CHAMBER CHAT
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
MEMBER NEWS
Welcome New Members!

West Yellowstone Star - You can count on the new, locally owned West Yellowstone Star to deliver the news and to serve as the go-to source for community information.
Thank You Renewing Members!
What is the Big Sky Community Housing Trust?

The Big Sky Community Housing Trust is an organization formed to build, steward and advocate for affordable housing in the Big Sky community.

Read More Here
Resort Tax Applications Due Monday, May 1 at 3:00 p.m.

The Resort Tax is a 3% sales tax passed in 1992 to improve the community of Big Sky, Montana.

Since its inception, the money raised from the tax has played a significant role in the funding of services and programs including tourism development, infrastructure facilities, post office services, ambulance and emergency services, public transportation systems, parks and trails, community library, and other services that provide for the public health, safety and welfare within the Big Sky Resort Area District.

The Big Sky Resort Tax FY 2018 application deadline and important dates are as follows:

  • Monday, May 1, 2017: Applications due by 3:00 p.m.
  • Monday, June 5, 2017: Q&A at 1:00 p.m.
  • Monday, June 19, 2017: Final Appropriations at 6:00 p.m.

Read More Here
Mountain Maids Celebrating 10 Years in Business

Mountain Maids is a local Big Sky company owned by Molly Bloomquist and Kathy Patterson since 2007. They expanded to a second branch in Bozeman in 2009. This February, Mountain Maids is celebrating 10 years in business with its current owners. Molly and Kathy wanted to say “Thank You” to all of their loyal customers for making the company so successful over the last 10 years.

"Mountain Maids is based on the belief that our customers’ needs are of the utmost importance. Our entire Mountain Maids team is committed to meeting those needs. We would not have reached this success if it weren’t for our customer retention and referrals! At Mountain Maids, we would like nothing more than for the opportunity to gain your trust and receive our commitment that we will provide you with the best service in the industry. We are fully-insured, provide earth friendly cleaning products and all equipment. We look forward to growing our business within the community through our perseverance and enthusiasm."

Read More Here
Welcome Marketing Manager Amelia Smith!

Meet Amelia Smith, our new Marketing Manager! Amelia is eager to bring a fresh, creative direction to her new role. She graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2010 and has over 6 years of experience as a digital marketing manager. She looks forward to making a positive contribution to the Big Sky community.

Originally from North Carolina, Amelia traded in the rolling green mountains of Asheville for the much more skiable peaks of Bozeman and Big Sky. She enjoys hiking beehive basin in the summer, skiing the headwaters in the winter and discovering as much of Montana’s western charm as possible.

Amelia can be reached at (406) 995-3000 or amelia@bigskychamber.com, or better yet, stop on by the Chamber and introduce yourself. Welcome, Amelia!!
New Research Allows Montana Tourism Leaders to Focus on Innovation

For the first time in a decade, the Montana Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism and Business Development has commissioned research to provide actionable data about how to market the state and entice travelers to add Montana to their must-visit list.

“Montana tourism leaders are in a position to innovate in ways they haven’t in a decade,” Montana Department of Commerce Interim Director Doug Mitchell said. “We’re establishing new community partnerships, making data-driven decisions, and are constantly doing business better. These advances will continue to grow Montana’s multibillion-dollar tourism industry, boosting jobs and strengthening our economy.”

The new research from Destination Analysts Inc. shows potential visitors see Montana as a place for free-spirited adventure away from urban traffic and amusement-park lines. It confirms that Montana’s one-of-a-kind scenic beauty and wide open spaces will draw visitors who know what the state has to offer. The research also shows visitors who are looking for these kinds of adventures don’t fully understand what makes Big Sky Country unique.  

QUICK FACTS

  • Destination Analysts surveyed more than 6,200 travelers regional and national population centers and Canada. The survey also included interviews and focus groups with travelers and tourism leaders.
  • Nearly 60 percent of those surveyed said Montana is appealing as a leisure destination.
  • Still, less than a third of respondents were familiar with Montana’s attractions.
  • Survey respondents most associate Montana with mountains, fishing, hiking and National Parks.
  • More than 40 percent of respondents say Montana’s attractions are exciting.
  • Among six (Alberta, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Wyoming) western destinations, respondents rank Montana second behind Colorado for its scenic beauty, potential for a road trip, family-friendly environment, winter recreation, and top place to visit.
  • Montana as a destination is highly competitive among western states.

Click here to explore the new research.  
Young Professionals February Networking Event Featuring Olympian Heather McPhie Feb. 21
The mission of the Big Sky Chamber is to support the development of a world-class resort community as Montana's premier location to work, live and play.