Governor Bullock Announces Montana Ambassador Awards

Governor Steve Bullock and the Montana Ambassadors today announced the 2013 honorees that have made an outstanding contribution to economic development in Montana.

"The Montana Ambassadors work every day to support Main Street Montana businesses, and attract new entrepreneurs to the state," Bullock said. "Through innovation, entrepreneurship, advocacy and outreach, the Ambassadors we’re recognizing this year have gone above and beyond to support Montana’s economy."

For outstanding service to the organization, 2013 Montana Ambassador of the Year is Jeff Laverdiere. Jeff was chosen for exemplifying what it means to be a Montana Ambassador and for his service to the organization, particularly his effort to increase Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education in Montana schools through the AWIM/STEM project.

The Montana Ambassadors’ 2013 Entrepreneur of the Year: John & Courtney McKee, Headframe Spirits, of Butte. The McKee’s are committed to ensuring Montana’s quality of life and have demonstrated leadership and innovation in their business field with an incredible entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to the economic development of the State of Montana.

The Montana Ambassadors’ 2013 Business of the Year: Dick Anderson Construction. Dick Anderson has demonstrated extraordinary innovation and success in his field, including a commitment to his employees, community and economic development in the state of Montana.

This year’s "Mike Malone Educator of the Year" award is presented to Lorri Brenneman, MT Department of Agriculture for her work with Agriculture in the Classroom. Lori demonstrates outstanding accomplishment, excellence and leadership in the field of education. This award embodies the values of Mike Malone, PhD, former president of Montana State University.

The award for 2013 Outreach Montana Ambassador of the Year goes to Kurt Burgess, California Chapter. Kurt performed exemplary service to assist in building successful business bridges to Montana by organizing special events to bring together constituents.

The 2013 Legislator of the Year is Rep. Duane Ankney, of Colstrip. Rep. Ankney had the distinction of Chairing the House Appropriations Committee. As a strong supporter of agriculture and industry he helped ensure all Montanans have an opportunity to have a quality life style while supporting their families.

2013 Montana Ambassador Plenipotentiary is Senator Max Baucus. The plenipotentiary title is rarely given, lasts a lifetime, and is bestowed on one who has rendered especially meritorious service to the economic development of the state.

The governor will present the 2013 Montana Ambassador Awards at the annual meeting to be held at the Big Sky Resort on March 20. The conference will take place March 19th through the 21st, with the theme "Transitioning Montana Tourists to Montana Investors."

For more information on these awards and the annual meeting and conference, visit http://www.montanaambassadors.com.

The Montana Ambassadors is a volunteer, not-for-profit organization of leaders in business, education, and local and state government with a common dedication to serving the Governor, doing business in Montana, and furthering the best interests of the state.