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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLaurel Chamber of CommerceLaurel Chamber of Commerce March, 2001 108 East Main, P.O. Box 395 Laurel, MT 59044 (406) 628-8105 fax: 628-2041 www.laurelmontana.org Executive Board President, Gary Franklin, Welcome Travelers Motel Vice President, Ryan Burrows, Edward Jones Investments Past President, Mike Nardells, Nardella & Siems, CPA's Executive Secretary, Kim Wombolt Directors Sheryl Brester, Cenex Harvest States Cooperatives Jim Schroeder, SEG Federal Credit Union Bob O'Dea, Yellowstone Bank Debbie Ricci, Ricci's Thriftway Linda Wedel, Prudential Floberg Realtors Bob Wiens, First Citizens Bank Bryan Wood, Wood's Pow'rGrip Rhonda Diefenderfer, Laurel Federal Credit Union and Tri County Rentals Don Meyers , Montana Dakota Utilities Candi Cerovski, First Citizens Bank- Jan's IGA Branch The Laurel Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Jim Taylor of Yellowstone Bank for all of his years of service as Director, Vice President, President and Past President as well as Don Smarsh for all of his years of service as Director. Both have agreed to still be involved with some of the Chamber's committees. statistics (2000) Relocation Packets: 47 Business Packets: 2 Visitor Packets: 22 School Project Packets: 5 Genealogy Search Help: 1 Convention Packets: 750 Special Requests: 215 - Walk-ins: 794 Phone Calls: 1,059 Recommendations: 311 Information MAed: 476 Faxes Sent: 131 Faxes Received: 66 E.Mail Messages Sent: 25 E.Mail Messages Received: 54 Special Requests: 215 Ribbon Cuttings: 14 New businesses and/or owners: 15 Speakers hosted: 18 New Chamber memberships: 31 Lost Chamber memberships: 7 Total Paid Chamber Memberships: 145 New Lifetime Chamber Members: 1 Lost Lifetime Chamber Members: I Total Lifetime Chamber Members: 7 New Businesses : Just Mom and Me - Jean Hayes, 13 Colorado Avenue, 728-7675 Cool Buys - Greg Lapp, 13 Pennsylvania Plum Building Systems -Jim Bruha, Shannon Road, 628-7800 Papa's Fudge Hut - Brad and Diane Graber, 113 East Main, 628-8535 Tony's Pawn, Tony Coronato, 401 East Main, 628.1498 The Circuit- Women In Fitness, loan Hardy, Suzanne Bruns, Dawn Hardy, 419 West Main, 628-6852 Super 8 Motel -205 Southeast 4" Street, 628-6888 Chanee of Business Name OrAddress From Stormont's Welding to Laurel Welding and Machine, Ed Clark, 606 West Main, 628-6017 From Curb Appeal at 714 Dean Drive to Nature Scape Ent., Inc. at R.R.1, Box 231, Joliet, 962-4310 New Chamber Memberships: All Season's Car Wash - 811 East Main American Insulation -313 First Avenue Auto Connection - 317 East Main Avista Communications - 206 N. 29" -Billings Cindan Heating & Cooling - 1415 Ridge Dr. Clark's Riverfront Campground - 3001 Thiel Comfort Heating & Cooling - 9934 S. Frontage Road- Billings Concrete R Us - 2311 E. Maryland Ln. Hill's Screen Printing - 405 East Main Laurel Family YMCA-P.O. Box 143 Main Street EFX Photography- 107 E. Main Owl Junction Diner-201 East Main Samuel Stokke, D.D.S. -112 S. I" Avenue T-L Board of Trade Bar - 117 E. Main Tri County Rentals-633 S.E_ . 4'" St. U-Stor-It Mini Storage - 1022 W. Main U.S. Army Recruiting - 1603 Grand - Billings Business After Hours The Laurel Chamber of Commerce would like to start sponsoring "Business After Hours," at the Laurel Chamber of Commerce member businesses. This event would provide an opportunity to visit with other business professionals, see the business and the products or services provided, and would allow for the participants to enjoy complimentary drinks and appetizers. Door prizes would be given away at this event. If you are interested in hosting a "Business After Hours" at your place of business, please call the Chamber office at 628-8105 for more information. "The Chamber - doing things most people think just happen!" appen! n ?S C E W E ' D h . 2 2001 CITY OF LAUREL Calendar of Events March 8 - Board meeting - noon Ribbon cutting-1:15 -Just Mom & Me 17 - St. Patrick's Day 22- Board meeting - noon 25 - YMCA Auction - 4 p.m. - St. Anthony's 30 - Tourism Committee meeting - noon - Locomotive Dining Car Restaurant Auril 12-Board meeting-noon 26 - Board meeting - noon May 10 - Board meeting - noon 14 - 19 Laurel Aviation & Technology Week 24 - Board meeting - noon 25 - Tourism Committee meeting - noon - Locomotive Dining Car Restaumt 27-Laurel High School Graduation 28 - Memorial Day Distinguished service Awards The Laurel Chamber of Commerce sponsored this year's Distinguished Service Award's Banquet held on January 15'^ at D.J.'s Steak Palace. A presentation was given by Bob Wiens about the plans for the Town Square Park. The Laurel Women In Business, Laurel Jaycees, and the Laurel Chamber of Commerce gave out awards for outstanding service in the community. Awards given by the Chamber were as follows: • Employee of the Year - Officer Mark Guy - Laurel Police Department • Boss of the Year - Ron Pletcher - Cenex Harvest States Cooperatives • Business People of the Year - Kent and Stephanie Potter-Northern Skies Aviation • Public Official of the Year - Mayor Charles Rodgers - City of Laurel • Special Service Award - Jim Taylor - Yellowstone Bank • Lifetime Achievement and Honorary Lifetime Chamber Membership - Dave Powers - Laurel Servicenter REMINDER: SHOP AT CHAMBER MEMBER BUSINESSES FIRSTI sootBeht on Business: Yellowstone Bank In 1907 Bertram M. Harris left Denver and his job with the Union Pacific Railroad to open the Park City State Bank. Nineteen years later the first Yellowstone Bank of Laurel was opened on May 24, 1926 by Bertram as president and his uncle, Victor E. Meyer as director and stockholder. "When Harris came to Montana, he did so with the conviction the he could prosper and be of service to those around him. He liked and understood people and their problems. He was community ,conscious and participated in many community activities. Over the years he became one of the finest "country bankers" in the state and gained national recognition in the banking profession. At the time he opened the Laurel bank, he searched for a suitable name. It was his observation that prosperity followed the course of the Yellowstone River. He hoped that the already great name of Yellowstone would be a symbol as one which would give his new community stability, progress, and prosperity. Thus came the name "The Yellowstone Bank" located on the banks of the Yellowstone." During the first 25 years, the bank successfully negotiated the stock market crash of 1929, the panic of 1933, the drought of 1936 and World War 11. In 1930, Bertram was elected president of the Mont. Bankers Assoc. The second 25 years were of further growth and many changes. In 1953, B. Meyer Harris, son of Bertram, became the bank's president." He was elected president of the Mont. Banker's Assoc. in 1953 for the first time in the history of the MBA that a father and son held that position. "B. Meyer strove to provide excellent facilities and service to the community and to maintain depositor safety." Joel S. Harris, son of B. Meyer, joined the bank in 1955 with summer employment and went full time in 1962. In 1966 he was assistant cashier, 1974 - executive vice president, 1976 - president, and now is chairman of all five locations. Today the Laurel Yellowstone Bank has four additional branches and are all full-service banks. The branches are located in Absarokee, Columbus and two in Billings. Jay S. Hams, son of Joel, is president, James K. Harris, Joel's son, is executive vice president and Julie Harris Taylor, Joel's daughter, is vice president and cashier. Laurel, the largest city in Montana that is not a county seat, owes a lot of its steady growth throughout the last century to the Yellowstone Bank and its resources. 'Quotations taken from Laurel's Story, A Montana Heritage by Elsie Johnston, Copyright 1979. This ad space could be yours in the next Chamber Newsletter for a cost of $35.00 - Over 1,000 newsletters are printed and circu- lated. Call the Chamber Office at 628-8105 if interested!! Thanks for yoursuooort -2001 Chamber Members: 1. A Haul of Realty 2. Ace Electric 3. All Season's Car Wash 4. American Insulation 5. Asphalt Supply Service 6. Associated Glass of Laurel 7. Auto Connection 8. Avista Communications 9. Beartooth Veterinary Service 10. Ben Franklin Store 11. Best Western Locomotive Inn 12. Bob Redding Aeroplanes 13. Bromgard, Phyllis 14. Burger King 15. Caboose Saloon 16. Cenes Convenience Store 17. Cenex Harvest States Cooperatives 18. Cindan Heating & Cooling 19. City of Laurel 20. Clarks Riverfront Campground & Resort 21. Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning (Billings) 21 Concrete R Us 23. Conomart Super Stores 24. Curt's Saloon 25. Dynamic Designs 26. Eagles Bar 27. Edward Jones Investments 28. Evergreen Laurel Health & Rehabilitation 29. Expert Labe & Wash, Inc. 30. Fibervision 31. First Citizen's Bank 32. First National Pawn 33. Gene's Pharmacy 34. Groshelle Construction 35. Hagefeldt/O'Neil Agency 36.- Hardee's 37. Harris Agency 38. Health South 39. Helena Chemical 40. Hill's Screen Printing 41. Integrated Security West 42. 1&M Napa Auto Parts & Trailer Sales 43. Jackson, Potter & Co. 44. KC Interiors 45. Kwik Way #15 46. Laurel Agency 47. Laurel Auto Parts 48. Laurel Family YMCA 49. Laurel Federal Credit Union 50. Laurel Ford 51. Laurel Golf Club 52. Laurel Hearing Aid Service 53. Laurel Leaf Flom] & Gifts 54. Laurel Liquor Store 55. Laurel Medical Center 56. Laurel Outlook 57. Laurel Post office - 58. Laurel Servicenter, Inc. 59. Laurel School District 7 & 7-70 60. LeCabinet Shoppe 61. LeDuc Jewelry & Bookstore 62. Little Big Men Pizza 63. Little Tykes Academy 64. Locomotive Inn Bar & Casino 65. Locomotive Inn Dining Car Restaurant 66. Lucky Lil's Casino 67. Madagascar Imports Ltd. 68. Main Street EFX Photography 69. Meadowlark Gallery & Frame Shop 70. Midwest Software 71. Miller Protective Coatings 72. Miller, Senator Ken 73. Montana Valley Bottled Water 74. Nardella & Siems, CPA's 75. Nature Scape Ent., Inc. 76. Modem Refrigeration, Inc. (Billings) 77. Montana Christmas Evergreen 78. Montana Dakota Utilities 79. Montana Fireworks 80. Montana Motherlode Casino 81. Montana Power Company 82. Nine Finger's Mustard Co. - 83. Pisa Hut 84. Price Pharmacy 85. Prudential Floberg Realtors 86. Quitter's Comer 87. Ricci's Thriftway 88. Russell Motel 89. Rutt's Inc. 90. SEG Federal Credit Union 91. Schessler's Ready Mix, Inc. 92. Smith Foneral Chapels 93. Smith, John DDS 94. Southern Montana Optometric Center 95. Stahl Cabinets, Inc. 96. Stokke, Samuel, D.D.S. 97. Taco Johns 98. Thomae Lumber (Laurel and Billings) 99. Town and Country Supply Association 100. Town Pump 101. Tri County Rentals 102. U-Stor-It Mini Storage 103. Water Specialties 104. Welcome Travelers Motel 105. Westbrook Storage 106. Western Security Bank 107. Wheeler, Michael D.D.S. 108. Wood's Pow'r Grip 109. Yellowstone Bank 110. Yellowstone Office Supply (Billings) Lifetime Members: Tom Frank, Allie Dolven, Ray Harris, Bob Singleton, Pat Mullaney, J. Mel Williams, Dr. Lee Richardson, and Dave Powers LAUREL CHAMBER Visitor Information Center 108 East Main Laurel Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 395 Laurel, MT 59044-0395 City of Laurel P.O. Box 10 Larval, MT 59044 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. S Laurel, NIT 59044 POSTAL PATRON Los Cabin Addition The Log Cabin addition is now done and houses the Laurel Museum, Inc. The museum currently is displaying artifacts on the railroad history, Russian- German history, and the history of the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department. Visitors are always welcome during business hours. An interpretive display is located outside the log cabin with the directions to Yellowstone National Park and the area's local attractions. A walk-through display is also located east of the building with two displays: one contains the history of Laurel and the other has the history of the Lewis and Clark trail in this area. More interpretive displays are planned for in the future. Thanks to all of the many who worked on this three- part project by donating time, labor and/or materials: • Brad Graber- Graber & Sons Construction • Kenny Sheffield - Sheffield Construction • Charlie & Lynette White - Concrete R Us • Bob Schessler, Rob Schessler, Roger Osbome - Schessler's Ready Mix, Inc. • Dan Foos - Cindan Heating & Cooling • Tom and Jackie Maurer- American Insulation • Adrian Folkman - Folkman Construction • Jack Roma • Clayton Fisher, Gordon Bieber- Ace Electric • Karmen and Carolyn Brooks - K C Interiors • Brad McGrady-B & B Painting • Duane Wegner - Wegner Drywall • Tony Kyriss - Integrated Security West • Dennis Cumin - Graphic Impressions • Albert Ehrlick - Ehrlick Handy Services • Robert Aafedt • Larry McCann and Charles Rodgers - City of Laurel • Gary Franklin - Welcome Travelers Motel • Dave Schneider • Jim Schroeder- SEG Federal Credit Union • Jim Taylor-Yellowstone Bank • Don Smarsh - Dynamic Designs • Laurel Garden Club • Steve Diefenderfer - Tri County Rentals • Roy Williams - Russell Motel - • Sheri and Joyce Bratland - Best Western Locomotive Inn - - The log cabin now houses the Chamber office, Tourist Information Center and Laurel Museum, Inc. The funding for this was made possible by grants given to the Chamber from Travel Montana, Inc. and the Montana Department of Transportation and a donation of $500.00 from Cenex Harvest States Cooperatives. soorlishi On Business: Laurel Golf Club "As early as in the 1920's, an interest in golf was demonstrated by some of the Laurel citizens." There were several attempts to get a golf course. The first attempt was made at an area between the Byam School and the William's property just south of Laurel near the Red Lodge road. " In the 1930's Andy Anderson, the local Ford dealer, encouraged the leasing of land one mile east of the Sportsman Park road." Interest lagged and funds were not available for the purchase of the property. A nine-hole course was created three miles north of Laurel in the 1940's in the sagebrush hills. Marshall Walton and Wayne Hageman and others cleared land and made sand greens. This course served the golfers for about three years but was ended when the war started. "In 1966, Harry Smart, Chairman of the Recreation Committee of the Laurel Chamber of Commerce, released plans to the Laurel Outlook for a total community recreation area. The first board of directors was named: Herman Schessler, Harry Smart, John Daley, Ray Stevens, Don Peterson, Max Long Bryant Nutting and Thomas Bradley." They applied for and in January 1967 received $300,000 from the F.H.A. to purchase and develop 470 acres into an 18-hole course. "Holes ten through eighteen were ready for play in the fall of 1968 and one through nine were ready the next year. The clubhouse was enlarged in 1975 with an extension of the entire west side of the building and the addition of a fireplace in the lounge area. Vera Burke was the first Pro, and he served from 1968 - 1970. Mike Taylor served from 1970 - 1976. Dick Koch served after Mike Taylor." The Laurel Golf Club is membership only. Membership is held at 477 to prevent overcrowding. The Golf Club restaurant is open to the public from lam to 9 pm daily. Banquet facilities are available during non-peak months. The cookies made at the Golf Club definitely are a must for all that have a sweet tooth. To date, the Laurel Golf Club Board of Directors each serve a three-year term and these are as follows: President - Bill Ruff, Vice President - Dick Stahl, Treasurer - Lynn Perey, Secretary - Len Aves, Directors: Mitch Bell, Dan Ellis, Pat White, Bill Huyser and Jim Capser, General Manager - Tracy Leird, Golf Pro - Tom Anderson, and Ground Supt. - Bob Popp. • Quotations taken from Laurel's Story. A Montana Heritage. by Elsie P. Johnston, Copyright 1979. gkP v'YSt JTONE ANKS MILLINGS • COLUMBUS ABSAROICEE 12 1st Avenue • P.O. Box 7 • Laurel, Montana 59044 • (406) 628-7951 Member FDIC Thank you to... • Dynamic Designs for the great looking Laurel Chamber of Commerce sign in front of the log cabin. • Cenex Harvest States Cooperatives for sponsoring the printing of 5,000 Christmas maps that were distributed all over Montana during the holidays. • First Citizen's Bank for sponsoring the. Chamber's ad in this year's Custer Country Vacation Guide. • Yellowstone Bank for the donation of the electric typewriter, desk, and bulletin boards for the Chamber office. • Welcome Travelers Motel for the donation of the cordless phone and open and closed sign for the Chamber office. • Expert Lube for the donation of coupons used in the Chamber's convention packets. • Hardee's for the donation of coupons used in the Chamber's convention packets. • Yellowstone Bank for the donation of the pens used in the Chamber's convention packets. • Laurel Volunteer Fire Department for fixing breakfast for all of the Chamber's helpers when we put up the Christmas decorations. • Bob and Rob Schessler of Schessler Ready Mix for the use of the equipment and the help with putting up and taking down the Christmas decorations. • Cenex Harvest States Cooperatives for loaning safety harnesses while we were putting up and taking down the decorations. • Jim Taylor of the Yellowstone Bank for the use of his trailer and pickup during the putting up and taking down of the decorations. • Ace Hardware for the use of the pickup and trailer while we were putting up the decorations. - • Hardee's for supplying all of the Chamber's help with hot chocolate when we were taking down the Christmas decorations. • All of the following: Gary Franklin of Welcome Travelers Motel, Mike Nardella of Nardells & Siems, CPA's, Sheryl Brester of Cenex Harvest States Cooperatives, Jim Taylor of Yellowstone Bank, Bob O'Dea of Yellowstone Bank, Debbie Ricci of Ricci's Thriftway, Ryan Burrows of Edward Jones Investments, Bryan Wood of Wood's Pow'r Grip, Bob and Rob Schessler of Schessler's Ready Mix, Don Smarsh of Dynamic Designs, Jim Schroeder of SEG Federal Credit Union, Kevin Christmann of Ace Hardware, Kelly and Holly Brester, and Leonard Wombolt for all of the help with putting up and taking down the Christmas decorations. Laurel Federal Credit Union for the pens and tablets for convention packets. Christmas To Remember Organization for decorating a tree inside the log cabin. Laurel Chamber of Commerce Members for your continued support - Without You There Would Not Be a Laurel Chamber of Commerce!!! 2000 Magic Cash Program There was $20,535.00 spent in the participating business during the holidays thanks to the Laurel Chamber of Commerce sponsored Magic Cash Program. Each year, businesses pay a fee in order to participate in this program. This fee is used for the printing of the Magic Cash money, advertising the program, and to pay for the snowfall insurance policy. If it snows six inches or more on Christmas day, the loans are paid off by the insurance company. The banks participating loan out money for this program that is interest free for six months. The Yellowstone Bank loaned a total of $3,600.00, Laurel Federal Credit Union loaned $12,880.00, First Citizens Bank loaned $2,755.00, and SEG Federal Credit Union loaned $1,300.00. The money is given to the borrower in the form of $5.00 denominations of Magic Cash. The participating business takes a 5% cut on purchases and this amount is given to the banks to pay their costs for the program. The participating businesses in the Magic Cash Program for 2000 were: Ace Hardware, Ben Franklin Store, Cenex Convenience Store, D.J.'s Steak Palace, Dynamic Designs, J & M Napa Auto Parts & Trailer Sales, Jan's IGA, Just Herbs, K C Interiors, LeDoc's Jewelry & Bookstore, Laurel Auto Parts, Laurel Our Own Hardware, Laurel Outlook, Laurel Servicenter, Modem Auto, Palace Bar & Lanes, Quitter's Comer, Rapid Tire, Inc., Thomae Lumber, Town and Country Supply Assoc., and Western Drug. Christmas Decorations The Laurel Chamber of Commerce will be holding several fundraisers over the next few years in order to replenish the town's Christmas decorations. As you may have noticed, the Santa and reindeer decorations were not put up over the underpass this year as well as the Christmas banners. Due to the age of these decorations, it was impossible to get one more year out of these decorations. The Chamber plans to sell concessions at the Laurel Airport during Aviation and Technology Week, hold a town garage sale, and have a bike race in the latter part of the summer in order to raise money to buy more decorations. The decorations are very costly with one decoration costing about $500.00. Just one light pole alone at Christmas time holds $1,000.00 worth of decorations. The Chamber pays out an average of $200.00 per year for the bulb replacements, repairs of the decorations, and the cost of the electricity. L4uRa VoLmF R FRS' DE ARTmEAT Safery Cams Pler •2/>' lVe tfiir,e • Laurel, YLIT.; ? 904V February 28, 2001 Hello! As many of you may have heard The Laurel Volunteer Fire Department is hosting The Montana State Volunteer Firefighters Association Convention in Laurel on June 14, 15, 16 2001. This is going to be one of the most exciting events to come to Laurel In a long time. We are projecting to attractover 500 people for the convention. Event registration begins Thursday June 14 at 12:00 noon at the LVFD.Firehall followed by a variety of classes for the convention participants Thursday afternoon. Thursday night culminates with a BBQ and a Flag Day celebration acid, at our Tireman's Park next to the Laurel Safety Complex. Friday Tune 15 begins with breakfast and more training sessions at the Laurel High School. At 4.30pra Friday a parade of fire trucks wind their way, through the streets of Laurel. Friday night ends with firefighter games at.Mverside Park and anotherRBQ: Saturday features several speakers at the1aarel High.Sghoohand a panquet at .a sight yet to be determined Obviously this convention will have a profound affect on Lanrel. Becauseof Wat Wr,'areorkmg hard to keep everything herein LAureLand weare goingto aeed`the.support of every business to do so IlrAe coming weeks members of the LWD tvtir e° contactingyoato. buy advertising in a convention publication for „• the conven6oueers as wellas the gen"eralpubhc. This is jusfone of thewayp;wewill"tct, offset some of the expenses involved with hosting this event and at the same time give the local businesses a chance to capitalize on this event. Anything any one of you can. do will.be greatly appreciated! A full agenda will be on hand at the Chamber of Commerce for anyone interested. Together we can make a great impression on these conventioneers and make them want to come back to Laurel again and again. For information call Todd @ 628-7966. Thankyou in advance! Sincerely, Todd Linder Convention Planning Sector Chief PS. Keep in mind the 4th of July is right around the corner! Effective Marketing Concepts To: Laurel Area Merchants & Chamber of Commerce Members From: Daniel Kosel-Effective Marketing Concepts, LLC Re: New member information Effective Marketing Concepts (EMC) is a Montana owned and operated corporation that creates and promotes the full color advertising and coupons printed and distributed on the cash register receipts given to shoppers of Jan's IGA in Laurel and at supermarkets throughout Montana. Small businesses are the foundation to our communities, and I try very hard to provide consistency, optimal affordability, excellent exposure, and positive return on investment for them with my register receipt tape programs at Montana's local supermarkets. My premium quality, full color advertisements or coupons are custom designed for each business and have proven to be a great way to raise customer awareness of location, services, and products. Although I concentrate on servicing supermarkets located in Montana and Wyoming, my clientele list also includes a multitude of other grocery stores and supermarkets located in Montana, Wyoming, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Idaho. New and growing markets are rapidly extending our customer base into other states, and we are currently contemplating growth strategies and the associated challenges of expansion. Laurel area business owners and managers are invited to call and discuss local advertising opportunities or to request samples of our coupon printed receipts distributed at Jan's IGA. Best WWisshes, el-A. Kosel, Owner-Executive Director of Marketing Phone 406-962-4258 o Fax 406-962-4259 9 P.O. Box 530 Joliet, MT 59041