Flathead Valley business owners, community leaders and government officials will gather at Flathead Valley Community College’s new Wahholz College Center on November 9 for the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce’s 118th Annual “Grand Event.” did. The event presented awards to local businesses and community members and included the launch of his VentureBOLDLY Podcast for the Kalispell Chamber and the Flathead Valley Economic Dashboard.
The Chamber of Commerce has awarded the 51st Annual Flathead Legacy Award, the Chamber’s oldest and most prestigious award, to President Jane Karas of Flathead Valley Community College. As FVCC leader, Karas oversaw the expansion of campus buildings, residence halls, the Wachholz Center and the Performing Arts Building. In addition to steering the university, Karas chairs the hospital board and participates in numerous community activities. In a press release, the Chamber of Commerce said:
Business Person of the Year Award went to Doug Shanks of the Western Building Center. In his 47 years with the WBC, Shanks has expanded the company from his 1 location to his 12 locations and now he has over 400 employees. In addition to expanding the business, Shanks has created high-paying jobs at Flathead in his Valley, worked with high school students in training and mentoring programs, and created scholarships for employees’ children. Shanks has also served on various committees throughout the Valley, including Habitat for Humanity, North Valley Hospital, Student Bild, Sapa He John Slad Baseball Field, and FVCC.
Kalispell Public Schools Superintendent Micah Hill was named the new Educator of the Year award. The award aims to “honor educational programs or professionals who are innovative, forward-thinking, creative and impactful,” the chamber said. The Chamber of Commerce credits Hill with the courage to keep Kalispell schools open during the COVID-19 pandemic, provide students with technology for virtual instruction, and protect his 750 jobs within the district. explained as a leader. Hill was “admired by his peers and community and always puts our families and children first,” the Chamber said.
The Chamber of Commerce’s two Business of the Year awards went to large company Mann Mortgage and small business Bias Brewing. Founded in Kalispell in 1989, Mann Mortgage provides mortgages to his family in 21 states in 44 offices. With his 140 employees in Flathead Valley, family-owned Man Mortgage has earned accolades for both the services it provides to families and the work environment they have cultivated. The company supports civic life in and around Kalispell, donating time and money to organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, ImagineIF Libraries, Montana Children at Logan Health, Kalispell Parks and Recreation, and Columbia Falls Community Market.
Opened in 2018 by Gabe Mariman and Adam and Amanda Robertson, Bias Brewing has become a popular gathering space and craft brewery in downtown Kalispell. The Chamber of Commerce commended Bias Brewing for its successful conversion and relocation to the former Kalispell Brewing Company space, its roles on the boards of the Kalispell Downtown Association and Kalispell Business Improvement District, and Kalispell Chamber’s Child Care Initiative. Commended his Gabe for leadership.
Non Profit of the Year was awarded to Immanuel Lutheran Communities, a senior living facility that provides “purposeful living” to seniors in the Flathead Valley. In addition to providing senior care, Immanuel Lutheran’s Jason Kronk and his team work with various community organizations such as Leadership Flathead, Montana Healthcare and Hospital Association, Glacier Symphony and Choral. The organization recently opened a childcare center for its employees, addressing a childcare shortage that has affected the Valley in recent years.
Rising Star of the Year for passionate community leaders under the age of 30 was awarded to Adam Cebulla of J2 Business Products. The Chamber of Commerce praised Cebulla for his “team spirit,” “sales skills,” and “innovative ideas.” Cebulla has supported local events, served on the board of the Kalispell Education Foundation, and served as an ambassador for the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce.
The Community Spirit of the Year Award, given to community members who volunteer and serve as local role models, was presented to Tony Brockman of Vault Media. Regarding Brockman, the Chamber of Commerce said: Brockman has volunteered on the Flathead County Economic Development Board, Gateway Community Center, Evergreen Rural Fire District, and other organizations. Brockman said he will move to Helena in 2023 to serve as a state legislator.
The Chamber of Commerce also introduced a new VentureBOLDLY podcast. It features information about Kalispell and Flathead Valley initiatives, programs, people, news and businesses. Podcasts are available on Google, Apple, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music and other streaming services. For more information on VentureBOLDLY, visit kalispellchamber.com/podcast.
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