Women wore flamboyant hats and frisky dresses, while men took their best stab at Kentucky Derby apparel in the Polson Chamber of Commerce’s annual community banquet, held Feb. 21 at KwaTaqNuk Resort.  The chamber celebrated the outstanding contributions of local businesses, volunteers and leaders while embracing a Kentucky Derby theme to recognize those “who go the extra mile for Polson.”

Winners across multiple categories were honored for their dedication and impact.

David Lewing, vice president of Valley Bank, received the Polson Leadership Award. The Polson native has more than 10 years of experience in banking and contributes to the community through various leadership roles, such as serving on the Flathead Lakers board and with Polson Rotary, and as a former board member with the Polson Chamber and Greater Polson Community Foundation.

He’s also passionate about mentoring youth, and has coached the Mission Valley Mariners baseball team and Boys and Girls Club-based basketball teams.

Lewing was characteristically humble about his contributions. “This is really more of an award for my wife, who probably feels like a single mother a lot of the time,” he said. “And thank you to the Polson community for being a place that's worth everybody's time.”

Runner-up for the award was longtime volunteer fireman Peter Bishop, who recently stepped down from the helm of Bishop Insurance.

Brian Miskimins took a break from his duties as MC to accept the Citizen of the Year award. The Anderson Broadcasting sales manager and radio host actively supports the community by emceeing numerous non-profit fundraisers, including those for the Greater Polson Community Foundation, the Flathead Lakers and the Mission Valley Christian Academy, as well as providing on-air coverage for parades and holiday celebrations.

“I am greatly honored and humbled to be receiving this, but this is an award for all of you as well,” Miskimins said. “Because it takes all of us in this community to make this community the great place it is.”

Max Nash of Montana Marble Meats was the other candidate, and was noted for leading the charge to raise funds for Polson’s annual fireworks extravaganza and helping out with the community Thanksgiving feast at the Elks Club.

Julie and Jerry Reffner were named Volunteers of the Year for their involvement with the Boys and Girls Club of the Flathead Reservation and Lake County. According to their introduction, the couple brings engaging activities to the club every Monday, “and have mentored four club members, fostering strong relationships with both the youth and their families.”

The other nominee was Polson School District trustee Devon Cox, who was also noted for his commitment to youngsters as a coach and mentor.

The Sandpiper Art Gallery, named Non-Profit of the Year, was honored for recent efforts to spruce up the community with the Art4Polson campaign. Through the initiative, six traffic boxes were adorned with local artwork and a mural celebrating native fish and waterways was created in the city park.

“The project enriched Polson's cultural landscape, turning unadorned spaces into dynamic canvases and ensuring that art remains accessible and celebrated in the community,” wrote the chamber of the gallery’s contributions.

The runner-up was Mission Mountain Empowerment, which serves people with disabilities across Lake County with “dedication, compassion, and professionalism, ensuring every client feels valued and supported.”

Glacier Bank was named Business of the Year and honored for its commitment to “community involvement, promoting both monetary donations and employee time to support local organizations.”

Windauer Family Dentistry was the other candidate for that award, and was noted for donating “thousands of dollars in free dental care annually to those in need, including children, seniors, and individuals facing financial hardship.”

Lee Weber-Koch was named Chamber Ambassador of the Year and honored for her behind-the-scenes help and expertise with Chamber events and marketing efforts. Heather Fors was also nominated for lending time, energy and leadership to a wide array of Chamber-hosted events.

The event also recognized two Polson School District employees: Tonya Elliott as Classified Employee of the Year and Carrie LaPierre as Certified Employee of the Year.

Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Straub received recognition as City of Polson Staff of the Year.

    Natalie Raffield accepted the Non-Profit of the Year Award from the Polson Chamber on behalf of Sandpiper Gallery for its Art4Polson initiative. (Kristi Niemeyer/Leader)
  

    Lee Weber-Koch, named Chamber Ambassador of the Year, addresses the crowd at the Community Awards Banquet. (Kristi Niemeyer/Leader)
  

    Polson High principal Andy Fors introduces teacher Carrie LaPierre, who was named Employee of the Year by the Polson School District during the Chamber banquet in February. (Kristi Niemeyer/Leader)