Nominations sought for Great Chief, other Chamber awards
During its annual awards banquet on Nov. 14, the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce plans to give its highest honor to a community member who has demonstrated the best in civic and volunteer spirit over a lifetime, providing a lasting legacy for the community.
The search for the 42nd Great Chief as well as the Businessman and Businesswoman of the Year is now underway.
Dan Johns, chairman of the Great Chief committee, and Jim Ness and Melanie Cross, chairs of the Businessman/Businesswoman committees, are looking for people who have made the Flathead Valley a better place in which to live.
The Businessman and Businesswoman of the Year awards are given to a man and woman who, as owners and managers of member businesses, make a positive contribution to the local economy, utilize good management practices with their customers, employees and vendors, and are respected among their peers.
The Great Chief for 2012 was Robin Street, a farmer whose parents homesteaded land near Rose Crossing in 1883.
He farmed there his entire life, served on the board of the Flathead Conservation District for 26 years, spent 20 years with the West Valley Fire District and was instrumental in the formation of CHS Kalispell. He excavated a five-acre area and sold the gravel to fund the creation of the Pine Grove Fishing Pond and also donated 13 acres of land surrounding the pond which has quickly become a popular fishing site.
The 2012 Businessman of the Year was Jim Ness of Glacier Bank.
The Businesswoman of the Year was Melanie Cross, founder of Camas Creek Yarn and Camas Creek Flats.
The community is invited to nominate people who are serving their community in similar ways.
The deadline for nominations is Friday, Oct. 4, with the announcement of the awards during the Chamber’s annual banquet and auction on Nov. 14. Nomination forms are available from the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce in Depot Park or online at the Chamber website, www.kalispellchamber.com.
Click on Programs/Events and then the Awards Banquet page.
Forms may be mailed or dropped off at the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, 15 Depot Park, Kalispell, MT 59901. Fax nominations to 758-2805 or send via e-mail to info@kalispellchamber.com.