Flathead Business newsmakers
CAROL LYNN Lapotka of handMADE Montana in Polson was named Montana's 2021 Retailer of the Year. (Lake County Leader photo)
• HANDMADE MONTANA, of Polson, won the Retailer of the Year Award at the 2021 Made in Montana Tradeshow in Helena.
Each year, Montana retailers are nominated by their communities and across the state to receive this prestigious award.
Located on Main Street in Polson, handMADE Montana store sells over 80 local and regional modern handcrafted goods, includes 65 artists and has a fully visible and functioning production studio in the back for REcreate Designs. In addition, handMADE is an event and community resource organization for artisans, providing vending opportunities for artists and offering workshops in small business development.
“HandMADE Montana provides support and resources for artists and other makers of handcrafted goods in a “sweat-shop free economy,” store owner Carol Lynn Lapotka said in a Lake County Leader article.
The business curates and organizes MadeFairs, some of the largest arts and crafts fairs in the state, featuring more than 200 local and regional artists and crafters at regional shows.
“We support artisans beyond our storefront,” Lapotka said.
• KALISPELL COPY CENTER celebrates its 20th anniversary from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 22, at the store, 2303 U.S. 2 E. There will be cake and door prizes; the public is invited.
How to submit newsmakers
The Daily Inter Lake will publish, at no charge, brief announcements of business openings, promotions, relocations, ownership changes, certifications and awards.
Photos may be submitted. Email submissions are preferred, with photos in a jpeg format.
Email items and photos to business reporter Bret Anne Serbin at bserbin@dailyinterlake.com or call 758-4459 for further information.