Business briefs: Kalispell business award nominations open
Nominations are open until Sept. 24 for the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce’s annual business awards. This marks the 117th consecutive year of recognizing community business leaders through these awards. Awards this year include the Flathead Community Legacy Award (formerly known as the Great Chief Award), Business of the Year Award, Business Person of the Year Award, and new categories such as the NonProfit of the Year Award, Rising Star Award, and Community Spirit Award. The nomination forms for each award can be found online at www.kalispellchamber.com.
Memorial scholarship introduced for welders
An endowment has been established by the friends of Jerry Meerkatz in his memory at Flathead Valley Community College. Meerkatz, who had recently retired from his position as president and CEO of Montana West Economic Development, died Aug. 27 in a motorcycle accident.
This endowment will provide a scholarship to an occupational trades student pursuing a career in welding each year in perpetuity. In keeping with Meerkatz’s assertion that women make superior welders, the scholarship will be awarded annually to an aspiring Rosie the Riveter.
To contribute to this endowment, checks can be made out to the FVCC Foundation with Jerry Meerkatz in the memo line. Checks can be sent to the attention of Sue Evans at 777 Grandview Drive, Kalispell, MT 59901. For questions, contact Sue at 406.756.3963 or sevans@fvcc.edu.
Author hosts nutrition event
Author Kat James is hosting an event about her nutrition journey from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 22, at The Healing Path, 146 Third Ave. W. in Kalispell. “A Taste of Total Transformation” will follow James’ journey in using the hormone leptin to boost her health.
Admission is $10 per person or $5 for those who bring a friend. To RSVP, call 877-54-TOTAL (877-548-6825).
Discover Kalispell expands grant program
Discover Kalispell is accepting applications for event and visitor development grants, with $12,000 available to assist qualified offerings and projects. Grant funds are available to local businesses, organizations and individuals who have a vision for a project to add to Kalispell’s visitor amenities including cultural, wayfinding, historical or outdoor features. To apply for funding for events, the event must produce room nights at Kalispell hotels, promote Kalispell lodging facilities and include destination information in marketing materials. For visitor development grants, qualifying projects must enhance the Kalispell visitor experience, be located in Kalispell and have 50:50 matching funds. Grant funds are available throughout the year and awarded based on available funds and qualifications.
For the full list of application requirements for both events and visitor development grants, visit DiscoverKalispell.com/grants.
Aluma Glass celebrates new location
Aluma Glass, in collaboration with the Evergreen Chamber of Commerce, will hold a ribbon-cutting event to celebrate the business’ new location. The business has relocated from downtown Kalispell to 112 Cooperative Way in Evergreen.
The ribbon-cutting will take place around 4:30 p.m., with an open house to follow on Tuesday, Sept. 21, at the new store location.