contents
406
featured
6. Cassandra Sunell Entrepreneur & TEDxWhitefish Founder
profile
8. Bear Mountain Mercantile 18. The Women's Foundation of Montana - Start Up Women Montana
business
10. Finance - The Season of Giving 12. Find It Montana Business Profiles 14. Small Business Three tips for Getting a Start up loan 16. Keys to Productivity - Rest & Play
legal
20. Estate Planning Start the New Year Fresh
406 Man
22. Rabbi Allen Secher Man of the Year
Published by Skirts Publishing six times a year 6477 Hwy 93 S Suite 138, Whitefish, MT 59937 info@406woman.com CopyrightŠ2013 Skirts Publishing
View current and past issues of 406 Woman at w w w . 4 0 6 W o m a n . c o m
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Cassandra Sunell
Amazing 406 Woman
Cassandra Sunell By Jill Seigmund Photo by Scott Wilson Photography
Let me tell you a story about Cassandra Sunell. This story explains a lot about the 29-year-old entrepreneurial spirit who is the force behind TEDxWhitefish.
When Cassandra was in high school, she bought her first car, a used 1994 Plymouth Sundance. As is the tendency with used automobiles, Cassandra’s Plymouth broke down not long after she bought it, leaving her stranded on the side of the road. As she sat there behind the wheel wondering what to do next, she realized two things: 1. She felt vulnerable; and 2. She never wanted to feel this way again. She resolved to learn how to fix her car. She signed up for auto mechanic classes at Flathead High School and Flathead Valley Community College, joined a pit crew at Raceway Park, and even studied to become an ASE certified mechanic. She dreamed of opening a hot rod shop for women where they could learn how to take care of their own cars and not have to rely on others to change a flat tire or charge a dead battery. Remember, the girl was in high school.
Fast forward 11 years. It’s March, 2012 and Cassandra has recently returned home from TEDxBozeman. She is electrified by the energy of the ideas and information exchanged there. She wonders aloud on Facebook… could something like this be done in Whitefish? “Apply, I challenge you,” encourages a friend. Not one to back down, Cassandra submits an application for a license to put on TEDxWhitefish in January, 2014 and is accepted.
she was the day before. “I wake up every day with the idea that I will try to be better than I was yesterday. I want to be better so that I can be supportive of my family, my community, and the world,” she says. And lest this sounds like fluff from a Miss America pageant, let me tell you another story about Cassandra.
When she was eight years old, she became the functioning mother in her family after her own mother was institutionalized due to a mental health crisis. “There’s Zoom ahead to today. TEDxWhitefish is just around nothing like seeing your mom in a padded room,” she the corner and promises to be one of the Flathead’s says. “I did everything I could do… cooking, cleaning, premier events of 2014, bringing together an innova- taking care of my siblings… to make sure my mom got tive and eclectic group of men and women who have healthy and wouldn’t have to leave again.” risen to the challenge issued to them: “Define the Last Best Place.” Giving a TED Talk is no small matter, While her mom did eventually come home and get and these “definers” will have spent many hours prepar- well, Cassandra survived her childhood only to learn ing to stand on the red circle and share in 18 minutes as a young adult that she suffers from seasonal bipolar or less their ideas for keeping Montana the Last Best disorder. In the early days, before she got a handle on Place. While the licensing agreement with TED only the disease, it cost her a job and a marriage. She experiallows for 100 tickets to be sold for the event, those who mented with various treatments and today manages her weren’t quick enough on the draw to get a ticket need symptoms with journaling, art, and a healthy lifestyle. not despair. TEDxWhitefish will be streamed live at “I had to become an expert on myself,” she says. And www.TEDxWhitefish.com and all Talks will be avail- typical Cassandra-style, she has turned what could be a negative into a positive. She is a champion for shatterable to view at TED.com. ing the social stigma of mental illness. She advocates When the sun rises January 17, 2014, the day after keeping the performing and visual arts in schools as a TEDxWhitefish, Cassandra will get out of bed and as critical form of therapy for those suffering from mental she does every day, she will endeavor to be better than illness. And she is sharing her own story through the 406
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nonprofit organization PeaceLove. “I have this for a reason. I want to speak about it,” she says. The future is wide open for Cassandra. She recently started her own social media marketing business, Marketower, and is working with HATCH on an initiative to facilitate coordinated action among innovative thinkers from different communities. She is also looking into developing an organic coffee plantation in Panama, where all of her mom’s siblings live. Her goal is to create a sustainable family business that will provide her aunts, uncles, and cousins with a livable income. And she would someday like to work for TED. “Why stop at Whitefish?” she asks. Cassandra possesses all of the attributes of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs. She is curious, compassionate, and creative. She looks for ways to solve community problems through innovative means. She doesn’t wait around for others to tell her what to do next… she takes the initiative to figure things out herself. She knows how to connect and collaborate with others. And perhaps most importantly, she keeps moving toward her goals, putting one foot in front of the other. Her best advice for all of us, “Ask yourself, ‘What do I wake up for in the morning?’ Then figure out what it will take to get there.” Montana is fortunate to have this 406 Woman on our team.
TED’S mission: TED, a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading, stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design. TED originally started as a four-day conference in California in 1984 and has grown to support world-changing ideas with multiple initiatives. At TED, the world's leading thinkers and doers are asked to give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes or less. Talks are then made available to the public for free at TED.com. Speakers have included great minds like Bill Gates, Jane Goodall, and Sir Ken Robinson. TEDx started as a new initiative four years ago to offer communities, organizations and individuals the opportunity to stimulate dialogue at the local level. These microevents help world-changing innovators from around the globe become part of the TED community and, with its help, amplify the impact of their remarkable projects and activities.
A Sampling of the “Definers”
Sarah Calhoun, Founder and Owner of Red Ants Pants Tired of wearing men’s work pants that didn’t fit, Calhoun designed pants that would fit, function and flatter working women, founding Red Ants Pants in 2006. In 2011 Red Ants Pants put on the first annual Red Ants Pants Music Festival outside of White Sulphur Springs, where 6,000 fans came to dance their pants off in a cow pasture. The Red Ants Pants Foundation was formed as the non-profit branch of the project, in support of women’s leadership, working family farms and ranches, and rural communities. With a recent trip to the White House and keynoting at several national speaking events, Calhoun continues to be amazed how this company has become so much more than just a pair of pants. “It’s neat to show that we can do big things in small towns,” she reflects. Ryan Nicodemus and Josh Filburn, Founder of The Minimalists. In 2011, Nicodemus and Filburn left their corporate careers at age 30 and moved from Ohio to Montana to become full-time authors and speakers. They have published seven books, several of which were #1 sellers, and offer online writing classes and private mentoring sessions. The topics about which they write and speak cover a wide array, from simple living and pursuing your passion, to writing, publishing, entrepreneurship, health, relationships, personal growth, and contribution. They have been featured on and in CBS, ABC, NPR, USA Today, Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe, Chicago Tribune, and Toronto Star.
TEDxWhitefish January 16, 2014 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Central School Auditorium Whitefish, Montana www.TEDxWhitefish.com
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Bear Mountain Mercantile
Bear Mountain Mercantile
By Dan Vogel Photos by Scott Wilson Photography
There are those storefronts, which, just like in a good story, pull you away from the busy world outside. Just crack open the door of this 19-year-old Whitefish retailer and the response is universal, “ Take a deep breath, whew I’m Home”. To Stew and Debbie Adams the creative owners of Whitefish’s Bear Mountain Mercantile, that would be exactly the response they had hoped to create.
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Wafting through door comes an essence of the Christmas Spirit. Not the Park Avenue Christmas, but an honest Northwest Christmas, based on the magic smells, textures and images of the Home we knew and which we still secretly covet, hoping to later build into our own lives. Essentially Bear Mountain Mercantile brings us all back to the fuzzy and comforting organic world of warmth, hospitality, quality interior décor, considerate gift giving and products complementing our Montana lifestyle. “We migrated to Whitefish from the frenetic Bay Area of San Francisco, committed to creating a unique retail experience harkening back to the “better days” which did not include the computers, laserjet printed sales receipts, etc. The plan was for us to slow down, enjoy each day and encourage others to do likewise. The origin of Bear Mountain Mercantile begins in a cabin overlooking San Francisco bay and the Pacific Ocean. There, Debbie set about filling the cabin as a weekend seasonal home accent and gift store. Shortly thereafter, Stew and Debbie decided to relocate from the frenetic Bay Area with Debbie being the
legs. 4,000 miles worth of driving and a back handed quip by a acquaintance in Bozeman set Debbie to land in Whitefish, in early Fall of 1994. By the 10th of October they were here and the Mercantile opened to ego satisfying acclaim Thanksgiving weekend 1994. Even so, everyone from banks to retailers to locals thought they were crazy. 19 years later the couple has weathered several down turns and upturns to hold a senior seat of successful businesses on Central Avenue. Debbie, a Native American with the backgrounds in retail buying, interior decorating, arts and theater found a unique venue of opportunity in Whitefish. After some animated planning sessions, Debbie gently pried husband Stew’s fingers off the fast paced atmospheres of real estate development, consulting and corporate exec to experience the “tummy tickling”, ‘from scratch” startup of a new business. Debbie’s original vision was a gift-oriented shop with some home furnishings. However as sophistication and demand increased over the last 15 years the Home Furnishing sector has ‘morphed” and has become more of a focused market. The scale of the store has also changed, as the floor space six years ago was almost twice what is today. This expansion and contraction epitomizes the power and effectiveness of having both brain sides working in concert. Bear Mountain is serving several markets: locals, vacationing homeowners, vacationers, skiers, Canadian visitors, fishermen, horse lovers, etc. Also, it’s vital that products are reset when seasons change and new customer profiles emerge. Never ones to stay still or take
profiles}
Bear Mountain Mercantile
the easy way the Adams now offer full Interior Design consulting and many One-of-a-Kind and antique offerings as part of their program.
There have evolved many product type “staples” which the regular customers have come to treasure. Jan Barboglio, Beatrice Ball serving pieces, Vietri Italian dishes, and cozy Pendleton are among the few. To keep things interesting, the displays are set around “themes”. These are: Tabletop, Cowboy, Native American, Lodge, Fishing, Ski Lodge and Garden to name a few. The Treasure, as Debbie likes to call it, is personally selected from various shows and suppliers. Often the makers have known her for years. Like her own customers Debbie is looking for those items that mean something. Recently a well-seasoned grandpa remarked as he strolled deeper into the maze, ”If this doesn’t get you in the mood, nothing else could!” The multi-sensory environment of Bear Mountain is its calling. The staff will know you by name. Stew will enjoy your company; Debbie will guide you through the many small spaces of the store as through their own home. Which for all practical purposes it is. The staff does not spend a moment entering data into a database or referring to the pricing matrix. It’s all in their heads. Well, really it’s all in their hearts because everyone who works with Stew and Debbie love what they do each and every day… not just this wonderful season. Welcome Home and Merry Christmas!
Bear Mountain Mercantile 235 Central Ave, Whitefish 406-862-8382 www.bearmountainmercantile.com
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business}
Giving
The Season of Giving Written by Sonia Hansen and Marija Berney, CPA
Tis the holiday season! A time for family and First and foremost, you have to itemize your cheer, and also, stacks of bills. Between shop- deductions in order to qualify for a charitable giving tax deduction. Check with your CPA and ping for presents, higher utility costs, and the determine if itemizing deductions is the best many holiday parties, December always seems to option for you and your taxes. give carefully crafted budgets a good thrashing.
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Secondly, to receive a tax deduction, the orEach year I vow that my holiday season will be ganization you choose must be a qualified charitable organization. This can be found covered, that each month I will stow a bit of my out by asking the donee organization directly, paycheck away for those inevitable expenses, and searching the IRS website (www.irs.gov/charperhaps make a little room for donating to char- ities), or even calling up the IRS! Some contributions are not deductible; these include conity the season of giving inspires each year. With tributions made to an individual, a political many budgets already taking a hit, how can peo- organization, or a political candidate. Monple make charitable contributions without send- tana does, however, allow a deduction of up to $100 per taxpayer for political contributions ing their bank accounts into the red? on the state return. When you make your doIt just so happens that charitable giving can nations, be sure to get a written receipt from provide two benefits: it can make you feel the organization – the receipt should indicate good inside, and it can make you feel good that the organization is a qualified organizaabout your taxes! (Gotta love that CPA humor) tion, that you received no goods or services Charitable contributions can be a great tax in exchange for the donation, and the dollar saving tool if you meet certain requirements. amount of the donation.
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Furthermore, if the donation is made before December 31st, you can accelerate your tax deduction. In other words, if the contribution is made before December 31st 2013, you can get a deduction on your 2013 return. If you wait to make the contribution until January 2014, you will have to wait an entire year to take the deduction and gain any tax benefit from it. And bonus! - this gorgeous state that we live in provides a couple of additional tax saving options. The Montana Endowment Credit delivers a possible reduction in Montana state tax liability up to $10,000 for making a qualified planned charitable gift to a qualified endowment. Additionally, the College Contribution Credit allows a credit of ten percent of a contribution to any of the general endowment funds of the Montana University System foundations or to a general endowment fund of a private Montana college or its foundation as well as an allowable charitable deduction. The maximum amount of credit available is $500. Show some love to your alma mater! As you can imagine for these kinds of savings, you will want to get some help to make sure you comply with the rules.
business}
It is also important to remember that while cash is the most common asset donated, it’s not necessarily the best when it comes to tax savings. There are other items that can be contributed, which could result in higher benefits: Household items: These must be in good condition to be deductible. Services: So maybe you can’t deduct the value of your time spent providing charitable services, but you can deduct the costs related to your charitable work, including mileage, parking fees, and tolls. Vehicles: Got an old boat or car sitting around? Donate it! Disclaimer: special rules apply. The value of the donation will vary depending on if the organization keeps the vehicle and uses it, or sells it and keeps the proceeds. Long-term appreciated securities and real property: if we translate that from accountant speak, that means property owned longer than one year and that has gone up in value. By donating these, you can deduct the fair market value of the property, and avoid paying tax on the increase in value, or capital gains tax. All non-cash donations have special valuation and documentation requirements, so be sure to consult with your CPA before making any decisions.
For business owners, donations can be made in the business’ name. According to a recent survey conducted by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, small businesses donate on average six percent of their profits to charities each year. If the business is owned by a woman, that average goes up to ten percent. Donating on behalf of the business has benefits beyond the act of goodwill; it increases brand awareness within the community and provides additional networking opportunities. While the value of services provided by the business to a charity cannot be deducted, cost of inventory and supplies can. It is important to remember that donations made on
behalf of pass-through entities (such as S-corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships) will be subject to limits applicable to the individual owner.
Things to keep in mind:
As we mentioned above, you must have a written record regarding your donation to be able to deduct a cash donation of any amount. This can be a written statement from the organization, a bank record, or a payroll deduction record. It should include the name of the organization, the date, and the amount of the contribution. Telephone bills meet this requirement for donations made via text message. Cash contributions include those made by check or other monetary methods, such as credit or debit card transactions. For a deduction of cash or property worth $250 or more, a written statement from the organization including the amount of cash or description of the property must be obtained. The statement must also include any goods or services provided for the gift, if applicable. Donated property valued at more than $5,000 requires the filing of Form 8283. These items usually require an appraisal by a qualified appraiser unless they are publically traded securities. Although December may still be tough on your budget, with a little planning, you can feel better about participating in all the giving the season inspires, perhaps even getting yourself a little something. Once again, be sure to consult with your tax professional to ensure you are complying with all tax laws. Happy Holidays from JCCS!
This article is intended for educational and information purposes only, it is not intended to act as professional tax advice.
Giving
5 Tips to Reduce Stress in Tax Time
1. Start early: Easier said than done, but being prepared and aware of upcoming deadlines will save you time and money in the long run. The first step can be as simple as designating a shoe box to start gathering your highly-anticipated tax documents in (CAUTION – this may require you to purchase a new pair of shoes). 2. Schedule a meeting with your CPA: If you use a CPA, be sure to schedule a meeting early in the season to make the most of your tax deductions. Plus, the quicker you get in, the quicker you get your return filed and the tax process over with!
3. Be on the look-out for tax documents: There always seems to be a couple of stray tax documents that fall through the cracks and magically appear the day after you file your return. Be aware of what information you should be expecting: W-2s, 1099s, mortgage statements, etc. If you aren’t sure what you need, look at last year’s tax return and make a checklist of what was used last year. If your CPA sends you a tax organizer, utilize it. 4. Take advantage of after yearend tax savings: If you missed out on tax savings before December 31st, take advantage of ones that are offered up until April 15th – like contributing to your Individual Retirement Account or Health Savings Account.
5. Start putting aside money now: Fingers crossed, you won’t have to write a check to the IRS, but if after meeting with your CPA you expect to owe, start saving now. Then, when the time comes to file your return, just maybe you’ll have a little extra tucked away to invest in next year’s tax shoe box.
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business}
1-2-3
three
tips for getting a start-up small business loan Applying for a start-up small business loan can be daunting and an uncomfortable process. There are a few things that a start-up business owner needs to have in order before applying for a loan. These steps are not inclusive of everything that is needed but these are the three biggest steps.
1. You have to know your business inside and out. That means you need a business plan, marketing plan, and a cash flow budget. These are three essentials to any business and in this case essential to obtaining a small business loan. Without them you are assuring yourself a denial letter from traditional or non-traditional lenders. It might be easy for you to talk about your business idea but you must have it down on paper in a format that lenders can assess, ask questions, and learn about your business. No one should know your business better than you and it is your responsibility to educate your lender and put your best foot forward. You are the expert on your business and you must be prepared for the questions your lender will have. I would suggest to have your whole plan memorized right down to the projected costs, revenues, cash flow, and projected profit. 2. You need to have your personal finances in order. For starters, that means you should have three years’ worth of paid taxes that you can show. This followed by knowing your own cash flow needs and knowing where you are going to obtain that cash flow until
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By: Chris Parson, Vice President of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce
the business can start paying you. Do not make the assumption that your business will immediately be able to pay your personal cash flow needs. You should know where you stand with your credit not necessarily your credit score. What is your history of borrowing, current debt, making payments? Is there credit history that you can clean up now to make you look better to potential lenders? Do you have the capacity to pay back the loan through any other means besides the business? What form of collateral do you have to offer? Do you know the climate of the business environment you are in? For a start-up you really need to show two things: 1. The plan and 2. Your financial plan to support yourself and business through any means available, showing how you intend to repay the debt is essential.
3. You need to do your research about the available lenders in your area. There are many banks and lenders to work with and they all will have different levels of risk they are willing to take. One bank may not typically work with small businesses whereas another might encourage and help small businesses to apply. Don’t make the mistake of walking into a bank that does primarily real estate and not start-up business loans. Since a lot of banks are small businesses themselves they are going to develop a level of risk they are willing to accept, determine the area of the economy they are interested in, and make loans to borrowers that fit so that they can make money and in turn lend
out more. There are also other ways to access money in most communities that are not considered “traditional” lending. These would be organizations that have access to money through federal or state programs or private money. They can then lend this money to their local business community. Local economic development agencies, development corporations, or cities are all good places to investigate. Sometimes these organizations have the ability to lend money to startups that might not be otherwise “bankable”. In other words they can assume more risk however their terms and rates will be adjusted to reflect the additional risk. Other areas to research are with programs such as the Small Business Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture business programs. The more options you know, the better results you’ll have. Although someone is lending the money to you, you will know best what you need personally and for your business. These and others are potential roadblocks that could prevent your start-up from obtaining money to capitalize your business. Having these and other roadblocks opened will prevent timely delays, denials, and preserve precious time. The important questions to remember: How much money do I need? What do I need it for? How will I pay it back? The final question is: What is the minimal amount of cash I can start with that won’t jeopardize my business from being successful? Lack up funding is a key reason of failed business.
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business}
keys to Productivity
Rest & Play:
Who knew these were the keys to Productivity Written by Susan B. Clarke
For the past couple weeks I have found myself searching for Hawaii vacations. The idea of a sandy beach and warm ocean water are incredibly appealing to me right now. Of course, the timing is lousy. I have a series of client days already booked. Plus it’s the holidays. So it’s one of the more expensive times of the year for travel. How did I get to this point where a vacation seems almost a requirement? Here’s how: · I have been working for 27 days straight without much more than a few hours off, really. · Between face-to-face hours with clients I have been trying to build a stronger social media presence, writing, reading and posting to ensure our new brand and website gets up and running. · I have some extended family issues that demand attention and connection. · My office is at home. So it is easy to work at night and often without much of a break. I don’t think this schedule is uncommon for a small business owner. However, I also don’t think it’s healthy or productive.
So what to do? Hawaii really isn’t the solution. No, what’s needed is counter intuitive. Instead of working more, sleeping less and soldiering on, what I really need is to interrupt my work on a day-to-day basis and build in 406
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REST & PLAY. Yes, that’s right – two words that are rarely used in business, but are essential for success: REST & PLAY. Let’s start with REST. A great deal of study has been done on elite athletes. One interesting study involved tennis players and how they utilized the breaks between games. The best results came from those who totally shut down during their breaks. No coaching, no music, no mental replays – just stillness, quiet and resting. Another data point involved world leaders such as Churchill and Kennedy, both of whom were known for taking ten-minute naps throughout the day. It seems that after 90 minutes of mental concentration our abilities diminish quickly unless we take a break. Ten minutes is really all we need. Take a nap. Take a short walk outside. But make it a clear break. This is not easy. I know I often want to plow through and not take an actual break until the work is done. It was helpful to learn that elite athletes and world leaders take naps and breaks. Maybe I could as well. PLAY – that comes a bit harder. However, this may even be more important. It’s easy to think of play as something children do, but there is so much more that play has to offer. There’s an actual National Institute of Play, who’s founder, Dr. Stuart Brown has been conducting years of research that shows the importance of play in terms of transformation, creativity, problem-solving and dealing with power differentials.
Stuart Brown’s TED Talk on play included an amazing clip involving a small husky dog and big hungry polar bear. The husky was certain to be the polar bear’s lunch! Instead, the husky invited the bear to play. A simple play bow invite from a small female husky to a predatory big polar bear resulted in a new storyline for the husky. Instead of a fight to the death the animals played, which ended in cuddles. Though the research isn’t as established for us humans, I have little doubt that a sincere invitation to play could do more to bridge differences than any other usual intervention. Why? Because play lights up all parts of the brain. We think more creativity, remember more and develop an emotional regulation that would otherwise not occur. So what is play? Any type of activity that is unstructured and without a defined purpose is one definition. Play can be social. It can be imaginative. It can involve objects or movement. The key is unstructured and without a specific purpose. Something as simple as a 30 second dance can be play, totally lighting up the brain. Doesn’t that sound much more productive than plowing through? Bottom-line: Introducing regular interruptions for short breaks and playful moments will do much more for your business than hours of concentrated effort that later result in dreams of an Hawaiian vacation. Plus, if I am more productive, well, that vacation might become a reality not a requirement. Doesn’t that sound like much more fun?
profiles}
Women Foundation
The Women’s Foundation of Montana:
Will Work for Equity Startup Women Montana Launches By Jen Ewell
We know that women now make up virtually half of the Montana workforce, but still make up only a fraction of leadership and management positions. This disparity contributes to our high gender pay gap. At the Women’s Foundation of Montana we believe more women leading their own companies means more women making a sustainable living for themselves and their families, and more jobs for us all. At the Montana Jobs Summit in Butte in September, we proudly launched a new initiative to celebrate and support Montana women entrepreneurs called Startup Women Montana. Nearly a hundred people gathered over breakfast on September 17th to hear from the dynamic researcher and Montana native, Celinda Lake, as she shared how Montana women are doing in today’s economy. The gathering celebrated a group of women entrepreneurs, our Dream Team, who have been working with us to make Startup Women Montana a reality. Thank you to Liz Marchi of Innovate Montana and the Frontier Angel Fund, Susan Carstensen of Right Now Technology fame and CodeMontana, Diane Smith of Avail fame and AmericanRural, Elke Govertsen of Mamalode Magazine, Nicole Hagerman-Miller of HOUSE and Biomimicry 3.8, Sarah Calhoun of Red Ants Pants and Dawn McGee of the Hell406
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gate Venture Network and Good Works Ventures. Talk about an all-star line-up.
ing opportunities for women and do further research and gather public input.
Startup Women Montana is a community of women entrepreneurs celebrating, mentoring, and supporting each other. Connect with us at www. facebook.com/startupwomenmt.
Governor Bullock tasked the group with creating pay equity for our daughters. "I don't want them to have any doubt their work is valued, their work is respected and we as a society, and as a state value the work that they do." Thanks Governor Bullock. We couldn’t have said it better.
Equal Pay for Equal Work Task Force Digs In When the Women’s Foundation of Montana released the Status of Women in Montana report last spring we knew we were providing a great resource for policy makers and non-profits as they worked to create services and program for Montana women. However, we had no idea our report would spark a conversation that ultimately resulted in the creation of a new Montana Equal Pay for Equal Work Task Force. And we were thrilled when WFM Program Director, Jen Euell, was selected as a member of the 12 person task force this fall. On September 27th the Task Force convened, kicking off our work to provide the Governor with recommendations on policies and actions to insure that Montana workers earn equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender. We started by dividing into subcommittees to do a self-audit of state employees, promote education and train-
Thanks for the Party! The Women’s Foundation loves nothing if not a good party. In September we held a great party in Billings to celebrate our recent gift to the Girls Scouts of Montana in support of their girls’ Lego robotics teams. October brought a gathering of passionate community-minded folks in Miles City and another exciting gathering in Great Falls. We love connecting with all of you at events like these across the state! If you are interested in hosting a WFM party to learn more about our work in a fun environment while growing our network, contact Jen Euell at jeneuell@mtcf.org. Love the WFM? Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WomensFoundationMT or find us on the web at www.wfmontana.org.
Above photo: Researcher Celinda Lake presents to a packed house at the Startup Women Montana launch.
legal}
Estate planning
S ta rt t h e N ew Y e a r F res h by Getting Your Estate Plan in Order By Kelly O’Brien, Attorney at Law
Recently, a friend and client of mine asked me to help her update her will. My friend realized that her will might need a little updating, but she was shocked when she actually retrieved her will from her safe deposit box to see just how much in her life had changed since she executed her will. In my friend’s case she had been divorced and remarried, and instead of having minor children, her children were now grown with children of their own. While my friend was shocked (and a little embarrassed) I reassured her that no time is better than the present to finally update her will. Organize & Update Your Estate Plan in the New Year The start of a new year is an excellent time to think about your estate planning. Whether that means a simple review of your existing will or trust to ensure that it still works for your current life situation; or that means finally taking the step to get a will or trust in place, consider the start of a new year a perfect opportunity. Remember estate planning is not only about how your assets are distributed, it also means appointing the individual(s) responsible for carrying out your wishes for your family and health care decisions. Women, who have recently experienced major life changes such as a divorce, or the death of a spouse, are especially susceptible without a plan that reflects their current life situation. In the case of my friend, while she did have a will, it was completely 406
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irrelevant to her current situation. Moreover, women without any kind of estate plan in place leave it completely up to state law to dictate matters such as how their assets will be distributed, who will care for their children, or who will manage funds for their children or grandchildren. If You Don’t Already Have an Estate Plan, Take the Opportunity in the New Year to Finally Get a Plan in Place Essentially, estate planning enables you to be in control of what happens to your assets upon your death or incapacity. Estate planning is also the process by which you appoint who you want to be responsible for carrying out your wishes for your assets, family and heath care decisions. At a minimum, your estate plan should include the following elements: A Will and/or Revocable Living Trust: These are formal documents that describe how and when to divide and distribute your assets upon your death. Whether you need a simple will, or a more complex, revocable living trust, depends on your specific situation. Discuss your situation with an estate planning attorney to determine which makes sense for you and your family. Durable Power of Attorney for Financial Decisions: A durable power of attorney for finances allows you to appoint another individual to make finan-
cial decisions on your behalf in the event that you are unable to make these decisions yourself due to incapacity or disability. Durable Power of Attorney for Heath Care Decisions: A durable power of attorney for healthcare allows you to appoint another individual to make medical decisions on your behalf including decisions regarding medical consents and life support issues in the event you are unable to make these decisions yourself. Beneficiary and Payable on Death Designations: If you list an individual as a beneficiary of a financial asset, that individual becomes the legal owner, immediately, upon your death without the need for probate. If You Already Have an Estate Plan, Take the Opportunity to Review Your Existing Plan to Ensure it is Still Relevant to Your Life As busy women today, we all know that life changes fast. Your will may have been drafted during a prior marriage, or when your now grown children were still minors. After any major life change, such as a divorce, death, or major change in assets, it is important to review your plan and appropriate changes. When Should You Update Your Estate Plan? While there are many life circumstances that war-
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Estate planning
Estate planning enables you to be in control of what happens to your assets upon your death or incapacity. Estate planning is also the process by which you appoint who you want to be responsible for carrying out your wishes for your assets, family and heath care decisions.
rant a change in your estate plan, below is a checklist of some of the life changes that may require an update to your plan:
__After a divorce or marriage __After the birth or adoption of a new child or grandchild __When your children or grandchildren reach the age of 18 __Death or illness of an individual named as personal representative, trustee, beneficiary or guardian __A change in relationship with an individual, organization or other beneficiary named in will __A sale or purchase of a major asset, such as a new home, a new business, or sale of business or home __You move, especially if you move out of state __There is a change in the state or federal tax law
__You experience a significant
increase or decrease in the value of your assets, such as receiving an inheritance
Don't forget to review & update Beneficiary designations The last thing you want your family to have to deal with is removing a former spouse or other unintended beneficiary after you are gone. Work with your financial planner, or check with your specific financial institution on how to make and update beneficiary changes to reflect changes in your life. No Time is Better than the Present to Review, Update or Create Your Estate Plan We all know that it can be difficult to keep up with every little change in life. However, when a major life change occurs, it can sometimes be too overwhelming to think about your estate plan. Make it a resolution to consider your estate plan in the New Year to ensure that it works for your life. By taking the time to review your existing estate plan, or to finally execute a will or trust, you take control of what happens to your assets upon your death or incapacity. Review the checklist above and discuss any life changes with estate planning attorney to ensure that your estate plan reflects your current situation and ensures that you and your family are protected and prepared. If you have additional estate planning questions contact Kelly O’Brien, Measure, Sampsel, Sullivan & O’Brien, P.C. at (406) 752-6373/ www.measurelaw.com 21
406 man}
Man of the Year
Rabbi Allen Secher… 406 W oman’s Man of the Year By Inge Cahill Photos by Scott Wilson Photography
Our 406 Woman’s Man of the Year is that man with The Voice. You’d know him anywhere. When he talks, the vibration covers almost the entire bandwidth of a digital sound meter. You may have heard him on Montana Public Radio’s monthly feature, “You Must Remember This.” Or, you may know him as Rabbi Allen Secher, who, with his wife Ina Albert, helped found the Flathead Valley Love Lives Here organization, an independent affiliate of the Montana Human Rights Network. Or, you may have heard one of his lectures on the Civil Rights movement about his experiences as a Freedom Rider. Or, you may have been present when he spoke at Martin Luther King, Jr. programs, or at Whitefish High School Baccalaureate service this year. Or, you may have seen his performances in “Tuesdays With Morrie” and “Anne Frank.” He is ubiquitous.
As you can see, Allen Secher’s career covers a broad spectrum of life experiences. He is a rabbi whose dossier includes portfolios as a radio and television producer, executive director of seven Emmy award winning programs, a professional actor, an author, an administrator who developed and managed television stations, a lecturer on American films and a Freedom Rider.
When he moved to the Flathead from Chicago thirteen years ago, people referred to him as the Lone Rabbi of Montana. But times have changed and there are now four resident rabbis in the state. 406
A graduate of Brandeis University, where he
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earned his Bachelor’s Degree, Secher entered Hebrew Union College for Reform Judaism and was ordained in 1962. He received a Doctorate of Divinity Degree after 25 years in the rabbinate.
ing jailed and how he survived the torment of those times put people in touch with the horrors of discrimination.
In 1991, Rabbi Allen and Father John helped found The Jewish/ Catholic Dialogue Group of Chicago that provides support to interfaith Human Rights Activist Allen’s commitment to social justice started in couples who wish to explore a path in their childhood in an anti-Semitic town in western marriage that permits each partner to maintain Pennsylvania. As a young kid he was beaten and their individual faith commitments. Allen contraumatized by discrimination. “Many times I tinues to serve as an advisor to the organization got my head busted open with rocks wrapped in that is a major force in the religious, cultural notes spelling out “Jew bastard.” Though an ex- and social life in Chicago. Its mission includes cellent golfer, he couldn’t play on the high school supporting, educating and offering general ingolf team because the country club restricted formation to thousands of Jews and Catholics Jews. As he grew up, these experiences played a seeking to better understand each another. huge role in his relationship to non-Jews. Now Father John and Rabbi Allen are fond of It was not until much later in life when he es- telling congregations that whether you are tablished an intimate friendship with a Catholic Jewish, Catholic or any other religion, we are priest in Chicago that what he calls “the black- all right. We just take different paths to the ness” began to disappear. Though he’d always top of the mountain. In the end we all join at been willing to officiate at interfaith marriages, the summit. it was not until he developed a deep relationship with Father John Cusick and became an Allen and Ina continue to be active supporters advisor to Chicago’s Jewish/Catholic Dialogue of human rights in our Montana community. Group that he began to “peel off the layers” of They are founders of the Flathead Valley MultiFaith Coalition that began with four faith groups his own prejudice. and has since grown to 14 congregations that Rabbi Secher’s involvement in social justice are involved in understanding one another. It causes continued with the Civil Rights Move- began some years back when clergy leaders ment in the 1960s. He often chronicles his ex- from Episcopal, Unitarian, United Church of periences in Albany, GA and St. Augustine, FL. Christ and Bet Harim Jewish Community of the He is convinced that personal stories of those Flathead Valley decided to have a multi-faith times help others relate to the reality of the Civil Thanksgiving to celebrate religious freedom. Rights Movement and that by telling about be- They expected 60 people to join in the potluck-
style celebration and 120 showed up. More religious groups joined in and now these groups inside the valley are intimately connected and supportive of each other. Out of that movement “Love Lives Here” was born and recently became an independent affiliate of the Montana Human Rights Network. It is an active group that impacts our community through its commitment to understand, accept each other and create a caring and inclusive community. Radio/Film/TV
Allen’s career in radio began in high school. Even then his deep voice was impressive. “I’ve always been open to new experiences, so I decided to create my own radio show reporting on school news, basketball games or sharing my personal commentary. I called it “Sessions with Sech.” That was only the beginning. When he moved to Los Angeles, his “East of Eden” radio show featured provocative interviews, poetry, music and thoughtful perspectives on a wide variety of subjects. He kept the “East of Eden” title for his Armed Forces Radio show that became one of the longest running shows on that network. For 30 years, his Armed Forces show was broadcast weekly on 456 stations to an estimated three to five million listeners worldwide. While he was in Hollywood, Allen decided to try acting and managed to get a small role in the movie “Brian’s Song.” That led him to an agent who scored many small roles in films for him. “I am a professional actor but acting is not my profession.” During his years as rabbi in Los Angeles, he used film, dance, jazz, slide projection and drama to illustrate the services. “I’ve always had difficulty preaching,” he admits, “and expanding worship in this manner not only broadened the experience for the congregants, but gave vent to my
own creativity.” He drew large crowds to programs focused on sharing, not preaching.
Allen left the rabbinate and moved to Chicago to become a TV producer of a children’s program and created shows for the four major television stations in the city. Over the course of time, he received seven Emmy Awards for television productions and direction including a PBS special ”Choosing One’s Way” about resistance in Auschwitz featuring Academy Award winner Ellen Burstyn. This documentary was nominated for the Peabody Award and was a winner in the documentary section of the Chicago Film Festival in 1997.
On to Montana During the late 1990s, Allen and his son made ‘bonding trips’ to Montana. They came here during the summer months to go fishing and golfing. In the year 2000, Allen and Ina decided to purchase a home in Whitefish. Their first thought was to only spend the summers here but soon they found themselves to be full
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Rabbi Allen Secher
time Montanans at heart. They call Montana ‘HOME’ and adore their lifestyle in the Flathead Valley.
In January 2005, Rabbi Secher was appointed to the Montana State Human Rights Commission by Governor Brian Schweitzer and served as a Commissioner for seven years. Until recently, he also served on the Montana Arts Council. A 7-year member of the Board of the Whitefish Theater Company, he acted in leading roles in “Tuesdays with Morrie” and “Anne Frank”.
In his latest venture, Speakeasy Audio Books, Allen records Montana authors in his private studio. Currently, he is editing “Hollywood Beginnings” by one of the Flathead’s most successful authors, Kathy Dunnehoff. It will be offered on Amazon’s Audible channel soon.
Weddings Rabbi Allen Secher has performed countless unique and interesting weddings. He will always tell couples, “A wedding should represent who you are” and “should be authentic.” His open-mindedness encourages each couple to retain his/her own personal identity, to be true to their own sense of spirituality, to accept one another, and not judge each other’s faith and beliefs. Rabbi Allen’s wedding stories appear in 406 Woman in our newest column, “Watching Love Happen.” Rabbi Allen is a world traveler and a wonderful teacher. At 78 he is physically fit, has a great appetite for life, is always engaging in something new, and has a positive attitude that rubs off on anyone who comes in contact with him. We are proud to name him 406 Woman’s Man of the Year.