Business Newsmakers

Nurse practitioner honored

Kimberly Longcake, a nurse practitioner of Helena, is a recipient of the Montana Medical Association Award of Merit.

Longcake is being recognized for her instrumental work in shaping health care policy to streamline prior authorization requirements in Montana. Prior authorization is a requirement that health insurers put in place to determine whether costly medical procedures or medications are medically needed. Prior authorization often leads to delays in patient treatment and has increased administrative burdens.

She skillfully bridges clinical practice with systems-level change — working with patients, colleagues, insurers, and state agencies to ensure better access to care. Her dedication and unique ability to navigate complex policy and health care landscapes have left a lasting impact within the Montana healthcare delivery environment, according to a release.  

KLJ adds employees in Montana

Colton Bonner, Ali Carrell and Andy Marum are the latest new hires for KLJ Engineering LLC in Montana. 

Bonner joins KLJ’s Telecom team as an engineering technician. He brings hands-on experience in utility locating, mechanical repair, and customer service from roles in the oilfield and retail industries. His skills include construction support, vehicle maintenance, and technology learning. 

Carrell joins KLJ’s Power team as a designer based in Kalispell. She brings more than six years of experience managing and coordinating construction projects, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring safety and quality compliance. Carrell earned a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering from Montana State University-Bozeman and an associate degree in Accounting from Montana State University-Great Falls.

Marum, a professional engineer, joins KLJ as a field engineer in construction services in Billings. With over 25 years of civil engineering experience, He has led infrastructure projects across government and private sectors, including FEMA, the Bureau of Reclamation, and municipal utilities. He brings deep expertise in project management, contract administration, and emergency response engineering. He earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Montana State University.

Don ‘K’ Family Foundation gives to nonprofits

The Don “K” Family Foundation held a charitable giving event, awarding more than $100,000 to a variety of nonprofit organizations serving communities across Northwest Montana. 

From youth programs and educational foundations to addiction recovery and arts initiatives, the donations reflect the foundation’s deep commitment to supporting the people and organizations that make the Flathead Valley thrive.

This year’s recipients included:  Flathead Basketball Club ($1,000), ImagineIF Library Foundation ($10,000), Kalispell Pee Wee Baseball ($2,000), Alpine Theater Project ($2,500), U of M Foundation - Rugby ($25,000), Alano Club ($10,000), Backpack Assistance Program ($5,000), Driving Hope ($10,000), Flathead 4-H Foundation ($5,000), Kalispell Education Foundation ($5,000), Flathead Warming Center ($5,000), U of M Foundation - Rodeo ($5,000), Big Hearts Open Arms ($10,000), and Glacier Aquatic Club ($5,000).

“None of this would be possible without the ongoing support of our customers and our community,” said Kevin Kaltschmidt, general manager of Don “K” Whitefish and a member of the Don “K” family. “When people choose to shop local and support Don ‘K,’ they’re helping us reinvest directly into the Flathead Valley. This community has supported us for decades, and it’s an honor to give back each year in a way that strengthens the programs, youth, and services that make this place so special.”

The Don “K” Family Foundation was established to extend the dealership’s long-standing commitment to community service, focusing on education, youth development, and local well-being. Through both direct donations and ongoing partnerships, the foundation continues to make a measurable difference across Northwest Montana.

PureWest adds SVN PureWest Commercial Real Estate Office

PureWest Real Estate has added an SVN PureWest Commercial Real Estate office. 

Through the change, PureWest is introducing a dedicated commercial real estate team to the Flathead Valley community.

SVN PureWest advisors meet strict education and experience standards, providing clients with the specialized knowledge required for successful commercial transactions. The team combines local market insight with national reach, supported by SVN’s proprietary technology, 2,500 members globally, industry-leading marketing platform, and a culture built on collaboration, innovation, and client-centricity.

From investment properties to retail, industrial, office, multifamily and development opportunities, SVN PureWest delivers the expertise and network to help clients achieve their commercial real estate goals.

Franciosi joins Highline Dermatology 

Dr. Ellen Franciosi has joined Highline Dermatology in Kalispell. 

Franciosi specializes in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. She is passionate about achieving natural cosmetic results and her expertise includes Botox, dermal fillers, chemical peels, and laser treatments for rosacea, facial redness and uneven skin tones.

Franciosi grew up in Westwood, Massachusetts, and attended Dartmouth College for her undergraduate education. She completed her medical school training at the University of Massachusetts Medical School where she was a member of the prestigious medical fraternity Alpha Omega Alpha.

Franciosi completed her dermatology residency at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, where she served as chief resident.