This podcast was not in the original lineup for this season but because of the current pandemic impacting our local community we felt the need to get in touch with some of the small business owners in Helena and find out how they are coping. Through this podcast we hope to put faces on the businesses out there in the Helena community that are struggling as we all learn to navigate the waters during the COVID 19 pandemic. We want to start the conversation and find out ways people can get involved during this time.

Thanks to:
Jason O'Neil, photographer and owner of The Sidecar, a co-working community space.
Lindsey Barnes, owner of The General Mercantile
Lindsay Lechman, owner of Big Dipper Ice Cream

Links:
Small Biz Helena webpage: https://www.smallbizhelena.com/

Small Biz FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2631888023690702/
Email address for if you would like to be added or updated on the webpage: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2631888023690702/

Errol Koch has Theatre in his blood and knows if you are going to make it in this industry you must put in the work, a very "if you build it, they will come" mentality. "If you really want to be an artist and you want to make it, you got to make it yourself," said Koch. 

A UM Theatre and Music major, he got his start in the business working at one of Helena's most unique and vibrant art centers -The Myrna Loy. What some may not know is how Koch is one of the people who played a vital role in keeping the Myrna Loy afloat during dark financial times and helping it flourish after. 

Koch recently became a small business owner after founding a performance venue in Helena - The Heath. "You've got to create your stage sometimes. I'm hoping to be a part of that for people. I want to help people find their voice and find their stage," said Koch.

Facebook- The Heath
Call: 406-459-9834
info@theheathhelena

- now in his 16th season with the Helena Symphony explains how he ended up in Helena, Montana after growing up in Philadelphia and studying under some of the most prolific conductors in the business. Maestro Scott has incredible talent and has lead the Helena Symphony to new heights.  

It's a "special place" in Helena, Montana and now the couple who created it are sharing it with others. Nick Wilder and his wife Christine Mayn host a red carpet event at their estate- Ting, Montana- that resembles an Italian villa overlooking Hauser Lake. The Helena Symphony puts on a magical concert for an intimate audience of only a few hundred. The couple share their stories about traveling the world as actors and Nick even tells us about the time he was windsurfing world champion. It's a must listen!

Learn more about TING, Montana here: https://www.ting-montana.com/

This "Feature Friday" episode is sponsored by Intrepid Credit Union. Hosted by Brooke Boone Miller with the expert sound help of Lenny Eckhardt with Dead Dinosaur Productions.

Director John Finn and Public Information Officer Patricia Spencer discuss the latest and greatest things going on over at the Lewis & Clark Library, including the big renovations set to begin this fall. Hear about new things coming up and the great programs that are still around.

Fred Thompson won a coveted spot in the- Western States 100 mile endurance run - this year. Not only did he finish, he completed the race in less than 24 hours earning him the prized silver belt-buckle. Thompson is also the Helena Hotshot Superintendent and is now less than five years from retirement. He explains how a summer job turned into almost 30 years in the business. 

Flowers and Family flourish at Long Table Farms. Meet Kaley Deffinbaugh, a wife and mother and the owner of Long Table Farms. Hear the story of how this business took root and is flourishing, most days selling out within hours at the markets in Helena. Where'd the name "Long Table Farms" come from? You'll hear that part too. From having a baby in the middle of their busy season to growing a business centered around family and community this is an episode you don't want to miss.

Head to their Instagram Page -  Long Table Farms - for some of the most beautiful pictures and to see what they are up to and where you can find the flowers.

Also mentioned in this podcast- DelisaJean - who Deffinbaugh calls a fellow flower farmer in town with her own niche. Linked is her Instagram page full of fantastic flowers and more information on her business. 

Promoting all things Helena and surrounding, that's what Kurt Valiton hopes he can do through his new business, Vigilante Shuttles and Tours. Valiton launched his new venture during Shuttle Fest in May where he volunteered for three days and hauled 130 bikes on his new custom fitted van. He then followed that event up at the Helenduro race. Valiton says he hopes to continue to work with and collaborate with local businesses and events. Vigilante Shuttles and tours caters to bikers, hikers and all kinds of trail users.

Valiton says the idea goes back 13 years ago to his freshman year at Carrol College when he drafted a plan in a writing class. The general idea never went away and now Valiton says his dream is becoming a reality. The husband and father of three works three days as a registered nurse with St. Peter's Health and shuttles run mainly Thursday-Sunday but there is a 6am shuttle Monday-Wednesday. He says launching this business has not come without challenges and sacrifices but his family is taking it on as a team.

There are a number of options when seeking out Vigilante Shuttles and Tours. Valiton says there's the standard shuttle service, where you can book as a group or ride share that will get you to and from trails.

Head to Vigilante Shuttles and Tours at vigilantetours.com 
Ride share to the South Hills costs $8.95 per person. 
Ride share to the outer zones costs $11.95

Brewery tours are $38 per person 
Valiton says the Experience Helena tour is based on a personalized trip. 
Booking for private tours or special events also are available online. 
For more information, Valiton can be reached via email at [email protected]

You can find the business on Facebook @vigilanteshuttlesandtours 

Local non-profit, Girls Thrive, is on a mission to "inspire girls to empower themselves through a variety of sports and educational lessons designed to promote self-confidence, self-esteem, and positive body image."

In this episode we sit down with Founder Christine Thennis and Executive Director Blair Haseman to hear all about the organization and how they are making an impact on Helena's youth.

Girls Thrive is operates in tri-weekly training sessions. Haseman says the girls in the program develop both physical and mental strength through mountain biking, running and lessons from positive mentors.

Links:
Girls Thrive 

In this episode we are talking about fly fishing, and more specifically women who fly fish. The number of women anglers on the water are increasing and so are the number of women-specific fishing groups. Locally we have the Last Chance Fly Gals group and today on the show are two of its founding members, Shalon Hastings and Anna Lindstrand. Learn more about the women dedicated to creating community around the sport of fly fishing.

Links from episode:
Last Chance Fly Gals
Fly FisHer Adventures
Montana FWP - Fishing regulations
OnX Hunt App - "I did not grow up reading maps and I can use my OnX and figure out where I can be and where I shouldn't be." - Shalon Hastings