For the first time, Flathead County’s best and brightest young professionals will be honored in June at the inaugural “20 Under 40” celebration and event.

A month-long nomination period has opened up and will be followed by a review by a selection committee comprised of local business leaders. Young professionals can be nominated through an online form hosted on dailyinterlake.com, hungryhorsenews.com, whitefishpilot.com, and bigforkeagle.com. Nominations period will end at midnight, May 14.

To be eligible, nominees must work and live in Flathead County and be under 40 as of March 1, 2017. As a nominator, this is a chance to honor a peer, a young mentor or someone you admire. It is also an opportunity to share an inspiring story of success with others. If you know someone who serves as an example to you, this is your chance to help share that person’s story with a larger audience. Winners will be selected by a panel of judges comprising local community leaders, based on review of the nomination forms and any accompanying supporting documentation. The judges will look to select winners who best represent a cross-section of professions, industry, gender and background that mirrors the Flathead Valley’s business sector. In essence, judges are looking for a compelling story about an area business or community leader who has achieved demonstrated success in recent years. The best nominations demonstrate a nominee’s path to success, unique talents and achievements, community involvement, etc.

“The Flathead Valley is full of talented young people who make significant contributions to their companies and the community,” said Anton Kaufer, director of advertising at the Daily Inter Lake. “Sometimes they’re easy to recognize and sometimes they fly under the radar. Here’s an opportunity to put them in the spotlight and share their story.”

This inaugural celebration is being presented by The Daily Inter Lake along with partners Kalispell Chamber of Commerce and Flathead Area Young Professionals. This year’s 20 Under 40 will be announced during a special event on June 20 and will be followed by a special keepsake publication that will appear in the Inter Lake. Details on the event will be announced in the coming weeks.

“Having a strong network of young talent is crucial to developing an economy that will ensure a strong future for the Flathead. This is an exciting opportunity to be able to celebrate the young leaders who are pushing us in that direction,” said Joe Unterreiner, president/CEO of the Kalispell Chamber.

For more information, contact Anton Kaufer at 758-4410 or Kate Lufkin of the Kalispell Chamber at 758-2801.