Chamber Workplan 2015

16

2015

January 2015

CHAMBER WORKPLAN

www.havredailynews.com

Thanks for a great community Christmas!

ated ny and dedic a m f o ip h s e A partner community th e th to g in r re. volunteers b t Town Squa a g n ti h g li annual tree

Boar d me mber repai sa r the holid nd commu ay de nity volun corat crew tee i o ns, a puts nd th rs them e city up.

vide students pro ic s u m l o o ch hS Havre Hig s. f the holiday the sounds o

Thanks fo r the partn erships: to Ezzie’s fo r the burn b a rrels that k great crow ept the d warm on a very wic kedly cold night. to Lon an d Stacy Wa id for the w ood. to the Salv ation Arm y and the Elk providing s Club for the warmth of hot cho colate. to Leaders hip studen ts who bra ved the co to entertain ld the crowd .

“Ma king the M Hav agic” re bu ...O sines and g ver 8 s e s pro ift ca 0 vided rds f cate gifts or 3 s prizes uper and 2 were certifi kids given bask out a ets th t the at tree l ighti ng.

un the st Santa R r fi 's it d te s ho g.

The Chamber e tree lightin th f o g in en ev

nts

e ved the elem ra b rs e n n ru e cold, nt.

In spite of th irit of the eve p s e th in d and dresse

by BNSF.

s sponsored The run wa Thank you!

2

2015

CHAMBER WORKPLAN

January 2015

www.havredailynews.com

Incoming Chamber board president looks to 2015 Pam Burke Havre Daily News

As the community welcomes the new year the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce also welcomes its new president Shawn Holden, coowner of Holden’s Hot Wheels with his wife, Christy.

Holden’s Hot Wheels will be celebrating 20 years in business this year, Shawn said, with the last two-and-a-half years at their newly remodeled and expanded location at the corner of 1st Street and 5th Avenue.

He said he and Christy have been supporters of Relay for Life, Montana State University-Northern, Havre High School, youth baseball and youth soccer, among other events and organizations, throughout the years.

He also said he tries to get the Holden’s Hot Wheels music van to all the functions that put in a request for it.

“Havre is a great place to live and raise kids, and it happens with a lot of people that come together — it’s supporting those small things to keep our kids busy and keep our kids

safe,” he said. building, but also for the sidewalk

Shawn has been a Chamber and all the way out to the center member since Holden’s Hot of the street, so if, for example, Wheels opened in 1994 and a board weeds are growing through a crack member for six years. He also in the pavement in the street by a commended Chamber Executive business, that business owner needs Director Debbie Vandeberg and to get out there and take care of the Office Manager Shari Robinson for problem. all they do to keep the Chamber “I’ve been a part of the Havre board’s activities on track and Pride (cleanup days) for many, going forward. many years — probably 10-15 years

While Shawn said he is proud — and as far as trying to make of all that the Chamber does, Havre look good on those two days Holden during his time as president he with the business I own, I try to wants to concentrate on two areas take pride in the outside, of the that encourage business owners to look, quite way it looks, and I’d like to try to pass that on literally, to the outside of their businesses to and let other businesses know that that is their bring business around to them. responsibility for the benefit of their business,”

One of his goals is to encourage business he said. owners to think about the physical condition A lot of people mistakenly think that of the outside of their business to make sure everything beyond the sidewalk is the city’s the sidewalks and the streets are free of weeds, responsibility, he added, but that’s not the case. garbage and built up dirt.

Having cleaner, tidier city streets will attract

Many people, he said, don’t realize that more people to Havre. a business is responsible not just for its own And Shawn hopes some of those people

will be coming from Canada through a 24-hour port of entry.

“(I want to) work on the border crossing, keep pushing forward to try to get that 24-hour port open,” he said. “I really want to support that.

“The Chamber is highly involved in it, and we just keep pushing forward when there’s roadblocks to try to get some support from Canada,” he said.

Shawn added that, while he is busy with his business expansion, he feels that being a part of the Chamber and working on a few, clear-cut goals that he’s passionate about will help the community and area businesses the best he can.

“I’m proud to be part of the Chamber,” he said, “because the people that are involved in the Chamber, not just myself, but all of the committee people that are on the Chamber board volunteer their time in an immense amount of different areas from tourism to Festival Days to the ag committee and all of that to be able to make events happen, and I’m proud that Havre is a thriving place to live.”

Havre Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Members A Plus Health Care Aaron’s Sales & Leasing Adams Chiropractic ADM/CHS, LLC AmericInn of Havre Anderson Appraising Anderson ZurMuehlen Atrium Mall Association B&B Sheet Metal Baker Amusement Baldwin Court Reporting Services Baldwin Insurance Associates Bear Paw BBQ Bear Paw Credit Union Bear Paw Development Bear Paw Hunts, Inc. Bear Paw Lumber Bear Paw Meats Bear Paw Paint Bear Paw Technologies Bear Paw Veterinary Clinic Bearly Square Quilting Beaver Creek Designs Ben Franklin Crafts Bergren Transmission Better Business Bureau Big Equipment Company Big R Stores Big Sky Images Bill Baltrusch Construction Bing ‘n Bob’s Blair, Les & Mary Blue Cross Blue Shield BNSF Bob’s Greenhouse Bosch, Kuhr Dugdale Boxcars Boys & Girls Club of the Hi-Line Brandon’s Drapery & Floor Covering Budget Rent-A-Car Bullhook Clinic Bullhook Property Management CHS Milk River CK Builders CM Management Cape Air Carquest Auto Parts Cavaliers for Men & Women Cellular Plus Char’s Family Dining Charter Communications Circle Inn

City of Havre Clack Museum Foundation Clausen & Sons Coca-Cola Coffee Hound Consumer Direct Cottonwood Cinema 4 Credit Bureau of Havre Crystal City Casino Culligan Custom Collision Repair D.A. Davidson Dairy Queen Destination Travel Diesel Doctor, Inc. Dollar Zone Domino’s Down Under Fitness Center Downtown Gardens Duchscher Insurance Duck Inn Eagle Home Mortgage Eagles Club Eagles Manor Edward Jones Eight Design Elite Tan & Styling Salon Emporium EMT Car Wash Enell, Inc. Erickson Insurance Group Evergreen Campground Ezzie’s Wholesale, Inc. 5th Avenue Christian Church 5th Ave Grind Farm Bureau Financial Services Finest Boot Repair First National Pawn Fivehead’s Fleet Wholesale Supply Flynn Realty Frontier Lawn & Landscaping Gary & Leo’s IGA Golden Spike Lounge Great Northern Fair Great Northern Inn Gregoire Insurance Agency Guadalajara Restaurant Gusto Distributing H. Earl Clack Museum H&R Block Hank Tweeten’s Auto Body

Harada Family Dental Care Havre Assembly of God Church Havre Beneath the Streets Havre Daily News Havre Day Activity Center Havre Dental Group Havre Distributors Havre Elks Lodge #1201 Havre Ford Havre Hardware & Home Havre/Hill County Preservation Havre Jaycees Havre Job Service Havre Laundry & Dry Cleaning Havre Hi-Line Realty Havre Optometric Clinic Havre Public Schools Havre Ready-Mix Havre Refrigeration Havre Rental & Hi-Line Polaris Heberly & Associates Heirloom Jewelers Helmbrecht Studio Henny Penny Cupcakes Herberger’s HiLine Radio Shack Hi-Line Gold Casino Hi-Line Lanes Hi-Line Motel Hi-Line Pregnancy Resource Center High Plains Gallery Hill County Commissioners Hill County Conservation District Hill County Electric Hill County Extension Office Hill County Health Department Hill County Printing Hill County Title Holden’s Hot Wheels Holiday Holiday Village Mall Holland & Bonine Holt Plumbing & Heating HRDC Independence Bank Integrative Medical Solutions JM Donoven Designs Jones Plumbing & Heating Keller Williams Capitol Realty Kentucky Fried Chicken Klimas Financial Services, Inc. Kmart

Koefod Agency LaSalle Agency Lelok Travel Lorang Law Lotton Construction Lunch Box Magic Carpet Travel Magic Diamond Casino Master Sports Maui Nites Casino Maurices McDonald’s McLain’s Cabinets McLean’s Grocery McNair Furniture Meadowlark Property Management Midwest Diesel Injection Missouri River Realty Montana Actors’ Theatre Montana Country Boutique Montana Lil’s MSU-Northern MSU-Northern Alumni Foundation Murphy’s Pub Nalivka’s Pizza Kitchen Nault Plumbing & Heating New Concept Lawn, Inc. New Media Broadcasters Norman’s Ranch Wear North Central Auto Parts (NAPA) Northern Ag Research Center Northern Home Essentials Northern Montana Health Care Northwest Farm Credit Services Northwest Security Services NorthWestern Energy Northwestern Mutual Life Office Equipment Opportunity Link, Inc. Overcast Restoration PJ’s Pacific Steel Parkview Apartments Patrick Construction Pepsi-Cola Pizza Hut Prairie Farms Golf Course ProBuild Property West R-New Trading Post Raymond James Financial Services Red’s Auto Parts

Rod’s Drive-In Rolling Hills Ruff Real Estate St. Jude Thaddeus School Saddle Butte Custom Smoking Scharfe, Kato & Co. Schine Electric Schubert Insurance Agency Schwan’s Home Service Sears Serv-Ur-Self Furniture Siesta Motel Steve Mariani Insurance Stockman Bank Stromberg’s Sinclair Subway Sundogs Super 8 Motel Taco Treat The Athlete’s Foot The Glacier Nationals The Key The Press Tilleman Motors Timber Creek Village Tip-It Bar Tire-Rama Torgerson’s TownHouse Inns Town Pump Triangle Communications Uncle Joe’s United Way of Hill County US Bank Valley Furniture Vic’s Place Waddell & Reed Wafa International, Inc. Walmart Wells Fargo Bank Western Drug Pharmacy Western Trailer Sales Westside Storage Wildflowers Wipfli Galusha Wolfer’s Diner Yellowstone Insurance Exchange Yummy Foods Zoo Health Club

2015

CHAMBER WORKPLAN Economy: Tuss: Havre is fortunate to have a progessive business community 15

January 2015

■ Continued from page 11 add up, said Paul Tuss, executive director of Bear Paw Development Corp., an organization that promotes economical development in Havre and the surrounding region.

“I think if you talk to anybody in the community or in the region, they have a gut sense that something’s happening, they have a gut sense that there’s some real positive growth occurring in our local and regional economy,” said Tuss.

In what Tuss described as an informal survey of new construction in the past few years, with a rough and conservative estimate of their cost, the Havre area has seen at least a $60 million investment in private business, public facilities and public infrastructure.

“I think when we talk about that sixzero number (the $60 million investment), the truth is it’s a conservative number and it’s probably, or perhaps, substantially higher than that,” Tuss said, adding that “we can talk about the dollar figures all day long and try to get an exact number, but the bottom line is, it’s significant.”

He said that he has had conversations with people who have lived in Havre for 50 to 60 years who have said they have never seen this much construction activity.

“It’s just good,” Tuss said. “It’s a good

thing for the community, it’s a good thing for the residents, it’s a good thing for our tax base, it’s a good thing for employment, and the list goes on. There’s nothing bad about it.”

While places in the region are seeing explosive growth, like the Bakken, he said, the key element to Havre’s growth — that is very positive — is that this growth is not seen from just one source. This diversity of investment makes for a sound, stable economy.

“I think it’s a far more diversified growth,” he said. “My sense is that it’s a far more sustainable growth that will be here longer term and have a more longterm impact on the region than if it was one thing we’re relying on.”

Tuss added that when people are inundated with negative news about the economy on a national level, it causes them to slow or halt expansion plans and spending habits, which develops a kind of emotion-fueled recession that takes positive thinking and positive action to get out of.

“I think,” he said, “we are fortunate that we have such a progressive business community that is investing in itself, and it’s noticeable, and it’s noticeable by our neighbors.”

www.havredailynews.com

14

2015

January 2015

CHAMBER WORKPLAN

www.havredailynews.com

Thank you Havre for making the 35th Havre Festival Days a huge success

3

2015

CHAMBER WORKPLAN

January 2015

2015 Executive Committee President

1st Vice President

The Hi-Line and Havre is an amazing place that I am very proud to call home. I was born and raised in Havre, graduating from Havre High School and enlisting in the Montana Army National Guard. The 12 years I spent in the Guards continues to teach me strong work ethics, dedication and perseverance that I had to learn in my younger years. While growing up, I spent a lot of time with my aunts and uncles working with them on their family farms and ranches, helping my uncle with his tree trimming business and also shoe shining at my father’s barber shop. I have been fortunate and blessed to own and operate our auto accessory/ auto glass business with my wife, Christy, and our two sons, Jacob and Kendall.

With our recent business investment in our new location, I am even more excited and look forward to being an active member of the business community and helping Havre to move in a positive direction.

Brian took over ownership of Rod’s Drive-In in 2000. Brian’s Blue Pony spirit continued after graduating as he has served with and been for 10 years a very active member with the Havre Wrestling Club. Brian has three children, Casey, Tyler and Bailey.

Shawn Holden ~ Holden's Hot Wheels

As this 2014 comes to a close, I would like to thank all of our local businesses and the community for their support and involvement with the Havre Chamber and the many events the organization sponsors. For our small size, the Havre community and the Hi-Line area are so lucky to have the many activities and entertainment options available to us like MAT Theatre, MSU-Northern College Athletics and many high school and intramural sporting events, along with some of the finest outdoor recreation places to fish, hunt and camp. My goal this year is to continue to encourage people’s involvement in community service, and hope to inspire more young people to get involved and stay involved to keep Havre “The Best Kept Secret.”

Mayor's Choice Float winner is Northern MT Hospital

2nd Vice President

Joe Ross - Cavaliers for Men & Women

Best Commercial Float winner is Gary & Leo's Fresh Foods

Best Non-Commercial Float winner is Havre Public School Foundation

www.havredailynews.com

Brian Shaub ~ Rod's Drive-In

"I agreed to serve on the Chamber’s Board of Directors because I was interested to learn all that the Chamber does and is involved in. I also saw an opportunity to bring some additional and different insight to the board as a restaurant owner and manager.

I am excited to be a part of the Executive Committee as we start the new year.”

Director at Large

Stacy Mantle ~ Havre Daily News Stacy Mantle was born and raised in Havre. She graduated from Northern Montana College (MSU-Northern) with a graphic design degree. She has been in the newspaper business for the past 15 years, which includes the past three years at her current position as publisher at the Havre Daily News. She currently is involved in the community as a member of the Havre Crimestoppers Committee, MSU-Northern Alumni Foundation’s Alumni Committee, Havre Chamber Tourism Committee, co-chair for the last three years on the Havre Chamber Ambassadors Committee and director at large on the Havre Chamber Board of Directors. Stacy has been an active member of the Havre community and loves to volunteer. She and her husband, Bob, have two children, Reed and Rylin, and one dog, Snoball. In her free time she enjoys camping, golfing, watching Reed participate in sports and spending time with her family.

Joe was born and raised in Havre and is a graduate of Havre High School and MSU-Northern. He worked in Las Vegas before returning to the Hi-Line to work with his family at Cavaliers. Joe is vice president of the Havre Day Activity Board of Directors. He and his wife, Riki, have five children, Lindsey, Myles, Ayreanna, Morgan and Tori.

“I was very excited when I was asked to join the Chamber Board, it meant that I could be a part of something that does so much for our great community. I feel very fortunate to have lived in Havre all of my life and now get the pleasure of raising my children here as well. Havre is a great place to live and with what the Chamber does for us in the community, it will only get better."

"I believe that the Chamber of Commerce, along with the community, can accomplish great things together and make Havre the best place to live and raise a family. We have so much to offer in our community, you just need to take a look around and see all of the great activities and outdoor beauty Havre has to offer.”

Outgoing Chamber President —

Past President

Debbie Callahan ~ Independence Bank Deborah Callahan was born and raised in Havre. She graduated from Northern Montana College (MSU-Northern). She has been in the banking field for the past 32 years which includes the past 17 years at her current position as senior vice president at Independence Bank. She currently is involved in the community by being the president of the Bear Paw Development Board of Directors as well as the Bear Paw Development RLF loan committee; a member of Havre Day Activity Board and the Northern Montana Hospital Foundation Board; chairman of the Havre Chamber Park Committee; and now past president of the Havre Chamber Board of Directors. Debbie has been an active member of the Havre community and loves to volunteer, whether it is mowing the park on the weekend or chairing a committee, she is very proud to be part of Havre. Debbie is married with two children and two stepchildren. She enjoys her extra time with her husband, Tim, golfing, running and working on her farm in Malta. They completed their 10th halfmarathon race in 2014 and are planning the undertaking of their first marathon scheduled this fall.

“Back in September while training for the Denver half-marathon, we trained in the Bear Paw Mountains because of the elevations. As we were cooling down after a 14-mile run, we decided to walk around Camp Kiwanis. What I didn’t know at the time was that the Kiwanis Chapel that was built in 1933 with the help of the Havre Chamber and our local Kiwanis Club. Without adequate funds for maintenance and development, the camp was turned over to Havre Chamber and our local Kiwanis Club back in the early ’30s by the city of Havre. I was impressed! As the outgoing president for the second time, there is one thing we, as a board, continue to hear and that is “What does the Chamber do for me?” Our chamber worked for us back then and continues to do so today. Did you know that back in 1985 we started the Chamber Gift Certificate program, which now has well over 17K spent locally with local businesses? Did you know that back in 1990 we started the Chamber Christmas Cash program , which now has 163K spent locally with local businesses? Did you know that back in 2000 the Chamber Town Square Project broke ground in a beautiful park and great gathering place for our community to enjoy? And, finally, back in 1994 two awesome people started to work together in the Havre Chamber of Commerce office. Thank you, Debbie and Shari for your continued support, love and enthusiasm for this GREAT COMMUNITY WE ALL LIVE IN!

Thank You, Debbie Callahan…

What can I say! But thank you. Two terms on the Chamber Board and president twice. When Debbie was Board president in 1999, the board started discussion about the Town Square Project. Today Town Square serves as the community cornerstone, and Debbie continues to be active in the project, chairing the committee. Town Square will celebrate its 15th Anniversary in 2015! Her unwavering commitment to her hometown was her drive during that year, back in ’99. She became active with the Chamber in 1987 when she became a member of the Chamber’s Ag Committee … a natural fit with a background in farming, a degree in agriculture from Northern and her career path in banking as an ag lender. “Havre Moving On” was her slogan … then and remains her energy today. Whether it is lending a helping hand where needed or chairing the Town Square Committee, Debbie remains passionate about her community and the work of the Chamber. The Chamber has come a long way from her first leadership role to today. It is a wonderful feeling when a person has such a desire to make a difference and steps up again to serve in a leadership role at the Chamber. It sends a message that the Chamber is doing it right, and there is a personal desire to be a part of moving something good to even better — that is Debbie Callahan. I have enjoyed your partnership, your leadership and your friendship over these past 15 years and so look forward to working together with you in the future to continue making Havre a community all can be proud of.

Debbie Vandeberg, Executive Director

4

2015

January 2015

CHAMBER WORKPLAN

www.havredailynews.com

THIS CHAMBER HAS A MISSION Board of Directors — 2015

Director

Steve Neiffer - Bergren Transmission

"The mission of the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce is to improve the overall business climate for its members through sponsorship of programs which stimulate economic growth and promote civic development."

Director

Shauna Albrecht - Timber Creek Village

Director

Andy Carlson - Havre Public Schools

Director

Greg Kegel - MSU-Northern

Director

13

2015

January 2015

CHAMBER WORKPLAN

When we combine strengths, unite for a common goal and work toward the common goal, we can celebrate the success of each partnership!

MSU-Northern and the Chamber team up as partners on Festival Days.

Dax Nebel - Pacific Steel & Recycling

Havre Lions Club and the Chamber partner to bring the South Alberta Pipe and Drum Band to Festival Days.

Director

Bonnie O'Neill - Northern Montana Health Care

Director

Nate Riley - Havre Home & Hardware

PPL Montana grant supports the Leadership High School program for the 7th year.

Director

Carol Lamey - Havre Job Service

Director

Curt Lineweaver - Anderson ZurMuehlen

Director

Debi Rhines - Schine Electric/Bear Paw Tech

Director

Carson Sweeney - NorthWestern Energy

www.havredailynews.com

NorthWestern Energy sponsors and Sleeter Fund supports Sounds on the Square.

The Chamber continues to be an active partner in the efforts to secure expanded hours at the Wild Horse Port of Entry with our Alberta neighbors.

12

2015

January 2015

CHAMBER WORKPLAN

www.havredailynews.com

Come join us at the Square!

Enjoy the Square… celebrating 15 years this summer providing community activities.

Enjoy music and market this summer!

Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. starting in mid-June

Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon July 11 - September 19 Sounds on the Square will continue this summer starting in June.

Thanks to Joe Ross, Chamber Board member, for his energy to organize a great group of bands, that present music from country to jazz, to contemporary and everything in between.

Pack up that picnic basket and dine al fresco with friends, neighbors and family at the Square, all while enjoying the music of our talented local bands.

The summer music series is funded through a sponsorship grant from

NorthWestern Energy and with funds from the Sleeter Fund.

The bands are area

bands that provide two hours of great music entertainment at Town Square from June through August.

Havre offers its own opportunity every summer for visitors to connect to the community, farmers and ranchers and businesses at Saturday Market.

It has become an important part of the community, providing a safe, healthy, weekly event in the downtown neighborhood during the summer.

The market is held Saturdays at Town Square.

The market is visited by many — from local families to travelers passing through or visiting Havre.

The market place also provides community social benefits. The festive nature of the market creates an enjoyable atmosphere to visit with friends and make new acquaintances.

All area gardeners, bakers and crafters are extended an invitation to participate. Vendors are welcome to set up every Saturday starting July 11 and running through Saturday, Sept.

19.

Contact the Chamber at 2654383 to participate.

5

2015

January 2015

CHAMBER WORKPLAN

www.havredailynews.com

Business Blooming in Havre Approximately $60 million invested in area improvements Pam Burke Havre Daily News

If one of the signs of a strong and growing economy is business owners’ willingness to invest in their business and community, then clearly Havre’s economy is in good shape, as evidenced by the numerous construction projects and businesses opening or acquiring new ownership in the past few years.

Major new construction and remodeling has occurred or is ongoing at businesses like Town Pump, Best Western Havre Inn and Suites, The Tropical Stop, Northern Home Essentials and the Edmonds’ building that houses Office Equipment Co. — as well as major expansions at Havre High and Sunnyside Indermediate schools, a new facility for Bullhook Community Health Center and expansion and remodeling at Northern Montana Hospital for their new Family Medical Center.

While some businesses changed ownership like The Candy Shoppe, The Coffee Hound, McLain’s Cabinets and

Countertops and Zoo Health Club, other businesses started from the ground up, like Triple Dog Brewing Co., Triangle Mobile Store, Live Wire Electric and Timber Creek Village.

All of this happened in 2014, following new businesses starting and major construction projects that have occurred in previous few years, including expansion and remodel of Pacific Steel and Recycling, Tilleman Motor Co. and Holden’s Hot Wheels.

Other major projects are in the works for the near future with a new $9 millionplus auto/diesel technology building on the Montana State University-Northern campus and Havre City Council looking into repair and construction of infrastructure that includes the Bullhook drainage, streets, and water and sewer lines.

Shawn Holden, co-owner with his wife, Christy, of Holden’s Hot Wheels and the 2015 president of the Havre Chamber of Commerce, said that he and his wife owned their building on 1st Street and 5th Avenue for a handful of years before starting their remodeling and expansion project, and it

took a few years of planning to start the remodeling.

Their project, a $400,000 to $500,000 investment, he said, helped them move their business to its higher-traffic area with a larger facility to expand into.

Holden said he feels that progress inspires progress in a community. When someone sees their neighbor investing in their business and their community, they are more likely to feel secure enough to invest as well.

“I think it’s kind of part of Havre to not have a negative attitude, to have a positive attitude,” he said.

“Havre is going to be an exciting place in the next 10 years,” he said after naming several new projects as well as program and facility expansions announced by different businesses and entities in Havre for the next few years.

For new owners of The Coffee Hound, Natalie and Darrel Hannum, physical expansion of their building is not in the works, but expansion of their offerings is, with longer hours and more days of operation, as well as adding lunch items,

like salads and sandwich wraps, to the menu.

Natalie said she bought The Coffee Hound in November because she was ready for a change from day care ownership and, since she loves coffee herself, this seemed like a great fit.

“There’s so much opportunity to expand and that would be good,” she said, adding that she felt secure enough in the Havre economy that she didn’t give any possible problems there a second thought.

For Garrett and Terah Edmonds, owners of the building that houses their business, Office Equipment Co., and renter Aaron’s furniture store, their remodeling project was driven by their need to complete much-needed maintenance and updating on both the building and the sidewalks around it.

It was inspired in design, though, by a desire to create a more attractive building that gave something back to their customers and community in aesthetic beauty.

■ See Economy Page 11

A note from the Executive Director

It is always a good feeling to look back over the year just completed and take note of the many Chamber accomplishments!

It is a real testimonial to the long hours of dedicated volunteers who contribute every day for 365 days to fulfill the mission of the Chamber of Commerce; “to improve the overall business climate for its members through sponsorship of programs which stimulate economic growth and promote civic development.”

Thank you to the Board and every committee member for making 2014 a successful year.

To our members, your investment and support in 2014 has made it possible to successfully accomplish many goals. Thank you!

In order to have an active and strong community in which to live and work, there needs to be an organized and focused effort working for and towards community improvement. That effort is the Chamber!

And that effort comes from the direction the Board has laid out for 2015 and from the

work from the committees.

The Chamber Board will continue to be a community partner that fosters a sustainable and vibrant economy through business promotions, advocacy, education and service in 2015!

Our Partnerships … Increase our strength Our Education Programs … Develop an effective workforce Our Programs … Support our members Our Communication Efforts … Keep our members and our community informed

Our Chamber is a catalyst, a common vehicle through which business and professional people work together for the whole community with pride, understanding and a positive attitude.

Our Chamber is a volunteer organization of citizens who are investing their time and energy in our community.

A member of the Chamber believes in Havre, thus taking a stake hold in an association, which has set specific goals and is working for results that are positive and moving Havre to a better future.

Debbie Vandeberg

6

2015

January 2015

CHAMBER WORKPLAN

www.havredailynews.com

4th Annual Fresno Ice Derby January 24 & 25, 2015

11

2015

CHAMBER WORKPLAN

January 2015

www.havredailynews.com

30th anniversary for Chamber Gift Certificates sets record!

Over $323,000 sold!

“Thank you to the businesses that participate in the Chamber’s Gift Certificate program and a big thank you to the community for supporting the program in 2014,” noted Debbie Callahan, outgoing president of the Chamber Board of Directors.

Over $323,000 in Chamber Gift Certificates were purchased in 2014, a new record high for sales.

“What a great 30th Anniversary milestone for the program,” commented Debbie Vandeberg, executive director. “The first year, sales were $17,000.

The program has had huge growth since that first year.” The Chamber’s Gift Certificate Program, started in 1985 and works throughout the year but has a large impact during the holidays.

Over $197,000 in Chamber Gift Certificates were purchased in December alone!

The Chamber Gift Certificate program encourages shopping within the local business community. Local businesses are the largest contributor to local nonprofit organizations, schools, hospitals and community events. Most of the community programs and activities would not be possible without the generous support and dollars donated each year by local businesses and their employees. Local businesses create the multitude of jobs that our neighbors and friends depend on to sustain their quality of life.

Christmas Cash celebrates its 25th year!

What a run it has been keeping $7 million in our Havre economy during the holiday season. The Christmas Cash program brings together the business community in a common goal to stimulate holiday shopping in Havre. The program has had a significant impact on the local economy over the past years by keeping millions in Havre supporting local businesses. Christmas Cash continues to make a positive economic impact during the holiday season. $148,000 in Christmas Cash circulated through participating Chamber mem-

ber businesses this holiday season.

The Havre Area Chamber of Commerce's Christmas Cash program was started in 1990 when a group of business leaders decided to embark on the project after securing a partnership with every local lending institution and many Chamber member businesses getting on board to support the program. The original goal then, which continues today, was “to stimulate local holiday shopping and support the local businesses that support our community

Economy: People and businesses in the community have remained very loyal ■ Continued from page 7

“It’s a leap of faith, so to speak, that it’s going to be a good thing, that business isn’t going to tank on you in a couple of years, but you’ve got to do your part as a business owner to keep Havre strong and beautiful, and we really do have to create a nice, beautiful shopping experience for our customers,” Garrett Edmonds said

The two agonized about the design for a long time, he added..

“We wanted to give it some character, some warmth,” he said, “have it last — something that was as maintenance-free as possible — but we wanted it nice for downtown. That’s why we added the rock work in the front and the back and a little nicer lighting to give it some character.”

They added decorative, LED, lighting all around the building, and they changed out their sign to one that got away from the simple, metal-box shape and had the construction contractor, Clausen and Sons Inc., build custom awnings to add even more character to what could’ve ended up looking like a metal box building, Edmonds said.

Working with local contractors, like Clausen, giving back to those who have given them business, was an important part of the project, he said — echoing a similar sentiment from Holden about his choice to go with local contractors for his remodeling and expansion project.

Edmonds said that online commerce has changed the way people shop, but the people and businesses in the community have remained very loyal and supportive.

By chance, he said, Office Equipment was a part of a lot of major projects in 2014, so it was even more rewarding to be circulating that money back through the community with their own project.

“It’s nice to give back, too, not just through the beautification,” he said, “but these are customers of ours, the contractors we use are customers of ours, so it’s nice to give back to them, too.”

These efforts to invest in the community, both financially and aesthetically, are being noticed, and they

■ See Economy Page 15

all year long through donations and sponsorships.” That goal remains intact today. “A big thank-you needs to go out to the community for using and supporting the Chamber’s Christmas Cash program and to the participating financial institutions for continuing to be our partners in providing this program to the community,” said Shawn Holden, president of the Chamber Board of Directors.

“The success of the program is threefold: an ongoing partnership

with our local lending institutions; solid support from the participating Chamber member businesses and the ongoing loyalty from the community that use the program each holiday season,” said Debbie Vandeberg, executive director.

The Board of Directors and participating Chamber member businesses believe both programs play a definite economic roll in our community and take great pride in the positive impact the Chamber Gift Certificate Program and Christmas Cash have on local business.

10

2015

January 2015

CHAMBER WORKPLAN

www.havredailynews.com

7

2015

January 2015

CHAMBER WORKPLAN

www.havredailynews.com

The Chamber’s Business Development Committee continues Business Tours in 2014. The project’s objective is to expand knowledge and explore the exciting business investments being made within Havre’s business community.

The first tour was to Storm Water Construction.

At this Havre business Pat Bibeau and his team manufacture waddles … used at construction sites to help prevent erosion.

The waddles are made from area straw and shipped and used all over.

The second tour was to Havre’s new senior living facility Timber Creek Village.

There Shauna Albrecht, facility executive director, hosted a tour of the facility and those attending enjoyed breakfast with the residents.

The Business Tours continued to Bullhook Community Health Center.

There Cindy Smith gave a firsthand tour of the facility that had been open just a few days.

2014 wrapped up with a tour of the new Family Medical Center on the Northern Montana Hospital campus.

Christen Obresley, a Business Development Committee member, organized the tour in the state of the art facility that brought together family medicine.

8

2015

January 2015

Ag Committee

The Ag Committees helps each summer with the barbecue during Field Days at Northern AG Research Center

CHAMBER WORKPLAN

Ambassador Committee

www.havredailynews.com

Athletic Committee

Hosted over 150 at Lunch with Santa The Committee partners with HHS to host the District 9-C tournaments

Cash Mobs showcase and promote local Chamber member businesses

9

2015

January 2015

Havre Pride

The Chamber would like to recognize Bonnie Bennett for her unwavering support and volunteerism for Havre Pride.

She never missed a spring or fall cleanup.

The Chamber continues to partner with Recycle Hi-Line ...

In March, during National AG Appreciation Day, Ag Committee members read to students at Highland Park Early Primary School, donated books to their library and provided a snack

CHAMBER WORKPLAN

Leadership High

www.havredailynews.com

Tourism Committee

14th Class of Leadership High School Chamber Tourism participated in the Medicine Hat recreation trade show in October.

In December Leadership students helped Salvation Army

June’s Living History event brings many to learn about local history from Gary Wilson

March offered a job-shadowing experience Community volunteers work the tournament — over 60 volunteers help each February

Annual Ice Fishing Derby proceeds fund scholarship at MSU-Northern for students in Agriculture based curriculum

Ambassadors hosted 16 new member presentations and 12 grand or re-grand openings

Businesses help to sponsor the tournament hospitality room

... through awareness of the group’s 3rd Saturday Recycling Day

In January LHS students explored city fire department and learn their community role

Customer service training was offered to all. presented by Montana Superhost

8

2015

January 2015

Ag Committee

The Ag Committees helps each summer with the barbecue during Field Days at Northern AG Research Center

CHAMBER WORKPLAN

Ambassador Committee

www.havredailynews.com

Athletic Committee

Hosted over 150 at Lunch with Santa The Committee partners with HHS to host the District 9-C tournaments

Cash Mobs showcase and promote local Chamber member businesses

9

2015

January 2015

Havre Pride

The Chamber would like to recognize Bonnie Bennett for her unwavering support and volunteerism for Havre Pride.

She never missed a spring or fall cleanup.

The Chamber continues to partner with Recycle Hi-Line ...

In March, during National AG Appreciation Day, Ag Committee members read to students at Highland Park Early Primary School, donated books to their library and provided a snack

CHAMBER WORKPLAN

Leadership High

www.havredailynews.com

Tourism Committee

14th Class of Leadership High School Chamber Tourism participated in the Medicine Hat recreation trade show in October.

In December Leadership students helped Salvation Army

June’s Living History event brings many to learn about local history from Gary Wilson

March offered a job-shadowing experience Community volunteers work the tournament — over 60 volunteers help each February

Annual Ice Fishing Derby proceeds fund scholarship at MSU-Northern for students in Agriculture based curriculum

Ambassadors hosted 16 new member presentations and 12 grand or re-grand openings

Businesses help to sponsor the tournament hospitality room

... through awareness of the group’s 3rd Saturday Recycling Day

In January LHS students explored city fire department and learn their community role

Customer service training was offered to all. presented by Montana Superhost

10

2015

January 2015

CHAMBER WORKPLAN

www.havredailynews.com

7

2015

January 2015

CHAMBER WORKPLAN

www.havredailynews.com

The Chamber’s Business Development Committee continues Business Tours in 2014. The project’s objective is to expand knowledge and explore the exciting business investments being made within Havre’s business community.

The first tour was to Storm Water Construction.

At this Havre business Pat Bibeau and his team manufacture waddles … used at construction sites to help prevent erosion.

The waddles are made from area straw and shipped and used all over.

The second tour was to Havre’s new senior living facility Timber Creek Village.

There Shauna Albrecht, facility executive director, hosted a tour of the facility and those attending enjoyed breakfast with the residents.

The Business Tours continued to Bullhook Community Health Center.

There Cindy Smith gave a firsthand tour of the facility that had been open just a few days.

2014 wrapped up with a tour of the new Family Medical Center on the Northern Montana Hospital campus.

Christen Obresley, a Business Development Committee member, organized the tour in the state of the art facility that brought together family medicine.

6

2015

January 2015

CHAMBER WORKPLAN

www.havredailynews.com

4th Annual Fresno Ice Derby January 24 & 25, 2015

11

2015

CHAMBER WORKPLAN

January 2015

www.havredailynews.com

30th anniversary for Chamber Gift Certificates sets record!

Over $323,000 sold!

“Thank you to the businesses that participate in the Chamber’s Gift Certificate program and a big thank you to the community for supporting the program in 2014,” noted Debbie Callahan, outgoing president of the Chamber Board of Directors.

Over $323,000 in Chamber Gift Certificates were purchased in 2014, a new record high for sales.

“What a great 30th Anniversary milestone for the program,” commented Debbie Vandeberg, executive director. “The first year, sales were $17,000.

The program has had huge growth since that first year.” The Chamber’s Gift Certificate Program, started in 1985 and works throughout the year but has a large impact during the holidays.

Over $197,000 in Chamber Gift Certificates were purchased in December alone!

The Chamber Gift Certificate program encourages shopping within the local business community. Local businesses are the largest contributor to local nonprofit organizations, schools, hospitals and community events. Most of the community programs and activities would not be possible without the generous support and dollars donated each year by local businesses and their employees. Local businesses create the multitude of jobs that our neighbors and friends depend on to sustain their quality of life.

Christmas Cash celebrates its 25th year!

What a run it has been keeping $7 million in our Havre economy during the holiday season. The Christmas Cash program brings together the business community in a common goal to stimulate holiday shopping in Havre. The program has had a significant impact on the local economy over the past years by keeping millions in Havre supporting local businesses. Christmas Cash continues to make a positive economic impact during the holiday season. $148,000 in Christmas Cash circulated through participating Chamber mem-

ber businesses this holiday season.

The Havre Area Chamber of Commerce's Christmas Cash program was started in 1990 when a group of business leaders decided to embark on the project after securing a partnership with every local lending institution and many Chamber member businesses getting on board to support the program. The original goal then, which continues today, was “to stimulate local holiday shopping and support the local businesses that support our community

Economy: People and businesses in the community have remained very loyal ■ Continued from page 7

“It’s a leap of faith, so to speak, that it’s going to be a good thing, that business isn’t going to tank on you in a couple of years, but you’ve got to do your part as a business owner to keep Havre strong and beautiful, and we really do have to create a nice, beautiful shopping experience for our customers,” Garrett Edmonds said

The two agonized about the design for a long time, he added..

“We wanted to give it some character, some warmth,” he said, “have it last — something that was as maintenance-free as possible — but we wanted it nice for downtown. That’s why we added the rock work in the front and the back and a little nicer lighting to give it some character.”

They added decorative, LED, lighting all around the building, and they changed out their sign to one that got away from the simple, metal-box shape and had the construction contractor, Clausen and Sons Inc., build custom awnings to add even more character to what could’ve ended up looking like a metal box building, Edmonds said.

Working with local contractors, like Clausen, giving back to those who have given them business, was an important part of the project, he said — echoing a similar sentiment from Holden about his choice to go with local contractors for his remodeling and expansion project.

Edmonds said that online commerce has changed the way people shop, but the people and businesses in the community have remained very loyal and supportive.

By chance, he said, Office Equipment was a part of a lot of major projects in 2014, so it was even more rewarding to be circulating that money back through the community with their own project.

“It’s nice to give back, too, not just through the beautification,” he said, “but these are customers of ours, the contractors we use are customers of ours, so it’s nice to give back to them, too.”

These efforts to invest in the community, both financially and aesthetically, are being noticed, and they

■ See Economy Page 15

all year long through donations and sponsorships.” That goal remains intact today. “A big thank-you needs to go out to the community for using and supporting the Chamber’s Christmas Cash program and to the participating financial institutions for continuing to be our partners in providing this program to the community,” said Shawn Holden, president of the Chamber Board of Directors.

“The success of the program is threefold: an ongoing partnership

with our local lending institutions; solid support from the participating Chamber member businesses and the ongoing loyalty from the community that use the program each holiday season,” said Debbie Vandeberg, executive director.

The Board of Directors and participating Chamber member businesses believe both programs play a definite economic roll in our community and take great pride in the positive impact the Chamber Gift Certificate Program and Christmas Cash have on local business.

12

2015

January 2015

CHAMBER WORKPLAN

www.havredailynews.com

Come join us at the Square!

Enjoy the Square… celebrating 15 years this summer providing community activities.

Enjoy music and market this summer!

Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. starting in mid-June

Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon July 11 - September 19 Sounds on the Square will continue this summer starting in June.

Thanks to Joe Ross, Chamber Board member, for his energy to organize a great group of bands, that present music from country to jazz, to contemporary and everything in between.

Pack up that picnic basket and dine al fresco with friends, neighbors and family at the Square, all while enjoying the music of our talented local bands.

The summer music series is funded through a sponsorship grant from

NorthWestern Energy and with funds from the Sleeter Fund.

The bands are area

bands that provide two hours of great music entertainment at Town Square from June through August.

Havre offers its own opportunity every summer for visitors to connect to the community, farmers and ranchers and businesses at Saturday Market.

It has become an important part of the community, providing a safe, healthy, weekly event in the downtown neighborhood during the summer.

The market is held Saturdays at Town Square.

The market is visited by many — from local families to travelers passing through or visiting Havre.

The market place also provides community social benefits. The festive nature of the market creates an enjoyable atmosphere to visit with friends and make new acquaintances.

All area gardeners, bakers and crafters are extended an invitation to participate. Vendors are welcome to set up every Saturday starting July 11 and running through Saturday, Sept.

19.

Contact the Chamber at 2654383 to participate.

5

2015

January 2015

CHAMBER WORKPLAN

www.havredailynews.com

Business Blooming in Havre Approximately $60 million invested in area improvements Pam Burke Havre Daily News

If one of the signs of a strong and growing economy is business owners’ willingness to invest in their business and community, then clearly Havre’s economy is in good shape, as evidenced by the numerous construction projects and businesses opening or acquiring new ownership in the past few years.

Major new construction and remodeling has occurred or is ongoing at businesses like Town Pump, Best Western Havre Inn and Suites, The Tropical Stop, Northern Home Essentials and the Edmonds’ building that houses Office Equipment Co. — as well as major expansions at Havre High and Sunnyside Indermediate schools, a new facility for Bullhook Community Health Center and expansion and remodeling at Northern Montana Hospital for their new Family Medical Center.

While some businesses changed ownership like The Candy Shoppe, The Coffee Hound, McLain’s Cabinets and

Countertops and Zoo Health Club, other businesses started from the ground up, like Triple Dog Brewing Co., Triangle Mobile Store, Live Wire Electric and Timber Creek Village.

All of this happened in 2014, following new businesses starting and major construction projects that have occurred in previous few years, including expansion and remodel of Pacific Steel and Recycling, Tilleman Motor Co. and Holden’s Hot Wheels.

Other major projects are in the works for the near future with a new $9 millionplus auto/diesel technology building on the Montana State University-Northern campus and Havre City Council looking into repair and construction of infrastructure that includes the Bullhook drainage, streets, and water and sewer lines.

Shawn Holden, co-owner with his wife, Christy, of Holden’s Hot Wheels and the 2015 president of the Havre Chamber of Commerce, said that he and his wife owned their building on 1st Street and 5th Avenue for a handful of years before starting their remodeling and expansion project, and it

took a few years of planning to start the remodeling.

Their project, a $400,000 to $500,000 investment, he said, helped them move their business to its higher-traffic area with a larger facility to expand into.

Holden said he feels that progress inspires progress in a community. When someone sees their neighbor investing in their business and their community, they are more likely to feel secure enough to invest as well.

“I think it’s kind of part of Havre to not have a negative attitude, to have a positive attitude,” he said.

“Havre is going to be an exciting place in the next 10 years,” he said after naming several new projects as well as program and facility expansions announced by different businesses and entities in Havre for the next few years.

For new owners of The Coffee Hound, Natalie and Darrel Hannum, physical expansion of their building is not in the works, but expansion of their offerings is, with longer hours and more days of operation, as well as adding lunch items,

like salads and sandwich wraps, to the menu.

Natalie said she bought The Coffee Hound in November because she was ready for a change from day care ownership and, since she loves coffee herself, this seemed like a great fit.

“There’s so much opportunity to expand and that would be good,” she said, adding that she felt secure enough in the Havre economy that she didn’t give any possible problems there a second thought.

For Garrett and Terah Edmonds, owners of the building that houses their business, Office Equipment Co., and renter Aaron’s furniture store, their remodeling project was driven by their need to complete much-needed maintenance and updating on both the building and the sidewalks around it.

It was inspired in design, though, by a desire to create a more attractive building that gave something back to their customers and community in aesthetic beauty.

■ See Economy Page 11

A note from the Executive Director

It is always a good feeling to look back over the year just completed and take note of the many Chamber accomplishments!

It is a real testimonial to the long hours of dedicated volunteers who contribute every day for 365 days to fulfill the mission of the Chamber of Commerce; “to improve the overall business climate for its members through sponsorship of programs which stimulate economic growth and promote civic development.”

Thank you to the Board and every committee member for making 2014 a successful year.

To our members, your investment and support in 2014 has made it possible to successfully accomplish many goals. Thank you!

In order to have an active and strong community in which to live and work, there needs to be an organized and focused effort working for and towards community improvement. That effort is the Chamber!

And that effort comes from the direction the Board has laid out for 2015 and from the

work from the committees.

The Chamber Board will continue to be a community partner that fosters a sustainable and vibrant economy through business promotions, advocacy, education and service in 2015!

Our Partnerships … Increase our strength Our Education Programs … Develop an effective workforce Our Programs … Support our members Our Communication Efforts … Keep our members and our community informed

Our Chamber is a catalyst, a common vehicle through which business and professional people work together for the whole community with pride, understanding and a positive attitude.

Our Chamber is a volunteer organization of citizens who are investing their time and energy in our community.

A member of the Chamber believes in Havre, thus taking a stake hold in an association, which has set specific goals and is working for results that are positive and moving Havre to a better future.

Debbie Vandeberg

4

2015

January 2015

CHAMBER WORKPLAN

www.havredailynews.com

THIS CHAMBER HAS A MISSION Board of Directors — 2015

Director

Steve Neiffer - Bergren Transmission

"The mission of the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce is to improve the overall business climate for its members through sponsorship of programs which stimulate economic growth and promote civic development."

Director

Shauna Albrecht - Timber Creek Village

Director

Andy Carlson - Havre Public Schools

Director

Greg Kegel - MSU-Northern

Director

13

2015

January 2015

CHAMBER WORKPLAN

When we combine strengths, unite for a common goal and work toward the common goal, we can celebrate the success of each partnership!

MSU-Northern and the Chamber team up as partners on Festival Days.

Dax Nebel - Pacific Steel & Recycling

Havre Lions Club and the Chamber partner to bring the South Alberta Pipe and Drum Band to Festival Days.

Director

Bonnie O'Neill - Northern Montana Health Care

Director

Nate Riley - Havre Home & Hardware

PPL Montana grant supports the Leadership High School program for the 7th year.

Director

Carol Lamey - Havre Job Service

Director

Curt Lineweaver - Anderson ZurMuehlen

Director

Debi Rhines - Schine Electric/Bear Paw Tech

Director

Carson Sweeney - NorthWestern Energy

www.havredailynews.com

NorthWestern Energy sponsors and Sleeter Fund supports Sounds on the Square.

The Chamber continues to be an active partner in the efforts to secure expanded hours at the Wild Horse Port of Entry with our Alberta neighbors.

14

2015

January 2015

CHAMBER WORKPLAN

www.havredailynews.com

Thank you Havre for making the 35th Havre Festival Days a huge success

3

2015

CHAMBER WORKPLAN

January 2015

2015 Executive Committee President

1st Vice President

The Hi-Line and Havre is an amazing place that I am very proud to call home. I was born and raised in Havre, graduating from Havre High School and enlisting in the Montana Army National Guard. The 12 years I spent in the Guards continues to teach me strong work ethics, dedication and perseverance that I had to learn in my younger years. While growing up, I spent a lot of time with my aunts and uncles working with them on their family farms and ranches, helping my uncle with his tree trimming business and also shoe shining at my father’s barber shop. I have been fortunate and blessed to own and operate our auto accessory/ auto glass business with my wife, Christy, and our two sons, Jacob and Kendall.

With our recent business investment in our new location, I am even more excited and look forward to being an active member of the business community and helping Havre to move in a positive direction.

Brian took over ownership of Rod’s Drive-In in 2000. Brian’s Blue Pony spirit continued after graduating as he has served with and been for 10 years a very active member with the Havre Wrestling Club. Brian has three children, Casey, Tyler and Bailey.

Shawn Holden ~ Holden's Hot Wheels

As this 2014 comes to a close, I would like to thank all of our local businesses and the community for their support and involvement with the Havre Chamber and the many events the organization sponsors. For our small size, the Havre community and the Hi-Line area are so lucky to have the many activities and entertainment options available to us like MAT Theatre, MSU-Northern College Athletics and many high school and intramural sporting events, along with some of the finest outdoor recreation places to fish, hunt and camp. My goal this year is to continue to encourage people’s involvement in community service, and hope to inspire more young people to get involved and stay involved to keep Havre “The Best Kept Secret.”

Mayor's Choice Float winner is Northern MT Hospital

2nd Vice President

Joe Ross - Cavaliers for Men & Women

Best Commercial Float winner is Gary & Leo's Fresh Foods

Best Non-Commercial Float winner is Havre Public School Foundation

www.havredailynews.com

Brian Shaub ~ Rod's Drive-In

"I agreed to serve on the Chamber’s Board of Directors because I was interested to learn all that the Chamber does and is involved in. I also saw an opportunity to bring some additional and different insight to the board as a restaurant owner and manager.

I am excited to be a part of the Executive Committee as we start the new year.”

Director at Large

Stacy Mantle ~ Havre Daily News Stacy Mantle was born and raised in Havre. She graduated from Northern Montana College (MSU-Northern) with a graphic design degree. She has been in the newspaper business for the past 15 years, which includes the past three years at her current position as publisher at the Havre Daily News. She currently is involved in the community as a member of the Havre Crimestoppers Committee, MSU-Northern Alumni Foundation’s Alumni Committee, Havre Chamber Tourism Committee, co-chair for the last three years on the Havre Chamber Ambassadors Committee and director at large on the Havre Chamber Board of Directors. Stacy has been an active member of the Havre community and loves to volunteer. She and her husband, Bob, have two children, Reed and Rylin, and one dog, Snoball. In her free time she enjoys camping, golfing, watching Reed participate in sports and spending time with her family.

Joe was born and raised in Havre and is a graduate of Havre High School and MSU-Northern. He worked in Las Vegas before returning to the Hi-Line to work with his family at Cavaliers. Joe is vice president of the Havre Day Activity Board of Directors. He and his wife, Riki, have five children, Lindsey, Myles, Ayreanna, Morgan and Tori.

“I was very excited when I was asked to join the Chamber Board, it meant that I could be a part of something that does so much for our great community. I feel very fortunate to have lived in Havre all of my life and now get the pleasure of raising my children here as well. Havre is a great place to live and with what the Chamber does for us in the community, it will only get better."

"I believe that the Chamber of Commerce, along with the community, can accomplish great things together and make Havre the best place to live and raise a family. We have so much to offer in our community, you just need to take a look around and see all of the great activities and outdoor beauty Havre has to offer.”

Outgoing Chamber President —

Past President

Debbie Callahan ~ Independence Bank Deborah Callahan was born and raised in Havre. She graduated from Northern Montana College (MSU-Northern). She has been in the banking field for the past 32 years which includes the past 17 years at her current position as senior vice president at Independence Bank. She currently is involved in the community by being the president of the Bear Paw Development Board of Directors as well as the Bear Paw Development RLF loan committee; a member of Havre Day Activity Board and the Northern Montana Hospital Foundation Board; chairman of the Havre Chamber Park Committee; and now past president of the Havre Chamber Board of Directors. Debbie has been an active member of the Havre community and loves to volunteer, whether it is mowing the park on the weekend or chairing a committee, she is very proud to be part of Havre. Debbie is married with two children and two stepchildren. She enjoys her extra time with her husband, Tim, golfing, running and working on her farm in Malta. They completed their 10th halfmarathon race in 2014 and are planning the undertaking of their first marathon scheduled this fall.

“Back in September while training for the Denver half-marathon, we trained in the Bear Paw Mountains because of the elevations. As we were cooling down after a 14-mile run, we decided to walk around Camp Kiwanis. What I didn’t know at the time was that the Kiwanis Chapel that was built in 1933 with the help of the Havre Chamber and our local Kiwanis Club. Without adequate funds for maintenance and development, the camp was turned over to Havre Chamber and our local Kiwanis Club back in the early ’30s by the city of Havre. I was impressed! As the outgoing president for the second time, there is one thing we, as a board, continue to hear and that is “What does the Chamber do for me?” Our chamber worked for us back then and continues to do so today. Did you know that back in 1985 we started the Chamber Gift Certificate program, which now has well over 17K spent locally with local businesses? Did you know that back in 1990 we started the Chamber Christmas Cash program , which now has 163K spent locally with local businesses? Did you know that back in 2000 the Chamber Town Square Project broke ground in a beautiful park and great gathering place for our community to enjoy? And, finally, back in 1994 two awesome people started to work together in the Havre Chamber of Commerce office. Thank you, Debbie and Shari for your continued support, love and enthusiasm for this GREAT COMMUNITY WE ALL LIVE IN!

Thank You, Debbie Callahan…

What can I say! But thank you. Two terms on the Chamber Board and president twice. When Debbie was Board president in 1999, the board started discussion about the Town Square Project. Today Town Square serves as the community cornerstone, and Debbie continues to be active in the project, chairing the committee. Town Square will celebrate its 15th Anniversary in 2015! Her unwavering commitment to her hometown was her drive during that year, back in ’99. She became active with the Chamber in 1987 when she became a member of the Chamber’s Ag Committee … a natural fit with a background in farming, a degree in agriculture from Northern and her career path in banking as an ag lender. “Havre Moving On” was her slogan … then and remains her energy today. Whether it is lending a helping hand where needed or chairing the Town Square Committee, Debbie remains passionate about her community and the work of the Chamber. The Chamber has come a long way from her first leadership role to today. It is a wonderful feeling when a person has such a desire to make a difference and steps up again to serve in a leadership role at the Chamber. It sends a message that the Chamber is doing it right, and there is a personal desire to be a part of moving something good to even better — that is Debbie Callahan. I have enjoyed your partnership, your leadership and your friendship over these past 15 years and so look forward to working together with you in the future to continue making Havre a community all can be proud of.

Debbie Vandeberg, Executive Director

2

2015

CHAMBER WORKPLAN

January 2015

www.havredailynews.com

Incoming Chamber board president looks to 2015 Pam Burke Havre Daily News

As the community welcomes the new year the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce also welcomes its new president Shawn Holden, coowner of Holden’s Hot Wheels with his wife, Christy.

Holden’s Hot Wheels will be celebrating 20 years in business this year, Shawn said, with the last two-and-a-half years at their newly remodeled and expanded location at the corner of 1st Street and 5th Avenue.

He said he and Christy have been supporters of Relay for Life, Montana State University-Northern, Havre High School, youth baseball and youth soccer, among other events and organizations, throughout the years.

He also said he tries to get the Holden’s Hot Wheels music van to all the functions that put in a request for it.

“Havre is a great place to live and raise kids, and it happens with a lot of people that come together — it’s supporting those small things to keep our kids busy and keep our kids

safe,” he said. building, but also for the sidewalk

Shawn has been a Chamber and all the way out to the center member since Holden’s Hot of the street, so if, for example, Wheels opened in 1994 and a board weeds are growing through a crack member for six years. He also in the pavement in the street by a commended Chamber Executive business, that business owner needs Director Debbie Vandeberg and to get out there and take care of the Office Manager Shari Robinson for problem. all they do to keep the Chamber “I’ve been a part of the Havre board’s activities on track and Pride (cleanup days) for many, going forward. many years — probably 10-15 years

While Shawn said he is proud — and as far as trying to make of all that the Chamber does, Havre look good on those two days Holden during his time as president he with the business I own, I try to wants to concentrate on two areas take pride in the outside, of the that encourage business owners to look, quite way it looks, and I’d like to try to pass that on literally, to the outside of their businesses to and let other businesses know that that is their bring business around to them. responsibility for the benefit of their business,”

One of his goals is to encourage business he said. owners to think about the physical condition A lot of people mistakenly think that of the outside of their business to make sure everything beyond the sidewalk is the city’s the sidewalks and the streets are free of weeds, responsibility, he added, but that’s not the case. garbage and built up dirt.

Having cleaner, tidier city streets will attract

Many people, he said, don’t realize that more people to Havre. a business is responsible not just for its own And Shawn hopes some of those people

will be coming from Canada through a 24-hour port of entry.

“(I want to) work on the border crossing, keep pushing forward to try to get that 24-hour port open,” he said. “I really want to support that.

“The Chamber is highly involved in it, and we just keep pushing forward when there’s roadblocks to try to get some support from Canada,” he said.

Shawn added that, while he is busy with his business expansion, he feels that being a part of the Chamber and working on a few, clear-cut goals that he’s passionate about will help the community and area businesses the best he can.

“I’m proud to be part of the Chamber,” he said, “because the people that are involved in the Chamber, not just myself, but all of the committee people that are on the Chamber board volunteer their time in an immense amount of different areas from tourism to Festival Days to the ag committee and all of that to be able to make events happen, and I’m proud that Havre is a thriving place to live.”

Havre Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Members A Plus Health Care Aaron’s Sales & Leasing Adams Chiropractic ADM/CHS, LLC AmericInn of Havre Anderson Appraising Anderson ZurMuehlen Atrium Mall Association B&B Sheet Metal Baker Amusement Baldwin Court Reporting Services Baldwin Insurance Associates Bear Paw BBQ Bear Paw Credit Union Bear Paw Development Bear Paw Hunts, Inc. Bear Paw Lumber Bear Paw Meats Bear Paw Paint Bear Paw Technologies Bear Paw Veterinary Clinic Bearly Square Quilting Beaver Creek Designs Ben Franklin Crafts Bergren Transmission Better Business Bureau Big Equipment Company Big R Stores Big Sky Images Bill Baltrusch Construction Bing ‘n Bob’s Blair, Les & Mary Blue Cross Blue Shield BNSF Bob’s Greenhouse Bosch, Kuhr Dugdale Boxcars Boys & Girls Club of the Hi-Line Brandon’s Drapery & Floor Covering Budget Rent-A-Car Bullhook Clinic Bullhook Property Management CHS Milk River CK Builders CM Management Cape Air Carquest Auto Parts Cavaliers for Men & Women Cellular Plus Char’s Family Dining Charter Communications Circle Inn

City of Havre Clack Museum Foundation Clausen & Sons Coca-Cola Coffee Hound Consumer Direct Cottonwood Cinema 4 Credit Bureau of Havre Crystal City Casino Culligan Custom Collision Repair D.A. Davidson Dairy Queen Destination Travel Diesel Doctor, Inc. Dollar Zone Domino’s Down Under Fitness Center Downtown Gardens Duchscher Insurance Duck Inn Eagle Home Mortgage Eagles Club Eagles Manor Edward Jones Eight Design Elite Tan & Styling Salon Emporium EMT Car Wash Enell, Inc. Erickson Insurance Group Evergreen Campground Ezzie’s Wholesale, Inc. 5th Avenue Christian Church 5th Ave Grind Farm Bureau Financial Services Finest Boot Repair First National Pawn Fivehead’s Fleet Wholesale Supply Flynn Realty Frontier Lawn & Landscaping Gary & Leo’s IGA Golden Spike Lounge Great Northern Fair Great Northern Inn Gregoire Insurance Agency Guadalajara Restaurant Gusto Distributing H. Earl Clack Museum H&R Block Hank Tweeten’s Auto Body

Harada Family Dental Care Havre Assembly of God Church Havre Beneath the Streets Havre Daily News Havre Day Activity Center Havre Dental Group Havre Distributors Havre Elks Lodge #1201 Havre Ford Havre Hardware & Home Havre/Hill County Preservation Havre Jaycees Havre Job Service Havre Laundry & Dry Cleaning Havre Hi-Line Realty Havre Optometric Clinic Havre Public Schools Havre Ready-Mix Havre Refrigeration Havre Rental & Hi-Line Polaris Heberly & Associates Heirloom Jewelers Helmbrecht Studio Henny Penny Cupcakes Herberger’s HiLine Radio Shack Hi-Line Gold Casino Hi-Line Lanes Hi-Line Motel Hi-Line Pregnancy Resource Center High Plains Gallery Hill County Commissioners Hill County Conservation District Hill County Electric Hill County Extension Office Hill County Health Department Hill County Printing Hill County Title Holden’s Hot Wheels Holiday Holiday Village Mall Holland & Bonine Holt Plumbing & Heating HRDC Independence Bank Integrative Medical Solutions JM Donoven Designs Jones Plumbing & Heating Keller Williams Capitol Realty Kentucky Fried Chicken Klimas Financial Services, Inc. Kmart

Koefod Agency LaSalle Agency Lelok Travel Lorang Law Lotton Construction Lunch Box Magic Carpet Travel Magic Diamond Casino Master Sports Maui Nites Casino Maurices McDonald’s McLain’s Cabinets McLean’s Grocery McNair Furniture Meadowlark Property Management Midwest Diesel Injection Missouri River Realty Montana Actors’ Theatre Montana Country Boutique Montana Lil’s MSU-Northern MSU-Northern Alumni Foundation Murphy’s Pub Nalivka’s Pizza Kitchen Nault Plumbing & Heating New Concept Lawn, Inc. New Media Broadcasters Norman’s Ranch Wear North Central Auto Parts (NAPA) Northern Ag Research Center Northern Home Essentials Northern Montana Health Care Northwest Farm Credit Services Northwest Security Services NorthWestern Energy Northwestern Mutual Life Office Equipment Opportunity Link, Inc. Overcast Restoration PJ’s Pacific Steel Parkview Apartments Patrick Construction Pepsi-Cola Pizza Hut Prairie Farms Golf Course ProBuild Property West R-New Trading Post Raymond James Financial Services Red’s Auto Parts

Rod’s Drive-In Rolling Hills Ruff Real Estate St. Jude Thaddeus School Saddle Butte Custom Smoking Scharfe, Kato & Co. Schine Electric Schubert Insurance Agency Schwan’s Home Service Sears Serv-Ur-Self Furniture Siesta Motel Steve Mariani Insurance Stockman Bank Stromberg’s Sinclair Subway Sundogs Super 8 Motel Taco Treat The Athlete’s Foot The Glacier Nationals The Key The Press Tilleman Motors Timber Creek Village Tip-It Bar Tire-Rama Torgerson’s TownHouse Inns Town Pump Triangle Communications Uncle Joe’s United Way of Hill County US Bank Valley Furniture Vic’s Place Waddell & Reed Wafa International, Inc. Walmart Wells Fargo Bank Western Drug Pharmacy Western Trailer Sales Westside Storage Wildflowers Wipfli Galusha Wolfer’s Diner Yellowstone Insurance Exchange Yummy Foods Zoo Health Club

2015

CHAMBER WORKPLAN Economy: Tuss: Havre is fortunate to have a progessive business community 15

January 2015

■ Continued from page 11 add up, said Paul Tuss, executive director of Bear Paw Development Corp., an organization that promotes economical development in Havre and the surrounding region.

“I think if you talk to anybody in the community or in the region, they have a gut sense that something’s happening, they have a gut sense that there’s some real positive growth occurring in our local and regional economy,” said Tuss.

In what Tuss described as an informal survey of new construction in the past few years, with a rough and conservative estimate of their cost, the Havre area has seen at least a $60 million investment in private business, public facilities and public infrastructure.

“I think when we talk about that sixzero number (the $60 million investment), the truth is it’s a conservative number and it’s probably, or perhaps, substantially higher than that,” Tuss said, adding that “we can talk about the dollar figures all day long and try to get an exact number, but the bottom line is, it’s significant.”

He said that he has had conversations with people who have lived in Havre for 50 to 60 years who have said they have never seen this much construction activity.

“It’s just good,” Tuss said. “It’s a good

thing for the community, it’s a good thing for the residents, it’s a good thing for our tax base, it’s a good thing for employment, and the list goes on. There’s nothing bad about it.”

While places in the region are seeing explosive growth, like the Bakken, he said, the key element to Havre’s growth — that is very positive — is that this growth is not seen from just one source. This diversity of investment makes for a sound, stable economy.

“I think it’s a far more diversified growth,” he said. “My sense is that it’s a far more sustainable growth that will be here longer term and have a more longterm impact on the region than if it was one thing we’re relying on.”

Tuss added that when people are inundated with negative news about the economy on a national level, it causes them to slow or halt expansion plans and spending habits, which develops a kind of emotion-fueled recession that takes positive thinking and positive action to get out of.

“I think,” he said, “we are fortunate that we have such a progressive business community that is investing in itself, and it’s noticeable, and it’s noticeable by our neighbors.”

www.havredailynews.com

16

2015

January 2015

CHAMBER WORKPLAN

www.havredailynews.com

Thanks for a great community Christmas!

ated ny and dedic a m f o ip h s e A partner community th e th to g in r re. volunteers b t Town Squa a g n ti h g li annual tree

Boar d me mber repai sa r the holid nd commu ay de nity volun corat crew tee i o ns, a puts nd th rs them e city up.

vide students pro ic s u m l o o ch hS Havre Hig s. f the holiday the sounds o

Thanks fo r the partn erships: to Ezzie’s fo r the burn b a rrels that k great crow ept the d warm on a very wic kedly cold night. to Lon an d Stacy Wa id for the w ood. to the Salv ation Arm y and the Elk providing s Club for the warmth of hot cho colate. to Leaders hip studen ts who bra ved the co to entertain ld the crowd .

“Ma king the M Hav agic” re bu ...O sines and g ver 8 s e s pro ift ca 0 vided rds f cate gifts or 3 s prizes uper and 2 were certifi kids given bask out a ets th t the at tree l ighti ng.

un the st Santa R r fi 's it d te s ho g.

The Chamber e tree lightin th f o g in en ev

nts

e ved the elem ra b rs e n n ru e cold, nt.

In spite of th irit of the eve p s e th in d and dresse

by BNSF.

s sponsored The run wa Thank you!