Dozens of area business owners turned out in Whitehall August 30 for the annual Jefferson Local Development Corporation dinner and membership meeting.
The corporation, which functions as the economic development wing of Jefferson County, elected officers, reviewed its progress of the last year, reported on its finances and carried out other business. The heart of the evening, though, was about socializing and recognizing businesses in the county. Based on an Old West theme, the dinner invited participants to come in their best western attire for a chance to win prizes. Top honors went to Ed Handl of Whitehall and Carellen Nix of Boulder. After a social hour with music and drinks from the Montana City Grill plus a networking Bingo game, participants were treated to a dinner by Pepper Tree Catering. Certificates of Appreciation were presented to the Jefferson County Commission, Golden Sunlight Mine, and JLDC Director Sarah Layng. Three businesses were honored for contributing to the economy in a positive manner.
Community Improvement Award – Star Theatre. The Star Theatre in Whitehall was recognized for “creating pride in the community” through improvements to the business. Theater owner Colton Anderson has overseen an interior redesign as well as redoing the theater marquee. The business has also given back to the community with donations of equipment, a free movie for veterans, and support for Toys for Tots, the community library and the local swimming pool. Innovative Business of the Year – Utility Mapping Services Utility Mapping Services of Clancy received the award for being “Innovative Business of the Year.” Since its inception in 2002, the business has “become established as a national and world leader in utility engineering through innovation and the implementation of tools and processes which allow all stakeholders involved in utility management to work together, fully leverage data, reduce costs, risks, disruptions of services as well as traffic flow, and most importantly improve public safety,” said the presenter.
Business of the Year – Boulder Monitor The Business of the Year Award was presented to the Boulder Monitor for its commitment to “thoughtfully reporting and analyzing, making the news interesting and relevant to Boulder area citizens.” Owners David and Jan Anderson “have demonstrated that quality printed newspaper can be the information lifeblood of a community,” said award presenter Drew Dawson. The Monitor is also supportive of a wide range of community activities and causes and recently helped secure economic development funding for the community of Boulder, he noted.
For more information about the JLDC, contact the office at 406-287-3282 or contact a board member. JLDC board members are Brad Culver of Helena; Adam Senechal of Clancy; Erika Morris, Sarah Layng and Drew Dawson of Boulder; Leonard Wortman, Jefferson County Commissioner; John Brower, Kristi Wilson, Lee Good, Ed Handl and MariJean Bellander of Whitehall; and Chris Rehor and Vicki Gruber of Montana City.
