Employers honored in Employer of Choice Awards

The 2026 Employer of Choice Awards, recognizing businesses that employees say go above and beyond in creating outstanding workplaces, have been handed out in three different categories. 

The Flathead Job Service Employer Council honored the employers with an awards ceremony on May 12. 

This year’s awards received a record-breaking response, with more than 300 nominations representing over 100 businesses across Flathead County.

The 2026 Employer of Choice Award winners are:

• Small Business Category: Montana Heritage Home Builders 

• Medium Business Category: The Wave 

• Large Business Category: Flathead County 

Employees nominate businesses each year based on excellence in employee benefits and initiatives, leadership and workplace culture, employee training and development, and community orientation.

Flathead JSEC is a nonprofit advisory committee made up of local employers representing private 

industry, nonprofit organizations, and the public sector. In partnership with Job Service Kalispell and the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, the council helps strengthen workforce connections and support business success throughout the Flathead Valley.