October Chamber Newsletter
Events, acknowledgements, the latest Chamber news... This newsletter has it all.  
Upcoming Events
Gadget Training
Wednesday, October 4 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Big Timber Carnegie Public Library

Free training from Triangle Communications. Learn how to use your gadget. Bring your own gadget. RSVP to Jacque at 932-5608 or Angela at 394-2862 or register at itstriangle.com/free-training.
Raw Deal Run
Saturday, October 10
McLeod, MT

Take a run through the Boulder Valley to take in the beauty of Fall. Festivities include a 3-mile walk/run, 6-mile run, Halloween costume contest, kids' activities and chili feed. The fun run course takes participants through two private ranches south of Big Timber that allow unprecedented access for this event. The Raw Deal Run is organized by Sweet Grass Community Foundation.
Chamber of Commerce Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, October 11 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
The Grand Hotel

Come to the monthly meeting of the Sweet Grass County Chamber of Commerce. See what's happening in the county from a business point of view.
Lunch & Learn - Facebook Targeted Advertising
Wednesday, October 18 12 pm - 1 pm 
County Extension Office Conference Room

Learn the basics of Facebook targeted advertising while eating lunch. Get the biggest bang for your buck and get people to your event or to buy your product.
Meeting Attendance Drawing Winner
Opportunity Bank of Montana

Since opening its doors in 1922, Opportunity Bank of Montana, Member FDIC/ Equal Housing Lender, has always been a community bank. True to its mission “to build strong financial futures for Montanans,” Opportunity Bank has 14 full-service branches across Montana, with more to come, to meet all of your banking needs.

At the Big Timber branch, Opportunity Bank creates opportunity for its customers by building long-term relationships, offering a full range of banking services and being actively involved in the community. Big Timber employees serve as leaders and participants in a wide range of community organizations and activities including the Sweet Grass County Chamber of Commerce, Overland Golf Course, Big Timber Baseball and Softball, First Congregational Church, PEO, FFA Alumni, Sweet Grass Recycle, Science Olympiad, Little Herders Football, PTA and the Sweet Grass Community Foundation’s annual Raw Deal Run to name a few.

With a dedicated and highly motivated staff in Big Timber, Opportunity Bank is prepared to be your full service banking solution. Join Us!
Member to Member Presentations
Pioneer Medical Center CEO Mr. Gary Hamilton joined the September meeting to introduce himself to the community. Mr. Hamilton has a long history in the medical world and most recently served as Director of Critical and Acute Care Services at Holy Rosary Healthcare in Miles City. In addition to his clinical leadership he holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. Mr. Hamilton is excited to call Big Timber his home.

Mrs. Kimberly McCullough and the SGHS Tourism and Hospitality and Class joined us to talk about this exciting new class and potential ways the class can partner with the Chamber and local businesses. Mrs. McCullough and the students are interested in a more hands-on experience and would love to shadow business owners/managers, study the impacts of tourism on the economy and work with the Chamber to better understand who is visiting this area.
New Member
Sky Federal Credit Union
This full service Financial Institution is coming to Big Timber soon.

Sky Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative providing the best service to their most important assets — their members. They have been serving their members’ banking needs since 1935!
Call to Action
Are you looking for a fun way to benefit your community this holiday season? Join the Holiday Lighted Parade committee! This is a fun committee that won't take up all of your time. Help plan the parade and other activities surrounding the event. Be a part of what makes Big Timber special.

If you are interested contact Julie Johnson at (406) 932-5131 or sgchamberdirector@gmail.com.
Business Tip of the Month
October is here which means it is not too early to start planning your holiday marketing. Click here to read the blog How to Create a Holiday Email Marketing Plan to kick off this holiday shopping season.
Business Resource of the Month
There’s no doubt this summer’s wildfires have been hard on some of our charming small towns. However, Montanans are tough and we support each other in a pinch.

That’s why the State of Montana has launched  BusinessRecovery.mt.gov  connecting Main Street businesses impacted by wildfires with resources to help them bounce back and get Montana's communities moving again.

If your business or a business in your area has fallen on hard times because of fire activity or smoke, we encourage you to use and share this resource.
Sweet Grass County Chamber of Commerce
(406) 932-5131 | sgchamberdirector@gmail.com | www.bigtimber.com