Local business leaders team up to drive engagement in the Kalispell Chamber

Teams set sites on triple-digit increase in Chamber membership

Thanks to local business leaders, the next 30 days promise to bring noteworthy growth to the Kalispell Chamber. Led by the efforts of more than 100 members, the Kalispell Chamber recently launched a membership drive – the Chamber’s first in more than 10 years.

The purpose of the Chamber’s membership drive is to increase connectivity within the business community. Top priorities include engaging younger professionals in the Chamber and increasing visibility of burgeoning local industries. In addition, the drive will build awareness of the programs and perks available to Chamber members.

Teams are currently working together to grow the Chamber’s current 617-member count, with a goal of welcoming at least 100 new members this spring. For 2015, the drive will seek to increase representation from Kalispell’s downtown businesses, as well companies engaged in the hospitality, tourism, technology, and manufacturing industries. Teams have already enjoyed some exciting results, including the addition of barrel manufacturer, PROOF Research.

"For PROOF Research, community involvement is a core value. Membership with Kalispell Chamber offers our team excellent opportunities to engage and invest in our local business community," stated Chris Polley, marketing manager for PROOF Research.

Organized into recruiting teams, the membership drive also involves plenty of friendly competition. Participating members can join one of ten teams, each headed by a captain, and work with team members to win prizes and achieve personal bests. In 2004, the "drive champion" earned a trip for two to a Green Bay Packers’ game. This year’s grand prize is a $2500 travel gift certificate.

Captains are now recruiting team members, and those interested in participating should call 406-758-2803 or email [email protected] to secure a spot.

Team captains for the event, already under way, include Brian Pelc, Interstate Bank; Joe Carbonari, Carbonari & Associates; Bob Herron, Bob Herron Insurance; Lisa Brown, Red Lion Hotel; Clint Ekern, Three Rivers Bank; Lloy Griffing, Flood-Co; Melanie Bettis, Whitefish Credit Union; Dave and Matthew Waldenberg, Central Heating and Cooling; Dave Romano, Express Employment Professionals; and Laura Taylor, Daily Inter Lake.

The membership drive will culminate in a final event on April 21 At the event, participants will have a shot at the grand prize travel package, as well as numerous door prizes.

"Being a member of the Chamber of Commerce is a fundamental instrument that not only assists businesses or organizations with growth and prosperity, but helps to increase the economic vitality or our entire community. The Chamber provides networking and marketing opportunities unique to any other platform. The Chamber acts as an advocate for economic and growth needs to city, county, state and national governments," said Kalispell Chamber Chairman, Brian Pelc. "By becoming a member of the Chamber, you are becoming part of an organization that is determined to make Kalispell a better place to live, work and enjoy. We look forward to seeing many leaders and businesses join us."

About the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau

Since 1904, the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau has been a leading voice in strengthening the Kalispell community and its business climate, with the goal of making Kalispell and the Flathead Valley an ideal location to live and work. The Chamber consists of 700 businesses and organizations, which employ over half of the workforce in Flathead County, Montana.