By Leslie Kilgore EBS CONTRIBUTOR
Since 1997, the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce and leading community members have gathered at the Black Diamond Awards Dinner to honor the individuals and businesses shaping this unique mountain town.
Hosted at Riverhouse BBQ and Events on June 12 with roughly 200 attendees, the chamber recognized an outstanding group of nominees who bring heart, innovation and vision to the community they serve, from local entrepreneurs and sustainability champions to longstanding leaders and newcomers making a mark.
Big Sky Chamber of Commerce CEO Brad Niva, his staff, the chamber’s board and several sponsors led the evening with meaningful anecdotes for many of the winners and their impact on the Big Sky community. Niva also recognized several accomplishments throughout the community over the past year due to support from many of the organizations and businesses that attended the event, including the new public restrooms in Town Center, the refreshed signs installed around town, additional housing projects and legislative efforts at the state level.
“This is my fourth year being a part of this event and the most meaningful so far,” Niva said. “It has become a celebration of our community and an appreciation for members in which the community was built on their shoulders.”
Award winners
Highlights of the evening included the Spirit of Big Sky award recognizing retiring teacher Jeremy Harder, who thanked the community for the opportunity to educate their children for 25 years, even naming several attendees and business owners whom he taught in elementary school.
Business Person of the Year winner Sydney Desmarais mentioned in an emotional speech that she’s lived all over the world but fell in love with Big Sky, choosing the community she’s dedicated to for her veterinary clinic and Riley’s Urgent Fund for Friends (RUFF), the assistance fund that supports underserved animals and the soon-to-be-constructed animal shelter in Big Sky.
Finalists for Business Person of the Year were Kara and Ben Blodgett of The Rocks Tasting Room and Liquor Store, and Todd Rossier of Two Bear Construction.
Big Sky Chamber Vice President Megan Porter and board member Katie Grice shared stories of working for John and Pam Flach when first moving to Big Sky many years ago. Owners of the restaurant By Word of Mouth (BYWOM), the Flachs accepted the Business of the Year award while expressing their love for the community and raising their children in Big Sky.
Finalists for Business of the Year were Dr. Erica Perlman of Big Sky Eyes, and Rob McRae and Todd Thesing of Highline Partners.
Founders and owners of Blue Ribbon Builders, Doug and JoDean Bing received the Chet Huntley Lifetime Achievement Award. Reflecting on the changes they’ve experienced since the “early years” at Big Sky Resort, their speeches reminisced about remodeling Chet Huntley’s home twice, when the Spur Road to Big Sky Resort was gravel and the Gallatin Canyon included no guardrails, and their adoration for the Big Sky community and its mountain lifestyle over the past 50 years.
Finalists for the Chet Huntley Lifetime Achievement award were John Seelye of Big Sky Build, and Lynne Anderson of The Country Market.
Various other awards were celebrated throughout the dinner.
The Emerging Entrepreneur award celebrated Brandon and Janet Tran, of Big Sky Noodles and Scoops. Finalists were Alison Adams and Shane Hammitt of Wrap Shack, and Amy and Josh Herran of Moving Mountains.
The Leader in Sustainability award recognized Karl Johnson of YES Compost. Finalists were Adam Rutz and Johnny O’Connor of the Big Sky County Water and Sewer District, and Lindsie Feldner, food manager at the Big Sky School District.
The Master of Making it Happen award went to Daniel Bierschwale of the Big Sky Resort Area District. Finalists were Justa Adams of the Big Sky Skijoring Association, and Mariel Butan of Morningstar Learning Center.
The Steve Johnson Nonprofit Person of the Year award honored Becky Brockie of the Big Sky Community Housing Trust. Finalists were Amy Vance of Big Sky Bandage and Brit Diersch of Big Sky OUT.
The night was filled with nostalgia and appreciation for long-time community members and those who continue to make Big Sky what it is today.
“This event is a chance for us to take a minute to celebrate our wins with the people who make it all happen,” Niva said. “And to appreciate who we have here and where we live.”
