Where: Copper Creek Coffee When: August 1, 10a – 11a
Put your business startup idea into action with Business Focus: Getting Bank & Credit Union Ready. Learn essential steps and strategies to secure loans and credit lines. Small Business Advisor Rich Gannon will guide you through financial documentation, effective communication with lenders, and presenting your business in the best light.
Understand the importance of accurate financial statements and develop skills to articulate your business goals and financial projections. By the end of the session, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and tools to navigate the loan application process successfully. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and enhance your chances of obtaining financing.
The Great Falls Development Alliance is a nonprofit organization serving a 13-county region and hosts a Small Business Development Center (SBDC), a Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), and a Montana Food & Ag Development Center. GFDA works on business attraction, business retention/expansion, business start-ups, and a wide range of efforts to make our region more competitive in attracting private investment and retaining/attracting talent. Learn more at GrowGreatFallsMontana.org.
Get ready to mark your calendars, we have some exciting news that underscores our commitment to the health and wellbeing of our residents. The Alluvion Mobile Medical and Prevention Services unit is coming to our beautiful city!
On Wednesday, July 26th, Alluvion’s top-tier medical team will set up camp in the Rex’s Market parking lot from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. They will provide a host of services that help keep our community strong and healthy, including sports physicals and vaccinations.
Are you a parent gearing up for the upcoming sports season? Be sure to bring in your young athletes for their sports physicals. These assessments are essential in ensuring our children’s safety as they participate in the sports they love.
Have you or your loved ones missed out on crucial vaccinations recently? This is your chance to catch up! The Alluvion team will be offering a range of vaccinations, helping protect our community from various diseases.
The best part? No appointment is necessary! Walk-ins are welcome throughout the day. That’s right – there is no need for prior scheduling. Just drop by whenever it’s convenient for you during the provided hours.
Please remember to mark your calendars and take advantage of these vital services on July 26th. Don’t miss this opportunity to ensure the health of your family and our community. We look forward to seeing you there!
Before the October 20th Chamber After Hours event kicked off at the Choteau Senior Center, I took a few minutes to visit with Mona VanDeRiet, manager of the Center.
What’s new in your business?
Mona: What’s going on at the Senior Center is our transition from, you might say the forties, fifties, sixties, even seventies to now. There was a time when we had a lot of people here eating; maybe 20, 30 people a day and we’re now down to 10, 12 people. COVID had a lot to do with that. Because of COVID we are now allowing takeout meals. Before Covid, if you could walk through that front door, you had to sit down. The only ones that got takeout meals were the Meals on Wheels. And I think what the big news is here is our thrift store downstairs. Because COVID has affected the people coming in here, the elderly. We are relying on traffic through the thrift store and our thrift store is just thriving. Our manager is Pat Richardson and she, along with Gary Poor, have remodeled our thrift store. It is something that whether you buy anything or not, people should just come and look and see the difference.
When Teton Lumber sold earlier this year and changed its name to Teton Pro, it wasn’t just a name change, but a whole new model for business. Their motto, “We Source, You Save” extends to everyone who walks in the door. While partnerships with big name, national and international vendors are the foundation of the new business, General Manager Matt Schwedhelm says, “We are here to serve everyone who walks in the door- from the local shopper to corporate contractors doing million dollar projects.” Partnering under the Do It Best brand, consumers can direct order items from their website directly to the store while their expanding fleet of delivery trucks brings full package items to locations across the state. Matt explains, “Our goal is to reach the diverse customer base that are now Montanans.” That means partnering with companies such as ReadySlate, providing high end slate roofing from Spain, and Angelus Block, supplying masonry block with a touch of sophistication.
“We are here to serve everyone who walks in the door- from the local shopper to corporate contractors doing million dollar projects.”
Teton Pro will be focused on providing top of the line service and products in a number of areas including equipment, certified tool repair (including Stihl and Milwaukee brands), paint (Sherman Williams Best Look residential paint and Rodda industrial/commercial paint) and sheds which can also be upgraded into a tiny home package. Streamlining their products and services will allow the business to serve customers from start to finish, no matter the project. The newly renovated upstairs space will soon serve as a design space for customers, contractors, and architects.
The Teton Pro building will also continue its transformation over the coming months. Indoor space is getting all new flooring, paint and design features including new windows and office space. The main counter area is a feature in itself with an epoxy ‘river’ running through a beautiful hardwood surface. The outdoor façade will be updated with windows and an entrance covering for a more welcoming, functional look. Teton Pro is open Monday-Friday from 8am to 5pm. To shop online, visit www.doitbest.com or check out the latest updates at https://www.facebook.com/tetonpro/.
Teton Pro Customer ServiceTeton Pro Epoxy River
The Chamber Spotlight is a twice monthly series highlighting member businesses of the Choteau Chamber of Commerce. Interested in having your business highlighted in a Chamber Spotlight? Chamber members can contact Jen: choteauchamber@gmail.com
When Matthew and Piper Marquette opened the Flying Bison Mercantile in July 2021, their vision was two fold: sharing their handmade leather goods and supporting local, small town businesses. “We want to provide quality products and services while spotlighting other small businesses in our community.” The Mercantile showcases some of the Marquette’s beautiful bison and cowhide hand tooled products, along with local photography, state prison contract items, handmade soap, hand woven rugs and a variety of other products.
“We want to provide quality products and services while spotlighting other small businesses in our community.”
The Flying Bison slogan, Find Joy in Your Journey, has been a focal point for Piper and Matthew. When Matthew created replica leather patches from his grandfather’s WWII service in 2013, he discovered a creative outlet which allowed much versatility. He quickly progressed to creating functional pieces, asking Piper for advice on construction. One day, Piper realized they had all these tools and leather, but she did not even have a leather purse. So, she decided to make one herself. At that point, they both recognized how much they enjoyed creating with leather. “Our leather, both bison and cow hide, are US sourced and tanned. Everything else happens right here at the Mercantile.” Popular items in the shop include handbags, purses, custom leather wallets (the only product made of Italian leather for the slim line), belts, suspenders, and briefcase bags. The Mercantile has also been busy with custom orders. Their laser cutter/engraver allows for economical products to be made for large orders.
“Our leather, both bison and cow hide, are US sourced and tanned. Everything else happens right here at the Mercantile.”
With cost going up across all markets in the United States, the Marquette’s are needing to focus on streamlining their offerings. The Mercantile is currently getting a storefront redesign for the upcoming summer 2022 tourist season. For more information, visit the Flying Bison Mercantile website at flyingbisonmt.com. The Marquette’s will host a Choteau Chamber of Commerce After Hours event on Thursday, May 19 from 5-7pm. Appetizers and beverages will be served.
Colorful leather wallets available at the Flying Bison MercantilePurses and handbags are available in a variety of styles and colors.
The Chamber Spotlight is a series highlighting member businesses of the Choteau Chamber of Commerce.
Interested in having your business highlighted in a Chamber Spotlight? Chamber members can contact the Chamber at: choteauchamber@gmail.com
When the Choteau Art Studio became a non-profit organization in Choteau more than 16 years ago, they had no idea that the result of many moves, locations and classes would be a thriving Main Street gallery and education space. The gallery, which recently expanded to include a second section of exhibition space, represents over 125 local and regional artists, and offers a wide range of art including furniture, sculptures, pottery, keychains, paintings, photos, wood art and beaded items. Susan Luinstra, Gallery Director, shares, “The Gallery is a place where people walk in and fill up on beauty. They can have a sense of wonder with art and that is good for all of us.”
“The Gallery is a place where people walk in and fill up on beauty. They can have a sense of wonder with art and that is good for all of us.”
Art education is a priority for the Choteau Art Studio and new classes are offered throughout the year. Luinstra shares, “Our purpose is to share the joy of the arts, to let people experience art in a safe environment.” Current classes include Fibers on the Front, a two-session weaving class, a music program which invites community members to learn fiddle and guitar during eight-week sessions and Diane Hausmann will teach a 3-session drawing class beginning 5/2.
“Our purpose is to share the joy of the arts, to let people experience art in a safe environment.”
As the art community becomes more established on the Rocky Mountain Front, artists from throughout Montana are recognizing the rich history and natural landscape of the area and discovering the Choteau Art Studio. Currently, the gallery is staffed 100% with volunteers, but Luinstra would like to see funding that would allow for parttime paid staff including Gallery Director and Education Coordinator. “There are so many opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy what the Studio has to offer. With additional paid staff we could hold after school classes for youth and increase our educational opportunities for adults.” The Studio’s biggest fundraiser is their Barn Dance and Pie Social (May 7), a time for all ages to come together to enjoy music, dancing and, of course, homemade pie on hand thrown pottery plates. Their Patron’s Program, with four levels of giving, is also a great way to support the growth and security of art on the Rocky Mountain Front and allows volunteers and professional artists to provide quality, affordable classes. More information can be found at their website, www.choteauarts.org.
The Choteau Art Studio is currently open Wednesday- Friday from 10am-5pm and Saturday from 10am-1pm and will have expanded hours during the upcoming Metis Festival, Yoga Festival and during the July 4th weekend.
The Chamber Spotlight is a series highlighting member businesses of the Choteau Chamber of Commerce.
Interested in having your business highlighted in a Chamber Spotlight? Chamber members can contact the Chamber at: choteauchamber@gmail.com
As of April 1, Copper Creek Coffee has a new location to call home: 501 Main Ave N. The warm and welcoming space is a bit smaller in size than their previous location, but owner Brian Colesworthy has big plans for the coffee shop.
“As soon as we can, I want to get some cornhole tournaments going out back. Maybe even have food trucks available to make this a hang out spot for tourists and locals alike.”
The larger lot size will also allow for a drive thru utilizing the Copper Creek bus, outside seating, events and participation with Harvest Hosts which welcomes a limited number of self-contained RV/travel trailers to the back yard for an overnight stay.
Coffee is not the only thing served at Copper Creek. In the few minutes during our interview, customers asked for smoothies, iced tea, takeout sandwiches and soup. Brian also has hopes of starting an online order system that can be brought out to the customer’s vehicle. On tap for evening events are craft beers and wine.
“I really want this to be a place where everyone is welcome. One of my favorite things is visiting with tourists from out of the country. It’s surprising how many people come through here from other countries and are interested in learning more about our area.”
Also popular with tourists is the variety of gifts and merchandise displayed throughout the shop, many of them locally made.
Currently, Copper Creek Coffee is open from 8am-2:30pm but hours will expand in May. Be sure to follow them on Facebook at Copper Creek Coffee- Choteau, MT for daily specials and announcements. And let me be the first to tell you, the Huckleberry Iced Tea is fantastic.
Join us on Thursday, April 21 from 5-7pm as Copper Creek Coffee hosts Chamber After Hours. Drinks and appetizers will be served. After Hours gives business owners and residents a chance to kick back after work and socialize away from the pressures of the workplace. We encourage meeting new people and introducing them to our local businesses.
The Chamber Spotlight is a series highlighting member businesses of the Choteau Chamber of Commerce.
Interested in having your business highlighted in a Chamber Spotlight? Chamber members can contact the Chamber at: choteauchamber@gmail.com
“Like many small communities in Montana, Choteau relies heavily on volunteer support, which can be overwhelming and exhausting for the handful of volunteers that serve on every board, committee, and organization in town. Communities often look for new ways to increase capacity for community projects and economic development initiatives.”
