Air Services
Brad Culver, Co-Chair
Nitro Green
Jeff Wadekamper, Co-Chair
Helena Regional Airport
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.
Meets: Third Tuesday of the 3rd month of each quarter @ 10 a.m.
Staff Contact: Cathy Burwell 447.1942 cburwell@helenachamber.com
Ambassadors
Ed Jasmin, 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
Lacee Pickett, Co-Chair
Pacific Source Health Plans
Quinton Mergenthaler, Co-Chair
First Interstate Bank
Purpose Statement
Each year this committee coordinates site selection, speaker and program for over 800 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.
Meets: 3 months prior to Event – as needed
Staff Contact:Mike Mergenthaler 447.1941 mmergenthaler@helenachamber.com
Annual Golf Tournament
Lynn Walker, Chair
Helena Community Credit Union
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.
Meets: 3 months prior to Event – as needed
Staff Contact: Mike Mergenthaler 447.1941 mmergenthaler@helenachamber.com
Convention & Visitors Bureau
Peter Mollet, Chair
Perkins Restaurant
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.
Education
Kelly Cresswell, Chair
Student Assistance Foundation
Purpose Statement
This committee works to strengthen K-16 school-business partnerships for the Helena area. They give direct input to the Chamber’s Board and Leadership on current K-16 efforts and work towards a well-education and well-trained workforce.
Meets: Third Thursday of each month from 4-5 p.m.
Staff Contact: Cathy Burwell 447.1942 cburwell@helenachamber.com
Government Affairs
John McLaughlin, Chair
Stockman Bank
Purpose Statement
This committee is integral in the process of advocacy for the Chamber. Its program of work includes surveying members, monitoring business issues, position papers, legislative work, working with the lobbyist, local govt. meetings monitoring & reporting, debates and work with the Coalition of Chambers
Meets: As needed during non-legislative years, monthly prior to and during legislative sessions
Staff Contact: Cathy Burwell 447.1942 cburwell@helenachamber.com
Helena Hospitality Group
Lynn Svir, Chair
Days 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.
Meets: Monthly – except during Summer
Staff Contact: Mike Mergenthaler 447.1941 mmergenthaler@helenachamber.com
Leadership Helena Committee
Dean Mack, Chair
Student Assistance Foundation
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 Services
Rex Walsh, Chair
Stockman Bank
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.
Meets: Second Tuesday of each month @ 11:30 a.m. – at member restaurant (no host)
Staff Contact: Joey Berndt 447.1530 joey@helenachamber.com
Military Affairs
Phil Johnson, Chair
First Security Bank
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.
SWISH Basketball Tournament
David Jensen, Chair
State Farm – David Jensen
Purpose Statement
The SWISH Committee is dedicated to ensuring that this event offers participants the highest level of competition and sportsmanship while showcasing our friendliness and hospitality. 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.
Meets: 4 months prior to Event
Staff Contact: Mike Mergenthaler 447-1941 mmergenthaler@helenachamber.com
Visitor Information Center
Susan Bjerke, Co-Chair
Bjerke Architects
Jim Brown, Co-Chair
CWG Architects (Retired)
Purpose Statement
Created to address and fulfill the need for Helena to have a permanent visitor center for the Capital City. The committee is charged with finding and securing a suitable location, creating a vision and concept for an appropriate center, forming a fundraising campaign, and all that is entailed with the final product. The Chamber seeks to provide a center that Helena can be proud of and that is functional in increasing tourism dollars spent within the Helena Area.
Helena Leaders Network
Beth Brown, Chair
Mountain-Pacific Quality Health
Purpose Statement
The mission of HLN to support the development and retention of future leaders, while serving as a catalyst for progress in making Helena an enjoyable and vibrant place to live, work, and play.
Website: www.helenaleadersnetwork.com
Meets: TBD
Staff Contact: Alana Cunningham alanac@helenachamber.com