the progress - october 2014
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October 2014 Volume 34 , Issue 10
Wednesday, October 8th - 5:30
p.m.
Business Card Social at US Bank
Thursday, October 23rd - 11:30 a.m.
Executive Board @ Chamber
Tuesday, October 21st- 8:30 a.m.
CVB Meeting @ Chamber
Wednesday, October 22nd - 12
noon
Chamber Ambassadors Meeting
Wednesday, October 22nd– 2 p.m.
Ribbon Cutting @ Opportunity
Bank - 3401 Harrison Avenue
Wednesday, October 29th - 5:30
p.m.
Chamber Annual Dinner &
Meeting
www.buttechamber.org
The 103rd Butte-Silver Bow Annual Dinner/Meeting will be held at the Butte Civic Center on Wednesday, October 29 starting with a no-host cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m. and dinner beginning at 6:30 p.m. The dinner was originally set for October 23rd, however, due to many scheduling conflicts; it was decided to move the dinner to October 29th. Outgoing board member and past president Todd Tregidga will serve as MC for this year’s dinner/meeting.
Casagranda’s will be the caterer for this year’s event providing a menu of Prime Rib, Chicken Marsala, salad, potatoes and an assortment of desserts. Metal’s Sports Bar & Grill will be providing beverage service during the course of the evening. The entertainment will be provided by Dynamic Dance and Tumbling Academy. The Butte Cobras Hockey team will be introduced at the dinner.
Cost of the dinner for individuals will be $50 per person or a table of ten (10) is $450.
It is important to make your reservations as quickly as possible due to the fact that the dinner is the Chamber’s most popular event and tickets go very quickly. For reservations, call the Chamber at 723-3177.
Outgoing board members who have completed their 2nd three year term and who will be recognized at the dinner are: Jim McKenzie, Todd Tregidga and Jim Woy. A vote at the annual meeting will be held to affirm the following directors and executive board members: Don Blackketter, Pat Fleming and Gary Shea will be completing their 1st three year term and are eligible for a 2nd three year term. New directors who will start their 1st three year term on November 1st will be Marsha Foster, Janel Morgan and Craig Tippet. The Executive Board for 2015 will be: Paula Ruark, Past President; Pete Akey, President; Colin Higgins, President-Elect; Craig Tippett, Treasure; Vice-Presidents: CVB President, Desiree Shogren; Ed Stepan; Paul Tash and Chris Ackerman.
Marketing/Membership Director Stephanie Sorini and the Chamber Ambassadors have been planning this event for months.
Make your reservations early as the 103rd annual dinner is shaping up to be a phenomenal event. We are looking forward to seeing all of you at the Butte Civic Center on WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29TH.
The Progress | Page 2
Butte-Silver Bow Chamber of Commerce
Visitors’ Center 1000 George St.
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 723-3177
Marko Lucich Executive Director
Maria Pochervina CVB Director/TBID Executive Secretary
Stephanie Sorini Marketing, Membership & Bookkeeping
Director
Cheryl Ackerman Receptionist/Staff Associate
Shane McCarthy, Safeway
Desiree Shogren, Comfort Inn of Butte
Ed Stepan, RED Silicon
Paul Tash, Tash Communications
Alana Ferko, Butte Plaza Mall
Linda Granger, School Trustee/Highlands College
Paul Babb, Northwestern Energy
Tami O’Connell, Stix & Stonz
Karen Corbin, KXLF TV
Maura Uggetti, Copper Ridge Healthcare
Becky Sprunger, United Blood Services
Colin Higgins, MacKenzie River Pizza
Bob Bentley, Jr., Bentley Construction
Matt Vincent, BSB Chief Executive
Donald Blackketter, Chancellor Montana Tech
Paula Ruark, Town Pump Hotel Group
Don Peoples, Individual Member
Cindi Shaw, Council of Commissioners
Pat Fleming, Fleming & O’Leary Attorneys
Jim Woy, Anderson ZurMuehlen & Co., P.C.
Lynn Lloyd, Montana Standard
Mark Hughes, Super 8
Kevin Dennehy, St. James Healthcare
Chris Ackerman, Cherry Creek Radio
Herb Kelsey, Farm Bureau Financial
Judy Jonart, School District #1
Andy Zdinak, BLDC
Jeff Gorman, McDonald’s
Kristen Rosa, Butte-Silver Bow
Machelle LeProwse, Northwestern Mutual
Todd Tregidga, Montana Tech
Pete Akey, Glacier Bank
Jim McKenzie, Newland & Co.
Paula Ruark, President
Town Pump Hotel Group
Pete Akey, President-Elect
Glacier Bank
Jim McKenzie, Treasurer
Newland & Co.
Ed Stepan, Vice President
REC Silicon
Mark Hughes, Vice-President
Super 8/CVB President
Desiree Shogren, Vice-President
Comfort Inn of Butte
Paul Tash, Vice-President
Tash Communications
Todd Tregidga, Vice-President
Montana Tech
The Progress | Page 3
In this issue of the Progress, at this time in the year, I usually report about all of the events that have either already happened or will be happening in the near future. I also like to write about people or organizations that work together for the betterment of the community. Most recently, at this time last year, I wrote about the impact the outgoing board members had on the chamber and community. My message in this edition of the Progress is going to recognize a person who truly loves Butte, but due to circumstances beyond her control, is living in another state. The person that I am referring to is Norlene Holt.
As all of you are aware, for many years Norlene owned the Butte Weekly. Norlene still has a sincere passion for Butte and was always supportive of the Butte business community. Whenever she came into the Chamber, she would inform me of the businesses she had visited that were struggling and would encourage me to do whatever I could to help them. Norlene is passionate and never fearful of telling you what was on her mind.
Did Norlene and I agree on everything? Definitely not; however, we were able to communicate with each other about our differences and, in the end, remain friends and respect one another for who we are and what we believed. Norlene’s absence from our community has left a huge void and I truly miss her visits to the Butte Chamber.
Norlene, when you read this, I hope you know that you are missed and we are all sending wishes your way for a speedy and complete recovery. I hope that one day we can have one of our spirited conversations again. You energized me in many ways and I want to thank you for being my friend.
Sincerely,
Executive Director
The Progress | Page 4
1. How did you get involved with the Chamber and what keeps you involved?
In the spring of 2008, Marko and I were both serving on the United Way Board of Directors when I was just completing my fifth and final year.
He had asked why I was leaving the board and I explained that after 5 years, 2 as President, I was ready for a change. He was then quick to point out that the Chamber Board would be a change. He nominated me shortly after that conversation and I was happy to accept the change.
2. What is your favorite event or program of the Chamber?
The Chamber offers so many great services and benefits to the community that it is hard to choose, but my favorite Chamber service is that of Visitor Center. The Chamber in many cases gets to be the welcoming committee to those visiting our great community. What a tremendous opportunity and responsibility as you know what they say about first impressions. I am absolutely positive that the Chamber/CVB staff does an awesome job in making that very important first impression of Butte a great one!!
3. What are some of your other community leadership roles?
In addition to the leadership role with the United Way already mentioned above, I served for 5 years as a Cub Scout leader, am currently the chairman of Butte Silver Bow’s TIFID board of directors, and I am currently a board member of the BLDC. Additionally, I am a graduate of both Leadership Butte and Leadership Montana.
4. What is your most memorable experience during your time working with the Chamber?
I have had many great experiences while serving the Chamber, but what really stands out most for me is the experience of developing many new great relationships. These relationships include those with staff and board members, but also with Chamber members that were developed at the many different Chamber functions.
5. Finish these sentences:
Never again will I....
...miss a board meeting as your fellow board members will throw you under the bus by causing you to dress up like Sonny Bono and embarrass yourself at an annual meeting Joking aside, I will never doubt the dedication and drive of those who serve the Chamber to make our community a better place to live and do business.
What makes Butte great is ...
...simply its people and the level of passion those people have for their neighbors and the community in general.
The best piece of business advice I've ever gotten is …
...that the best solution to a problem comes from the collective effort of a group of people with diverse thoughts, backgrounds, and experiences. Never be afraid to surround yourself with people that think differently, but you must keep an open mind to take full advantage.
The Progress | Page 5
On September 16th, Mike Garcia from Voices for Montana Tourism, along with a panel consisting of:
Holly Ferguson-St James Healthcare, Courtney McKee-Headframe Spirits, Colin Higgins-MacKenzie River Pizza Company, Bill McGladdery-Town Pump Hotel Group and Stuart Doggett-Montana Lodging & Hospitality Association, presented information on how tourism relates to their various businesses.
Along with the panel, part of the presentation to 75 interested individuals pertained to non-visitor expenditures throughout the state, and Butte-Silver Bow. This data is collected by the Institute for Tourism Research & Recreation (ITRR) at the UM Campus in Missoula. The ITRR is funded through bed tax collections with their primary focus on collecting data pertaining to our non-resident traveler.
To the right is the information pertaining to Butte-Silver Bow for 2012-2013.
Happy October,
CVB/TBID
The Progress | Page 6
Dentistry 2000 Ottawa Street
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 782-0846
Casino 2702 Walnut Street
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 723-3142 [email protected]
Nominations for the “Harold McGrath Award” and the “Mike Venner Spirit of Butte Award” are now being accepted.
Nominations may only come from Chamber Members, and are due in writing at the Butte Chamber of Commerce, 1000 George Street, by Friday, October 17, 2014.
The awards will be presented at the Butte Chamber of Commerce 103rd Annual Dinner to be held on Wednesday evening, October 29 at the Butte Civic Center.
If you know of a business or individual(s) that fit the above criteria and are deserving of one of the above awards, please nominate them in writing by Friday, October 17, 2014.
Send your written nominations to:
Butte Chamber of Commerce Awards Committee
1000 George St. Butte, MT 59701
The “Mike Venner Spirit of Butte Award”
will be presented to an individual who
exemplifies the resiliency, love of life,
family and community that Mike had.
Recipients of the award should have the
ability to unite people regardless of
circumstances.
The “Harold McGrath Award, established
by the Butte-Silver Bow Chamber of
Commerce in 1986, is presented to an
individual business, non-profit
organization, civic or government entity
that has enhanced or contributed
significantly to the “quality of life” of the
Butte-Silver Bow community. Recipients
must have an obvious and recognizable
impact on the community.
The Progress | Page 7
Like Jerry Garcia said in a song: “What a long, strange trip it’s been…”
Spin the clock/calendar back to July 2005, and picture a 4400-mile motorcycle trip around the American West. It was a bucket-list item, and included a trip north on the Pacific Coast Highway for its entire length. I was working for Best Western International at the time, and had a “use it or lose it” vacation scenario at the end of a year-long project.
In Seattle visiting friends, I made the “mistake” of answering my cell phone – it was my boss back in Phoenix, asking me to “stop in and check…” on the Butte property “since I was already up here…” I agreed, and set off the next morning on a somewhat deviated route.
I passed through Idaho and came past Missoula, marveling at the beauty I was seeing. Not knowing what to expect, I was struck with my first sight of the Lady of the Rockies perched on the East Ridge. Silently musing about how “tough” it would be to have to work here in the mountains, I rolled into Butte’s BWI Plaza Inn.
During the previous year, the local “contractor” for the project had tried to hire me away from Best Western twice…
After taking the chance (with a slight nudge from Amber Wood-Jensen, manager of the Plaza Inn at the time), I ended up with a job offer from Computer Geex. I accepted and moved us from Phoenix to Butte, America.
After working for the Geex for about 9 months, I was encouraged by my wife and parents to strike out on my own. Starting the company in the basement of our house with another former employee of Computer Geex, we lasted less than 3 months before realizing we were tripping over the machines and needed to grow.
There was an old “7-Eleven” type building a few blocks from the house that was for rent on Continental Drive. It was an ideal spot with exposure, and room for a classroom and “Internet Café.” Our ranks swelled to 8 employees at the height, and we were BUSY! We rode the wave for awhile…
Then came the crash of the economy… We survived like everyone else in Butte, but we also had a substantial “downsizing.”
After realizing we needed less space than what we were leasing at the time, we found 1006 S. Montana St. Again, we had check-in at the front, a classroom next, followed by the repair bench. We were in that location for a year prior to purchasing the old freight depot office (and former mountaineering/climbing wall building) two blocks further up the hill.
Rite-Fix offers all levels of traditional network and wireless computer services, ranging from software literacy training for the novice home user (though the public library has taken a bite out of that portion) to enterprise-level network support and consulting. One thing that kept the company going (other than the repair bench) was a bevy of service contracts for some of our businesses here in Butte. The first was Gilman Construction Company, and we have acquired others ranging from Butte Central Schools to the North American Indian Alliance, Summit Valley Title Company, Career Futures, UDAP Industries and more.
Other businesses that have used our services include Triple S Building Supply where we installed an entire new network incorporating new computers and Point-of-Sale terminals, to others needing everything from network surveys, to Internet service provider changeovers. Several businesses also have us hosting/maintaining their websites.
We currently have a staff of three full-time employees, and one part-time employee. Matt Garcia is our “Bench Wizard.” His feats of bringing “dead” machines back to life are phenomenal. In addition, he has an excellent customer service background.
James Burk is our “Network Master.” After enrolling early in college, he completed a full 4-year degree at age 20. This is the least of his accomplishments. He constantly surprises me with his knowledge and level of maturity he exhibits on our projects.
We believe that a business should take pride in its work, whether it is offering a service or a product. Honesty and integrity are also a must. We won’t try to sell our clients what they don’t really need. Offering a quality, dependable service is our priority, and is reflected in the company’s slogan, “Fix it right the first time.”
What does the future hold for Rite-Fix? If the requests for service continue as they have, we’ll be busy for the foreseeable future.
829 S. Montana Butte, MT 59701
(406) 782-2279
www.rite-fix.com
Contributed by:
James (Jim) Guidry – Owner/President
The Progress | Page 8
The Copper City Queens Roller Derby Team had their merchandise on display and for sale.
Big Turnout A large crowd gathered for the Business Card Social
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On September 16, 2014, over 200 people attended the Butte Chamber of Commerce Business Card Social held at the Butte Civic Center. The event was hosted by the Comfort Inn of Butte, the Butte Depot, Mile High Chrysler, Jeep, & Dodge, the Northern Rodeo Association, Harrington Pepsi, and the Butte Civic Center. The Copper City Queens put on an exhibition of their roller derby skills and had an opportunity to meet the Butte business community. The Butte Cobra’s Hockey team and the Montana Tech Men’s’ Basketball team also attended the event and were also introduced to the attendees at the event.
Numerous prizes donated by Mile High Motors, Comfort Inn of Butte, and the Butte Civic Center were given away. The first 50 people to arrive with a guest were given a free NRA Rodeo Ticket valid for the Northern Rodeo Finals at the Butte Civic Center October 9-11th. Hors d’oeuvres were provided by the Butte Civic Center Concessions and refreshments were provided by the Butte Depot and Harrington Pepsi.
This well-attended event was enjoyed by all and our heartfelt thanks go out to the Butte Civic Center and all of the above mentioned co-hosts for a job well done.
The Progress | Page 9
1340 Harrison Avenue Butte, MT 59701 (406) 497-6400
Winner! The Butte Cobras’ own Noakes Gordon poses with his prize—an oil change from Mile High Motors.
Listening Intently The room is introduced to the Montana Tech Basketball Team
The Copper City Queens Roller Derby Team preparing for their
exhibition and scrimmage.
Cowboy Bill has a prize for someone
The Progress | Page 10
The UV Color Dash 5k fun/run walk took place on Saturday, September 6th, 2014 at the
Chamber of Commerce and along the walking trail.
Visitors from all over came to Butte for this event and many community members, the
Butte Cobras Hockey Team, and Chamber Ambassadors volunteered to help with tasks
such as wielding the colors along the race course. Special Thanks to: Patsy Marshall,
Madlyn Bracco-Taylor, Linda Granger, Suzie Bleken, Amber Wood-Jensen, Michelle
Anderson, and the Copper City Queens Roller Derby Girls. MacKenzie River Pizza Co.
donated pizzas again for the volunteers to enjoy for all their hard work.
Just as with the other color dash, half of the proceeds are returned back to us to donate
to a charitable organization. We have chosen Envision Butte, which will use the funds to
enhance the Berkeley Pit Viewing Stand. Plans call for giving it a much-needed facelift and
making it a more educational experience.
The Progress | Page 11
The Butte Chamber of Commerce held a luncheon for lending institutions, Headwaters RC&D and entities involved with economic development in Butte-Silver Bow on Tuesday, September 23 in the Chamber of Commerce Conference Room. Approximately 15 people were in attendance for this very informative meeting.
SCORE, Counselors to Small Business,’ is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
If you own or operate either a profit company or a nonprofit organization-or if you are considering going into business for yourself, then the experienced advisors at SCORE can help. SCORE offers free and confidential advice to small business, face-to-face counseling, online counseling, online workshops and more. SCORE can give you a personal business coach to help you with every step of your business. Whether you
are a long-time owner of a business in your community or managing a new business, SCORE can be a resource for you.
For further information call 723-3177 or log on to: www.score.org or www.montanascore.org.
The SCORE District Office is located in Helena at 10 W. 15th Street, Suite 1100, Federal Office Building, Helena, MT 59626.
For Immediate Release Contact: Pamela Hanson, Special
Olympics Montana Area Director for
Southwestern Area
[email protected] / 406-560-2363
Megan Hill, Outreach Director – Special Olympics Montana [email protected] / 406-564-3637
Special Olympics Montana Looks to Grow Programs in the Southwestern Area
Butte, MT. – Every year, the Southwestern Area of Special Olympics Montana provides sports training and
competition opportunities for over 150 individuals with intellectual disabilities in Butte, Anaconda, Dillon,
Deer Lodge and other cities in the surrounding area. The Southwestern Area is managed by a group of
dedicated volunteers who works tirelessly to create more opportunities for eligible athletes in their
hometowns. In order to grow programs and provide more opportunities, the Southwestern Area is looking
for talented and dedicated volunteers to join their team and help inspire more athletes and volunteers to
become part of the Special Olympics movement.
For those looking for inspiration, Special Olympics can utilize your time and talent to help make a positive
impact on individuals with intellectual disabilities in Butte and the Southwestern Area. Whatever your
interests and aptitudes, there is a place for you within the Special Olympics Montana family. Help us offer
greater opportunities to both our present and future athletes by getting involved with the local Southwestern
Area.
Getting started is easy. Simply inquire about any of the upcoming events in Butte to learn how you can
support and offer more opportunities to eligible athletes in the
Southwestern Area.
Upcoming Events:
October 14 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Area Management Team Meeting Silver Bow at Developmental Disabilities Council Office Conference Rm 305 W Mercury
October 23, 24, 25: Haunted House, located at Race Track Fire Hall in Butte
Area Basketball Scrimmage – TBD
About Special Olympics Montana Southwestern Area
Special Olympics Montana is an organization that enables children and adults with intellectual disabilities to train for life through sports. As an athlete-centered, family-based and volunteer driven organization, Special Olympics Montana relies almost exclusively on the support of community volunteers, businesses and service organizations for leadership, planning and preparation, in-kind and financial gifts.
Special Olympics Montana works to provide quality sports competition to individuals with intellectual disabilities through the efforts of 12 regional Area Management Teams (AMT). Each AMT is composed of several volunteers who work to ensure that quality training programs and athletic competition events are available to all eligible individuals in a specific geographic location. The Southwestern AMT is responsible for organizing, facilitating and overseeing events and programs in Silver-Bow, Beaverhead, Madison and parts of Deer Lodge and Jefferson Counties.
To learn more about Special Olympics Montana- Southwestern Area or to receive information about volunteer or
sponsorship opportunities please visit our website at: www.swar.somt.org or call Pamela Hanson at 406-560-2363.
The Progress | Page 14 Montana Tech of the University of Montana
On Saturday, September 20, the Butte Chamber of Commerce partnered with the following businesses to host a most memorable tailgate for MT Tech’s homecoming game: Anderson Zurhmulen, Butte Civic Center, Butte Granite Works,
Butte Produce, Butte GM Auto, Harrington Pepsi, KBOW/KOPR, Pioneer Technical Services and Steele's.
Over 500 people were served in the north end zone prior to the game. The attendees were served by the MT Tech Men’s Basketball Team and the MT Tech Women’s Volleyball Team. This annual tailgate is second-to-none in the state of
Montana as all in attendance filled their plates with hamburgers, brats, rice, chili, pork wings and shrimp. The positive comments were numerous and the sponsors were thanked by all who went through the line.
It is a great day in Butte when Montana Tech and the Butte business community work in unison for a better community. It is win-win for all involved. We are already looking forward to the next tailgate.
Thank you to our sponsors—without your financial and physical support, this event would not have been possible. GO TEAM!
www.GoDiggers.com
The Montana Tech Department of Business and Information Technology will continue hosting its First Friday executive lecture series, which just began this month.
The first lecture of the fall featured Susan M. Woodrow, Branch Executive and Assistant Vice President of the Helena Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.
Registration for each event will begin at 11:30 a.m. and the cost of the event is $15 (no charge for students) which includes lunch. Net proceeds from the event will go to the Montana Tech student Business Club.
The series will be held on the first Friday of every month during the academic year and is designed to attract Montana Tech alumni and community business leaders throughout the area as an educational and networking opportunity.
Please contact Tim Kober at 496-4457 with any questions and Theresa O’Leary at 496-4401 to register for an upcoming event.
If you have ideas, suggestions, or submissions for The Progress, please send them in! We accept news & information, photos, information about events & functions, and more!
We can’t promise that we can include everything that we receive, but we do promise to carefully consider all submissions.
The Progress is the voice of our members and we are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected!
The Progress is published monthly and delivered mostly electronically.
For advertising opportunities, please contact Stephanie Sorini.
Visit your Chamber online:
www.buttechamber.org
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MONTH/YEAR MONTH/YEAR %
August 2013 August 2014 CHANGE
CONSTRUCTION 1,054,278.45 1,968,089.90 86.7%
Year to Date 11,348,997.17 37,099,748.55 226.9%
WATER 13,772 13,809 0.3%
EMPLOYMENT Labor Force 18,104 17,814 -1.6%
Employment 17,252 16,994 -1.5% Unemployment 852 819 -3.9%
Unemployment Rate 4.7 4.6 -2.1%
MAIL Tourism Requests 18 16 -11.1%
General Information 6 6 0.0%