Blog ⋆ Choteau Chamber of Commerce

September 11, 2024September 16, 2024

Mark Your Calendars: The Choteau Christmas Stroll Returns December 7th with a “Winter Wonderland” Theme!

The most magical time of the year is almost here, and the Choteau Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that the annual Choteau Christmas Stroll will take place on Saturday, December 7th, and this year’s theme is truly enchanting: Winter Wonderland. Whether you’re a long-time local or visiting from out of town, this event will capture the holiday spirit with twinkling lights, cheerful music, and family-friendly festivities for everyone to enjoy.

We’re pulling out all the stops to make this year’s stroll the best yet! From beautifully decorated storefronts to the highly anticipated Parade of Lights, the streets of Choteau will be transformed into a true Winter Wonderland.

A Magical Winter Wonderland Awaits You

Imagine walking through a scene straight out of a snow globe—softly falling snow, the glow of Christmas lights, and the laughter of friends and neighbors filling the air. This is exactly what you can expect at this year’s Choteau Christmas Stroll. Businesses throughout town will be decked out in holiday splendor, creating an enchanting atmosphere for an evening of shopping, dining, and community celebration.

Be sure to take part in the holiday activities set to take place throughout the evening. You’ll find unique, locally-made gifts at our shops, enjoy seasonal treats from local vendors, and be entertained by live performances to set the perfect holiday mood.

Parade of Lights: A Highlight of the Evening

No Choteau Christmas Stroll is complete without the dazzling Parade of Lights, and this year’s parade is set to be bigger and brighter than ever! The parade will wind through town, featuring creatively lit floats, cars, and characters, all inspired by the magical Winter Wonderland theme. It’s a sight you won’t want to miss!

If you or your business would like to get involved, sponsorship opportunities are available. Whether you’re looking to sponsor a float or even an award for the parade, there are a variety of ways to contribute to this wonderful community tradition.

Sponsorship Opportunities: Spread the Holiday Cheer

Want to help make this year’s Christmas Stroll even more special? Sponsorship opportunities are open! Sponsorship levels range from $30 to $200, allowing individuals and businesses of all sizes to get involved and support this beloved community event. Not only does sponsoring the stroll help create an unforgettable evening for all attendees, but it also offers great visibility for your business during the busiest shopping season of the year.

Sponsors will be recognized during the event and in promotional materials, and you can choose to sponsor in a way that aligns with your business or personal interests. You can also sponsor the Parade of Lights Awards, where floats will be judged on creativity, holiday spirit, and how well they capture the Winter Wonderland theme.

Sponsorship Levels Include:

$30: Supporter of the Christmas Stroll
$50: Parade of Lights Float Sponsor
$100: Winter Wonderland Event Sponsor
$200: Christmas Stroll Premium Sponsor

How to Become a Sponsor

Christmas Stroll Sponsorship – Support the Magic of Choteau’s Winter Wonderland!

Become a part of the magic of the Choteau Christmas Stroll by sponsoring this year’s Winter Wonderland event! Your sponsorship supports holiday decorations, family-friendly activities, and the dazzling Parade of Lights. With multiple levels to choose from, you can help spread holiday cheer while gaining valuable visibility for your business during this festive community celebration.

$30.00 – $225.00

Shop now

More Festivities in Store

In addition to the Parade of Lights, there will be plenty of other fun activities throughout the evening. From Santa’s visit to fun holiday contests, the whole family will have something to enjoy. Keep an eye out for more details as the event approaches—you won’t want to miss out on any of the holiday fun!

Join Us for an Unforgettable Night!

The Choteau Christmas Stroll is more than just an event—it’s a treasured tradition that brings the community together in the spirit of the season. Whether you’re here to enjoy the lights, support local businesses, or simply share the joy of the holidays with loved ones, this year’s Winter Wonderland-themed stroll promises to be an evening to remember.

So mark your calendars for Thursday, December 7th, and get ready to experience the magic of the Choteau Christmas Stroll. We can’t wait to see you there!

August 31, 2023August 31, 2023

Fire Up Your Safety Knowledge at Choteau’s Fire Prevention Day 2023

metal fire hydrant on city street against blue sky

Date:

October 21, 2023

Time:

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Location:

Choteau Volunteer Fire Department Hall

Mark your calendars for a day of education, community, and family fun! On October 21, 2023, the Choteau Volunteer Fire Department is rolling out the red carpet—or perhaps we should say, unfurling the fire hose—for Fire Prevention Day. The event will take place at the Choteau Volunteer Fire Department Hall from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and it promises to be a day you won’t want to miss.

A Community Coming Together for Safety

The Choteau Volunteer Fire Department has always been at the forefront of community safety, and this event is no exception. Thanks to a generous donation from 3 Rivers, attendees will have the chance to win essential safety gear like fire extinguishers and smoke alarms as door prizes. It’s not just about winning cool stuff, though; it’s about equipping our community with the tools they need to stay safe.

Something for the Little Heroes

Kids are our future firefighters, doctors, and community leaders, so it’s only fitting that they get their share of the spotlight. The event will feature special take-home items just for the kiddos, ensuring that they too walk away with more than just a fun day out.

Warm Up with Opportunity Bank’s Chili Feed

What’s a community event without some good food? Opportunity Bank is sponsoring a mouth-watering chili feed that promises to add a dash of warmth and spice to the day. It’s the perfect way to refuel as you go from one exciting activity to the next.

Get Electrified with NorthWest Energy

Electrical safety is often overlooked, but it’s a crucial aspect of home safety. That’s why we’re thrilled to have NorthWest Energy join us to provide essential education on electrical safety. But that’s not all—they’re also offering bucket rides for the kids! It’s a thrilling way for the young ones to see the world from new heights, all while learning about the importance of electrical safety.

A Close-Up Look at Emergency Services

Choteau EMS will also be on hand, ambulance and all, to give everyone a close-up look at emergency medical services. It’s a fantastic educational opportunity and a reminder of the vital services that our emergency responders provide every day.

So, whether you’re a long-time resident or new to Choteau, come down to the Fire Department Hall on October 21st. Learn something new, win some prizes, and enjoy a day filled with community spirit and family fun. We can’t wait to see you there!

July 26, 2023July 26, 2023

PCQI Workshop in Great Falls for Food Manufacturers

The Great Falls Development Alliance and MMEC are partnering to host an in-person, 3-day training course on the Preventive Controls for Human Food regulations in the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

WHEN: Wednesday, August 16 – Friday, August 18

WHERE: 405 3rd Street NW, Great Falls, MT

Does your company need a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual(PCQI) on staff to fulfill the requirements of the Preventive Controls for Human Food regulation of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)? This course, taught by MMEC instructor Claude Smith, is the standardized curriculum recognized by the FDA.

Find out more

June 14, 2023November 5, 2023

USDA Launches Powerful Tool to Empower Choteau Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs

As a member of the Choteau Chamber of Commerce, you are well aware of the challenges faced by small businesses in accessing procurement opportunities. However, exciting news has arrived! The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has recently unveiled a cutting-edge tool designed to assist local small businesses, including small disadvantaged entities, in identifying potential opportunities to sell their products and services to the USDA. This game-changing resource aims to enhance competition and create a level playing field for all eligible firms. Let’s delve into the details of this remarkable development.

Unveiling the USDA’s Procurement Forecast Tool: In a significant collaboration between the USDA’s Office of Contracting and Procurement (OCP) and the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), a powerful tool has been developed to simplify the process of identifying procurement opportunities. The tool, known as the USDA’s Procurement Forecast, provides a comprehensive list of anticipated solicitations and contracts that small businesses, including small disadvantaged businesses, women-owned businesses, HUBZone businesses, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, can potentially participate in.

Enhancing Accessibility and Removing Barriers: Recognizing the invaluable contributions of small business entities and the need to create equal opportunities for all, the USDA remains committed to championing initiatives that promote accessibility and remove barriers faced by underserved individuals and communities. OCP Director Donald Baker expressed the USDA’s dedication to making contracting opportunities more accessible and emphasized the value of this procurement tool in enhancing competition among businesses interested in supplying goods and services to the Department.

Features and Functionality: The USDA’s Procurement Forecast offers an array of user-friendly features to facilitate easy navigation and information retrieval. The tool allows interested parties to:

Search for USDA’s procurement forecasts
Filter the results based on specific criteria
Manipulate the display by sorting, hiding, moving, and freezing columns
Download the results in Excel or CSV format for further analysis and convenience

Currently, forecast data for Fiscal Year 2023 to 2025 is available, providing ample time for businesses to plan and strategize their approach.

Compliance with Business Opportunity Development Reform Act: This collaborative effort between the OCP and OSDBU aligns with Public Law 100-656, also known as the Business Opportunity Development Reform Act of 1988. This law, which amended the Small Business Act, emphasizes the importance of acquisition planning and requires agencies to compile and make available contracting opportunities for small businesses. By complying with this law, the USDA is paving the way for increased engagement, transparency, and participation in its procurement process.

Maximizing Opportunities and Empowering Entrepreneurs: With the introduction of the USDA’s Procurement Forecast tool, small businesses in Choteau can now broaden their horizons beyond the federal-wide System for Award Management (SAM) when searching for procurement opportunities. This powerful tool not only maximizes opportunities for businesses but also provides greater transparency, accuracy, additional data fields, and more frequent updates to the data. It empowers entrepreneurs by placing vital information, tools, resources, and engagement opportunities at their fingertips.

Embracing the Future: The USDA is wholeheartedly committed to supporting small, disadvantaged businesses across the country. Through initiatives like road shows and the procurement tool, the USDA is proactively meeting businesses where they are, ensuring maximum opportunity for participation in the procurement process. By embracing technological advancements and emphasizing inclusivity, the USDA is leading the way towards a vibrant and thriving small business ecosystem.

Get Started Today: To explore the Forecast of Business Opportunities and search for anticipated procurements from the USDA, simply visit usda.gov/procurement-forecast. Discover a world of possibilities and unlock the potential for your small business in Choteau!