Business Newsmakers 2011

Page 1

an advertising supplement to the

PAGE 1

the ir’s quarterly look at new and growing businesses in the Helena area

spring 2011

sunday | march 20

Alpine Animal Clinic

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an advertising supplement to the

PAGE 2

the ir’s quarterly look at new and growing businesses in the Helena area

spring 2011

sunday | march 20

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Mountain West Bank When Mountain West Bank opened in 1991, it began serving small businesses in the Helena community. Since that time, Mountain West Bank has created a diverse small business portfolio. Their knowledge of small business programs and financial needs help business owners get their projects off the ground. Mountain West’s focus and dedication has led them to the top of the list of banks for small businesses. Corey Crum of Mtn. West Bank and Roy Maxted of It is a great time to start a small Barreta Audio. business or for existing businesses to expand using Mountain West Bank for their financial needs. Mountain West Bank’s individualized service helps business owners obtain what they require. SBA and real estate loans along with a line of credit are just a few of the services Mountain West Bank offers. It has never been a better time for meeting real estate needs. Construction costs and interest rates are down and Mountain West has the funds and expertise in building or remodeling loans to help a business owner achieve their real estate goals. Decisions are made locally, making the loan process trouble-free and cost efficient. Another service offered to businesses by Mountain West Bank is a line of credit to help meet the working capital needs of business owners. These lines can also help with inventory management and project specific financing. After approval, the credit line is always available for what is needed and the borrower only pays interest on the money used. Mountain West Bank understands how important available supply is and supports local companies with accessible funding. A steady line of credit allows businesses to continue to run efficiently regardless of seasonal changes and sudden inventory demands. Barretta Audio on Montana Avenue has utilized a variety of Mountain West Bank’s financial products and services since 1992. Barretta Audio is known for its large and diverse audio and video equipment inventory. If you need an excellent sound or video system in your car, the first place you think of is Barretta Audio. In order to be able to maintain a diverse and fully stocked inventory of equipment, Barretta uses Mountain West for its funding needs. Mountain West Bank provides local financing, enabling Barretta to maintain its impressive inventory. Mountain West Bank understands how important local businesses, like Barretta Audio, are to Helena. Their business programs were created keeping the owner in mind. Real estate loans and lines of credit are just two of the many services they offer to assist business owners in success. Other advantages Mountain West Bank offers are Peak-Free Business Checking, Peak InterestPlus Checking, Electronic Check Deposit and On-Line banking, to name a few. It is no wonder that Mountain West Bank’s best promoters are the small businesses they work with every day.

By MARIANNE HANSEN RENCHER

Big Sky Resort Deciding where to have the company meeting is easy with Big Sky Resort’s Meet Big packages. With packages ranging from $23 to $85 per person, it’s easy to find the best mix for any budget. In addition to affordable meeting packages, spice things up with a theme. Big Sky Resort’s Basecamp activities are a fun interactive way to get the team moving in synch. Part of Big Sky’s new Basecamp Adventures themed meeting package, this is team-building at its best. It’s what sets Big Sky Resort apart as a premier meeting venue. Big Sky’s Yellowstone Conference Center already offers 55,000 square feet of meeting space and lodging for groups up to 750 people. That kind of capacity breeds flexibility, and with amenities like AV and catering, it’s a no-brainer for groups as big as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, who will meet beneath Lone Peak this spring, or as small as a local business retreat. But with the announcement of new themed meeting packages including Basecamp Adventures, Cowboy Cookout, Yellowstone Explorations, and Powder Powwow, Big Sky takes it up a notch. You can encourage your co-workers as you tackle Big Sky’s high ropes course in between meetings, then debrief at a luncheon where you’ll talk business over elk and black bean chili.  â€œConferences and conventions are a great opportunity for teams to bond over a shared experience. You don’t want people to leave a meeting and just go back to their rooms alone,â€? says Big Sky’s Group Sales Manager Brian Stumpf. â€œBasecamp Adventures bring people out and bring them together in a way that highlights our Montana setting.â€? That becomes clear as you whiz by views of the Spanish Peaks, yelling across to your partner on the Twin Zip, or as you shoot a colorful paintball towards your boss beneath a bluebird sky. No matter the adventure, you’ll hike down the mountain in time for an evening meeting before your bison broil dinner and huckleberry cheesecake dessert. And as decadent as that may sound, it’s all surprisingly affordable. , you’ll be sure to get bang for your buck. â€œIt’s a valuable chance for teams to bond over a shared experience,â€? says Stumpf. And 30 feet in the air, “you can truly take your conference to the next level.â€?

Big Sky’s Yellowstone Conference Center offers 55,000 square feet of meeting space and lodging for groups up to 750 people.

an advertising supplement to the

PAGE 3

the ir’s quarterly look at new and growing businesses in the Helena area

spring 2011

sunday | march 20

Advertise in Business Newsmakers • Are you a new business? • Have you recently moved or expanded? • Have you added a new or exclusive product? With your scheduled advertisement you have the opportunity to have an exclusive story written about your exciting business news. To participate in this quarterly publication call 447-4003. 2011 Schedule June 19 [includes Women in Business] September 18 December 18

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Wingate by Windam

Advanced Rehab, PC

Accommodating, comfortable, elegant, and hassle-free are just a few traits that come to mind when looking for a place to host a meeting, special event, conference or even a weekend getaway in-cognito... The Wingate by Wyndham of Helena promises even more. The Wingate has Jacuzzi King Suites, two-room family suites, and Executive King Suites. There are 100 Erin Schweitzer, oversized guest rooms to Sales & Hospitality Manager choose from and every one has a microwave and refrigerator. Fresh, clean, and recently redecorated, the hotel features a full free hot breakfast buffet, new pillow top mattresses, high-definition flat screen televisions, spa, fitness center, airport shuttle, and free high speed wireless Internet access. It surprises me that there are still folks who don’t realize that we’re the perfect place for their small conference,� said Michele Steele, Wingate’s general manager. There are a total of six conference rooms in the hotel, three of which open up into one ballroom space. “We have the space to hold up to 200 attendees, in addition to your choice of Helena’s best caterers, for a variety of menu choices and prices. There is also an option for ‘on site’ beverage service customized to the requirements of each event�. The people at Wingate pride themselves on making every occasion special and have done so for nearly 10 years. As with most successful businesses, the Helena Wingate is in a continued improvement process and attention to detail is paramount. In an effort to elevate the level of service provided, Steele is excited to announce the arrival of Erin Schweitzer from the Holiday Inn conference hotel of Bozeman. She is the new Sales and Hospitality Manager for the hotel. Erin is excited to be on board also. “I’m so impressed by Helena and the community’s dedication to service. I see that in the people of the Wingate too. I’m glad I’ve been brought on to the team�. The Wingate hosts a variety of different events annually including wedding receptions, family reunions, small conventions, and retreats. Erin is eager to make your experience very rewarding. “What we’re providing is the memory,� said Steele. It’s a joy for us to share in and contribute to each special occasion, from 2 to 200�.

When first walking into Advanced Rehab Physical Therapy & Pilates clinic in the downtown area, you sense the charm and elegance of the historical duplex. While that part may not be surprising, being in the historical district in Helena, it’s the staff at Advanced Rehab that really make the difference. Sandy Floyd, the office manager, is warm, knowledgeable, and immediately helpful in handling all of your questions about the care offered, billing, and scheduling. Every member of the staff is dedicated to providing the best care served up with a healthy dose of kindness. The practice has expanded in the past year with hiring Chip Hurst, a physical therapist and former veteran. Chip is pursuing certification and specialization in manual therapy based treatments. Also, under the expertise of Judy Palmquist, along with certified Pilates trainers Holly Ross and Felicity McFerrin, the Pilates program of classes has more than doubled in the past year! The Pilates classes are offered to the public and to patients after rehab if they are interested. The practice owner, Sandra Marston, continues to work on finishing up the highest degree in physical therapy, a post professional doctorate (DScPT) and is also in an orthopedic manual therapy fellowship program. While all of that sounds impressive, I asked her what that really means in comparison to other therapist and she said,

By lacey middlesteaD

“Well in the United States there are physical therapists with Bachelors Degrees (4 years of education), Masters Degrees (6 years of education), and now physical therapists are graduating with what is called entry level doctoral degrees or DPT’s (on average 7 years of education). Therefore, the degree that I am finishing up, combined with the fellowship, is 12 years of education and training. The beauty and benefit of that to the patient is they get the highest level of care without paying any more. Any physical therapist that is a provider for the major insurance companies all agree to get paid the same rates, so patients get a higher level of expertise, without paying more for that care. This is why Advanced Rehab has continued to succeed and expand in a difficult economy, when patients are sent somewhere else and they don’t get results, they come to Advanced Rehab and do!�

Advanced Rehab has always been a primarily public driven practice, and expresses great gratitude to be able to serve the Helena community. Sandra adds, “when I run into former patients and see them walking, running, cycling, skiing, and more, and know that I had a role in getting them back to ‘their lives,’ it just makes me smile inside knowing I made a difference.�

By Anya Taylor

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Traumatic injuries from auto/work related incidents, neck and back injuries, chronic pain and more When You Have Been Somewhere Else With No Results... Remember "Education Matters!" Experience The Difference At Advanced Rehab.

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Sandra Marston,(abd) DscPT, COMT, CPI Chip Hurst, PT & Associates

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www.advancedptclinic.com

an advertising supplement to the

PAGE 4

the ir’s quarterly look at new and growing businesses in the Helena area

spring 2011

sunday | march 20

APEX Animal Hospital If your grizzly bear needs a complicated surgery for a broken jaw or your puppy just needs a rabies shot, Dr. Lucas Thomi and Dr. Matt Blandford at Apex Animal Hospital can provide the compassionate care your pet needs. Apex Animal Hospital, located at 4195 N. Montana Ave., opened the first of January. They provide many of the same services other veterinary clinics do, including vaccinations, dental care, and neutering and spaying. But they also offer more extensive and complementary treatments such as advanced orthopedic and soft tissue surgeries, fracture repair, acupuncture, and canine physical rehabilitation. The business is owned by Dr. Thomi, who previously was an owner of The Companion Animal Hospital for more than 10 years. His special interest and focus is orthopedic surgery such as fracture repair and knee surgeries. “I prefer the more complicated surgical procedures,” he said. Dr. Thomi is certified to do Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomies (TPLO) but prefers the less invasive Tibial Tuberosity Advancement surgery (TTA) to stabilize a knee with a cruciate ligament injury. He also does bone plating, pelvic fracture repairs, and other more complicated surgeries. Often he is asked to provide a second opinion for other local veterinarians, or to complete procedures they don’t feel comfortable doing, or to complications of other surgeries. Dr. Blandford joined the Apex team in 2009 and specializes in exotic animals and wildlife. Both vets work with the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Dr. Blandford treats avians and raptors and is a falconer himself. Dr. Thomi works with bears and carnivores. Dr. Thomi started this type of work when he was with the Companion Animal Hospital, working on beavers, otters, and mountain lion cubs. He recently repaired a fracture on a grizzly bear that now lives at the San Diego Zoo with his brother. In addition to medical procedures and treatments, Apex offers canine rehabilitation. “It’s our rehab area that really sets us apart,” Thomi said. “A very exciting part of our rehabilitation program is having the only endless pool available in Helena.” Apex also provides pilates for core strengthening and balance for animals that compete in agility or other sports.

Dr. Lucas Thomi outside the new APEX Animal Hospital on Montana Avenue.

We at APEX Animal Hospital are committed to provide the highest quality compassionate care for our patients at an affordable price; available at all times for emergencies. We promote client education and active participation in their pet's health and rehabilitation. Canine rehab services are provided by Jennifer Hill, who has 11 years of experience as a human physical therapist and six years in canine rehabilitation. There are only two schools in the country with programs in this field of study. Jennifer’s services are so rare that clients bring their pets from out of state and Canada to see her. “Vets just don’t learn this in vet school,” Dr. Thomi said “All I knew when I graduated was, that it was good to ice a surgical site and doing passive range of motion. That was it. There is so much more that one can do, either here at the hospital or at home to help an animal moving better faster

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after an injury or surgery.” Jennifer typically meets with the owners within a week of the procedure to discuss balance, range of motion, and gait issues. Canine rehabilitation empowers the owner with something they can do to help their pet,” she said. According to Dr. Thomi, the average course of rehab lasts eight to 12 weeks, beginning with land exercises and moving to the endless pool as the incision heals. Apex also offers acupuncture services for orthopedic and neurological problems, spinal problems and incontinence. Acupuncture is not usually a first course of treatment, but sometimes it can help avoid surgery when an animal has proven unresponsive to medications. The building housing the practice was originally 3,000 square feet and another 2,000 square feet were added. It includes a surgical prep area for dental and other non-sterile procedures, a pharmacy, and a surgical suite with an adjoining x-ray and ultrasound room. Having the two located side-by-side allows for interoperative diagnostics, such as x-rays to determine the location of a bone or pin. The surgical prep area and surgical suite are connected by a pass-through where clean tools are placed in a two-sided cabinet that can also be opened from the surgical suite side. “It keeps everything very clean,” Dr. Thomi said, “and keeps everything sterile in the surgery room.” There are two suites of kennels. Each individual kennel has radiant floor heating, outside kennel access, and a tempered glass door. “There’s nothing that the animal can bite or claw, no way he can injure himself,” Dr. Thomi said. A second room of kennels, an isolation ward for animals with infectious diseases, is similar to the first, minus the exterior access. Apex currently offers puppy and obedience classes and future plans include the construction of a recreational agility course this spring. Apex Animal Hospital is located at 4195 N. Montana Ave. They are open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Their phone number is 449-4455 and their website is www.apex-animal-hospital. com.

By KELLI BUTENKO

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an advertising supplement to the

PAGE 5

the ir’s quarterly look at new and growing businesses in the Helena area

spring 2011

sunday | march 20

American Federal Savings Bank When American Federal Savings Bank first opened in Helena in 1922 as a building and loan association, its lenders probably never dreamed it would still be going strong 89 years later. But after establishing itself as a full-service community bank with three Helena locations, as well as branches in Bozeman, Butte, and Townsend, American Federal is doing just that. The bank’s recent remodel of its Neill Avenue branch is further testament to the bank’s confidence in its longevity both in Helena and the lives of its faithful customers. Located at the base of Helena’s historic and prosperous Last Chance Gulch, the Neill Avenue branch opened its doors in 1987. The branch was originally designed to strictly be a drive through service. Over the years, however, it has expanded and now offers a full line of bank services. This past fall, American Federal decided that it was time to give the Neill Avenue branch a makeover, both inside and out, to further enhance its appearance and improve the customer’s banking experience. According to Lisa Nelson, the Neill Avenue branch manager, the bank officially closed for remodel on October 16. Over the past five months, crews from Dick Anderson Construction and CWG Architects have been busy at work. According to Pete Johnson, President and CEO of American Federal, the remodeling process began with giving the bank’s exterior a facelift. Since the building was originally constructed in the late 1980s, it no longer meshed with the modern look of American Federal’s other two branches in town. The hired contractors set out to fix that. “The remodeled building will have the look and feel of the other buildings,� said Johnson. It wasn’t hard for visitors of the downtown Starbucks, located right next to the Neill Avenue branch, and people passing by to notice the changes taking place. Several portions of the bank’s exterior were completely torn down in late October to allow for the proposed remodels. Johnson explained that the north portion of the bank was expanded out approximately 12 feet. This enabled the teller line to be moved back and open up additional space in the bank’s lobby. Besides creating more space, enlarging the lobby also enabled American Federal to install a private cubicle for a new accounts person to work with customers in. According to both Johnson and Nelson, there was never really a private

and intimate area for customers to come in and discuss opening an account. That will no longer be an issue. Instead of feeling like they are sitting in the middle of the busy lobby, customers will finally have a confidential area to work with associates in where they will receive the full attention they deserve. With the outside completely finished and only minor work remaining inside, the remodel of American Federal’s Neill Avenue branch is nearing completion. According to Johnson, the tentative date of the bank’s reopening is mid April. Once reopened, the bank can get back to fulfilling its promise to customers of “Banking with a Personal Touch.� Since Johnson has worked for American Federal since 1981 and Nelson since 1989, both are veterans on adding that personal touch to the services they deliver. Lisa Nelson, Neill Ave. Branch Manager, American Federal. Johnson explained that long term employees, like Nelson and himself, comfortableness is what solidifies the relationship create a room of familiar faces for the customers between the bank and its customers. coming in. This in turn motivates customers to Besides building relationships, American keep coming back and for the bank to form lasting Federal also takes pride in helping customers in relationships with them. the community achieve their lifelong goals. “We “You can’t keep customers around that long facilitate people being able to buy that first car without having good relationships,� said Johnson. or home,� said Johnson. “Our job is to help our For Nelson, building that rapport with community grow and prosper.� customers is as easy as sharing in simple moments American Federal is a wholly owned subsidiary with them. Nelson explained that her customers are of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc., which is traded on like extended family members to her. “Customers NASDAQ (trading symbol EBMT). come in and show me pictures of their vacations and grand kids’ weddings,� said Nelson. To her, this By LACEY MIDDLESTEAD

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an advertising supplement to the

PAGE 6

the ir’s quarterly look at new and growing businesses in the Helena area

spring 2011

sunday | march 20

Helena Area EMPLOYMENT

Top 20 Private Employers in Lewis [in&alphabetical Clarkorder]County

Lewis and Clark County is Montana’s sixth most populous county, with an estimated 61,942 residents.

Albertson’s American Chemet Corporation Blue Cross/Blue Shield Carroll College Costco Family Outreach Heritage Propane Independent Record Intermountain Children's Home Mountain West Bank Rocky Mountain Dev Council St. Peter’s Hospital Shodair Hospital Student Assistance Foundation Summit Aeronautics Town Pump Valley Bank Vans Thriftway Wal-Mart West Mont

Unemployment Rate JAN 2011 National 9.8% — Montana 7.5%

Ranked Number 15 Nationally

— Lewis & Clark County 6.2% Ranked 17th in the State Source: www.bls.gov

Labor Force Lewis & Clark County 34,137

SOURCE: Based on 4th quarter 2009 data, Montana Department of Labor and Industr, Reserch & Analysis Bureau. www.ourfactsyourfuture.org

PROFILES:

TOP TWENTY

Albertson’s Full service grocery store with two locations in Helena. 600 Fee St, Helena, MT 59601 406-442-1052 3151 N. Montana, Helena, MT 59601 406-443-8557

Costco Wholesale An international chain of membership warehouses, carrying brand name merchandise at substantially lower prices than typical merchandisers. 2195 East Custer Ave Helena, MT 59601 406-495-7042 www.costco.com

American Chemet Corp Established in 1946, a privately owned manufacturer and marketer of metal-based chemicals. 701 N. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601 www.chemet.com Blue Cross Blue Shield Montana’s largest and oldest health insurance company. Mission is to help people lead healthier lives. 560 N Park Ave Helena, MT 59601 406-444-8200 www.bcbsmt.com Carroll College A private, Catholic, liberal arts and pre-professional college. 1601 N Benton Ave Helena, MT 59601 406-447-4300 www.carroll.edu

Sales Professional Would your friends describe you as a “high energy� person? If so, you could be the perfect candidate for a Sales Professional position at Robert Allen Nissan! We offer competitive wages, health insurance, 401k, and a great atmosphere. No experience necessary, but character, integrity, and honesty are required. Commercial Vehicle/Fleet Sales We have an immediate opening for a Commercial Vehicle/Fleet Sales Professional. Nissan, already a world leader in commercial vehicles, is bringing their line to the United States. Robert Allen Nissan is one of only two dealers in Montana to carry this commercial line. The right candidate will have outside sales experience, be self driven, and have a clean driving record. Excellent follow up skills are a must. Duties will include prospecting fleet customers for sales and service, becoming an expert in product knowledge (including competitors), promoting the commercial vehicles outside the dealership, and following up on fleet sales leads.

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Family Outreach A private non-profit agency providing home-based education and support services to individuals throughout Southwestern Montana who have disabilities or developmental delays. Focus is to teach families and friends how to teach skills to children and adults with special needs. 1212 Helena Ave Helena, MT 59601 406-443-7370 www.familyoutreach.org Heritage Propane Distributes propane through a nationwide retail distribution network serving over 1.1 million customers from nearly 450 customer service locations in 41 states. Operations extend from coast to coast, with concentrations in the western, upper midwestern, northeastern, and southeastern regions of the United States. 745 Rive Rock Dr., Helena, MT 59601 406-449-7317 www.heritagepropane.com

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Applications available at3HWV :HOFRPH 1236 Helena Ave, in Helena, online at www.familyoutreach.org, orsenior call Providing quality careKendra since 1988. at 406-442-1571.

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an advertising supplement to the

PAGE 7

the ir’s quarterly look at new and growing businesses in the Helena area

spring 2011

sunday | march 20

Integrative Medical Solutions March 10, 2011

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE 7.5% IN JANUARY

(HELENA) --- Montana’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased slightly by 0.1% to 7.5% in January, despite indications of payroll employment growth. “Private sector payroll employment continued to grow over the last month, with gains in the Trades and Leisure and Hospitality industries,” says Labor Commissioner Keith Kelly. “As the private sector continues to add jobs, more Montanans are returning to the workforce causing a slight tick upward in the unemployment rate.” Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 3,100 over the month, despite small job losses in the government sector. Slow private sector job growth with public sector job losses has been a trend throughout 2010 that has continued in the first month of 2011. The estimate for the total number of Montanans who are working, including agricultural, payroll, and self-employed workers, was essentially unchanged over the month, increasing by 51 jobs. The labor force, which includes people who are working or looking for

work, increased by 480 people on a seasonally adjusted basis. The seasonally adjusted Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) again increased by 0.4% in January with price increases in all categories of food, energy, and all other items. The prices for food at home posted the largest increases, while energy prices continued an upward trend. The index for all items less food and energy (also called core inflation) increased by 0.2%. Each February, the Montana Department of Labor and Industry (MT DLI) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recalculates the employment estimates for the prior year in a process called benchmarking. The benchmarking process makes employment estimates more accurate, in addition to smoothing the data series. The benchmarked employment numbers for 2010 are now available on the websites shown below.

*Unemployment figures are seasonally-adjusted. Seasonally-adjusted numbers remove the effects of events that fol-

low a more or less regular month-to-month pattern each year. These adjustments make nonseasonal patterns easier to identify. The margin of error for the unemployment rate is plus or minus 1.0 percentage points at the 90 percent confidence level. All questions relating to the calculation of unemployment rates should be directed to the Montana Department of Labor and Industry’s Research and Analysis Bureau at 1-800-541-3904. The February 2011 Labor Situation Report will be released on Friday, March 25, 2011

INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET Monthly labor force information for Montana counties is available at: http://www.ourfactsyourfuture.org/cgi/dataanalysis/?PAGEID=94&SUBID=205 Monthly Montana industry employment information is available at: http://www.ourfactsyourfuture.org/cgi/dataanalysis/?PAGEID=94&SUBID=199 Annual labor force data for Indian Reservations in Montana is available at: www.ourfactsyourfuture.org/?PAGEID=67&SUBID=121

At Integrative Medical Solutions, Deidre Smith LAc and Dr. Jerry Taylor, NMD use a complementary integrative approach utilizing acupuncture and Dr. Jerry Taylor, NMD and Deidre Smith LAc natural medical of Integrative Medical Solutions. care to treat the cause and not just the symptoms. On your first visit to Integrative Medical Solutions, Deidre Smith or Dr. Taylor will conduct a comprehensive consultation and formulate a treatment plan for achieving total health. Their goal is to use minimally invasive, natural approaches and to educate their patients to correct conditions through self-care. Dr. Taylor and Deidre Smith have created a primary care health practice for any medical condition, though two services they highlight are age management and weight loss. They employ natural approaches and acupuncture so that a person looks as good on the outside as they feel on the inside. Using Botox and dermal fillers, Dr. Taylor gently smoothes fine lines and wrinkles. In conjunction with aesthetic treatments, Dr. Taylor identifies hormonal imbalances that contribute to the aging process. He then corrects those imbalances by prescribing bioidentical hormones. Integrative Medical Solutions also includes Doctor’s HCG Weight Loss Clinic, the only certified HCG weight loss clinic in Montana. The HCG protocol is not a diet but a metabolic weight loss treatment for those struggling with overweight and obesity related diseases. Prescription HCG accelerates the release of abnormal fat stores while sparing muscle and structural fat. The program combines HCG and medical grade supplements with a controlled, healthy meal plan. Patients develop new, healthy eating habits and lifestyles, making weight loss permanent. Integrative Medical Solutions was created with primary health care in mind, but the focus is on prevention and wellness. By combining acupuncture and natural medicine, this goal is achieved. Integrative Medical Solutions is located at 1216 Cannon Street in Helena and on the web at www.imsmt.com. By MARIANNE HANSEN RENCHER

Independent Record Helena’s daily newspaper with circulation covering approximately 80 miles east/west and 50 miles north/south. Award winning staff and photographers keep Helena and surrounding area informed on local issues. 317 Cruse Ave., Helena, MT 59601 406-447-4000 www.helenair.com Intermountain Nationally accredited non-profit organization providing mental health and educational services to children and families facing emotional challenges. Primary services include: residential treatment, community-based services and community trainings. Operating for more than 100 years, Intermountain is one of Montana's oldest child welfare agencies. 500 S Lamborn Helena, MT 59601 406-442-7920 www.intermountain.org

children suffering from illness, diseases, and other physical, mental, and emotional conditions that impair their health and well-being. 2755 Colonial Dr., Helena MT 59601 406-444-7500 www.shodair.org Student Assistance Foundation Provides students and families with the knowledge and tools to finance and pursue postsecondary education. 2500 E Broadway St., Helena, MT 59601 406-495-7800 www.safmt.org Summit Aeronautics Leading supplier in the aerospace industry. Founded on a commitment to provide customers with the highest quality aerospace products and services. 3200 Skyway Dr Helena MT 59601 406-449-2515 www.summitaero.com

Mountain West Bank A full service community bank guided by an energetic board of directors who represent a broad spectrum of the business and professional community. 2021 N Montana Ave., Helena MT 59601 406-449-2265 1135 Euclid Ave., Helena, MT 59601 406-443-4100 2728 Colonial Dr., Helena, MT 59601 406-443-4381 www.mtnwestbank.com

Town Pump Privately held company operating convenience food stores, truck stops, car washes, hotels, casinos, propane services, and petroleum delivery operations. Various location in Helena and surrounding area. www.townpump.com

Rocky Mountain Development Council Committed to improving the quality of life for all community members, especially for those who face poverty or for whom mental illness, isolation, or age puts them at unusual risk. Enourages volunteerism that itself addresses community need. Programs range from Low Income Energy Assistance to Affordable Housing to Meals on Wheels to Foster Grandparents to Head Start- and many more. 200 N Cruse Ave., Helena, MT 59601 406-447-1680 www.rmdc.net

Valley Bank of Helena-Glacier Bankcorp Subsidiary Full service bank with several locations in Helena. 3030 N Montana Ave Helena, MT 59601 406-495-2400 1900 9th Ave Helena, MT 59601 406-495-2500 321 Fuller Ave Helena MT 59601 406-495-2540 www.valleybankhelena.com

St Peter’s Hospital Provides health care services to an estimated 80,000 residents of Jefferson, Meagher, Broadwater, Powell, and Lewis and Clark counties. Sole provider, non-profit, licensed 123-bed facility. Accredited by the Joint Commission. Recipient of numerous national, regional, and state awards. Affiliate of VHA-Mountain States. 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601 406-442-2480 www.stpetes.org Shodair For more than 114 years, Shodair has stayed in step with the ever-changing needs of Montana’s children. Medical specialists develop programs that provide for the care and treatment of

Wal-Mart American public corporation that runs a chain of large, discount department stores. It is the world's largest public corporation by revenue, according to the 2008 Fortune Global 500. 2750 Prospect Ave Helena, MT 59601 406-443-3220 www.walmart.com WestMont Promotes quality of life for individuals with disabilities through growth and independence. 2708 Bozeman Ave., Helena, MT 59601 406-447-3100 www.westmont.org

an advertising supplement to the

PAGE 8

the ir’s quarterly look at new and growing businesses in the Helena area

spring 2011

sunday | march 20

A2Z Personnel Staffing Solutions Mark Twain once said “The human race has only one really effective weapon and that is laughter.” For Deena Korting and Anna Kazmierowski, laughter and having fun are their weapons of success at A2Z Staffing Solutions. When A2Z owner, Deena Korting, and Kazmierowski first discussed becoming business partners, they withstood a series of backlash. According to Korting, the pair was repeatedly told that two female business partners simply wouldn’t be able to survive. But the ladies, who maintained a positive attitude and barreled forward not afraid of a little work, have kept the business going strong for 3 1/2 years. Korting and Kazmierowski pride themselves on A2Z being an independent, Helena-owned employment agency. “We believe that small business is the backbone of the economy both nationally and locally,” said Kazmierowski. Even with the national economy in a slump, A2Z refuses to stand by and wait for things to improve. “We are actively participating in helping boost the economy rather than being passive,” said Kazmierowski. A2Z understands that people must work as a team in order to rise up from hard times. “We support the local community and businesses because we want them to support us,” said Korting. With this active participation comes growth and progress. Recently, the agency changed its named from A2Z Personnel to A2Z Staffing Solutions. Kazmierowski explained that the name now “speaks for itself” as to what they do for their clients. A2Z is also proud to announce that after six years at their Helena Avenue location they will be moving to the Sharbono Building off Last Chance Gulch at the end of March. This new location will allow A2Z to service more clients and possibly hire additional office staff in the future. And thanks to a new, state-of-the-art software application, A2Z now provides more simple and user-friendly service by enabling clients to fill out applications and answer questions online without ever having to set foot in the office. Regardless of their location or name, A2Z promises to continue helping connect the right people with the right jobs and businesses with qualified employees. A2Z has years of experience providing services to the private sector, both profit and nonprofit, as well as State, Federal and local government agencies. Personnel are provided

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in a variety of fields including clerical, professional, technical, light industrial, and construction. For businesses seeking employees, A2Z takes the burden of the often lengthy preemployment process out of their hands. They offer applicant testing for various skills including those in software programs, perform reference and background checks, and offer drug tests and payroll services. When it comes to connecting people, A2Z attributes their success to the fact Left to right: Carla Stine, Deena Korting, Tyson Allen, Charlotte Eskildsen, Kirtrena Deen, Anna Kazmierowski and that they “take pride Robyn Reece (not shown). in understanding what the clients’ and applicants’ needs are,” according to Korting. They recognize that that we could succeed without our professional every client is unique and comes with their own and committed staff.” Kazmierowski echoed her set of skills, talents, experiences, and career goals. saying that everybody in the office understands “We listen to the people and really understand A2Z’s goals and it is only “a matter of Deena and I what they want to do,” said Kazmierowski. “And ensuring that the resources are available to make we aren’t afraid to share ideas and reach out to that success happen”. Carla, Charlotte, Robyn, other resources we have if we don’t have a good Tyson, and Kirtrena provide the enthusiasm job match for them.” The staff refuses to divvy and professionalism necessary for a successful out empty words of hope to clients but rather keep solution-oriented business. searching for options until they find one that works Despite all the time and effort A2Z’s staff put for them. into their clients though, the outcomes at the end A2Z also strives to always treat their clients with of the day make it all worth it. “There’s nothing respect and kindness. “My belief is that you should better than when I put someone to work,” said treat people the way you want to be treated,” Kazmierowski. “It puts a smile on my face. It’s a said Korting. “It creates a different attitude for happy ending for everyone.”The ladies admit that how people feel about themselves.” After all, if it it takes a lot of work to do what they do, but that wasn’t for the head strong attitudes of Korting and doesn’t keep them from finding something to laugh Kazmierowski, they never would’ve taken on the about every single day. “We have so much fun challenge of overseeing A2Z and thus help others working,” said Korting. “Everybody that works here succeed. laughs and that’s what makes A2Z unique. We work A2Z’s staff is an eclectic multi-generational group so hard but we have so much fun.” of people with abundant skills and a compassion that is far reaching. Korting said, “there is no way

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