Volume 34 , Issue 9
At the Chamber, we are continually looking for ways to add additional value to your membership. With that goal in mind, the Butte Chamber of Commerce has contracted with a local company and Chamber member, Pegasus Digital Marketing, to offer digital marketing services at the Butte Chamber/Visitor Center. As an additional benefit of your chamber membership, your logo and business information will be displayed on the monitor in the Chamber lobby. In order to participate in this program, please submit a high quality copy of your logo to the Chamber by emailing marketing@buttechamber.org Please also include your business’ current location and contact information.
www.buttechamber.org
Participation in this opportunity comes at no additional charge and is included in your membership dues investment. Time is of the essence— don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity — submit your information as quickly as possible so that we can get your business into the Chamber Digital Marketing system and in front of hundreds of visitors each day! In 2013, the Chamber/Visitor Center had 27,368 documented visitors including visitors from all 50 states and 38 foreign countries. This is an excellent opportunity to bring additional attention to your business. Please submit your information as soon as possible.
September 2014
Monday, September 15th - 11:30 a.m. Executive Board @ Chamber Tuesday September 16th - 5:30 p.m. Business Card Social at the Butte Civic Center Wednesday September 17th - 4:30 p.m. Ribbon Cutting at Homestead Real Estate Thursday, September 18th - 7 a.m. Chamber Board @ Gamer’s Tuesday, September 23rd- 8:30 a.m. CVB Meeting @ Chamber Wednesday September 24th - 12 noon Chamber Ambassadors Meeting
Butte-Silver Bow Chamber of Commerce Visitors’ Center 1000 George St. Butte, MT 59701
Marko Lucich Executive Director mlucich@buttechamber.org Maria Pochervina CVB Director/TBID Executive Secretary mariap@buttecvb.com
Stephanie Sorini Marketing, Membership & Bookkeeping Director
marketing@buttechamber.org Cheryl Ackerman Receptionist/Staff Associate bsbchamber@gmail.com
(406) 723-3177
Shane McCarthy, Safeway
Cindi Shaw, Council of Commissioners
Desiree Shogren, Comfort Inn of Butte
Pat Fleming, Fleming & O’Leary Attorneys
Ed Stepan, RED Silicon
Jim Woy, Anderson ZurMuehlen & Co., P.C.
Paul Tash, Tash Communications
Lynn Lloyd, Montana Standard
Alana Ferko, Butte Plaza Mall
Mark Hughes, Super 8
Linda Granger, School Trustee/Highlands College
Kevin Dennehy, St. James Healthcare
Paul Babb, Northwestern Energy
Chris Ackerman, Cherry Creek Radio
Tami O’Connell, Stix & Stonz
Herb Kelsey, Farm Bureau Financial
Karen Corbin, KXLF TV
Judy Jonart, School District #1
Maura Uggetti, Copper Ridge Healthcare
Andy Zdinak, BLDC
Becky Sprunger, United Blood Services
Jeff Gorman, McDonald’s
Colin Higgins, MacKenzie River Pizza
Kristen Rosa, Butte-Silver Bow
Bob Bentley, Jr., Bentley Construction
Machelle LeProwse, Northwestern Mutual
Matt Vincent, BSB Chief Executive
Todd Tregidga, Montana Tech
Donald Blackketter, Chancellor Montana Tech
Pete Akey, Glacier Bank
Paula Ruark, Town Pump Hotel Group
Jim McKenzie, Newland & Co.
Don Peoples, Individual Member
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Paula Ruark, President Town Pump Hotel Group
Pete Akey, President-Elect Glacier Bank
Jim McKenzie, Treasurer Newland & Co.
Ed Stepan, Vice President REC Silicon
Mark Hughes, Vice-President Super 8/CVB President
Desiree Shogren, Vice-President Comfort Inn of Butte
Paul Tash, Vice-President Tash Communications
Todd Tregidga, Vice-President Montana Tech
As we approach the beginning of the fall season, Uptown Butte is experiencing a major construction project with the building of the new Northwestern Energy General Office Building on the corner of Park and Main. This construction project is truly a welcome addition to our community and we thank Northwestern Energy for making this major investment in Butte. Such was the case wen the Harrison Avenue paving project took place — there, is and will be, an impact on the surrounding businesses during the construction phase. This, however, will be temporary and the end result will be a tremendous positive impact on all businesses upon completion. During the Harrison Avenue project, your Butte Chamber of Commerce encouraged Butte residents to make an extra effort to support the affected businesses to help them get through the temporary inconvenience of construction. I am asking you to please do the same for our Uptown Businesses because your support is invaluable. It could be the difference between success or failure. When a community sticks together and supports one another, there are no losers — only winners. In closing I want to thank you for your continued support and ask you to please mark your calendars for the Chamber Annual Dinner at the Butte Civic Center on Wednesday, October 29, 2014. Sincerely,
Executive Director
Please join the Butte Civic Center and The Butte Chamber of Commerce for the Business Card Social on Tuesday, September 16th. The theme of the event is welcoming the NRA Finals Rodeo which will be at the Civic Center Oct 9-11th. The first 50 Chamber Members who bring a friend will receive a ticket to the NRA Rodeo. NRA Rodeo Sponsors include: Comfort Inn of Butte, Mile High Motors, Butte Depot, Harrington Pepsi, NRA Rodeo Association, Butte Civic Center, MT Movie Factory and Murdoch's. Additionally the Butte Civic Center would like to introduce the Copper City Queens Roller Derby team who will be putting on an exhibition during the Business Card Social. Giveaways will include numerous prizes & tickets to Civic Center events. Hors d'œuvre & beverages will be served.
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1. How did you get involved with the Chamber and what keeps you involved?
3. What are some of your other community leadership roles?
I first became involved with the Chamber by attending business card socials and events. I became more involved when my position as President of the Butte CVB (Convention and Visitors Bureau) was also a Chamber Board position as the liaison between the two boards.
I currently serve as the Chair of the Montana Lodging and Hospitality Association, Board Member of Voices of Montana Tourism, Board Member of the Butte Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Once I was no longer President of the CVB, I ran for a Chamber Board position as I wanted to continue to be involved with the Chamber and Board. I stay involved because of my sincere desire to help local businesses and our community. I think we have an incredibly hard-working Board of Directors and Chamber Staff. It is a pleasure working with all of them.
2. What is your favorite event or program of the Chamber? That is a tough question as we do many great events. I have to say that our business card socials are a great way to meet new and old friends as well as our ribbon cuttings. I think our Annual Dinner is such a wonderful event as well as the Golf Tournament. The newest event that we have done with great success was the Color Dash, thanks to Stephanie's hard work. Such a wonderful turn out and everyone had a great time. I also think that our Chamber newsletter is a great way to showcase your business or special event as well as the Report to the Community. Sorry I cannot choose one favorite.
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Past roles are Kiwanis Member and Past President of the Montana Innkeepers Sales and Marketing Council
4. Finish these sentences: Never again will I.... ...underestimate what a small group of people can accomplish when they work together.
What makes Butte great is ... ...the people of Butte and our wonderfully unique community!
The best piece of business advice I've ever gotten is ‌ ...nothing happens until someone sells something!
As the busiest part of the tourism season winds down, conference and convention season is ramping up. This is a good time to remind any of you reading this column, to invite any meetings you are attending to meet in Butte. There are many wonderful venues to host: board meetings, continuing education courses, strategic planning sessions, conferences and full blown conventions in our community. I am available to assist professional meeting planners and local organizations who take on meeting planning responsibilities. We are fortunate to have great working relationships between our lodging properties, meeting venues and caterers. So, invite a meeting back to Butte and become a “Hometown Hero.� As the days cool down, some of the best hiking and biking days lie ahead. Below are QR codes of maps of our local trails. These QR codes of trails are a part of a project funded by the Forest Service, Tourism Business Improvement District and the Convention and Visitor Bureau. I would love to hear feedback from anyone utilizing these codes to enjoy the beauty of our mountains. I can be contacted at mariap@buttecvb.com.
Happy September,
CVB/TBID
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On August 13th, Express Employment Professionals teamed up with the Mother Lode Theatre to host a business card social for the record books! The soiree was expertly catered by Paul Cote from Gamer’s CafÊ and a large crowd was on hand to enjoy the food, the music provided by Orphan Girl Productions, and the wonderful networking opportunities, including a chance to catch up with old friends and make new ones too.
Express Employment Services serves local businesses with both full-time and temporary staffing and job placement in addition to providing human resource services and consulting. The Butte Center for the Performing Arts is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit corporation established to preserve the Mother Lode Theatre and the Orphan Girl Theatre in Butte, Montana, as venues to promote the performing arts in Southwest Montana. The organization serves as a champion of culture and the arts, serving as a presenter, producer and landlord for traveling performers from throughout the world and for local artists to showcase their talents on a world-class stage.
Chamber Ambassador Madlyn Bracco-Taylor poses with the basket she won in the business card drawing.
L-R: Robin Busch of the Butte Center for the Performing Arts, Robbie Taylor BCPA President, BSB Chief Executive Matt Vincent, Jason Manning of Express Employment Professionals, Chamber President Paula Ruark of Town Pump Hotel Group, Jessica Constantine, Jimmie Ann Yeoman, and Debra Shea of Express Employment Professionals.
Express Employment Professionals Team L-R: Debra Shea, Jason Manning, Jimmie Ann Yeoman, and Jessica Constantine.
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700 E. Front Street Butte, MT 59701 (406) 723-6531
buttemt.expresspros.com
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Jr Hockey Team
P.O. Box 1211 Missoula, MT 59806
(406) 541-7500 Contact: Michael Burks, Owner
www.buttecobras.com The Butte Cobras Jr. Hockey team is the latest addition to the hard-hitting, highly talented Western States Hockey League. They promise action-packed fun and family-friendly excitement during the upcoming hockey season even for those new to the sport of hockey!
Non-Profit, entertainment, theatre
Contact: Lena Rux, Managing Director 316 W. Park Street Butte, MT 59701
(406) 782-5657 lenac@orphangirl.org
www.orphangirl.org Orphan Girl Productions is a Non-Profit Theatre specializing in Children’s Theatre. They produce over 5 full length productions per year, along with numerous workshops & camps.
Gym
3755 Harrison Avenue Butte, MT 59701
(406) 221-7000 Contact: Michael Burks
www.clubfuelfitness.com Fuel Fitness Butte is equipped with the most advanced cardio and weight-training equipment on the market They offer a huge variety of dynamic exercise classes, as well as 24-hour access.
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An Evening with Gaither Vocal Band September 24th 7 p.m.
Indoor/Outdoor Bridal Fair Saturday 9/20
3-7 p.m.
Sunday 9/21
noon – 5 p.m.
Fashion Show on Sunday at 4 p.m.
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J3 Advanced Engineering Technologies, Inc. is a small environmental remediation, testing and implementation firm 116 South Parkmont Drive owned by Jim Fallacaro. J3 opened its doors in April 2013 at Butte, MT 59701 the Montana Tech Mineral Research Center located in the industrial park in South Butte. J3 has been working with (406) 494-2002 Garnet USA in Alder, Montana since last September to retrofit www.j3aet.com the dust collection system. The mine had been idle for approximately three years and is now producing industrial garnet at the upgraded facility. Throughout that project, J3 has been providing project oversight, logistics, equipment procurement, installation personnel and process development for the retrofit of the four existing bag houses; one in the laboratory, two in the dry plant, and one in the packaging facility as well as all the associated ductwork and a high efficiency cyclone. As Garnet USA identifies additional tasks and processes, J3 continues to work with them for inclusion in the dust collection system. On a much more technical project, J3 has been working with a company at Oak Ridge National Laboratory to demonstrate the effectiveness of incorporating Molecular Bonding System (MBS), J3’s proprietary metals treatment agent, into a reactive barrier landfill design. Several different test scenarios have been developed for that application. J3 received a large sample of clean Oak Ridge soil earlier this year and is currently using it in the treatability testing. J3 has also been working with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) after they requested J3 to team with them for the US Department of Interior’s (DOI) Abandoned Mine Program work. J3 has also teamed with Pioneer Technical for the Abandoned Mine Program work. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) selected Pioneer as 1 of the 4 contractors nationally to perform work for the Abandoned Mine Program. PNNL, J3 and Pioneer will attend meetings in Washington, DC in September 2014 with the DOI, BLM and EPA for that effort. Haley Beaudry recently joined the J3 team of Jody Bickford, Martin Foote, Lee Black and Neal Egan as our resident Professional Engineer. Haley has over 40 years of professional experience in industry and was active in mining construction, business development, marketing, legislative work and mergers and acquisitions for major US mining and petroleum companies.
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The Silver Bow Hospitality Association was formed in 1996 as the Silver Bow Area Lodging & Hospitality Association under the inspiration of the late Mr. Mike Venner, a veteran Butte hotelier. We strive to continue operating under his high standards to continue honoring his legacy. In September of 2013, we were inspired to modify our name to reflect the overall focus on Hospitality that is our driving focus. We invite you to join us. Together we can do so much.
For more information on becoming an Associate Member of the Silver Bow Hospitality Association: >
>
complete the inquiry form on the Associate Member page on the website or speak with a member of the current SBHA board
President
Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
Desiree Shogren
Kami Johnson
Mark Hughes
Brandi Jensen-Campbell
Comfort Inn of Butte
Best Western PLUS
Super 8 Motel
Hampton Inn
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The Color Dash 5k fun/run walk took place on Saturday, August 2nd, 2014 at the Chamber of Commerce and along the walking trail.
Visitors from Billings, Kalispell, Missoula, Bozeman, Great Falls, and Helena came to Butte for this race and many community members and Montana Tech athletes volunteered to help with tasks such as wielding the colors along the race course. Special Thanks to: Patsy Marshall, Madlyn Bracco-Taylor, Linda Granger, Suzie Bleken, Amber Wood-Jensen, Michelle Anderson, and the Copper City Queens Roller Derby Girls. MacKenzie River Pizza Co. donated the pizzas that were served following the race. Fun was had by all. The best part about holding an event like this is that half of the proceeds are returned back to us to donate to an organization. We have chosen Envision Butte, which will use the funds to enhance the Berkeley Pit Viewing Stand. Plans call for giving it a much-needed facelift and making it a more educational experience.
Look for highlights from the UV Splash Color Dash from the evening of September 6th, 2014.
Saturday,
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This year’s 6th Annual ChamberDigger Classic took place on August 1st, 2014 at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. We welcomed 76 golfers and saw 102 people attend. Thanks to our sponsors for their continued support.
Daniel Financial Services
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As Butte continues to change and improve, it draws new talent to the area. Dr. Aaron Shearman came to Butte to provide quality dental care to our community. Originally from Bozeman, Dr. Shearman and his wife were living in Seattle and wanted to come back to Montana. After looking at different options and opportunities they decided Butte was the best place for them to be and have quickly become an asset community. The aspects of Butte that drew Aaron and his wife Sonya to the area were the outdoors and great recreational opportunities. Butte offers great areas for them to go outside with their dogs and go hiking along Continental Divide Trail, running Butte’s Copperway Trail System, or mountain biking in Thompson Park. Some of Dr. Shearman’s pastimes also include participating in short distance triathlons and photography. After moving to Butte and not knowing anyone it was important for Dr. Shearman to be as much a part of the community as he could. As part of that goal he has been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Silverbow Kiwanis, Butte Chamber of Commerce, Montana Tech supporter, Butte High School supporter, Butte Central School supporter, donated custom Hit mouth guards to Copper City Roller Derby and other sports participants, performed dental work at no cost through Donated Dental Services network, participated in school screenings at elementary schools, participant in Healthy Kids Day at Butte YMCA, and advocate for Butte Animal Shelter. Being a part of all the wonderful aspects and groups in Butte has only made Aaron’s commitment and pride in
the community grow stronger. Each new event or sponsorship reaches a new set of individuals that enriches the ties to what makes Butte such a great place to live. The Hirst group Dr. Shearman joined was Silver Bow Kiwanis through which he has been a part of Bike Rodeo to provide new helmets to children in Butte every year. Continuing to invest in the youth of Butte, the next logical step was to be a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Butte-Silver Bow. This year, Dr. Shearman donated a veneer case to the Big Brothers Big Sisters Annual Gala which raised more than any single item, all proceeds benefiting the local chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters in Silver Bow County.
Angels for shelter animals to receive necessary medical treatment. Outside of the community, Dr. Shearman spends countless hours learning new techniques and studying research in dental procedures and technology through continuing education. He regularly travels to learn about advancements in dentistry and has continued to offer new services in his office.
Dr. Shearman’s office is comprised of a team of 6 important individuals that allow him to provide a high level of care. Brandi and Brittany are Dr. Shearman’s dental assistants that help him with his day to day services. Brendee, is the dental hygienist and is also a One of the other philanthropic organizations Dr. Shearman has been closely involved in is Donated Dental recent addition to Butte--she comes to Butte with her Services, which provides necessary dental work to those husband, who is a football coach at Montana Tech. Darlene is the person answering the phone and greeting less fortunate that lack the ability to pay for the care people in the mornings. Sonya is the office manager and they need. The case Dr. Shearman did last year was to handles all dental insurance claims. Dr. Shearman’s office help someone chew again and gave his time to remove teeth, place implants, and make an implant denture for a provides a wide variety of dental services ranging from routine dental checkups and cleanings to implants and patient. implant dentures. This past year also marked a unique change that The office is located at 3310 Monroe Ave just one Aaron was not expecting. After finally having a house of their own and yard, Aaron and his wife, Sonya, decided a block off Harrison Ave just south of Kmart. dog would be great company for their daily activities and active lifestyle. They decided to adopt a dog from the Butte Animal Shelter which caused them to become strong supporters of the Butte Animal Shelter and the care of animals in need. What started as a simple “I’d like a dog” turned into what else can they do to help and eventually lead to adopting another dog as well as participating in Tails on Trails. a fundraiser for Albert’s
3310 Monroe Ave Butte, MT 59701 (406) 494-1316
Congratulations to Montana Tech Freshman Engineering Program student Tyler Stremcha, who is the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship through Running Amuck for Scholarship Bucks. The Running Amuck event is organized by the Student Assistance Foundation. The scholarship is sponsored by the Montana Tech Foundation. Tyler is from Billings and is seeking a degree in Civil Engineering. He is photographed with Schylar Canfield of the Student Assistance Foundation & Montana Tech Foundation Executive Director Michael Barth.
Montana Tech Alumni Association is looking for contact info from alumni! Visit www.mtech.edu/alumni/email.php for more information and to review the list of those alumni for whom they are seeking contact information. The Progress | Page 20
Montana Tech of the University of Montana
The Digger Athletic Association held a Fall Sports Kickoff Cookout on August 12th at Universal Athletic Service on Harrison Avenue. Universal Athletics is the Apparel Partner for Oredigger Athletics. Local community members were able to meet and mingle with the Montana Tech Football and Volleyball Teams and a great time was had by all.
The Chamber hosted the Montana Tech Back to School BBQ for new students on August 20th. We served over 400 students and their families. A big thank you goes out to our Chamber Ambassadors Patsy Marshall, Sue Darlington and Linda Young and to Anna Fabatz and Brandi Jensen-Campbell from The Hampton Inn. Special thanks to Marko Lucich for cooking all of the food and to Maria Pochervina with the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. We couldn’t do this without your help. Steele's Warehouse and The Butte Civic Center contributed and donated to help make this BBQ possible! Thank You!!
www.GoDiggers.com
ASSISTANCE FOR BUSINESS CLINICS 2014 The Assistance for Business Clinics are designed to assist NEW and Established employers, accountants, bookkeepers, human resource professionals and lawyers to proactively prevent unnecessary claims and/or charges by providing updated reporting of state withholding, UI Tax requirements, workers’ comp. coverage, safety requirements, tax incentives, health insurance requirements, minimum wage, overtime, and/or civil rights laws.
Presentations Include:
Clinic Schedule:
Dept. of Labor & Industry
Registration 7:30 to 8:00 Opening Remarks & Agency Presentations 8:00 – 5:00
LUNCH BREAK & PRESENTERS MAY VARY SLIGHTLY FROM CITY TO CITY City Lewistown Butte Hamilton
Date Sept. 24 Oct. 2 Oct. 8
Wage & Hour Unemployment Insurance Tax Unemployment Insurance Benefits Workers’ Compensation Safety & Health Bureau
Securities & Ins. Affordable Care Act
Presenting in following cities – Kalispell, Helena, Bozeman, G. Falls, Missoula & Billings All other cities will be presented by MT. Healthcare Network
Dept. of Revenue
MT. State Auditors
“Navigator Organization” MT. Primary Care Association
Withholding Tax
“Navigator Organization”
Location Yogo Inn LaQuinta Inn & Suites Bitterroot River Inn
Sponsor Job Service (JSEC) Chamber of Commerce Chamber of Commerce
Fee/person $40 $40 $40
Registration fee is to cover facility & lunch costs. For more information and/or to register, please contact your local sponsor. Enrollment may be limited, so please respond as soon as possible. Send your registration form and/or payment to your local sponsor. *Higher prices indicated are for participants that are not current chamber members and ** are for 2 or more attending participants.
Registration Form - Assistance for Business Clinics Name of Business__________________________________________ Phone Number___________________ Address_________________________________________Town/Zip_______________________________ Name(s) of Those Attending 1._____________________________ Email:_________________________________________________ 2._____________________________ Email:_________________________________________________ 3.____________________________ Email:_________________________________________________ **Check if needing CPE
(9.5 hrs.), CLE
(unknown at this time) and/or HRCI
(7.5 hrs.) credits.
PERIODICALS U.S. POSTAGE PAID BUTTE, MT
1000 George St. Butte, MT 59701
POSTMASTER: Send changes of address to: Chamber of Commerce, 1000 George St., Butte, MT 59701. Membership investment includes $3.00 per year subscription. The Progress (USPS 124-550) is published monthly by The Butte-Silver Bow Chamber of Commerce, 1000 George St., Butte, MT 59701. Periodical Postage Paid at Butte, Montana.
CONSTRUCTION Year to Date WATER
MONTH/YEAR
MONTH/YEAR
%
July 2013
July 2014
CHANGE
2.2% 241.3%
Labor Force Unemployment Unemployment Rate
We can’t promise that we can include everything that we receive, but we do promise to carefully consider all submissions.
1,194,443.54 10,294,718.72
1,221,260.40 35,131,658.65
13,767
13,809
0.3%
The Progress is the voice of our members and we are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected!
18,492 17,614 878 4.7
18,107 17,255 886 4.9
-2.1% -2.0% 0.9% 4.3%
The Progress is published monthly and delivered mostly electronically.
EMPLOYMENT Employment
If you have ideas, suggestions, or submissions for The Progress, please send them in! We accept news & information, photos, information about events & functions, and more!
bsbchamberprogress@gmail.com
For advertising opportunities, please contact Stephanie Sorini.
marketing@buttechamber.org MAIL Tourism Requests General Information
35 7
16 6
-54.3% -14.3%
Visit your Chamber online:
www.buttechamber.org