Community nurse receives Kalispell chamber’s highest honor

A registered nurse serving the community for more than two decades is being honored with the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce’s most prestigious award.  

Dan Dickman, a nurse with the Flathead City-County Health Department for 25 years, was given the chamber’s Flathead Legacy Award at the chamber’s annual Grand Event at the Hilton Garden Inn. Several community members and businesses were honored during the evening.  

Known for being the chamber’s oldest and most prestigious award, recipients of the Flathead Legacy Award have a civic and volunteer spirit that spans a lifetime and creates a legacy for the community, according to organizers.  

Dickman is described as one of the “original traveling nurses” having visited all the schools across the Flathead Valley where he provided health checks and shots to students. He also did home health visits for newborns, seniors and abused children.  

“The legacy that will be left by his man will be one of generosity, kindness, and hope,” one of his nominations said. “He believes in our valley and its people. From Big Brothers and Sisters, Valley Voices, to Kiwanis, and so many organizations in between, Dan always shows up and encourages others to do the same.”   

Because of Dickman’s involvement with the Flathead’s youth, his lasting imprint will influence them as leaders of the future, note nominations. He has been described as the “ultimate volunteer and leader in our community for years and the finest human you could ever meet.” 

Businessperson of the Year – Mike Smith  

This award recognizes an owner/manager that is an outstanding business leader.  

Mike Smith is the president of Glacier Bank. Smith is known as a strategic, kind, and inspiring leader who has built a culture of volunteerism and community engagement within his team. He actively encourages his leadership and staff to participate in local events, volunteer their time, and give back to the community.  

His leadership has positively influenced both the local economy and the community by promoting a culture of investment, not just financially but socially, the chamber notes.  

Educator of the Year – Jen Stein, Edgerton Elementary School  

This award has been established to honor educational programming or professionals that are innovative, forward-thinking, creative and impactful.  

Jen Stein has been the principal of Edgerton Elementary School for 11 years. Stein is described as innovative and creative.  

Her nominators say she has embraced diversity within Edgerton. There are photos, posters, and artwork in different languages throughout the school. 

 In one impressive program, she supported students teaching students. A recent increase in non-English speaking students opened the door for students to help each other. Students initiated a Spanish-speaking club. 

The staff at Edgerton has said that Stein challenges them to be fearless by saying yes to innovative ideas and figuring out the details later no matter how complicated or difficult.  

Business of the Year – Large – Three Rivers Bank of Montana 

This award recognizes a large business of the year defined as having 26 or more full-time employees.  

Three Rivers Bank is a full-service financial institution where people of the Flathead Valley can deposit money and gain a market return. It is highly rated compared to its peers.  

The bank was founded in 1974, and this year marks the bank’s 50th anniversary. Three Rivers Bank of Montana’s primary founder was A.J. “Jack” King. The charter document was typed in the basement of the King home by Almeda L. King. From the initial investment of $600,000, the bank has grown to today’s total capital of $29.5 million total assets of $315.5 million. 

The bank’s community involvement has stretched over the decades and throughout many organizations in the Flathead Valley.  

Business of the Year – Small-Medium – Mountain Physical Therapy and Fitness 

This award recognizes a business with 25 full-time employees or less that stands out in their industry as a leader and continuously strives to be their best.   

Mountain Physical Therapy and Fitness places community involvement as a high priority.  

The business grants free access to their gym for veterans that are under supervision by the Vet Center and Flathead Valley Community College students. It also sponsors local sports teams, Rotary and Flathead Valley Exchange.  

Owner Mireille Biernes is actively involved in valley chambers of commerce, Leadership Flathead and the Job Service.  

Non-Profit of the Year – Whitefish Community Foundation 

The nominated business and leadership stand out in their field of expertise and area of service.  

Whitefish Community Foundation is dedicated to fostering philanthropy, building endowments, and helping donors and nonprofits benefit Flathead Valley communities. The aggregate giving the foundation achieved this year fell just shy of $7 million, impacting 80 nonprofits serving Kalispell and the Valley.  

The foundation jumped in to help displaced mobile home residents in 2024, provided $120,000 in grants for affordable housing, $130,000 for a new music school, held workshops for non-profits, and provided scholarships for students enrolling in college.  

Community Spirit of the Year Award – Sue Corrigan  

This award recognizes an individual who is making a powerful difference in the greater Kalispell community.  

Sue Corrigan freely gives of her time, talents, and resources to better education through her service on the Kalispell School Board and the Montana School Board Association and to the residents and visitors of Kalispell through her unwavering dedication and service to the Conrad Mansion Museum. 

As part of the Conrad Mansion Board, she created a continuing education program for local schoolteachers while spreading the message and mission of the Conrad Mansion Museum. 

Legacy Partner of the Year – Glacier Bank 

A dedicated member of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce for many decades, Glacier Bank has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, financial support, and a deep commitment to advancing the chamber’s mission and strategic goals to foster the growth and vitality of the greater Kalispell community, according to the chamber.   

Ambassador of the Year Award – Mark Freidline 

Mark Freidline, of Flathead Builders Association, has been an ambassador for many years and is a graduate of Leadership Flathead. In service as a Kalispell Chamber Ambassadors team, his involvement and leadership are visible at chamber events.  

As the public relations arm of the chamber, he inspires, motivates, and engages members, according to the chamber.