LiNK - June 2015

THE VALUE OF AGRICULTURE

BILLINGS CHAMBER RANKS AS ONE OF THE TOP IN THE NATION

GET TO KNOW CHAMBER BOARD MEMBER

CASEY B. MCGOWAN

I S S U E 6 | J U N E - A U G U S T 2015

THE ROAD TO RECOVERY

REBUILDING THE YELLOWSTONE KELLY INTERPRETIVE SITE

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table of contents

FEATURES

6.15 CONTENTS REBUILDING THE YELLOWSTONE KELLY INTERPRETIVE SITE

p.20

BILLINGS CHAMBER RANKS AS ONE OF THE TOP IN NATION

p. 23

The Billings Chamber is proud to be a 2015 Chamber of the Year finalist.

THE VALUE OF THE AG INDUSTRY

p.16

Ag is Montana’s #1 industry, and the Chamber has a long history of supporting it.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Q360 Health.

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p.28

DEPARTMENTS

6.15 EVERY ISSUE

PRESIDENTS LETTER

p.6

Preserving our heritage and honoring a veteran.

GROW

p.7

Registration is open for the Leadership Billings class of 2016.

HORIZONS

p.8

Some of the latest statistics and economic data impacting businesses in Billings.

ADVOCATE

p.9

Successes and failures of the 2015 Legislature.

MONTANA’S TRAILHEAD The importance of travel.

GET TO KNOW ALEX TYSON Executive Director,

p.10

p.13

Visit Billings

TRIPS ON A TANKFUL A look at National Parks in southeast Montana.

GET TO KNOW CASEY MCGOWAN

p. 26

LiNKED

p.14

p. 27

Did we see you at recent Chamber events? Look for yourself and your friends in LiNKED!

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TOP INVESTORS

FROM THE PRESiDENT/CEO

BIG SKY LEVEL

KEEP NOT STANDING FIX’D AND ROOTED. BRISKLY VENTURE, BRISKLY ROAM. One can only imagine the discussion that must have occurred around the chamber board table 86 years ago.

Luther “Yellowstone” Kelly had recently passed away in Paradise, California. Where does one choose as their final resting place after living in Paradise? Montana, of course. A decorated war veteran, scout and Yellowstone Valley explorer, Kelly left his body to the Historical Society of Montana because his body would rest easier in Montana than “the vastness of Arlington” (National Cemetery).

The Chamber enthusiastically and successfully “bid” to be the burial site, and land was then donated and named “Kelly Mountain” in what today is Swords Rimrock Park.

Each year until her death, Kelly’s widow sent the Chamber a wreath to be placed on the gravesite.

Two years ago that tradition was re-kindled, and 86 years later “Yellowstone” Kelly’s name is being honored around the Chamber board table again

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BEARTOOTH LEVEL Albertsons Bay, LTD Bayou City Catfish Mobile Food Truck Big Sky Economic Development BNSF Century 21 Hometown Brokers Charter Business Computers Unlimited Crowley Fleck PLLP Denny Menholt Chevrolet ExxonMobil Refining & Supply Co. Integra Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. Olsen Ortho Studio PayneWest Insurance Phillips 66 Rocky Mountain College Stockman Bank, Billings Underriner Honda Vertex Consulting Group Wal-Mart, Heights Western Security Bank, Downtown

as our community, business and civic leaders once again enthusiastically address the commitment made in 1929.

In this issue of LiNK, we look at his life and the challenges surrounding his final resting place.

Please read that article through the lens of preserving our heritage and honoring a veteran, of course, but more importantly, investing in community and furthering our sense of place.

Kelly, a well-read frontiersman, was fond of a Goethe poem that contained the following: “Keep not standing fix’d and rooted.

Briskly venture, briskly roam.”

A fantastic reminder to embrace challenge, and never lose our explorer-spirit.

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Project Management:

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Designer:

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Photo Contributors:

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Advertising Sales: Kevin Cremer 406-245-4111 www.billingschamber.com PO Box 31177 Billings MT 59107-1177 406-245-4111 • 800-711-2630

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GROW

LEADERSHIP BILLINGS

REGISTRATION FOR 2016 IS OPEN

BY JENNIFER REISER, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

The Billings area is a growing, changing community.

Keeping our city vibrant and healthy requires insightful leaders who have the ability to communicate and work effectively with a wide variety of groups and individuals. The Billings Chamber Leadership Billings Program offers a venue for these individuals to develop and maintain strong community ties which help form stronger community relationships.

Not only do participants learn more about the ‘insides’ of the local business community and climate, but they also build relationships, that in the end, can create a stronger business voice for the city. According to Leadership Billings graduate Larry Larsen with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, “the only true way to participate in changing your community

for the better is to know and understand what makes the community tick, and understand the challenges. This is what Leadership Billings has done for me.”

an amazing experience for me to not only learn more about Billings and the business community, but to also develop relationships with many different leaders.”

The eight-month program explores the subject areas of community and social services, government, education, agriculture and business, culture and tourism, and healthcare.

It culminates with a Community Work Day which allows group members to explore opportunities to work together, benefiting community organizations and further developing relationships. Jen Jacobson of Anytime Fitness summarized the program by saying “Leadership Billings has been

Leadership Billings begins with a kick-off retreat in September 2015 and continues monthly until May 2016. The course is one of the Chamber’s most demanded programs, and annually the classes fill quickly. Two classes are now offered, meaning 80 leaders will be accepted in to the program. We recommend you reserve your spot as soon as possible. Email jennifer@ billingschamber.com or visit BillingsChamber. com for more information or to register.

CHAMBER STATISTICS: What are we doing for you?

As of May 10, 2015, the Billings Chamber represents 1,166 members with approximately 47,645 employees.

Since the beginning of our fiscal year July 1, 2014 through May 10, 2015: Number of Calls/Inquiries: .......9,212 (average of 1,024/month) Visitors to the Visitor Information Center: .........................3,375 Visits to VisitBillings.com:...............................................143,372 Visits to BillingsChamber.com: .........................................33,096 Relocation Packets Mailed: .................................................... 188

Connect for Lunch:............... 305 lunches served so far this FY. At an average cost of $12/lunch that is an impact of $3,660 to member restaurants.

Convention and Meeting Tourism Bookings: ................... 56,164 hotel room nights booked for $12,636,900 total economic impact on the city of Billings.

Conventions and Meetings Serviced by Visit Billings: ......5,665 convention delegate packets provided.

Visitor Information Packets Mailed: ................................. 22,188 Business Meeting Attendees at Chamber: ......................... 9,730 Chamber Event Attendance: ................................................ 7,288

Is your info current? Make sure we’re sharing the correct information with potential clients! Check your listing at BillingsChamber.com and let us know if changes are needed.

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COMMUNITY STATISTICS

KEY ECONOMIC INDICATORS Hotel Occupancy

80.0% __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 70.0% __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 60.0% __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 50.0% __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 40.0% __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 30.0% __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 20.0% __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 10.0% __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 0.0% ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2015

2014 Billings

2013 Montana

2012

United States

Unemployment Rate Comparison County Population

154,200

City Population

106,954

Yellowstone

3.8%

Montana

4.2%

COUNTY STATE

United

Percent change in county population 2010-2013

4.2%

STATES

5.6% Unemployment Rate as of April 2015 Yellowstone County

Median Household Income

$50,608

Montana

United States

Airport Deboardings: City Comparison 600,000 ______________________________________________________________________________________

500,000 ________________________________________________________________________________________________

Average Home Price

$231,072

400,000 ________________________________________________________________________________________________

300,000 ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Number of Business Licenses

7,350

200,000 ________________________________________________________________________________________________

100,000 ________________________________________________________________________________________________

School District #2 Enrollment

0 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

16,277

Sources: Bureau of Business and Economic Research, Billings Association of Realtors®, City of Billings, School District #2, U.S. Census Bureau and the Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research.

2015**

2014 Billings

Bozeman

2013* Missoula

2012

*2013 Billings deboardings were impacted by runway maintenance in July/August. **2015 deboardings reported for January – February only.

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BUSiNESS ADVOCACY

SUCCESSES AND FAILURES OF THE 2015 LEGISLATURE

BY BRUCE MACINTYRE, DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS AND BUSINESS ADVOCACY

As a business organization, one of the most important things we do in preparation for the legislative session is to determine the defining issues for our nearly 1,200 member businesses.

There are issues which are always on the list, like property tax reduction, worker compensation reduction, improved business climate, a strong educational system and affordable healthcare.

For this session our list included expansion of Medicaid, public intoxication, an eastern Montana Crime Lab and help for eastern Montana with infrastructure and maintenance as a result of the energy boom.

Every session is unique in its scope and direction and 2015 had its share of surprises, some good and some bad. At the top of the priority list for the Billings Chamber of Commerce is getting the legislature to approve the right for each community to enact a local option tax.

While the topic stalled this year, substantial groundwork was laid for 2017.

Public intoxication legislation to deal with serial inebriates in downtown Billings was an emotional issue which managed to pass the Senate and was tabled in House Judiciary. A motion to reconsider died on a tie vote. A crime lab in eastern Montana to deal with the backlog of work was successful after being heavily

amended and has been signed by the governor.

Medicaid expansion was another priority that saw what I call the “Goldilocks Effect.”

One bill was too big and one was too small. A compromise was crafted and managed to pass with narrow margins.

In an important win for education and work force, funding doubled for career technical education for the coming biennium. We will be back in two years asking for funding to be further increased.

Finally, we committed to helping energy impacted cities and counties in eastern Montana get funding to make necessary repairs and upgrades. Had this cash and bonding bill garnered just one more vote, it would be on the governor’s desk now.

What did we learn? Close votes are heartbreaking. We saw politics get in the way of practicality and skillful negotiation go by the wayside. If I were grading the session, I would give it a C-.

FOLLOW MORE CHAMBER WORK ON LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL ISSUES. VISIT OUR POLICY WEBSITE:

PUBLICPOLICY.BILLINGSCHAMBER.COM

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MONTANA’S TRAiLHEAD

THE

IMPORTANCE

OF TRAVEL

BY ALEX TYSON

• EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, VISIT BILLINGS

More than 90 percent of kids see family vacations as a chance for “quality time” with their parents.

Planning a trip sometime soon?

You probably think that if you are, you’re doing it just to show yourself—maybe your immediate family—a good time. But when you travel, you’re providing extraordinary benefit for the economy, job creation, your own health and that of your loved ones—and even your performance in the workplace. Don’t worry: a huge body of research backs you up on this. So if you’re stressed about ditching the office for a week, give yourself a pat on the back instead.

The U.S. travel industry, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, recovered far faster than other economic sectors from jobs lost to the recession. Travel supports one out of nine jobs and generated $2.1 trillion in economic output in 2014. You may think most of that benefit went to places like New York, Orlando and Las Vegas, but in Billings in 2013, non-resident travelers spent $374 million. That spending contributed to 3,400 jobs and $97 million in labor income just for Yellowstone County.

In an era when bad news about the U.S. trade imbalance is the norm, not everyone realizes that travel is among the top-performing American exports. Travel now accounts for ten percent of U.S. exports – our second largest industry export. And the best part?

Travel jobs cannot be outsourced— all the jobs supported by inbound international travel are right here in America.

But the good news about travel is not all in economic facts and figures. Travel also holds

remarkable positives for our personal lives. Couples that travel together are less likely to divorce, according to a survey from the U.S. Travel Association and Edge Research. More than 90 percent of kids see family vacations as a chance for “quality time” with their parents. What’s more, kids who travel are more likely to earn a college degree, and have on average a $5,000 higher median income as adults. People who travel are also less stressed and happier at work.

In Billings in 2013, non-resident travelers spent $374 million.

That spending contributed to 3,400 jobs and $97 million in labor income - just for Yellowstone County.

So, we should encourage workforce to use their time off. In 2013, Americans left 429 million days unused (the least amount of

vacation used in nearly 40 years) and forfeited $52.4 billion in time-off benefits. If workers took just one more day off each year, travel would generate an extra $73 billion annually for the economy.

Travel makes a difference on our communities and lives every day.

Visit Billings and Billings area lodging partners work hard to inspire people to choose Billings; like the BMW MOA Rally coming up July 23-25. So, this summer, take time to celebrate where we live, give your mind some time off from your job to make you an even more productive employee and see how you can help make this industry even stronger for America’s businesses, workforce and general state of mind.

Sources: Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research; U.S. Travel Association

The mission of Visit Billings is to generate room nights for lodging facilities in the city of Billings by effectively marketing our region as a preferred travel destination.

VisitBillings.com Visit Billings is managed by the Billings Chamber of Commerce.

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GET TO KNOW CHAMBER STAFF:

Alex TYSON

PHOTO COURTESY P E A K P H O T O G R A P H Y O F M O N TA N A

Favorite Chamber/Visit Billings event or program?

Position:

Executive Director, Visit Billings

Years on Staff:

9 Years

The Trailhead Tourism Ambassador (TTA) Program is a favorite because frontline customer service is critical to fostering repeat visitation at Montana’s Trailhead. Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon.com, says, “If you make customers unhappy in the physical world, they might each tell six friends. If you make customers unhappy on the Internet, they can each tell 6,000 friends.” The TTA Program allows us to expose people to area attractions. It’s important to know what the destination offers so we can facilitate visitors appropriately.

I moved seven times before the age of 13. Across states. It was a great experience, but not a life my husband Calvin and I wanted for our children.

We have lived in Billings for nearly 23 years. We appreciate this city, the community and all it offers our family. I make sure my drive to or from work includes Highway 3 and Zimmerman Trail every business day. It’s my way to take a gracious moment for a place that has been so good to me.

Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter.

Try again. Fail again. Fail better.

-Samuel Beckett

How important marketing and managing a destination, successfully, is for the local economy. In 2013, non-resident travelers spent $374 million in Yellowstone County. That spending backed more than 3,400 jobs and $97 million in labor income. Tourism matters.

What book is on your nightstand?

10% Happier by Dan Harris, Tribes by Seth Godin, No One Understands You and What to Do About It by Heidi Halvorson

Improve gateway aesthetics primarily at Interstate 90 Exits near the Lockwood Bridge en route to MetraPark and 27th Street heading into downtown Billings.

Words you live by:

Collaborative. Challenging. Relevant.

Intense. Enjoyable.

What is one thing about the Chamber/Visit Billings you think most people don’t know?

Tell us about your photo:

If you could make one change in Billings today, what would it be?

Describe your position in 5 words.

The dish you’re known for cooking?

Fajitas.

If you could have lunch with one famous person, who would it be and why?

Chef and entrepreneur Michael Chiarello. I imagine he would have stories to share from his foodie travels and I’d bend his ear regarding some ideas for our family kitchen.

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TRiPS on a TANKFUL

NATIONAL PARKS IN SOUTHEAST MONTANA

By NICK MANN, MARKETING MANAGER

SoutheastMontana.com The mission of Visit Southeast Montana is to increase tourism to Southeast Montana by increasing awareness of our region, showcasing our cultural heritage, developing memorable experiences and educating our residents about the economic benefits of tourism.

LITTLE BIGHORN BATTLEFIELD GRAVE STONES – PHOTO COURTESY OF: THE BILLINGS GAZETTE

GENERAL CUSTER GRAVE STONE AT LITTLE BIGHORN BATTLEFIELD CEMETERY – PHOTO COURTESY OF: MONTANA OFFICE OF TOURISM

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BOATING THE BIG HORN CANYON – PHOTO COURTESY OF: DENNIS COELLO FOR SOUTHEAST MONTANA TOURISM

iving in Billings, most are familiar with Yellowstone.

Many have even visited Glacier on more than one occasion. What isn’t so well known is that we have two additional National Parks within 80 miles of our city limits. These lesser known sites aren’t typically thought of as National Parks, but that’s exactly what they are. The National Park Service wants Americans to explore these Parks, which is why they have launched their new “Find Your Park” campaign to help us connect with these sites that have been set aside for our enjoyment.

LITTLE BIGHORN BATTLEFIELD preserves the site of one of the most famous battles in world history. It is so significant that the government gave the battlefield federal protection as a National Cemetery in 1879, just seven years after Yellowstone was established as a national park. Walk the trails, visit the museum, and read the inscriptions on the monuments. Be sure to visit the cemetery, which contains the reinterred remains of the soldiers and civilians who lived and fought at the many frontier forts which once dotted the western plains. For more info go to www.nps.gov/libi.

BIGHORN CANYON was set aside as a National Recreation Area in 1966 after the completion of Yellowtail Dam converted a wild river into a 60 mile lake. If you enjoy water recreation, this is your place.

The lake is large enough that water skiers, pontoon boats, and fisherman can enjoy themselves without crowding each other, and the thousand foot cliff walls rising up on either side of the lake make visiting a truly unique experience. For more information go to www.nps.gov/bica.

If you haven’t explored these places yet, it’s time to visit them. They belong to all of us, after all. In the words of the National Park Service, “get up, get out there, and find your park.”

BOATING THE BIG HORN CANYON – PHOTO COURTESY OF: DENNIS COELLO FOR SOUTHEAST MONTANA TOURISM

COTTONWOOD CAMP

BY NICK MANN

DUCK BLIND CHANNEL – PHOTO COURTESY OF: DENNIS COELLO FOR SOUTHEAST MONTANA TOURISM

WADING ON THE BIG HORN – PHOTO COURTESY OF: DENNIS COELLO FOR SOUTHEAST MONTANA TOURISM

Eighty miles south of Billings near Fort Smith, MT is your ideal fly fishing base camp. Just minutes away from the Bighorn River, one of the best blue ribbon trout streams in the nation, Cottonwood Camp provides everything you’ll need to make your fishing trip a success.

As with many businesses in Southeast Montana, Billings is vital to Cottonwood Camp’s success. They make a point of utilizing local businesses as much as possible, many of which are in Billings.

Billings also serves as a transportation hub for their clients, 70% of which come from out of state.

Cottonwood Camp is open from March through October. They offer their customers a variety of lodging options from cabins to RV sites to tent sites, all of which are shaded by the towering cottonwood trees growing throughout the camp. The Camp also includes a small shop where fly fishing equipment can be purchased, and for those who aren’t exactly experts at fly fishing, you can book a guided fishing expedition on the Big Horn. For more information visit www. cottonwoodcampbighorn.com

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The Value of the AG INDUSTRY

BY BRUCE MACINTYRE

HUNTLEY, MONTANA FIELDS – PHOTO COURTESY OF: VISIT BILLINGS

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Years ago, when I was in the automobile business, spring was a critical time for ordering inventory. My orders would have to be about the same as my projections for the next six months sales. The first place I would always look is at the markets for cattle and sheep and then turn my attention to the prices for wheat, oats, barley and sugar beets. I knew that the difference between a lackluster year and a good year hinged on the ag industry. Until the livestock sold, the grain was in the bin or the beets were processed, it was a guessing and waiting game. Ag producers don’t buy until they have the money in hand. This is as true today as it was 30 years ago. Though I no longer order cars, I still watch the trends in prices, the impacts of moisture and storms, and the resulting good or bad year.

The Billings Chamber has always recognized the importance of agriculture, and we currently have a large committee dedicated to promoting, interacting with one another and growing this sector. The first Friday of every month at 7:00 am, 25 to 30 members gather to listen to a speaker cover a relevant topic and discuss what is happening and what to expect. As an example, at the last meeting, a water expert explained the critical role of water management in the greater

Yellowstone drainage. Meeting topics range from legislative issues to cattle and grain prices to crop yields, GMO’s (genetically modified organisms) and the futures markets.

The most interesting discussion comes near the end of the meeting when each attendee around the table shares what is going on in his or her world. At this point, you realize just how many sectors are involved directly and indirectly in farming and ranching. We have representatives from retail and wholesale business, utilities, banking, the media, county and city officials and producers, to name a few. Each brings their own unique perspective to the table and we learn from one another. Our role as a Chamber is to help make these connections between sectors, suppliers, consumers and the farm and ranching community.

Taylor Brown, owner of Northern Ag Network and KGHL Radio, says it best, “Over the past 20 years, I have seen the Chamber’s Ag Committee dramatically raise the profile of the valuable relationship between Montana’s biggest industry, Agriculture, and Montana’s biggest city, Billings.” He goes on to affirm the importance of the Chamber’s support of

agriculture, “Enthusiastic monthly breakfast meetings keep our city and county leaders abreast of current issues and conditions; the huge Chamber Ag Appreciation Banquet annually invites hundreds of rural farm families, sponsored by dozens of urban agri-businesses, to celebrate our important relationship; and the “Adventures in Agriculture” bus tour brings Billings Chamber members and citizens out to the country to see first-hand where this huge economy originates!”

One aspect of my role with the Billings Chamber is to educate and it is rewarding to be able to share what I have learned about the ag industry.

It is no longer the same business that I followed 30 years ago. Equipment is essential, market data drives the decisions to produce, when to harvest and when to sell. Chemicals play a significant role in increasing product yields.

Agronomy classes help enhance the role of farmers and ranchers and make them better at what they do. It’s no wonder that this is the largest industry in Montana, and it’s clear that the connections built and relationships facilitated by the Chamber’s commitment to agriculture help to build recognition and success.

Our role as a Chamber is to help make connections between sectors, suppliers, consumers and the farm and ranching community.

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Luther Sage

Yellowstone K

BY JULIE GREEN

I feel that my body will rest better in Montana, the scene of my earlier activities than it would in the vastness of Arlington, where I purposed having it laid.

From the last will and testament of Luther Sage Kelly

e Kelly

Luther Sage Kelly was born in 1849 into a life of comfortable privilege in upstate New York and, like many young men of his time, seemed almost destined to follow in his father’s footsteps as a businessman. Instead, he enlisted in the Union Army at age 16 and by his early 20’s had gained a reputation as an explorer, hunter, trapper, trader and guide in what is now Montana and the Dakotas. It was his work as the lead scout for General Nelson Miles, including his epic trek to capture Chief Joseph, that made the handsome frontiersman—by then known as “Yellowstone Kelly”—a household name. His later exploits exploring Alaska and fighting insurrectionists in the Philippines only served to heighten his reputation.

“Luther Kelly had the ability to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery,” says Billings attorney Bill Cole, who is also chairman of the Billings Chamber’s Yellowstone Kelly Intepretive Site Committee. “He was a veteran of three wars and a national hero. He chose to be buried in Montana. Unfortunately, the place he is buried cannot now be compared to Arlington.”

After his death, Yellowstone Kelly’s body was brought to Montana and placed in a mausoleum.

Cole says that the will did not specify where in Montana he was to be buried, but ultimately Billings was chosen to be the site of Kelly’s final resting place. In 1929, he was buried with full military honors on the eastern point of the Rimrocks, a spot looking out over the land he knew and loved so well.

ABOVE: Yellowstone Kelly Interpretive Site Committee: Kevin Kooistra, Patrick Parker, John Brewer, Shelli Mann, Bill Cole and Mike Whitaker. (Chris Dimock, Karen Sanford Gall and Michael Sanderson not pictured). – PHOTO COURTESY PEAK PHOTOGRAPHY OF Montana

Regrettably, time proved unkind to the carefully selected location. Kelly’s grave was marked by a concrete slab, a planned monument never erected. A bronze marker placed by the War Department in 1948 had to be removed after vandals tried to pry it off. Kelly’s headstone was upended and despite various efforts targeted at cleaning and restoring the site over the last half-century, it became littered with cans and shards of glass.

Then came an email to the Chamber four years ago from Kitty Showers, who had traveled to visit the site from her home in California. Her complaints about the state of the site and her family’s decision to leave Billings earlier than planned to vacation elsewhere struck an already tender nerve at the Chamber.

“When people come to Billings they are looking for that western history that is at the heart of our city,” says Shelli Mann, Chamber member and manager of the Boothill Inn. “In terms of tourism, we want them to stay in Billings longer, which means we need to showcase our western history. We also need to demonstrate we respect that history.”

The Yellowstone Kelly grave is located on the Billings Heritage Trail System, including the paved trail running along the Rims.

Improvements and expansions have been made to the trail and Sword’s Rimrock Park over the

Yellowstone Kelly Grave site in 1929 – PHOTO COURTESY MONTANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

years, but the historical aspects had not been an area of focus until now.

“The Rims are an iconic part of our community and a draw for residents and tourists alike,” says Cole. “Now we want to take advantage of the heritage component of our trail system as well, highlighting the history of the sites that are along it.”

The first step in doing so is creating the Yellowstone Kelly Interpretive Site, an interactive and information-rich installation incorporating a restoration of the Kelly grave.

Although not yet finalized, plans created by Billings-based Sanderson Stewart include broad, easy-to-navigate pathways, an amphitheater and plenty of parking. It will also feature multiple information stations: one will be centered on the frontiersman’s life and others focused on key information about the historical aspects of the area from the perspectives of both Native American peoples as well as early settlers.

“Although it will be a fitting memorial to Yellowstone Kelly and all veterans, it will have a much broader message. He is the focus for telling the larger story of this area,” says Bill Cole. “The site will be a place where visitors can look out over the valley and see Sacrifice Cliff, the spot where William Clark crossed the Yellowstone River and the Beartooth Mountains.”

Yellowstone Kelly Grave site today.

Chris Dimock, Chair of the Fundraising Committee

PHOTO COURTESY OF: ELATION

Chamber board member Chris Dimock of Elation is leading the fundraising effort for the Yellowstone Kelly Interpretive Site. He says the City of Billings, the Chamber’s partner in the project, allocated $50,000 to get it underway, and that additional funding will come through corporate and individual donations.

“Our goal is to raise $400,000 for the project and while that is a sizeable amount, we believe it is possible to achieve it,” Dimock says. “As we finalize the site plans and complete the website, we’ll be able to give potential donors—including those who have already shown interest in the project—a better idea of what it will offer our community.”

Dimock is also quick to point out that it is not only large donations being sought, but also smaller ones. “This isn’t just something large companies and private donors are doing,” he says. “This is a community project, and we want to have the community take ownership of it.

Our publicity group, led by Karen Sanford-Gall,

Yellowstone Kelly on Kellog’s Cereal Box

is already planning on offering merchandise for sale that will allow people to support the project on a smaller scale financially.”

According to Shelli Mann, the investment made for the creation of the Yellowstone Kelly Interpretive Site will benefit the community in a number of ways, not the least of which comes in the form of tourism dollars.

“We are seeing tourism improve year after year, and we want to see that continue,” she says.

“Protecting our heritage and then promoting it will better allow us to draw people off the interstate and have in-state and out-of-state travelers plan their vacations here. Tourists will hear about the new site, as well as Pictograph Caves, the Yellowstone Art Museum, and all of our restaurants and the other things Billings has to offer.”

Bill Cole agrees developing the site is only one element of a much larger picture.

The movie “Yellowstone Kelly” was made by Warner Brothers in 1959.

“We have a fascinating history all around us, and we have not appreciated it as much as we should have,” he says. “Our hope is that by developing the Yellowstone Kelly site, we will encourage residents and visitors to spend more time appreciating the historical resources we have right under our nose.”

Donations for the creation of the Yellowstone Kelly Interpretive Site are now being accepted through the Billings Chamber of Commerce.

Those interested in donating or becoming involved with the project can contact the Chamber at 406-245-4111.

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6/8/2015 7:39:22 AM

BILLINGS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RANKED TOP THREE IN THE NATION

BY KELLY MCCANDLESS

The Billings Chamber of Commerce was designated as one of the top three Chambers of Commerce in its category in the United States

The Billings Chamber of Commerce was designated as one of the top three Chambers of Commerce in its category in the United States today, according to the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE).

This designation puts the Billings Chamber on the map as the top three among hundreds of comparable chambers nationwide, and recognizes the organization as a finalist for the Chamber of the Year distinction. There are 7,000 chambers in the United States.

According to ACCE, chambers honored with this designation have not only demonstrated organizational strength, but also have made an impact on key community priorities.

“Chamber of the Year is the nation’s only award recognizing chambers for their integral role in leading businesses and developing quality of life for a community. We are privileged to have an incredible staff of professionals who push to constantly improve our community and our organization,” said Billings Chamber President & CEO John Brewer. “Our visionary and progressive board members do not shy away

from taking tough positions for the sake of a better business environment and community quality of life,” Brewer continued. “We especially owe our thanks to past Chair Karen Fagg, current Chair Ron Yates, Chair of the Chamber Trails Committee Bill Cole, and incoming Chair Jeff Walters for helping lead the initiatives resulting in this designation.”

The Billings Chamber of Commerce complied with a series of stringent requirements operationally in order to qualify to apply for the Chamber of the Year award. Applicants must meet minimum thresholds in performance areas including net revenue, net assets, reserve funds, membership account retention and membership dollar retention to be eligible.

Once these criteria were met, an extremely comprehensive application was compiled locally using two strategic initiatives to demonstrate the strength and success of the Billings Chamber of Commerce. These projects were the Chamber of the Future initiative and the Billings Trails initiative.

Brewer also shared that, “We are a 5-Star Accredited chamber through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, putting us among just 1% of chambers nationwide. This new recognition from ACCE showcases the incredible board of directors and staff leading the Billings Chamber of Commerce. Their hard work and visionary spirit continues to place your Billings Chamber at the top of our industry across the country.”

Applications for the ACCE Chamber of the Year award were judged independently by a volunteer judging panel of chamber peers across the country. Judges evaluated applicants based on total revenue, member accounts, service area population, number of businesses in the service area, and restricted revenue as a percentage of total revenue. The final stage of judging will occur in August during the annual ACCE convention in Montreal, Canada when Billings Chamber of Commerce representatives will be interviewed by a panel of judges in person. The final determination for the Chamber of the Year award will be made August 14th.

JUNE - AUGUST 2015 | LiNK BUSINESS QUARTERLY | 23

CONNECT

TIPS & TRICKS TO MAKE YOUR EVENT STAND OUT

BY KATE HAGENBUCH, EVENTS MANAGER

What does it take to build a memorable event that stands out from the rest?

First of all, there is never a perfect event. But each time you host an event, you can be sure your attendees walk away thinking, “they thought of everything!” Here are some of my goto tips for hosting remarkable events:

WHO IS YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE? When hosting an event, remember the attendees sustain an events’ popularity. This is twofold: you must continue to cater to those who have always attended, but you must also encourage new people to want to attend.

WHAT IS YOUR GOAL? Every event you host should have an end goal. Is it to create new business? Provide a platform to network? Raise funds? When you have your end goal, work backward to ensure it is ultimately met.

DO SOMETHING NEW We have all been to many events. Find what sets your event apart and makes people say, “I cannot wait to go next year!” Survey past attendees and seek honest feedback on what they liked or what they could have done without.

expensive to look impressive. Don’t be afraid to try new things or to use objects that are upcycled or reusable to stretch a budget. My insider tip is that lighting can take any object and amplify it. Do not be afraid to play with lights - it will always be worth it!

ASK FOR HELP

STEWARDSHIP

The little touches make an event memorable.

Ask for volunteers to ensure you have plenty of hands, then use them in ways that maximize their strengths. Gregarious volunteers should never undervalue a conversation, even when seating a guest. Strategic minds should help make things flow more smoothly. Build a team of experts and divide tasks that your team will help perfect on your behalf.

DECORATING When guests enter a room, the first thing they see are the decorations. It doesn’t have to be

UPCOMING

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Friday June 19th • Join us and explore all that is made in Montana in Stillwater and Carbon County. Register Today

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The ultimate events are those that steward their attendees from the first outreach to the final thank you. Each is a touch point and a memorable one at that. Your invitation should stand out from others and your follow up should be the lasting impression that engages them for next year.

Above all, remember this important rule: in any event, the “Thank You” process never ends.

Sincerely thanking your sponsors, attendees and volunteers ensures your pipeline for many successful events.

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jessie@smalldogrealty.com www.smalldogrealty.com JUNE - AUGUST 2015 | LiNK BUSINESS QUARTERLY | 25

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GET TO KNOW THE BOARD:

Casey B.

Words you live by?

Follow your dreams... pursue your passion.

McGOWAN

PHOTO COURTESY P E A K P H O T O G R A P H Y O F M O N TA N A

Business: Trailhead Spirits/PayneWest Insurance

Board Position: Board member

Years as a Chamber Member: Three

One adjective that describes you:

What is the number one thing in Billings you’d take a visiting friend to see/do?

View city lights and stars from the Rims.

There is something magical about a Montana night sky.

Optimistic.

Tell us about your photo:

I believe that excellence takes place in the framework of high expectations. At Trailhead Spirits we focus on the execution and attention to details knowing that excellence will follow.

The snack always found in your desk/office?

If you had a super power, what would it be?

Teleportation.

Favorite movie and why?

A River Runs Through It. It never gets old.

Swedish Fish or gumballs.

You get to make one change for the Billings community today – what would you do?

Encourage a greater sense of community pride.

As a board member, you have the inside scoop. What would you share about the Chamber that other members may not know?

How committed to promoting our city and improving the quality of life for everyone the staff is.

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6/8/2015 7:39:53 AM

LiNKED

Did we see you out and about at Chamber events? Look for yourself and your friends here!

If we missed you, snap a picture at the next meeting or event you attend and send it to kelly@billingschamber.com!

Billings Chamber Board of Directors meets at the Yellowstone Art Museum in April.

Lee and Tony Humphrey, Justin Millett, and Alan Vogt enjoy Business After Hours at Beartooth Harley-Davidson in April.

Aaron Wagner, Ann Sadler, Ronna Voges, Jay Thompson, Lisa Dugdale and Brian Williams during Leadership Billings graduation.

Bethany Hein, Ronna Voges, Brian Williams, Rob Lowe and Mike Nezworski pose with their graduation plaques.

Jane McCracken with Jessica Sprattler and Kati Eve at Family Service on Community Work Day.

Thank you ZooMontana for bringing Bandy to Leadership Billings.

The crowd enjoys the spread at Business After Hours at Beartooth Harley-Davidson is April.

Rimrock Flooring ribbon cutting with Kevin Cremer, Stefan Cattarin, Jimmy Woolyhand, Steve Coldiorn, Kathleen O’Neal, Richard Starkey and Lesley Johnson.

Kati Eve, Jessica Sprattler, Sarah Brockel and Kate Hagenbuch celebrate at Leadership Billings graduation.

Business After Hours at Furniture Land USA with Craig Barthel.

JUNE - AUGUST 2015 | LiNK BUSINESS QUARTERLY | 27

BUSINESS GROWTH:

Q360 HEALTH WITH SUZIE EADES

BY RENÉ BEYL

THE NAME Q360 HEALTH MUST HAVE A STORY BEHIND IT. HOW DID YOU CHOOSE THIS AS A NAME FOR YOUR BUSINESS? The Q refers to my nickname, Suzie-Q. 360 refers to the multi-dimensional approach to fitness and wellness that we offer clients. Flexible health and fitness goals that work with their schedules, families, and work demands. Encouraging, motivating, and teaching clients how to engage in regular physical activity, setting safe goals, providing tools for making decisions that lead to good nutrition and managing emotional stress, results in decreased disease risk and increased overall wellness.

WHY WERE YOU INSPIRED TO BEGIN YOUR OWN BUSINESS? Before starting Q360 Health, I spent a decade serving as the Operations Director at Big Sky State Games. I helped develop and oversaw programs such as Shape Up Montana and Big Sky Fit Kids. I was missing the one-on-one and small group connections gained as a full-time personal trainer.

My remodeled garage became a personal training studio. I had a vision to create a fitness studio for many years; a center where individuals and small groups could come to receive professionally tailored programming. It’s has been an exciting and occasionally terrifying adventure. I’m very thankful to have the support from my friends and family.

NOW THAT YOU HAVE BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR ONE YEAR, WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU SHARE WITH OTHER BUSINESS OWNERS? Don’t be afraid to reach out. The learning curve is steep, so find others who can give advice on aspects of the business that are not your strong points. Flow with your business and know a business plan is just an outline.

WHAT MESSAGE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS ABOUT MAINTAINING A HEALTHY LIFE STYLE? Stay active in whatever you enjoy, give yourself a break if you have a bad day, eat a healthy breakfast and surround yourself with active, likeminded people.

WHY DID YOU BECOME A BILLINGS CHAMBER MEMBER? The best thing that you can do is network. I find the guidance and support that comes with my involvement with Billings Chamber very beneficial.

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6/8/2015 7:39:46 AM

Q360 Health is all about having the courage to change, confronting barriers and creating a Q360 Health sustainable long-term plan.

Ribbon Cuttings The following Chamber member businesses recently celebrated grand openings, anniversaries, rebranding, relocation, and ground breakings.

Congratulations to each of them!

FIRST MONTANA TITLE

celebrated the grand opening of their new location at 2737 Montana Ave. on February 25th.

CENTRAL WELLNESS

located at 1010 Central Ave. #2, celebrated a new product launch on March 10th.

Q360 HEALTH

located at 50 27th St. W., celebrated one year in business on March 25th.

NORTHWESTERN ENERGY

celebrated the remodel of their offices, located at 1944 Monad Rd. on April 9th.

BIG DIPPER ICE CREAM

located at 100 N. Broadway, celebrated their grand opening on April 10th.

i iDOCTOR

celebrated the grand opening of their second location at 315 Main St. on April 24th.

LEISURE OF MONTANA

celebrated their rebranding at 2499 Gable Rd. Ste. 4 on April 24th.

RIMROCK FLOORING

located at 1440 Central Ave., celebrated their grand opening on April 30th.

KIM & EDDY’S

debuted their store at 2413 Montana Ave. on May 1st.

ASPINWALL, INC.

located at 2911 3rd Ave. N., celebrated their grand opening on May 1st.

MONTANA RADIATOR WORKS

located at 5601 Interstate Ave., celebrated the 100th Anniversary of their business on May 14th.

MYPLACE HOTEL

celebrated the grand opening of their hotel located at 4770 King Ave. E. on May 27th.

Does your business have a momentous change in the future? Schedule a ribbon cutting celebration! This complimentary member benefit is available to all members – simply contact us to schedule yours by calling 406-245-4111.

Heights Family Funeral Home & Crematory Ribbon Cutting.

PHOTO COURTESY OF: BILLINGS CHAMBER

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6/8/2015 7:39:51 AM

book nook

The Advantage

by Patrick Lencioni

REVIEWED BY JOHN BREWER Would you rather be smart or healthy?

Just as we make choices to nourish our minds and bodies, proper feeding and inspiration of your organization and team results in a culture for success.

Patrick Lencioni’s The Advantage: Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else in Business provides a roadmap for balancing “smart” organizational attributes (strategy, finance, technology) and “healthy” characteristics (minimal office politics, high morale, low turnover, etc.).

An unhealthy organization is the root cause of dysfunction, politics and confusion. A healthy organization: 1. Develops a culture of trust and genuine dialogue which leads to greater conflict resolution. Healthy organizations don’t run from discomfort

(no pain, no gain) 2. Builds a cohesive leadership team providing clarity of purpose (and over-communicating that purpose); 3. Create a passion for the mission through leadership.

The book contains a helpful checklist for organizational health to: build better leadership teams; create and overcommunicate clarity; reinforce clarity and tackle meaningful meetings.

Following the principles in this book provides a framework for mission, leadership and team alignment to ultimately be a K.A.P.S organization (Kick-Ass Problem Solvers).

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6/8/2015 7:39:54 AM

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6/8/2015 7:39:56 AM

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