Kalispell Chamber of Commerce Honors Local Business and Community Leaders

“Kalispell’s greatest strength has always been its people — those who are willing to take risks, build businesses, invest in others, and work together to create something bigger than themselves.” These words from Lorraine Clarno, president and CEO of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, set the tone for the organization’s annual Grand Event this past Thursday at the Hilton Garden Inn. The gathering served as a formal recognition of eight local individuals, businesses, and organizations that have significantly shaped the economy and culture of Northwest Montana.

Honoring a Lasting Legacy in the Flathead Valley

The centerpiece of the evening was the presentation of the Flathead Legacy Award, the chamber’s highest honor. It was awarded posthumously to Paul D. Wachholz, who passed away at age 89 on July 28. His impact on the region was profound and multifaceted, spanning sectors from healthcare and education to the arts. His vision is physically etched into the community through the Paul D. Wachholz College Center and the Wachholz Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center at Flathead Valley Community College. Beyond his institutional contributions, Wachholz held a significant footprint in the local economy as the builder of one of the largest real estate franchises in Montana and the builder of the beverage distributorship Fun Beverage Inc.

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His philanthropy extended to private educational initiatives as well, including a $5 million donation toward the construction of the Early Learning Center at Stillwater Christian School. The award serves as a formal acknowledgment of a career that balanced private enterprise with public-facing investment, a model of civic engagement that the chamber emphasized as vital to the valley’s future.

Chamber Honors Will Schmautz and Glacier Range Riders

The chamber recognized several entities that have moved the needle on regional economic development. Will Schmautz, Nomad GCS, a Kratos Company, was named Businessperson of the Year. His recognition centers on his role in demonstrating that Montana-based companies can successfully compete on a national and global stage while maintaining their roots in the Flathead Valley.

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The Glacier Range Riders, led by Chris Kelly, received the Large Business of the Year award. While the organization is known for professional baseball, the chamber highlighted their broader influence as a driver of tourism, regional pride, and family-oriented recreation. Meanwhile, the Small Business of the Year award went to Kettle Care Botanicals. Originally established 40 years ago, the company was purchased in 2012 by Annegret and Klaus Pfeifer. Their tenure has been marked by a focus on quality and local identity, illustrating the endurance of the small business sector in the Montana economy.

Growing Roots Early Learning Center Wins Educational Excellence Award

The event also cast a light on the social infrastructure that supports the region’s workforce. The Educational Excellence Award was presented to the Growing Roots Early Learning Center, an initiative involving Immanuel Living and Leigh Ann Downie-Economy. This award highlights the direct link between the availability of quality child care and the stability of the local workforce, particularly for working parents.

Other honorees included:

Rising Star Award: Joe Davison, GL Solutions, noted for his entrepreneurial drive and commitment to the next generation of civic leadership.
Community Spirit Award: Sarah Steinke, Daily Inter Lake, recognized for her dedication to reporting on local stories and fostering connections within the valley.
Nonprofit of the Year: The Kalispell Education Foundation, led by Dorothy Drury, for its work in bridging the gap between community resources and the needs of students and educators.

As the region continues to evolve, the chamber’s selections reflect a deliberate focus on the intersection of long-term legacy and emerging leadership. The event serves as a bellwether for the local economy, signaling which industries and social services are currently viewed as the primary engines of community development.