Chamber Report 2016

2016 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES • Authorize Community Transformation (ACT) • Develop the Yellowstone Kelly Interpretive Site • Increase Air Service • Improve Workforce through BillingsWorks • Support Convention Center Development • Expand Trail Miles

Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives

®

2015 Chamber of the Year

BILLINGS CHAMBER ANNUAL REPORT

815 SOUTH 27TH STREET BILLINGS, MONTANA 59101 406.245.4111

OUR MISSION

from the Chamber President Your Chamber staff, board of directors and you, our members: simply the best in the country!

The accolades for our community keep rolling in – on top of being the 2015 Chamber of the Year, we’re now able to claim being the Best Town 2016, the Best Rookie Ballpark, and more. The rest of the world is taking notice: Billings is a community worth investing in and an exceptional place to live, work and play. But there is work to be done and exciting progress on the horizon. We’re proud to be part of leading Billings to our next step.

While we celebrate this recognition, we are fully aware that these honors are only stepping stones to what will come next; and big things are in store. Attaining this vision requires unwavering alliances with local and regional partners who

PARTNERS in progress BIG SKY LEVEL

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To develop a strong business climate and vibrant economy by serving the community in a leadership role thereby enhancing the quality of life.

own a stake in Billings’ success; just as we rely on our entire region’s prosperity for our success. Building a community for the next generation also necessitates that Millennials are part of the decision-making fabric.

As a member of this organization you volunteer on committees, financially support the Chamber and its initiatives, evangelize all the great work we are doing—and the work that still needs to be done—and offer direction to move Billings toward a brighter tomorrow.

In turn, we represent each of our 1,250 business members who employ 48,000 people. We help you grow your bottom line by connecting you to opportunities and advocating for your business and our community.

OUR VISION To achieve excellence in community leadership and growth.

The Billings Chamber does not exist to sell memberships, services and seats.

We exist to move Billings forward and help your business grow.

Cheers to this past year, and look out tomorrow!

GRANITE PEAK LEVEL

BEARTOOTH LEVEL

CenturyLink DoubleTree by Hilton EBMS Holiday Station Stores MSU Billings US Bank

Albertsons Big Sky Economic Development BNSF Century 21 Hometown Brokers Computers Unlimited Crowley Fleck PLLP Denny Menholt Chevrolet Devfuzion DiA Events Enterprise Holdings ExxonMobil Refining & Supply Co. Gainan’s Flowers & Garden Center Integra Kampgrounds of America Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. Olsen Ortho Studio PayneWest Insurance Phillips 66 Rocky Mountain College Spectrum Business Stockman Bank, Billings The Western Sugar Cooperative Underriner Honda Vertex Consulting Group Walmart Walmart Heights Western Security

BILLINGS CHAMBER 2016 ANNUAL REPORT

Congratulations on another outstanding year!

175 N 27th Street, Suite 1303 Billings, MT 59101 Phone: 406-294-8484 Fax: 406-294-8480 kdhlawfirm.com EXCELLENCEXPERIENCETHICS

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NorthWesternEnergy.com

DeVonne K. Customer Associate, 13 years of service

BILLINGS CHAMBER 2016 ANNUAL REPORT

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from the Board Chair Welcome to another year of progress, leadership, and growth with your Billings Chamber of Commerce. I am proud to be chair of your Board of Directors and confident this year will be another for the record books.

In case you do not know me, I am a native of Bozeman and have practiced law in Billings for 25 years. I have been active with various committees

of the Chamber for almost that long and have served on the boards for a number of community organizations.

The Billings Chamber of Commerce has never been stronger. We are proud to have an exceptional satisfaction rating from our membership, we are financially sound, and are facing important community issues head on. We again received the highest award that a chamber can receive from the United States Chamber of Commerce: 5-Star Accreditation. Less than 1% of the 3,000 chambers in the U.S. have this designation. And, we continue to celebrate our designation

as the 2015 Chamber of the Year. This prestigious honor from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives is the only award recognizing the dual role chambers have in leading businesses and communities and puts the Billings Chamber in the top 5 in the nation. We are a non-profit 501(c)6 and are here to serve you.

Join us for a fresh year of growth, progress and living up to our title as Best Town 2016!

Best, Bill Cole

2016

SUCCESS IS DEMANDING WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK Expect More From Your CPA Firm Eide Bailly delivers personal, attentive service from professionals who take the time to truly understand your business and your goals. Whether it’s through our core services of tax and audit, or specialty services such as technology consulting or international tax, we’ll deliver tailored solutions that will help you make business decisions with confidence. If it’s important to you, it’s important to us.

EXPERIENCE THE EIDE BAILLY DIFFERENCE

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406.896.2400 | w ww.ei debai lly.com

BILLINGS CHAMBER 2016 ANNUAL REPORT

2016-2017 Board Of Directors EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:

Kris Carpenter Sanctuary/Joy of Living/Joy of Kids Chair Elect

Patrice Elliott EBMS Secretary/Treasurer

Jeff Walters Vertex Consulting Group Past Chair

Brian Brown First Interstate Bank

Chris Dimock Elation, Inc.

Dr. Randy Gibb Billings Clinic

Ginny Hart Residence Inn

by Marriott

Lynette Kosovich Rimrock

Casey McGowan Trailhead Spirits

Dr. Mark Nook MSU Billings

Ray Rigdon Phillips 66

Nichole Mehling-Miles St. Vincent Healthcare

Mike Nelson Northern Hotel

Julie Seedhouse Century 21

Dave Worstell Billings Gazette Communications

Bill Cole Cole Law Firm Chair

DIRECTORS:

Lisa Perry Northwestern Energy

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS: THANK YOU TO OUR OUTGOING BOARD MEMBERS:

Steve Arveschoug Big Sky Economic Development

Terry Bouck School District 2

Lisa Harmon Downtown Billings Association

BILLINGS CHAMBER 2016 ANNUAL REPORT

Tina Volek City of Billings

Ron Yates Eide Bailly, LLP

Greg Kohn Vistage Billings

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Billings Chamber of Commerce Staff DIRECTORS:

John Brewer President/CEO

Alyssa Hall Visitor Services Specialist

Alex Tyson Executive Director, Visit Billings

Stefan Cattarin Visit Billings Sales Manager

Jennifer Reiser Chief Operating Officer

Bruce MacIntyre Senior Public Policy Advisor

Daniel J. Brooks Jessica Hart Government Affairs Events Manager Manager

Luke Ashmore Visitor Services Assistant

Headline Moments We’re Celebrating ENABLED BILLINGS’ ELIGIBILITY INTO OUTSIDE MAGAZINE’S “BEST TOWN EVER” COMPETITION AND DROVE THE SOCIAL MEDIA MOMENTUM TO ULTIMATELY ACHIEVE THE TOP BILLING.

RECEIVED 5 STAR RE-ACCREDITATION IN DECEMBER 2015.

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René Beyl Business Engagement Specialist

Kelly McCandless Communications and Leisure Marketing Manager

Marcel Bruski Events Assistant

Megan Stevenson Accountant

Brenda Maas Michele Flanagan Visit Southeast Member and Visitor Montana Marketing Services Assistant Manager

RECEIVED CHAMBER OF THE YEAR RECOGNITION IN AUGUST 2015

Kevin Cremer Business Development Manager

Alyson Murnion Visit Billings/ Visit Southeast Montana Social Media and PR Manager

Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives

2015 Chamber of the Year

COORDINATED AND LED SUCCESSFUL ASPIRATIONAL CITY VISIT TO OKLAHOMA CITY APRIL 2016.

2016

®

NEXTGEN GREW TO OVER 200 MEMBERS WITH A FOCUS THAT NOW ALIGNS WITH THE CHAMBER’S LONG RANGE STRATEGIC PLAN BILLINGS CHAMBER 2016 ANNUAL REPORT

Year End

Strategic Priority 2%

Membership Dues ...............................$713,582 Events .................................................. 348,569 TBID Staff Reimbursement .................... 317,737 CVB Lodging Tax ................................... 357,014 Southeast Montana Admin .................. 100,363 Strategic Priority .................................... 44,522 Other Private ......................................... 40,997

19% CVB Lodging Tax

in

REVENUE

st d m ea a A 5%outhtan S on M

BILLINGS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING: 6/30/2016

Other Private 2%

37% Membership Dues

17% TBID Staff Reimbursement

18% Events

TOTAL REVENUE .............. $1,922,784

EXPENSES

Ad

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in

8% i st ra

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SEMT Admin 5%

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11% ac y dvoc e ss A 12% Events

g) 3% ber Fundin C VB (Cham 15 CV % e Fu B nd in g)

NET PROFIT .......................... $23,389

17% TBID Staff Offset

at

TOTAL EXPENSES .............$1,899,395

Strategic Priority 2%

(S t

Administrative.................................... $158,708 Business Advocacy ................................207,683 Events .................................................. 216,908 Membership ........................................ 498,907 CVB (State Funding)..............................291,677 CVB (Chamber Funding)......................... 58,375 TBID Staff Offset ..................................312,050 Strategic Priority .................................... 54,725 Southeast Montana Admin .................. 100,363

26% Membership

In addition, the Chamber manages: $785,000 ............................................... for Southeast Montana Tourism $1,873,000 ..........................................for the Billings Tourism Business Improvement District BILLINGS CHAMBER 2016 ANNUAL REPORT

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2016-17 GOALS

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1. Quality programming and events aligned with member investor needs.

2. Customized benefit management – we’re committed to assisting members build relationships, network, engage in the community and invest in the future of Billings.

3. Expansion of NextGEN Mentoring for college students: Provides mentorship to college students residing in Billings, Montana to help students build a professional network, offer resources for career development and retain incoming young professionals.

4. Launch of Mentoring for NextGEN Members: facilitated mentorship between NextGEN members and seasoned professionals within the Billings community. Mentorship can assist in expanding professional networks, offer resources for career development and build expertise.

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1. Membership increased to an all-time high of 1,233 members.

2. Successful events such as the Ag Appreciation Banquet (grew to be held at MetraPark) and Billings Chamber Breakfast with Captain Sullenburger provided “Limitless Leadership” lessons to our members and the community.

3. NextGEN grew to over 200 members with a focus that aligns with the Chamber’s long range strategic plan.

4. Record Chamber member participation in Small Business Saturday and Shop Small campaign in partnership with American Express and the U.S. Chamber.

Membership Department

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2015-16 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

4:56:24 PM

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BILLINGS CHAMBER 2016 ANNUAL REPORT

2015-16 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Government Affairs 2016-17 GOALS

• The Billings Chamber reformatted its Public Policy Guide, emphasizing clarity and brevity to make advocacy issues more accessible to members and easier to use for legislators. Crafted with the input from Chamber members and government affairs committees, the Public Policy Guide passed final approval from the Chamber Board of Directors and will be printed and published online.

The Chamber also heeded previous advice from legislators and released the contents of the Public Policy Guide to legislators well in advance of the session.

• Local option authority is a priority issue for the Billings Chamber in the 2017 legislative session.

Not only have Chamber members expressed support, the Billings NOW group, composed of local leaders from around Billings, have pushed local option authority as a priority.

Montana cities need new options to pay for the necessities and amenities required to attract talented human capital and address our infrastructure needs, without further burdening the property tax payer.

Keep an eye on this essential issue and contact the Chamber if you are interested in helping our community move forward.

• Government Affairs staff at the Chamber have attended every Revenue and Transportation Interim Committee pertaining to tax increment finance districts (TIFDs), and every Law and Justice Interim Committee relating to public incapacitation. Expect to see positive results produced in these areas, largely shaped by the efforts of the Chamber and our membership’s insistence in addressing these issues.

• Last October, the Billings Chamber led a delegation of Billings leaders and legislators to Miles City to meet with our rural neighbors in Eastern Montana.

The intent of the meeting was to reinforce the importance of Eastern Montana to Billings and vice versa, by cooperating on issues like legislative candidate recruitment and legislative issue support. With a large contingent of community influencers in attendance, the meeting was successful in establishing shared goals and opportunities for cooperation moving into the next legislative session.

• Our inaugural Agriculture Candidate Reception was well attended and led to good dialogue between both Republican and Democratic candidates from the Billings area. The biggest take-away for many in attendance was learning how close everyone in the Billings area is tied to agriculture. If not directly involved, many candidates were a single step removed from the ag community, with family, friends, or businesses working closely with the ag industry.

BILLINGS CHAMBER 2016 ANNUAL REPORT

• Our membership is incredible in its engagement and impact on our community. As we move into and through the 2017 legislative session, expect to see fellow Chamber members passionately championing the issues that are important to Billings. With support and cooperation from businesses we will move our community forward! View all Chamber public policies at www.BillingsChamber.com/public-policy.

WHAT IS LOCAL OPTION?

TWO STEPS TO COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION

Local option is locally focused: citizens choose and approve.

1. Local option authorized by state legislature.

Local option is community empowerment: don’t wait on Helena or DC.

2. Local voters approve projects, tax rate,

Local option is fiscal flexibility: communitytailored solutions.

Learn more at www.ACTmt.org

and duration.

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2015-16 ACCOMPLISHMENTS & GOALS

Visit Billings

OUTSIDE MAGAZINE BEST TOWN 2016: The designation is crucial in our efforts to position Billings as a remarkable destination in the tourism arena, but it’s the process here that is the major win.

Witnessing area residents react to our social media efforts to ‘get out the vote’ and make Billings Outside Magazine’s Best Town for 2016 was worth the title in gold.

THE EVOLUTION OF AIR SERVICE DISCUSSIONS: A proven strength for the region and city as a tourism destination, the development of air service progression dialogue for Logan Airport was significant. From air service, capacity and lift, fares and the overall passenger experience, being a part of BIL progression is essential to growing tourism at Montana’s Trailhead. We are making headway together with our community partners and the City of Billings.

NAIA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS: The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) 2017 and 2018 Division I Womens Basketball National Championships are Billings bound. The community will host the tournament at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark March 15-21, 2017 and March 14-20, 2018. The Chamber and Visit Billings have worked hard to prepare for this event under the strategic pillar of positioning Billings as a sporting events hub.

Not only will this tournament offer an economic boost to the community during slower winter months, it will showcase the city and the region, while offering fans the chance to watch a high caliber of competition. Be sure to mark your calendars with a huge shout out to our key partner Rocky Mountain College and the soon to be Red Lion Hotel and Convention Center.

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RALLY THE RIDERS RIDERS: Innovative marketing and strategic convention recruitment are the core of destination marketing for Visit Billings. 24% of tourism to Billings is comprised of meetings and conventions.

Events featuring attendees arriving in Billings on two and four wheels prove lucrative for our stakeholders (Billings’ area hoteliers), as well as restaurants, retailers, attractions and National and State Parks. Executing the BMW MOA Motorcycle Rally and the Gold Wing Road Rider Association’s Wing Ding 38 was enjoyable for all. There’s nothing quite like witnessing riders touring the region the big sky and their bucket list journeys.

#DrivetoBillings:

STAY & FLY BILLI NGS, MON TANA

NGS FLY THRO UG H BILLI A DV ENTU RE FOR YOUR NEX T Conven ient non-sto p flights nine major hubs

serving

ranging from brand 5,000+ rooms with hotels properties name chains to local historic g in the area Best selection for shoppin cuisine paired with award-winning

BOOK NOW FOR SPECI VisitB illings.com/fl y

AL HOTE L RATES :

Be on the look out for the Visit Billings semi-trucks! Think you may have seen a flash of Visit Billings catch your eye on the road recently? You probably did! This marketing partnership with community businesses including Diversified Transfer and Storage (DTS), TransMar and A|D Creative Group, is part of a two-year brand lift project. We are proud to have Visit Billings represented on five different semi-trucks traveling across a large portion of the U.S. We want travelers to take notice of Montana’s Trailhead and make the city part of their next itineraries. Check out the routes at VisitBillings.com.

THE FUTURE OF BILLINGS AS A DESTINATION: More than two million people visit Billings every year, yet residents and business owners, including owners of restaurants and retailers, who receive the most tourism revenue of all industries affected by visitors (ITRR), still doubt the legitimacy of the industry and its local economic impact. Together, with our community partners like the Chamber of Commerce, Visit Southeast Montana, Downtown Billings Association and Big Sky Economic Development, we are Destination Trailblazers. But, potential growth diminishes when business owners and even stakeholders dont realize the benefits of investing in the community, facilities, infrastructure, beautification projects, events and visitor experiences. Taking the industry for granted, or being complacent in any tourism-based capacity, puts the destination at risk.

Billings is doing well. The potential to evolve into a higher tier destination makes the industry highly significant. Vision 2027 will assist Visit Billings and community partners with a roadmap to prepare for the next ten years.

BILLINGS CHAMBER 2016 ANNUAL REPORT

Billings Makes National News!

2016

• Home of the NAIA Women’s Basketball Championships • Best Gin, Trailhead Spirits Finalist, #5 - USA Today • Best Rookie Ballpark, Dehler Park - BallParkDigest.com • Best Town 2016 - Outside Magazine • Best Sustainable Community, Runner Up Sunset Magazine 2015

• Top 100 Best Place to Live - Livability • Platinum Choice Award as a Meeting and Convention Destination - Smart Meetings • Reader’s Choice Award - Sports Destination Management Magazine • Chamber of the Year - Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives 2014

• Top 10 Best Beer City - Livability 2013

• 6th Greatest Place in the Nation to Live - Kiplinger • 26th Best Performing Small City ( job & wage growth) Miliken Institute • Top 25 Places to Retire - Forbes • City with 6th Lowest Taxes - Office of Revenue Analysis, U.S. Government

FELT, MARTIN, FRAZIER, & WELDON, P.C. Attorneys at Law

Congratulations to the Billings Area Chamber of Commerce for its efforts and accomplishments in promoting and building our community.

Laurence R. Martin Kenneth S. Frazier Jeffrey A. Weldon Martin S. Smith Mary E. Duncan Ryan P. Browne Randolph Jacobs, Jr. of Counsel

(406) 248-7646 (406) 248-5485 fax

www.feltmartinlaw.com

208 N. Broadway, Suite 313 Billings, MT 59101

2011

• Beartooth Highway ranked #1 Motorcycle Ride in the U.S. - American Motorcycle Association • One of America’s Best Gateway Cities Daily News Entertainment

CIVIL ENGINEERING • LAND SURVEYING • LAND USE CONSULTING

2010

• Top 10 Cities with the Strongest Economy (#2) Parenting • Top 20 Greatest Places to Live the American Dream American Cowboy • Top 50 Most Bicycle Friendly Community in the U.S. (#37) - Bicycling Magazine • Top 38 Cities for Unpolluted Air - State of the Air Report • Top 83 Must See Cities in the West - Old West Destinations 2009

• Best City in the Nation to Launch a Small Business Fortune Small Business

Partnering to Build Better Communities Our Montana Roots Run Deep. We are proud to support the Billings Chamber of Commerce.

2008

• Best Place to Raise a Family (#3) - Best Life Magazine • #4 Greenest Small City in the U.S. - Gardening Magazine BILLINGS CHAMBER 2016 ANNUAL REPORT

406-248-9000 • www.TerritorialLandworks.com 11

2015-16 ACCOMPLISHMENTS A NEW LOOK FOR VISITORS: In 2016 Visit Southeast Montana revealed a completely redesigned visitor guide. Created without ads, the vibrant photos of SEMT tell the story of the region.

Readers value the fold-out map, calendar of events and content organized by the type of adventure. Dino dig, anyone?

GETTING SOCIAL: Partners across the region are a bit more socially-savvy thanks to the 4 workshops presented

by Visit Southeast Montana marketing experts. The events proved popular with nearly 150 SEMT partners attending.

ROADIES: Travelers entering Southeast Montana via I-90 and I-94 saw Visit Southeast Montana billboards as part of the regional campaign that included 20 billboards around Spearfish and Rapid City, South Dakota and Beach, North Dakota. The simple but memorable images enticed travelers to discover the treasures of SEMT.

Visit Southeast Montana US HWY 212

Take the Warrior Trail Shortcut to Little Bighorn and Rosebud Battlefields Exit on US-85 to US-212

EXIT 242

EXIT 215

Overnight Camping at Medicine Rocks State Park

Explore Montana’s Badlands at Makoshika State Park

90 minutes south of Wibaux

Just 10 minutes off I-94, Glendive

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2016-17 GOALS: STAMP IT! The Visit Southeast Montana Passport highlights sights and events in each of 13 counties and two reservations in Southeast Montana. Designed to mimic a travelers passport this interactive marketing tool will roll out in early 2017 with a few special surprises.

REACHING OUT: Visit Southeast Montana increased its cooperative grant budget to $15,000. Designed to grow our tourism economy through increased visitor spending throughout Southeast Montana, the grant helps organizations like the Yellowstone Kelly Interpretive Site create trading cards and coloring books for youngsters or supports bringing live historical actors and Native American dancers to Clark Days at Pompeys Pillar National Monument.

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st #Southea

FRESH LOOK – LITERALLY AND VIRTUALLY: The existing web site, www.southeastmontana.com, will have a new look by 2017.

In conjunction with the Montana Department of Tourism and Business Development, the site will cue viewers with images, highlighting the amazing vistas, people and experiences in the region. Similar to www.visitmt.com the refreshed Visit Southeast Montana site will be designed by MDTBD personnel and sync with the overall theme – to invite travelers to create their own stories here.

BILLINGS CHAMBER 2016 ANNUAL REPORT

Legacy Award Winner Bill and Merilyn Ballard are the Chamber’s 2016 Legacy Award honorees. The Ballards long history in Billings showcases their philanthropy, business support and dedication to the community.

“Bill and Merilyn’s visionary leadership and nearly boundless philanthropy have been an inspiration to all of us,” shares Chamber Board Chair Bill Cole. “They have strengthened the economic, medical, and cultural fabric of our community and left a legacy that will last for generations.”

The Ballard’s have devoted their livelihood to the community of Billings. Merilyn, a Montana native, convinced Bill, an Arkansas native, to move to Billings in 1956. Montana had much to offer in raising a family and in the state’s vast energy reserves. In partnership with Bill Cronoble, Bill formed Balcron Oil Company in 1963. After selling Balcron, Bill created Ballard Petroleum in 1992 and is the chairman and CEO. For more than 25 years he has worked with sons Dave and Jeff, in their oil and gas exploration company which employs 30 in Billings and another 17 in Gillette, Wyoming. As their three children grew and the company flourished, Bill and Merilyn devoted more time to strengthening our community.

Bill has served as director on the Billings Clinic and Rocky Mountain College boards for decades. In addition to providing leadership within healthcare and higher education, Bill has served on Rotary Club’s board as well as the Montana Petroleum Association board.

Merilyn and Bill have invested in growth initiatives in healthcare, higher education, service and their faith community, First Presbyterian Church. They believe in helping people and organizations working to achieve positive outcomes. They are true heroes to many people within our community and have lived such generosity to mark a lifetime of achievement.

The Ballard’s received the Legacy Award honor during the Billings Chamber Annual Meeting Luncheon on September 27th.

248-1127

760 Wicks Lane • 2522 4th Ave. N • 32nd & King Ave. W www.billingsfcu.org

760 Wicks Lane • 2522 4th Ave. N • 32nd & King Ave. W BILLINGS CHAMBER 2016 ANNUAL REPORT

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Chamber’s Top Six Strategic Priorities 1. In the short-term, the Chamber and the City of Billings are on track to soon complete the Yellowstone Kelly Interpretive Site in Swords Rimrock Park.

The site will attract visitors and local residents interested in Montana history and fulfill a promise made to the famous frontiersman in 1928. With fundraising almost complete, focus has shifted to constructing the site and promoting the “Yellowstone Kelly brand” as a defining community element.

2. The legislative season is coming up soon. We need local tools for local governments to solve local problems. Billings and other Montana cities can no longer look to empty federal and state coffers to fund local infrastructure and capital improvements needed to retain young people, attract skilled workers, and vie with regional competitors.

THE

Yellowstone Kelly INTERPRETIVE SITE

Thanks PREMIER DONORS

WARRIOR CONTRIBUTORS

www.yellowstonekelly.org

W W W. A C T M T.O R G

3. Billings business depends on quality air service. The Chamber remains focused on increasing the number of flights serving Billings and improving the airport facility experience. Work is being done to secure direct service to American Airline’s hub in Dallas, providing onestop service to 44 cities for the first time. The airport is also undergoing major updates to offer visitors a more functional and aestheticallypleasing experience.

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BILLINGS CHAMBER 2016 ANNUAL REPORT

4. With just over 3 percent unemployment in Billings, businesses struggle to find qualified workers. The Chamber is committed to supporting BillingsWorks, a consortium of community groups charged with growing and improving the pool of potential employees. Explore the new talent-attraction website at BillingsWorks.org.

5. Billings is a magnet for state and regional conferences bringing millions of dollars to our community, but we risk losing much of that business if we do not upgrade and expand our meeting facilities. The Chamber will work over the long-term to investigate all possible options and develop public-private partnerships that can fund and implement those improvements.

6. Our trail system is one of Billings’ greatest assets. The Chamber’s final strategic objective is the completion of the Marathon Loop around Billings and the construction of more internal connections.

Great progress has been made, and with negotiations and studies underway, the future looks positive.

BILLINGS CHAMBER 2016 ANNUAL REPORT

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You can also join us on Facebook at Facebook.com/ Billings ChamberofCommerce CVB and Instagram at @BillingsChamber.

To start receiving our e-communications, send your e-mail address to Kelly@ billingschamber.com. Not a member? No problem! Send your e-mail address and you can receive our community e-newsletter to stay in touch.

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Billings Chamber of Commerce 815 S. 27th St. Billings, MT 59101 406-245-4111

current list of members sorted by category

info@billingschamber.com www.BillingsChamber.com www.VisitBillings.com www.SoutheastMontana.com

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