Kalispell Chamber Celebrates its 107th Year with Annual Banquet and Auction

With 400 in attendance, the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 107th year of community and business enterprise at a banquet held tonight at the Hilton Garden Inn. In keeping with the evening’s theme, "Made in the Flathead", the dinner featured a wide variety of products from local growers and suppliers including: Amalthia Farms, Big Sky Brewing, Eva Gates Homemade Preserves, Great Northern Brewery, Kalispell Kreamery, Mission Mountain Winery, Montana Coffee Traders, Wheat Montana, and Whistling Andy Distillery.

The banquet and auction recognized the contributions, achievements, and leadership of community members including the announcement of the winner of the Chamber’s oldest and most prestigious award, the Great Chief Award. The award honors civic and volunteer spirit which spans a lifetime and provides a legacy for the community. Through their efforts, the Great Chief recipients have made Kalispell and the Flathead Valley a better place in which to live and work. Tonight the Chamber honored Jeannie Luckey as its 40th Great Chief and presented her with an original painting titled "Fishin’ Hole" by artist Jane Latus Emmert.

Jeannie’s civic and business spirit has truly provided a legacy for the community. She served as a chairman of the board for the Kalispell Chamber and was honored as its first Business Woman of the Year. She was the international president of Pilot International in 2002/2003 and served on its executive committee for six years. A dedicated Bobcat, she also served as the president of the Montana State Alumni Association for two years. Her local involvement is extensive and includes service on many boards including: Glacier Symphony and Chorale, Hockaday Museum, St. Matthew’s Parish, United Way, Northwest Healthcare (including a year as the chairman of the board), and Montana West Economic Development where she also served as the chairman of the board for three years. Jeannie is the Owner/Branch Manager for Raymond James Financial Services.

Greg Eisinger of Eisinger Motors was named Businessman of the Year. The owner and general manager of Eisinger Automotive Group Greg is an avid supporter of Wings, Save-a-Sister, Alert, United Way, Glacier Fund, Glacier Symphony, Rebecca Farms and Special Olympics. He is involved with Flathead Valley sports for kids of all ages and numerous other organizations. Greg is a generous contributor to the community and a caring employer.

Debbie Pierce of Alliance Title was selected as Businesswoman of the Year. Pierce is the Vice President and Montana Regional Manager for Alliance Title where she has worked for 33 years. Debbie was born in Kalispell and is active in the Flathead Building Association and volunteers for Big Brothers and Sisters. Her nominator said, "She deserves this award for being a great leader for this business and this community".

The Chamber named Robbie Mathiason of CTA Architects and Engineers as the Member of the Year. The Member of the Year Award goes to the person who has dedicated the most time and energy as a Chamber volunteer. Mathiason is a member of the Ambassador Committee who is at nearly every event. He also chairs the Unwind committee with enthusiasm, and supports Chamber activities and goals in every way possible.

Chris Walters of the Hilton Garden Inn was named Chairman of the Year. Chris is the general manager of the Hilton Garden Inn and the founding chairman of the Kalispell Tourism Business Improvement District. Under his leadership, and with the support of Kalispell hoteliers, the Tourism District was approved by Kalispell City Council and began operations in 2010. Because of his leadership, skills and perseverance, Kalispell has a new ability to market itself as a premier visitor and meetings destination.

Also during the banquet, the Chamber introduced the incoming board of directors and Chamber officers for 2012. They include:

Chairman of the Board – David Mitchell, CTA Architects and Engineers

Vice Chairman of the Board – Jim Ness, Glacier Bank

Secretary/Treasurer – Mark Johnson, Merrill Lynch

Immediate-Past Chairman – Tom Lund, Rocky Mountain Bank

2012 Chamber Directors

Lisa Brown – Red Lion Hotel

Kris Carlson – A Plus Home Care/A Plus Staffing

Brian Clark – Fun Beverage

Mark Gronley – Northwestern Energy

Reed Gunlikson – R Gunlikson & Associates CPA PC

Scott Hagel – Crowley Fleck Law Firm

Kristen Jones – Flathead Valley Community College

Jason Manger – Applied Material – Semitool Business Unit

Denise Nalty – Nalty Real Estate & Property Management

Chris Ohler – Insured Titles

Jim Oliverson – Kalispell Regional Medical Center

Jim Peterson – Valley Ford

Kelly Robinson – Plum Creek Timber Company

Loren Sallee – Loren’s Auto Repair, Inc

David Waldenberg – Central Heating & Cooling

Holly Walsh – Western States Insurance

Rick Weaver – Daily Inter Lake

Ex-Officio – Jane Howington – Kalispell City Manager

Ex-Officio – Mike Pence – Flathead County Administrator

Founded in 1904, the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce is a federation of 650 businesses and organizations. These enterprises employ over half of the workforce in Flathead County, MT.