Public funding keeps schools running — but innovation takes more. In this episode, Dorothy Drury shares how Montana school funding really works and how fast, teacher-driven grants are turning small dollars into real classroom impact.

A bitter cold snap can turn the grid into a high-wire act, and few people understand those stakes like Mark Johnson, CEO and General Manager of Flathead Electric Cooperative (FEC) and the 2025 Kalispell Chamber Business Person of the Year. Mark's 25+ years at FEC brings decades of steady leadership to keeping power reliable and rates stable as the Flathead Valley grows. In this conversation, he explains the role of hydropower, the limits of transmission, and how long-term planning and a service-first mindset support affordable, dependable electricity.

Growth is here, and today’s choices will shape Kalispell for decades. In this episode, Kalispell mayor-elect Ryan Hunter lays out a clear, practical agenda: protect waterways, expand attainable housing, improve street safety, and apply predictable standards that support a vibrant Parkline Trail—without overbuilding or fragmentation.

Join us as we meet with Miles Terry, Vice President of Terry Homes and the Kalispell Chamber’s 2025 Rising Star. As the VP of Terry Homes, a family-owned homebuilder that's been building homes in the Flathead for over 30 years, Miles discusses how a family builder can deliver attainable, high-quality homes without cutting corners—and his answer blends grit, data, and community.

In this episode, we sit down with 2025 Flathead Legacy Award recipient Bob Nystuen to trace his path from North Dakota roots to leading Glacier Bank and shaping the Flathead’s business and education landscape. Bob offers leadership lessons and steady guidance for today’s leaders facing AI, workforce shifts, and market change: be authentic, show gratitude, and lead with calm confidence.

A small clamp is making a big impact in Montana manufacturing. Founder Amber Pacheco Holm of Fiber Reaper, and her husband, Jeremy, turned a simple field frustration into a breakthrough tool now used by fiber splicing crews across the country. Built and tested in the Flathead Valley, her redesigned clamp helps technicians work faster, safer, and with greater precision. Through local partnerships with the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center, the Montana High-Tech Business Alliance, and area suppliers, Fiber Reaper transformed an idea sketched in a Kalispell workshop into a production-ready product—100% Made in the USA and proudly built in Northwest Montana. Tune in to learn the Fiber Reaper story!

Sheriff Brian Heino doesn't mince words about Flathead County's jail crisis. The 1987 facility is bursting at the seams, with failing systems, inadequate space, and mounting safety concerns. With over two decades of law enforcement experience, Sheriff Heino offers a compelling insider's perspective on why a new detention center represents not just a building project, but a fundamental community investment.

Kyle Waterman, downtown business owner and former city councilor, is running for Kalispell City Council Ward 3. In this conversation, he shares how his past council experience and decades of community leadership shape his vision for a growing, business-friendly Kalispell.

Meet Kisa Davison, Kalispell mayoral candidate and recipient of the Kalispell Chamber’s endorsement. She joins Drew Zagorski to share her journey from business owner and community leader to candidate for mayor.

Join host Drew Zagorski as he sits down with Brian Gootkin, Director of the Montana Department of Corrections, and Jim Sanderson, Operations Manager of the new Flathead Valley Reentry Center, for a revealing conversation about how we reintegrate formerly incarcerated individuals back into society. This isn't just another corrections facility – it's Montana's first-ever state-run reentry center.

Montana’s outdoor recreation supports billions in spending while protecting landscapes, wildlife, and local traditions. Amber Steed, Region 1 Supervisor for Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP), talks with the podcast about managing these resources and highlights new public access projects, including Somers Beach State Park and expanded fishing areas near Flathead Lake.

This episode of the Venture Boldly podcast takes listeners behind the scenes of the Flathead County Fairgrounds—an iconic 60-acre hub in Kalispell that hosts over 750 events and draws more than 250,000 visitors each year. While many know it as home to the Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo, the fairgrounds serve as a year-round space for community, culture, and connection.

Flathead Lake’s clean waters and mountain views aren’t just beautiful—they’re essential to our region’s economy, culture, and future. For over 100 years, the Flathead Lake Biological Station has worked to protect one of America’s cleanest lakes. Join us as Tom Bansak, Associate Director, shares how the station's work in science and education helps to preserve the integrity of our region's waters and more.

"Young entrepreneurs can teach us all a thing or two about business," is the lesson that shines through in my conversation with Parker and Lucy, the young founders of Two Sisters Lemonade and winners of the 2024 Youth Entrepreneurship Award for Lemonade Day Flathead. Over three years of participation, these sisters have transformed from novices with a simple setup to savvy business owners making strategic decisions about products, branding, and customer service. Parker summarizes the entrepreneurial mindset perfectly: "If something goes wrong or something doesn't go right, just get back up and try it again."

What does it take to build a construction company that shapes a community? Bill Goldberg, founder of Compass Construction, shares how he went from a 20-year-old entrepreneur to a leader in Flathead Valley development.

Ready to transform your professional trajectory? The Discover Kalispell Chamber unveils Catapult Collective, an innovative leadership and career development program poised to revolutionize how professionals grow in the Flathead Valley. Catapult Collective serves professionals at every career stage—from emerging leaders to seasoned executives contemplating retirement.

Join us as Matt Laughlin, Director of the Wachholz College Center at Flathead Valley Community College, takes us behind the curtain of Kalispell's premier performing arts venue. Matt, a Montana native who returned home after 14 years at Seattle's Benaroya Hall, shares how this community-funded facility has transformed the cultural landscape of the Flathead Valley in just over two years.

The Conrad Mansion, built in 1895 by Kalispell founder Charles Conrad, is a well-preserved Victorian home that offers a rare, authentic view of Montana’s past. Under the leadership of Executive Director Brit Clark, the Conrad Mansion Museum shares the story of Conrad’s journey from a river freighter in Virginia to a prominent businessman in Montana, influenced by a strategic tip from James J. Hill about the Great Northern Railway’s route.

Join us as Montana State Economist, Amy Watson, paints a picture of what's driving this growth and the challenges that come with it. Montana's economy is booming. Labor force numbers have pushed total workforce to over 579,000 people, with nearly 50,000 jobs added since COVID-19 began reshaping our economic landscape. The Flathead Valley stands out with even more impressive growth – outpacing state averages with 2.8% labor force expansion last year alone. Want to dive deeper into Montana's economic data? Tune in for Amy's insights into growth, challenges, and opportunities for our Flathead Valley economy.

Join us as we tackle a pressing topic impacting Kalispell Public Schools—the upcoming high school levy vote. This episode features enlightening discussions with Matt Jensen, Superintendent, and Jinn Merriman, a dedicated school board trustee and parent. Together, we explore how this levy directly affects our students, families, and community as a whole.

Ever wondered how military training influences leadership in the corporate world? In this episode, we welcome Phil Quigley, a Marine Corps veteran and seasoned consultant, who shares his insights on leadership drawn from his diverse career across various industries. Phil’s unique journey—from pioneering roles at Atari and Yahoo to his work with veterans—provides a compelling narrative about the intersection of military discipline and effective business leadership.

Sherry walks us through the core questions that leaders need to ask to achieve clarity and drive real results. From navigating the uncertainties faced by business owners in the Flathead Valley to enhancing whole-person development, Sherry offers valuable insights that resonate in today's rapidly evolving environment.

What if you could transform your community through the power of leadership and collaboration? Join us on Venture Boldly as we feature the inspiring journey of Mark Friedline, the 2024 Discover Kalispell Chamber Ambassador of the Year. In our engaging conversation, Mark shares his path from being the Executive Officer of the Flathead Building Association to championing various local initiatives

Ever wondered how a bank can shape a community beyond financial transactions? Mike Smith, Glacier Bank's Market President, joins us as we discuss recent accolades, including being awarded the Discover Kalispell's 2024 Businessperson of the Year and Glacier Bank’s honor as the Legacy Partner of the Year.

Jen Stein, the inspiring 2024 Discover Kalispell Chamber Educator of the Year, shares her journey from a school-loving child to a pioneering elementary school principal. Her personal experiences have deeply influenced her leadership style, making her a prominent advocate for inclusive education. Jen reveals her commitment to creating supportive environments where every student feels cherished and valued, underlining the power of community and teamwork in fostering a sense of belonging among students and educators alike.

Sam Torgerson's inspiring journey from kennel attendant to general manager and part owner of a board and train facility is nothing short of remarkable. We sat down with Sam, the Discover Kalispell Chamber's 2024 Rising Star Award winner, to uncover how her passion for animals and relentless dedication has propelled her into a leading role in animal care.

Whitefish Community Foundation, recently celebrated as the 2024 Kalispell Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit of the Year, is leading the way in giving back to the Flathead Valley community. Join us as we unlock the secrets behind their success, with insights from Alan Davis, the foundation's President and CEO.

Celebrating their recent accolade as the Discover Kalispell Chamber's 2024 Large Business of the Year, AJ reflects on the enduring influence of his father, Jack King, and how those foundational values of kindness and community involvement continue to steer the bank toward success. Despite the digital age, Three Rivers Bank stands firm in its commitment to personalized service and local decision-making, ensuring they remain a trusted, relationship-driven institution.

Discover the transformative journey of Sue Corrigan, the remarkable 2024 recipient of the Discover Kalispell Chamber Community Spirit Award. As a dedicated community leader, Sue shares her inspiring path with us, including her impact as a special needs teacher and her involvement with organizations like the Glacier Conservancy and the Montana State School Board Association.

Join us as we meet with Mireille Bierens, the owner of Mountain Physical Therapy and Fitness Center and the 2024 Small Business of the Year Award winner. Mireille shares her story of her move from the Netherlands to the Flathead and career journey that lead her to become the owner of her physical therapy business.

Discover the remarkable journey of Dan Dickman, the 2024 Flathead Legacy Award winner, whose path to nursing began with an unexpected dare and whose life took a transformative turn after a severe accident. Dan's story is a testament to the power of empathy and leadership. Join us as Dan reflects on his four-decade-long career in nursing, including 30 impactful years with the Flathead County Health Department, and his steadfast commitment to community service.

The semiconductor industry has a long history in Kalispell, thanks to Semitool which was acquired by Applied Materials in 2010. Our special guest, Brian Aegerter, General Manager of Kalispell Applied Materials, shares the how the bold move to establish a semiconductor industry in the Flathead has created a thriving high-tech sector and opened doors for future growth opportunities.

Discover how Montana is blazing a trail in tech innovation with the dynamic Headwaters Tech Hub (HTH). We sit down with Dr. Tim VanReken, the visionary Executive Director and Regional Innovation Officer of the HTH. We uncover the strategic impact of the Chips and Science Act and a transformative $41 million boost from the US Department of Commerce, setting Montana on a path to become a leader in smart photonic sensing systems. From Bozeman to the Flathead Valley, learn how this initiative is poised to reshape the state’s tech industry by minimizing business hurdles and invigorating manufacturing.

Matt Jensen, the new superintendent of Kalispell Public Schools, shares his vision for the district, including a focus on personalized competency-based education to empower students and enhance learning outcomes. Through this engaging podcast, we dive into school finance, enrollment, charter schools, work-based learning and more. Listen and learn how Kalispell Public Schools tackles challenges and brings new opportunities to our students and community.

Ever wondered how a 15-year-old BMX enthusiast evolves into the proud owner of a century-old bike shop? Meet Hans Axelsen, the passionate powerhouse behind Wheaton's Cycle in Kalispell. Hans shares his story and the history of Wheaton's Cycle along with insights into local trails and operating a legacy business in downtown Kalispell.

What if over 80% of your region's electricity came from a single source? Join us on Venture Boldly as we explore the profound impact of hydropower in Northwest Montana with our guest, Clark Mather, Executive Director of Northwest RiverPartners. Discover how this renewable energy powerhouse, hydropower, fuels the local economy and provides clean, reliable electricity to communities in Kalispell and Flathead Valley.

There's a massive transformation happening at Glacier Park International Airport. Airport Director Rob Ratkowski provides an insider's look at the ambitious expansion project. With the airport nearly tripling in size to 210,000 square feet, you'll get a front-row seat to the exciting new amenities, including the Goat Haunt Saloon, outdoor patio spaces, and the Flathead Valley's first escalators. Learn how these enhancements, set for completion in June 2026 with phased openings, will revolutionize the passenger experience and meet the growing demand.

As the official education partner of Glacier National Park and Flathead National Forest, the Glacier Institute offers an array of programs that bring people of all ages, both locals and visitors alike, closer to nature. From guided hikes to hands-on educational experiences at the Big Creek Outdoor Education Center, Executive Director Anthony Nelson shares how these initiatives are fostering a lifelong love of the environment, especially for youth encountering nature for the first time.

Encounter the remarkable journey of Mady Rigg, a guiding light from the Flathead Valley who carries the title of Miss Montana USA 2023 with unparalleled grace. As we chat with Mady, her story unfolds like a winding mountain trail—full of unexpected turns but leading to breathtaking vistas.

Lemonade Day Flathead returns to the Flathead on June 22nd, providing young entrepreneurs the perfect opportunity to jump into the business world for the day with their own lemonade stands. In this podcast. 2023 Lemonade Day Flathead Youth Entrepreneur winners, Lemony Lemonade, share with us the secrets to lemonade business success. These dynamic siblings and youth entrepreneur winners, along with their mom, Nichole, share their journey of innovation, resilience, and growth, along with tips for other young entrepreneurs and their families.

Leadership Flathead is a 2-year program that helps to shape the Flathead Valley's leaders of tomorrow. In this episode, we'll learn all about this decades-long leadership program that has developed over 1000 community leaders over the years, and how the program stays current, developing local leaders for the 21st century.

Join Joel Rosenberg, banking executive and Executive Director of Highlander Track, as he unfolds the story of this legacy, free youth track and field and cross-country program's impact in the Flathead Valley. Established in the '70s by Jack King and Three Rivers Bank of MT, Highlander Track has evolved into an annual signature spring youth event for kids ages 6-12, nurturing not just physical prowess but also instilling valuable life skills in young athletes.

Ever wondered how a leap of faith from legal practice to launching a tech business feels? Bill Moseley, CEO of GL Solutions, shares how he pivoted from the world of law and government to the tech frontier, crafting software that transforms regulatory operations. Bill recounts GL Solutions' move from Bend, Oregon to Kalispell, with first-hand insight into the trials and triumphs of transplanting a thriving business and nurturing its growth in its new Flathead Valley home.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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