live and
silent auctions benefit the activities of
the Kalispell Chamber Foundation, the
501(c)(3) affiliate of the Chamber.
continued on page 10 >>
Presenting Tuscany,
Italy 2014 Pre-tour informational
meeting July 16
Join us for the next Chamber
international trip to Tuscany, Italy in
spring 2014! The adventure begins
March 30 for 9 days/7 nights and
returns on April 7. Highlights include:
Round trip airfare from Kalispell to
Florence, Italy via connecting flights
• 7 nights at the 4-star, first class Hotel
Cappugi (one hotel stay)
• 14 included meals: Breakfast and
dinners daily
continued on page 12 >>
At a Glance
August Luncheon
to Feature
Perspectives on the
City Airport
The Chamber’s August 27 luncheon
will feature two perspectives on the
City Airport from Jim Lynch and Chad
Graham. Jim served as the Director
of the Montana Department of
continued on page 12
>>
>> Summer Party
Far West Cruise & Fly Bys
Monday, July 22, 2013
7-9 PM
Departing from The Docks, in
Lakeside promptly at 7 PM
>>
Unwinds
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
5-6:30 PM
Best Western Flathead Lake Inn & Suites
4824 US Highway 93 S
Kalispell, MT
>>
Wednesday, July 17
5-6:30 PM
Eyehear Technology Group
104 Westview Park Pl
Kalispell, MT
>>
Fair UNWIND
Thursday, August 15, 2013
5-6:30 PM
Depot Park
Kalispell, MT
>> August Luncheon
Chamber Snapshot
Visitor’s Center Information
May ‘13
Phone Calls:
1047
Walk-ins
420
YTD
465
822
VACATION
Packets
Email Inquiries
178
36
543
134
67
0
170
1
RELOCATION
Packets
Phone Books
Web Activity
Page Views
368,716 1,417,432
Top six pages
Bus. Directory 19,337
83,231
Events 25,646 197,712
Hot Deals
49,420 218,041
Jobs
49,018 216,703
Info Request
688
4,619
News
48,725 212,420
Total
330,337 1,062,851
City Airport Referendum
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
11:45 AM-1:30 PM
Red Lion Hotel
20 N Main Street
Kalispell, MT
In This Issue
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
New Members
Renewals
Economic Outlook
Ribbon Cutting
Dragon Boat Races
Market Livestock Sale
NW Montana Fair Parade
July Calendar
August Calendar
UNWIND’s
Chamber Choices
State Government Affairs Report
Government Affairs, continued
Chamber Banquet, continued
Summer Cruise & Vintage Fly-bys
Tuscany Trip, continued
BEAR
Luncheon, continued
Constant Contect
Calling all Chamber Members
Ambassador Spotlight
15 Depot Park Kalispell, MT 59901 Phone: 406.758.2800 Fax: 406.756.2805 Visit Us Online: www.KalispellChamber.com
Officers
Jim Ness, Chairman of the Board, Glacier Bank
Mark Johnson, Vice-Chairman of the Board, Merrill
Lynch
Lisa Brown, Secretary, Red Lion Hotel
Reed Gunlikson, Treasurer, R. Gunlikson CPA
Dave Mitchell, Immediate Past Chairman of the
Board, CTA Architects and Engineers
Directors
Kris Carlson, A+ Plus Healthcare
Mark Gronley, Northwestern Energy
Scott Hagel, Crowley Fleck Law Firm
Mark Johnson, Flathead Electric Cooperative
Kristen Jones, Flathead Valley Community College
Jason Manger, Applied Materials-Semitool
Denise Nalty, Nalty Real Estate and Property
Management, LLC
Chris Ohler, Insured Titles
Jim Oliverson, Kalispell Regional Healthcare
Brian Pelc, First Interstate Bank
Jim Peterson, Valley Ford
Kelly Robinson, Plum Creek Timber Company
Loren Sallee, Loren’s Automotive
Holly Walsh, Western States Insurance
Dave Waldenberg, Central Heating & Cooling
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
Michelle Drager, 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
Kalispell Chamber of Commerce
Mission Statement
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.
Genesis Kitchen
140 Lupfer Ave
Whitefish, MT 59937
406-730-1449
[email protected]
www.genesis-kitchen.com
Genesis Kitchen was created with one aim in mind: to provide clean, delicious
ingredients that not only taste good - but are good for the body as well. We
encourage people to visit our tasting room to discover firsthand what a truly fresh
oil, or an 18 year old balsamic tastes like. With over 40 varieties to choose from our
staff is eager to assist with finding the right oil or vinegar that suits you best. Also
available are olives, spice blends, homemade raw chocolate, serving vessels, and
decadent yet healthy treats.
Northwest Montana Head Start
79 7th Avenue East N
Kalispell, MT 59901
(406) 752-7011
[email protected]
http://www.nwmtheadstart.org
Northwest Montana Head Start
promotes the well–being and self–sufficiency of preschool aged children and their
whole family by providing opportunities in a nurturing environment.
Old Sun Properties
2398 Highway 93 South
Kalispell, MT 59901
406-250-4291
[email protected]
http://www.oldsunproperties.com
We are a small property management company in Kalispell, Montana focused on
building great relationships with our customers. Whether you’re looking for a new
location for your business, a small apartment in town, or the perfect vacation stay-we strive to work with you to create the best answer. We excel in blending our
expertise with your vision to create a winning situation for everyone involved.
We’ve been here a long time. We love Northwest Montana. And we love creating
successful results.
Ronald McDonald House of
Charity of Montana
300 Fort Missoula Road
Missoula, MT 59804
(406) 541-7646
2
continued next page >>
New Members
Flathead Regional Business Center
15 Depot Park, Kalispell, MT 59901
(406) 758-2800
(406) 758-2805: Fax
>> from page 2
[email protected]
http://www.rmhcmontana.org
We believe that when you change
a child’s life, you change a family’s,
which can change a community, and
ultimately the world.
ScottiBelli’s Pizzaria
55 Commons Way
Kalispell, MT 59901
(406) 755-5522
Renewals
20 Plus Years
Glacier Outdoor Center/Glacier Raft Co
Historic Kalispell Grand Hotel
KOFI/KZMN Radio
Sutherland Dry Cleaners Inc
Tire Rama Service Centers
10 to 19 Years
Montana Auto Center
St Matthew’s School
Subway - Kalispell
Wild Horse Limousine
5 to 9 Years
Famous Dave’s BBQ
Kalispell Downtown Association
Salvation Army
The Animal Clinic of Kalispell
8th Annual
Midyear Update
~ Economic
Outlook
Presented by: University of Montana
and Montana Chamber Foundation
After four straight years of trillion dollar
budget deficits, the news is dawning
on all political parties at that the federal
budget is long due for serious repair.
and that less spending is part of the
process. As a state that historically has
gotten $1.50 back for every dollar it
sends to Washington, what does the
future bode for Montana? Will our pain
be more or less than other regions?
Join us for this timely program as
we examine the key role the federal
government plays in the Montana
economy and how changes in that role
can be expected to pay out across the
state.
This year’s update will be held at
the Hilton Garden Inn, Kalispell on
Thursday, August 1 from noon to 1:30
pm. You can download information and
the registration form HERE.
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) 758-2804
[email protected]
www.kalispellchamber.com
Kalispell Chamber Foundation
Michelle Drager, Director
(406) 758-2810
[email protected]
Kalispell Convention & Visitor Bureau
Diane Medler, Director
(406) 758-2808
[email protected]
www.discoverkalispell.com
Manufacturers Alliance
[email protected]
406-758-2800
1 to 4 Years
America’s Best Value Inn
Good Samaritan Society-Mountain
View Manor
Great Karma
Outcast Guiding & Outfitters
Super 1 Foods - Downtown
Sweet Peaks
Valley Ford
Zinc Air, Inc
Northwest Montana SCORE
Liz Scholter, Chapter Chair
(406) 756-5271
[email protected]
Procurement Technical Assistance Center
Doug Bolender, Director
(406) 755-4221
[email protected]
3
2013 Market
Livestock Sale
Ribbon Cutting
The Market Livestock Sale on Saturday,
August 17, 2013 8:30 am-noon is sponsored
by the Agri-business committee of the
Kalispell Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with Flathead 4-H
Clubs and Future Farmers of
America.
(left to right) Mark Clifton, Habitat Re-Store Manager, Kimberly Vance, Habitat
Homeowner and Volunteer and Commissioner Pam Holmquist watch as Mayor
Tammi Fisher cuts the ribbon for the new Habitat for Humanity Re-Store at
2016 Hwy 93 South. Laura Long, Habitat Board Member, Mark Ruby, Flathead
Electric Coop Board Member and Habitat Volunteer, and Christine Morris, Habitat
Executive Director also lend their support as ambassadors rally around.
2nd Annual Montana Dragon Boat
Festival
SEPTEMBER 7 & 8
With 94 teams competing and
several thousand enthusiastic
spectators, the 2nd annual
Montana Dragon Boat Festival
is going to be a very exciting
event. Admission is free! Don’t miss the action as more than 2,000 paddlers
from Montana, the US and Canada race to the finish line. There will be live
music, a Made-in-Montana art fair, children’s activities and food and beverage
vendors.
www.montanadragonboat.com
Be part of the Montana Dragon Boat Festival!
Sign up to be a DRAGON BOAT VOLUNTEER
Volunteers are needed before and during the festival. There are lots of ways
to help: welcome visiting teams, participate in the site set-up, load paddlers
on boats, be a score runner, serve in the information booth, direct parking,
round up trash and more!
If you can help or know of someone else who can, please send an email to
[email protected] or call 758-2809.
4
Sale Catalogs will be available
at the UNWIND in Depot Park
on Thursday, August 15, at the
sale or can be downloaded
from the Chamber Website
closer to the sale date. Sale
information brochures are
available in the Chamber Visitor
Center. Sale order for this year’s sale is
Beef~Hogs~Lambs.
NW MT Fair Parade
You don’t want to miss this year’s fair
parade on Friday, August 16. The parade
starts at 10 am on the south end of Main
Street and follows the regular parade
route north. So, ‘Let’s Ride!’ for the 2013
Northwest Montana Fair. If you want to be
in the parade, please go to the Chamber
Website and register online.
You can also download the parade form
that includes all of the guidelines and
categories for entries. Online registration
will be open through noon August 15.
Chamber Calendar
Sunday
All Meetings
are at The
Chamber
unless
otherwise
stated.
7
14
Monday
1
Tuesday
2
Wednesday
3
July 2013
Thursday
4
Friday
Saturday
5
6
11
12
13
18
19
20
Fourth of July
Parade
Main Street
10 am
Independence
Day
Chamber Closed
8
Main Street
Montana
Business
Roundtable
2-5 pm
FVCC
15
9
10
BEAR
3-5 pm
TBID
3-5 pm
UNWIND Best
Western Flathead
Inn & Suites
5-6:30 pm
Ambassadors
4-5 pm
16
Executive Board
7:30-8 am
Tuscany KickOff Information
Meeting
5:30-6:30 pm
17
UNWIND
Eyehear Technology
Group
5-6:30 pm
Flag Day
21
22
23
24
28
29
30
31
Summer Cruise &
Vintage Fly-by
7-9 pm
Board Meeting
7-8:30 am
25
26
27
Look for these events in August:
1 8th Annual Economic Update, Red Lion,
noon-1:30 pm
15 Fair UNWIND, Depot Park 5-6:30 pm
16 NW MT Fair Parade, Main Street, 10 am
17 Market Livestock Sale, Fairgrounds, 8:30 am-noon
27 Aug Luncheon, City Airport Forum, Red Lion Hotel,
11:45 am-1:30 pm
5
6
Chamber Calendar
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Look for these events in September:
All Meetings
are at The
Chamber
unless
otherwise
stated.
4
5
10 UNWIND: Daily Inter Lake
18 September Luncheon, City Council
Candidate Forum
18 UNWIND, Great Karma
6
Thursday
1
7 & 8 2nd Annual Montana Dragon Boat Race
7
August 2013
Friday
Saturday
2
3
9
10
16
17
8th Annual
Economic Update
Red Lion Hotel
Noon-1:30 pm
8
Ed-Co Committee
Meeting
8-9 am
TBID
3-5 pm
11
12
13
14
15
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
NW MT Fair
UNWIND
Depot Park
5-6:30 pm
August Luncheon
City Airport Forum
Red Lion Hotel
11:45 am-1:30 pm
6
6
NW MT Fair Parade Market Livestock
Main Street • 10 am Sale, Fairgrounds
Trade Building
8:30 am-noon
UNcover What’s Interesting, New and Developing
®
There was plenty of excitement at the
UNWIND at the new location of the
Habitat for Humanity Re-Store on June
4. All who attended received 10% off
coupons for shopping in the store.
The new location is much larger and
brighter and allows for much more
variety of merchandise. When in Rome
provided a variety of pizzas and The
Great Northern Brewery supplied the
beverages.
Split the Pot was won by Scott Duncan
of Sierra Pacific Windows.
Jim Oliverson, KRMC is congratulated by
Jim Ness, Glacier Bank, Kalispell Chamber
Board Chair and Christine Morris,
Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity
as the lucky door prize winner of…a door!
Other door prize winners included
Doug Houtz of Stifel Nicolaus, Jennifer
Stephens of the Fun Zone and Mark
Campbell, Fairgrounds Manager
each won a broom from Murdoch’s.
Lynn Havens of Project CRISS won
a City Brew Gift Basket. Ken Martin
of Mountain View Productions won
a Scotty’s Bar cup & hat. Brien Kreps
of Swiftcurrent and Rich Newbury
of Complete Restoration each won a
WBC handyman set. Tina Catencamp
of Express Employment Professionals
won safety glasses. Jared Stephens
of The Zone won a Montana Club
gift certificate. Margit Gericke of
Lilienthal Insulation won a MacKenzie
River Pizza certificate. Tana Nelson of
Nerium AD, Int and Jane Olsen of Poiema
FlooringAmerica each won certificates
for Shorty’s Barber Shop, Francine
Volkmann of AAA and Stan Watkins of
Kalispell Athletic Club each won Gift
Certificates for Hop’s Downtown Grill.
Alisa McConkey of Parkside Federal Credit
Union won a $250 car detailing from Ohs
Detailing.Insulation won a MacKenzie
River Pizza certificate. Tana Nelson of
Nerium AD, Int and Jane Olsen of Poiema
FlooringAmerica each won certificates for
Shorty’s Barber ShopFrancine Volkmann
of AAA and Stan Watkins of Kalispell
Athletic Club each won Gift Certificates
for Hop’s Downtown Grill. Alisa McConkey
of Parkside Federal Credit Union won a
$250 car detailing from Ohs Detailing.
Upcoming
UNWINDS
Tuesday, July 9
5-6:30 PM
Best Western Flathead Lake
Inn & Suites
4824 Hwy 93 S, Kalispell
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
5-6:30 pm
The second floor of the First Interstate
building was buzzing at the UNWIND
celebrating CTA Architects Engineers’
75th Anniversary on June 19.
Tim Wells of Payne West Insurance won
the Split the Pot. Other Prize winners
included Amanda Stevens of AA who
won a pet sitting certificate; Roger
Noble of Applied Water Consulting,
Robin Ashton of The Relax Room, Mike
Wood of Five Guys, Heidi Olson of Rocky
Mountain Bank each won gift certificates
to Sportsman Ski Haus. Mike Kofford of
School District 5 won the CTA Cooler.
David Mitchell, CTA, Bylinda Anderson,
(Greg Bain & Co) UNWIND Chair and Robbie
Mathiason, CTA wait for lucky winners to
come forward to claim their prizes.
7
Eyehear Technology Group
104 Westview Park Pl
Kalispell, MT 59901
Thursday, August 15, 2013
5-6:30 pm
NW Montana Fair UNWIND
Depot Park
Health Care Reform Timeline…
What is happening and when?
Health Care Reform has been a difficult
topic to understand since its inception
in 2010. There have been numerous
edits, additions and challenges in the
implementation of the law in the last
few years. Now that we know that it is
here to stay let’s take a look at a few key
provisions that have already been put
in place and what is coming down the
road.
First let’s take a look at what has
happened:
In 2010 the Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act (PPACA) became
a law. That same year a couple new
programs were launched, the national
risk pool and the small business tax
credit. A few key provisions that
were added are the dependent child
coverage was increased up to age
26 and no pre-existing condition
exclusions for enrollees (under 19 years
of age).
2011 was a bit calmer as there were
only a few key provisions that came
into play. The first was that there
were no minimum medical loss ratio
requirements. It also said that insurance
companies were to undergo rate review
requirements.
2012 was a big year for Health Care
Reform! On June 28, 2012 the Supreme
Court upheld the Health Care Law 5-4
in a victory for President Obama and
ruled there were many other changes
to come. One of those changes for
insurance reform was that a summary
of benefits and coverage or (uniform
coverage document) be in place for
plans. Prevention is a big part of PPACA.
A new provision started on August 1,
2012 stated that insurers must cover
In-Network women’s preventive services
without cost-share. In 2012 medical loss
ratio reporting requirements changed
as well. One of the last key provisions in
2012 was that states had to report their
health insurance exchange plans for
2014. (Montana did not decide to do a
state based exchange).
So far we have taken a look back on
SOME of the key provisions in the
PPACA that have happened to date.
Now let’s take a look at what is currently
happening and what is coming for
2014.
The beginning of 2013 started off
with a bang with new preventive
provisions starting in January. In 2013
it was required that employers must
report aggregate cost of employersponsored coverage in 2011 on their
employees W-2 forms. 2013 is a big
year for health plans as they must
prepare to comply with qualified health
plan requirements for the new health
insurance exchanges that will begin in
2014. This year also marks changes for
individuals making $200,000 or more
a year or couples making $250,000 or
more a year, who face higher Medicare
payroll tax of 2.35%. A limit was put
on contributions to flexible spending
accounts (FSA’s) to $2,500 a year for
medical expenses. One of the main
requirements of law in 2013 is that
open enrollment for the public health
insurance exchanges begins October 1,
2013. On this exchange individuals and
small businesses can buy affordable and
qualified insurance benefit plans in the
new marketplace (www.healthcare.gov).
What is coming for 2014
Coverage mandates and subsidies
are coming in 2014. Individuals are
required to have health care coverage
8
or they will face tax penalties. In 2014
there will be tax credits and premium
subsidies available on the new public
exchanges for individuals who fall
below certain income thresholds or
below 400% of the Federal Poverty
Level (FPL) (www.healthcare.gov).
Tax credits for small businesses are
expanded as well. This year there will
also be no pre-existing condition limits
as well as no waiting period over 90
days. In 2014 large employers with more
than 200 employees that are considered
to be full time must automatically enroll
new full-time employees in a coverage
option. They must continue existing
coverage for the current full-time
employees year to year.
Health Insurance Exchanges and
Insurance Reforms for 2014
In 2014 state-based “public” health
insurance exchanges for individuals
and small groups become operational
(Not in Montana). The Federally
–run exchange will be available for
consumers in states without a staterun exchange, including Montana.
Guaranteed issue, guaranteed
renewability, modified community
rating and minimum benefit standards
or “essential health benefits” become
effective. This means ALL health
plans have to meet these standards.
There will also be new disclosure and
transparency rules that apply, limiting
rate bands for adults in a 3 to 1 ratio.
Medicaid/Medicare reforms:
Within PPACA there were incentives for
states to have Medicaid and Medicare
reforms but it was NOT a requirement.
Medicaid reform consists of expanding
to provide low-income individuals
under age 65 coverage up to 133% of
the FPL which is about $28,300 for a
family of four.
There are still many changes to come
and several that were not listed. PPACA
is a confusing law to understand. That
is why Montana Chamber Choices
would like to help its member’s have a
better understanding of the law and to
be informed for what is coming in the
future. Stay tuned as Montana.
June 2013 State Government Affairs Report
The Montana Legislative interim
committees were formed and they
began to meet and prioritize issues this
month. Most committees met or will
be meeting in the next two weeks to
transition leadership from the previous
Interim and prioritize work plans and
set meeting schedules.
The legislative interim committees are
responsible for conducting assigned
studies and overseeing state agency
programs and administrative rules.
Interim committees may propose bills
and resolutions for the 2015 Legislature
to consider. A summary of the
committees and work plans are below.
We also follow the work of the Flathead
delegation throughout the interim
and recognize the time they spend on
legislative issues outside of the regular
session.
Environmental Quality Council met
on June 19-20 and elected Sen. John
Brenden chairman. EQC has been
assigned a number of study resolutions
including: HB 609 to study hunting and
fishing licensing; SJR 4 to review and
study Virginia City, Nevada City and
Reeder’s Alley (all state owned historical
assets); and SJR 15 a study of public
land management. EQC will likely tour
the sites of Virginia and Nevada City to
talk with local landowners. The study
of public land management will include
a review of public land per county in
MT and payment in lieu of taxes (PILT)
by county. EQC also reviews wolf
management issues, water adjudication
issues, and natural resource litigation.
The Water Policy interim committee
met on June 17-18 to review
water legislation and hear agency
presentations from the Departments of
Natural Resources and Conservations;
Environmental Quality; Fish, Wildlife
and Parks; and the MT Water Court.
WPIC studies water quality and quantity
issues including exempt wells, water
rights and Water Compacts. A focus
of this committee will be the Flathead
water compact issues. Senator Chas
Vincent of Libby was elected to chair
WPIC.
The Energy and Telecommunications
interim committee met on June 21
and elected Senator Alan Olson as
chair. ETIC heard updates from the MT
Public Service Commission and the MT
Consumer Council. In addition, the
committee had presentations on state
government energy information such
as pollution control. The committee
has been assigned the study of the
renewable portfolio standards (RPS) as
passed by SJ 6. Rep. Keith Regier serves
on this committee.
The Education and Local Government
interim committee met on June 24
and elected Senator Tom Facey of
Missoula as chairman. The committee
heard from representatives from
the League of Cities and Towns, MT
Association of Counties, The office of
Public Instruction, the Board of Public
Education and the Office of Higher
Education to receive input on interim
objectives for these agencies and
associations. The committee works
closely with local governments to
provide a forum for discussion on issues
at the community and county level.
The committee has been assigned
HJR2, a study of state/local government
electronic records management. Rep.
Dan Salomon R-Ronan serves on ELG.
The Children, Families, and Health
and Human Services interim
Committee will meet on June 25. This
committee monitors the Department
of Health and Human Services and
generally reviews issues related to
health and human services. It has also
been assigned two studies: HJR 16
to study state-operated institutions
serving individuals with mental
illness, chemical dependency or other
disabilities to determine if changes
to the current facilities could be more
cost effective or serve individuals more
effectively. It has also been assigned
9
SJR 20 to study strategies for reducing
prescription drug abuse. The study will
focus on opioid pain relievers and ways
to reduce prescription drug abuse.
Rep. Scott Reichner R-Bigfork serves on
CFHHS.
Economic Affairs interim Committee
meets on June 25 to hear updates
from the Governor’s office of Economic
Development, The MT State Fund
and the State Auditors office on the
federally facilitated marketplace. The
committee will also hear an update
on legislative districts. EAIC has
been assigned HJR25 on workers’
compensation; SJR24 on military
training vis-à-vis other jobs and HB
525 –a study on licensing boards. The
Senior senator on the committee is
Bruce Tutvedt. Rep. Greg Hertz of
Polson also serves on the committee.
State-Tribal Relations interim
committee will meet on June 26
to review and discuss the impact
of tribal colleges in Montana, the
Indian language preservation pilot
program, law enforcement issues on
tribal land, and State-Tribal economic
development efforts. Serving from
the Flathead delegation is Sen. Bruce
Tutvedt.
The Revenue and Transportation
interim Committee will meet on June
27 to develop a work plan for the
interim focusing on two assigned
studies: SJR 23 to study the taxpayer
appeal process and SJR 26 to study
the transporting of oversize loads
through Montana. It will also hear
reports from the Dept of Revenue on
various tax litigation and receive an
agency overview from the MT Dept of
Transportation. The Legislative Fiscal
Division will conclude the meeting with
a report on the general fund revenue
collection. Sen. Janna Taylor serves on
RTIC.
continued next page >>
State Government Affairs Report
>> from page 9
The Law and Justice interim
committee will meet July 10. Agenda
pending. Rep. Steve Lavin services on
LJIC.
State Administration and Veterans
Affairs will meet on July 11. Agenda
pending. Sen. Dee Brown serves on this
committee.
In addition to the standard
interim committees, there are four
administrative committees: Audit,
Finance, Legislative Consumer Counsel
and Legislative Council. These
committees oversee the management
of the legislative branch.
Sen. Dee Brown and Rep. Randy
Brodehl serve on Legislative Audit
Committee. The LAC met on June 13
to review audits of a number of state
programs including the MT State
Lottery and its security; detection
and resolution of suspected Medicaid
recipient prescription fraud and abuse;
and improving Montana’s office supply
acquisition process.
Serving on the Legislative Council
Administrative Committee are Speaker
of the House Mark Blasdel and Senator
Chas Vincent. The Legislative Council
met in May to assign legislators to
committees and assign studies.
Finally, Sen. Jon Sonju serves on the
Gaming Advisory Council; Rep. Carl
Glimm serves on the Land Information
Advisory Council and Sen. Chas
Vincent serves on the Pacific Northwest
Economic Region.
Other Government Affairs News:
Progress Report on Expanding
Commercial Airline Service. We
continue to recruit nonstop service
to Los Angeles using grant funding
as an incentive. Our primary carrier
target, Allegiant, is having significant
issues with airport access in the LA
Basin, which currently preclude the
carrier from starting FCA -LA service
now. When Glacier Park Airport
wrote the grant we indicated in the
application that an alternative use for
grant funding, should LA Basin service
be delayed, is service to Phoenix.
Allegiant, who wrote a letter of support
for our grant application, has indicated
that they are ready to start Phoenix
service with grant support.
Should this occur, the Airport would
continue to hold at least 50% of the
total grant funding for LA Basin service
and LA service would continue to be a
top priority. However, the opportunity
to land Phoenix service with part of the
grant funding is a clear opportunity. A
“Cash Call” for pledged matching funds
from the community would come
when new service supported by the
grant begins at FCA. We will continue
to keep you updated on this important
community initiative.
Governor Bullock Announces
Kalispell Business Roundtable July 8.
Governor Steve Bullock has announced
that the Kalispell Business Roundtable
for the Montana Main Street Project
will be held Monday, July 8, 2-5 pm, at
the Arts and Technology Building at
FVCC. The session will be chaired by
Larry Simkins, CEO of the Washington
Companies. The roundtable
discussions will identify the strengths
and challenges that each community
and the state face. Business and
community leaders, education experts,
economic development professionals
and all Montanans are invited to attend
this event and be part of the discussion.
For further information, and to register,
please click:
www.mainstreetmontanaproject.com
10
Annual Kalispell
Chamber Banquet
and Auction
The mission of the
>> from cover
Kalispell Chamber
Foundation is to promote leadership
development, community and
economic development, and economic
research. Through Leadership Flathead,
research, and policy initiatives, the
Kalispell Chamber Foundation connects
the best minds in Kalispell business
with the most innovative thinkers to
solve important community challenges.
Examples of Kalispell Chamber
Foundation initiatives include:
• Kalispell Business Education Initiative
• Community Tourism Assessment
Project
• ACCRA Flathead County cost-of-living
data
• Leadership Flathead
• Performing Arts Center feasibility
study
• Visitor Information Center expansion
and remodel
• Workforce 2020
Auction donors will be recognized in
the following publications:
• Daily Inter Lake
• Flathead Beacon
• Kalispell Chamber Newsletter
• Kalispell Chamber E-news
• 109th Annual Banquet & Auction
Program
The Kalispell Chamber Foundation is
a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, and
donations are tax deductible to the
extent allowed by law. The Foundation’s
Federal Tax I.D. # is 36-3887380.
For more information about the
Banquet & Auction, contact Michelle
Drager at 758-2810 or
[email protected]
Summer Cruise with Vintage Fly-bys
on the Far West
Join us for an evening of fun and fellowship at Summer Cruise with Vintage Flybys on the Far West. The event will be held on Monday, July 22, 7:00-9:00 pm,
departing and returning from the Docks in Lakeside. The cost is $40 per person.
Your reservation includes passage on the cruise and light dining fare. There will be
a cash bar.
Stearman
This year we will feature a vintage fly-by show courtesy of local owner/pilots,
including:
Ray Thompson’s Corsair and T-6
Hank Galpin’s Travelair
Marshall Friedman’s Pitts
Dick Schaus’ Stearman and Stinson
Reserve your seat by making payment at www.kalispellchamber.com or by calling
406-758-2803. Seating is limited.
Corsair
Pitts
Travelair
11
Stinson
T-6
August Luncheon
>> from cover
Tuscany, Italy 2014
Transportation from 2005-2012, prior
to this assignment he was the owner of
Kalispell-based Nupac paving company.
Chad Graham chairs the Kalispell
Planning Board, is a general contractor,
and led the petition drive on the city
airport referendum.
>> from cover
• Deluxe air-conditioned motor coach
• Four included tours: a full day in Florence, a full day in Siena and San Gimignano,
a full day in the Chianti region, and a half-day in Pistoria
• Optional tours to Pisa and Cinque Terre
• Tour escort upon our arrival in Italy
• Baggage handling outside the secure area at the arrival airport
The cost is $3,249 per person double occupancy. Add $650 for a single supplement.
A pre-tour informational meeting will be held on July 16, at 5:30 pm in the
Chamber conference room. Join us for the beautiful landscapes and the rich
cultural and artistic heritage of Tuscany.
NW MONTANA BUSINESS AND
EXPANSION AND RETENTION PARTNERSHIP
Mission
Assisting businesses with the tools and support to become a
successful, vibrant part of the local economy.
Don’t be a statistic - Protect Your
Business and Yourself !
You may need to know about:
• Customer privacy
• How to protect your property
• Protect yourself
• Retirement and business succession
Every day on the local and national news we are alarmed to hear reports of
businesses that are dealing with the aftermath of security breaches. There are
several free resources available to Flathead businesses to help assess the right
security solutions for your business.
The NW Montana BEAR Partnership encourages every business owner and manager
to go to the following site for free business security help at the Kalispell Chamber
website. http://kalispell.toolsforbusiness.info/montana/1b/needtoknow/
BEAR can help you and your business too. Most of our BEAR services are free please
call 406.758.6252 or 406.250.8077.
Be protected not sorry!
12
In 2012, the Kalispell City council
voted to improve the City Airport
to BII standards, the minimum level
needed for FAA funding. Later that
year, a petition drive succeeded in
placing that decision before the voters
this November. The purpose of the
luncheon program is to help business
men and women, and the public, better
understand the issues, opportunities,
and challenges upon which they are
being asked to vote.
The luncheon is sponsored by the Daily
Inter Lake.
Luncheon tickets are $19 each. Tables of
eight may be reserved for $140. Tickets are
purchased in advance by calling 758-2803
or at www.kalispellchamber.com.
Guests are encouraged to take
advantage of the Business Card Express
Check-in system that allows individuals
to bypass the check-in table and turn
in a business card at the food table.
Those without business cards can fill
out a blank card at the registration. The
luncheon is scheduled for noon - 1:30
pm on Tuesday, August 27 at the Red
Lion Hotel. Members of the public are
welcome to attend, without lunch, at
no cost.
Calling all Chamber
Members! The Kalispell Chamber Ambassador Committee is actively
recruiting new members! The Chamber Ambassador
committee serves to promote the success of local business
and the development of our community. And this tight-knit
group has a little fun in the process. Donating their time
means countless networking opportunities and satisfaction
in serving their business community. If you would like to
know more about serving as a Chamber Ambassador, please
email Amy Vaughn [email protected], or contact the Kalispell
Chamber office at (406) 758-2800.
Kalispell Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with
Constant Contact to bring you an exclusive discount of up to
25% off their entire suite of online marketing tools.
• Get 20% off for six months when you pre-pay
• Get 25% off for a year when you pre-pay: it’s like getting
three months free!
Ambassador Spotlight –
Amy Vaughn
Email Marketing
Get your messages out fast and stay top-of-mind with your
audience.
Anyone who has the opportunity
to meet Amy Vaughn does not
soon forget her. Amy’s friendly,
vibrant personality lends to the
talents she brings to the Kalispell
Chamber Ambassador team. Amy
is no stranger to hard work in
the business community. Since
1988, she worked in the retail
management field, deciding
in 2000 to return home to her
roots and raise her family in Kalispell. In 2002 she helped
to open the new Home Depot location, as a Department
Supervisor. In 2008 she changed gears and took on the
role of an Outside Sales Executive for KOFI/Monster radio
station until 2011. Presently, she works as an Outside Sales
Executive for KAJ TV in Kalispell. She says that her venture
into outside media sales in the Kalispell market for the past
6 ½ years has been the hardest and most rewarding job she
has ever encountered. Amy approaches her responsibilities
as a Kalispell Chamber Ambassador with sleeves rolled up,
ready to work! She has served as an Ambassador since 2008,
serving as the Ambassador committee Chairperson in 2012,
and presently, as the Recruitment Committee Chairperson.
Amy rarely misses a Chamber, sponsored networking event.
She comments, “Being part of the Ambassadors committee
enables me to actively network with the community in a
positive way. I am here to serve the community by promoting
events, new growth & local businesses. The chamber has
been an incredible way for me to reach out and give back!”
And she does. Amy and her new husband Robert were
recently married this past April. Together they have two
children… a daughter, Ashley, 20, who currently attends FVCC
and works at the Hilton, and a son, Trent, 16, who works at
Famous Dave’s.
Event Marketing
Put the entire event promotion and registration process in
one place online.
Online Survey
Get the info you need to keep your audience happy and
coming back for more.
Social Campaigns
Add new fans to your Facebook Page and stay engaged with
existing fans.
Signup for our free trial today! Our coaching and knowhow
help you get started, fast.
https://www.constantcontact.com/promo/chamber/signup.jsp
Already a customer?
Email your Constant Contact username to
[email protected] or call 800-221-2793
13
Abundant Opportunity at this Location in
The Developing 93 South Area!
Stable neighboring businesses are interested in collaborating to generate
more customer traffic. This unique space is accommodating for a variety of
uses—professional offices, service industries and distinctive retail have all
flourished here. Don’t miss this great opportunity to settle into a long-term
location with tons of potential.
Over 3000 square feet
Five separate offices
Reception area
Break-room
Private conference room
Plus two open rooms on bottom floor for storage
or extra conference space to fit your needs
• Other smaller units also available
•
•
•
•
•
•
Give us a call today to talk about
how we can work together to get
your business into a new home!
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

8th Annual Economic Update
Hosted by: Montana University of the Montana Chamber Foundation
Presented by: The University of Montana Bureau of Business & Economic Research
Montana’s Federal Economic Footprint:
The Local Impact of Changes in Washington
“After four straight years of trillion dollar annual budget deficits, the news is dawning on all political parties that the
federal budget is long due for serious repair. And that less spending is part of the process. As a state that
historically has gotten $1.50 back for every dollar it sends to Washington, what does that future bode for
Montana? Will our pain be more, or less, than other regions? Join us on this timely program as we examine the
key role the federal government plays in the Montana economy, and how changes in that role can be expected to
play out across the state.”
Schedule:
August 1, Kalispell: Red Lion Hotel - 12:00 pm
August 6, Billings: Crowne Plaza - 7:00 am ● Bozeman: GranTree - 12:00 pm
August 7, Helena: Jorgensons - 7:00 am ● Butte: Comfort Inn - 12:00 pm
August 8, Great Falls: Hilton Garden Inn - 7:00 am ● Missoula: Holiday Inn - 12:00 pm
To register visit: events.montanachamber.com or fill out the form below
REGISTRATION FORM
Attendee Name
E-mail:
Name:
E-mail:
Company:
Address:
city:
State:
Phone:_________________ Location:
Cost: $25 For members and $30 for non-members
(Cost includes breakfast at the morning seminars and lunch at the afternoon seminars)
Online Registration: events.montanachamber.com
Payment Method: (Circle one) Check
invoice
credit card
Make Checks Payable to the Montana Chamber Foundation , P.O. Box 1162 Helena, MT 59624-1162
Credit Card Information:
Name on Card:
Exp:
/
Card #:
Billing Zip Code:
THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS