Tom Esch awarded Kalispell Chamber's highest honor

Longtime Kalispell attorney Tom Esch is the recipient of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce’s first Flathead Community Legacy Award, formerly known as the Great Chief Award.

A number of annual awards were handed out at the Chamber’s annual Grand Event banquet and auction Wednesday night.

The legacy award, in its 50th year, is the Chamber’s oldest and most prestigious award. It’s given to a community leader whose civic and volunteer spirit spans a lifetime and creates a legacy for the community.

For four decades, Esch has been making a difference professionally and personally in Kalispell and the Flathead. As an attorney by training, Esch has worked with the city of Kalispell and local businesses to secure necessary relocations for the Kalispell Core Area Development and the Parkline Trail.

“Tom has a unique approach to ‘doing justice,’” a press release from the Chamber noted. “He sets aside the pursuit of happiness, he steadfastly and compassionately serves the interests, needs and causes of the most vulnerable members of our community.”

Esch's volunteer efforts include serving as a co-founder and longtime member of Daybreak Rotary, an active member of First Presbyterian Church, and a former board member of Samaritan House, Serious JuJu, and Foy's to Blacktail Trails.

“He has greatly improved our community and serves as a model of selfless service to others,” the release stated. “His material legacy is profound. Foy's to Blacktail Trails and Herron Park are a permanent part of the fabric of Kalispell and the daily lives of thousands of Kalispell residents. Tom has changed many lives for the better at Serious Juju by serving as a reliable role model and mentor to young people who lack stability in their lives. He has made a lasting, lifelong impact on many of them; in turn, these young people are making a positive difference in the lives of other Kalispell residents.”

Lorraine Clarno, president and CEO of the Kalispell Chamber, commented that “because Tom is the one that is usually making sure others receive recognition and credit, it is our honor and privilege to recognize him with the first Flathead Community Legacy Award.

“His impact on our community cannot be understated. He is such a humble and dedicated man. His impact on his profession as an attorney and his volunteerism has made our home a far better place for now and into the future.”

Businessperson of the Year – Jerry Meerkatz, posthumous

Meerkatz rose through the ranks of some of America’s leading technology companies before retiring and coming back to the community in which he was born and raised. Hewlett Packard, and Compaq Computer, Infowave Software Inc. were just a couple of his professional employers. Upon return to the Flathead in 2002 Meerkatz kept busy, continually finding ways to serve the community he loved. He served on the boards of Hope Pregnancy Ministries, the former Flathead Community Foundation and more.

Meerkatz came aboard as president/CEO of Montana West Economic Development and the Flathead County Economic Development Authority in 2016 and deployed his business acumen and quiver of skills to move consequential public-private partnerships and community benefit projects forward. The Glacier Rail Park and Parkline Trail are prime examples of this.

“These economic development accomplishments are nationally recognized and will have catalytic ripples through our community for generations,” the release stated. “His leadership and integrity made Jerry stand out amongst colleagues and partners.

“His engagement and participation in the efforts to save the Gateway Community center cannot be overstated. His involvement in this effort secured the future of the Flathead’s human services campus, providing a central location to where our community can assist our most vulnerable citizens.”

Meerkatz, 63, retired this summer, but was killed in a motorcycle accident in Wyoming in August.

“The loss of Jerry was absolutely profound for so many and for all of us who called him a colleague, mentor and friend,” Clarno said. “He was an incredibly warm and forward-thinking man. He loved his community, friends, and family. I know he had no intention of slowing down and planned to continue to be involved and engaged in making our town an even better place in retirement.

“Beyond his professional accolades and community service, Jerry was a man of honesty, integrity and guided by his deep faith,” Clarno said.

“He will be deeply missed but remembered forever,” said one of his nominators. More than 55 “Friends of Jerry Meerkatz” nominated and sent in letters.

Business of the Year – Large

Since 1946, Western Building Center has been serving the Flathead, Kalispell and beyond. The company has grown to 12 retail locations, one corporate distribution yard and a components manufacturing division. With just under 400 employees, WBC has grown to one of the largest employers in the state of Montana and will be celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2022.

The company encourages and strengthens their employees with training, continuing education, job growth and living wages.

“It is a corporation but owned by the same people that help their customers on a daily basis,” the release stated. “WBC has longstanding relationships with contractors, customers, and developers in the valley and works hand in hand to improve our community.”

The company is active in each of the communities in which it serves through involvement and support of local Chambers of Commerce, veteran affairs groups, Veteran Suicide Collation, Veterans Food Bank, school booster clubs, 4-H, FFA, Habitat for Humanity, Glacier Symphony & Chorale, Columbia Falls High School student build project and more.

One of the nominators noted “I have known several of the owners for years and they are the most humble, polite, and caring people you will know. They would give the shirts off their backs to help this community. No one really knows all the good they have done because they do it quietly. It is time to thank them for all they have done for this valley and for all they will continue to do.”

Clarno added that WBC is a model business in the community and has “shown remarkable resiliency as they have adapted to the challenges presented to our business community in the past two years.”

Business of the Year – Small/Medium

When Angela Zuba launched Waters Edge Winery & Bistro she could never have imagined how her timing would impact her family and the business. She had a dream to bring and make wines from all over the world to share with the people of Northwest Montana right here in Kalispell. Signing a lease and starting Waters Edge right as the world turned upside down in March 2020, Zuba has navigated immense challenges and has landed successfully on her feet.

“Angela and her team provide exemplary customer service, outstanding wines and delicious bistro food with an exceptional focus on making everyone feel like family,” the release stated. “The events she puts on for the community are outstanding.”

Zuba is active in the Chamber, Rotary and multiple women’s business groups.

Clarno noted Zuba’s endeavor “hasn’t been easy for many reasons.”

“I have watched Angela spin so many plates at the same time in the air – juggle distance from her family, deal with workforce issues, navigate potentially dangerous legislation to wineries in Montana and more. She has true grit and always has a smile on her face. We are really fortunate to have her in Kalispell,” Clarno said.

“Angela always gives before she receives,” said one of her nominators.

Nonprofit of the Year

The Samaritan House received the Chamber’s first Nonprofit of the Year Award.

The shelter has been an exemplary organization in the Flathead community for over 25 years. It provides clients with accessibility to case management, nutritious meals, clothing/hygiene materials and a very carrying staff. Its clients receive safe shelter in the nightly stay program, and additionally, 32 clients are served by Samaritan House’s transitional and permanent apartments. The shelter serves individuals, families, and veterans. The Samaritan House has proved to be vital to the heart of our community and most vulnerable populations.

A nominator shared, “Chris Krager and his staff have provided exemplary service to Kalispell with wrap-around services for decades.”

Clarno said Samaritan House’s “impact on our community is tremendous and their planned growth and expansion will serve our most vulnerable citizens making Kalispell a better and more whole community for years to come.”

Rising Star of the Year

“Lizzy Sheeran has a bright future and is always thinking one step ahead to anticipate our organizational needs,” said Jason Cronk, president/CEO of Immanuel Lutheran Communities, where she has worked for over two years. According to the nominators, Sheeran “has elevated the entire organization by her daily presence, work ethic and positive influence across the campus. She is continuously looking to learn and grow personally and professionally. She serves on the board for Big Brothers and Big Sisters and has been instrumental in helping them with fundraising. She is incredibly talented! She plays seven different instruments and shares that gift with the residents regularly. She speaks three languages, is a licensed pilot and is a certified skydiver.”

Another nominator shared that “Lizzy uses her superhero cape to help others. She is constantly learning and growing to benefit the greater good and uses her extensive skill set to make a positive difference in the world.”

Clarno commented, “What a dynamic and amazing young professional Rising Star Lizzy Sheeran is. I cannot wait to see what she contributes and accomplishes for herself, in her career and for our community.”

Community Spirit of the Year

Noreen Cady is an endless source of optimism and energy in the realm of community service. In her professional role with Parkside Credit Union, she diligently works toward solutions that give businesses the opportunity to engage in the betterment of our community through support of nonprofits and community initiatives, according to the press release.

“She simply cannot be ignored and is a gift to our community,” shared one of her five nominators. “She is known for being the first to always say ‘I can do that.’ She serves on several boards, including Women Who Wine, and is involved with the Northwest Montana Association of Realtors Charitable Foundation, Samaritan House, NW Montana Veterans Food Pantry, Farm Hands, Flathead Food Bank, United Way and more.

“She is a wonderful community member who is a connector for so many organizations and volunteers that help make Kalispell an amazing place to live!” shared another nominator.

Clarno added that Cady “clearly has, and will continue to make, immense positive impacts to our community.”

THE KALISPELL Chamber of Commerce’s Grand Event is regarded as the largest business event of the year in Northwest Montana. This year’s event was held live, with limited ticket sales due to the pandemic.

The event also served as an unveiling of the aspirational community brand, Discover Kalispell – Venture Boldly. “This brand is about living with intention and aspiring to grow vibrantly as individuals, colleagues and as a community,” the press release stated. “As the Chamber looks ahead to the future, Venture Boldly will be at the heart, mission, and strategy of what we do. Whether it’s attracting new talent to our mountain town, developing a strong cultural hub in downtown, putting the well-being of our community at the center of what we do, or managing and marketing the destination — honoring our past as the foundation, Venture Boldly is the mantra and will be our guiding light.”