With an enthusiastic group of around 60 people, with 50 voting members, the Mineral County Chamber of Commerce held its first election Wednesday evening in the St. Regis Community Center.

Steve DeLisle was declared the president of the Chamber, and Loie Turner as vice president. Ronnie Haskins remains as the treasurer. The position of secretary will be appointed by DeLisle and Turner because there was a tie between two of the three candidates, and one candidate withdrew after the votes were counted. 

“Thank you. It will be an honor to serve,” DeLisle to the room following the election. “I like to say a rising tide lifts all boats and I have been focused on bringing more tourism to the county. One example is that there are 20,000-30,000 rafters who float the Alberton Gorge and then leave when they pull out at Tarkio. I want these customers, these dollars, to continue west which will help all of us,” he said. 

He and his wife purchased property in Alberton that was to become a subdivision and they felt it was much too special, too beautiful, so they purchased it and have started a guest ranch along with cabins, an orchard, a vineyard plus fenced off pasture for bison and Highlander cattle that they are raising.  

“I don’t have all of the answers and I don’t know everything and I’m open to suggestions,” he said to applause, moments before the meeting was adjourned.

Drew Hanson has been the steam engine behind reorganizing the chamber. Two meetings were held to encourage businesses and citizens to restart the chamber of commerce that has been dormant for several years. In those meetings, Hanson shared his vision for the future, and his experience of how chamber involvement helps communities. 

On Wednesday, Hanson discussed I-90 traffic numbers and reviewed new businesses that are in the county since the chamber went dormant.

“We are looking at crazy times coming up and we have a fresh string of ideas and energy to help the county as their business advocate and I thank everyone for being here,” he said. “From tonight, we will be going forth with purpose through strategic planning, by-law revisions if needed and create economic opportunities for our future.” 

Events and festivals will now have assistance in marketing, volunteerism, and problem solving along with brainstorming from the business community and involved citizens. 

Before the election, Hanson shared the balance of the bank account for the chamber at $5,079 with $1,815 of very recent money which may have been for voting purposes, but Hanson made a request. 

“I see several people I’ve not seen before and I encourage each of you to become involved besides just purchasing your membership for tonight’s vote. Everyone is needed especially in the first year to get the chamber back in the saddle.” 

Membership is $25 per business, nonprofit or individual/family if not affiliated with commerce but want to be helpful to the mission. 

Hanson announced that the new owners of the old Superior School will donate space at this time to have a brick-and-mortar office but it’s not large enough to have meetings, especially of the size of that meeting.

The gathering paused for everyone who hadn’t cast their ballots to do so and then Hanson said, “While we’re waiting for the committee to tally the votes, are there any announcements to share this evening?” 

That remark alone indicated the need to have a clearing house to monitor and announce what events and meetings were taking place in the county.

• Next Chamber of Commerce meeting is March 6. Location TBA.

• Rec Club is hosting St. Patty’s Day Celebration. Performance by Montana Shamrockers. Details to be announced.

• Next Rec Club meeting Feb. 20, 6 p.m., in River Side Soups and Sandz. 

• Glacier Country Tourism Town Hall meeting scheduled for Mineral County in St. Regis Community Center on Feb. 21 5:30-7:30 p.m., dinner provided.

• Jackie’s Flowers is having a Valentine's special.

• Stephanie, owner of Buck n Bull Coffee Shop, would like to provide beverages to members.

• Mineral County Blood Drive tomorrow at Superior High School 12-5:15 p.m.

• Mineral County Performing Art Council’s Spring Gala is April 29, tickets available now for $25. Include dinner and performance.

• DeBorgia Schoolhouse will have a Western Theme dinner, as well as a St. Patrick’s afternoon meal. Details to be announced.

• St. Regis Senior Center will have Valentine Prime Rib and Shrimp Scampi dinner for $25.

• MSU Extension will be putting on an estate planning workshop. Contact Emily Park for more information. 

• Forest Plan Revision meeting February 13th at the St. Regis Community Center 4-6 p.m.

• Craft Fair this Saturday at the St. Regis Community.

• Dr. Steve DeLisle will teach a Constitution class Feb. 17 at noon in the Commissioner's Meeting Room in Superior.

• Girl Scout cookies are almost ready to be ordered.

• Mineral County Museum Historical Society has a Bake Sale this Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the center.

• SOAR 54 will have two kittens for adoption at the Bake Sale this Saturday.

• Cedar Creek Signage Project: The plan has a total of eight signs, but 13 will be completed after this summer. Working in collaboration with a grant.

• Conservation District- encouraged to be stewards of the resources.

• Mineral County Shooting Sports annual banquet is scheduled for Sept. 28.

• Memorial Day Weekend Flea Market in St. Regis.