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. 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. 41 - Flathead Technology: An Interview with Kalispell Applied Materials' General Manager, Brian Aegerter
The semiconductor industry has a long history in Kalispell, thanks to Semitool which was acquired by Applied Materials in 2010. Our special guest, Brian Aegerter, General Manager of Kalispell Applied Materials, shares the how the bold move to establish a semiconductor industry in the Flathead has created a thriving high-tech sector and opened doors for future growth opportunities.
Ep. 40 - The Headwaters Tech Hub with Dr. Tim VanReken, Executive Director and Regional Innovation Officer
Discover how Montana is blazing a trail in tech innovation with the dynamic Headwaters Tech Hub (HTH). We sit down with Dr. Tim VanReken, the visionary Executive Director and Regional Innovation Officer of the HTH. We uncover the strategic impact of the Chips and Science Act and a transformative $41 million boost from the US Department of Commerce, setting Montana on a path to become a leader in smart photonic sensing systems.
Ep. 39 - Our Kids. Our Future. An interview with Matt Jensen, Superintendent Kalispell Public Schools
Matt Jensen, the new superintendent of Kalispell Public Schools, shares his vision for the district, including a focus on personalized competency-based education to empower students and enhance learning outcomes. Through this engaging podcast, we dive into school finance, enrollment, charter schools, work-based learning and more. Listen and learn how Kalispell Public Schools tackles challenges and brings new opportunities to our students and community.
Ep. 38 - Wheaton's Cycle: Riding Into a 2nd Century of Business in Downtown Kalispell
Ever wondered how a 15-year-old BMX enthusiast evolves into the proud owner of a century-old bike shop? Meet Hans Axelsen, the passionate powerhouse behind Wheaton's Cycle in Kalispell. Hans shares his story and the history of Wheaton's Cycle along with insights into local trails and operating a legacy business in downtown Kalispell.
Ep. 36 - Flying into the Future: GPIA Growth & Expansion with Rob Ratkowski, Airport Director
There's a massive transformation happening at Glacier Park International Airport. Airport Director Rob Ratkowski provides an insider's look at the ambitious expansion project. With the airport nearly tripling in size to 210,000 square feet, you'll get a front-row seat to the exciting new amenities, including the Goat Haunt Saloon, outdoor patio spaces, and the Flathead Valley's first escalators. Learn how these enhancements, set for completion in June 2026 with phased openings, will revolutionize the passenger experience and meet the growing demand.
Ep. 35 - Get to Know Glacier Institute with Anthony Nelson
As the official education partner of Glacier National Park and Flathead National Forest, the Glacier Institute offers an array of programs that bring people of all ages, both locals and visitors alike, closer to nature. From guided hikes to hands-on educational experiences at the Big Creek Outdoor Education Center, Executive Director Anthony Nelson shares how these initiatives are fostering a lifelong love of the environment, especially for youth encountering nature for the first time.
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. 33 - Stirring up Success with Lemony Lemonade
Lemonade Day Flathead returns to the Flathead on June 22nd, providing young entrepreneurs the perfect opportunity to jump into the business world for the day with their own lemonade stands. In this podcast. 2023 Lemonade Day Flathead Youth Entrepreneur winners, Lemony Lemonade, share with us the secrets to lemonade business success. These dynamic siblings and youth entrepreneur winners, along with their mom, Nichole, share their journey of innovation, resilience, and growth, along with tips for other young entrepreneurs and their families.
Ep. 32- Shaping Leaders for Tomorrow: Leadership Flathead
Leadership Flathead is a 2-year program that helps to shape the Flathead Valley's leaders of tomorrow. In this episode, we'll learn all about this decades-long leadership program that has developed over 1000 community leaders over the years, and how the program stays current, developing local leaders for the 21st century.
Ep. 31 - On Track with the Highlander Track Program
Join Joel Rosenberg, banking executive and Executive Director of Highlander Track, as he unfolds the story of this legacy, free youth track and field and cross-country program's impact in the Flathead Valley. Established in the '70s by Jack King and Three Rivers Bank of MT, Highlander Track has evolved into an annual signature spring youth event for kids ages 6-12, nurturing not just physical prowess but also instilling valuable life skills in young athletes.
Ep. 30 - Mastering the Move to Montana
Bill Moseley, CEO of GL Solutions, shares how he pivoted from the world of law and government to the tech frontier, crafting software that transforms regulatory operations. Bill recounts GL Solutions' move from Bend, Oregon to Kalispell, with first-hand insight into the trials and triumphs of transplanting a thriving business and nurturing its growth in its new Flathead Valley home.
Ep. 29 - Big Sky Business with Todd O'Hair
Join us as we visit with Todd O'Hair, the President and CEO of the Montana Chamber of Commerce, in this week's Venture Boldly episode where we dissect the multitude of strategies fueling Montana's economic engine. Our discussion spans the state's urban-rural divide and the Chamber's pivotal role in shaping a robust economic landscape through the Envision 2026 plan.