Twenty of the Flathead Valley’s most accomplished young professionals were honored Tuesday as the inaugural class of “20 Under 40” at a Kalispell Chamber of Commerce luncheon that drew a crowd of more than 300 people.

More than 130 nominations representing 99 different young professionals were received. All of the finalists were invited to the recognition event.

A panel of eight judges selected the top 20. Judges included Kalispell Chamber of Commerce President Joe Unterreiner, Flathead Valley Community College President Jane Karas, Whitefish Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kevin Gartland, Montana West Economic Development Executive Director Jerry Meerkatz, Freedom Bank President Don Bennett, Josh Townsley of Tamarack Brewing Co., Bigfork Inn owner and state legislator Bob Keenan and Daily Inter Lake Publisher Rick Weaver.

“There are so many shining stars in the young professional community and we are honored to be able to highlight their accomplishments,” said Weaver, who helped emcee the special awards luncheon. Weaver pointed out that those nominated represent less than one-tenth of 1 percent of the county’s population.

“In looking at the nominations and the top vote-getters we have reason to be very proud of their accomplishments and we can rest easy that the future of our valley is in good hands,” Weaver told the crowd.

The 20 winners are profiled in a special section inserted in today’s Inter Lake. They include:

- Peter Akey, commercial loan department manager, Glacier Bank Kalispell

- Ashley Wenz, doctor of physical therapy, Orthopedic Rehab in Bigfork

- Brian Heino, patrol commander for the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office

- Inga Lake, co-owner and chief financial officer, AGAPE Home Care

- Jennifer Frandsen, co-founder and chief creative officer, Old Town Creative + Interactive

- Anna Robbins, hospitalist, Kalispell Regional Healthcare

- Brad Bennett, hydrogeologist, co-founder and vice president, Applied Water Consulting

- Kanyon Smith, owner and doctor, Big Mountain Chiropractic

- Melissa Hulvat, breast surgical oncologist, Kalispell Regional Healthcare

- Jessica Wurm, marketing and communications specialist, LC Staffing

- Justin Ahmann, director of civil engineering, APEC Inc.

- John F. Miller, dentist and owner, Smile Montana Dental Center

- Bryson Pelc, certified public accountant and partner, Jordahl & Sliter, PLLP

- Elma Giavasis, owner and graphic designer, Highline Design Co.

- Andrew Kirk, financial adviser, Edward Jones

- Dawn Hendrickson, director of sales, Homewood Suites by Hilton

- Josh Kroll, vice president of marketing, Park Side Credit Union

- Samantha Travis, attorney/partner, Ogle, Worm & Travis PLLP

- Lizzy Dwyer, charge nurse of medical surgical oncology, Kalispell Regional Medical Center

- Jesse Mahugh, executive director, Big Brothers Big Sisters Flathead County.

The Inter Lake partnered with the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce and Flathead Area Young Professionals in coordinating “20 Under 40.” Whitefish Credit Union was a major sponsor of the awards program.