Nominations Now Open for Annual Kalispell Business Awards

The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce https://kalispellchamber.com is now accepting nominations for its 47th Great Chief, Businessman, and Businesswoman of the Year awards. All nominations submitted to the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce by Friday, October 5th will be considered for recognition and all awards will be presented during the Kalispell Chamber’s 114th Annual Banquet, Friday, November 16th, at the Hilton Garden Inn.

The Great Chief Award is the oldest and most prestigious award given by the Chamber, dating back to the early 1970’s. The award honors an individual who has continued to create a legacy for the Flathead Valley through their civic and volunteer spirit.

In 2017, the 46th Great Chief Award was presented to Jim Oliverson, who has widely been considered one of the visionaries in the creation of Kalispell Regional Medical Center. Over his 39 year tenure with the hospital, Oliverson served as the Director of Human Resources, Chief Operating Officer, and Interim CEO, before serving as the Vice President of Community Relations, and retiring in early 2017. In addition to Jim’s role with the hospital, he served on over 20 state and local non-profit boards, including the Kalispell, Columbia Falls, Whitefish, Polson, and Lakeside/Somers chambers of commerce, Kalispell and Whitefish Rotary clubs, the United Way, Montana West Economic Development, A.L.E.R.T., Montana Ambassadors, and more.

Two other outstanding individuals the chamber recognizes each year are Businessman of the Year and Businesswoman of the Year. These two awards recognize owners or managers of Kalispell Chamber member businesses who are outstanding business leaders and whose companies have made positive contributions to our local economy.

Additionally, businessman and businesswoman nominees should utilize good management practices with their customers, employees, and vendors, and be well respected by their peers.

The Businessman of the Year award last year was presented to Travis Sallee of Loren’s Auto Repair in Kalispell. Since taking on leadership roles in the company, Sallee double the production and revenue of the company, has been working with Flathead Valley Community College to develop and Automotive Apprenticeship program, and started the Wheels to Thrive program, which provides a deserving member of the community with a new vehicle.

Also in 2017, Pam Carbonari, Director of the Kalispell Downtown Association, was named the Kalispell Chamber’s Businesswoman of the Year. Carbonari was described as "all things Kalispell," by her nominators, and has been instrumental in attracting new, exciting businesses to downtown Kalispell and bringing the community together through programs such as ThursdayFest!, Taste of Kalispell, Artwalk, and more.

All members from the community are welcome to nominate individuals that represent the characteristics of the Great Chief, Businessman, or Businesswoman awards that will lay the foundation for success in the valley for years to come.

Nomination forms can be found at https://kalispellchamber.com/programs/annual-banquet/.

About the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce

The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce is the longest-standing and leading advocate for the Flathead Valley community and business climate. Since 1904, the Chamber has provided quality programs and services that drive the economic prosperity and sustainability of this lively community. Creating a climate of growth and success has involved efforts to improve opportunity, infrastructure, development, tourism, and education. https://kalispellchamber.com