School District 2 is making moves to balance the budget, reduce dropout rates, and improve public safety. Superintendent Dr. Erwin Garcia joined us to provide a comprehensive update on everything happening at SD2, especially the three new charter schools that will open soon! Thank you so much to Upstream Strategy Partners for sponsoring ChamberCast! Learn More: Our episode from 07/26/2023 with former Superintendent Upham and Dr. Garcia: Moving from Good to Great to Excellent in Education Our episode from 02/08/2023 with Bo Bruinsma and former Superintendent Upham on SD2's Career Pathways pr ..read more

It's time to check in on the Chamber's new DEI Immersion Program! To do that we sat down with two recent graduates: Toby O’Rourke, President and CEO of KOA; and Shelli Mann, General Manager of Boothill Inn & Suites. This episode was recorded on May 27, 2022. Register for Chamber Golf DEI Network Website ..read more

In honor of Small Business Week--May 2nd through the 6th--we want to highlight some of our outstanding local businesses. This week we sat down with Veronnaka Evenson with Swanky Roots to talk about their very unique process. Swanky Roots Small Business Appreciation Week Marya and Jack's answers to this week's Rorschach questions: 1. What has been inspiring or motivating for you recently?  Marya: My daughter who is studying abroad in South Korea. She is tackling new challenges every day and her attitude and fortitude keep me inspired. Jack: I got the opportunity recently to meet one of m ..read more

Simply Local Magazine is one of our most important partners! If you haven't browsed this magazine, you certainly should. Simply Local Magazine Simply Local: Business News Marya and Jack's answers to this week's Rorschach questions: 1. Who is the most influential woman in your life? Marya: My grandmother. She passed away but I find myself influenced by her ideals and approach to life every day. Jack: My wife. I take her opinion more seriously than anyone else's - male or female. 2. What is your favorite event to attend in Billings? Marya: Any event that is happening downtown. Jack: Business ..read more

Everyone knows that Billings has a lot to offer in the realm of outdoor entertainment, but indoor activities are less publicized. Our guests this week have some options to get you out of the house, even in the winter. GoUnite After Rage Marya and Jack's answers to this week's Rorschach questions: 1. What is the best part of your job? Maya: The people – my coworkers and the amazing individuals throughout our community that I have the privilege of interacting with every day. Jack: The variety – I get to work on so many different cool projects every day, so it's almost impossible to get bored ..read more

The East Billings Urban Renewal District (EBURD) is an important part of our economic future. The director of the BURD, Zack Terakedis joined us this week to talk about all of the exciting projects currently underway. There is a lot to be excited about in this episode! Marya and Jack's answers to this week's Rorschach questions: 1. What are you most excited about in the EBURD? Marya: For more development and more people spending time in that area of town. It is really going to take Billings to the next level! Jack: I'm really excited about the possibility of more high-density housing being de ..read more

If you or someone you know is interested in running for office, the Billings Chamber's Candidate School is essential. Two former candidates, Hannah Olson and Darron Olson, joined us to talk about their experience, alongside Dan Brooks, our director of Business Advocacy. Learn more or register for Candidate School Here ..read more

It's Keep the Cheer Here week! Now is the time to get out and shop local. One of the fantastic businesses you should visit is The Base Camp. In the meantime, enjoy this interview with the owner, Scott Brown, who has a fascinating and entertaining story about how he started the business and some great advice for business owners. Keep the Cheer Here Shop Small Tour Also check out our episode with Lynn Harper on TrailNet and Billings Trails. Marya and Jack's answers to this week's Rorschach Questions. 1. What is your favorite trail in Billings? Marya: Norm Schoenthal Island – I love walking my ..read more

In honor of International Women's Day, this episode highlights the Chamber's programming for women -- with Jennifer Reiser, who manages those programs and Sam Morris, owner of ENCORE's title sponsor, Chemnet. Learn More: Chemnet ENCORE Women's Network Our episode on mental health and substance abuse: Getting Upstream on Mental Health ..read more

This episode continues our recent focus on development in Billings, with one of our City's premier architecture firms, Cushing Terrell. We spoke with their CEO, Greg Matthews and Principal Project Manager, Shannon Christensen to talk about Cushing Terrell's work, the development environment in Billings, sustainable design, and Cushing Terrell turning 85. Learn More Cushing Terrell Website Business After Hours @ Cushing Terrell ..read more