Congratulations to '20 Under 40'

Earlier this week, 20 of the Flathead Valley’s accomplished young professionals were honored as the inaugural class of “20 Under 40.”

More than 130 nominations representing 99 different young professionals were received over the course of the project, a collaboration between the Daily Inter Lake, Kalispell Chamber of Commerce and Flathead Area Young Professionals. Judges included eight area professionals from various fields.

Nearly 300 people turned out at the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce lunch to congratulate and celebrate the class. Thanks to the Whitefish Credit Union, the luncheon sponsor, most of the nominees were able to attend and be recognized. The class of winners hail from a diverse range of professional fields, including medical, law enforcement, financial and nonprofit, among others.

The scope of community involvement and enthusiasm for the project — as well as the quality of the chosen class — speaks volumes about the caliber of young professionals currently living and working in the Flathead Valley. This generation of workers are quick to adapt to changes in markets and technology, willing and eager to develop new skills, and boast a strong grasp of the importance of values and ethics in the professional arena.

The Flathead Valley, as everywhere, is changing. We can all go more confidently together toward those inevitable changes knowing the future is in the capable hands of these outstanding young professionals. And the good news is that there is even more “undiscovered” talent out there, waiting to make its mark. We’ll be back next year with another class of “20 Under 40,” and we expect to once again be impressed.