BIG SKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to express gratitude and reflect on accomplishments. At the Big Sky Chamber, one of our key practices during weekly staff meetings is to take a moment to celebrate our “wins.” In the hustle of life and work, it’s easy to focus on what didn’t get done or what we wish we had accomplished. Instead, we encourage pausing to acknowledge successes—both big and small.
For more than 40 years, the Big Sky Chamber has had the privilege of representing the Big Sky business community. Looking back on the past year, I’m reminded of the countless achievements our community and team have celebrated. If you were to count our collective wins over those decades, you’d need more than fingers and toes!
Much of the Chamber’s work happens behind the scenes, but our focus remains steadfast: advocating for Big Sky businesses and serving as a convener to drive meaningful change. As our community continues to grow, so too have the initiatives of the Chamber, evolving to meet the unique needs of our vibrant business community.
This year, we’ve made significant strides:
- Leadership Big Sky has become a cornerstone program, cultivating future business leaders in our region.
- Big Sky Futures at Lone Peak High School has inspired our youth, helping them take their first steps toward career success.
- A seasonal workforce initiative in collaboration with partners to welcome and support the individuals who help our community thrive.
- The Big Sky Health Plan, developed in partnership with United Healthcare, is saving businesses thousands of dollars annually in premiums.
- We’ve partnered with the Big Sky Resort Area District to build a comprehensive database that highlights Big Sky’s economic impact on the region and state, as well as valuable metrics like the cost of living and lodging data.
Behind these accomplishments is a team of dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to support you and your business every day. This year, we’ve bolstered our team with talented leaders, including Megan Porter, former owner of Moving Mountains, now VP of the Chamber; Cassie Buckley, our communications manager; Liz McFadden, VP of Visit Big Sky; Holly Studt at our Visitor Center; and Annie Mitzel, a recent graduate managing our events.
We can’t succeed without the support of the Boards of Directors that support the Big Sky Chamber and Visit Big Sky.
As we head into a new year, I encourage you to celebrate your own wins—no matter how big or small—and use that momentum to propel your business forward.
Thank you for your support and partnership. Together, we’re building a thriving Big Sky community.
Wishing you all the best in the year ahead,
Brad Niva
CEO, Big Sky Chamber of Commerce & Visit Big Sky
