Venture Boldly

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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 transformation from a skateboarder and professional snowboarder to a seasoned bicycle mechanic with over four decades of experience. He recounts the moment he took the reins of Wheaton's Cycle in 2020, and his relentless drive to preserve and enhance this iconic establishment.

Hans discusses the changing landscape of the cycle business with the evolution of e-bikes and fat tire bikes and shares the unique appeal of running a community-focused business downtown.  We also dive into his insights into local rides with the diverse range of trails available, from leisurely routes to challenging terrains.  Whether you're into stand-up ellipticals or traditional bikes, Wheaton's has something for everyone. Join us for this enriching conversation about the evolving cycling industry, technological advancements, and the vital role of community engagement in driving local economic growth.

 Wheaton's Cycle, the Flathead's Premier Bicycle Specialists, since 1918 - Trek, Salsa (wheatonscycle.com)

photo credit: @noahcouser

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

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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 fuels the local economy and provides clean, reliable electricity to communities in Kalispell and Flathead Valley. Clark shares his expertise on the current challenges facing hydropower, including the growing electricity demands and the feasibility of supplementing it with solar and wind energy.

Our conversation also delves into the complex interplay between hydropower and salmon ecosystems. We discuss the significant measures taken to upgrade dam systems and the crucial role hydropower plays in mitigating climate change. Learn about the financial investments in fish and wildlife programs and the heated debates surrounding dam removal, especially those on the lower Snake River. Clark offers insights into river management and the delicate balance between environmental stewardship and regional economic growth. Don't miss this essential discussion on the future of hydropower and its far-reaching impact on our communities.

Links:
Ourpoweriswater.org
Nwriverpartners.org

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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Curious about the massive transformation happening at Glacier Park International Airport? Join us on Venture Boldly as we visit with Airport Director Rob Ratkowski, who 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.

But it's not just about new terminals and features. Rob breaks down the broader significance of GPIA as a vital piece of public infrastructure, akin to an interstate highway. Discover the logistical and practical challenges the airport faces as it navigates substantial passenger growth and the necessity to remain open to all aeronautical users. From the intricacies of airport operations to future growth plans and communication strategies with air carriers, this episode offers a comprehensive look at what it takes to manage and expand a key transportation hub in a bustling tourist region.

Links:
Iflyglacier.com
gpiexpansion.com

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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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.

Discover practical tips for making the most of your visit to Glacier National Park, straight from the expert. Anthony reveals the best times to visit, must-see spots, and lesser-known trails that promise unforgettable experiences. We also delve into the unique and diverse offerings of the Glacier Institute, including youth programs, visitor-focused day tours, and in-depth educational camps. Whether it's bear safety classes or the Lumberjack Ball, there's something for everyone. Tune in to hear how the Glacier Institute not only enriches the local community but also supports the Park Service's educational goals, making nature accessible and engaging for all.

Links:
Glacier Institute
Glacier National Park
Flathead National Forest
Anthony Nelson, LinkedIn

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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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. From the disappointment of high school sports setbacks to overcoming financial adversity in college, Mady's path has been anything but predictable. Her transition into pageantry and advocacy work is a testament to the strength found in embracing new challenges and the transformative power of resilience.

Behind the sash and crown lies a world of dedication and intricate preparation, which Mady navigates with poise and determination. This episode peels back the curtain on the pageant life to reveal the rigorous self-organization, the quest for sponsorships, and the importance of a supportive community. Mady shares insights on the personal evolution that accompanies the pursuit of such titles, offering sage advice for anyone navigating life's valleys and peaks. Her story is a reflection of her unwavering commitment to uplift and inspire those around her.

As we discuss Mady's profound impact on her local community, it's clear that her ambitions soar much higher than the Montana skyline. Balancing her Miss Montana USA responsibilities with her role at the Glacier Institute, Mady is a beacon of leadership and service. Her involvement with key organizations and her aspirations to enter the political landscape showcase a future teeming with potential and purpose. Her gratitude for Kalispell's support is palpable, and as Mady contemplates the conclusion of her reign, her journey reminds us all of the indelible mark one person can make.

Mady Rigg LinkedIn
Glacier National Park Guided Hiking Tours, Camps & Education (glacierinstitute.org)
Miss Montana USA
Leadership Flathead
Rotary
Flathead Area Young Professionals

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

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Turning lemons into lemonade, and a lemonade stand business, is more than just stirring up juice, sugar and water - so who better to share with us the secrets to lemonade business success than our Lemony Lemonade stand business proprietors and 2023 Lemonade Day Flathead Youth Entrepreneur winners, Alina, Alana, and Scott.  These dynamic siblings and youth entrepreneur winners, along with their mom, Nichole, share their journey of innovation, resilience, and growth.  They talk about their extraordinary experiences from starting a lemonade stand to guerrilla marketing and creating a buzz with their strawberry lemonade. Nichole's heartening reflections on her childrens' growth through the Lemonade Day program offers a window into the profound influence that nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset from an early age can have on a child's future.

Venture Boldly with us as we uncover the wisdom and lessons the kids learned from operating a business. They give us the scoop on the hurdles they've leapt over—from capricious weather to perfecting customer service—and the teamwork that has strengthened their sibling bond. The tales from their lemonade stand serve as a microcosm of real-world business, illuminating the significance of communication, money management, and the balance of donating, saving, and spending. Their advice is not just for other young entrepreneurs but also for parents, emphasizing the importance of encouraging kids to take the lead. So pour yourself a glass of lemonade and tune in for an inspiring episode that will have you looking for ways to help support the young entrepreneurs in your life, too.

Lemonade Day Flathead- June 22nd:  www.lemonadeday.org/flathead
Main Squeeze Sponsor: Three Rivers Bank of Montana

Lemonade Day Flathead on Facebook
Lemonade Day Flathead on Instagram 

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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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.

We'll learn more about the program benefits to individuals, their companies, and the non-profit sector.  We also touch on the program curriculum, community engagement, and how individuals can apply to the program and/or become involved in other ways, as well. 

If you've ever contemplated amplifying your and/or your company's impact on the Flathead's future, you won't want to miss this episode to learn more about this impactful program.

Leadership Flathead - Kalispell Chamber of Commerce

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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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. Joel provides a multifaceted view on the growth of the program, especially its explosion in popularity in recent years.  We also touch on the program's recent evolution into a 501(c)(3)and opportunities for volunteering and support.

Links

• Highlander Track
• Three Rivers Bank of Montana

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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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. 

Navigating the complex terrain of government contracting and management is no mean feat, yet it's one that Bill and his team at GL Solutions tackle with precision and innovation. This episode peels back the layers of technology adoption in public agencies, revealing how they champion change despite sometimes challenging bureaucratic constraints. Discover the fine balance between guiding government entities towards modernization and addressing the evolving needs of the communities they serve.

We wrap up our interview with reflections that transcend the CEO title. Bill opens up about the essence of mentorship, the power of community involvement, and the grounding influence of Montana's great outdoors on his leadership philosophy. 

Links

• GL Solutions: Regulatory Software Solutions | Licensing and Permitting Software (glsolutions.com)
• GL Solutions- GL Suite Software & Services | LinkedIn
• Oregon tech company relocating to Kalispell | Daily Inter Lake
• Bill Moseley | LinkedIn

The Venture Boldly podcast is sponsored by Weyerhaeuser.

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

Send us your feedback!

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.

Tune in to hear how the Montana Chamber is steering the ship through turbulent waters of workforce development and the housing crisis—critical issues that are shaping the state's economic future. Todd delves into the innovative solutions being crafted to combat these challenges, including Governor Gianforte's 2023 housing task force initiatives to transform legislation and zoning laws. We also spotlight the work of the Kalispell Chamber in expanding childcare services and discuss how their success stories could be a beacon for similar progress statewide, thereby bolstering support for Montana's working families.

We'll also touch on how Montana is positioning itself on the map with strategic growth sectors like the semiconductor industry, thanks to a possible $50 million planning grant from the Chips and Science Act.  Additionally, we'll discuss the vital role businesses play in nurturing civility and fostering bipartisan relationships, especially in an election year, emphasizing how moderated political discourse is key to community prosperity and sustained economic success.

Montana Chamber of Commerce

The Venture Boldly podcast is sponsored by Weyerhaeuser. 

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