Chamber Report 2017

Montana’s Trailhead to Business 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

AGRICULTURE

EDUCATION

HEALTHCARE

CONVENTIONS

FINANCE

Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives

2015 Chamber of the Year

®

OUR MISSION

from the Chamber

As we begin our new fiscal year we celebrate the successes realized and the opportunities ahead for this great organization: a 5-Star Accredited chamber and 2015 national Chamber of the Year. Your staff and board share a passion for taking Billings from good to great.

This upcoming year, the Billings Chamber will continue to push forward a number of transformational strategic priorities for our community. While many you’ll recognize as issues we continue to address from previous years, we hope you’ll appreciate the new projects, the expansion to existing projects, and our efforts overall to enhance the Billings community for businesses.

PARTNERS in progress BIG SKY LEVEL

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To develop a strong business climate and vibrant economy by serving the community in a leadership role thereby enhancing the quality of life.

As a member of this organization you volunteer on committees, financially support the Chamber and its initiatives, evangelize all the great work we are doing—and the work that still needs to be done—and offer direction to move Billings toward a brighter tomorrow. In turn, we represent each of our 1,300 business members who employ over 50,000 people. We help you grow your bottom line by connecting you to opportunities and advocating for your business and our community.

OUR VISION To achieve excellence in community leadership and growth.

The Billings Chamber does not exist to sell memberships, services and seats.

We exist to move Billings forward and help your business grow.

Cheers to this past year, and look out tomorrow!

John Brewer, CAE President and CEO

Kris Carpenter Board Chair 2017-2018

GRANITE PEAK LEVEL

BEARTOOTH LEVEL

DoubleTree By Hilton EBMS Holiday Station Stores MSU Billings NorthWestern Energy US Bank

Albertsons District Office Big Sky Economic Development Big Sky Executive Search, LLC BNSF Century 21 Hometown Brokers CMG Construction LLC Computers Unlimited Crowley Fleck PLLP Denny Menholt Chevrolet Devfuzion DiA Events Enterprise Holdings ExxonMobil Refining & Supply Co. Gainan’s Flowers & Garden Center Kampgrounds of America Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. PayneWest Insurance Phillips 66 Radisson Hotel Rocky Mountain College Spectrum Business Stockman Bank The Western Sugar Cooperative Underriner Honda Vertex Consulting Group Walmart Walmart, Heights Western Security Bank

BILLINGS CHAMBER 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

Top Headlines: Join us in celebrating these wins!

AUTHORIZE COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION

AMERICAN AIRLINES

Led statewide support and partnerships which resulted in two Local Option Authority bills introduced in the Montana legislature.

Secured daily direct service between Billings and Dallas Fort Worth, expanding Billings’ air service offerings and adding a new flight provider to our market.

GOLD WING ROAD RIDERS NAIA DI WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT Successfully hosted year one of the NAIA DI Women’s Basketball tournament, positioning the community for further success in year two and securing the contract to host in 2019 as well.

TBID RENEWAL Led the Mission 2027 Campaign to successful completion: the renewal of the Billings Tourism Business Improvement District, securing tourism recruitment and destination management through 2027.

MISSION

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Hosted the Gold Wing Road Riders convention in Billings for the 4th time over Labor Day weekend 2016, yielding millions of dollars in local economic impact to the community.

NATIONAL RECOGNITION The Chamber received national recognition for membership sales and retention, continuing to lead as a top chamber across the country.

GARTH BROOKS YELLOWSTONE KELLY Finished fundraising and site design/development, allowing the Interpretive Site to reach completion. The site will open to the public on September 28, 2017, fulfilling a promise made in 1929.

BILLINGS CHAMBER 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

Financially supported each of the five Garth Brooks concerts, making each of the Billings appearances possible and yielding major economic gains for local businesses.

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Congratulations on another outstanding year!

FELT, MARTIN, FRAZIER, & WELDON, P.C. Attorneys at Law

Congratulations to the Billings Area Chamber of Commerce for its efforts and accomplishments in promoting and building our community.

Laurence R. Martin Kenneth S. Frazier Jeffrey A. Weldon Martin S. Smith Mary E. Duncan Jeana R. Lervick

(406) 248-7646 (406) 248-5485 fax

www.feltmartinlaw.com

208 N. Broadway, Suite 313 Billings, MT 59101

175 N 27th Street, Suite 1303 Billings, MT 59101 Phone: 406-294-8484 Fax: 406-294-8480 kdhlawfirm.com EXCELLENCEXPERIENCETHICS

EIDE LIKE I’D LIKE TO MAKE CONFIDENT BUSINESS DECISIONS

Our focus is you. We understand your business because we take the time to listen and assess your unique personal and business needs. Whether it’s tax and audit, wealth management, cyber security or any of our other services, our professionals can help you achieve your boldest goals.

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BILLINGS CHAMBER 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

2016-2017 Board Of Directors EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:

Kris Carpenter Sanctuary/ Joy of Living/ Black Dog Coffee Chair

Patrice Elliott EBMS Chair Elect

Brian Brown First Interstate Bank Secretary/ Treasurer

Bill Cole Cole Law Firm Past Chair

Nichole Mehling-Miles St. Vincent Healthcare At-Large Director

Casey McGowan Trailhead Spirits At-large Director

Mike Nelson Northern Hotel At-large Director

John Brewer President/CEO

Lisa Perry Northwestern Energy

Ray Rigdon Phillips 66

DIRECTORS:

Chris Dimock Elation, Inc.

Dr. Randy Gibb Billings Clinic

Ginny Hart Residence Inn

by Marriott

Doug Miles KULR8

Lynette Kosovich Rimrock

David Mitchell Coldwell Banker Commercial CBS

THANK YOU TO OUR OUTGOING BOARD MEMBERS:

Julie Seedhouse Century 21 Hometown Brokers

Dave Worstell Billings Gazette Communications

Jeff Walters Vertex Consulting Group Past Chair

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS:

Steve Arveschoug Terry Bouck Big Sky Economic School District 2 Development

Lisa Harmon Downtown Billings Association

BILLINGS CHAMBER 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

r. Ron Larsen D MSU Billings

Denis Pitman Yellowstone County Commission

Tina Volek City of Billings Ex-Officio

We extend our thanks to outgoing Board Chair, Bill Cole, for his vision, leadership and great work this past year. Bill helped drive our legislative agenda, business growth initiatives and community placemaking projects. Bill led the Yellowstone Kelly Interpretive Site project and trails initiatives to connect the Marathon Loop. We made great progress toward the vision by securing Clark’s Crossing Island and an easement with Western Sugar along the Yellowstone River that will soon add trails and park land. All would not have happened without Bill and his never-ending passion and commitment to advancing the community.

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Billings Chamber of Commerce Staff

Your staff consists of sixteen professionals who are enthused, engaged in the community and full of great ideas and energy.

DIRECTORS:

John Brewer, CAE President

Alex Tyson, IOM Executive Director, Visit Billings

Jennifer Reiser, IOM Chief Operating Officer

Stefan Cattarin Visit Billings Sales Manager

Daniel J. Brooks Business Advocacy Manager

Jessica Hart Events Manager

René Beyl Business Engagement Specialist

Luke Ashmore Visitor Services Assistant

Kelly McCandless Communications and Strategic Priorities Manager

Marcel Bruski Executive Support & Leadership Assistant

Megan Stevenson Accountant

Brenda Maas Visit Southeast Montana Marketing Manager

Kevin Cremer Alyssa Voeltz Business Development Visitor Services Manager Specialist

Michele Flanagan Member and Southeast Montana Assistant

Alyson Murnion Visit Billings Leisure Marketing, Sales and Social Media Manager

Big Sky Economic Development Big Sky State Games Billings

Association

of

Realtors

Billings

Builder

Proud to Partner withPathways Organizations Clinic Cancer Billings Trailhead Classic Billings TrailNet Boys Girls Club of Yellowstone County thatandSupport Downtown Billings Alliance Friendship House Home our Community.

Builders Association of Billings NextGEN Taste of Billings

Exchange Billings Chamber of Commerce Billings

Tuesdays on the Town Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch

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Civil Engineering • Surveying • Land Use Consulting

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BILLINGS CHAMBER 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

Legacy Award Winner • Bruce MacIntyre Bruce is a third-generation Montanan and native of Billings who remembers when Billings ended at 8th Street West, the Heights was a series of small farms, and Rocky Mountain College was Billings Polytechnic with its own post office since it was “way out of town.” He has enjoyed being involved in the business community for most of his life, both as a business owner as well as an employee.

Over the course of his impressive career he owned and operated MacIntyre Motors, managed Briarwood Golf Course, and served in a variety of capacities for both MasterLube and City Vineyard. His career also included community dedication, serving on non-profit boards including Billings Family Service and Project Homeless Connect. He has a passion for government he credits to the mock Democratic Convention during his college days at Notre Dame. After promising his late wife, Linda, he would not run for elected office, he became involved with the Billings Chamber on the Legislative and Civic Affairs Committees. He served on the Chamber board of directors and later, when the position of Director of Government Affairs was created, was among the first to apply.

Bruce worked for the Chamber from 2006 until his recent retirement in the spring of 2017. His role as the Government Affairs Director fueled his political interests, allowing him to deal with issues affecting Chamber members on every level: city, county, state and national. Soon after retiring, Bruce secured a seat on the School Board for School District 2 and applies his experience and breadth of knowledge to impacting tomorrow’s leaders.

Getting acquainted with his new retirement, Bruce enjoys making time for his few hobbies. He treasures his fishing outings, going as often as he can. For the past three years, he has raised wine grapes and even bottled a few bottles of his own wine. He may eventually be brave enough to try it!

Bruce is a valued member of the Billings community. His perspective and expertise are appreciated by all and his sense of humor brings smiles to many. Bruce’s diverse history offers invaluable experience and knowledge to all who spend time with him.

BILLINGS CHAMBER 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

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PROMOTE BILLINGS & SOUTHEAST MONTANA AS A PREFERRED VISTOR DESTINATION

Headline Moments

Thousands visited and attended the 2017 Wells Fargo NAIA DI Women’s Basketball National Championship. 2017 was the first of a two-year contract, but the community’s support and the successful execution of the event led to a contract extension for 2019 in Billings.

DON’T MISS

32 TEAMS

UNLIMITED COMPETITION!

Funding each of the five Garth Brooks concerts

MARCH 15-21, 2017 Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark BILLINGS, MONTANA

he Gold Wing Road Riders T Association (GWRRA) hosted its fourth Wing Ding Annual Rally in Billings over Labor Day weekend of 2016. Previous years the event was held in Billings: 1997, 2000 & 2007.

Mark your calendars and plan now to attend.

For ticket info and more:

www.visitbillings.com/naia PRESENTED BY:

The Billings Tourism Business Improvement District officially celebrated its renewal, beginning its second ten-year contract. In its first ten years, the Billings TBID booked 245,640 trackable rooms resulting in an economic impact of $55.3 million.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

FRONTIER CONFERENCE

MISSION

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2 groups were booked 4 including NAIA Basketball and Cross Country; National Council of University Research Administrators; and Mountain Plains Museum Association.

This is in addition to numerous groups booked previously and serviced this year.

I ncreased visitation throughout southeast Montana through sponsorship of Fresh Tracks with Randy Newberg, a Montanabased show promoting hunting on public lands. outheast Montana also saw S continued increases throughout all 14 Dino Trail facilities, led by a 27% increase at Makoshika State Park, and including 7% more visitors at Carter County Museum and 3% more at Frontier Gateway Museum.

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EST YOU CAN HAVE MONTANA’S LARG STATE PARK ALL TO YOURSELF

MAKOSHIKA STATE PARK MONTANA’S OTHER SIDE

SoutheastMontana.com

Explore the badlands of Makoshika I-94.

State Park near Glendive, MT — Off

BILLINGS CHAMBER 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

Headline Moments

COMPLETE THE YELLOWSTONE KELLY INTERPRETIVE SITE AND IMPROVE AIR SERVICE S ecured American Airlines as a Billings flight service provider offering non-stop daily service to Dallas Fort Worth, resulting from strategic partnerships through the community.

T he Yellowstone Kelly Interpretive Site reached completion and opens to the public on September 28th, highlighting an icon in our regional history and providing an important historical landmark within the River to Rims connection.

MONTANA HAS NEVER BEEN CLOSER

y Direct American Airlines Dail MT and Flight Between Billings, 2017.

DFW Begins June 2,

EVER CONSIDERED

A VISIT TO MONTANA

?

urban ameni ties larges t city, offers vistas, Billing s, Monta na’s e frontier. Breathtaking on the edge of the genuin access to adven tures, and easy outdo or recrea tion, makes us your NATIONAL PARK YELLOWS TONE we’re Now, t list worthy vacation. trailhead to a bucke flight away. just a short, three hour LEARN MORE AT:

THE

sUSA VisitBillings.com/Dalla

Yellowstone Kelly INTERPRETIVE SITE

Thanks PREMIER DONORS

WARRIOR CONTRIBUTORS

www.yellowstonekelly.org

BILLINGS CHAMBER 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

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LOCAL OPTION AUTHORITY AND LEGISLATIVE WINS

Headline Moments

G athered statewide support for local option authority, resulting in the introduction of two local option bills in the 2017 Legislative Session.

P rotected tax increment finance (TIF) districts from proposed legislation that would have severely impacted a local government’s ability to effectively utilize TIF districts.

S upported successful passage of a gas tax bill, necessary to funding critical bridge and road infrastructure in Montana.

Billings Clinic has once again been ranked as the best hospital in Montana by U.S. News & World Report. Our long-standing dedication to provide the best patient experience is rooted in our commitment to quality, patient safety, service and value.

billingsclinic.com 10

Billings Clinic was recognized for high performance in: Diabetes & Endocrinology Nephrology Pulmonology Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Colon Cancer Surgery Heart Bypass Surgery Heart Failure Hip Replacement Knee Replacement

BILLINGS CHAMBER 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

R eached a membership milestone officially boasting 1,300 members.

Headline Moments

N ationally recognized for both membership sales and retention: this year Kevin Cremer placed third in the country for chambers our size in total membership sales, surpassing over $300,000 in lifetime membership sales. In addition, the Billings Chamber was recognized for membership retention, placing in the top 10 chambers for our revenue category based on overall dollar retention (92%).

S et records with attendance at both the 2016 Annual Meeting and the Chamber Breakfast with Emmitt Smith.

L eadership Billings and Billings’ NextGEN programs continue as highly sought offerings, boasting over 100 Leadership Billings participants and 267 NextGEN members last year.

H osted the second annual Montana Young Professionals Summit, connecting over 150 emerging leaders from across Montana.

Billings Chamber of Commerce Membership Growth 1400

1200

dues base in thousands

1000

800

600

400

**FY 07-08 was just 10 months

BILLINGS CHAMBER 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

18-19

17-18

16-17

15-16

14-15

13-14

12-13

11-12

10-11

09-10

08-09

07-08**

06-07

05-06

04-05

03-04

02-03

01-02

00-01

99-00

98-99

97-98

96-97

95-96

0

94-95

200

Fiscal Year

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Chamber’s Top Seven Strategic Priorities AIR SERVICE: Billings is still celebrating our most recent achievement in American Airlines beginning daily direct service to Dallas Fort Worth earlier this year. But while we enjoy our successes, there are still opportunities to pursue in the upcoming year pertaining to new destination service particularly through Horizon and United.

The airport will also embark on a projected $45 million expansion we will support.

RIVER TO THE RIMS: This new vision will connect the assets that support our community’s two most distinguishable resources: the Yellowstone River and the Rimrocks. Over the long term, we will develop and connect the numerous existing and potential attractions along the River to the Rims corridor.

LOCAL OPTION AUTHORITY: Residents across the state of Montana deserve the right to vote locally on implementing a local option tax to solve local problems.

The state legislature must give us this authority; it allows us the opportunity to bring more of the existing $400 million tourism dollars to town by enhancing our community.

W W W. A C T M T.O R G 12

BILLINGS CHAMBER 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

SMALL BUSINESS FOCUS: Our Chamber is strong because of the membership of so many small businesses. In fact, these businesses make up 85% of our membership. The chamber is committed to focusing on the many opportunities for success that small business owners have through engagement with the Billings Chamber.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: We will continue to improve our workforce through recruitment and training with our strong partner at Big Sky Economic Development leading the way. BillingsWorks continues to grow and be a model program across the country.

CONVENTION CENTER: We must improve meeting and convention space to grow current events and attendees. Without new space, 25% of current meetings and events will be lost.

ELECTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES: All of the strategies above succeed only when our elected officials work with people and organizations across the city to build a vision and dream big to make Billings a better place. We strive to deliver relevant information to help you identify issues of importance and assist in making your voice heard.

BILLINGS CHAMBER 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

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Get Engaged!

current list of members sorted by category

CLICK FOR UP TO DATE EVENTS IN BILLINGS

WA VISIT BILTLCH NEW TOURINGS’ VIDEO ISM

248-1127

760 Wicks Lane • 2522 4th Ave. N • 32nd & King Ave. W www.billingsfcu.org

760 Wicks Lane • 2522 4th Ave. N • 32nd & King Ave. W 14

THE CHAMBER OFFERS MANY DIFFERENT COMMITTEES AND EVENTS OUR MEMBERS ARE WELCOME TO JOIN. EXAMPLES INCLUDE: • Agriculture Committee • Trails Committee • Shop Small Committee • Collaborate Weekly Networking Group • NextGEN (additional membership fees) • Business After Hours (2nd Wednesday each month, $8 to attend) If you’d like to learn more, please call us at 406-2454111 or email Rene@BillingsChamber.com.

BILLINGS CHAMBER 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

Year End BILLINGS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING: 6/30/2017

CVB Lodging Tax TBID Staff Reimbursement

REVENUE Membership Dues................................$775,979 Events................................................... 376,384 TBID Staff Reimbursement.................... 353,520 CVB Lodging Tax.................................... 441,011 Southeast Montana Admin................... 108,573 Strategic Priority..................................... 51,301 Other Private...........................................63,131

Southeast Montana Admin Strategic Priority Other Private

Events

Membership Dues

TOTAL REVENUE............... $2,169,901

EXPENSES Administrative..................................... $174,322 Business Advocacy.................................246,135 Events................................................... 218,834 Membership..........................................520,129 CVB (State Funding).............................. 308,588 CVB (Chamber Funding)......................... 60,081 TBID Staff Offset.................................. 308,588 Strategic Priority..................................... 60,089 Southeast Montana Admin....................339,817 TOTAL EXPENSES............. $2,045,354

Membership CVB (State Funding) Events

CVB (Chamber Funding)

Business Advocacy

NET PROFIT ..........................$124,546

In addition, the Chamber manages: $642,300................................................ for Southeast Montana Tourism

TBID Staff Offset Administrative

Southeast Montana Admin

Strategic Priority

$1,797,000 ............................................for the Billings Tourism Business Improvement District BILLINGS CHAMBER 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

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ECT N N O C

Invest in your business and community when you join the Billings Chamber.

Find details at www.BillingsChamber.com.

OW GR

ADVO CA TE

Connect with us!

Billings’ emerging leaders join NextGEN – gain access to networks, achieve professional development and build connections. www.BillingsNextGEN.com.

You can also join us on Facebook at Facebook.com/BillingsChamberofCommerceCVB and Instagram @BillingsChamber.

To start receiving our e-communications, send your e-mail address to Kelly@billingschamber.com.

The Chamber does not sell or share our e-mail database.

Billings Chamber of Commerce 815 S. 27th St. Billings, MT 59101 406-245-4111

info@billingschamber.com www.BillingsChamber.com www.VisitBillings.com www.SoutheastMontana.com