Volume 35 , Issue 4
www.buttechamber.org
Pete and Stephanie Sorini could have lived any place in the world; however, they chose to come to Butte, Montana, Peter’s hometown, because of their love for this community and its people. If you are lucky, your life path will be crossed by truly gifted individuals and families possessing unimaginable talents, skills and abilities. If you are lucky, you will have the opportunity to be in their presence, to hear their stories and share their thoughts. And if you are lucky you will be blessed to call them friends.
August 2015
Sunday, August 16th – Happy Birthday, Marko!! Thursday, August 20th – 12 noon Chamber Ambassadors @ Chamber Thursday, August 20th - 5:30 p.m. Business Card Social—AWARE Wednesday, August 26th - 4 p.m. Ribbon Cutting @ Life Flight Network—Bert Mooney Airport Friday, August 28th - 9 a.m. 7th Annual Chamber/ Digger Classic Golf Tournament @ Fairmont
Thus here is our story of our love and admiration for the Peter, Stephanie, Gia, Marietta and Bella Sorini family. The Man – Doctor Peter is not only a brilliant doctor who has helped thousands of people, but a compassionate individual who makes house calls, visits dying friends, who may not even be his patients, to offer his love and support. He is a remarkable individual who has supported organizations, events and the needy, both financially and morally. In addition to being a supportive son, caring husband and loving father, Peter enlisted in the military and because of his compassion for veterans, has been deployed six times leaving behind his family and patients to help and assist our veterans overseas. Peter also went on a mission, in 2010, with the University of Miami to Haiti to help after their devastating earthquake. Peter Sorini is a man who gives unconditionally of himself and never expects anything in return. The Woman and Her Priorities - Stephanie Sorini is a phenomenon of productivity, optimism, hilarity, honesty and love. Whether she is your friend, co-worker or partner in crime, she is sure to bring an aura of energy and happiness. Possessing an unimaginable amount of energy and endurance she accomplishes mountains of tasks. Her days begin early and end late, even long before Peter’s diagnosis whether it is trips to Wal-Mart before 5 am or preparing hot breakfasts for her family before their day begins. She is the queen of multi-tasking; sending emails, telling a story, jotting reminder notes, all while checking on her girls via text message. Stephanie can identify with people of all walks of life; this is in part due to her life experiences Continued on page 4
Saturday, August 29th - 9 a.m. Paint the Town 5K Fun Run @ Chamber Tuesday, September 8th– 12 noon Ribbon Cutting / Remodel Unveiling @ Comfort Inn of Butte Thursday, September 10th - 5:30 p.m. Business Card Social—Our Lady of the Rockies Thursday, September 17th - 5:30 p.m. Business Card Social—KXLF Thursday, October 1st – 5:30 p.m. 104th Annual Chamber Dinner @ Butte Civic Center
Butte-Silver Bow Chamber of Commerce Visitors’ Center 1000 George St. Butte, MT 59701
Marko Lucich Executive Director mlucich@buttechamber.org Maria Pochervina CVB Director/TBID Executive Secretary mariap@buttecvb.com
Stephanie Sorini Marketing, Membership & Bookkeeping Director
marketing@buttechamber.org Cheryl Ackerman Receptionist/Staff Associate bsbchamber@gmail.com
(406) 723-3177
Shane McCarthy, Safeway
Don Peoples, Individual Member
Desiree Shogren, Comfort Inn of Butte
Cindi Shaw, Council of Commissioners
Ed Stepan, REC Silicon
Pat Fleming, Fleming & O’Leary Attorneys
Paul Tash, Tash Communications
Lynn Lloyd, Montana Standard
Alana Ferko, Butte Plaza Mall
Bill Melvin, Butte Civic Center
Linda Granger, School Trustee/Highlands College
Kevin Dennehy, St. James Healthcare
Town Pump Hotel Group
Paul Babb, Northwestern Energy
Chris Ackerman, Cherry Creek Radio
Ed Stepan, Vice President
Tami O’Connell, Stix & Stonz
Herb Kelsey, Farm Bureau Financial
Karen Corbin, KXLF TV
Judy Jonart, School District #1
Maura Uggetti, Copper Ridge Healthcare
Andy Zdinak, BLDC
Becky Sprunger, Human Resources Council, District XII
Jeff Gorman, McDonald’s Kristen Rosa, Butte-Silver Bow
Colin Higgins, MacKenzie River Pizza Company
Machelle LeProwse, Northwestern Mutual
Bob Bentley, Jr., Bentley Construction
Pete Akey, Glacier Bank
Matt Vincent, BSB Chief Executive
Marsha Foster, Individual Member
Donald Blackketter, Chancellor Montana Tech
Janel Morgan, Harrison Avenue Realty
Paula Ruark, Town Pump Hotel Group
Craig Tippett, Newland and Company, P.C.
The Progress | Page 2
Pete Akey, President Glacier Bank
Colin Higgins, President-Elect MacKenzie River Pizza Company
Paula Ruark, Past President
REC Silicon
Bill Melvin, Vice-President Butte Civic Center/CVB President
Desiree Shogren, Vice-President Comfort Inn of Butte
Paul Tash, Vice-President Tash Communications
Chris Ackerman, Vice-President Cherry Creek Radio
Chamber Board Presents 2016 Slate of Candidates for Chamber Board of Directors and Officers The following directors will be completing their 2nd and final term on October 31, 2015: Chris Ackerman Herb Kelsey Lynn Lloyd Paula Ruark The following directors will be completing their 1st three year term and have agreed to serve a 2nd term: Andy Zdinak Judy Jonart Kristen Rosa Machelle LeProwse Pete Akey Proposed slate for new directors for 2016 commencing on Nov. 1, 2015-Oct. 31, 2018: Francene Archibald - Account Executive, NBC Montana Jamey McDaniel - Manager, Wal*Mart Jenean Salle Kujawa - Montana Standard Mike Paffhausen - State Farm Insurance Proposed Executive Board for 2015: Pete Akey - Past President Colin Higgins - President Paul Babb - President Elect Craig Tippett - Treasurer CVB President Bill Melvin - Vice President Desiree Shogren - Vice President Ed Stepan - Vice President Paul Tash - Vice President Marsha Foster - Vice President
Nomination by Petition If a Chamber Member would like their name to be placed in nomination for the Board of Directors, the following procedure must be followed in accordance with the Chamber Bylaws. See Article VI, Election of Officers, Section 4. Nomination by Petition. Additional names of candidates for directors can be nominated by petition bearing the signatures of at least twenty-five (25) members of the Butte-Silver Bow Chamber of commerce in good standing. Any petitions for nominations shall be presented to the board of directors prior to the September meeting. Also see Section 5. Petitions must be turned in to the Butte-Silver Bow Chamber of Commerce no later than Friday, September 11, 2015, by 5 o’clock p.m.
The Progress | Page 3
Letter Nominating Sorini Family … Continued from Page 1 of being a child of a military father with many moves and her ability to easily collect friends. The recent change in the Sorini life has been both difficult and endearing for Steph and her family. She is Pete’s caretaker, cheerleader, medical researcher, but most of all a loving wife and mother. Whatever the future holds, those of us who love and admire Stephanie will keep these words in our thoughts, “All I need is my little family.” The Children – The Sorini family consists of Peter, Stephanie, and their three wonderful children: Gia, Marietta, and Bella. The three sisters are less than four years apart in age with Gia being a senior, Marietta a junior, and Bella a freshman. These amazing children have learned from their parents that it is much better to give than to receive. They continually volunteer in our community for many worthwhile causes and during the past eight months, have been the rocks that support their mother and father during these trying times in their lives. One common thread that you will see amongst all five of the Sorini’s is a most beautiful smile and caring heart. They exemplify the phrase “Butte Tough.” This family is a “melting pot” amongst themselves with Italian, Croatian, German, Irish, and many other nationalities in their backgrounds. Not only do the Sorini’s enjoy traditional American foods, but experience and experiment with dishes from other ethnicities. It is for all the reasons above that we would like to nominate, with their approval, the Sorini Family as Grand Marshals for the 4th of July Freedom Fest 2015. Letter written by Chamber President Pete Akey and Reprinted with Permission
Save the Date! Chamber Annual Dinner
Entertainment / Awards Networking & Excitement! For sponsorship opportunities, contact Stephanie Sorini—marketing@buttechamber.org The Progress | Page 4
501 East Front Street Suite 522 Butte, MT 59701 406-299-3993 Contact: Rick Jay, Service Coordinator
www.voanr.org For more than 25 years, Volunteers of America Northern Rockies has been there for those who need us most. Through several service areas & programs we maintain focus on our mission which is to serve & strengthen individuals & their families by empowering them to build healthy & happy lives.
111 Airport Road Butte, MT 59701
www.lifeflight.org Life Flight Network (LFN) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit air medical service and has provided residents across the Northwest and Intermountain West with the finest air medical transport for more than 36 years. When every second counts, you can count on LFN to be there to provide the best possible patient outcomes.
783 Poor Man Road Butte, MT 59701 Contact: Brian Yelenich, Owner
If you have had any changes to your business name, address, website, management or contact information, please make sure that the Chamber has been informed! Please remember to send an email to marketing@buttechamber.org with your new details so your listing can be updated! The Progress | Page 5
The Butte Pita Pit location was featured in Business Insider listing that declares Pita Pit one of the top 20 fast food franchises worldwide!
Read the entire article: http://www.businessinsider.com/the-top-20-food-franchises-in-the-world-2015-7 On Wednesday, June 10th Montana Tech and the Pita Pit invited Butte to eat at the Pita Pit - 100% of the proceeds raised on that day were donated to the Kevin and Joan Shannon Scholarship Fund. The $6,000 proceeds for that day at Pita Pit were then matched by anonymous donors which collectively doubled the donation to $12,000 ALL of which will be going to our Butte kids!!! Franchise Owner Carrie Fisher said “I am so very proud of our community!!!�
The Progress | Page 6
The Progress | Page 7
Nominations for the “Harold McGrath Award” and the “Mike Venner Spirit of Butte Award” are now being accepted. Nominations may only come from Chamber Members, and are due in writing at the Butte Chamber of Commerce, 1000 George Street, by Friday, September 11, 2015. The awards will be presented at the Butte Chamber of Commerce 104th Annual Dinner to be held on Thursday evening, October 1st at the Butte Civic Center.
The “Harold McGrath Award, established by the Butte-Silver Bow Chamber of Commerce in 1986, is presented to an individual business, non-profit organization, civic or government entity that has enhanced or contributed significantly to the “quality of life” of the Butte-Silver Bow community. Recipients must have an obvious and recognizable impact on the community. There will be two winners selected. Large Businesses—50+ employees Small Businesses—1-49 employees
The “Mike Venner Spirit of Butte Award” will be presented to an individual who exemplifies the resiliency, love of life, family and community that Mike had. Recipients of the award should have the ability to unite people regardless of circumstances.
If you know of a business or individual (s) that fit the above criteria and are deserving of one of the above awards, please nominate them in writing by Friday, September 11, 2015.
Send your written nominations to: Butte Chamber of Commerce Awards Committee 1000 George St. Butte, MT 59701
The Progress | Page 8
Walk-in registrations are welcome! The Progress | Page 9
The Progress | Page 10
How to Find Customers…And Help Them Find You What’s a sure-fire way to find new customers? Have current customers refer them to you. That’s hardly surprising, as referrals are typically the top source of new business for any company. So how does a small business just starting out find those first customers and start the coveted cycle of referrals?
A good first start is to develop a comprehensive marketing plan in step with your business plan. You’ll have a good, detailed profile of your target market, and how they shop for products and services like yours. The characteristics of that market will then dictate how to attract the attention of those customers, whether its strategic advertising, networking at professional conferences and associations, or contacting previously identified decision-makers. There are also tools to help those potential customers find you more easily. The most important one is a welldesigned website. It should be professional in appearance with your company name and contact information prominently displayed, easy for visitors to navigate, and filled with content containing keywords typically used in Internet searches for your type of business. Social media can also be a helpful tool in finding new customers. Blog posts and tweets on topics of interest to your customers are a good way to populate search engine results with your company name. Platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn offer both free visibility and, if desired, advertising options to give you an even higher profile. Though social media offers an instant Internet presence, it does not always translate into instant results. “Unfortunately, there is no magic bullet; it is trial and error with every marketing initiative,” advises Internet marketing and social media consultant Dan Beldowicz. “The better you know your target market and the better you align the information to make an emotional connection with them, the better the chance you have of converting fans into customers.” Even in this social media-driven world, there remains a variety of simple, low-cost ways to connect with customers that don’t require an electronic device. Among them: Watch for events that may bring your potential market together. This includes events that might attract your target customers, as well as other companies in your business. Follow up with people you meet after meetings. If they don’t need your services now, ask if there’s a better time to contact them, or if they have business associates who could use what you sell. Work your personal network. Ask friends if they know of people who can use your services. You could offer a finder’s fee for referrals that turn into jobs, but many people may consider a cup of coffee or dinner reward enough. Ask for feedback when prospects don’t buy. Use what you learn to make needed changes in your approach, whether it’s in person or online.
The Progress | Page 11
The Progress | Page 12
Contributed by William and Deanne Smith - Owners of the Grand Bakery Butte
William Smith- I grew up in a small farming community in middle Missouri where my mother was a baker and made wedding cakes. After high school I joined the army where I completed in 2003 a tour in Iraq. In 2005 I met my wife Deanne and we were married. I exited the military and worked overseas for a private security company as a security contractor and eventually a Sr. Recruiter. In 2008 I returned home and started working as a Sr. oil and gas recruiter for very large oil companies in Houston TX. After years of Recruiting I changed careers and went in to IT consulting. I currently work full time for a tech company out of the DC area. Deanne- my wife, was born in Las Vegas. After graduating from high school she went into the Air Force. Later she would join the National Guard and deploy multiple times to the Middle East, Uzbekistan, Egypt and Afghanistan. She decided to go active duty regular Army in 2005 where we met. After a deployment to Iraq and myself being overseas she decided to get out and came overseas on the same contract I was on. She worked as the property book manager in Kuwait and later in Iraq. In 2010 she returned from overseas when we adopted our wonderful and beautiful daughter Kiara. After returning from overseas she began a career in Healthcare and is still a certified Surgical Technologist. As a native of Dillon MT she always wanted to return to Montana. Our return to Montana- early this year 2015, with my work as an IT consultant working from home granted us the opportunity to live where we wanted. Tired of the fast paced hectic life in Houston, we decided to move to Montana. Once here we were driving around and missing some of the amenities of Houston, mainly Kolaches, we saw that the Grand Bakery was for lease. We inquired and here we are today the proud owners of our own business! Why Butte? we feel that Butte has a lot of potential. We want to raise our daughter in much the same way we were raised, on country family values. Away from the hustle and bustle of big city life! Our bakery makes products that very very few places in Montana provide! Our baked products are homemade and are cooked with care and that good old fashion love that our parents and grandparents used. Most of our recipes are old world and some have been passed down from my family through generations. That is what makes us a great place to sit and have a great cup of joe or enjoy some southern Czech Kolaches. We also make our bagels fresh daily and our pizza is amazing.
These photos are from the Quarry Brewing Business Card Social on May 21st, during which the Grand Bakery provided some of the refreshments.
The Progress | Page 13
RESTORE OUR CREEK STROLL
The Progress | Page 14
The Progress | Page 15
The Progress | Page 16
The Progress | Page 17
The Progress | Page 18
Walk MS Butte, MT Saturday, September 19, 2015 Father Sheehan Park 9:00 am – Noon What is Walk MS Butte? It is our local annual fundraiser to help fight MS -Multiple Sclerosis. The funds we raise help finance research and patient programs for people with MS in our area. What is MS? Multiple sclerosis (MS) involves an immune-mediated process in which an abnormal response of the body’s immune system is directed against the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. The exact antigen — or target that the immune cells are sensitized to attack — remains unknown, which is why MS is considered by many experts to be "immune-mediated" rather than "autoimmune." Within the CNS, the immune system attacks myelin — the fatty substance that surrounds and insulates the nerve fibers — as well as the nerve fibers themselves. The damaged myelin forms scar tissue (sclerosis), which gives the disease its name. When any part of the myelin sheath or nerve fiber is damaged or destroyed, nerve impulses traveling to and from the brain and spinal cord are distorted or interrupted, producing a wide variety of symptoms. The disease is thought to be triggered in a genetically susceptible individual by a combination of one or more environmental factors. People with MS typically experience one of four disease courses, which can be mild, moderate or severe. For more information on MS please go to NMSS.org. We are looking for walkers who will register online at: http://walkwas.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Walk/ WASWalkEvents?fr_id=25786&pg=entry&_ga=1.250009350.1250106272.14261996
Just copy & paste this to your web search. Once you are registered, you will receive a packet of info with a map, money envelope, and info on the Walk. You then need to go out & get donations of any amount, put in your envelope & bring it to the Walk on Sept. 19, 2015. The Walk goes from Father Sheehan Park to the Chamber of Commerce office & back to the park. There will be rest stops along the way and lunch will be served at noon to all walkers & volunteers. Hope to see you there! For questions please contact Bonnie Handcock at 406-498-9235.
The Progress | Page 19
PERIODICALS U.S. POSTAGE PAID BUTTE, MT
1000 George St. Butte, MT 59701
POSTMASTER: Send changes of address to: Chamber of Commerce, 1000 George St., Butte, MT 59701. Membership investment includes $3.00 per year subscription. The Progress (USPS 124-550) is published monthly by The Butte-Silver Bow Chamber of Commerce, 1000 George St., Butte, MT 59701. Periodical Postage Paid at Butte, Montana.
If you have ideas, suggestions, or submissions for The Progress, please send them in! We accept news & information, photos, information about events & functions, and more! We can’t promise that we can include everything that we receive, but we do promise to carefully consider all submissions.
bsbchamberprogress@gmail.com The Progress is the voice of our members and we are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected! The Progress is published monthly and delivered mostly electronically. For advertising opportunities, please contact Stephanie Sorini.
marketing@buttechamber.org Visit your Chamber online:
www.buttechamber.org