Shelby Area Chamber of Commerce Shelby Area Chamber of Commerce

Crossroads Correctional Center

Feature Business of the Week: Crossroads Correctional Center

Written by: Pete Bludworth

Pete Bludworth has served as the Warden at Crossroads Correctional Center since February 2020. He began his corrections career in 1990 with the Federal Bureau of Prisons and joined CoreCivic in 2014.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:

Crossroads provides high paying jobs with exceptional benefits for full time employees. Positions for Correctional Officers, Nurses, Mental Health Counselors, Teachers, Case Managers, Clerks, and others are available. A few minutes taken to complete an application can lead to a lifetime of security. 

 

VALUED PARTNER:

When talking about Crossroads, it is important, as a CoreCivic facility, to point out that we strive to make a positive difference in Shelby and surrounding High Line communities. 

 

Crossroads, built in 1999, greatly values our longstanding partnership with the Montana Department of Corrections as we strive to better the public good. 

Just last month, Crossroads received the results of an American Corrections Association (ACA) audit with a score of 100% on the mandatory standards and 99.56% on the non-mandatory standards. 

These scores result from the team's hard work and dedication at Crossroads!

 

COMMUNITY IMPACT:

At Crossroads, we're proud to offer our staff quality jobs, competitive wages and benefits, and opportunities for long-term career growth. We have over 150 dedicated employees who work at Crossroads, many of whom call Shelby, home.

Other members of the Crossroads Team are native citizens of Shelby, Conrad, Cutbank, Valier, Havre and other nearby High Line communities. In fact, one of our facility leaders began her career the first day of hiring in 1999!

Many other members of the Team come from across the United States. Whether seeking to set roots in the Big Sky state or to launch their career with a nationwide corporation, the Staff members raise their families and contribute to the local businesses.

 

Crossroads also supports communities in the High Line through various forms of charitable giving and volunteerism.

 

EFFORTS TO REDUCE RECIDIVISM:

We know that most citizens involved in the justice system will return to their communities. Like every CoreCivic facility, the leadership and staff at Crossroads are focused on an inmate's reentry back to the community from day one. 

 

Our staff recognizes the significant impact that reentry programming offered at Crossroads can have on those individuals in our care. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to positively impact the long-term outlook of those in our care by delivering evidence-based practices designed to reduce recidivism. 

 

The programs offered at Crossroads, which include, adult education courses, High School Equivalency Testing, addiction treatment, faith-based skills, computer labs, carpentry and cabinet making, have the overall goal of providing the participants opportunities to be better prepared to return to the community and in the end to lower recidivism. 

 

GREAT FALLS-MSU PARTNERSHIP:

Recently, Crossroads partnered with Great Falls College-Montana State University to offer those in our care a unique chance to learn about office programs, acquire skills, and obtain proof of their education. Once interested and qualified students are accepted into the program, they'll be expected to complete the two-semester program in Crossroads' on-site computer lab. 

 

Overall, the program's goal is to help students gain valuable training that will be useful in their transition from prison to working in a business or office setting after their release. After completing the program, students receive a certificate of Applied Science in Office Support, which is an industry-recognized credential that they can use to help them obtain employment in private or governmental agencies as office clerks, administrative assistants and other related positions designed to support the business operations of an organization. The program credit, worth 30 credit hours, can even be transferred to a four-year degree program if the student continues their education after release. More information on this worthwhile program can be found on our website.



Written By:  Shane Adams

First time I stepped foot in a jail cell was April 13, 2023, in Shelby Montana!  Before anyone assumes anything!!  I was not in jail as an inmate, rather as a guest.  Warden Peter Bludworth here at Corecivic offered to give the Chamber Board Members a tour of the prison.  Mabey in my youth there may, or may not have been a time I deserved to spend a night in jail for stupid adolescent decisions:)  That was my first interaction with CoreCivic since I took this job and stepped foot in any type of correctional facility.  The tour was very interesting, in depth, and impressed with how well put together the facility was in all regards where.  Many sections of the complex each serve a purpose.  

One detail I will always remember from the tour, I had my truck keys taken away from me at the front gate as well for the tour.  My key chain, I made a dummy round in my reloading of ammo I shot, drilled a hole in the brass and used it as my key chain.  Did not even think of that for the tour but that evidently is frowned upon going through the check in at the front gates.  I apologize for that!!  Thank you again for taking the time to show us around, and to answer all the questions our group had that day.  I can say for the whole group we enjoyed the tour very much!

Since then I've gotten to know Pete on various events here in Shelby, including the Chamber meetings I host.  He tries to put CoreCivic into as many community minded services as possible too.  For instance, just this last week helped out at the National Night Out on August 1.  Earlier in the year helped with the Kite Festival at the airport to name just a couple items.

I would also like to Thank him and CoreCivic for donating all the meat products (Burger & Hotdogs) for the Sunburst Appreciation Picnic the Chamber is hosting in Sunburst August 9th.  That is very thoughtful and we do truly appreciate it!  Continue the good work Pete at CoreCivic, looking forward to working together on future projects with CoreCivic!!


Read More
Shelby Area Chamber of Commerce Shelby Area Chamber of Commerce

Bowenwork

Feature Business of the Week: Bowenwork

Written by: Marla Hasquet

Address: 925 Oilfield Ave, Shelby Montana

Phone: 406-460-0728

Bowenwork is unique to the field of body work; it is gentle and relaxing and triggers the body's own healing resources, which can result in lasting relief from pain and discomfort. Bowenwork is slow gentle movements over specific muscles, tendons and ligaments; it includes important pauses giving the body time to integrate. The gentle nature of Bowenwork makes it ideal for all ages from newborns to elderly.

I have been a Bowenwork Practitioner for 12 years. To maintain my license I take 16 educational credit hours a year. 

The therapy itself was developed over 50 years ago by the late Tom Bowen of Australia. His extraordinary successes in treating thousands of patients were documented by a government inquiry into alternative health practices in Australia in 1975. Since then Bowenwork has been introduced to over 30 countries. Practitioners around the world have embraced Bowenwork for its remarkable effectiveness, its gentle application and the diversity of problems it addresses.

The Bowenwork achieves profound relief from a wide spectrum of conditions: to name a few, back pain, shoulder pain, carpal tunnel, migraines, TMJ, sports injuries, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, colic, constipation, haemorrhoids, bed-wetting in children, tinnitus, as well as reducing physical, emotional and mental stresses. Bowenwork improves joint mobility, lymphatic circulation, and promotes a state of ease and well-being. Bowenwork practitioners have been increasingly expanding the range of conditions that the technique has been found to effectively treat.

For more information or to make an appointment call Marla at 406-460-0728; my website is www.bowenworkmt.com (currently in rebuilding process, but will be available Aug 16, 2023) or the national website at www.americanbowen.academy

Written By: Shane Adams

One of the first things I think of when I think of Bowenwork. Is that Marla came down to the Chamber office one of my first days at the office starting the new job. She just wanted to welcome me to the community and introduce herself. Which was very much welcomed and thoughtful. I must admit, I never heard of Bowenwork in my past when she said what she did. I have suffered from a bad back for many years, including a back surgery on my back a long time ago, which helped that certain issue. To satisfy my curiosity, I looked it up but still was not 100% sure what it entailed. With the feature of the week I thought Bowenwork would be a great one to feature, to inform the community more information on the service Marla provides. When I asked her about the feature, she offered me a session to help better understand the practice. I gladly accepted as I thought that was a great idea, we set up a date and time. I arrived, and boy, it was an enlightening experience. In my words I'd describe it as between a Chiropractic adjustment and massage therapy, closer to the massage therapy though. She would put pressure and movement of the muscles and ligaments to reset the structure in various spots on the body. Let it rest then do it again on another spot. I will confirm it was very calming and relaxing session. Afterwards we chatted and I made a comment. Did you hear me snoring at all? Pretty sure I literally fell asleep during the session because I was full on relax mode!

If anyone suffers from any issues, mind or body, Bowenwork should be something worth checking into for relief! It could just be your ticket to the relief you're looking for!


Read More
Shelby Area Chamber of Commerce Shelby Area Chamber of Commerce

Shelby Paint & Hardware

Feature Business of the Week: Shelby Paint and Hardware

Written by: Timothy Moylan

105 W Central Ave

Shelby Montana 59474

(406) 209-7778

Store Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00-5:30; Saturday 8:30-5:00

Shelby Paint & Hardware is a hardware store that has been open since 2007. It was originally owned by Kevin and Elaine Mitchell up until February 2023. I bought the store and took it over on February 8, 2023 and have enjoyed it ever since. The products in the store include paint, hardware, electrical, plumbing, lawn and garden kitchen items, sporting goods, bird and animal food and many other supplies. My day consists of ordering products and helping customers find items. I have been in the electrical field for 25 years and I am a journeyman electrician. I really enjoy helping out people and talking with them on a daily basis. I look forward to expanding the products in the store, such as having a few clothing items in the future. It is really a fun little store to be in and be a part of in this great little community. The support from the Shelby businesses and people is really wonderful as well. Stop in and check us out!


Written By:  Shane Adams

In my opinion, every town, no matter the size, needs a nice hardware store.  Shelby Paint & Hardware fits the bill nicely.  When I came to Shelby in January Kevin and Elaine still had Shelby Paint & Hardware.  I dealt with those 2 a little bit before Tim took over the business.  So far I see Tim doing a great job giving the community of Shelby the hardware & supplies the community needs, just as Kevin & Elaine did.  The transition from what I can see has been going well!!  Every time I have a request for Tim that is Chamber related whether it's hanging up event posters or needing something from the store, he is always helpful and pleasant to deal with.  Considering my background in the sporting goods store, nearly a decade of service, where I sold guns and even Montana FWP licenses too.  Tim & I have traded some conversations regarding the process of selling those items as he sells those products as well.   

I wish Tim continued success for many more years to come in this new venture in his life.  Anytime a new adventure starts in life can be nerve-wracking, I'm sure you’ll do well and have fun in the process.  I believe he’s taking the store in the right direction with the additions of products he wants to carry in the future and make available to the consumer.  Also being community minded in a small town is pretty important.  Just this weekend is one example of Tim being just that.  During the Fair Parade, he went above and beyond.  It was a hot day, as I was tailing up the end of the parade just ahead of the police car.  Tim ran up and offered me an ice cold bottled water.  He was handing out free ice cold water to everyone who wanted water.  Gestures like that go a long ways, 2 thumbs up!!


Read More
Shelby Area Chamber of Commerce Shelby Area Chamber of Commerce

Torgerson’s LLC

Feature Business of the week:

Torgerson's LLC

Written By:  Eric Torgerson

1.Name: Eric Torgerson  

2.Business Name: Torgerson's

3.Contact information including location: Torgerson's of Ethridge

406.434.2222 (store)

406.460.2222 (Eric's cell phone)

4.How many people does your business employ?  Are you currently full staffed or looking for additional employees? 300 employees but we are always on the lookout for good, hard working employees to join our team!

5.What days are you open, and hours? 8:00 am - 5:00 M-F 8:00 am - 12:00 pm S - but we do what it takes to keep our customers up and running!

6.Explain what your business is or does. AG, Construction and Forestry business. We provide equipment, parts and service.

7.How long has the business been open? Since 1912

8.Past work experience. I was raised in this business and became an owner at the age of 21.

9.What is your favorite part of this line of work? Working with people.

10.What is the most memorable story with your work? There are many, but one that comes to mind is taking eleven customers to the Introduction of the 1150 Versatile Tractor and having a 100% success rate. I sold every customer a tractor. That was a great experience!

11 & 12.Any stories about your work you like to share that most people would not know about?  Why do you run this business?  Just that working with AG customers has been a joy for me my whole life.

13.Tell us about your family. I have a wonderful wife, 4 children (3 sons and a daughter), 2 stepdaughters and 18 grandchildren.

14.How long have you lived in or around Shelby? I have lived in Ethridge my whole life.

15.What organizations do you support? 4H, FFA and various agriculture organizations

Written By: Shane Adams

Having a strong American economy I know is built on many aspects, however small business and agriculture are big factors.  Torgerson’s plays into the equation in a big way.  The Torgerson family has built a small business into a business that employs some 300 people within the company.  Plus without Agriculture, what would everyone eat? They help provide food to feed us, and employ a bunch of people on top of that.  I talked to Eric a few times, always super nice and willing to chat with me, even though he is very engaged & busy with the business.  We both share a passion for aviation too, which anyone who is a pilot or has a background in aviation knows going down that rabbit hole can usually lead to some good lengthy conversations!  I hope one day I’ll get to go up flying with him.  

With the recent celebrations during the 4th of July, the 100 year mark of the Dempsey Gibbons Fight.  I’m proud to announce that Eric will be the Grand Marshall for the Fair Parade coming up on July 22.  The Torgerson family have been around and in business for over 100 years, I feel it's very fitting for Eric to represent the parade as Grand Marshall.  Since Eric will be the Grand Marshall for the parade, I also thought it is a great week to feature Torgerson's this week for that reason.  

While I was in Ethridge snooping around, Jason, manager of the Ethridge location showed me a room full of old pictures and newspaper clippings of the history of Torgerson’s.  I, for one, find that kind of stuff very interesting.  I will be including a small sample of these items on display in this feature!

Read More
Shelby Area Chamber of Commerce Shelby Area Chamber of Commerce

Ardent Mills

Feature Business of the week:

Ardent Mills

Written by: Casey Yttredahl

Ardent Mills, 2807 Burlington Ave, Shelby Montana

Located in the Port of Northern Montana

We have 4 people employed at the elevator, 2 from Cut Bank and 2 from Shelby. Not looking for additional staff now.

Casey Yttredahl – Elevator Supervisor

Dale Welch – Associate Elevator Supervisor

Mike Schubert – Elevator Operator

Triston Connelly – Elevator Operator

We are open 8-4:30 M-F

This facility was built by Hinrichs Trading Company out of Pullman, WA – opened in 2018. Hinrichs bought and processed chickpeas.

Ardent Mills bought Hinrichs in 2021.

Ardent Mills was formed in 2013 through a joint venture between Cargill, Conagra and CHS. Mainly wheat milling but have recently branched out into Quinoa and Chickpeas, the reason for purchasing Hinrichs.

Ardent has 40 locations including Canada and Puerto Rico, the home office in Denver, CO.

The Shelby elevator mainly transloads oats from several Canadian companies. They are brought in on a truck and shipped out on rail and trucks.

 

www.ardentmills.com

 

Ardent Mills is committed to transforming how the world is nourished. As the premier flour-milling and ingredient company, we cultivate the future of plant-based solutions to help our customers and communities thrive. We operate in more than 40 locations that specialize in flour, quinoa, pulses, and organic and gluten-free products that drive emerging nutrition and innovation across plant-based ingredients. Our holistic portfolio empowers us to meet the complex needs of customers today while focusing on the growing needs of tomorrow’s consumer.

Deeply rooted in communities throughout North America, we operate in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico with company headquarters in Denver, Colorado. We employ more than 100 certified millers and support thousands of local jobs that contribute billions of dollars to local economies -- helping our people, our customers, and families everywhere flourish.

Written By: Shane Adams

Ardent Mills is a new Chamber member as of this year, being a Silver Member.  Casey contacted me requesting information on becoming a chamber member pretty right away on behalf of Ardent Mills when I started this job with the Chamber this winter.  They have been great to work with, every time I go to their location they are always super nice and welcoming.  Just as a side note, I could be mistaken, but I believe they are the only business signed up as a Chamber Member actually located on a gravel road.   Even though it's only a couple of miles of gravel, it reminds me of home and I enjoy going there.  Fun fact of the day behind that statement.  Back in Miles City, I lived 17 miles down a gravel road, so every day I went to work at the sporting goods store being a gun saleman or needed to go to town for whatever reason, I traveled lots of gravel!  It's weird, even though I cussed that road all the time as it was rough and wash boarded, hard on vehicles with tearing up tires, cracked windshields, and just plain hard on the truck…I miss the countryside drives.

So, thank you Ardent Mills for being a Chamber Member for obvious reasons, but on a personal level giving me a chance once in a while to hit the gravel, even though it's just a couple of miles!!

After reading the piece Casey put together above about Ardent Mills, I don't think I can add anything more than what she already said.  Besides, it does not matter if the business is located on main street or out on a gravel road.  ALL businesses in and around Shelby are equally important & vital to our local economy.  Whether the business sells merchandise, ships products, or provides a service, it takes every single one of those businesses to make a strong community.

Read More
Shelby Area Chamber of Commerce Shelby Area Chamber of Commerce

Prairie Peddler

Feature Business of the week:  Prairie Peddler

Written by: Kelli Lohr

Prairie Peddler

319 Main Street

Shelby, Montana  59474

406-434-5446

Store Hours:  Mon-Fri 9-5:30, Sat. 9:30-3:00

The Prairie Peddler is a coffee shop & gift shop that has been a part of the Shelby community for 34 years.  A big part of the day is spent making a wide variety of drinks for our customers.  We have a special spot waiting just for you to enjoy a drink with your friends!

Our shop is filled with many unique items including home decor, clothing, food, toys, baby accessories & so much more!  We are loving our growing selection of Montana made products!  

The Prairie Peddler also offers a baby & wedding registry & complimentary gift wrapping too.

Stop in & check us out!!

Written by:  Shane Adams

There is a big reason why I picked the Prairie Peddler to be the feature business this week, which I will hit on later on.  But it's not the only reason it is featured.  The atmosphere in this little coffee/gift shop is always welcoming, very friendly, and deserves to be featured on those merits alone.  Every time I walk into this building, it seems there is always a friendly conversation going on between Kelli or one of the staff with the customers getting their coffee!  It shows too, whenever I need to go to the bank across the street, it's usually hard to find a parking space close with the constant flow of customers going into Kelli’s shop!!  No doubt, she's got a good customer base built up!  I say the word “customer” loosely, as I think it would be safe to say the majority of the people walking in the doors are more than just a customer.  I felt the same way towards my customers when I was selling guns & ammo at my old job in the sporting goods store.  I enjoyed seeing the customers & the conversations we had, a good portion of them I would call on as a friend!!  

Next week Kelli will be hosting a unique event in her shop.  With the centennial events going on over the 4th of July.  Dr. Gerard Gibbons, grandson of Tommy Gibbons, will be launching his release of his new book here in Shelby.  He is giving the community of Shelby first crack at this book and will be doing a book signing event at the Prairie Peddler on July 3 and July 4.  I hope anyone reading this takes the opportunity to head to the Prairie Peddler while Gerard is there, chat with him and check out his new book & get it signed.  I, for one, am excited to check this book out!  Even if you're not into books, Gerard is a very fun, friendly, & interesting person to talk to!!  Will be at the Prairie Peddler…

July 3, 9 am-11 am

July 4, 8:30 am-10:00 am

The book:  “Shelby 1923.  The Dempsey-Gibbons Fight For Glory and a Little Montana Town’s Impossible Dream”  The book will launch in Shelby first before the world release.  In person sales only to start in Shelby July 3-5 at various events during the celebrations in town.

The book is a beautiful 4 color, 206 page, coffee table style book!


Read More
Shelby Area Chamber of Commerce Shelby Area Chamber of Commerce

Shelby TBID

Feature Business of the week:  Shelby TBID

Written by: Lorette Carter

Contact information:

112 1st Street South

Shelby, Montana  59474

406-434-5222  (City Hall)

lorette@shelbymt.com

Shelby Tourism Business Improvement District

Tourism is a vital part of the Shelby economy. A tourism business improvement district is a tool which allows communities to attract resident and non-resident tourism for local events, sporting venues, activities, and conventions by collecting a small assessment on overnight stays in our hotels. The Shelby Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) is the collaboration of Shelby’s lodging establishments which promote Shelby and the surrounding area in an effort to bring tourist trade to Shelby. 

Active for over 10 years, the Shelby TBID has sponsored or funded nearly half a million dollars in events, projects and programs that benefit our community. The TBID supports the Shelby Area Chamber of Commerce in staff funding, supplies, web costs, annual functions, and projects.  Shelby Schools benefit in support of the Coyote Classic as well as divisional and state tournaments that bring teams and fans to Shelby.  Other groups including Marias Valley Golf Course, the Shelby Kiwanis, Next Generation Conference, Voices of Tourism, and City of Shelby have all benefited greatly from the generosity of the Shelby TBID.  The SHELBY sign is one example of the tremendous support of the TBID!  The new digital message center at Albertsons Park is another shining example of the TBID’s investment in Shelby.   The goal is always to encourage visitors to stay in our community, eat in our restaurants, shop in our unique retail shops, and enjoy their visit to Shelby.

The TBID offers granting opportunities.  If you, your group, or organization is planning an event in Shelby that brings people for an overnight stay, the TBID can assist in covering some of the expense.  Events like 3-on-3 basketball tournaments; quilting workshops; sports tournaments; state organization meetings …any event that welcomes people to stay in Shelby!  An application form is available through the Office of Community Development at lorette@shelbymt.com

Written by: Shane Adams:

When I first took this position at the Chamber.  I never heard of the term, TBID.  In short order, I learned very fast what it does, and how much of a positive impact it can have in a community!  Being affiliated with the Chamber I am invited to attend the Shelby TBID meetings.  At these meetings I learned the value of what and why the TBID will grant funding towards.  The funding is widespread, just as Lorette explained above.  The members of TBID are the motels in town, where the money is generated from.  Without these motels pumping money into TBID these projects Lorette spoke of would not be possible around the Shelby community.  I thought this week would be a good week to feature Shelby TBID, as the new electronic reader sign was installed recently, where everyone literally can see how much of an upgrade this sign is compared to the old sign!!  I realize Shelby TBID is not per say a business, it does play a major role in our community and feel worthwhile featuring what it does.  Whether or not you are aware of Shelby TBID, though, this is good information for people to know about!!  In a nutshell the way I see it, TBID is investing into the future of Shelby. Trying to bring people to the Shelby area to spend money in our community.  Which is good for everyone.  Thank you to the members of TBID for what you do for the community of Shelby.  Current Shelby TBID members are:  Comfort Inn of Shelby, Best Western Shelby Inn & Suites, and OYO Hotel.

Read More
Shelby Area Chamber of Commerce Shelby Area Chamber of Commerce

Shelby Tire LLC

Feature Business of the week:

Shelby Tire, LLC

Gilbert Martinez

520-858-6138

ShelbyTireRepair@Gmail.com

Find Shelby Tire LLC on Facebook.

Shelby Tire LLC interview by Jennifer Van Heel Shelby Promoter May 25, 2022.

Hours of operation Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

We work after hours and on weekends for an additional fee. we are also on the Sheriff's dispatch.

“The little man with a BIG plan.” Gilbert Falcon, father of Shelby resident Gilbert (Gilly) Martinez, came up with his big plan years ago after working for 17 years in Arizona for Roberts Tires. Falcon was a roadside tire serviceman for years, but when he moved into management at the company and saw what the customer was being charged in comparison to what he was being paid, he decided it was time to make a change.

“It took me two years of saving every dime I had to purchase a service truck and the tools needed to open my business,” recalled Falcon. “But I did it. My wife worked at Little Caesars during that time, we lived on pizza.”

Living on pizza and squirreling away every possible cent paid off as Falcon has now proudly owned his own mobile tire service, Casa Grande Repair, located in Arizona, since 1996. The big plan doesn’t stop there though, as Falcon’s business is expanding as a family business with his son, Gilly, offering mobile tire service now in Shelby, Shelby Tire LLC.

“I am out here in Shelby, Montana, looking for the opportunity to offer service to the people in the community,” said Falcon with a smile.

“We don’t want to step on any toes,” said Gilly. “But I noticed when I worked at Mark’s Tire for a year that there was just some stuff we couldn’t always do- roadside, nights, weekends. We could help people out when they aren’t available and pick up that end of things. We are trying to create a solution.”

Shelby Tire LLC is offering service to commercial vehicles to start with, semis, off-road equipment, and hoping to expand once they have been in business for awhile. The service is entirely mobile, wherever in the area you may be, they will come to you whether it be roadside, out on a gravel road or in the field. The new service truck is fully equipped, with Falcon having put in over $70,000 to make sure everything needed is brand new and ready to go.

“I have a reliable, respected business in Casa Grande and I want to expand that to Shelby,” said Falcon. "I am here to make sure people don't have to spend the night on the side of the road," said Gilly.

Written by: Shane Adams:

I respect a person who does a manual job, Gilbert from what he shared with me, is not afraid to work hard & puts in long hours. I know people who work in tire shops and it's hard, dirty work. Got to respect those people helping keep you and I on the road, helping keep the truckers hauling all of our merchandise to the stores, helping keep the farmers and ranchers going while they supply the food we eat, etc etc. They play a big part in keeping commerce alive and going! When your on the road and a tire issue comes up, that can ruin a day quickly!! I first met Gilbert just a few weeks ago. After doing some errands one day I looked in the drop box to find a bunch of his business cards sitting there when I returned back to the Chamber office. He is not a member of the Chamber, so I called him at the number on his card. Good conversation, within a couple of hours he was standing in my office signing up as a Chamber member. Since then he attended one of our Chamber meetings, I can tell he wants to be active and involved in the community. When I asked him about being a feature business of the week, he gladly accepted. He sent me the article above that Jen Van Heel wrote to use in this feature. After reading the article, it is a good read and felt it was very suitable to use in todays feature. I verified with Jen that using the article would be OK in my feature and she said absolutely no problem.  

I wish Gilbert the best in his endeavor. I think he can do well with the niche of road side assistance using his work truck as a mobile repair station serving Shelby and the surrounding area! Welcome aboard as a Chamber Member, Gilbert!!

Read More
Shelby Area Chamber of Commerce Shelby Area Chamber of Commerce

Mountain Moments Photography

Feature Business of the week:

Mountain Moments Photography

Written by: Emilie Vetch

Emilie Vetch

951-323-5078

Hours of Operation:

By appointment

I started Mountain Moments 5 years ago as a side job when I decided to stay home with my kids full time. I have always had a passion for photography, and love to capture special moments to look back on. It has since turned into a full time job that I enjoy being able to bring to the community.

Since moving to Shelby almost 3 years ago, youth sports photos have become one of my favorite types of photo shoots. I get to incorporate a little bit of fun editing into these, and I love working with the kids and seeing all of their different personalities come out in their photos. I also offer family and milestone sessions.

I would love to capture your next session, I am always available to answer questions through text or on my Facebook page.

Written by: Shane Adams:

I have gotten to know Emilie over the last few months since I moved from Miles City to Shelby back in January. Her community involvement has had our paths cross many times. I personally feel that is important in small towns like Shelby, esp with running your own business being a part of the community in one way or another. With my short time here in Shelby so far, she has helped with Chamber events such as the Chamber Banquet and the Dodgeball Tournament. I'm confident she’ll be helping again in future events. Other items I have seen her helping with around the community: Little Guy Wrestling program, T-Ball for the kiddos, 4H, Walk N’ Wheels/Fit Friday’s, & the Fun Run day at the School so far. Other activities she has helped with is coaching soccer, member of the Elks, member of the Home and School, Canvas Kids Youth Group in Cut Bank, along doing photos for the Chambers Haunted House last fall. Thank You Emilie for the involvement you put forth into the local community events! With her Photography business I have seen her work and is a great photographer. I hope if any of you reading this needs any Photography done, you’ll reach out to Emilie to see what she can do for you. Check the pictures out with this email and you will see she has an eye for capturing the moment!

Read More
Shelby Area Chamber of Commerce Shelby Area Chamber of Commerce

Quilt With Class

Feature Business of the week: Quilt with Class

Written by: Bonnie Nickol

Bonnie Nickol, owner and contact

131 4th Ave S

Shelby, MT 59474

406-434-5801

quiltwithclass@hotmail.com

Hours of Operation:

Monday-Friday 10-4

Saturday 10-2

Or by appointment

We are a retail quilt shop that has been in business since 1995. We carry fabric, books, patterns and notions for quilters of every skill level. We offer classes and private instruction and we also sell finished quilted items from quilts to wall hangings to table runners to bags of all shapes and sizes. One of our most popular items for sale is our great selection of clocks. You don’t have to be a quilter to find something you will love in our shop!

We pride ourselves in our friendly and knowledgeable customer service- our customers become our friends.

Come check us out – the coffee is always on and we can help you make your next work of art!

Written by Shane Adams:

Bonnie invited me to one of the Quilt classes she hosts in her shop. I did not know what to expect, showing up to a group of 11 women sitting around some tables proved to be a great and enjoyable time. It was more than just talking about fabrics and sewing. Lots of laughs to say the least!! For those who were present could confirm the topics were widespread! Even though today all women were present, Bonnie stated a fair number of men go through those doors who shop and sew as well. These women were from Shelby, Cut Bank, Valier, and even Great Falls. While listening I learned Bonnie has been in business for 28 years, with 18 of those years at the current location. Her shop used to be a car dealership at one point, and a dry cleaning shop as well. Another interesting thing I learned, while a lot of these quilts these ladies make, go to family members as gifts or what not, many also go to various organizations to help those causes as well. Quilts of Valor, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, many places that help children or families in need to just name a few. I did get to see a sample of finished Quilts these ladies made, as they had show and tell time during the class. Impressive!! If any time you're in need with anything to do with sewing or fabric, or bags, purses, clocks and much much more, make sure to stop in to see what Bonnie has to offer. It's a cool small town locally owned shop.

Read More