The Progress Volume 34, Issue 1
www.buttechamber.org
January Meetings
(406) 723-3177
Chamber Honors “Christmas Tree Lady” Alma Margaret Higgins
January 13 Executive Board January 16 Chamber Board
On Saturday, December 14, 2013, a Christmas tree lighting ceremony took place in honor of Butte’s own “Christmas Tree Lady” Alma Higgins. The garden has been there since 1931; it sits against the retaining wall at the northwestern corner of the parking lot between first Baptist Church and the Covellite Theater on West Broadway Street. The location is essentially the back yard of the old Montanan Hotel that stood there until it burned down in 1988, and where Alma lived when she died March 16, 1962.
January 28 CVB
The idea of honoring Alma came as a result of the Butte Chamber’s Board of Directors July meeting and tour of the city in the Chamber Trolley. Trolley driver Chris Fisk, brought the board to this site and explained the significance of Alma Higgins. At that point, the board requested the Chamber staff to do something to recognize this magnificent lady. Inside this Issue: Message from Marko
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Shape Up MT
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New Board Members
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New Members
5
Quick Books
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Civic Center Events
7
Grant Proposal
8
CVB Update
9
Profit Mastery
10
Save the Date
11
Alma Higgins
12
Ribbon Cutting
13
Rob O’Neill Benefit
14
Letters of Thanks
15
Business Builder
16
Business Trends
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The evening started at 5:30 p.m. when Chamber President Paula Ruark welcomed the gathering of over 100 people to the lighting ceremony. Paula introduced Norm DeNeal, who talked about the accomplishments of Alma and her civic involvement. Norm introduced Erin Segal and John Thompson, who are the children of Ann Cote Smith. John enlightened the crowd with the history of the memorial plaque to Alma that was erected by their mother. Chief Executive Matt Vincent addressed the crowd and talked about his recent trip to Washington D.C. and his visit to the White House where he actually witnessed the tree that Alma planted on the south lawn of the White House. At this point Paula Ruark and Matt Vincent lit the beautiful 15 foot spruce tree that was provided through the efforts of Jocelyn Dodge. Fireworks marked the official lighting of this tree with the United Veterans Council Honor Guard presenting the colors and the singing of the National Anthem by Judy Powers. Judy Powers, Dan Battleson and Gary Sturm provided Christmas music during the course of the evening. An event such as this could not take place without the support of many people. Ginny Powers spearheaded the decorating of the garden and the area around the garden with lights, beautiful Christmas decorations and pictures of Alma. Luminaries lit the trail leading to Alma’s plaque and the Christmas tree. We would like to send out a special thank you to the Chamber staff; Cheryl Ackerman, Stephanie Sorini and Maria Pochervina for all of their hard work and dedication in helping to organize this event. We would also like to thank Pastor Doug and the First Baptist Church, Dino Bugni and the entire staff at Empire Office for all their help in cleaning up the lot and providing electricity to the site. Also a thank you to Norm DeNeal for helping to decorate and providing refreshments during the viewing of the Alma Higgins video at the First Baptist Church after the ceremony. We would also like to thank Bill Melvin and the Butte Civic Center Employees as well as Jay Ellington and the Butte Parks and Recreation employees for their help in decorating. And lastly a thank you to the Boy Scouts who helped Ginny prepare the site for this event. **Please go to page 12 for more pictures and to read the article on that was prepared by Jocelyn Dodge for the tree lighting ceremony**
A Message From Marko... Butte-Silver Bow Chamber of Commerce Visitors’ Center 1000 George St. Butte, MT 59701 (406) 723-3177
As another year comes to an end and as a New Year approaches, I would like to reflect on 2013 and enthusiastically prepare for 2014. In 2013, our community lost some great leaders. Tom Kenneally Sr. and Wally Frasz are two of the individuals who stand out and will be sorely missed. Tom started his first gas station on Harrison Ave. in 1953 and grew his business to encompass the entire state of Montana. Not only does the Town Pump organization employ hundreds of people, their foundation donates millions of dollars to Butte and all communities in the state of Montana.
Every citizen of our community is important and plays and significant role through their deeds and contributions. I would like to thank all of the families who have lost a loved one in 2013 for everything that they collectively did to make Butte a better place to live.
On behalf of myself and the entire Chamber staff, I would like to thank each and every one of you for all that you do. I would like to wish you all a very happy New Year and may all of you enjoy tremendous success in 2014. I have full confidence that our community will have a prosperous New Year by working together and Wally Frasz was a gentleman in every sense of the supporting one another. word. As a commissioner, he always used his common sense and did what was right, not for him, but for the community of Butte. Very Sincerely, seldom do we encounter a person such as Wally Frasz, and he was truly a gift to our entire community. Marko Lucich Executive Director
Executive Board Paula Ruark, President Town Pump Hotel Group Pete Akey, President-Elect Glacier Bank
Board of Directors Shane McCarthy, Safeway Don Peoples, Individual Member Desiree Shogren, Comfort Inn of Butte Cindi Shaw, Council of Commissioners Ed Stepan, RED Silicon Pat Fleming, Fleming & O’Leary Attorneys Paul Tash, Tash Communications
Jim McKenzie, Treasurer Newland & Co.
Jim Woy, Anderson ZurMuehlen & Co., P.C. Alana Ferko, Butte Plaza Mall Lynn Lloyd, Montana Standard
Ed Stepan, Vice President REC Silicon Mark Hughes, Vice-President Super 8/CVB President Desiree Shogren, Vice-President Comfort Inn of Butte Paul Tash, Vice-President Tash Communications
Linda Granger, School Trustee/Highlands College Chuck Wright, St. James Healthcare Paul Babb—Northwestern Energy Chris Ackerman, Cherry Creek Radio 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, United Blood Services Colin Higgins, Mackenzie River Pizza
Jeff Gorman, McDonald’s Kristen Rosa, Butte-Silver Bow
Bob Bentley, Jr., Bentley Construction
Machelle LeProwse, JCP
Matt Vincent, BSB Chief Executive
Todd Tregidga, Montana Tech
Donald Blackketter, Chancellor Montana Tech
Pete Akey, Glacier Bank
Meet the Staff
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
Welcome New Board Members Alana Ferko—Butte Plaza Mall Colin Higgins—MacKenzie River Pizza Tami O’Connell—Stix & Stonz Linda Granger—School Trustee/Highlands College Karen Corbin—KXLF TV Maura Uggetti—Copper Ridge Healthcare Paul Babb—Northwestern Energy Bob Bentley Jr.—Bentley Construction Becky Sprunger—United Blood Services
Highlands Veterinary Hospital Veterinary Hospital 840 S. Montana Butte, MT 59701 Phone: 406-299-3700 Email: buttevet@gmail.com
Total Biz Marketing Online Marketing 849 W. Galena St. Butte, MT 59701 Phone: 406-498-4588 Email: info@totalbizmarketing.com
*new members become active and are listed when payment is received.
Damsel in Defense was founded in 2011 by two women friends with a passion for personal safety. Nonlethal defense was their main objective; guns were not an option. Looking at the US national statistics of crimes against women, they knew they needed to make products available to their friends and family as well as other safety-conscious women. They wanted a line of products that would be fashionable and appealing to women and which would Equip, Empower and Educate women of all ages. In less than 2 years Damsel in Defense has welcomed nearly 3000 Independent Damsel Pros. The products have been featured on national television and were seen on NBC’s Today Show. So, their mission began. Equip women with products that can protect them! Empower women to protect themselves! Educate women to back up their purchase with self-defense training! Although we use humor in our marketing, our safety and the safety of those around us: our daughters, mothers, grandmothers and every female friend and relative we care about is a very serious issue. All products must be sold, carried and used responsibly according to current local, county, state and federal laws. By purchasing our products you are supporting the mission to empower women as well as supporting a charitable organization; Damsel in Defense partners with organizations that make a difference, especially those aiding victims of sexual assault; a portion of sales are donated to these organizations. Page 5
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An Update from the Convention & Visitors Bureau It might be the holiday season, but that doesn’t mean the work stops in any of the Chamber offices. On December 3th the TBID board met and voted on to participate in the Montana Office of Tourism‘s (MTOT) Cooperative Marketing Program, targeted at the leisure market. This program allows participating tourism partners to buy into advertising opportunities at a lower negotiated rate, receive premium positions in placements: with premium content websites, print publications, and targeted broadcast media. By partnering with MTOT, Butte is able to capitalize on the consumer awareness built by the MTOT. The Coop opportunities chosen are in Backpacker and The History Channel magazines, along with the iExplore.com website. The Convention & Visitors Bureau will participate in the same Coop program with a buy on the TripAdvisor.com website. In addition to the Coop program participation the TBID Butte will have a presence on the YellowstonePark.com website. Butte’s Headframe Spirits, Rookwood Speakeasy and the book “Empty Mansions” will be featured in Montana Magazine’s January/February edition, we placed an ad in this issue along with the decision to have 2 other ads during the 2014 year. On January 8 and 9th the TBID will sponsor a Marketing Plan Retreat focusing on the group/conference market. Invitations have been sent to all hotels for their participation. The goal of this retreat is to target and solicit any group (s) having 10 or more guest rooms, in the tour and small meeting market. The E-Commerce/Technology grant applications were due to the MTOT earlier this week. On behalf of the CVB, two (2) grant proposals were presented. The first grant is for interactive kiosks to be located at the Chamber, Butte Civic Center, and Butte Plaza Mall. These kiosks will assist visitors in gathering information on our attractions, lodging, restaurants, and services. Joey Parchen, Amber Wood-Jensen, Paula Ruark and Bill McGladdery had their hands in this grant application, thank you so much! The second grant submitted was for a website and mobile app dedicated to a tour of our attractions and businesses. The grant is only one piece of the funding needed, Justin Ringsak with BSB Government wrote this grant. Justin gathered together a variety of entities contributing with money and in-kind sponsorships, his expertise in technology and grant writing is so appreciated. We can expect to hear back from MTOT on the winners around the beginning of February. Kelly Sullivan with KXLF’s Interactive team contacted the CVB to create a Facebook (FB) page and contests to get Butte more exposure. This project is being funded through the TBID. Kelly’s past experience and extensive lodging/ tourism knowledge has been so helpful in knowing what is needed. Kelly and I are working with Seth Fisher at It’s Geek to Me, he is an expert on creating FB pages for businesses. The new FB page will be rolling out very soon, when it does be sure to “like” us. Ok that’s a quick overview. So go enjoy the holidays with family and friends. I hope your Christmas is magical and the New Year is prosperous. Merry Christmas,
Maria Pochervina-CVB/TBID
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Alma Margaret Higgins “Christmas Tree Lady” By Jocelyn Dodge Born in Deer Lodge, Montana in 1874, Alma Margaret Higgins moved to Butte with her husband in 1920. Through her involvement in various civic organizations, Higgins advocated the formation of a state forestry service. Six years later, the U.S. forest Service was launched in Missoula and by 1909 a State Forester had been appointed. Alma Higgins became known as the nation’s Christmas Tree Lady after promoting living Christmas trees, one of which became the first National Christmas Tree. Quickly discovering that several Butte residents possessed private gardens, and with the help of a local photographer, Higgins began to publicize the gardens of Butte through local photography exhibitions. Her efforts generated a movement to beautify Butte and other cities in Montana and contributed greatly to the national conservation movement in America. The popularity of Higgins exhibitions of Butte gardens expanded interest in gardening and city beautification throughout Montana. Higgins continued her activism through her life. In addition to her photograph exhibits and organizational activities, Higgins served as a radio host for a program on gardening and wrote a book entitled: The Christmas Tree: Its Origins, Legends, and Symbolism of the Ornaments. In 1924, the American Forestry Association – who had promoted the planting of live community trees in memory of those who lost their lives in World War I – donated to the Christmas Eve event a living tree. Because of the recreational and multipurpose uses of the Ellipse throughout the year the permanent tree was planted in nearby Sherman Plaza (southeast of the White House and south of the Treasury Building). On Christmas Eve both President Coolidge participated in the tree lighting ceremony. During World War II, Higgins was one of the primary advocates for Victory Gardens, family gardens which could provide vegetables for families allowing retail vegetables to be used in the war effort. Higgins continued her activism until her death in 1962, leaving behind a legacy of conservation, dedication to civic improvement, and an exemplary model of an early woman’s leader.
Ribbon Cutting Held at Mirror Mirror A Ribbon Cutting was done at Mirror Mirror Family Apparel on Amherst Avenue on December 5th. It was a great celebration of this new business. Kayla Lambrecht, owner of Mirror Mirror has expanded her store to include Men’s fashions and larger size clothes for women. She has stylish clothes and great accessories for the ladies. She bought some of her store fixtures from R and R clothing store in Uptown Butte and included Chuck and Ernie Richards in her ribbon cutting. We are so happy to Kayla have Mirror Mirror be part of the Chamber.
Ackerman Agency and Butte Stuff Hosts Business Card Social December’s Business Card Social was held in the Thornton building ballroom hosted by Butte Stuff and The Ackerman Agency on December 10th. We had a lot of Chamber Members attend. If you haven’t visited Butte Stuff please visit them at the Thornton Building. Are you looking for that unique gift?... for you or for anyone that remembers Butte as "The City Unlike Any Other", look no further! ButteStuff.com has just the gift for you. These gifts "talk" all about Butte, MT. Order your Butte Stuff today!! During the Business Card Social the Butte Silver Bow Foundation gave their awards of $1000.00 each to the Butte Rescue Mission, Butte Center for Performing Arts, Butte Food Bank and Butte 4 C’s. Page 13
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Letters of Thanks!
Stephanie, Thank you for meeting with me on Wednesday. It’s nice to see someone so dedicated to Butte’s success and I’m going to do everything in my power to do the same. Thank you again and I’ll talk to you soon. -Nathan Truzzolino -NBC Montana -KTVM-TV
Did you Know?
The Time Square New Year's Eve Ball came about as a result of a ban on fireworks. The first ball, in 1907, was an illuminated 700-pound iron and wood ball adorned with one hundred 25-watt light bulbs. Today, the round ball designed by Waterford Crystal, weighs 11,875-pounds, is 12 feet in diameter and is bedazzled with 2,668 Waterford crystals.
The tradition of making New Year resolution dates back to the early Babylonians.
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Business Trends November 2013
Business Trends are not available due to early distribution of The Progress. Look for them in next month’s issue!