Ep. 29 – Big Sky Business with Todd O’Hair

Join us as we visit with Todd O'Hair, the President and CEO of the Montana Chamber of Commerce, in this week's Venture Boldly episode where we dissect the multitude of strategies fueling Montana's economic engine. Todd brings a wealth of experience from his roots on a family ranch to the halls of government affairs, offering a unique vantage point on the challenges and triumphs of advocating for a thriving business community in Big Sky Country. Our discussion spans the state's urban-rural divide and the Chamber's pivotal role in shaping a robust economic landscape through the Envision 2026 plan.

Where to listen:

Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Amazon Music
iHeartRadio
Google Podcasts

Or wherever you listen to podcasts

Our Sponsors

WorkForce Flathead
Weyerhaeuser

Latest Episodes

Ep. 29 – Big Sky Business with Todd O’Hair podcast image

Ep. 29 – Big Sky Business with Todd O’Hair

Mar. 11, 2024
Join us as we visit with Todd O'Hair, the President and CEO of the Montana Chamber of Commerce, in this week's Venture Boldly episode where we dissect the multitude of strategies fueling Montana's economic engine. Todd brings a wealth of experience from his roots on a family ranch to the halls of government affairs, offering a unique vantage point on the challenges and triumphs of advocating for a thriving business community in Big Sky Country. Our discussion spans the state's urban-rural divide and the Chamber's pivotal role in shaping a robust economic landscape through the Envision 2026 plan.
Ep. 28 – Steady as She Grows: Analyzing the Flathead Valley Economy & Housing Market with James Williamson of Sage Appraisal and Strategy podcast image

Ep. 28 – Steady as She Grows: Analyzing the Flathead Valley Economy & Housing Market with James Williamson of Sage Appraisal and Strategy

Feb. 27, 2024
Dive into the hidden dynamics of the Flathead Valley's economy and housing market as we team up with James Williamson from Sage Appraisal and Strategy. With James's expert analysis fresh from a presentation at the University of Montana's local BBER presentation, we dissect the local economic trends that show a slight deceleration yet maintain an upward momentum. We discuss local population growth, revealing its impact on the economic pulse of Kalispell and the Flathead.
Ep 27 – Venturing Boldly in 2024 podcast image

Ep 27 – Venturing Boldly in 2024

Feb. 06, 2024
Join us as Lorraine Clarno, President and CEO of the Discover Kalispell Chamber, shares an exciting look into the Chamber's 2024 initiatives. From the strategic relocation to Main Street to a strong emphasis on a vibrant downtown and a focus on education, this episode is your personal roadmap to understanding the growth and vitality being cultivated in our town.
Ep. 26 – A Game Plan for Sports Tourism, with Evan Eleff podcast image

Ep. 26 – A Game Plan for Sports Tourism, with Evan Eleff

Jan. 22, 2024
Evan Eleff from the Sports Facilities Companies joins us to dissect potential impact of a tournament-quality sports facility in the Flathead Valley. We'll touch on the economic, social, and community benefits that such a development would entail—not just a mere venue for sports, but a powerhouse for local businesses during shoulder seasons and a catalyst for stronger community ties.
Ep. 25- Banking on Montana with Mike Smith, Glacier Bank podcast image

Ep. 25- Banking on Montana with Mike Smith, Glacier Bank

Jan. 08, 2024
As a community bank, Glacier Bank has been a foundational part of the Flathead Valley and northwest Montana economic landscape for decades. In today's episode we talk with Mike Smith, the influential Market President of Glacier Bank. In this wide-ranging interview, we discuss the history of Glacier Bank and its relationship with Glacier Bancorp, new technology, consumer behavior, fed rates, 2024 projections and more. We also learn about Glacier Bank's substantial investment in the community through its thousands of volunteer hours, hundreds of thousands of dollars donated annually, and lending for impactful community projects.
Ep. 24 – City Management & Emergency Response Funding with Doug Russell, Kalispell City Manager podcast image

Ep. 24 – City Management & Emergency Response Funding with Doug Russell, Kalispell City Manager

Dec. 18, 2023
In this episode we're talking with Doug Russell, the Kalispell City Manager. Doug, a certified manager and public finance officer, navigates us through the world of local government management and the upcoming 2024 spring vote for a dedicated emergency responder levy in Kalispell.
Ep. 23 – Behind the Airwaves: Dive into the Radio Industry with John Hendricks of KGEZ, the 2023 Small Business of the Year podcast image

Ep. 23 – Behind the Airwaves: Dive into the Radio Industry with John Hendricks of KGEZ, the 2023 Small Business of the Year

Nov. 28, 2023
John Hendricks is the dynamic owner of KGEZ Radio and proud winner of the 2023 Kalispell Chamber Small Business of the Year Award. We delve into his extraordinary career, gain insider wisdom on navigating the radio industry, discuss grasping the wave of technological change and reenergizing a local radio station.
Ep. 22 – 2023 Flathead Legacy Award Winners: Joe & Colleen Unterreiner podcast image

Ep. 22 – 2023 Flathead Legacy Award Winners: Joe & Colleen Unterreiner

Nov. 13, 2023
Ever wondered what it takes to earn the coveted Flathead Legacy Award by the Discovered Kalispell Chamber? This episode of Venture Boldly is where you'll find out! We sit down with the 2023 winners, Joe and Colleen Unterreiner, a couple whose inspiring journey from Washington DC to Montana's Flathead Valley has left an indelible mark on the business community in Kalispell.
Ep 21 – Exploring the Crossroads of Sustainability and Innovation in Northwest Montana’s Timber Industry podcast image

Ep 21 – Exploring the Crossroads of Sustainability and Innovation in Northwest Montana’s Timber Industry

Oct. 16, 2023
Do you ever wonder about the future of the timber industry in our rapidly changing world? This episode will take you deep into the heart of Northwest Montana, where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront of the timber sector. Together with our expert guests, Cameron Wohlschlegel, Lands & Resources Manager for F.H. Stoltze Land and Lumber, Ali Ulwelling, Montana Forest Action Plan Implementation Coordinator with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, and Zack Miller, Raw Material Manager for Weyerhaeuser, we’ll examine how they are making a difference in the evolution of the forestry and wood products industry.
Ep 20- Redefining Recruitment and Retention in Manufacturing: A Conversation with Dorothy Meyer podcast image

Ep 20- Redefining Recruitment and Retention in Manufacturing: A Conversation with Dorothy Meyer

Oct. 03, 2023
Wondering what it takes to navigate workforce development in a male-dominated industry like manufacturing? We'll take a deep look at the significant shifts in the manufacturing sector influenced by the pandemic in this insightful interview with Dorothy Meyer of Nomad GCS.
Ep 19 – Unraveling Workforce Trends in Flathead County: A Conversation with Laura Gardner from Job Service Kalispell podcast image

Ep 19 – Unraveling Workforce Trends in Flathead County: A Conversation with Laura Gardner from Job Service Kalispell

Sep. 26, 2023
Are you curious to uncover the hidden dynamics of workforce trends in Flathead County, Montana? Today, we're giving you an exclusive seat at our table as we talk with Laura Gardner from JobService Kalispell. With her robust 40 years of experience with the Job Service, Laura brings forth fascinating insights into how reduced business hours, low unemployment rate, and population influx are shaping the local labor market.
Ep 18 – Innovative Strategies in Workforce Development and Career Discovery with FVCC podcast image

Ep 18 – Innovative Strategies in Workforce Development and Career Discovery with FVCC

Sep. 26, 2023
Ever wondered how education systems are evolving to meet the dynamic needs of industries and businesses? Let's explore the innovative strategies being implemented by Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC) to fulfill these transformations in this fascinating conversation with Lisa Blank, the Executive Director of Workforce Development.
Ep. 17 Innovation in Education: The Transformational Learning Initiative podcast image

Ep. 17 Innovation in Education: The Transformational Learning Initiative

Aug. 14, 2023
If you've ever questioned the traditional education model and wondered how we can better prepare students for the real world, then this episode is for you. We sit down with Mike Kelly, the Work-Based Learning Director for Kalispell Public Schools, who is at the forefront of transforming education through personalized learning and work-based opportunities.
Ep. 16 – Rising Star of Leadership: Adam Cebulla on Millennial Challenges, Team Dynamics, and Crafting a Five-Star Customer Experience podcast image

Ep. 16 – Rising Star of Leadership: Adam Cebulla on Millennial Challenges, Team Dynamics, and Crafting a Five-Star Customer Experience

July 24, 2023
Meet Adam Cebulla, Discover Kalispell Chamber's Rising Star of 2022, as he takes us on a journey through his personal and professional leadership experiences from his days as an Eagle Scout to his role in leading a championship-level track team in college. Tune in and learn how his approach to leadership is deeply rooted in understanding team dynamics and leveraging individuals' motivations for collective success. His unique mantra of 'be great today' echoes throughout his narratives, demonstrating his dedication to the drive for continual improvement
Ep. 15 – Community Leadership and Legislative Achievements: A Talk with Representative Tony Brockman podcast image

Ep. 15 – Community Leadership and Legislative Achievements: A Talk with Representative Tony Brockman

July 05, 2023
What does it take to make a real impact in your community? Join us as we sit down with Tony Brockman, the 2022 Community Spirit Award winner from the Discover Kalispell Chamber and Montana House District 9 Representative, to find out! Tony shares his story of growing up in the Evergreen community and how his father instilled a strong work ethic in him. Listen in as Tony discusses his impressive achievements as a freshman representative in the Montana House of Representatives, successfully running 25 bills and getting 16 of them signed into law.
Ep. 14 – Daily Inter Lake with Anton Kaufer podcast image

Ep. 14 – Daily Inter Lake with Anton Kaufer

June 19, 2023
The Daily Inter Lake delivers the news to thousands of subscribers throughout the Flathead and beyond. Its papers include the area’s signature daily, the Daily Inter Lake, as well as the Hungry Horse News, the Whitefish Pilot, and the Bigfork Eagle. We'll discuss how the Daily Inter Lake has evolved over time with changes in technology and how the news is delivered and consumed, as well as how the paper is an active part of supporting the Flathead Valley community as well.
Ep. 13 – Lemonade Day Flathead, June 24th podcast image

Ep. 13 – Lemonade Day Flathead, June 24th

May 30, 2023
Lemonade Day is a program of the Kalispell Chamber that promotes entrepreneurship to youth in Kindergarten through 8th grade, one lemonade stand at a time. This year’s lemonade day program is bigger than ever, spanning the entirety of Flathead County, and it happens on Saturday, June 24th. We’ll learn more about the program and how kids can participate to become the next generation of Flathead entrepreneurs.
Ep. 12 – Glacier National Park – Dave Roemer, Superintendent podcast image

Ep. 12 – Glacier National Park – Dave Roemer, Superintendent

May 15, 2023
Glacier National Park is a crown jewel of the National Park System. Its over 1 million acres, located in Northwest Montana and situated just outside of Kalispell in the Flathead Valley, In this episode, we talk with the Glacier National Park Superintendent, Dave Roemer about visiting the park, visitor access, construction, and more.
Ep. 11 – Discover Kalispell – Diane Medler, Executive Director podcast image

Ep. 11 – Discover Kalispell – Diane Medler, Executive Director

May 01, 2023
As the snows of winter fade in the Flathead and tourism to the valley picks up as we head toward summer, Venture Boldly takes time to talk with Diane Medler, the Executive Director of Discover Kalispell, a destination marketing and stewardship organization as part of the Discover Kalispell Chamber. With top tourism destinations such as Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, and Whitefish Mountain Resort in our backyard, tourism and its related dollars represents a significant industry in the Flathead Valley.
Ep. 10 – Three Rivers Bank of Montana podcast image

Ep. 10 – Three Rivers Bank of Montana

Apr. 17, 2023
Three Rivers Bank of Montana is a key community bank in the Flathead Valley. Founded in 1973 by Jack King along with 11 local businessmen, First Security Bank of Kalispell, now Three Rivers Bank of Montana, has established itself over nearly five decades as a community bank that is deeply invested in the local community.
Ep. 9- Nomad GCS podcast image

Ep. 9- Nomad GCS

Apr. 03, 2023
Nomad GCS is a growing and flourishing premier Flathead Valley manufacturer of mobile operations centers. With over 200 employees, they build these specialty vehicles, trailers, and more and ship them to all 50 states and internationally. Join us for an interview with Clay Binford, one of the co-founders of Nomad GCS, as he shares more about the history of the company's founding, and how they're growing today and into the future.
Ep. 8 – 2023 Montana Legislative Update-  Rep. Courtenay Sprunger podcast image

Ep. 8 – 2023 Montana Legislative Update- Rep. Courtenay Sprunger

Mar. 20, 2023
In this episode we’re diving deeper into specific legislation in this 68th Montana Legislative Session in our interview with Representative Courtenay Sprunger. Representative Sprunger, who is a former chair of the Kalispell Chamber board and is also the CEO and founder of Big Sky Public Relations, has sponsored a number of bills that have gained traction this session.
Ep. 7 – Montana Legislative Update podcast image

Ep. 7 – Montana Legislative Update

Mar. 06, 2023
Learn more about current legislation that the Chamber is closely following right now on behalf of the business community with guest, Erica Wirtala, Chair of the Chamber's Government Affairs Committee. Erica will also share more about the Government Affairs Committee itself and how the chamber advocates on behalf of the business community.
Ep. 6 – Flathead Legacy Award Winner – Dr. Jane Karas -Flathead Valley Community College podcast image

Ep. 6 – Flathead Legacy Award Winner – Dr. Jane Karas -Flathead Valley Community College

Feb. 21, 2023
Visionary. Leader. Innovator. These are words often used when describing our podcast guest, Dr. Jane Karas, President of Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC). Dr. Karas was awarded the Kalispell Chamber’s highest honor, the Flathead Legacy Award, for her outstanding contributions to the Flathead Valley community through her work at FVCC. Dr. Karas has been President of FVCC for over 20 years, helming the college through a variety of economic climates while steadily growing the college’s programming, facilities, and campus.
Ep. 5 – Educator of the Year 2022 – Micah Hill – Kalispell Public Schools podcast image

Ep. 5 – Educator of the Year 2022 – Micah Hill – Kalispell Public Schools

Feb. 06, 2023
Join us for this podcast with Micah Hill, the award-winning Superintendent of Kalispell Public Schools. As the leader of the largest school district in northwest Montana, Micah has deftly navigated the waters through Covid and is helping to usher in transformational education for the district.
Ep. 4 – Nonprofit of the Year – Immanuel Lutheran Communities podcast image

Ep. 4 – Nonprofit of the Year – Immanuel Lutheran Communities

Jan. 16, 2023
Featuring Jason Cronk, CEO Immanuel Lutheran Communities In November 2022, Immanuel Lutheran Communities (ILC) was awarded the nonprofit of the year award by the Discover Kalispell Chamber. ILC has been providing homes and care for seniors for over 65 years in Kalispell, and has been innovating and growing ever since. Its Kalispell campus includes independent living villas and apartments, assisted living, rehab care, long term and memory care.
Ep. 3 – Early Childhood Education podcast image

Ep. 3 – Early Childhood Education

Jan. 04, 2023
Quality child care is a critical need throughout the country and it’s no different for Kalispell. The Kalispell Chamber initiated a child care study in 2021 and has been facilitating conversations about and growth in the availability of licensed child care locations. Corinne Kuntz is an innovative, entrepreneurial founder and owner of The Birds Nest – Early Learning Village which was recently awarded a $1 million grant to expand her business for caring for and educating young children in Kalispell.
Ep. 2 – Small Business Season with Gabe Mariman of Bias Brewing podcast image

Ep. 2 – Small Business Season with Gabe Mariman of Bias Brewing

Dec. 05, 2022
In this episode we are talking with a fantastic, award-winning, small business located in the heart of downtown Kalispell: Bias Brewing. Gabe Mariman, Co-owner and General Manager of Bias Brewing, winner of the 2022 Discover Kalispell Chamber Small Business of the Year, shares about building a business, business culture, building community and more.
Ep. 1 – Venturing Boldly with the Discover Kalispell Chamber podcast image

Ep. 1 – Venturing Boldly with the Discover Kalispell Chamber

Nov. 03, 2022
In this episode we're talking about the Kalispell Chamber, its core programs, and its Venture Boldly initiatives.

Start typing and press Enter to search