Chamber Report 2018

Yellowstone Kelly

Council Basketball Tournaments

Community Flights City

Efforts

NextGEN

Development

Billings CELEBRATING Growth

Mayor

Air Service

Marketing

100 YEARS 2017-2018 Annual Report 2018-2019 Plan of Action Celebrating 100 Years

OF BUILDING BILLINGS

Big Sky Answer

Job

Breakfast Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives

2015 Chamber of the Year

Support

2017-2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 2018-2019 PLAN OF ACTION

Tourism

NAIA

FROM THE CHAMBER

OUR MISSION

move Billings forward and help your business grow. Thank you for joining us in this mission.

John Brewer, CAE

Patrice Elliot, EBMS

President and CEO

Chamber Board Chair

We have the right ingredients for success, and the commitment to the long-game needed to see the community through our next transformation. Thank you for your support as we continue spearheading a better Billings.

We never take for granted that we represent each of our 1,300 business members who employ 50,000 people. We are a 5-Star Accredited Chamber helping you grow your bottom line by connecting you to opportunities and advocating for your business and our community.

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

PARTNERS in progress BIG SKY LEVEL

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BILLINGS CHAMBER 2018 ANNUAL REPORT

As we begin our new fiscal year we celebrate the successes realized and the opportunities ahead not only for the Billings Chamber, but for our entire community. Your staff and board share a passion for taking Billings from good to great.

Billings is a healthy, strong community. But we can be more, and we must be vigilant to remain competitive and diligent in our responsibility to lead. The feedback through our membership survey this spring told us our commitment to One Big Sky, tourism, and improving Billings is key to helping business.

The Billings Chamber continues to push forward a number of transformational strategic priorities for our community. While you’ll recognize some 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.

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

OUR VISION To achieve excellence in community leadership and growth.

GRANITE PEAK LEVEL

BEARTOOTH LEVEL

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

Albertsons Altana Federal Credit Union Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Floberg Real Estate Big Sky Economic Development BNSF Century 21 Hometown Brokers CMG Construction LLC Computers Unlimited Crowley Fleck PLLP Denny Menholt Chevrolet DiA Events Diamond B Companies Enterprise Holdings ExxonMobil Refining & Supply Co. Gainan’s Flowers & Garden Center

Kampgrounds of America Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. PayneWest Insurance Phillips 66 Red Lion Hotel Billings Rocky Mountain Bank Rocky Mountain College Sanctuary LLC Spectrum Business Stockman Bank The Western Sugar Cooperative Underriner Honda Vertex Consulting Group Walmart Walmart, Heights Western Security Bank

TOP HEADLINES: Join us in celebrating these wins TRAILHEAD LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

AMERICAN AIRLINES Daily direct service between Billings and Dallas/Fort Worth saw an average of 80% occupancy through its first year.

Launched the Trailhead Leadership Academy for Leadership Billings Alumni.

NAIA DI WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

MARINE CORP LEAGUE Booked the Marine Corp League for Billings in 2019.

Secured two additional years of the Wells Fargo NAIA DI Women’s Basketball Tournament, through 2020.

CANDIDATE EVALUATION PROCESS

NATIONAL RECOGNITION

70% of members used our candidate evaluation process to help them determine who to vote for. Hosted a very successful 2nd annual Montana Young Professionals Summit.

National recognition for membership retention and for BillingsChamber.com

ONE BIG SKY DEVELOPMENT Became one of five strategy partners steering the One Big Sky District development process, garnering more support for a modern convention/event center.

bILLINGS CHAmber 2018 ANNUAL repOrt | 3

Congratulations on another outstanding year!

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Tricia D. Customer Care Lead, 21 years of service

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

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September 2018

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

www.feltmartinlaw.com

208 N. Broadway, Suite 313 Billings, MT 59101

2018-2019 BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:

Patrice Elliott EBMS Chair

Mike Nelson Brian Brown First Interstate Bank Northern Hotel Secretary/ Chair Elect Treasurer

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

Doug Miles KULR8 At-Large Director

Nichole Miles St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation At-Large Director

Julie Seedhouse Century 21 Hometown Brokers At-Large Director

John Brewer President/CEO Billings Chamber

DIRECTORS:

Chris Dimock Elation, Inc.

Wayne Nelson Stockman Bank

Dr. Randy Gibb Billings Clinic

Lisa Perry NorthWestern Energy

Ginny Hart Residence Inn

by Marriott

Jeremy Vannatta PayneWest Insurance

Kolten Knatterud Territorial Landworks

Lynette Kosovich Rimrock

Sean Lynch Casey McGowan The Pub Station/1111 Trailhead Spirits Presents

Dave Worstell Billings Gazette Communications

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS:

Steve Arveschoug Mayor Bill Cole Big Sky Economic City of Billings Development

Dan Edelman MSU Billings

David Mitchell Coldwell Banker Commercial CBS

We extend our thanks to outgoing Board Chair, Kris Carpenter, for her vision, leadership and great work this past year.

There may be no stronger advocate for Billings and small business than Kris.

Her passion is around setting us apart and making Billings an even better place with the development of our riverfront access at Coulson Park and the promise of a transformed community with a new One Big Sky District.

Kevin Kooistra Denis Pitman Greg Upham Western Heritage Yellowstone County Billings Public Center (Billings Commission Schools Cultural Partners)

BILLINGS CHAMBER 2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 5

BILLINGS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STAFF Your staff consists of fifteen professionals who are enthused, engaged in the community and full of great ideas and energy.

John Brewer, CAE - President/CEO

Jessica Hart, Events Manager

Alex Tyson,IOM Executive Director, Visit Billings

Jennifer Reiser, IOM Chief Operating Officer

Brenda Maas, Visit Southeast Montana, Marketing Manager

Luke Ashmore, Visitor Services Assistant

Kelly McCandless, Communications and Strategic Priorities Manager

René Beyl, Business Daniel J. Brooks, Engagement Business Advocacy Specialist Manager

Joe McGinnis, Business Development Manager

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

Stefan Cattarin, Visit Billings Sales Manager

Megan Stevenson, Accountant

Alyssa Voeltz, Visitor Services Specialist

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Let’s talk. | 406.896.2400 | eidebailly.com

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BILLINGS CHAMBER 2018 ANNUAL REPORT

Michele Flanagan, Member and Southeast Montana Assistant

LEGACY AWARD | BILL AND MARY UNDERRINER

The Billings Chamber of Commerce announced Bill and Mary Underriner as the 2018 Legacy Award honorees. The Underriner’s long history in Billings displays dedication to business, philanthropy, and to the community.

Bill Underriner is the CEO/President/Owner of Underriner Motors in Billings. He has been in the automobile business since 1984 and took over the family business in 2001. He currently owns Honda, Hyundai, Buick and Volvo franchises in Billings, as well as Klamath Falls Subaru and Walla Walla Valley Honda. Previously, he served three terms as Treasurer of the National Automotive Dealers Association and on the association’s Executive, Industry Relations, Dealership Operations and Membership committees. He also served as chairman of the association’s Finance and Convention committees.

Bill held a variety of offices with the Montana Automobile Dealers Association, including chairman of the board. He was a member of the Dealers Election Action Committee’s Presidents Club for five years.

Active in our community, Bill served as past president of the United Way of Yellowstone County and served on the boards of directors for the following organizations: Yellowstone Art Museum; ZooMontana; National Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse; American Cancer Society Relay for Life; and Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis Helena branch. Bill is also a former chair of the Billings Chamber of Commerce.

Mary Underriner is a native of Minnesota but moved to Billings in

1984. She graduated from Willamette University in 1977 with a BA in Economics/Psychology. Working closely with her husband, she’s been the Co-owner and consultant for Underriner Motors since 2002.

Mary has a long history with the Billings Chamber of Commerce.

She served as the Director of Member Services from 1984-1986 and was the Director of Billings Chamber Leadership Programs from 1986-1990.

She currently serves on the board of directors for the Volunteers of American Northern Rockies and held a wide variety of past board and volunteer positions, including Co-Chair of Capital Campaign for the new Library, United Way of Yellowstone County Impact Council, MSUB Wine Fest Sponsorship Committee, Alzheimer’s Association of Montana Leadership Council, Rocky Mountain College Board of Directors, American Cancer Society Relay for Life Chair and Alberta Bair Theater Board, among many others. She was a Salute to Women Honoree, is involved in her church and has served on numerous fundraising committees for non-profits throughout Billings.

Bill and Mary are active supporters of the Billings Symphony, Festival of Trees, Boy Scouts of Montana, Billings Chamber of Commerce and the Billings YMCA. They have two grown sons, Blake and Kyle.

Join us in celebrating the Underriner’s and their legacy during Aspirational Billings, the 2018 Annual Meeting on September 18th.

Learn more and reserve your seat at BillingsChamber.com.

BILLINGS CHAMBER 2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 7

2018 CHAMBER ACCOMPLISHMENTS National recognition for membership dollar retention and for Billings Chamber. com from the Western Association of Chamber Executives.

Testified in Helena during the Special Legislative Session and at City Council, advocating for the chamber’s policies and priorities on behalf of our members.

What does being recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the ”Best Hospital” in Montana for 2018-19 really mean?

It means more days making cookies with your grandchildren.

It means more afternoons playing golf with your closest friends. It means more time doing what you want to do.

At Billings Clinic, we keep striving to be the best and look forward to sharing so many “mores” with our patients.

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BILLINGS CHAMBER 2018 ANNUAL REPORT

2018 CHAMBER ACCOMPLISHMENTS Communicated with lawmakers and local elected officials to work on policies and discuss positions, ultimately leading to successful defense of lodging taxes and passage of One Big Sky District Development Plan Agreement.

Attracted over 100 followers to the Chamber Twitter page.

Launched the Chamber blog.

Enacted VoterVoice campaign for One Big Sky District, generating 375 emails from members to their councilpersons with the vast majority (~80%+) favorable.

Monthly Coffee with Councilpersons connected approximately 150 members with local elected officials.

Hosted a very successful 2nd annual Montana Young Professionals Summit with 159 statewide attendees.

Began showcasing events through Facebook Live.

Increased overall NextGEN engagement through the creation of NextGEN Ambassadors and increased participation in mentorship.

Launched the Trailhead Leadership Academy for Leadership Billings Alumni.

BILLINGS CHAMBER 2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 9

VISIT BILLINGS ACCOMPLISHMENTS Visit Billings is managed by the Billings Chamber of Commerce. Their mission is to generate room nights for lodging facilities in the city of Billings by effectively marketing our region as a preferred travel destination.

Visit Billings, along with strategic partners executed major research efforts in FY18 including the Yellowstone County Sports Facility Feasibility Study and a new visitor profile and tourism economic impact data for Billings as a destination.

Visit Billings was awarded Marketing Campaign of the Year by the Montana Office of Tourism & Business Development for their “My Amazing Place� social media campaign. Check it out on Facebook @ billingssmt.

Billings will host this 32-team tournament in 2019 and 2020 thanks to community support. Year two was a huge hit for Billings as a sports tourism destination and for the local business community as attendance records were shattered. However, the most significant highlights were the Champions of Character and SCHEELS Youth Impact Day events which helped drive 2,900 area youth to experience the high caliber of competition at Rimrock Auto Arena.

Thank you to Wells Fargo for their lead sponsorship of this event.

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BILLINGS CHAMBER 2018 ANNUAL REPORT

VISIT BILLINGS ACCOMPLISHMENTS

PROUD HOST OF THE

18

LOCAL FLAVOR BIG SKY COUNTRY ADVENTURE HISTORICAL AUTHENTIC ACTION-PACKED MONTANA’S CITY TEAM-FRIENDLY

MAKE YOUR SPORTS EVENT MORE

Once again, Visit Billings was named a choice sports destination by SportsEvents Magazine.

This is the second time the destination has been awarded this accolade for sports tourism efforts.

VISIT SOUTHEAST MT ACCOMPLISHMENTS Visit Southeast Montana is managed by the Billings Chamber of Commerce. Their mission is to increase tourism to Southeast Montana by increasing awareness of our region, showcasing our cultural heritage, developing memorable experiences and educating residents about the economic benefits of tourism.

Launched a re-designed www.southeastmontana.com.

PLAY HARD

HOST YOUR NEXT SPORTS EVENT IN MONTANA’S CITY Wide range of venues for virtually any sport Exceptional air service and diverse hotel options Enjoy team-friendly restaurants and attractions Plan your event today: VisitBillings.com/sportsevents Or contact Alex Tyson with Visit Billings: Alex@visitbillings.com · 406.869.3726

Find inspiration to take in all of Billings top natural, cultural, and adventurous attractions when you watch the newly released Visit Billings Inspirational Video. Watch the video at BillingsChamber.com

Updated Montana Dinosaur Trail website with partners.

Reimagined and launched a new Visitor Guide.

BILLINGS CHAMBER 2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 11

2019 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES Rimrock Rd.

FINANCIAL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

18 WEST OF DOWNTOWN

Poly Dr. ia

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16

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NF LU EN

24 23 1

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LIFESTYLE DISTRICT

(MEDICAL CORRIDOR)

29

N.

AO

- St. Patrick’s Cathedral - Billings Gazette - Sky Point (City Center) - Minor League Baseball - Local Grocery Store

19 - Northern Hotel 20 - DoubleTree Hotel

.

St th 27 N.

AR E

 Support Coulson Park/Corette Plant Master Planning.  Support and promote Skyline Trail development (from Zimmerman Park to Swords Rimrock Park along Highway 3)

25 26 27 28 29

- Police Department - Federal Courthouse - Lincoln Center - Billings Public Library

26

ve. N 6th A

ONE BIG SKY DISTRICT

ADDITIONAL

HEALTH & WELLNESS DISTRICT

ve. N 9th A ve. N 8th A ve. N h 7t A

14

RIVER TO THE RIMS

EDUCATION

21 22 23 24

HOTELS

11

10

17

8 - Yellowstone Art Museum 9 - Alberta Bair Theater 10 - Billings Depot

28

.N th Ave

CIVIC BUILDINGS

- Billings Clinic - Riverstone Health - St. Vincent’s Healthcare - YMCA

15 - Western Heritage Center 16 - MSU Billings 17 - McKinley Elementary 18 - Rocky Mountain College

CULTURAL

13

HEALTHCARE 11 12 13 14

- First Interstate Bank - Rocky Mountain Bank - Stockman Bank - US Bank - Wells Fargo - Western Security Bank - Valley Credit Union

12

ONE BIG SKY DISTRICT  Continue work with Hammes Company/Landmark and the Strategy Partners (Big Sky Economic Development, Billings Chamber of Commerce, City of Billings, Downtown Billings Partnership, and Visit Billings).  Complete the development plan for the Lifestyle and Health and Wellness Districts.  Support the development of a regional convention/ event/community venue.  Encourage development of additional catalytic projects as they’re determined.  Be the voice for Billings businesses as One Big Sky unfolds, keeping our members’ interests top of mind.  Tourism is a $500+ million economic driver for Yellowstone County. This impactful industry will also be kept top of mind as One Big Sky develops.

PLACEMAKING FUNDING  Explore creative funding options working well in other places to create money for community projects.  Defend existing funding mechanisms at the legislature.  Encourage candidates who champion a strong vision for Billings’ businesses.

12 |

BILLINGS CHAMBER 2018 ANNUAL REPORT

ADDRESS WORKFORCE NEEDS

CHAMPION HOMETOWN PRIDE Showcase what makes Billings an incredible community.

Encourage and facilitate all Billings residents to talk about why they love where they live.

Continue supporting BillingsWorks, the organization growing the talent pool in Yellowstone County by working with both K-12 and higher education, promoting internships and marketing Billings as a great place to live and work. The Chamber supports this program financially and with staff time.

Chamber programs like NextGEN, Leadership Billings and mentorships support existing talent, increase retention of talent and help attract new talent.

AIR SERVICE Continue efforts to increase and maintain existing service.

Support the airport facility renovation.

Educate locally and regionally the need for increasing airplane seats purchased to drive the demand for more flights.

BILLINGS CHAMBER 2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 13

GET ENGAGED

Connect with your Billings Chamber by visiting our website, accessing all of the important content you see below and more. Log on to BillingsChamber.com

C on ne ct by at te nd in g ou r ev en ts!

Follow us on Facebook

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Wa V is it tc h B il li to u r is n g s’ m v id e o

Connect by attending our events

Get the news where you are. Like The Billings Gazette on Facebook.

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

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BILLINGS CHAMBER 2018 ANNUAL REPORT

Sign up for The Gazette in your e-mail at

billingsgazette.com

YEAR END FINANCES BILLINGS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING: 6/30/2018 REVENUE Membership Dues ......................................$765,610 Events .......................................................... 363,061 TBID Staff Reimbursement ..........................368,133 CVB Lodging Tax .........................................441,504 CVB Admin .....................................................72,767 Southeast Montana Admin ..........................123,336 Strategic Priority............................................59,653 Other Private................................................. 78,802

TBID Staff Reimbursement

CVB Lodging Tax

CVB Admin Southeast Montana Admin

Events

Strategic Priority Other Private Membership Dues

TOTAL REVENUE ........................... $2,272,866 EXPENSES Administrative........................................... $216,513 Business Advocacy ...................................... 190,286 Events ...........................................................203,971 Membership ..................................................521,161 CVB (State Funding) .................................... 430,129 CVB (Chamber Funding) ...............................45,899 TBID Staff Offset ..........................................352,581 Strategic Priority..........................................120,160 Southeast Montana Admin ..........................123,336 TOTAL EXPENSES ..........................$2,204,036

Business Advocacy

CVB (State Funding)

CVB (Chamber Funding)

Events Southeast Montana Admin

NET PROFIT ...................................... $68,830

Administrative

Strategic Priority

In addition, the Chamber manages: $626,282 .....................................for Southeast Montana Tourism

TBID Staff Offset

Membership

$1,741,906 ................................. for the Billings Tourism Business Improvement District

BILLINGS CHAMBER 2018 ANNUAL REPORT | 15

CONNECT WITH US

OC

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

Find details at www.BillingsChamber.com.

OW

A DV

GR

AT E

CONNECT

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 16 |

BILLINGS CHAMBER 2018 ANNUAL REPORT

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