Chamber SnapshotVisitor’s Center Information Requests: February‘08 YTDPhonecalls 503 1148Walk-ins 140 271VACATION Packets 5 11 Inquiries 85 180RELOCATION Packets 5 8 BasicRelo 32 62 PhoneBook 5 6

Chamber Website Activity:UniqueVisits 27,723TotalVisitors&InfoRequests 29,409

April2008

GetInContactCallBridgettofindouthowyoucanbenefitfromalltheactivityonthechamberofcommercewebsite406.758.2801.

AtaGlance>> LUNCHEON/NOON Tuesday,April22,2008 RedLionHotel,Kalispell 20NorthMain “NewChamberImage“>> UNWIND Wednesday,April16,2008 Hostedby:RockyMountainBank, 2405Hwy93N,Kalispell 5:00-6:30pm

InThisIssue1 Luncheon2 NewMembers3 NewMembers, continued4 New Members, continued5 AprilCalendar6 Reinvestments RetentionRealities RibbonCutting7 EmploymentExtravaganza UNWINDs8 BrownBagSeries HighwayInformationRobbery9 LeadershipFlathead SmallBusinessDevelopment10 SBD,continued

ChamberLaunchesNewImage!New Chamber Website, Member Management System Boosts Your Business

intheFlathead.In2007,weaveragedapproximately55,000pageviewspermonth.

ThiseventwilltakeplaceTuesday,April22,11:45–1:15attheRedLionKalispellCenterHotel.Luncheoncostsare$15eachformembersand$20eachfornon-members,or$110perreservedtableofeight.Thepublicisinvited.Reservationsarerecommended.Call758-2800orinfo@kalispellchamber.comforreservationsandsponsorshipopenings.

LOGONTO:www.kalispellchamber.com

TheKalispellChamberofCommercelaunchesallnewimage,website,andcommunicationsmaterials!OverthelastyeartheChamberofCommercehasworkedtoredevelopthewebsiteandallrelatedmarketingtoolstoenhancethelevelofbenefitwehavetooffermembers.Throughournewdatabasemanagementsystemandwebsitewewillbeabletoofferamultitudeofnewmarketingopportunitiesaswellasvisibilitytopeoplelookingtovisitorrelocatetheirfamilyorbusinesshere.WehaveredesignednotonlythewebsitebuttheChamberNewsletter,E-News,Logo,MembershipBrochure,signageandallthesupportingmarketingmaterialsthatgoalongwithit.

Wewillbeofferingaluncheonseminaronhowyoucancustomizethechamberwebsitetomaximizethebenefitsyoureceive.Don’tmisstheopportunitytoparticipateinthelaunchofthenewwebsiteandlearnhowtheChamberwebsitecanassistyourbusiness’smarketingefforts.TheChamberwebsiteisoneofthemosttraffickedsites

KalispellAreaChamberofCommerceMissionStatement

ThecentralmissionoftheKalispellChamberofCommerceisthecultivationanddevelopmentofentrepreneursandcommunitiesthroughthespiritofenterprise.

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OfficersMark Lalum, Chairman of the BoardCenex Harvest StateBob Schneider, Vice Chairman of the BoardFirst Interstate BankTerry Kramer, Secretary/TreasurerKramer Enterprises, Inc.Jeff Wilson, Immediate Past ChairmanProperties Northwest Real Estate

Directors

Clay Binford, Nomad TechnologiesDick Buchanan, Byte SavvySusie Burch, Flathead Valley Community CollegeKris Carlson, A+ Plus HealthcareSteve Clawson, Wells Fargo BankNancy Davis, Prudential FinancialJohn Dudis, Crowley Law FirmTom Kurdy, The Daily Inter LakeJim Lehner, Plum Creek Timber CompanyTom Lund, Rocky Mountain BankTom McElwain, Stewart Title of KalispellDave Mitchell, CTA Architects & EngineersDenise Nalty, Nalty Real EstateCheri Nelson, Express PersonnelJim Oliverson, Kalispell Regional Medical CenterKen Sugden, Flathead Electric CooperativeSteve Thompson, Semitool

Ex-officio Directors

Jim Patrick, Kalispell City ManagerMike Pence, Flathead County Administrator

Professional Staff

Joe Unterreiner, President . . . . . . . 758-2800Bridgette Evans, Director of Member Services . . . . . . . . 758-2801Cary Aubrey, Executive Assistant . . 758-2803Grace Holm, Receptionist . . . . . . . . 758-2800Lad Barney, Small Business Development . . . . . . . . . . . . 758-2802Doug Bolender, Government Contracting Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 755-4221Jill Seigmund, Leadership Flathead Program Manager . . . . . . . . 758-2810

Consultants

Carl Schweitzer - Helena LobbyistJanet Schwalk – BookkeepingJCCS – Audits & TaxCarol Edgar – Media & Public Relations

NewMembersPleasewelcomethesenewmemberswithyourbusiness.

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AFLAC JodyWalk~Manager34875RockyPointRd,Polson,MT59860Email:j-walk@us.aflac.comWebsite:www.aflac.comPhone:883-2881Fax:319-2214

Formorethan50years,Aflacproductshavegivenpolicyholderstheopportunitytodirectcashwhereitisneededmostwhenalife-interruptingmedicaleventcausesfinancialchallenges.Aflacisthenumberoneproviderofguaranteed-renewableinsuranceintheUnitedStatesandthenumberoneinsurancecompanyintermsofindividualinsurancepoliciesinforceinJapan.Ourinsuranceproductsprovideprotectiontomorethan40millionpeopleworldwide.

AgApE’ HOmE CARE, INCIngaJ.Lake~Owner1667WhitefishStageRd,Kalispell,MT59901Email:agapehomecare07@yahoo.comWebsite:NA Phone:755-4633Fax:755-7460

Agape’HomeCare,Inc.wascreatedwiththemissionofprovidingqualityin-homecareservicestocommunitymembersintheFlatheadValley.AtAgape’HomeCare,weprovideassistedlivingservicesinthecomfortofourclient’sownhome.Servicesincludesuchthingsascompanionship,respite/reliefcare,medicationreminders,nutritionalsupport,lighthousekeeping,sittingpositionsatnursinghomesandhospitals,andincidentaltransportationanderrandservices.Agape’scaregiversareavailablefor2hourto24/7care.

IfyouorsomeoneyouknowcouldusethehelpinghandofAgape’HomeCare,pleasecontactustodaytoscheduleyourcomplimentaryin-homeassessment.

Whatmaywedoforyoutoday?ARTIsAN CONsTRUCTION sERVICEs, INCShaneOverbey~Owner175BierneyCreek,Lakeside,MT59922Email:shane@artisan-construction.comWebsite:www.artisan-construction.comPhone:755-1881Fax:425-740-9533

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ArtisanConstructionServices,Inc.isownedandoperatedbyShaneOverbey.ShaneunderstandswhenpeoplebuildhereintheFlatheadValleytheyarebuildingtheirlifestyle.ArtisanConstruction’sgoalsineveryhomebuiltistofind,captureandbuildyourlifestyle!ArtisanConstructionServices…Buildingyourhomeandfittingyourlifestyle!

AspEN INsURANCEJudySharpeandJulieReid~Owners1600Hwy35,Kalispell,MT59901Email:judysharpe@centurytel.netPhone:257-4864Fax:257-4869

JulieReidandJudySharpehaveopenedanewinsuranceagencyoffice.Theysellindividualandgrouphealth,life,disabilityandsupplementalinsuranceproducts.Theyhave20yearsofcombinedinsuranceexperience.Theypridethemselvesontheirsuperiorcustomerservice.Forinformationonproductofferingsortoobtainaquote,givethemacall.

BUsINEss CLAssDeborahSnellen~Owner150RidgeRunDr,Whitefish,MT59937Email:dsnellen@ebusinessclass.comWebsite:www.ebusinessclass.comPhone:862-3172Fax:862-3172

BusinessClassprovidesseminars,workshops,andfacilitationforimprovedorganizationalperformance.Wespecializeintheareasofcommunication,teambuilding,managementdevelopment,leadership,thinkingstyles,creativethinking,customerservices,andstrategicplanning.Foundedin1988,ourworkshopsaredesignedtoprovidepracticalandrelevantinformationinaninteractiveandmeaningfulway.DebSnellen,PresidentandOwner,isanationallyrecognizedtrainerandfacilitatorwhohaspublishedoverseventyarticlesontopicsofinteresttobusiness.Whetheryouneedaworkshopforthreeorthreehundredorafacilitatorforyournextretreat,callBusinessClasstotakeadvantageofmorethan20yearsofexperienceinthefieldoftraininganddevelopment.

CAmAs CREEk YARN, LLCMelanieCrossandAndrewHurst~Owners338MainSt.,Kalispell,MT59901Email:camascreekyarn.comWebsite:www.camascreekyarn.comPhone:755-9276Fax:755-9274

WelcometoCamasCreekYarn.Wehaveputtogetheralargeselectionofqualityyarnsfromaroundtheworld,includingseverallocallyproducedyarnsfromhereinMontana.Likebeading?Wealsofeatureagreatvarietyofqualitybeadsandofferclassestogetyoustarted.Therearecomfortable,communityseatingarrangementsandfreecoffeeservedinteacups.Theentrancetothestoreisahandsome,curved-glassfront,fashionedafteraWorldWarIIstorefrontCrossandHurstsawinamovie.Comeseeournewstore!10am–6pmMondaythruSaturday,TuesdayandThursdayopenuntil9pm,Sunday12pmtil4pm.

CREATIVE WAsTE CONsULTINgBelindaStotheide~OwnerPOBox9737,Kalispell,MT59904Email:info@creative-waste.comWebsite:www.creative-waste.comPhone:871-5278Fax:866-827-5278

CreativeWasteConsultingisaprofessionalwasteconsultingcompanyhelpingcompaniescreateefficiencyintheirwastestreamanddecreasetheirwasteexpenses.CreativeWasteConsultingisthelocalaffiliateofficeofEnvironmentalWasteSolutions’(EWS)nationwidenetworkofsolidwastemanagementconsultants.BelindaStrotheideisthePresidentandacertifiedwasteconsultant.

FLATHEAD COUNTY LIBRARY FOUNDATIONStewartHarvey~Manager247FirstAveE,Kalispell,MT59901Email:stewart@flatheadlibraryfoundation.org Website:www.flatheadcountylibraryfoundation.orgPhone:758-2469Fax:758-5868

TheFlatheadCountyLibraryFoundationisa501c(3)supportorganizationwhichexiststobenefittheFlatheadCountyLibrarySystem’sprogrammingandservicesbeyondtheregularlibrarybudget.Inadditiontoprovidingestateplanningandplannedgivingopportunities,theFoundationcanaccommodateendowmentsand

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legacygiftstoperpetuallysupportparticularprogramsupthroughrenovationsandnewbuildingconstruction.

Harlow’s Bus sales, Inc DaleNovak1939½Hwy35,Kalispell,MT59901Email:harlows@centurytel.netWebsite:www.harlowsbussales.comPhone:755-4272Fax:755-4273

Harlow’sBusSalesisaschoolbuscontractingservicewith18routesundercontractwiththeKalispellSchoolDistrict#5.Wealsohaveafullservicedieselrepairshop,specializinginschoolbussesandmediumheavydutytrucks.OurshopalsospecializesinIHCandPowerstrokedieselengines.Besidesschoolbusses,weprovideMotorCoachserviceandduringthefireseasonwecontractfirebusses.

Harlow’sSchoolBusSalesandServiceshaslocationsthroughoutNorth&SouthDakota,Montana,Wyoming,IdahoandWashington.OurcompanyisadealerfornewandusedInternationalschoolbusses.

INsURANCE COORDINATORs OF mONTANA, INC De’AnnaBenner~125CommonsWay#200,Kalispell,MT59901Email:dbenner@icmont.com

Website:www.insurancecoordinators.comPhone:758-4237Fax:755-3672

InsuranceCoordinatorswherewearecommittedtohelpingyouprotecttheimportantthingsinlife...youandyourfamily.Ourinnovative,uniqueapproachtoworksiteinsurancebenefitsallowsustotailorourfamilyofgroup,voluntaryandindividualproductstoprovideyouremployeeswithpeaceofmind.

JOsEpH EVE, CpAJosephEve~Owner143rdStE,#200,Kalispell,MT59901Email:joeeve@josepheve.comWebsite:www.josepheve.comPhone:752-5225Fax:752-5221

JosephEveisaregionalCPAfirmthatcurrentlyprovidesauditing,accounting,andconsultingservicestoavarietyofclientsin23states.InadditiontothetraditionalservicesofferedbymostCPAfirms,wealsoprovidespecializedassistancetoNativeAmericanTribalGovernments,TribalEnterprises(casinos,smokeshops,retailgiftshops,etc.),andTribalOrganizationssuchashousingauthoritiesandcolleges.

NORTHWEsTERN TRUssLenMillerandBeckyCollom~Owner3215Hwy93South,Kalispell,MT59901Email:northwesterntruss@centurytel.net Phone:752-2910

NWThasenjoyed30plusprosperousyearsofbuildingtrusseshereintheFlatheadValley.NWThasearnedareputationbuiltonexcellentcustomerserviceandqualitybuilttrussesbecauseweusesuperiorgradesoflumber.NWTwishestosaythankyoutoallourloyalbusinessesthatcontributetooursuccess.Comeworkwithourlocalandexperiencedteamaswecontinuetoinvestinthefutureofourbeautifulandfastgrowingcommunity.Whetheryou’rebuildingyourdreamhomeoraddingthatshopyou’vealwayswanted,we’rehereforyou.Welookforwardtoearningyourbusinessthiscomingyear.

pLANNED pARENTHOOD DebbieBrekke~Manager795SunsetBlvd.,Kalispell,MT59901Email:Debbie.brekke@ppmontana.orgWebsite:www.plannedparenthood.org/montanaPhone:756-6663Fax:756-6713

PlannedParenthoodofMontanaprovidesaffordablehealthcareservicesformen,womenandchildren.WeacceptallinsuranceincludingMedicaidandMedicare.PlannedParenthoodofMontanaalsoprovidescommunityeducationinschoolsandtolocalorganizationsregardinghealthysexualityandcommunicationskills.

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6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30

AllMeetingsareatTheChamberunlessotherwisestated.

Sunday

Watch for these events in May

7 Education&Communication26 MemorialDay

LeadershipFlatheadMeeting

4:00-5:00pm

EducationandCommunication

Committee8:00-9:00am

ExecutiveBoard7:30–8:30am

FlatheadCommunityFoundation

4:00-5:00pm

BoardMeeting7:00–8:00am

LuncheonattheRedLion

11:45–1:00pm

LeadershipFlatheadRecreation,Tourism

&Culture

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

April2008ChamberCalendar

NaturalResourcesCommittee

7:00–8:00amTrans.Committee

4:00–5:00pmAmbassadorMeeting

4:00–5:00pmUnwind•RockyMtnBank•5:00-6:30pm

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KalispellDowntownAssoc.

12:00-1:30pm

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RetentionRealitiesGrow Employees, Grow Your Business!ASUCCESSFULBUSINESSMUST… …growandimprovethebottomline. …engageandmotivatestaff. …recognizethatyoucan’thaveonewithouttheother.Learn: • Howtodesignaperformanceappraisalthatfitsyourcompany.• Howtomakeperformanceappraisaldiscussionusefulandinteractive.• Howtohavecriticalconversationswithyouremployees—talkingwhen it’stough.

presenter: kristin Donahueispassionateaboutemployeeretention!SheisabusinessconsultantandownerofEmploymentDimensionsConsultingServices,LLC.Kristin’sworkbackgroundincludestimeasaRetentionSpecialistforalarge(2800+)healthcaresystem.ShehasheldvariousotherHumanResourcerolesandhasservedastheSocietyforHumanResourceManagement(SHRM)representativeontheNorthernColoradoHumanResourceAssociation(NCHRA)Board.KristinholdsaMastersdegreeinHumanResourceDevelopmentfromColoradoStateUniversity.

Keeping good employees is critical to the long-term health and success of your business. Retaining your best workers is difficult! Retention Realities is an educational series focused on helping employers learn how to engage and grow key employees.

Date: Wednesday,April30,2008Time: 10:00am-1:00pm includesLunchprovidedbyQdobaMexicanGrilleLocation: FlatheadRegionalBusinessCenter,15DepotPark,KalispellCost: $25.00Individualregistration $20.00each2ormoreregistrationsfromthesameorganizationTo Register:MoraMcCarthy@758-6241ormmccarthy@mt.govor www.employflathead.com

The Society for Human Resource Management has approved each two-hour session for two hours of general PHR/SPHR or GPHR recertification credits.

Re-InvestmentsThankyoutothefollowingbusinessesforre-investinginyourChamber.Yourcontinuoussupportandcommunityleadershipisgreatlyappreciated.

10 Plus YearsExpressPersonnelServicesFlatheadLandTrustBuffaloHillFuneralHomeColumbiaFallsAluminumCoValleyBankGaynors’ResortsKalispellCenterMallKalispellTrussCenterWesternBuildingCenterFlatheadBankAware,IncGolfNWDBAEagleBend/BigMtnGolf

Club

5 to 9 YearsGoldRushClothing1stPropane,Inc.FunBeverageIncStillwaterChristianSchoolNorthernCareIncProsthetics&OrthoticsRudy’sAutosound

1 to 4 YearsAnytimeLock&Safe-SecuritySolutionsBigMountainCommercialAssociationBigMountainEyeCareClintPauldingCountertopsIncConsumerCreditCounselingServiceof

Montana

DrCarolScrantonDDS,PCFastoysGlacierInstituteGlacierInsuranceStrategiesHomeDepotMissionFinancialGroupNorthwestPipeFittingsIncProvidentFinancialIncRed’sWines&Blues

RonTerryConstructionInc.WestOneBankWildwoodBuildingCoBarWGuestRanchEssentialsDaySpa,IncFabulousFoodGreeneryParkDentistryHuHotMongolianGrillMontanaStoneGalleryMyronStrandSoul-FeltWordsIncStudentAssistanceFoundation

Congratulations to Eisinger Honda for opening their new location! See them at the corner of 93 and Reserve-North of town.

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The2008EmploymentExtravaganzaPresentedbytheFlatheadWorkforceSystemCommunityManagementTeam

“The Biggest Employment Event in the Valley”ApRIL 10, 200811:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. kalispell Center mall

• FillYourVacantPositionsInaOne-StopEnvironment Permanent,Full–Time,Part-Time,Seasonal,Temporary• PromoteYourBusinessandEmploymentOpportunities• AccessJobSeekerswithVariousSkillandExperienceLevels.

sponsorship:• Ifyouareinterestedinsponsoringthisevent,pleasenotethatonyourregistration

form.Youwillbecontactedbyateammember.• Sponsorshipinvolvesmakingafinancialcontributionintheformofcash,food,

beverageordoorprize.• Allsponsorsareacknowledgedinourmulti-mediamarketingcampaign.

Employers/Exhibitors:• Bringyourjobdescriptions,applicationsandanyinformationneededtohirean

employee.• One“bootharea”isasingleskirtedtableandtwochairsprovidedpersingle

registrationfee.• Morespacemaybeavailableandmustberequestedattimeofregistration.• Spaceislimited.Limitedavailabilityforpower-RESERVEEARLY.

EARLY REgIsTRATION DEADLINE: mARCH 28, 2008

FEEs • $75.00perBusiness—perbootharea(Non-Refundable)MUSTbeRECEIVEDby

MARCH28,2008.• $100.00forregistrationbetweenMarch28,2008andApril4,2008• NoregistrationafterApril4,2008• Feehelpscovereventmarketingandotherrelatedexpenses.

REgIsTRATION FORm ONLINE@www.employflathead.com

MAILINREGISTRATION• Completeregistrationform.• Makecheckpayabletothefiscalagent:NorthwestMontanaHumanResources(write:

JobFairinmemoarea)• Mailregistrationand/orpaymentto:NorthwestMontanaHumanResources,Attn:Iva,

P.O.Box8300,KalispellMT59904-1300• Questions?PleasecallRobertaatFlatheadWorkforceCenterat758-6200orIvaat

NMHRat758-5453.

“LinkingEmployerstoEmployeesValley-Wide”

UNWIND, February 20, 2008Springlikeweather,anewmotelandinterestedvisitorswhowereeagertoUNcoverWhat’sInteresting,NewandDevelopingintheFlatheadValleyassembledatHolidayInnExpress,275TreelineRoadonWednesday,February20.Networkingwitholdandnewacquaintancesandpartakingofverytastyhorsd’oeuvreshadthegroupbuzzing.

WinnersofthedoorprizesandSplitthePotwere:Baskets:DanPaine,ActuaSystemsInc;KariGabriel,Interact;KurtHanson,LSJensenConstruction&ReadyMix;GolfPackage:ChristiBurns,FlatheadBeacon.BarbaraPowers,GlacierBank,tookhometheSplitthePotwinnings.

Thankyou,Nick&stafffortheUNWINDexperience.

AprilUNWINDwillbeheldatRockyMountainBank,2405Hwy93N.,onWednesday,April16.

UNWINDJanuary 16, 2008BelatedkudosareinorderforWandaandRandyHinzmanandstaffofDistinctiveCountertopsforhostingtheJanuaryUNWINDattheirnewbusinessoperationat105RockyCliffLane.Thetoursshowingthemany“distinctive”ideasforcountertops,cabinetsetcwouldmakeanyofusgofortheremodelorbetteryetacompletemake-over.

Wethankyouvery,verymuchforyourkindhospitalitytoeveryonethatattended.

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BrownBagSeries:BlueprintforBusinessSuccessBackground Checks: Who Are You Hiring?Manymorebusinessesnowseeaneedtoverifythe

backgroundsoftheirprospectivehiresbeforemakingfinaldecisions.Priortohiringanemployee,itisimportanttoascertainwhetheryouhavealegaldutytoobtainabackgroundcheckonjobapplicants.Thislegaldutymaybebasedinfederalorstatelaw.Ingeneral,federalandstatelawsseektobalancetheinterestsofemployersagainstthoseoftheapplicants.Backgroundchecksareanimportanttoolforbusinesses.Theyinsurethatthepeopleyouhire“arewhotheysaytheyare”.Whatwasdoneinthepastisagoodpredictororfuturebehavior.Hiringproductive,honestandsafeemployees,withoutincurringcostsassociatedwithhiringthewrongpeople,makesgoodbusinesssensewithoutregardtopotentiallegalliability.Afailuretocheckinsomecircumstancescouldcreateliabilityfornegligenthiring.Thetypesofinformationyoumightverifyinclude:•Verificationofidentityandauthorization

toworkintheUnitedStatesandVisastatus.

•Previousworkhistory(payingparticularattentiontoanygapsinemployment).

•Educationalbackground.•Anycriminalconvictionrecords.

Abusinessthatimplementsbackgroundchecksmustbecertainthatthoseinvestigationsareproperlyconductedoritcanfacepotentiallegalliability.Asanexample,youneednotperformthesame

backgroundcheckoneveryapplicantoremployee,however,anydifferentiationshouldbebasedonlegitimatebusinessinterestsandaninvestigationpolicyreasonablycalculatedtofurtherthoseinterests.Advertisingbackgroundchecksinyourjobannouncementsmaypreventquestionableapplicantsfromevenapplying.

Thismonth’sfacilitatorandpanelistsare:Facilitator: Attorney Daniel JohnsofCrowley,Haughey,Hanson,Toole&DietrichP.L.L.P.ofKalispell,MT.Mr.Johnsrepresentsandcounselsemployersinareasoftraditionallaborlaw,plusdiscriminationandsexualharassment,wrongfultermination,compensationissues,andpersonnelpolicies.TheCrowleylawfirmistheMontanamemberofEmploymentLawAlliance,andMr.Johnsisitscontactattorneyforthisinternationalnetworkoflaborandemploymentlawyersdedicatedtoassistingemployers.

panelist: Rick HawkadvancedthroughtherankswiththeSherriff’sOfficefrom1975to1990.HestartedtheFlatheadDrugTaskForceasathreemanteamwhichgrewunderhisleadership,andisstillinplacetoday,morethan20yearslater.Sincehisretirementfromtheforcein1990,hehasbeendoingprivateinvestigation.HedidWorkers’CompensationinvestigationforPutmanandAssociatesfor3yearsandhashadhisowninvestigationbusiness,RSJMEnterprisesInc,since1993.

panelist: Chris Yerkesisa1998graduateoftheUniversityofMontana.HisdegreeisinSociologywithanemphasisinCriminology.HehasworkedasaprivateinvestigatorforAlertSecurity&Investigations,Inc.for10years,andiscurrentlytheGeneralManagerofthecompany.MonthlyBlueprintforBusinessSuccessbrownbagsessionsfeaturebusinessprofessionalsfacilitatinginformativediscussions.Attendtoreceiverelevantinformationandopportunitiestoexchangepeer-to-peersuccessesandchallenges.Who should attend? Employersinterestedingrowingandevolvingmoreeffectiveorganizations.Why?Exchangingideas,insightsandreal-worldsolutionsdirectlyimpactsyourbottomline.Makingbetterdecisionsquicklyrequiresmoreandbetterinformation.

Utilizingallavailableresourcestooperateandgrowissmartbusiness.

Engagingandenergizingyouremployeeshelpsmakeyourbusinesssuccessful.Date: Wednesday,April9,2008Time: Noon–1:00pmLocation: TheSummit 205Sunnyview,KalispellCost: Nocost!RsVp: TerriHaueter@758-6279 orthaueter@mt.gov

HighwayInformationRobbery:Identity Theft and What You Need to Know Presented by Investment Centers of America and Montana Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Protection

Thursday, April 17th • 3pm and 6pmHilton garden Inn Conference CenterPresentedby:MichelleTruax,ProgramSupervisorMontanaAttorneyGeneral’s

OfficeofConsumerProtectionCost to attend: FreeRsVp: 752-7232(InvestmentCentersofAmerica)byMonday,April14th

ThisseminarwilldiscusstheinsandoutsofIdentityTheftandwhattodoifyoubecomeavictimofidentitytheft.

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LeadershipFlatheadThefocusofMarch’sLeadershipFlathead’ssessionwas“HealthcareandHumanServices.”TheClassof2008beganthedayatNorthValleyHospital,whereKRMCCEOVelindaStevensandNorthValleyHospitalCEOCraigAasvedgaveexcellentoverviewsofthechallengestheirhospitalsface.Togetherthetwohospitalsprovidedabout$2.5millionincharitylastyear,andanother$8millioninbaddebtcare.Thosepatientswhodohaveadequatemedicalinsurancecoveragearechargedthedifference.LaterinthemorningStateAuditorJohnMorrisonaddressedthegroupabouteffortstoprovideMontananswithaffordablehealthinsurance.

Androundingoutthemorningsession,Dr.DavidKein,DDSspokeaboutthechallengesfacingtheuninsuredandunderinsuredwhenseekingdentalcare.MostdentistsintheFlatheadValleydonotacceptMedicaidpatients,andthosewhodoarenotonlyinadequatelycompensated,butareforcedtodealwithalotofredtape.Afterlunch,theClassheardfromapanelofspeakerswhohavededicatedtheirprofessionallivestobringingaffordablehealthcaretoeveryoneinorvalleyviafreeandlow-costclinics.ToursoftheSamaritanHouse,RayofHope,andtheFlatheadValleyFoodBankconcludedtheday.Here’swhattheClassof2008hastosayabout“HealthcareandHumanServices”intheFlatheadValley:

•Goodhealthhabitsstartathome.Childrenlearntoeatrightandstayactivebyfollowingtheirparents’goodexamples.

•AshealthcarecostsquicklyoutpaceMedicare,Medicaid,andprivateinsurancereimbursements,peopleneedtotakegreaterresponsibilityfortheirhealthbylivingcleanerlifestyles.Ifeveryonemadeagreaterefforttocontroltheirweight,bloodsugar,andbloodpressurethroughexerciseandhealthyeating,ourhealthcaresystemwouldnotbeindirestraits.Similarly,allofusneedtousegoodjudgmentwhendecidingwhetheranillnessorinjurywarrantsatriptothedoctor’sofficeoremergencyroom,asunnecessaryvisitsalsocontributetotheescalatingcostofhealthcare.

•KudostoDr.HoldhusenandstaffforstartingtheFlatheadCountyHealthCareClinictoprovideaffordablehealthcaretoeveryoneinourvalley.Similarly,Dr.JayEricksonandMegEricksonandtheSalvationArmydeservecommunitysupportforthefreeclinicstheyofferinWhitefishandKalispell.

•Encourageyourdentisttosupportcommunitydentistryprogramsforuninsuredorunderinsuredchildreninourvalley.

•Manyelderlyresidentsareabletostayintheirhomeslongeriftheyhaveneighborswatchingoutforthemandlendingahandwhenappropriate.

WethankNorthValleyHospitalandKalispellRegionalMedicalCenterforsponsoringthissession’smealsandbreaks.

NowRecruitingforClassof2009ApplicationsfortheClassof2009arenowbeingaccepted,withasubmissiondeadlineofJune15,2008.Formoreinformation,visitleadershipflathead.comorcallJillSeigmundat758-2810.

SmallBusinessDevelopmentAsk Your Local ExpertThis article continues a monthly series dedicated to the entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners in our community. Topics will include: risk management and commercial insurance, banking, public relations, marketing, commercial real estate, technology and more. Workplace, Inc.’s and Workplace Resources, PEO Founder and Owner Shelley Loutherback provides the Northwest SBDC with valuable advice on how the small business owner can use a Professional Employer Organization to manage employees. By Lad R. Barney, sBDC Director

Whatdoesitmeantobean“EmployerofChoice”?WiththeeverchangingworkforceenvironmentacrosstheFlatheadValley,thereismorepressureonthebusinessownertoprovidetheirteamwithasafe,fulfillingandproductiveworkenvironmentwhileatthesametimemeettherequirementsofworkforcerelatedregulation,whichiscertainlynotgettingstreamlined.Howcanyouexpectthesamefromyourteammembers,yetstructureyourbusinesssoitaccommodatesforthedifferenttraitsandmotivationsofgenerations,letalonefamilypressures,sickdays,other“employersofchoice”?Anddon’tforgethuntingseason!Whatisanentrepreneurtodo?Thismonth,theKalispellSBDCsatdownwithShelleyLoutherback,SPHR,President,WorkplaceInc.andWorkplaceResources,PEO,todiscusssomecreativesolutionsandresourcesavailablethatabusinessownershouldconsider.

SBDC:Asanemployeryourselfforthepast13years,whataresomecompellingfactorsthathaveledtothesuccessofWorkplace,Inc.?SL:Constantteamlearningandindividualandstrategicleadershipdevelopment.Ourkeymanagementteamperformstasksthatarecomplexandcrossoverinmanyways.Thisintegratedleadershipstrategyallowsflowanddistinctionin

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15DepotParkKalispell,MT59901

PRSRTDU.S.Postage

PAIDKalispell,MTPermit#13

expertiseanddeliveryofservicesthatarevisiondriven.Weeachassumerolesthatplayoutuniquelyincustomerrelations,communityrelationsandemployeerelations.Forourclients,theyreceiveproductsandservicesbasedonpersonal,real-timeneeds,andexperientialsuccess.Overtime,thathasresonatedwithmanybusinessowners,evenmoresonow.

SBDC:AsaProfessionalEmployerOrganizationorPEOwhatservicesdoyouoffer?Howdoesasmallbusinessownerdeterminewhethertheycouldgetvaluefromyourservices?SL:Businessownerswhogenuinelyhavethehighestlevelofregardfortheiremployeesandarecommittedtoanimprovedwork/lifeexperiencewillgetthemostvalueforourservices.Weoffertheextensiveexperienceinhumanresourcesandseamlesspayrollmanagement,andmanageaffordably,whatmostcompaniesconsidertheoverwhelmingaspectsoftheirbusiness–compliance,policies,risk,safety,recruiting–allessentialelementsthatquiteoftendonotgettheattentionrequiredtomanageyourbusinesseffectively.Anyoneofthoseelementscancreateexposuresforyourbusinesses,limitgrowthandsustainability.Wetakeofcareemployeerelatedissuesforthem.Weespeciallyfocusonsafetyintheworkplace,withacertifiedsafetydirectorwhomanagesclaimsandpolicies.Fortheseventhyear,wejustrecentlyledtwo½dayOSHAworkshopsthatwere

wellattendedinMissoulaandhereinKalispell.Montanahasdoubletheworkcompratesofthenationalaverageand,atthesametime,ourworkersareoutofworkrecuperatingtwiceaslongasthenationalaverage.Preventativesafetyandeffectiveclaimsmanagementisessentialinkeepingthecostofworkers’compensationforsmallbusinessesundercontrol.Asimportantasthatelementis,itisjustoneoftheareasourstaffof21focuson.Intheend,businessownersmeasurethevaluetheyreceivefromaPEObytheirincreasedabilitytocontrolcostlyoverhead,freethemselvestofocusoncustomers,products,financesandopportunitiesforfuturegrowth,etc.SBDC:Soundsgreat.Businessownersshouldhavevacationbenefitsalsoright?SL:Exactly.Ourbusinessownerclientsareabletoconfidentlyrelyontheirteamperformingforcustomerswhilethey,inturn,aretakencareofbytheirPEO–whethertheyarerestingonthebeach,ormountaintoporwherever.Theyknowweareaphonecallawaywithsolutions.

SBDC:So,torecap,whataretheprimary

advantagessmallbusinessownershaveinusingaProfessionalEmployerOrganization?SL:Havingabiggervoiceandgreaterpurchasingpowerasaresultofbeingpartofalargeorganizationdesignedtosupportsmallbusinessesincompliance,riskandclaimsmanagement,forecastingandresolvingworkplacetrendsbeforetheybecomeissues.Accessingresourcesthatallowastart-upbusinessoranexpandingcompanythecapacitytoalleviatethefearfactorandincorporateahigherstandardforoperationsandemployeemanagement.

SBDC:AnythingonthehorizonforWorkplace,Inc?SL:Greatquestion.Asourcompetenciesgrow,wecontinuetoexpandourservices.Thisyearweareintroducingacompletenewproductlineinvolvinginsurance,riskmanagementandinnovativeemployeebenefitprograms.Ourindustryclaimswearethe“grocerystore”ofthefuture–makingusthat“one-stop”shopformanagingbusinessowners’mostvaluableresource,theiremployees.

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SmallBusinessDevelopment

Are you ready for a Professional Employer Organization? You may be if:1) You are an existing business with the desire to elevate the quality of your employee’s work/

life experience.2) As your business grows, you are becoming more buried in government bureaucracy and

want to dedicate your time to business success rather than administration.3) You feel the increasing compelling need to improve workplace safety and employee health.4) You are unable to affordably access good employee benefit programs, like health

insurance, dental, vision, retirement plans, etc.5) As a business owner, you want to improve your leadership development and capabilities

for defining and realizing your vision.