ChamberCast: Recent Episodes
Billings Chamber of Commerce
Welcome to our final episode of ChamberCast... for now. Host Jack Jennaway and Communications Manager Kelsi Gambill sat down to look back on the last 3 years of this show and take a look ahead to what's next for the Chamber. Stay tuned until the end for a special tribute to Billings!
Thank you so much to Upstream Strategy Partners for sponsoring ChamberCast!
You have probably noticed the new look at Intermountain Health St. Vincent Regional Hospital. What does this mean for patient care, and our local economy? What's new in healthcare? We asked Lee Boyles, President of St. Vincent Regional Hospital for the Montana and Wyoming Markets. You don't want to miss this inside look at this critical Billings institution!
Thank you so much to Upstream Strategy Partners for sponsoring ChamberCast!
Learn more:
- Intermountain Health Website
- Our interview with Dr. David Park on the establishment of Rocky Vista University
Special Olympics Montana is coming to Billings for the next 3 years! This huge event will bring hundreds of athletes, family members, and coaches to compete at facilities around Billings--boosting our local economy. This is a two-part episode. In part 1 we hear from VisitBillings's Sports Tourism Manager, Evan Decker on the impact of sports tourism. In part 2, we hear from the co-chairs of the Special Olympics MT State Games, Brian Brown and Tyler Witlgen.
Thank you so much to Upstream Strategy Partners for sponsoring ChamberCast!
Learn more:
- Special Olympics Montana
- VisitBillings
It’s no hidden secret that Billings businesses benefit from tourism here in our city, but did you know that tourism accounts for $620 million dollars in revenue, generated from 3 million people visiting each year?
Visitors spend money and spur our local economy, through our restaurants, retail stores, attractions, and hotels, not to mention events and more. Billings is our home AND positioned as a tourism destination, thanks to the efforts of Visit Billings. Regionally, Visit Southeast Montana drives visitation to 13 counties and two Indian reservations. Dive into the economic impacts of tourism to Montana’s Trailhead, fostering community pride, and the diversity of offerings that we have in our backyard as we gear up to celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week May 19-25, 2024. Hear insights from two champions of tourism, Billings, and southeastern Montana--Jeff Ewelt of ZooMontana and Kevin Kooistra of the Western Heritage Center, in this episode of ChamberCast.
Thank you so much to Upstream Strategy Partners for sponsoring ChamberCast!
Learn more:
ZooMontana
Western Heritage Center
Visit Billings
Visit Southeast Montana
Michelle Harkins, our 2024 Outstanding Business Person of the Year, truly embodies the concept of being a helper. With a heart for the Billings community, specifically the BIRD, Michelle tirelessly advocates for business and making our city better. Serving as the Director of The Billings Industrial Revitalization District (BIRD), her infectious energy and enthusiasm is evident in everything that she does. With energy and passion, Michelle leads by example and follows the concept of no job or task being beneath her.
Thank you so much to Upstream Strategy Partners for sponsoring ChamberCast!
Learn more:
- BIRD website
- Billings BIRD on Facebook
- Billings BIRD on Instagram
School District 2 is making moves to balance the budget, reduce dropout rates, and improve public safety. Superintendent Dr. Erwin Garcia joined us to provide a comprehensive update on everything happening at SD2, especially the three new charter schools that will open soon!
Thank you so much to Upstream Strategy Partners for sponsoring ChamberCast!
Learn More:
- Our episode from 07/26/2023 with former Superintendent Upham and Dr. Garcia: Moving from Good to Great to Excellent in Education
- Our episode from 02/08/2023 with Bo Bruinsma and former Superintendent Upham on SD2's Career Pathways program: Education & Pathways to Success
- School District 2
- Career Center
Native American business, culture, and history is a huge part of Montana. If you have ever wanted to learn more about any of it, there are two events coming up that are great places to start. Cathy Grider, Workforce Development Manager for the Billings Chamber, and Randy Bear Don't Walk with MSU-Billings's Native American Achievement Center joined us to dive into the Native American Business Summit, and the upcoming Powwow at MSU-Billings.
Thank you so much to Upstream Strategy Partners for sponsoring ChamberCast!
Learn more:
Native American Achievement Center
Powwow
Native American Business Summit
Billings Chamber DEI Network
Chamber Breakfast featuring Andre Reed
In honor of International Women's Day, this episode highlights the Chamber's programming for women -- with Jennifer Reiser, who manages those programs and Sam Morris, owner of ENCORE's title sponsor, Chemnet.
Learn More:
- Chemnet
- ENCORE
- Women's Network
- Email Jennifer
- Our episode on mental health and substance abuse: Getting Upstream on Mental Health
This episode continues our recent focus on development in Billings, with one of our City's premier architecture firms, Cushing Terrell. We spoke with their CEO, Greg Matthews and Principal Project Manager, Shannon Christensen to talk about Cushing Terrell's work, the development environment in Billings, sustainable design, and Cushing Terrell turning 85.
Learn More
- Cushing Terrell Website
- Business After Hours @ Cushing Terrell
Sanderson Stewart is one of those businesses most people never directly interact with, but your life would be VERY different without the work they do. Michael Sanderson, CEO, joined us on this week's podcast to talk about what they do, property development in Billings, and to talk about some of the exciting changes happening at Sanderson Stewart.
Learn More:
- Sanderson Stewart website
- If you want to learn more about land use and zoning, check out our interview with Representative and Senator Zolnikov on zoning reform bills from the previous MT Legislative Session: The Montana Miracle: Celebrating State Legislature Wins.
Listeners of this podcast know how important insurance is to your everyday life and how important Marsh McLennan Agency is to Billings. In this member spotlight, you'll hear from Brett Arnold and Brian Daubert from MMA about insurance, other ways to mitigate risk, and MMA's involvement in the community.
It's January, and at the Billings Chamber of Commerce that means it's agriculture month! Our Ag Celebration Week and the Ag Celebration Banquet is coming up during the last week of January, and we wouldn't be able to do any of this without our title sponsor, Yellowstone Valley Electric Cooperative. In this episode, we preview what you can expect from all of our upcoming ag-related programming, but also shine a spotlight on a business that is extremely important to Yellowstone County and beyond!
Learn More:
- Yellowstone Valley Electric Cooperative
- Ag Celebration Week
- Ag Celebration Banquet
- Last year's episode with YVEC, very creatively named "Yellowstone Valley Electric Cooperative"
2023 was a very eventful year at the Billings Chamber of Commerce! We bet it has been a busy year for you too! Thank you for listening throughout 2023 and enjoy this look back at the previous year with the Chamber's management team!
Mental health impacts every part of our lives, including the workplace. Jennifer Reiser, the Chief Operations Officer for the Billings Chamber, and Melanie Schwarz with Upstream Strategy Partners joined us this episode to talk about management strategies, suicide prevention, Seasonal Affective Disorder, and more.
Learn more:
- Melanie's book - Lifejackets: A Mother's Journey Through Her Child's Addiction
- To learn more about mental health first aid trainings, contact jennifer@billingschamber.com or cathy@billingschamber.com.
- Our episode on the Mobile Crisis Unit: A New Way to Help People in Crisis
Suicide Prevention Resources
- Shifting Sands
- NAMI Billings
- Chinook Horses
- Riverstone Health - Suicide Prevention
- Montana 211.org
- Redefining Love Boundaries and Trauma Coaching
- Emerge from Within
People spend a LOT of money around the holiday season, which means that it can be a very important time of year for our favorite local businesses. This episode focuses on two local shops that opened within the last year, what they provide, why the owners started their own business, and how things have been going for them so far. We also preview one of the things the Billings Chamber does to support these small businesses, Keep the Cheer Here, and the Keep the Cheer Here Tour. Enjoy this interview with Sara Creeden, owner of Arts Paper and Paints, and Katie Moldenahuer, owner of Giddy UP, co-hosted by Austrin Martens, Marketing and Events Manager for the Billings Chamber.
Thank you so much to Marsh McLennan Agency for sponsoring ChamberCast!
Learn More:
- Art's Paper & Paint
- Giddy Up Coffee Bar & Boutique
- Keep the Cheer Here Game Board
- Keep the Cheer Here Trolley Tour
The Billings Air Service Committee, comprised of Billings Airport, Billings Chamber, Big Sky Economic Development, and Visit Billings, has been hard at work promoting air service to/from Billings! Their recent efforts resulted in bringing Sun Country Airlines to Billings, which will provide another direct flight to Minneapolis beginning this summer. They also secured essential air service to key towns in Montana and secured a federal air service grant, which will help us attract direct service to Southern California. The CEO of the Billings Chamber, John Brewer; and Director of Aviation and Transit for the City of Billings, Jeff Roach joined us to provide an update on everything happening with this critical part of our economy.
Thank you so much to Marsh McLennan Agency for sponsoring ChamberCast!
Veteran's Day is this month! We wanted to shine a spotlight on two local businesses who are helping Montana's Veterans and our local businesses. Please welcome Mike McManus of Veterans Navigation Network and Dave Nordel of MaxFab Consulting!
Thank you so much to Marsh McLennan Agency for sponsoring ChamberCast!
Learn More
- Veteran's Navigation Network
- MaxFab Consulting
If the parks/trails/recreation bond that is on this November's ballot passes, it will mean big things for Billings! Commensurately, this is a big episode. Billings City Administrator Chris Kukulski, and Julie Seedhouse, Chair of Play it Forward Billings (the Vote-Yes campaign for the parks bond) walked us through every detail of this historic potential investment in our parks & recreation infrastructure.
Thank you so much to Marsh McLennan Agency for sponsoring ChamberCast!
LEARN MORE
- Play it Forward Billings campaign website
- City of Billings Parks Bond Information Page
- Voter Information
- Our 2021 Episode on the Recreation Center
We sat down with Michelle Harkins and Leah Clark, the leading ladies of the EBIRD and NILE respectively, to talk about all of the opportunities Billings residents will have to learn more about and celebrate Montana's western heritage later this month.
To learn more, visit:
NILE Website
EBIRD Website
Thank you so much to Marsh McLennan Agency for sponsoring ChamberCast!
Every year, the Billings Chamber gives out one of its highest honors at our annual meeting—the Legacy Award. On September 14—to uproarious applause—we presented that award to Mike Nelson, owner of the fabulous Northern Hotel in beautiful downtown Billings.
Learn more about Mike and the Legacy award here.
Thank you so much to Marsh McLennan Agency for sponsoring ChamberCast!
Our wonderful title sponsor, PayneWest Insurance is going through some changes for the better! A big part of that is a name change to Marsh McLennan Agency. We talked with our guests Abbey Wink and Dena Johnson about that and much more!
Thank you very much to Marsh McLennan Agency for sponsoring ChamberCast!
More from Marsh McLenan Agency, formerly PayneWest insurance at:
Learn more:
- 2023 Chamber Annual Meeting: ReDISCOVER BILLINGS
- Business After Hours - Marsh McLennan Agency, formerly PayneWest Insurance
This episode is a big one! Grab some comfortable headphones and a snack and settle in for our deep-dive into everything the State Legislature did to address Montana's housing affordability crisis during the last Legislative Session. Our guests, State Senator Daniel Zolnikov (SD 22), and State Representative Katie Zolnikov (HD 45) were leading legislators in pulling off what has been called "The Montana Miracle." They joined us for this episode to take a bow and walk us through what their bills will mean for the housing market.
Thank you so much to PayneWest for sponsoring ChamberCast!
Billings Chamber Pro-Housing Database
Contact your Legislators
This episode is all about the Resilient Yellowstone Initiative, an effort to address health issues for those hardest hit by the pandemic and build resilience to weather future crises. Amy Queen, Community Health Improvement Manager for Healthy by Design, and Tyler Amundson, Executive Director of Big Sky Senior Services told us all about it.
Thank you so much to PayneWest for sponsoring ChamberCast!
Health by Design,
- info@hbdyc.org
- (406) 247-3394
- Website
- Facebook page
Big Sky Senior Services
- Website
- Golf Tournament
Billings is home to one of the largest school districts in the state and the education of our children is one of the greatest investments we can make. Great education starts with great leaders and School District 2 has had the fortune of being led by Greg Upham for the last five years. In this episode of ChamberCast we explore leadership, education, reflections on the past and a look towards the future as Greg retires and a new superintendent, Dr. Erwin Garcia, takes the reins.
Listen in to hear more about Dr. Garcia’s vast experience and why he chose to move his family to Montana’s Trailhead.
Thank you so much to PayneWest for sponsoring ChamberCast!
Check out some of our past episodes related to SD2:
- Education & Pathways to Success
- Meet our Business Excellence Award Winners - Part 1
At the beginning of each fiscal year, the Billings Chamber's Board of Directors gets a new Chairperson. Earlier this month, Julie Seedhouse passed the gavel to Jeremy Vannatta, making now an ideal time to look toward the year ahead at the Chamber.
Thank you so much to PayneWest for sponsoring ChamberCast!
Meet the new Chair and Co-Chair of the best young professionals organization in Montana, NextGEN. Abbey Wink and D'Vaughn Hayes joined us to talk about what NextGEN means to them, and what is in store for the coming year.
Thank you so much to PayneWest for sponsoring ChamberCast!
Check out the new NextGEN website!
Hear more from D'Vaughn in this previous episode: Member Spotlight: TDS & CEC.
Longtime listeners of this podcast will be familiar with Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED); we talked about it a lot in an episode from March of 2023 called "Smart Design. Safer Spaces." Our guest for this episode can explain it a lot better than we ever could. The President of the National Institute of Crime Prevention, Art Hushen agreed to join us for an interview while he was teaching a class on CPTED in late May here in Billings. This is everything you need to know about how to make Billings safer through modifications to the built environment.
Thank you so much to PayneWest for sponsoring ChamberCast!
Learn more:
National Institute of Crime Prevention
U.S. CPTED Association
To schedule a CPTED evaluation by the Billings Chamber, contact jack@billingschamber.com.
Billings is about to have more options for high-speed internet thanks to two of our members. TDS Fiber is a new internet service provider in town, offering a fiber optic connection. CEC Facilities Group is currently building out their network. Jorge Taveras with CEC and D’Vaughn Hayes with TDS joined us to talk all about it.
Thank you so much to PayneWest for sponsoring ChamberCast!
The answer is beef! May is National Beef Month so we wanted to take a look at a very important part of our state's number one industry. Our guests were Chaley Harney with Montana Beef Council, Charlie Hollenbeck with Cowboy Meat Company, and Macee Pearson with Blue Creek Marbled Meat Company.
Thank you so much to PayneWest for sponsoring ChamberCast!
We sat down this week with Ali Eggart and Luke Ashmore from VisitBillings to get an update on what they're doing for visitors as we head into the warm season. There are new visitor experience projects that will benefit tourists and locals alike. Make sure to check out all of the attractions on the VisitBillings website.
Thank you so much to PayneWest for sponsoring ChamberCast!
Last episode you heard our interviews with two of our Business Excellence Award winners—Businessperson of the Year, Dusty Eaton, and NextGen Emerging Leader Bo Bruinsma. This episode, you’ll hear our interviews with Customer service excellence award winner Matt Hall; Inclusion Award Winner, William Henry; and Employer of the Year, Entre Technology Services.
Thank you so much to PayneWest for sponsoring ChamberCast!
Over the next two episodes we are going to be celebrating our 2023 Business Excellence award winners. We interviewed all 5 winners. Please enjoy our interview with the Businessperson of the Year, Dusty Eaton; and the NextGen Emerging Leader of 2023, Bo Bruinsma.
Thank you so much to PayneWest for sponsoring ChamberCast!
Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a tool we can all use to make our properties safer from crime and feel safer. If you would like to learn more about CPTED, you can literally get the introductory course right here in Billings this May. This episode features Michelle Williams, the Executive Director of the Billings Depot, a property that has benefitted from the Billings Chamber/Downtown Billings Alliance's CPTED program; and Dan Brooks, the Billings Chamber's Director of Business Advocacy.
Thank you so much to PayneWest for sponsoring Chambercast!
Sign up for the CPTED Basics Course
To request a CPTED survey for your business, email jack@billingschamber.com.
This episode of ChamberCast features Andrew Demarest of NonStop Local with Alyssa Voeltz as the celebrity co-host as they share plans for the 2023 Chamber Breakfast at Alberta Bair Theater. This annual Chamber event will be March 30th from 7-9 am and features speaker Captain Sandy Yawn of Below Deck Mediterranean.
Thank you to our title sponsor NonStop Local and co-title sponsor America First Response.
Thank you so much to PayneWest for sponsoring Chambercast!
Get your tickets and pick your seat at Alberta Bair Theater.
Learn more about the event at BillingsChamber.com.
Get your VIP ticket to meet Captain Sandy at BillingsChamber.com.
Billings is taking steps to address the issues we are all seeing with mental health, and substance abuse issues that are impacting public safety. On this episode, we are going to talk about a really substantive resource that is being added on that front—the mobile crisis unit. Coralee Schmitz, COO at Rimrock Foundation, and Jason Banfield, Assistant Chief of EMS at the Billings Fire Department joined us to provide an update.
Our local school district is a critical part of our community, and it has a huge impact on Billings’ current and future workforce. Greg Upham, Superintendent, and Bo Bruinsma, Career Outreach Director, sat down with us to dive into the challenges and accomplishments of School District 2.
Thank you to PayneWest for sponsoring Chambercast!
Learn more:
School District 2
Career Center
Summer Jobs Program
The Yellowstone County Summer Jobs Program matches participants with a paid position, provides a paid foundational work skills training, and connects students with an adult mentor for the summer. SJP participants are high school students and recent graduates eager to develop their work skills and explore their career options.
This ChamberCast episode shines a light on one of our Chamber members, Yellowstone Valley Electric Cooperative. Hear from featured guests President and CEO Brandon Wittman and Board Chairman Dave Kelsey as they share their connections to agriculture, the importance of agriculture to YVEC, bringing electrical services to rural areas, commitment to community, and much more. YVEC is proud to be the title of the Chamber’s Ag Celebration Week and Ag Celebration Banquet, being held January 23-27 with the banquet as the culminating event, as they recognize the importance of agriculture to their cooperative and uplifting the farmers and ranchers they serve.
Thank you to our Ag Celebration Week Sponsors: Yellowstone Valley Electric Cooperative, Stockman Bank, Eide Bailly, Ag West Farm Credit, KGHL, AgroLiquid, C&B Operations, Dessert Mountain Broadcasting, Molson Coors, Little Horn State Bank, Hubbard Feeds, Agri Industries, King's Ace Hardware, Bravera Bank, NonStop Local TV, and MetraPark!
Thank you to PayneWest Insurance for sponsoring ChamberCast!
Learn more:
Ag Celebration Week
Ag Celebration Banquet
Billings Chamber Agriculture Committee
Celebrate agriculture with us in this ChamberCast episode that features guests Mike Phillips of Little Horn State Bank and chair of the Chamber Ag Committee, Courtney Kibblewhite of KGHL/Northern Broadcasting and host of the 2023 Ag Week and Banquet, and Alyssa Voeltz of the Billings Chamber. Hear why agriculture and ag education is so important to these guests, the city of Billings and our state. Insights and how to get involved in the Chamber’s Ag Celebration Week and Ag Celebration Banquet are also shared. Get your tickets or a table of 10 to attend the Ag Celebration Banquet by January 23rd!
Thank you to our Ag Celebration Week Sponsors: Yellowstone Valley Electric Cooperative, Stockman Bank, Eide Bailly, Ag West Farm Credit, KGHL, AgroLiquid, C&B Operations, Dessert Mountain Broadcasting, Molson Coors, Little Horn State Bank, Hubbard Feeds, Agri Industries, King's Ace Hardware, Bravera Bank, KULR 8 TV, and MetraPark!
Thank you to PayneWest Insurance for sponsoring ChamberCast!
Learn more:
Ag Celebration Week
Ag Celebration Banquet
Billings Chamber Agriculture Committee
Beyond the Weather
The Billings Chamber has two programs designed specifically for women in leadership, Women’s Network and ENCORE. This episode of ChamberCast examines these programs, how they got started and the why behind them. Take a listen to learn more and get excited about ENCORE, as guests Becky Bey of KLJ and Jennifer Reiser of the Billings Chamber share their insights and advice about this powerful and empowering program. Sign up today or encourage the women in your life to participate by January 6. 2023 ENCORE cohort begins January 26.
ENCORE: https://www.billingschamber.com/encore/
Women’s Network: https://www.billingschamber.com/womens-network/
Read more about both of these programs in the LiNK section of Simply Local: https://simplylocalbillings.com/women-leaders-wanted
The 2023 Montana Legislative Session kicks off on January 2nd! This is an opportunity for the Billings Chamber to make progress on the top three priorities our members voted on in our Legislative Priorities Survey—Montana’s Workforce, Public Safety, and Tax Reform. For this episode, we sat down with Rebecca Meyers, our contracted lobbyist for the upcoming session, to talk shop and get the lay of the land.
Billings Chamber of Commerce
Billings Chamber Business Advocacy
2023 Public Policy Guide
Contact your Legislator
To sign up for our legislative newsletter, contact daniel@billingschamber.com.
Shopping small and supporting local businesses is big this holiday season with the Billings Chamber’s Keep the Cheer Here campaign and Shop Small Tour, sponsored by Western Security Bank. Shopping local means everything to small businesses in Billings. The local stores here are part of the landscape that makes Billings so unique! Every purchase big and small means a lot to small businesses. Listen in to this ChamberCast episode with Tiffany Miller Obrien, owner of Frae Everyday Goods, Linda Brooks, owner of SOMETHINGchic, and Alyssa Voeltz, Member Experience Manger, as they share how shopping local truly benefits local small businesses. Not to mention personalized shopping experiences and unmatched customer service that awaits at these small businesses!
Keep the Cheer Here
https://www.billingschamber.com/events/shoplocal/
Holiday Shop Small Tour on December 2nd
https://business.billingschamber.com/events/details/holiday-shop-small-tour-5102338
Frae Everyday Goods
https://shopfrae.com/
https://www.instagram.com/fraeeverydaygoods/
SOMETHINGchic:
https://somethingchicclothing.com/
https://www.facebook.com/somethingchicclothing
https://www.instagram.com/somethingchicclothing/
Western Security Bank
https://www.westernsecuritybank.com/
The holidays are here, and the season of giving has begun. This episode of ChamberCast highlights three local nonprofit organizations and the unique holiday opportunities they are hosting. Host Jack Jennaway is joined by Felicia Burg with Family Promise, Lindsay Richardson with Downtown Billings Alliance, and Gabriel Denio with Special Olympics. We invite you to put your money where your heart is this season by shopping local, eating local and supporting local. Together, we can all make a difference!
Special Olympics of Montana
Polar Plunge: December 10
Website
Downtown Billings Alliance
Downtown Billings Gift Card
Holiday Parade: November 25
Holiday Stroll: December 2
Website
Family Promise of Yellowstone Valley
Stocking Drive and/or Sponsor a Family for Christmas: call 406-294-7432 or email marketing@familypromiseyv.org
Website
See the full listing of 2022 Nonprofit Holiday Drives, Campaigns, and Events here: https://www.billingschamber.com/2022-nonprofits-holiday
Why is tourism important to Billings and southeastern Montana? What efforts are being made to attract travelers to these areas?
This ChamberCast episode answers these questions and more, shining a spotlight on tourism in Billings and the region of southeast Montana. From winter campaigns to trails and travel shows, Visit Billings and Visit Southeast Montana are working hard to attract travelers to visit and facilitate an enjoyable experience, benefitting Montana as a whole. Host Jack Jennaway is joined by Aly Eggart, Leisure Marketing, Sales and Social Media Manager for Visit Billings and Brenda Maas, Tourism Marketing Director for Visit Southeast Montana and Kelsi Gambill as co-host.
We invite you to learn more about these tourism organizations that are both managed by the Billings Chamber of Commerce:
Visit Billings
Website
YouTube
TikTok
Visit Southeast Montana
Website
Burger Trail
Dinosaur Trail
Trail to the Stars
Winter Attractions
Pompeys Pillar
Little Big Horn National Monument
Keepers of the Cool (winter travel guide)
This week's episode is a fantastic conversation with Shelli Mann of the Boothill Inn, Michelle Williams of the Billings Depot, and Alex Tyson of Visit Billings! This dynamic trio shares insights and the business benefits about becoming a Certified Autism Center along with leading efforts to become the region's first Certified Autism Destination.
Chamber Membership comes with a lot of different benefits, some of them are useful for every member, while others are more narrowly tailored. This episode with the Chamber's membership team, Jennifer Reiser, Rene Beyl, and Isiac Hammer, will give you a brief primer on some of what membership entails.
Billings Chamber of Commerce
Chamber Journey
Public Policy Guide
At last night's Chamber Annual Meeting, we gave Jim and Chris Scott the Legacy Award. By the end of this episode you will understand why. Enjoy this fascinating interview with this year's award winners!
Billings Chamber Website
Why do some move to Billings and choose to make this their home, while others struggle to connect to their scene and their people? With a competitive job market and 2.3% unemployment, we need “those Californians,” graduating students, and those with diverse backgrounds and lifestyles to authentically feel THEY belong in Billings. This year’s Annual Meeting is focused on building a purpose driven community by connecting all people, and this episode is a sneak peak into this year's Annual meeting with John Brewer, Julie Seedhouse, and Jeremy Vannatta.
Register for this year's Annual Meeting
From the U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Understanding America’s Labor Shortage: The Most Impacted Industries
One of the hottest topics in Billings right now is the future of management at MetraPark and whether or not it should continue to be managed by Yellowstone County, or by a professional venue management business contracted by the County. One interesting case study comes out of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The Mayor of Sioux Falls, Paul TenHakken, and Shawn Pritchett, the Finance Director for the City of Sioux Falls joined us for an interview the day before our Chamber A.M. event on MetraPark management to tell us more.
Watch the recording of Chamber A.M. - Professional Venue Management of MetraPark
Check out the Chamber's MetraPark Resource Library
Billings Chamber Website
Here's what's brewing in Billings! Packy Tagliaferro with Erro Coffee Roasters joined us this week to tell us all about his business.
Billings Chamber of Commerce
Other episodes of interest:
Flipping the BURD
This week we sat down with Dr. David Park, the founding dean of Rocky Vista University to get an update on one of the most exciting developments taking place in Billings right now.
Billings Chamber of Commerce
Jack and Cathy's answers to this week's Rorschach questions:
- What is a new development in medicine you are excited about?
Jack: I think the possibilities for other uses for mRNA vaccines (like Pfizer's Covid-19 shot) are really exciting!
Cathy: Increased access to telemedicine and virtual care models in situations that remote medical care is an option.
- What is the best restaurant within 5 minutes of RVU?
Jack: Lucky's Ramen Noodles
Cathy: Dimond X Beer Co
- What is a career path outside of medicine you think young people should be paying more attention to?
Jack: I'll refer back to our episode with Kevin Ploehn and point out that there is a huge pilot shortage right now. If a young person has the disposition to be a pilot, they could do quite well for themselves by going into that field.
Cathy: Skilled trade labor positions such as plumbers, electricians, and other skilled trades.
The world is a risky place but we can all be a little more prepared than we are now. America First Response, our guest this week, offers trainings in CPR, active shooter, and more to help you be ready for anything.
https://www.billingschamber.com/
Every year, the Chamber's Board of Directors gets a new Chairperson. Earlier this month, Nichole Mehling passed the gavel to Julie Seedhouse, making now a perfect time to look toward the year ahead at the Chamber.
Marya and Jack's answers to this week's Rorschach questions:
- What is your favorite thing to do in Montana in the summer?
Marya: Backpack and fly fish and garden.
Jack: I do a lot of gardening. I got rid of all the grass in my front yard and replaced it with flowers and vegetable garden beds.
- What are some words or phrases you live by?
Marya: Every time you say “yes”, you are saying “no” to something else. Also, humble yourself, elevate others.
Jack: Never attribute to malice that which could be explained by incompetence.
- What is the biggest DEI “ah ha” moment for you personally?
Marya: That there is always more work to be done - that–you have never arrived. You can always learn more and be better.
Jack: I grew up in a very small, very homogenous town, so it's hard for me to empathize with people who grew up differently sometimes; music by artists like Kendrick Lamar helps me understand different perspectives on an emotional level.
- What is your favorite way to spend a Sunday morning?
Marya: Sitting on the back deck with my coffee and my bible.
Jack: I like to get up before my wife, make some coffee, and do some light chores to get ready to start the week.
It's time to check in on the Chamber's new DEI Immersion Program! To do that we sat down with two recent graduates: Toby O’Rourke, President and CEO of KOA; and Shelli Mann, General Manager of Boothill Inn & Suites. This episode was recorded on May 27, 2022.
Register for Chamber Golf
DEI Network Website
Logan International Airport is a lynchpin in our local economy and there are a lot of exciting developments that we thought you might want to hear about. Our guest this week is the director of Aviation and Transit for the City of Billings, Kevin Ploehn.
Our Episode on the South Billings Recreation Center
One of the most exciting projects lately has been Visit Southeast Montana's Burger Trail. Brenda Maas and Cassie Solberg joined us this week to show off their new project!
The Burger Trail
Visit Southeast Montana
Marya and Jack's answers to this week's Rorschach questions:
- What is one place is Southeast Montana that everyone from Billings should visit?
Marya: Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area.
Jack: Main Street Miles City
- What is one place in Billings everyone from Southeast Montana should visit?
Marya: ZooMontana
Jack: I would recommend some food you probably can't get in a smaller community. I have been working on my parents to check out Lucky's Ramen Noodles.
- What is your favorite travel hack?
Marya: I’m with Cassie – always ask the locals where to eat.
Jack: Pack your bag tight. There are a lot of tips and tricks out there on how to pack more in a smaller bag, like packing your socks in your shoes that allow you to make room for souvenirs or pack alternative outfits without having to bring a huge suitcase.
We wanted to do something special for Small Business Week, so this is a very different episode of ChamberCast. We got together with Shane Flowers at Ranch House Meats and Marguerite Jodry at Zest and learned how to cook a steak and shrimp scampi at Zest! Please enjoy what is a much longer episode than normal and let us know if you enjoyed this episode.
Thank you so much to PayneWest for sponsoring this episode!
Small Business Appreciation Week
Ranch House Meat & Sausage Co.
Zest Billings
Seafoods of the World
In honor of Small Business Week--May 2nd through the 6th--we want to highlight some of our outstanding local businesses. This week we sat down with Veronnaka Evenson with Swanky Roots to talk about their very unique process.
Swanky Roots
Small Business Appreciation Week
Marya and Jack's answers to this week's Rorschach questions:
- What has been inspiring or motivating for you recently?
Marya: My daughter who is studying abroad in South Korea. She is tackling new challenges every day and her attitude and fortitude keep me inspired.
Jack: I got the opportunity recently to meet one of my intellectual heroes, Chuck Marohn and heard him speak twice while he was here in Billings. I got really fired up to try to make Billings a stronger town, as Chuck would say.
- What’s your favorite way to eat greens?
Marya: In a great big salad! I also love eating kale in soup.
Jack: I genuinely really enjoy salads. They're such an underrated food, but when I go out to eat, I usually find myself wanting a steak salad instead of just a steak!
- What is your favorite thing about Billings?
Marya: The undaunted spirit of the people who live here. It’s contagious and inspiring for the future growth and development of our city. I love that.
Jack: I love that we're taking a really solid foundation and building something even better on it. When we compare ourselves to larger, more famous cities, we see that we have a long way to go, but if you compare Billings to midwestern cities of similar size, we're actually pretty far ahead.
Tourism is a big part of our local economy, so who better to talk to than the executive director of one of our largest attractions -- Zoo Montana -- and the Chair of the Board of Visit Southeast Montana, Jeff Ewelt.
For more on Visit Southeast Montana, check out our episode with Brenda Maas, the Director of Visit SEMT: Visit Southeast Montana Tourism
Marya and Jack's answer's to this week's Rorschach questions:
- What are you most hopeful for, for the future of Billings?
Marya: I think Billings is right on the edge of explosion in the areas of arts, culture, diversity and economic growth. It is going to be an exciting time to be living here in our great city.
Jack: Billings is going to reach a critical mass at some point where the population will be large enough to support true urbanism and the amenities we all want. My hope is that we can maintain our proximity to agriculture and nature. I would love to see Billings be the closest you can find a skyscraper and an alfalfa field together.
- What is your favorite animal?
Marya: My favorite animal is an Okapi. I think they are so interesting – a weird conglomeration of zebra, elk, moose, and giraffe? I don’t even know but seriously google them!
Jack: I always look forward to seeing the tigers when I go to the zoo. I've seen them play with each other a couple of times and they really are just giant kitty cats!
- What is your biggest challenge in your job?
Marya: It can be extremely difficult interacting with people that don’t understand or really get what it that the Billings Chamber does, and their unique relationship with Visit Billings and Visit Southeast Montana. I think if people really understood all of the amazing work that these three entities do for the area, it would change conversations and perceptions.
Jack: The hardest part is getting people to care about local politics.
Simply Local Magazine is one of our most important partners! If you haven't browsed this magazine, you certainly should.
Simply Local Magazine
Simply Local: Business News
Marya and Jack's answers to this week's Rorschach questions:
- Who is the most influential woman in your life?
Marya: My grandmother. She passed away but I find myself influenced by her ideals and approach to life every day.
Jack: My wife. I take her opinion more seriously than anyone else's - male or female.
- What is your favorite event to attend in Billings?
Marya: Any event that is happening downtown.
Jack: Business After Hours of course! In all seriousness, I look forward to our Chamber events every month.
- What is your favorite publication or platform you go to besides Simply Local?
Marya: The Simply Local app actually! They have the best local calendar for upcoming events.
Jack: I subscribe to The Economist and probably always will. I appreciate their international perspective, and even though they are a self-consciously opinionated outlet, they really care about getting the facts right and still have correspondents around the world.
Everyone knows that Billings has a lot to offer in the realm of outdoor entertainment, but indoor activities are less publicized. Our guests this week have some options to get you out of the house, even in the winter.
GoUnite
After Rage
Marya and Jack's answers to this week's Rorschach questions:
- What is the best part of your job?
Maya: The people – my coworkers and the amazing individuals throughout our community that I have the privilege of interacting with every day.
Jack: The variety – I get to work on so many different cool projects every day, so it's almost impossible to get bored.
- What is one place in Billings you always recommend to new people?
Maya: What is one place in Billings you always recommend to new people?
Jack: You do have to personalize your recommendation, but MT Brewing Company is always a good lunch spot in a great location.
- What is the most inspirational thing you have come into contact with recently?
Maya: The book “Atlas of the Heart” by Brené Brown.
Jack: Watching how the world responded to the invasion of Ukraine really gave me hope that western governments can still respond quickly, decisively, and even a little bit self-sacrificially to a crisis. There's a lot to mourn about Ukraine, but that gave me hope for the future.
How do we get people visiting our community to try out local businesses? Our guest this week is Luke Ashmore, the Program Manager for VisitBillings, is trying to solve that problem with Billings Trail Guides.
VisitBillings
Billings Trail Guides
Email Luke at luke@visitbillings.com
Marya and Jack's answers to this week's Rorschach questions:
- What are your favorite activities in the area you would recommend to someone visiting from out of town?
Marya: Walking at Norm Schoenthal Island, checking out the art galleries and restaurants downtown, going up on the Rims.
Jack: I would definitely recommend one of my favorite restaurants, Zimmerman Park, and the Brew Trail.
- What is your go to, hands down, number one favorite spot to grab a bite to eat here in Billings?
Marya: I really love the Vig – they have great cheese curds!
Jack: Lucky's Ramen Noodles at Shiloh Commons. It's one of those places with a really small menu, but everything on it is phenomenal.
- Are you an indoors winter person or outdoors winter person, and what are the top things you choose to do?
Marya: I love watching great films and building legos indoors, but I also love snowshoeing and snowboarding outdoors.
Jack: I don't mind the cold at all, but I don't ski or snowboard, so that pretty much makes me an indoor winter person.
The East Billings Urban Renewal District (EBURD) is an important part of our economic future. The director of the BURD, Zack Terakedis joined us this week to talk about all of the exciting projects currently underway. There is a lot to be excited about in this episode!
Marya and Jack's answers to this week's Rorschach questions:
- What are you most excited about in the EBURD?
Marya: For more development and more people spending time in that area of town. It is really going to take Billings to the next level!
Jack: I'm really excited about the possibility of more high-density housing being developed in that area to give more people the opportunity to walk or bike to work.
- What is the biggest professional setback you have had to overcome?
Marya: When I turned 40, I quit my job and previous career and started over by working to get my degree. It felt like a huge setback at the time, but now I see it as the best possible growth and change.
Jack: I am fairly early in my career, so I'm sure the best and worst is yet to come.
- Tell us something related to the arts you are excited about.
Marya: I am excited to see what the arts and culture community in Billings comes up with next. They have some big things up their sleeves and I really think Billings is going to have an explosion of creativity coming our way in the next year or so. Now if only they would tell us what they are up to!
Jack: I am also excited for summer to get out and enjoy some outdoor displays.
It's Agriculture Celebration Week, so it's only fitting that this week we sat down with the week's host, Jess Peterson; the chair of the Ag Committee, Mike Phillips, and the Chamber staff member who planned this week's events, Alyssa Voeltz.
Overview of the Chamber's Celebration Week Events
Our Ag 101 Podcast Episode
Here are Marya and Jack's answers to this week's Rorschach questions:
- What is your favorite cut of beef and how do you like it cooked?
Marya: Filet Mignon and I like it cooked perfectly. Which is to say, medium-rare.
Jack: Ribeye is the objectively correct answer, but I really like skirt steak. It's tougher than ribeye, but it has a REALLY rich, beefy flavor. It's super thin, so you just sear it on high heat on both sides and it will be cooked through; then, cut against the grain to negate some of that toughness.
- What is the biggest hot-button issue facing Ag today?
Marya: I feel like I could say “prices” and it would always be true, no matter the day.
Jack: Climate and consolidation. As fewer and fewer people work in food production the remaining farms and ranches get bigger, less labor intensive, and more capital intensive, which creates a new set of challenges for those operations and for rural communities.
- What is your favorite Ag season?
Marya: Spring. I love all those baby cows and green fields.
Jack: Definitively Fall for a lot of the same reasons Mike mentioned. I actually enjoy putting up hay, but I don't love irrigating. Fall mostly gives you the hay without the irrigation.
If you or someone you know is interested in running for office, the Billings Chamber's Candidate School is essential. Two former candidates, Hannah Olson and Darron Olson, joined us to talk about their experience, alongside Dan Brooks, our director of Business Advocacy.
Learn more or register for Candidate School Here
Our guests this week are Colton Welhaven from Buchanan Capital, and the Billings Chamber's own Cathy Grider to talk about NextGEN. Billings NextGEN is the premier young professionals’ group here in the Billings area boasting over 200 members!
NextGEN is a program of the Billings Chamber of Commerce and is the leading social and business networking group dedicated to building a better Billings. Made up of motivated, energetic young professionals, we offer a variety of events for professional development growth, community engagement, and opportunities for personal interaction to truly network and develop friendships.
Our events attract YP’s from a wide variety of industries and offer the opportunity to learn about issues and people that are making an impact in our business and civic communities, build relationships with other local young professionals, and help those who are new to the city meet active and forward-thinking peers.
We also offer some professional development and mentoring opportunities designed to further your growth, enhance your career path, and offer professional relationships with other seasoned professionals in the Billings area.
Memberships are $75/year for those that work at a Billings Chamber member business, or $100/year for anyone who is a non-member. Many businesses are willing and ready to pay for a NextGEN membership for their staff as a benefit to not only you, but also the organization, so be sure to ask them!
For more information you can head over to our website. If you are interested in joining simply fill out our online application! To learn more about our upcoming events visit our Facebook Page.
If you are a business that is interested in engaging your staff as NextGEN members, we would love to come to your place of business and give a presentation to your staff members on the opportunities available to them through NextGEN. We would also be more than happy to discuss sponsorship opportunities if you are interested.
For more information, you may contact Cathy Grider at Cathy@billingschamber.com
MARYA AND JACK'S ANSWERS TO THIS WEEK'S RORSCHACH QUESTIONS:
- What is your favorite NextGen event?
Marya: I love NextHOUR. It’s a low-key, welcoming and easy event to meet new people and get connected.
Jack: I really like Quarters. It's a longer event that lets you really sink your teeth into a topic and learn something.
- When do you take down your Christmas tree?
Marya: I always take down my tree two weeks after Christmas, so around January 8-10.
Jack: Usually somewhere in the middle of January. I always have a real tree and I try to make sure I can take it to the zoo, so that's my deadline.
- What is the best and worst thing about January?
Marya: I don’t like to be cold, so the winter temps are the worst. The best thing is the season of renewal and establishing of new disciplines.
Jack: I like winter weather for the most part. The worst thing is actually when it gets warm and turns the snow into slush. I wish it would stay 20 degrees or colder all month.
- What is one business you wish would come to Billings?
Marya: More diverse and ethnic food eateries. I love authentic Thai food and mom and pop businesses.
Jack: I didn't even have to think about this one. Trader Joe's. Not only is it a great customer experience, it's also just a really cool business model. Another of my favorite podcasts, Freakonomics Radio, did a cool episode about it that you can check out here.
You might have heard about the potential development of an Aquatics and Recreation center in South Billings. Many Billings residents are excited by the idea of this facility, but it would also have a big impact on our economy by attracting visitors. Alex Tyson from Visit Billings and Dick Zier from the South Billings Urban Renewal Association joined us this week to update us on this exciting project and its impact on sports tourism.
Landon's Legacy
Our Episode on TIF
Marya and Jack's answers to this week's Rorschach questions:
- What is your favorite sport to watch?
Marya: Live – Hockey. On television - Football
Jack: I haven't watched a sporting event in years, but I can always get into a high school football game.
- What is the best sporting event you watched recently?
Marya: Cat/Griz game this year - Go Griz!
Jack: Probably the last Rocky/Carrol volleyball game I watched when I was still a student..
- What is your favorite holiday treat?
Marya: Cathy Grider’s crack popcorn.
Jack: My mom's homemade fudge.
- What is the best way to spend a Saturday in Billings?
Marya: Going for a walk or getting on a trail, doing some shopping, having some craft cocktails and a spectacular meal at a local restaurant, and then close out the day on my deck in south Billings.
Jack: This time of year, that would have to be a day out shopping and enjoying all of the pomp around Christmas time.
It's Keep the Cheer Here week! Now is the time to get out and shop local. One of the fantastic businesses you should visit is The Base Camp. In the meantime, enjoy this interview with the owner, Scott Brown, who has a fascinating and entertaining story about how he started the business and some great advice for business owners.
Keep the Cheer Here
Shop Small Tour
Also check out our episode with Lynn Harper on TrailNet and Billings Trails.
Marya and Jack's answers to this week's Rorschach Questions.
- What is your favorite trail in Billings?
Marya: Norm Schoenthal Island – I love walking my dog, or playing by the river, or even snowshoeing in the winter. It’s such a treasure.
Jack: Zimmerman Trail. The views up there are unbeatable.
- Where have you found inspiration lately?
Marya: From my husband. He is always creating something new or building/designing things in his head and in reality. It reminds me that it’s okay to create for the pure joy of it and not necessarily to achieve.
Jack: This past City/County election gave me a lot of professional inspiration. After that, I feel like a lot more things are possible for us.
- What are you looking forward to most this holiday season?
Marya: Time off to spend with my family.
Jack: I always look forward to shopping for Christmas . I love giving great people great presents.
As we start to look ahead to this holiday season, we want to shine a spotlight on some local businesses. This week, please enjoy our conversation with Skip King, owner of King's Ace Hardware.
Keep the Cheer Here
Shop Small Tour
Here are Marya and Jack's answers to this week's Rorschach questions.
- Why do you hang your hat in Billings?
Marya: I was born and raised here in Billings and my family lives here. I can’t imagine living anywhere else – I love Montana.
Jack: I fell in love with Billings when I moved here to go to college at Rocky. There is a great mix of opportunity here, and you really can afford a lot higher quality of life here than you can elsewhere. I also think Billings is headed in the right direction in terms of growth and amenities.
- What is the best thing that has happened to you recently?
Marya: My daughter, son-in-law and 14 month old grandson have been visiting for a month and I have loved having them close.
Jack: The best day of my life so far was a little over a year ago when I got married.
- What is your favorite power tool brand?
Marya: My husband would kill me if I didn’t say Milwaukee. Only red tools are allowed at our house.
Jack: I used to have a job selling Milwaukee, Rigid and Ryobi tools (I worked for the parent company). Milwaukee has the best product on the market, but I have a soft spot for Ryobi; they're super affordable, they make products no one else would make, and I think they have empowered a lot of people to do things they otherwise wouldn't do.
- What is your must-have thanksgiving food and what could you do without?
Marya: My must have is pumpkin pie. I could do without the rest actually. Can we just have pie for dinner?
Jack: To me, it is not Thanksgiving without Stovetop stuffing; normally I'm all about making things from scratch, but that just really scratches a nostalgic itch for me. I could do without the green beans or honestly even the potatoes.
The labor shortage is on everyone's mind right now. This global problem is making it more difficult to do business here in Billings, and the impact around the world is wreaking havoc on supply chains. This week we sat down with Mike Wilson from Whitewood Transport and Brad Anderson from Anderson Management group to discuss these issues. In this episode you will hear a great explanation of the problem, and get some great advice on how to handle it.
Shop Small Tour
Keep the Cheer Here
Marya and Jack's answers to this week's Rorschach questions:
- What is the best road trip you have ever taken?
Marya: 1. - To all the “canyons” in Utah: Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, and Arches National Park. 2. – When my kids were little we drove to DisneyLand, stopping at all the sights along the way… Crater Lake, Redwoods, etc.
Jack: I'm really not much of a road tripper, but right after I graduated high school I took a road trip to Coeur d'Alene with my classmates.
- What is the best thing that has happened in your organization recently?
Marya: We have recently hired some truly amazing people to be part of our team! They already make us better!
Jack: I agree with Marya. I am also really proud of the work we have done around this year's municipal election.
- What is that one thing you are going to buy now because you know there will be supply chain issues?
Marya: Luggage for my daughter to travel overseas. Already ordered!
Jack: This will be a good test to see if my wife reads these. I'll be ordering her a rock tumbler to polish rocks that we find on our walks.
Agriculture is Montana's—and Yellowstone County's—number one industry! With the NILE fully underway this week, we felt that now is the perfect time to give you some basics of the agriculture industry. We sat down with Callie Coolie with MSU Extension and Bonnie Deverniero with the NILE to talk all things ag.
MSU Extension
Northern International Livestock Exposition
Billings Chamber Ag Committee
If you would like to advertise with us, suggest an episode, or ask a question, please feel free to email us at podcast@billingschamber.com.
Marya and Jack's answers to this week's questions.
- What is your earliest ag memory?
Marya: My earliest at memory is when I was able to bottle feed a new lamb.
Jack: I have been helping out on my family ranch since before I can remember. I have a lot of fuzzy childhood memories of sorting cattle on foot.
- How do you like your steak cooked?
Marya: I prefer my steak medium rare.
Jack: It should be noted that it depends on the cut, but I also like my steak medium. I prefer the texture of a medium steak to a medium-rare.
- What is the best Halloween costume you have ever come up with?
Marya: My best Halloween costume was when I dressed up as Cruella Deville.
Jack: I also had a horseback Halloween costume. I was the headless horseman.
- Do you like candy corn?
Marya: I do not like candy corn.
Jack: I wouldn't eat it all year, but the Halloween season isn't complete unless you eat at least one of those pumpkins.
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Cybercrime is a risk for everyone--individuals and businesses, no matter how small. Dena Johnson from Payne West Insurance is one of the foremost experts in Billings on this topic and our guest for this week's episode.
Cybersecurity Resources from Payne West
Shred It? File It? Or Recycle It? – PayneWest Insurance
Marya and Jack's answers to this weeks Rorschach questions:
- What does the perfect day in Billings look like for you?
Marya: Spending time with family and friends: walking at Norm’s Island with the dog, grabbing coffee from one of our local cafés, shopping around town, and then maybe a great dinner at Walker’s, Jake’s, or The Vig together!
Jack: My perfect day also includes some downtown and some west end shopping and maybe some breakfast at Stella's, some time in the garden, and finally hosting friends for dinner at my house.
- What is the one thing you do every day for your mental health?
Marya: Work out/exercise and read my bible.
Jack: I do chores. I feel better and sleep easier when the house is more put together.
- What is your favorite sport?
Marya: Favorite sport to play is probably basketball, favorite sport to watch on television is football, and in-person is hockey.
Jack: I am really not much of a sports guy anymore. I used to love playing and watching football, but now that I no longer play the game, it isn't as much fun to watch anymore.
2021 is an election year in Yellowstone County. Councilwoman Kendra Shaw joined us this week to discuss everything on the ballot this November.
For more information on this election, to register to vote, or apply for an absentee ballot, visit the Yellowstone County Elections Office webpage. Absentee ballots will be mailed out to all registered voters who have requested one on October 13th, and Election Day will be November 2nd.
The website for Citizens for a Safer Billings is not yet available. For more information on this year's public safety mill levy, visit the City of Billings webpage on the levy.
Nearly all of the City Council Candidates will participate in a forum hosted by the Billings Chamber and Downtown Billings Alliance at the Alberta Bair Theater on September 29th at 6:00pm. To RSVP, simply email jack@billingschamber.com.
To view recordings of the Billings Chamber's Coffee with Candidates events, click here.
Marya and Jack's answers to this week's Rorschach questions:
- What is the nicest thing someone has done for you lately?
Marya: My co-workers literally do something nice for me at least once a day. They are a great team to be a part of.
Jack: A stranger paid for my coffee order the other day!
2 What are you most excited about for Billings?
Marya: I am with Kendra – the water treatment/recreation facility would be at the top of my list. I love to paddleboard and kayak.
Jack: I'm excited for what Billings will be WHEN we solve all of these workforce and housing issues. I think we're nearing a tipping point toward becoming something great.
- What is the last thing you Googled?
Marya: Prince Andrew – because I am currently watching the Netflix series “The Crown.”
Jack: The last thing I Googled was a recipe for broccoli cheddar soup.
Covid-19 is not yet done with our community. Last year, Billings had one of the few public school districts in the nation that remained in-person all year. To repeat that success, School District 2 has chosen to require students to wear masks. This week Greg Upham, Superintendent of Billings Public Schools sat down with us to explain that decision. Dr. Michelle Pierson of Billings Clinic joined us to answer our more scientific questions, and Sean Lynch, owner of the Pub Station, joined us to offer a business owner's perspective.
This is a big topic and a long episode, so please bear with us.
This week, Billings TrailNet's Program Coordinator Lynn Harper joined us to talk about all things Billings trails and especially Ales for Trails!
To learn more, volunteer, donate, become a TrailNet member, or buy tickets to Ales for Trails visit Billings TrailNet.org.
Marya and Jack's answers to this week's Rorschach questions:
- What is your favorite trail food?
Marya: So many things… Chocolate and peanut butter Cliff Nut Butter Bars, Keto granola/trail mix, Baby bel cheese… I just like to eat!
Jack: They call it "trail mix" for a reason; that's because it's the perfect trail food.
- What is your favorite trail in Billings?
Marya: Norm Schoenthal Island with my dog Max
Jack: Zimmerman Park. If you want, you can walk along the rims all the way through Indian Cliffs to the Back Nine trail, which goes all the way to the cliffs above the "Castle house" in Ironwood. There isn't a bad view the whole way.
- What is your favorite ale?
Marya: Street Fight Irish Red Ale from Angry Hanks, but I do also enjoy Cold Smoke from KettleHouse Brewing Co.
Jack: My favorite beer in the world is Smithwick's, which everyone should try if they visit Ireland. I'll give an honorable mention to Moose Drool, but my favorite Billings beer is also Street Fight. It's just too good to argue with.
This week, Jennifer Reiser, COO of the Billings Chamber and Heidi Davey, Business Development Manager at Altana FCU joined us to talk about the brand new Leadership Billings Alumni Network. The Leadership Billings Alumni Network meets the fourth Wednesday of each month and the time varies. The next session is Wednesday, August 25th and will focus on community and social service organizations, and will include a roundtable and small group discussions. Contact jennifer@billingschamber.com to join the network and receive details about time and location.
Marya and Jack's answers to this week's Rorschach questions:
- Where is your favorite Patio in Billings on a hot summer day?
Marya: Montana Brewing Company or my back patio.
Jack: Since we recorded this episode I got to try Diamond X and I can confirm that it has a very nice patio and good food; this might just be recency bias, but that's my answer.
- What are the three most important character traits of a great leader?
Marya: Humility, empowering others, and authenticity.
Jack: Leaders need to have a vision of the future they want to lead toward, be willing to compromise, and have some humility about what is and is not possible.
- What is your biggest pet peeve?
Marya: Slow drivers. People who speak before they think. People who don’t do what they say they will do.
Jack: When people don't put their shopping carts away!
The new Chair of the Chamber's Board of Directors, Nichole Mehling joins us to introduce herself, talk about her role at the Chamber, where she see's Billings' economy headed, and the challenges she hopes to tackle.
Marya and Jack's answers to this week's Rorschach questions:
- What is your favorite thing to do in MT in the summer?
Marya: Backpacking, fly fishing, and attending all of the amazing summer events that happen in our community.
Jack: Mostly get out of the heat - I definitely prefer the cooler months, but I do love gardening, and going to the farmer's market, and taking advantage of all the other outdoor events that happen in the summer.
- What are some words or phrases you live by?
Marya: “Elevate others, humble yourself.” “What don’t I know about this person?” “Saying Yes to something is saying No to something else.” “Little right things done over a long period of time reap big rewards.”
Jack: "Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity." "Never question a man's motives. Question his judgement."
- What is your favorite way to spend a Sunday morning?
Marya: Sitting on my back deck with a cup of coffee and my dog, and then going to church.
Jack: Waking up with most of the chores already done, grabbing a cup of coffee, and getting outside with the dogs.
- What is your biggest fear?
Marya: Bees! Jumping off high things. Not being known for who I really am.
Jack: Losing one of the incomes in our two-income household. More broadly, the US losing the stability and high standard of living that we take for granted; that's part of why I do what I do.
Mehmet (Mo) Casey with the Downtown Billings Alliance joins us to talk about some of the developments happening in downtown Billings. We discuss Tax Increment Financing (TIF), reverting one way streets to two-way, and downtown housing.
Video: "How does Tax Increment Financing Work?"
If you would like to email us to offer feedback, suggest a future guest, or simply ask a question, email us at podcast@billingschamber.com.
The Rorschach test, also called Rorschach inkblot test, projective method of psychological testing in which a person is asked to describe what he or she sees in 10 inkblots, of which some are black or gray and others have patches of colour. The test was introduced in 1921 by Swiss psychiatrist Hermann Rorschach. It attained peak popularity in the 1960s, when it was widely used to assess cognition and personality and to diagnosis certain psychological conditions.
Here are Marya and Jack's answers to this week's Rorschach questions.
- Where is your favorite place to play outside in Billings?
Marya: Norm Schoenthal Island. I love to take my pitbull/boxer dog Maximus there to play in the water and hang out with other dogs! And it’s a beautiful and relaxing walk.
Jack: My revealed preference would definitely be Veteran's Park, but I have a special place in my heart for Zimmerman Park; the views up there are absolutely fantastic.
- What food do you most love to cook and then eat?
Marya: Enchiladas, fajitas, margaritas… I guess anything ending in “itas”.
Jack: Definitely pork ribs. That's always been one of my favorite foods and I never thought I could make it myself... but now I have a Traeger.
- What is your favorite downtown anywhere in the world?
Marya: Honestly, I would have to say Billings. I truly love our downtown. I have been to a lot of different “downtowns” around the world, but I love mine most.
Jack: I won't let myself say "Billings," (as much as I do love it). I'll say Washington D.C. I lived there for two months, living in the GW dorms and working in Dupont Circle, and I really enjoyed being able to walk or take the train everywhere - even if I didn't care for the weather in July.
William Henry and Carmelita Dominguez join us to talk about the Chamber's Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board and its efforts to make Billings a more welcoming and inclusive community. To learn more or to get involved, email John Brewer, or check out William's website Be Better World.
If you would like to email us to offer feedback, suggest a future guest, or simply ask a question, email us at podcast@billingschamber.com.
Here are Marya and Jack's answers to this week's Rorschach questions.
- What is your favorite way to spend some off-time with your family?
Marya: I love to cook a great meal together and then enjoy it on our amazing patio!
Jack: In our off time, my wife and I will either be in our garden or out with the dogs (recently, Centennial Park).
- What is on your nightstand right now?
Marya: A fluff novel for the summer called Secrets of the Chocolate House by Paula Brackston, and then for more in-depth reading, The Enneagram of Belonging by Christopher L. Heuertz.
Jack: I always have a copy of The Economist and right now, I'm reading Strong Towns by Charles Marohn. I will also take this opportunity to plug my favorite recent book, The Revolt of the Public by Martin Gurri.
- If it was your birthday, what’s that one place that your family would know you would want to go for dinner?
Marya: Wherever has the best patio – my birthday is in August. So Montana Brewing Co. (the beer is the bomb) Jake’s on the West End (oh those coconut shrimp!) Buffalo Block (seriously best patio around), or The Vig in the heights (love those cheese curds!)
Jack: I would have to say Blue's BBQ for lunch and Walker's for dinner.
Welcome back for part 2 of our conversation with Dan Brooks, City Administrator Chris Kukulski, and Chief of Police Rich St. John. An important note on this episode: Since we recorded this conversation several weeks ago, City Council took its first official vote on the 2021 Mill Levy at their regular meeting on June 14th—and approved it 10-1; you can watch that meeting here. They'll take another vote on June 28th, but you'll hear more about that during this episode.
Billings National Police Services Survey Results
Billings Chamber One-Sheet on the CPSM Report
Full CPSM Police Operations Report
Billings Police Department 2020 Annual Report
Billings Police Department Home Page
Full CPSM Fire Operations Report
Fire Department Annual Report
Fire Department Home Page
Billings Chamber Business Advocacy Page
Billings City Council Home Page
To learn more or to get involved, feel free to contact the Chamber's Business Advocacy staff: Dan Brooks and Jack Jennaway.
If you would like to email us to offer feedback, suggest a future guest, or simply ask a question, email us at podcast@billingschamber.com.
Dan Brooks, City Administrator Chris Kukulski and Billings' Chief of Police, Rich St. John join us to talk about public safety in Billings. Since this is such a big topic, we are going to split it into two parts. In part 1, we’ll talk about the current state of affairs on public safety in Billings, and in part 2 we’ll talk about some solutions to the problems we’re facing.
Billings Police Department 2020 Annual Report
Billings Chamber One-Sheet on the CPSM Report
Full Center for Public Safety Management Police Operations Report
Billings Police Department Home Page
Billings Chamber Business Advocacy Page
Billings City Council Home Page
To learn more or to get involved, feel free to contact the Chamber's Business Advocacy staff: Dan Brooks and Jack Jennaway.
If you would like to email us to offer feedback, suggest a future guest, or simply ask a question, email us at podcast@billingschamber.com.
This week our guest Brenda Maas with Visit Southeast Montana shares about some off-the-beaten path places to see as well as an exciting new designation for southeast Montana.
Visit Southeast Montana
Medicine Rocks State Park
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Fort Smith
Miles City, MT – Camping, hotels, KOA, B&B
Big Horn County Museum
Battle of the Little Bighorn Reenactment
Little Bighorn Days
Custer Battlefield Trading Post Café
Bloom and Vine in Glendive, MT
Visit Southeast Montana Itinerary Planner
If you would like to email us to offer feedback, suggest a future guest, or simply ask a question, email us at podcast@billingschamber.com.
This week our guests Kris and Mariah Carpenter with Joy of Living, Sanctuary Spa, and Black Dog Coffee House discuss the challenges as well as the "joys" of running a small business and all the details about their latest collaborative project. The Joy of Living 1524 24th St. W Billings MT, 59102 406.294.1701 https://www.thejoyofliving.com/
Sanctuary Spa & Salon 1504 24th Street West Billings MT 59102 406.655.1701 https://www.sanctuaryspaandsalon.com/
Black Dog Coffee House 1528 24th Street West Billings MT 59102 406.534.8822 https://www.blackdogcoffeehouse.com/
Black Dog Coffee House with Roots Garden Center 2147 Poly Dr. Billings MT 59102 406.969.1806 https://www.facebook.com/billingslandscape/
Billings Gazette: Roots Garden Center, Black Dog Coffee and gallery moving into nursery building on Poly Drive
Billings Chamber of Commerce https://www.billingschamber.com/about-the-chamber/