Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce

Celebrating 113 years of Community

In partnership with

February 20, 2019

2 - Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, February 20, 2019

A letter from the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce President, Susan Wetzsteon As the 2019 President of the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce it is my goal to help our local businesses grow, to encourage new business opportunities, to promote tourism and to the ensure the quality of life in the Bitterroot for generations to come.

Whether you are a long time “Bitterrooter”, are new to the valley or just visiting, we all have one thing in common. We love living, working and playing here

in the beautiful Bitterroot Valley.

We boast of spectular scenery and just about any outdoor activity you can imagine, world class research laboratories, highly qualified medical services, a thriving construction industry, a talented and diverse art community, many unique retail businesses, and a diverse infrastructure of service and professional businesses.

If you are a Chamber member, get involved. Attend our monthly

luncheons, host and attend our Business After Hours and New Business Ribbon Cuttings, our Annual Chamber Banquet and Member Barbeque. Join the Leadership Bitterroot Program.

Get to know other BVCC members and volunteer. I guarantee you will receive way more than you give.

If you are not a member, I welcome you to contact our team of Board Members, Al Mitchell, Chamber Director or Pat Easley,

Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce mission statement To enhance the economic vitality of the Bitterroot Valley.

Objectives: a) Businesses – drive awareness b) Tourists – increase visits c) Community – provide local first

Administrative Assistant. We will be happy to visit with you and answer any questions and hear your ideas.

Together we can and will continue to make the Bitterroot Valley a vibrant, prosperous community!

Sincerely, Susan S. Wetzsteon 2019 BVCC President

Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, February 20, 2019 - 3

Real Estate Broker - ABR, GRI, CRS

Bitterroot Chamber member since 1991 175 South 2nd Street, Suite b, hamilton • 406-531-6038

48 Bush Creek LN, Stevensville $4,995,000 Blue Ribbon Flyfishing-1,900 ‘+/- of Bitterroot River Frontage, 6,000+/- sq ft home, 5 bed/5 bath, Open floor plan, many upgrades, 2 guest apts, all on 80 acs in 4 parcels. MLS#63151

680 Home Stretch DR, Stevensville $1,400,000 768 Fred Burr RD, Victor $1,195,000 912 Skalkaho HWY, Hamilton $899,000 Custom Rock work, End of road privacy w/ Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountain Views, 4,750 sq ft Montana rustic charm, 20+ Acs, 2 ponds, wildlife, panoramic views, close to Custom home has lots of water! Creeks, spring, canal, ditch....Mountain top main house, 40’X60’ Barn with 2,200 sq’ Guest apt, 21+Acs, Currently a wedding venue, continue USFS trailheads, 3,000+ main house, single story, open floor plan, gourmet kitch- views, 2,737 sq’ custom home with guest house, historical barn, fenced pastures, operations or enjoy as your own private paradise! State land lease attached 150 acres. MLS#61805 en, 2 wood fireplaces, 50’X36’ garage with guest quarters above. MLS#63149 garden, studio, mature landscaping, easy access on 80+/- Acs. MLS#60947

1619 Kenneys DR, Victor $649,000 121 Severns Lane Hamilton $469,999 Private 10+Acs, 3,000+ sq’ main house, 4 bedr/3ba, 2,800 sq’ Well maintained home on 5 Acs., can be split one time, 4 bedr/3ba, 2,592 sq ft, fenced shop, guest house, irrigation stream, pond, chicken coop, park for animals, custom greenhouse with power, garden fruit trees, ponderosa pines, like setting, moose, elk, deer, near USFS. MLS#62759 woodstove, gas stove, vaulted ceilings, open floor plan, wildlife abounds. MLS#63354

112 Daniel Court, Hamilton $315,000 Many custom touches, flagstone walkways & details, covered back deck and upper deck for mountain and park views. 2,359 sq ‘, 4 bedr/3ba, custom storage shed, walk to many nearby amenities. MLS#63224

Nhn Lincoln LN, Hamilton $269,000 Spectacular property w/utilities (NW Energy) nearby, natural gas, new road for access off of Lincoln Lane. Year round creek with warm water spring. Build your dream home here! Builder available. MLS59936

1055 Tefft ST, Corvallis $250,000 Central Corvallis location, 3 bedr/2ba, 1,496 sq’, Detached garage, fenced yard, asphalted driveway, RV power hook up, Gas fireplace in family room, easy living here! .56 Ac MLS#63282

1019 W Main St, Hamilton $249,950 335 W. Main Street, Hamilton $225,000 Commercial OR Residential, currently 2 commercial spaces used as medical Commercial building with kitchen, accessible bathroom, conference room offices, large yard w/ UG Sprinklers, near the Bitterroot River, convert back into and 9 offices and retail front space. Prime location (next to River Rising), a home with guest quarters? Possibilities are many! .24 Ac MLS#63337 Downtown Hamilton! Newer roof, updated in 2018. MLS# 62356

Nhn Lincoln LN, Hamilton $145,000 Feels like you are in the country but only a minute to town! No covenants, beautiful views of the Bitterroot & Sapphire mtns, Creek runs through it!

3.5 Acs. Level lot, ready to build, builder available. MLS63263

429 Two Horse LN, Hamilton $99,000 Desirable west side location, just south of town, easy access, level building site, septic approved & utilities to the lot. Mountain views, pine trees, wildlife. 5+ Acs. MLS# 62289

Nhn Blind Creek Draw RD $ 49,995 Rural land, off the grid living or recreational use, full time neighbors in the area, 4 wheel drive is best. Views! 20 +/- Acs. MLS#60502

Nhn Blind Draw, Conner $31,000 Rural area for recreational use or off the grid living, power is a couple of miles away, mountain views, 20 Acs. MLS# 59938

Joni Zinkovich, Broker

406 Foxtail LN, Stevensville $49,495 One of the last lots left in this nice subdivision! Mountain views, level lot, ready to build, builder available. Paved roads, utilities to the lot, natural gas, corner lot. 1 AC. MLS# 61746

(406) 531-6038 www.JMZTrealty.com • 175 S 2nd Street, Hamilton

4 - Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, February 20, 2019

History of the Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce The Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce is 450-members strong and celebrated 113 years of community and business support at its annual award banquet, Feb. 2.

Al Mitchel has been a parttime or full-time director of the chamber for seven years.

Other staff includes Pat Easley – Office Manager and Heather Snell - Bookkeeper. Chamber volunteers are Bert Bovee, Marvin Edstedt, Ida Mann, Ruth Hazelton, John Tragmoe and Mary Kay Browning.

A photo of the Hamilton Chamber Office appears on a post card dated 1899, showing the building sitting where the Safeway parking lot is currently located. Chamber minutes go back to 1923 and tell some of Photo provided their early accomplishments A 1899 postcard shows the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce Office. The support of business and community continued with the 113th Annual Chamber Awards Banquet. including starting a park just north of the old silver bridge, us. It’s good to have members chamber members, can call and an annual barbecue. The now called Rotary Park, where outside the area who support with event information for the BVCC Leadership Team attends they had a summer visitor centhe Bitterroot Valley.” website – 363-2400.

Montana legislative sessions in ter. When the Rocky Mountain The chamber has a “Super Helena to keep in touch with Lab came to Hamilton, the The Bitterroot Valley Host” (customer service) legislators on business issues. chamber purchased the land Chamber of Commerce protraining in the spring, and an Mitchell said that the chamand donated it to the lab. motes tourism and works Assistance to Business Clinic ber, rather than being too politMitchell said that each town with the Tourism Business (ABC) in the fall with state inforical, is “pro-business.” in the valley had a chamber or a Improvement District, Glacier mation about workman’s comp, “We’re not big enough to type of civic group, but in 1975 Country, Montana State state and federal unemployfight and are just trying to get the chambers got together and Tourism, and the Economic ment, and tax laws. along,” he said. “We’re just decided to create the Bitterroot Development Authority.

Leads Group is where comtrying to make this a better Valley Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber also works to mon businesses have one repplace.”

“We represent seven combring in tournaments, teams, resentative and meet once a The Bitterroot Valley munities - Sula to Florence,” and their supporters. The month to share business leads. Chamber of Commerce also Mitchell said. “We do have chamber has a quarterly newsThe chamber Ambassadors hosts the MicroBrew Festival as members in Lolo, Missoula, and letter and maintains a calendar put on the Ravalli County Fair its largest fundraising event the Phillipsburg, but they came to of events that anyone, not just Parade, host political forums, fourth weekend of July. More

Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, February 20, 2019 - 5

than 3,000 people are attracted to the event with live music, food vendors, and microbrews from across Montana and the Northwest. The core 10-member festival group plans the event and 60 chamber members help run the party in downtown Hamilton.

Being a chamber members has benefits. Members place their business cards and information in the chamber office, and are listed and linked on the chamber website, and in the chamber magazine.

“We’re a referral agency basically,” Mitchell said. “We’re tourism related but into business referrals and promotion.

We rotate business to business referrals. We like to do business with our own members - if someone comes in looking for a motel we first refer our active

members.”

Tied into that is the chamber’s gift certificate program, where consumers can purchase gift certificates any time of the year to be used at 50 locations throughout the valley.

“We are keeping money local,” Mitchell said. “The businesses that want to participate buy into that at $25 a year. It is very popular.”

The Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce has members beyond retail including medical, real estate, title companies, non-profits, and individuals.

“It is open to anyone who is pro-business in the valley,” Mitchell said. “We send relocation packets to people or businesses who are considering relocating here.”

The chamber offers network-

ing opportunities such as ribbon cuttings, after-hour events, a Leadership Bitterroot class (one day a month, October through May, to learn about other businesses), and a monthly luncheon that rotates throughout the valley.

“The first thing you should put in your tool box when you go into business is your chamber membership,” Mitchell said. “If you don’t use the tool, it’s not going to work for you you have to show up once in a while to make it work.”

Pat Easley is starting year 23 as office manager of the chamber.

“She is the glue that has stuck that thing together,” Mitchell said. “The chamber has been in flux ever since it started. Right now we’re pretty solvent.”

The Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce building is open Monday through Friday yearround and is open seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day, at 105 East Main St. in Hamilton. Mitchell and Easley are the only full-time employees; seven volunteers – one per day – work in the office. The volunteers meet and greet people, help them find maps, brochures, business and tourist information.

Congratulations to all Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce Award Winners EMPLOYEE SERVICES ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦

Easy and free application process Wide variety of jobs for all skill sets No appointment necessary Every Friday is pay day Signing bonuses may be available

Applicants can apply online!

EMPLOYER SERVICES ✦ Help businesses find professionals, skilled workers or general laborers ✦ Provide interviews, background checks and drug testing for potential employees ✦ Cover other parts of the employment process: Wage • FICA • Federal and State Taxes • Liability • Worker’s Compensation • Unemployment Insurance

Hamilton Office – 406.363.0723 / 842 South 1st Street, Hamilton Stevensville Office – 406.777.1662 / 215 Main Street, Stevensville

A2zpersonnel.net

6 - Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Chamber past presidents Past Presidents 1923-1925......C. E. Hartley 1926-1927......Dr. N.A. Lyman 1928-1934......Fred Parker 1935...............C. H. Raymond 1936...............T. M. Skinner 1937-1941......W. E. Pollinger 1942...............V.C. Hollingsworth 1943...............Dr. Foss 1944-1945......Dr. Bucher 1946...............Otto Bernatz 1947...............A. L. Kleve 1948...............Ed Nobles 1949...............Bob Savage 1950...............Melvin Kyle 1951...............Hugh Elmore 1952...............Charles James 1953...............Fred A. Willard 1954...............Jack E. Coulter 1955...............Bill Fullerton

1956...............K. J. McDonald 1957...............Glenn Shults 1958...............Gardner Brownlee 1959...............Charles Bohac 1960...............Kenneth Robbins 1961...............Tavy Parker 1961...............Vicki Barter 1962-1963......Jack Dowling 1964-1966......Fred Parker 1967...............Vic Vadiem 1969...............Doug Klein 1970...............Dr. Palmer 1971...............Lincoln Shonkwiler 1972...............Frank Popiel 1973...............Don McGourty 1974...............Bob Lake 1975...............Chet McCullough 1976...............Bill Larkin 1977...............Richard Pulis 1978...............Ben Longbottom

1979...............Marvin Bell 1980...............Dave Hardy 1981...............Shirley Dowling 1982...............Larry Black 1983-1984......Rem Kohrt 1985...............Ken Senn 1986...............Jim Carpita 1987...............Wayne Hedman 1988...............Jim Miller 1989...............Bill Perrin 1989...............Shirley Dowling 1990...............Bill Perrin 1991...............Jay Klawon 1992...............Jo Gmazel-Bartley 1993...............Emil Erhardt 1994...............Donna Larson 1995...............Dale Berry 1996...............Mike Williams 1997...............Al Mitchell 1998...............Jim Moerkerke

1999...............Jerry Wessels 2000...............Roger Linhart 2001...............Rosie Huckstadt 2002...............Cindy Beck 2003...............Bob Thomas 2004...............Cindy Mikesell 2005...............Bill Bean 2006...............Tim Bozik 2007...............Al Hill 2008...............Patti Furniss 2009...............Tom Pool 2010............... Mike Pflieger 2011...............Dr. Dirk Beyer 2012...............John Stevens 2013...............Rosie Huckstadt 2014-2015......Sherri Williams 2016...............Fenn Nelson 2017...............Chris Edwards 2018...............Lucas Pernsteiner 2019...............Susan Wetzsteon

Chamber membership benefits 1. Display of brochures and

business cards in our lobby and at our Information Center in Darby.

2. Rotating business to business referrals. Chamber members like to shop with Chamber members.

3. Listing in the Chamber Membership Directory. Many of our members look in the Membership Directory before the standard phone issue telephone directory. This is an excellent way of networking and shopping local.

4. Chamber sponsored business seminars. The Chamber hosts seminars designed specifically for our Chamber members

to better help you operate, manage and expand your business.

5. Ribbon Cuttings. As a new member, you’re entitled to have a ribbon cutting at your place of business when you join the Chamber. You can also have a Ribbon Cutting for a new location or remodel.

6. Attendance to the annual Membership Barbeque. Every year the Chamber hosts a free picnic for our members and their families.

7. Chamber Monthly Luncheons. Every month the Chamber hosts a Community Luncheon up and down the valley. Businesses are invited to attend and bring along a guest.

This is an opportunity for you to let us know what is going on with your business as well as your community.

8. Business Referrals to visitors and phone traffic. Our office staff and volunteers greet thousands of visitors every year and not all of them are tourists. In addition, they field thousands of telephone calls inquiring about businesses in the valley. Chamber members are always referred first.

9. Business After Hours. This is a great way for you to network with other businesses, meet people and hand out business cards. Our Business After Hours are hosted by our Ambassadors.

10. Free event driven member-

ship emails. If your business is hosting an event for the community or having a grand opening etc. you will receive a free email blast to our entire membership, listed in our calendar of events and posted on our Facebook Page.

11.Free Chamber website listing. Our website gets a tremendous amount of traffic every month. As a member you are listed on our website in the membership directory.

12. Committee participation.

As a member you are welcome to attend and be a part of our committees in action. We have a listing of various committees

Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, February 20, 2019 - 7

To us, it's always the Year of the Pig!

Photo provided

Historically, the pig symbolizes hard working, reliable, trusting, sincere, giving people with a large sense of humor & understanding.

Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce members are all invited to an annual free picnic.

where you can participate.

13. Leads Group Participation.

This group is made up of different types of businesses that meet every second and fourth Tuesday of the month.

14. Listing in the “Chamber Recommends” brochure. Since we have so many different types of businesses inquiries, we have published a few ‘categorized’ brochures of our larger categories. Real Estate, Contractors/ Builders, Restaurants and Lodging are the four we have in our office.

15. Hospitality bags. These are a favorite among people who are visiting our valley and are here for a convention, tournament or other events. The Chamber helps promote our valley by helping

organizations with an assortment of various coupons, brochures or novelty items that welcome visitors to our valley and encourage their business.

16. If you are reading this article then you are receiving one of the benefits of being a Chamber member. Our Chamber Banquet is held every year to recognize and award Chamber Businesses for their outstanding contribution to our valley.

These are some of the benefits of being a Chamber member.

Think about them and realize the many opportunities for your buiness. There are also effective advertising opportunities that you can purchase to help enhance your business awareness.

Farmers State Bank www.farmersebank.com

Member FDIC

Local Commercial & Mortgage Loan Approvals!

Your Montana Bank Since 1907

8 - Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, February 20, 2019

2019 Bitterroot Chamber Board of Directors

Photo DOUG MCCONNAHA

Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce board members.

Standing (left to right): Eric Elander, Jaime Williams, Bill Capko, Ronda Lang, Scott Watters, Terry Berkhouse Middle row: Carol Holman, Robin Duncan Kneeling (left to right): Susan Wetzsteon, Dr. Lucas Pernsteiner, Julia Winthers

We support the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce

We are honored to be awarded ‘New Business of the Year’

213 West Main Street Hamilton, MT - 375-5155

Susan Wetzsteon President - Wetzsteon Electric Dr. Lucas Pernsteiner Out-going President - Bitterroot Chiropractic Jaime Williams President Elect - A2Z Personnel Bill Capko Treasurer - First Security Bank DeDe Waliser Montana Basket Bistro Eric Elander - SP2M Marketing Ronda Lang - Alpine Realty Levi Dunn Ravalli Electric Co-op Robin Duncan Massage by Robin Julia Winthers Hidden Treasures Scott Watters Watters Edge Design Carol Holman Stockman Bank Terry Berkhouse UM Academic Enrichment Advisors: Doug Davis - Peterson & Owings CPA’s Larry Johnson - Lawrence D. Johnson - Attorney at Law Tod McKay - Bitterroot National Forest

Committees Ambassadors Dr. Lucas Pernsteiner Government Affairs Fred Thomas & Teri Polumsky Leadership Bitterroot Pat Easley Leads - Darren Bayer Natural Resource Pat Connell & Wayne Hedman Tourism - Open Tournaments - Al Mitchell Microbrew Festival Darrell Holland & Troy Robertson Staff Director - Al Mitchell Office Manager – Pat Easley Bookkeeper - Heather Snell Volunteers Bert Bovee Marvin Edstedt Ida Mann Ruth Hazelton John Trangmoe Mary Kay Browning Outgoing Board Members 2019 Dr. Lucas Pernsteiner DeDe Waliser Eric Elander Levi Dunn

Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, February 20, 2019 - 9

2019 Chamber committees & events Ambassadors Chair: Dr. Lucas Pernsteiner, Bitterroot Chiropractic Purpose: To act as social arm of the Chamber. Organize banquets, ribbon cuttings and Business After Hours.

Government Affairs Chair: Fred Thomas PayneWest / Insurance and Co-Chair: Teri Polumsky - By Owner Purpose: To monitor and interpret federal, state, county and city legislation that would affect our valley either positively or negatively.

25th Annual Microbrew Festival Saturday, July 27, 2019 Chairs: Darrell Holland, Retired and Troy Robertson, Hamilton Polaris Purpose: To create a gathering for family and friends to enjoy great food, music, meads, wines and microbrews throughout the northwest.

Leadership Bitterroot Chair: Pat Easley Purpose: A 9 month program designed to educate and groom Potential leaders within our Bitterroot communities.

Leads Chair: Darren Bayer, Clear Water Systems

Purpose: To increase business through a structured system of giving and receiving with other success - oriented business people.

Natural Resources Chairs: Pat Connell & Wayne Hedman Purpose: To investigate resourceissues and how they affect economics and the quality of life. Meetings are normally by email and phone.

Tourism & Marketing Chair: Open Tourism Business Improvement District Purpose: To promote tourism as an industry for further economic development and implement projects that support the goal of establishing the Bitterroot Valley as a tourist destination.

Other Programs/ Events Ravalli County Fair Parade Organized by the current graduating Leadership Bitterroot Class. Wednesday, August 28th, 2019, 10am Chamber Annual Membership Barbeque A gathering to say thank you to our members. Sept.2019 Annual 114th Awards Banquet February 2020 / Mardis Gras Theme Guest Training Seminar Super Host Training gearing

toward tourism and customer service. May 2019 / FREE and open to the public Leadership Bitterroot Lecture Series An educational speaker lecture series organized by Leadership Bitterroot – check with the Bitterroot Chamber for upcoming speakers.

Ribbon Cuttings/Business After Hours Events Events in which new Chamber Businesses are recognized Check with the Bitterroot Chamber for upcoming events.

Basketball Tournaments February 21-23, 2019 / Western Class A Divisional - Girls and Boys Chair: Al Mitchell, Bitterroot Valley Chamber Purpose: To create awareness of the Bitterroot Valley by hosting tournaments in the Valley For Information on any of the committees contact the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce.

201 W. MAIN ST. HAMILTON TON MT • 406.363.6236

10 - Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Congratulations, Carol, for recently being awarded volunteer of the year by the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce!

CAROL HOLMAN AVP, REAL ESTATE LOAN OFFICER (406) 375-5381 NMLS ID# 478584

Carol is one of the premier real estate lenders in the Bitterroot Valley, and Stockman Bank is proud to have you on our team. We thank you for your hard work, dedication, and volunteer efforts in making our communities prosper!

Photo DOUG MCCONNAHA

Amy Linton and Dominic Farrenkopf added to the excitement of the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce 113th Annual Awards and Appreciation Hawaiian Banquet with the sales of 50/50 raffle tickets.

Annual Chamber Awards MICHELLE MCCONNAHA

CONGRATULATIONS!

Montana’s Brand of Banking Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender der

MICHELLE.MCCONNAHA@RAVALLIREPUBLIC.COM

The Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce held their 113th Annual Awards and Appreciation Hawaiian Banquet on Saturday, Feb. 2, at the Bitterroot River Inn. The annual awards, silent and live auctions, dinners and raffles were well-attended, well-supported and high energy.

The banquet sponsors were JKL Electric (Jeff Laursen), The Paper Clip and TrailWest Bank.

The Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce mission statement is “to enhance economic vitality of the Bitterroot Valley.”

Objectives include driving awareness of businesses, increasing visits by tourists and providing a local first community.

Steve Fullerton served as

emcee along with Al Mitchell, director, Susan Wetzsteon, incoming president, and Lucas Pernsteiner, past president.

The 2018 Award Winners were – Nap’s Grill for Business of the Year; Cody Omlid (of Kodiak Jax and Bear’s Den) as Business Person of the Year; Jeni Seifert (of Main Street Toys) for New Business of the Year; Judy Grasser (of Lost Trail Powder Mountain) for the Community Asset Award; Jason and Tashara Pond (of Cybernet 1) for Economic Development; Dan Mitchell for the Unsung Hero; Carol Hollman (of Stockman Bank) for Volunteer of the Year; Melissa Greenwood (of the Ravalli County Electric Co-op) won the Spark Plug Award; and Bert Bovee won the Chamber Volunteer of the Year.

Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, February 20, 2019 - 11

Naps Grill wins Business of the Year Award MICHELLE MCCONNAHA

MICHELLE.MCCONNAHA@RAVALLIREPUBLIC.COM

Nap’s Grill and owner Tyler Gilder received the Business of the Year Award.

“This award goes to a very passionate and dedicated group of people who strive to make our community a better place to live, work and raise our families – Nap’s Grill,” said Al Mitchel.

Tyler Gilder, president and CEO of Nap’s Grill, said receiving the Business of the Year Award from the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce was an honor.

Gilder was born in Havre, Montana, and being the son of a football coach he moved quite often. He finally landed in Florence where he attended grades 3 through 12. After graduation he received a scholarship to play football at the University of Jamestown in North Dakota.

He later returned to Missoula and attended the University of Montana and majored in Economics.

In 1991, Gilder moved to the west coast where he spent nearly 20 years in between Orange County, California, and Tacoma, Washington.

Gilder’s main introduction to the service industry was in Tacoma, Washington, where he worked as a bartender on a river boat casino called The Emerald Queen. After returning to California he landed a job with the world famous Crazy Horse Saloon in Santa Ana, California.

Gilder returned to Montana when he received a call to help launch The Ranch Club, a semi private golf club in Missoula for-

merly known as Phantom Hills Golf Club. Gilder consulted at the club for one year before being approached by Nap’s Grill to see if he would be interested in purchasing the restaurant.

He purchased Nap’s Grill in 2007 where he gradually made improvements to the small business that many people have called a landmark in Hamilton.

In 2017 the stars aligned.

Gilder was contacted by a broker to see if he was interested in a liquor license, at the same time a realtor stopped in with a listing on Main Street. Though he never had intentions of moving the restaurant, if there was ever a time it was going to be now and having prior experiences in moving restaurants he decided to take a leap of faith.

In July of 2017, he launched the new Naps at 200 W. Main Street. The original Nap’s opened September 13, 1993 and now here it is nearly 26 years later, and almost two-years into the new location, and thus far Nap’s has exceeded all his expectations.

Gilder is married to Erin and has four boys, Cade (9), Landry (7), Blake (5), and Hayes (1). He is proud of the fact that Nap’s can support his employees and their families as well as the many charities, clubs, schools and events throughout the valley.

He hopes the new location can contribute to the downtown as a great gathering place for families, friends and colleagues alike.

Gilder wishes continued success for the current businesses and future businesses that will call the Bitterroot Valley their home.

Photo DOUG MCCONNAHA

Jeff Gilder, accepting the Business of the Year Award for his brother Tyler Gilder, owner of Nap’s Grill, with presenters Susan Wetzsteon and Lucas Pernsteiner.

Photo DOUG MCCONNAHA

Owner Tyler Gilder stands in front of Nap’s Grill at the Main Street location. He said receiving the Business of the Year Award from the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce was an honor.

12 - Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Cody Omlid wins Business Person of the Year Award MICHELLE MCCONNAHA

MICHELLE.MCCONNAHA@RAVALLIREPUBLIC.COM

Photo DOUG MCCONNAHA

Cody Omlid, owner of Kodiak Jax Restaurants, received the Business Person of the Year award for striving to achieve professionalism in everything he does.

Omlid’s work ethic began early. He was mowing lawns and delivering newspapers by fourth grade. He picked up a job working at a pig farm when he was in seventh grade and continued that until his junior year in high school.

At that time he also picked up a job working at the Fireside Pizza and Sandwich Shop.

After graduating from Stevensville in 1986, Cody continued working at the pizza place but he also went on to school where he eventually graduated from the University of Montana with degrees in business and education.

For 20 years, Omlid had a land-

scaping business in addition to his first pizza place, Kodiak Jax in Stevensville. He purchased the pizza place from Sam Rivera and expanded the building. Although he no longer has the landscaping business, he has expanded. He and his brother Luke own Kodiak Jax II and the Golden Moose Casino in Hamilton. Cody Omlid opened CJ’s Den and Bair’s Lair Casino in Stevensville several years ago and last fall opened up Bair’s Lair II in Florence.

He says the thing to remember about being in business is it is seven days a week at any time of the day or night.

“The amount of time that goes into a business is huge, like a second marriage,” he said.

Congratulations atulations to Dan Mitchell for winning the Unsung Heroo A Award!

Open Mon-Fri 9am-5:30pm & Saturday 10am-4pm

228 W. Main, Hamilton • 406-363-5480

Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, February 20, 2019 - 13

Main Street Toys wins New business award MICHELLE MCCONNAHA

MICHELLE.MCCONNAHA@RAVALLIREPUBLIC.COM

Main Street Toys received the New Business award.

Main Street Toys, located in downtown Hamilton, prides itself in providing an interactive toys store adventure for all ages. Main Street Toys opened its door in October of 2015 during Moonlight Madness and is owned by Pete and Jeni Seifert Photo DOUG MCCONNAHA who adjoined the toy store Manager Katy Bociek (left), Employee Amy Lowry and Owner Jeni Seifert receive the New Business award from Susan Wetzsteon, to their downtown pharmacy, Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce president, (second from left).

Bitterroot Drug. Main Street Toys features a wide variety of Toys would like two of its deditoys, arts, crafts, and innovacated staff members who have tive games. The store and its been with the store since its staff prides itself on allowing its inception to accept this award, customers to be hands-on and Katy Bociek and Amy Lowry. Amy participate during their visit as has been with Main Street Toys the store features a well to wall since high school and is currently chalk board, a giant Lite-Brite, an studying business at Montana a continual selection of new toys State University but the toy store to test out and enjoy. is fortunate that she still finds The staff at Main Street toys time to work during breaks and takes its product selection sericontinually assist the store with ously and frequents toy fairs its social media presence. Amy’s across the country from Denver enthusiasm and contagious to as far as New York City. personality have been greatly “Starting a new business, appreciated by Main Street Toys particularly in the realm of extraordinary as she takes pride been instrumental to Main Street and its customers.” retail is always a challenge but Seifert continued, “Main Street in giving every person who walks Toy’s success. Also, we would like Main Street Toys found success through the door the best expeToys has been fortunate to have through the dedication of its to thank the Bitterroot Chamber rience possible, Katy’s work ethic, Katy Bociek as its store manager. staff and the support of our comof Commerce for this recognition attention to detail, and commitmunity in which we are grateful,” Katy’s commitment to the store and its customers has been ment to customer service have and award.”

Jeni Seifert said. “Main Street

14 - Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Photo DOUG MCCONNAHA

Owners Judy and Scott Grasser celebrate the family at Lost Trail Powder Mountain and the 80-years of the ski hill. They won the Bitterroot Valley Community Asset Award at the 113th Bitterrroot Chamber of Commerce Banquet, Feb. 2.

Lost Trail Powder Mountian wins community asset Award MICHELLE MCCONNAHA

MICHELLE.MCCONNAHA@RAVALLIREPUBLIC.COM

Lost Trail Powder Mountain was awarded the Bitterroot Valley Community Asset Award that recognizes a business that is an enduring and valuable asset for the valley.

Judy Grasser wrote a brief history of Lost Trail.

“Lost Trail started in the late 1930’s by a ski club with a few private owners before our father, Bill Grasser, purchased it in

1967,” she said. “We put in the first chairlift in 1971 and the second lift in 1981. Bill had a vision for 20 years to expand Lost Trail and that began in 1998. This added about 1,000 additional skiable acres and three chairlifts.”

Judy Grasser said she personally worked at Lost Trail during her high school years and for a few years after that before taking a hiatus. She returned full time in 1996 to work with her dad and brother Scott (who started full

time 1994).

“We have since done a thinning project which opened up additional tree skiing and repowered two chairlifts increasing our skier capacity and increasing safety,” Judy Grasser said. “Throughout the years we have also increased our grooming to better serve the public.

This season we purchased two new groomers which produces a better product and has increased our grooming even more.

“We have added yurt din-

ners as an extra special event several times in the winter which includes a ride in a custom cat to our yurt, music and a four-course meal.

“For the past few years we have been grooming the Bitterroot Cross country area for a better cross country skiing experience and also benefits snowmobilers making Lost Trail Pass a go-to for winter recreation.”

Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, February 20, 2019 - 15

Cybernet1 wins economic development Award MICHELLE MCCONNAHA

MICHELLE.MCCONNAHA@RAVALLIREPUBLIC.COM

Jason and Tashara Pond, owners of Cybernet1, received the Economic Development Award for tirelessly promoting Economic Development in the Bitterroot Valley.

Jason Pond said they were excited and happy to receive the award.

“Tashara and I are honored to receive the Economic Development award,” he said.

“We devote a lot of our time to improving the community which we serve through various efforts of donating to the community or helping in various community programs. Seeing the economic development of the community grow in years to come shows us we are successful and that’s where our passion lies.”

The Pond’s shared their goals and philosophy of service: “Grizzly Broadband, Cybernet1 and Hamilton Computer Service, are your Complete Solutions Providers. Providing broadband internet and digital phone services, along with network, PC, antivirus, IT and remote support to cover all of your technology

Photo DOUG MCCONNAHA

Jason and Tashara Pond (of Cybernet1) received the Economic Development Award for tirelessly promoting Economic Development in the Bitterroot Valley from 2019 President Susan Wetzsteon and outgoing President Dr. Lucas Pernsteiner.

needs. Whether it is at home or in your business, we have a solution that will keep your technology working and your mind at ease.

“At Grizzly we are committed to the economic growth of the Bitterroot valley, by building fiber to the home (and business).

We are establishing a fiber optic network using the best available technology that is on the market today to reach every home and business. Combined with our extensive services and array of support offerings we have the tools and people to make every users internet experience the most pleasant possible. Internet

FAST • RELIABLE • UNLIMITED

service and technology can be confusing, and we are here to help our customers solve even the most difficult problems.

“By building fiber optic lines that go directly to business and

homes we increase the property value, and economic value of our community allowing more businesses and people to enter our marketplace that are so reliant on fast, reliable internet service.”

16 - Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Dan Mitchell wins unsung hero award MICHELLE MCCONNAHA MICHELLE.MCCONNAHA@RAVALLIREPUBLIC.COM

Dan Mitchell received the Unsung Hero Award.

The Unsung Hero Award recognizes the steadfastness and unswerving selflessness of those who give their time and energy without a thought of reward. The award is passed along each year to the person whose dedication, hard work and outstanding contributions normally go unnoticed.

“It was unexpected,” he said.

“It is nice to be recognized.”

Mitchell was nominated

by Tamara Stanley, executive director of the Ravalli County Museum.

Stanley said, “Mr. Mitchell has over the last five years assisted the Museum in various functions; in either being the chair of a committee, being on a committee, creating the backbone of an event, working on the logistics of an event, networking on behalf of the museum, or just in general championing one of our causes. As one of our primary emphasis’ at the museum is Educational Programming he knows that his assiduous and freely given participation and work is going to an important

Photo DOUG MCCONNAHA

Al Mitchell stands with wife, Carol, who won the first Unsung Hero Award in 2001 and son Dan who received the 2018 Unsung Hero award.

objective. However the amount of thought, not to mention physical activity it takes to make these kinds of intricate enterprises successful is above and beyond what one might expect of a ‘typical’ volunteer.

Dan does it with aplomb and confidence.”

Stanley continued, “I also know that he performs this role for other organizations

throughout the valley. Mr. Mitchell shares his good will with the community at large and he manages this additional commission as he goes about his livelihood, daily business, and day to day life. He is of a younger generation than a good many of the volunteers we see at the museum, and his disposition inspires others of his demographic to contribute at a higher level. His actions

and sincere commitment allows people to see the value in volunteerism, and a pride in and a sense of, this place we call home. He shares his good will cooperatively as well as embracing the opportunities to enhance the quality of life here in our beloved valley.”

Carol Mitchell, Dan’s mother, was the first recipient of the Unsung Hero Award in 2001.

Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, February 20, 2019 - 17

Carol Holman wins volunteer of the year MICHELLE MCCONNAHA

MICHELLE.MCCONNAHA@RAVALLIREPUBLIC.COM

Carol Holman was awarded the Volunteer of the Year for always stepping to the plate to volunteer, time and energy to make our communities prosper.

Holman said she was humbled to receive the award.

“I like to make a difference and I feel honored that my peers would feel that I was deserving of such an award,” she said.

“I like to stay busy and I like to help different entities to help the communities that they are involved in.”

Holman was born in Seattle, WA, the youngest of four children. She moved to Saltese, Montana, with her parents when she was 18 years old. She has always loved Montana and said it will be her forever home. She was blessed with two sons and has been married for 38 years to Missoula native, Wade Holman.

She is also a proud grandma of an awesome 8-year-old grandson, Chase Holman, who is the shining light in her life.

Idle time is not in her vocabulary as she keep herself busy

Photo DOUG MCCONNAHA

Susan Wetzsteon and Lucas Pernsteiner presented Carol Holman (center) with the 2018 Volunteer of the Year Award.

with gardening, canning, fishing, hiking, camping and hunting, rock hounding and various other activities. She loves doing any outdoor activities that she can get involved in.

Started her banking career in 1985 and joined the Stockman Bank team in May 2017. She is extremely active in community and spends as much time as she can volunteering with various organizations.

Holman is currently actively volunteering for the following: Three Mile Volunteer Fire Department - Fire Fighter and Emergency Medical Technician; joined Fire service October 1995; Three Mile Fire Department

- Board member - since November 2017; National Fallen Fire Firefighters Memorial Family Escort Fallen Fire Fighters Families since 2013; Hamilton Rotary Club Vice President (will become president July 2019); Hamilton Rotary Club – New Member Chairperson; Hamilton Rotary Club - STRIVE mentor; Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce- Board of Directors; Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce- Ambassador; Make a Wish Montana - Wish Granter; Meals on Wheels - delivery driver; Bitterroot Valley Board of Realtors – Member; Bitterroot Building Industry Association – Member; Bitter Root Resource

Conservation and Development Area, Inc. – Instructor 1st Time Homebuyer class; Biz to Biz Member of Hamilton Chapter.

She volunteers for various fund raising events to include Big Brothers & Sisters’ Bowling for Kids’ Sake, Relay for Life and the Make-A-Wish walk.

Holman believes that giving of ourselves to those who need us most is not only rewarding to the volunteer but to the recipient and the entire community.

We are our brothers and sisters keepers while here so she gives some of herself and receives tenfold back from those she has the privileged to share time with and help.

18 - Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, February 20, 2019

REC’s Melissa Greenwood wins Spark Plug Award MICHELLE MCCONNAHA MICHELLE.MCCONNAHA@RAVALLIREPUBLIC.COM

Melissa Greenwood, communications specialist at Ravalli Electric Co-op, received the Spark Plug Award presented to those who ‘spark’ the community by their deeds and actions.

Greenwood said she was “very honored to be chosen for this award.”

“We have a great community here in the Bitterroot Valley that I love being a part of,” she said.

“It really means a lot to know that others feel you are making a difference.”

Greenwood moved to the Bitterroot Valley in 2013 and began working for the Corvallis School system as a substitute teacher and High School Cheerleading coach in an effort to get involved and get to know members of the community.

She was hired by Ravalli Electric Co-op as the Communications Specialist in 2016. As a new employee she was tasked with improv-

Photo DOUG MCCONNAHA

Susan Wetzsteon and Lucas Pernsteiner presented Melissa Greenwood, communications specialist at Ravalli Electric Co-op, (center) the Spark Plug Award from the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce, Feb. 2.

ing community engagement and involvement by the Co-op.

With a SPARK in her step she has fully immersed herself with several organizations in the community and worked hard to find volunteering and service efforts that the co-op could be involved in, as well as providing better communication efforts to the members of the co-op. She

has successfully coordinated electrical safety demonstrations for teachers, students and community groups, hosted community blood drives, participated in the promotion of cooperatives in the valley, and started “The REC Warming Tree” that collects items to help keep community members warm during cold winter months.

She is an active member of

the Chamber Ambassadors, Leadership Bitterroot, STRIVE Mentoring program, and volunteers for the Kiwanis Christmas Food Boxes and the Bitterroot Special Olympics. She is also actively involved in the Corvallis School system and enjoys being the “honorary photographer” for the Corvallis Golf and Softball Teams.

Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, February 20, 2019 - 19

Bert Bovee wins chamber volunteer of the year MICHELLE MCCONNAHA MICHELLE.MCCONNAHA@RAVALLIREPUBLIC.COM

Bovee is a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts and has been actively involved with the Scouts for 34-years and additional 20-years in some form or another.

She has worked with scouts and taught snow survival and primitive camp. She has achieved Master Trainer achievement, was a Day Camp Director and volunteered at various positions as a troop leader. She has helped with eye exams at Hamilton High School and the playground at Grantsdale. She visits patients at Discovery Care, has volunteered for Hamilton Players and the Lost Trail Visitor Center.

Bovee helps sell basketball

Photo DOUG MCCONNAHA

Susan Wetzsteon and Lucal Pernsteiner stand with Bert Bovee (center) who was awarded the Chamber Volunteer of the Year for volunteering every Tuesday for the past 11 years.

programs for the tournaments and has worked in the hospitality rooms. She volunteers at the Ravalli County Fair, Bitterroot Celtic Society, RSVP and the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce. “Thank you Bert for everything you do and have done,� said Al Mitchell.

Wetzsteon Electric, INC

Proudly serving the Bitterroot Valley since 1983 (406) 363-2522

20 - Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Welcome to the Beautiful Bitterroot Valley...

You have reached your destination!

We want you to know that our business is promoting your business around the clock. Your membership investment is important to us and we are continually working hard to enhance the economic vitality of the Bitterroot Valley. bitterrootchamber.com ~ (406) 363-2400 105 East Main - Hamilton MT 59840