Kalispell Chamber Celebrates 105 Years with Annual Meeting

The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 105th year of community and business enterprise with a sell-out crowd of 450 at the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel under the theme “Express to the Orient”. The evening events recognized the contributions, achievements, and leadership of community members including:

38th Great Chief – Ken Siderius

The Great Chief Award honors civic and volunteer spirit, which span a lifetime and provide a legacy for the community. Through their efforts, the recipients have made the Kalispell and the Flathead Valley a better place in which to live and work. Siderius’ award was a painting titled “Spring Thaw” by artist Nick Oberling.

Ken Siderius’ nominator stated, “If ever there was a person who embodies the spirit of giving, devotion to community, and personal commitment to the Flathead Valley that this award represents, it is Ken Siderius”. Mr. Siderius is a widely-respected and admired educator, a dedicated leader on land trust issues, a board member of the Central School Museum, and accomplishes this all without calling attention to himself.

Businessman of the Year – Brian Clark, Fun Beverage

Brian is the general manager of Fun Beverage, a successful wholesale beverage company. Brian has served on the Kalispell Chamber board of directors, is a key supporter of Chamber Air Shows, and an indispensable part of the Flathead Valley Community College’s Festival of Flavors. He is also a big supporter of Flathead High School swimming.

Businesswoman of the Year – Tana Rae, First Interstate Bank

Tana, a lender with First Interstate Bank, led the Kalispell Downtown Association through a period of great growth and activity. She provided the leadership to organize and launch ThursdayFest, an evening of music, food, and crafts every Thursday during the summer in downtown Kalispell. She was also a class officer of Leadership Flathead and is a dedicated volunteer for numerous community and charitable events with her husband Dave.

Member of the Year – Mishelle Johnson, Insty Prints

Mishelle Johnson at Insty Prints has saved so many members of the Chamber staff on so many publications and so many deadlines, that we have lost count. She is renowned for understanding the perfect layout of a publication even before the Chamber staff has articulated it. For all of her great work, over all the years, we recognize Mishelle as the Member of the Year.

Chairman of the Year – Transportation Committee Chairman for past 15-years

After many, many years of persistent effort, Kalispell’s Alternative Truck Route was approved, funded, and will begin construction. This success is attributable to many individuals over a long period of time. Some of the most persistent and consistent voices to accomplish this goal have been the members of the Kalispell Transportation committee and its chairman. This year’s Chairman of the Year award goes to the Transportation Committee chairs over the past 15-years:

· Ted Luehr

· Jim Lynch

· Marc Rold

· Mark Twichell

· Tim Larson

· Bill Janes

2010 Chamber Officers

Chairman of the Board – Terry Kramer, Kramer Enterprises

Vice Chairman of the Board – Tom Lund, Rocky Mountain Bank

Secretary/Treasurer – David Mitchell, CTA Architects and Engineers

Immediate-Past Chairman – Bob Schneider, First Interstate Bank

Founded in 1904, the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce is a federation of 700 businesses and organizations. These enterprises employ more than half of the workforce in Flathead County, MT.

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Carol Beck-Edgar, APR
Edge Communications
439 Grand Drive #305
Bigfork, MT 59911
406-837-2061