Newsmakers

Rodney Olson was named the 2018 Manager of the Year by the Montana Rural Water Association at its annual conference in February. Olson manages the Lakeside County Water and Sewer District. Olson was recognized as “a manager by name, but a leader by example... This manager’s well-organized style is always open to ideas from staff and board members.” The association noted that Olson has continued to be involved with the steady growth of the community and as manager, has continued a progressive outlook for the future of the utility.

“Ensuring a connection with the community’s extensive customers, he provides an outreach of water system information through various communication methods including the utility’s website and on-site presentations for customers and youth groups,” the association said.

Park Side Credit Union in Whitefish recently was honored with a Diamond Award, which recognizes outstanding marketing and business development achievements in the credit union industry. The award was presented by the Credit Union National Association Marketing and Business Development Council, a national network comprised of more than 1,300 credit union marketing and business development professionals. Awards are given in each of 35 categories ranging from advertising to community events and beyond.

Park Side Credit Union won in the Radio Series category for its entry, entitled “Local Lending.” The ads feature an actual employee speaking to the audience in a conversational tone utilizing humor and cleverness to make the case for borrowing from a local financial institution.