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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.

Raised in a family of builders in Whitefish, Bill took a hands-on path—starting his own company at 22 and focusing on projects that meet real community needs. From preserving green space to revitalizing downtown Kalispell, his work balances growth with purpose.

Now expanding beyond the Flathead, Bill reflects on two decades of building, mentoring, and giving back—guided by the belief that “the more I give, the more I get.”

Compass Construction: compassmt.net 

Sunshine Factory: The Sunshine Factory - 406 For Kids

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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. What truly distinguishes Catapult Collective is its three-pronged approach: career-focused educational events, structured mentorship opportunities, and meaningful relationship building beyond surface-level networking. The mentorship component pairs emerging professionals with established leaders from key Flathead industries including technology, banking, manufacturing, and tourism. 

The program launches in June 2025 with a focus on AI.   Tune in to learn more about this brand-new program!

www.kalispellchamber.com

Catapult Collective - Career Development Acceleration Initiative - Kalispell Chamber of Commerce

For more information, contact:

Lorraine Clarno at [email protected] or Amanda Hewitt at [email protected]

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© Kalispell Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved. 406.758.2800  |  [email protected]

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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 journey began with Paul Wachholz's foundational donation that catalyzed community support, creating what Matt calls "a venue built for the community, by the community." Now serving as both world-class performance space and vital community platform, the Center hosts everything from Grammy-winning musicians to local nonprofit fundraisers.

Listen in as Matt shares in inside view on venue management and programming, the center's role in bringing a wide-array of speakers, concerts, and performances to the valley, opportunities for new college programming and more. 

Visit WCCMT.org to explore upcoming performances and discover how this cultural gem is connecting world-class talent with the Flathead Valley community. Your ticket purchase isn't just entertainment - it's an investment in the artistic vitality of Northwest Montana.

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© Kalispell Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved. 406.758.2800  |  [email protected]

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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.

What sets the mansion apart is its exceptional preservation—90% of the home’s contents are original, and the structure remains largely unchanged since its construction. This historical integrity offers visitors a unique window into the era, making the mansion both a cultural landmark and a testament to careful stewardship. The site also functions as a year-round community space, with open grounds and engaging events that invite residents and tourists alike to connect with local history.

Operating as a nonprofit with no government funding, the mansion relies on community support to address ongoing preservation needs, including accessibility upgrades and facility improvements. The Conrad Mansion remains a vital link to Kalispell’s roots, welcoming all who wish to experience a living piece of Montana heritage.

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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.

Join us as Montana State Economist, Amy Watson, paints a picture of what's driving this growth and the challenges that come with it. The most pressing issue? An extraordinarily tight labor market with approximately two job openings for every unemployed Montanan. This workforce squeeze creates significant recruiting headaches for employers but has driven up wages and opportunities for workers.

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.

Resources:

https://lmi.mt.gov

Montana Labor Day Report

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© Kalispell Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved. 406.758.2800  |  [email protected]

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Local Control. Local Values. 

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. 

Listeners will gain insights into the vital role local levies play in providing quality education, funding critical programs, and ensuring that our schools can continue to thrive. You’ll learn about the potential ramifications of not passing the levy—including the loss of teaching positions, reduced course offerings and increased class sizes that could hinder student success. 

Investing in our schools supports workforce readiness and strengthens the community. This episode invites listeners to get involved, share knowledge, and advocate for the future of Kalispell education. 

Don’t miss this important conversation.  

Kalispell Public Schools: Home - Kalispell Public School District 5

Podcast guests:

Matt Jensen: With two decades of dedicated service in public education, Matt has established his standing as a proven leader committed to shaping a brighter future for our students. Matt embarked on his career as a high school Social Studies Teacher and concurrently served as the MEA/MFT Union Co-President, a testament to his commitment to both administrative leadership and hands-on education. He went on to serve in roles including High School Principal, Elementary School Principal, and Superintendent of Bigfork Schools, before joining Kalispell Public Schools as Assistant Superintendent, later being named Superintendent starting with the 2024-2025 school year. Matt shares, "Being entrusted with other people's children and community resources has been the most humbling honor of my life. My roots, both personal and professional, run deep in the Flathead Valley. It's challenging to find the words to describe what it feels like to serve the children of my friends, family, colleagues, and the community that once invested in me." 

Jinn Mariman: Jinnifer Mariman was born and raised in Libby, Montana and went to law school to help folks like those in her hometown who were exposed to asbestos. Jinn is doing just that as partner at McGarvey Law.  Her husband Gabe co-owns Bias Brewing.  Together they have two daughters in Hedges Elementary and have been committed to our community through various boards and efforts.  Viewing our public education is one of our greatest public resources, Jinn became a Trustee for Kalispell Public Schools in May 2023. She is proud to serve our community in that role.  

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© Kalispell Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved. 406.758.2800  |  [email protected]

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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.

Phil delves into the core principles of accountability, trust, and adaptability. He reflects on pivotal moments from his military and corporate experiences, offering lessons on the importance of quality over expediency in decision-making. Phil also passionately discusses the challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian careers and how employers can support them better.

Follow the Discover Kalispell Chamber on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @kalispellchamber.
© Kalispell Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved. 406.758.2800  |  [email protected]

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What if breaking away from a toxic environment could unlock your true potential? Join us as we sit down with Sherrie Patterson, the owner of Essential Development and Coaching, who shares her journey from the education sector to establishing a thriving business in leadership and personal development. Sherry lays bare her initial struggles, debunking the myth that success is all about having the perfect plan. Instead, she champions the power of personal growth and passion as the real game-changers in creating meaningful change.

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. 

Whether you're transitioning from being an operator to an owner or aiming to align work with life, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration for embracing personal and professional growth. 

Sherrie Patterson - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherrie-patterson-b2ba574b

Essential Development and Coaching, LLC - Kalispell Chamber

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© Kalispell Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved. 406.758.2800  |  [email protected]

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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 Freidline, 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. His dedication to service shines through as he discusses his role in promoting professionalism within the building industry and his profound impact on youth art programs and community advisory boards.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the initiatives fostering community engagement and development in the Flathead Valley. Mark delves into organizing pivotal events like the Home and Garden Showcase and the reintroduction of the Parade of Homes, designed to connect industry professionals and the public. He also addresses the pressing issue of workforce development by highlighting efforts to bring younger individuals and women into the trades. With a focus on collaboration between educational institutions and industry, Mark outlines strategies for attracting future talent and addressing housing challenges. 

www.buildingflathead.com

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© Kalispell Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved. 406.758.2800  |  [email protected]

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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. We explore the bank’s vibrant relationship with the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce and their genuine commitment to community development, exemplified by their partnership with the Glacier Range Riders baseball team. Mike shares the bank's philosophy of fostering community spirit through active employee engagement in local nonprofits and events.

As Glacier Bank navigates fresh opportunities following their acquisition of Rocky Mountain Bank branches, we uncover the strategic decisions driving their core focus on banking services. From consolidating branches for operational efficiency to Mike's role in Governor Gianforte's housing task force, we illuminate the bank's dedication to solving local housing challenges, particularly for first-time buyers. We wrap up by highlighting the meaningful contributions of Mike and Glacier Bank to the community. Join us in this inspiring conversation that highlights the power of community-centered banking.

Follow the Discover Kalispell Chamber on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @kalispellchamber.
© Kalispell Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved. 406.758.2800  |  [email protected]