Columbia Falls business and community leaders were recognized at the Chamber’s annual Christmas luncheon at the Cedar Creek Lodge last week.

Chamber President Mark Johnson and Executive Director Laura Gadwa did the honors.

“First Buck” awards were given to new businesses or businesses that have changed hands in the last year. There were also a number of business anniversaries recognized and the Community Spirit Award was given out.

The 20 First Buck award winners included: Cloud Nine River Rentals, Glacier Jeep rentals, Outlaw Diner, MTS, One Care, Highline Apartments , Kelsey’s Therapeutic Massage, Genesis Kitchen, Fidelity National Title, Montana Sky Insurance, Diana Ryll Photography, Mountain Engraving, DSmith & Associates, Gentry River Ranch (new owners), Moose Creek RV and B&B, 406 Consulting, Two Men and a Truck, Montana Self-Storage Depot, Montana Espresso and Three Dog Ranch.

The Community Spirit award was presented to Glacier Bank and Noreen Hanson was named the Chamber Ambassador of the Year.

The anniversaries recognized included Crown of the Continent Discovery Center (five years), Bar W Guest Ranch (15 years), Express Employment Professionals (20 years), Terry Homes (25 years), The Back Room (35 years), The Nite Owl (40 years) and the Izaak Walton Inn (80 Years).

Resigning Board Members Cindy Goodwin, Victoria Lee and Susan Nicosia were recognized, as were new Board Members Lauren Alley of the Flathead National Forest, Chief Clint Peters of the Columbia Falls Police Department, Carla Fisher of Backslope Brewing and Mandy Anderson of the Boys & Girls Club of Glacier Country.