Ep. 88 – From Downtown to Discover Kalispell: Building Community & Business
What's next for downtown Kalispell? Discover Kalispell Chamber CEO Lorraine Clarno discusses downtown revitalization, favorite winter events, and the Chamber's priorities for 2027—from business advocacy and housing to workforce development and community growth.
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EP. 71 - 2025 Business Person of the Year: Mark Johnson
A bitter cold snap can turn the grid into a high-wire act, and few people understand those stakes like Mark Johnson, CEO and General Manager of Flathead Electric Cooperative (FEC) and the 2025 Kalispell Chamber Business Person of the Year. Mark's 25+ years at FEC brings decades of steady leadership to keeping power reliable and rates stable as the Flathead Valley grows. In this conversation, he explains the role of hydropower, the limits of transmission, and how long-term planning and a service-first mindset support affordable, dependable electricity.
Ep. 69 - 2025 Rising Star Award Winner - Miles Terry
Join us as we meet with Miles Terry, Vice President of Terry Homes and the Kalispell Chamber’s 2025 Rising Star. As the VP of Terry Homes, a family-owned homebuilder that's been building homes in the Flathead for over 30 years, Miles discusses how a family builder can deliver attainable, high-quality homes without cutting corners—and his answer blends grit, data, and community.
Ep. 68 - 2025 Flathead Legacy Award Winner: Bob Nystuen
In this episode, we sit down with 2025 Flathead Legacy Award recipient Bob Nystuen to trace his path from North Dakota roots to leading Glacier Bank and shaping the Flathead’s business and education landscape. Bob offers leadership lessons and steady guidance for today’s leaders facing AI, workforce shifts, and market change: be authentic, show gratitude, and lead with calm confidence.
Ep. 53 - This Levy Matters: What's at Stake for the Future of Kalispell Education
Join us as we tackle a pressing topic impacting Kalispell Public Schools—the upcoming high school levy vote. This episode features enlightening discussions with Matt Jensen, Superintendent, and Jinn Merriman, a dedicated school board trustee and parent. Together, we explore how this levy directly affects our students, families, and community as a whole.
Ep. 50 - 2024 Discover Kalispell Chamber Ambassador of the Year: Mark Freidline, Executive Officer, Flathead Building Association
What if you could transform your community through the power of leadership and collaboration? Join us on Venture Boldly as we feature the inspiring journey of Mark Friedline, the 2024 Discover Kalispell Chamber Ambassador of the Year. In our engaging conversation, Mark shares his path from being the Executive Officer of the Flathead Building Association to championing various local initiatives
Ep. 49 - 2024 Businessperson of the Year: Mike Smith & 2024 Legacy Partner Award Winner: Glacier Bank
Ever wondered how a bank can shape a community beyond financial transactions? Mike Smith, Glacier Bank's Market President, joins us as we discuss recent accolades, including being awarded the Discover Kalispell's 2024 Businessperson of the Year and Glacier Bank’s honor as the Legacy Partner of the Year.
Ep. 48 - 2024 Educator of the Year, Jen Stein, Principal of Edgerton Elementary
Jen Stein, the inspiring 2024 Discover Kalispell Chamber Educator of the Year, shares her journey from a school-loving child to a pioneering elementary school principal. Her personal experiences have deeply influenced her leadership style, making her a prominent advocate for inclusive education. Jen reveals her commitment to creating supportive environments where every student feels cherished and valued, underlining the power of community and teamwork in fostering a sense of belonging among students and educators alike.
Ep. 47- 2024 Rising Star Award Winner - Sam Torgerson, Three Dog Ranch
Sam Torgerson's inspiring journey from kennel attendant to general manager and part owner of a board and train facility is nothing short of remarkable. We sat down with Sam, the Discover Kalispell Chamber's 2024 Rising Star Award winner, to uncover how her passion for animals and relentless dedication has propelled her into a leading role in animal care.
Ep. 46 - 2024 Non-Profit of the Year Winner: Whitefish Community Foundation, President & CEO Alan Davis
Whitefish Community Foundation, recently celebrated as the 2024 Kalispell Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit of the Year, is leading the way in giving back to the Flathead Valley community. Join us as we unlock the secrets behind their success, with insights from Alan Davis, the foundation's President and CEO.
Ep. 45 - 2024 Large Business of the Year Award: AJ King, CEO & Chairman, Three Rivers Bank of Montana
Celebrating their recent accolade as the Discover Kalispell Chamber's 2024 Large Business of the Year, AJ reflects on the enduring influence of his father, Jack King, and how those foundational values of kindness and community involvement continue to steer the bank toward success. Despite the digital age, Three Rivers Bank stands firm in its commitment to personalized service and local decision-making, ensuring they remain a trusted, relationship-driven institution.
Ep. 44 - Community Spirit Award Winner, Sue Corrigan
Discover the transformative journey of Sue Corrigan, the remarkable 2024 recipient of the Discover Kalispell Chamber Community Spirit Award. As a dedicated community leader, Sue shares her inspiring path with us, including her impact as a special needs teacher and her involvement with organizations like the Glacier Conservancy and the Montana State School Board Association.
Ep. 43 - 2024 Small Business of the Year Award: Mireille Bierens, Owner, Mountain Physical Therapy & Fitness Center
Join us as we meet with Mireille Bierens, the owner of Mountain Physical Therapy and Fitness Center and the 2024 Small Business of the Year Award winner. Mireille shares her story of her move from the Netherlands to the Flathead and career journey that lead her to become the owner of her physical therapy business.
Ep. 42 - 2024 Flathead Legacy Award Winner, Dan Dickman
Discover the remarkable journey of Dan Dickman, the 2024 Flathead Legacy Award winner, whose path to nursing began with an unexpected dare and whose life took a transformative turn after a severe accident. Dan's story is a testament to the power of empathy and leadership. Join us as Dan reflects on his four-decade-long career in nursing, including 30 impactful years with the Flathead County Health Department, and his steadfast commitment to community service.
EP. 34 - Leadership & Service with Miss Montana USA 2023, Mady Rigg
Encounter the remarkable journey of Mady Rigg, a guiding light from the Flathead Valley who carries the title of Miss Montana USA 2023 with unparalleled grace. As we chat with Mady, her story unfolds like a winding mountain trail—full of unexpected turns but leading to breathtaking vistas.
Ep. 23 - Behind the Airwaves: Dive into the Radio Industry with John Hendricks of KGEZ, the 2023 Small Business of the Year
John Hendricks is the dynamic owner of KGEZ Radio and proud winner of the 2023 Kalispell Chamber Small Business of the Year Award. We delve into his extraordinary career, gain insider wisdom on navigating the radio industry, discuss grasping the wave of technological change and reenergizing a local radio station.
Ep. 22 - 2023 Flathead Legacy Award Winners: Joe & Colleen Unterreiner
Today we’re sitting down with the 2023 Flathead Legacy Award winners, Joe and Colleen Unterreiner, a couple whose inspiring journey from Washington DC to Montana's Flathead Valley has left an indelible mark on the business community in Kalispell.
Ep. 16 - Rising Star of Leadership: Adam Cebulla on Millennial Challenges, Team Dynamics, and Crafting a Five-Star Customer Experience
Meet Adam Cebulla, Discover Kalispell Chamber's Rising Star of 2022, as he takes us on a journey through his personal and professional leadership experiences from his days as an Eagle Scout to his role in leading a championship-level track team in college. Tune in and learn how his approach to leadership is deeply rooted in understanding team dynamics and leveraging individuals' motivations for collective success.
Ep. 6 - Flathead Legacy Award Winner - Dr. Jane Karas -Flathead Valley Community College
Visionary. Leader. Innovator. These are words often used when describing our podcast guest, Dr. Jane Karas, President of Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC). Dr. Karas was awarded the Kalispell Chamber’s highest honor, the Flathead Legacy Award, for her outstanding contributions to the Flathead Valley community through her work at FVCC. Dr. Karas has been President of FVCC for over 20 years, helming the college through a variety of economic climates while steadily growing the college’s programming, facilities, and campus.
Ep. 5 - Educator of the Year 2022 - Micah Hill - Kalispell Public Schools
Join us for this podcast with Micah Hill, the award-winning Superintendent of Kalispell Public Schools. As the leader of the largest school district in northwest Montana, Micah has deftly navigated the waters through Covid and is helping to usher in transformational education for the district.
Ep. 4 - Nonprofit of the Year - Immanuel Lutheran Communities
In November 2022, Immanuel Lutheran Communities (ILC) was awarded the nonprofit of the year award by the Discover Kalispell Chamber. ILC has been providing homes and care for seniors for over 65 years in Kalispell, and has been innovating and growing ever since. Its Kalispell campus includes independent living villas and apartments, assisted living, rehab care, long term and memory care.