2008 Chamber Committees
Air Services and Transportation
Tim Orthmeyer, Chair - Morrison Maierle, Inc.
Purpose Statement
The Chamber's Air Services and Transportation Committee has a monthly meeting to update members on current trends and issues that affect the air services industries. This is a coordinated effort with involvement and leadership from the airport, FAA, Army Aviation Support Facility, Montana Guard and Reserve, Montana Aeronautical Division, Helena Chamber, airline companies, and others serving the air industry, plus city, county, and state highway and transportation departments.
Ambassadors
Bill Beaman, Chair - Retired
Purpose Statement
The Helena Ambassadors Committee serves as a personal connection between the Chamber leadership, staff, and individual members through personal contact with the Chamber Membership each year. The Ambassadors also welcome new business to Helena as well as doing business tours during their monthly meetings. They represent the Chamber at ribbon cuttings and other events.
Annual Banquet
Brad Culver, Chair - NitroGreen
Purpose Statement
Each year this committee coordinates site selection, speaker and program for over 500 attendees at the annual banquet and business meeting. The committee is also responsible for organizing numerous awards which recognize outstanding service to both the Chamber and community.
Annual Golf Tournament
Toby Shannon, Chair - Wells Fargo Bank
Purpose Statement
The annual golf tournament is a fundraising event where Chamber members have the opportunity to network with others and participate in a well-organized tournament. This tournament provides the Chamber with additional revenue for other member services.
Convention and Visitors Bureau
Lee Holmes, Chair - Last Chance Tour Train
Purpose Statement
The Convention and Visitors Bureau Committee works to effectively promote the Helena area and its history, culture, arts and recreation while continuing to preserve and protect the resources and quality of life for area residents. This sector also operates the Visitor Information Centers and coordinates all tourism efforts for the Chamber.
Diplomats
Lutisha Pidgeon
Chair - KXLH-TV
Purpose Statement
The Diplomat volunteers serve as goodwill liaisons among the Chamber staff, board, business community and Chamber membership. They make personal visits to educate, involve, and retain Chamber members. The Diplomats represent the Chamber at all sponsored functions, including New Member Orientations, ribbon cuttings, and ground breakings.
Helena Hospitality Group
Jena Sabbatini, Chair - Hampton Inn
Purpose Statement
The purpose of the Helena Hospitality Group is to provide a network of communication and hospitality services among area hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, and tourist attraction professionals.
Leadership Helena Committee
Dean Mack, Chair - Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana
Purpose Statement
The Leadership Helena Committee assists local leaders to learn more about the diversity and opportunities in the Helena area and encourages their involvement in community and Chamber activities. Leadership Helena is the premier community leadership training program which educates and motivates existing and potential community leaders. Class members learn from speakers who are experts in their fields as well as taking several tours of community, government, business and non-profit organizations. Junior Leadership Helena is an extension of the adult Leadership Program and is formatted to enable high school juniors the opportunity to enhance their leadership skills.
Membership Benefits Committee
K.C. Hill, Chair - Morrison-Maierle Inc.
Purpose Statement
This committee serves as a vehicle to seek out, analyze and recommend new projects, services, and benefits to the Board that meet the needs of our member businesses and are sound financial programs. The committee will also review existing programs, as appropriate, and make recommendations for improvement to the Board. This committee will also look for new affinity programs that help business be more efficient and/or save money on a service or product. They will look for programs that will assist business in growing or expanding.
Membership Services
Kerrie Reidelbach, Chair - Helena Industries
Purpose Statement
To promote Chamber membership, educate new members regarding the benefits of membership, provide members with networking opportunities and assist with membership recruitment and retention. The committee also assists the Chamber with Business After Hours, ribbon cuttings, and groundbreaking ceremonies.
Military Affairs
Lt. Col. Mike Rand, Chair - Montana Army National Guard
Purpose Statement
The Military Affairs committee exists solely for the purpose of fostering understanding, mutual support, recognition, and rapport between the citizens, professional groups, and business communities of the greater Helena area and the military including the National Guard, Reserve, and Active Duty Forces of all branches of military service.
Sports and Tournaments
Jim Dwyer, Chair - State of Montana, Job Service
Purpose Statement
The Sports and Tournaments Committee provides funds and volunteer support to organizations that offer sporting events that have an impact on Helena's businesses. The committee is dedicated to ensuring that these events offer participants the highest level of competition and sportsmanship while showcasing our friendliness and hospitality. The committee will also market Helena as the "city of choice" for these events. The annual SWISH tournament will continue to be the main event that provides these funds and will continue to be known as the best and longest running tournament in the state.
