2016 AWARD WINNERS
JEFF EWELT, ZOOMONTANA – BU
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Billings Chamber Honors Outstanding Professionals with Business Excellence Awards By Kelly McCandless Billings is a community with many remarkable attributes: incredible landscapes, strong and diverse economy, rich history and deep r o o t s . Add our fantastic people to that list, and we are a force to be reckoned with. Without strong people and businesses, Billings certainly would not be where it is today. To that end, the Billings Chamber honors the outstanding individuals and businesses
who enhance Montana’s Trailhead on a daily basis. This year, the 2016 Awards for Business Excellence go to the deserving people on the following pages. Each of this year’s Business Excellence award winners extends their support and generosity to help others reach their potential. In doing so, they’ve achieved their own goals and deserve our admiration. Join the Chamber in congratulating these winners during the 2016 Billings Chamber Breakfast. The awards will be given during the event, featuring Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger on Thursday, March 31st at the Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark. Call 406-2454111 or visit BillingsChamber.com for more information.
Congratulations Dave Kelsey!
Award Winner in Agricultural Excellence!
No one is more deserving than you! Thank you for being a leading voice in the agriculture industry. Your continual support for youth in agriculture is truly inspiring! Congratulations from Western Ranch Supply West End Location
Just off Zoo Exit 443 South side of I90 7305 Entryway Dr., Billings, MT Open Mon-Sat 8am-6pm 800-548-7270
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Great Falls Location 4000 River Dr. N. Open Mon-Sat 8am-5pm 800-548-5822
2016 Billings Chamber Business Excellence Awards
Downtown Location
303 N. 13th St., Billings, MT Open Mon-Sat 8am-5pm 800-548-7270
DAMIAN FORRESTER, KELLER WILLIAM Damian Forrester is a dedicated entrepreneur with a respected reputation in Billings. His work ethic and dedication to service is exemplified by his business: he began Keller Williams Realty just three years ago and currently boasts 50 agents and is in the top five for market share in Billings. Through his work at Keller Williams, Damian not only serves his personal realty clients, but also serves the agents in his office as a leader. His nominator shared that, “Damian’s commitment to others is his most valuable personal quality. He has personally taken calls from me at midnight to help with client issues.” Damian extends his heart for service to many local non-profits including Wise Wonders Children’s Museum, Montessori Schools, the Billings Wolves, Tumbleweed and others. The nomination summarized Damian’s service
well by saying, “Without [Dam leadership, recruiting abilities, t ing and guidance, my career, an careers of every other agent in ou fice, would not have been possibl Damian is a Broker and Co-O at Keller Williams Realty Premier kers in Billings. In addition to a Human Services and a Masters i formation Technology, he holds industry specific certifications. mian has over 14 years of progre leadership experience in a wide of industries and environment served 8 years in the United S Marine Corps, and has over 7 of strong technical background proven accomplishments from pr and government agencies. Dam strong interpersonal commu tion skills are a benefit to client friends.
RIMROCK – EMPLO Rimrock, the largest treatment center in the region, has over 40 years of experience in treating addictive diseases, compulsive behaviors and mental health disorders. Their staff of 150+ includes Counselors, Physicians, Nurses, and support staff who assure the individualized care they provide meets the needs of the adults and adolescents they serve. Rimrock’s investment in the future con-
centrates on creating opportunities for their employees to enjoy and believe in the value of the work they do. They are committed to care for their patients and advocate for those
BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR
Most everyone in Billings knows Jeff Nature Guy. His fun antics on local s programs and far-reaching comnity involvement have made him a sehold name regionally. And while t are familiar with the impressive und ZooMontana has made under eadership, some may not know just big the changes have been. Since took over as Executive Director of Montana it’s seen a 180% increase dmissions, 264% increase in contrions and more increases across the rd. As his nominator put it, “There is better example of creating momen, vision and results than the transmation the Zoo has been through unJeff’s leadership!”
Jeff has been involved with animals for eighteen years. He graduated from Ohio State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Communication, Education and Interpretation, and worked for the Columbus Zoo as a Presenter and Animal Trainer and at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo as the Animal Ambassador Manager. Jeff has appeared on several national broadcasts including Late Night with Conan O’ Brien, ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover, The Discovery Channel, Nat Geo Wild, MSNBC and PBS. Jeff strongly believes that he can use his knowledge and training expertise to educate audiences worldwide about the importance these animals play in our everyday world.
Business
ExcEllEncE
Congratulations Jeff ewelt
On being named “Business Person of the Year”.
Your leadership is exceptional, you have made a huge impact on the success of Zoo Montana. a great Big
T hank You
from your community, your friends, your team & the zoo animals.
MS – CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE
2100 S. Shiloh Road Billings, MT Open every day at 10am
406-652-8100
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www.zOOMOnTana.ORg
OYER OF THE YEAR in recovery. The employees practice impactful communication and meet high expectations. Overall the true winners are the patients served by this highly engaged workforce. As their nominator put it, “Their excellence comes from within their walls, and ripples through Billings by means of saved lives and restored families.” Rimrock has stood the test of time, and
evolved based on the needs of the community and the ever-growing staff. Rimrock leaders inspire their teams by first modeling high standards and sound core values. Rimrock projects this same philosophy as a leader; they model what they aspire to in order to be a reliable resource for the community. They continue to raise their bar to exceed the expectation of the people they serve.
2016 Billings Chamber Business Excellence Awards
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JAN PETERSON, WESTERN SECURITY BANK – SUPERVISOR/ MANAGER OF THE YEAR
The adjectives used to describe Jan by her nominators are “leader,” “supportive,” “patient,” “gracious,” “inspiring,” “selfless,” “devoted,” “reliable,” “sincere,” “trustworthy,” “dependable,” “compassionate,” and more. These qualities are rare and certainly valuable in a manager. Jan was nominated by over ten members of her staff who all touted her drive to exceed expectations, to support her staff and to lead by example. One nominator shared that, “As a fellow manager, colleague and friend, Jan models for me what it is to lead with humility and class, inspiring me to be better tomorrow than I was yesterday.” Jan Peterson is Senior Vice President of Western Security Bank. She has been with the bank for 30 years holding a variety of positions, currently serving as Branch Administrator providing leadership and support to the branches of Western Security Bank. Jan’s responsibilities also include directly managing the Downtown Broadway Branch. Jan has a passion for leadership and makes it a goal to help others recognize their own strengths and passions.
LEGACY & AG AWARD WINNERS
In September Karen Sanford Gall was honored during the Chamber’s Annual Meeting with the Legacy Award (formerly the Lifetime Achievement Award). Dave Kelsey received the Award for Agricultural Excellence during the Ag Appreciation Banquet in January.
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2015 Legacy Award
2016 Agricultural Excellence
Karen Sanford Gall, Big Sky State Games
Dave Kelsey, Yellowstone Valley Electric Co-Op Board
2016 Billings Chamber Business Excellence Awards