The Radisson Colonial Hotel was named the 2017 Business of the Year, leading a list of businesses and business leaders honored Thursday by the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce.
The hotel hosts more than 2200 conferences each year, employs more than 100 people and is active in community organizations, including Festival of Trees and hosting a disadvantaged family each year for Christmas, outgoing board Chair Lynn Etchart said while presenting the award.
“I’m fortunate to be in this organization – I say fortunate because all the way from the ownership to the staff that works here to the community, it really is a pleasure coming to work every day,” said general manager Adrian Ambros.
The chamber held its annual awards luncheon at the Colonial both as an awards presentation and transition of members for its board of directors. More than 400 people attended the event, hearing from presenters, recipients and from luncheon sponsor St. Peter’s Health, with CEO Wade Johnson talking about new initiatives at the hospital.
People are also reading…
Chamber President Cathy Burwell presented the first two awards.
The 2017 Don Fredrickson Volunteer of the Year award went to Peter Strauss with Montana State Fund. Burwell praised him as a dedicated volunteer and driving force for area organizations.
“I can’t say how lucky I am to live in Montana, but to live in Helena and hang out with all of you guys in a great community,” Strauss said.
The 2017 Hospitality Hero, focusing on tourism and the hospitality sector, went to Peter Mollet of Perkin’s Restaurant.
“It comes from liking what you do,” he said. “I like my restaurant, I like my staff, I like my customers and I sure like living in Helena, Montana.”
The 2017 Chair’s Special Recognition Award went to someone outside of the business community that contributes to the greater community. Etchart presented the award to Helena School District Superintendent Jack Copps, noting his work to see a new school bond passed last year.
“You know it’s kind of easy in a way to be successful in a great community and this truly is a great community,” he said. “The credit for what happens in this community belongs to the people of this community.”
Next was the 2017 George D. Anderson Business Person of the Year, which went to Helena McDonald’s owner and state Sen. Terry Gauthier. Etchart pointed to a number of nonprofits he supports, and highlighted his leadership in the industry by offering $12-$13 starting wages.
Gauthier praised the chamber and the many nonprofits, saying “I truly appreciate this award.”
The 2017 Small Business of the Year went to business partners Scott Johnson, Chris Johnson and John Rosa, who renovated and then opened Broadwater Hot Springs.
“These owners took a leap of faith and purchased this business and have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars to make it the stellar business it is today,” Etchart said.
Scott Johnson thanked the staff and the support of Helena in accepting the award.
Incoming board chair Jason Davis closed the luncheon, saying that his top priority is focusing on workforce development, which he called the “biggest challenge” facing area businesses.
Reporter Tom Kuglin can be reached at 447-4076 @IR_TomKuglin
Tom Kuglin
State Reporter/Outdoors Reporter
Tom Kuglin is the deputy editor for the Lee Newspapers State Bureau. His coverage focuses on outdoors, recreation and natural resources.
