Nominations for Kalispell’s Businessman, Businesswoman, and Great Chief Award Due October 3

The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for Businessman and Businesswoman of the Year and for the 45th Great Chief Award. All nominations submitted to the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce by Monday, October 3 will be considered for recognition and all awards will be presented during the Kalispell Chamber’s 112th Annual Banquet, Thursday, November 10th at the Hilton Garden Inn. Tickets to the event are $100 and available to the entire community.

The Great Chief Award is the oldest and most prestigious award given by the Chamber. The award honors an individual who has demonstrated exceptional civic and volunteer spirit throughout their lifetime and will provide a legacy for the community.

The two other awards, Businessman of the Year and Businesswoman of the Year, recognize individuals who are outstanding business leaders. Award recipients may be owners or managers of Kalispell Chamber member businesses and positively contribute to the local economy both on an individual and business level. Additionally, nominees should utilize good management practices with their customers, employees, and vendors and be well respected among their peers.

In 2015, the 44th Great Chief Award was presented to Pete Larson, a Flathead Valley native who brought strong success and philanthropic ideals to the area through his family-owned American Timber Company, L. Peter Larson Company, and others in addition to his service through Kalispell Regional Medical Center, Youth with a Mission, Immanuel Lutheran Home and others.

The Businessman of the Year award last year was presented to Jim Peterson, owner and founder of Valley Ford, which has given $130,000 to area schools, FVCC, Rotary and other programs.

Also in 2015 Susan Pirrie Munsinger, an owner of the downtown Kalispell icon, Western Outdoor, was awarded the title of Businesswoman of the Year. Susan was nominated for the award based upon her strong support of Downtown Kalispell, the 4H and FFA Market Livestock Sale and for her service on the boards of numerous organizations.

The community is welcome to nominate individuals that represent these characteristics that will lay the foundation for success in the valley for years to come.

Visit http://www.kalispellchamber.com, the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, or call (406)758-2803 for nomination forms.