In the event’s 27th year, Big Sky Chamber of Commerce recognizes eight local businesses and leaders
By Jack Reaney ASSOCIATE EDITOR
On Tuesday evening, the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce hosted its 27th Annual Black Diamond Business Awards Dinner to celebrate Big Sky’s most impactful businesses and leaders.
Featuring a few new awards this year, the ceremony recognized eight outstanding faces of Big Sky.
After a casual reception, a few hundred guests filtered into Big Sky Resort’s Yellowstone Ballroom for dinner.
Brad Niva, chamber CEO, emphasized the organization’s growth in his opening remarks—he said the chamber now as more than 500 members, a testament to Big Sky’s growing business community and the power of collaboration.
Emerging Entrepreneur: Vicky Childres and Beth Johnson
The first Black Diamond award recognized Big Sky’s finest Emerging Entrepreneurs, presented by last year’s winner, Emily Burke, who runs Big Sky Thrift.
The award recognizes someone with an entrepreneurial spirit, fresh ideas and leadership, “the rising star in our business community,” Burke said.
Recipients Vicky Childres and Beth Johnson are owners of a new wellness business, Reset Big Sky. Childres, a part-time Big Sky homeowner since 2012, and Johnson opened the wellness business in Big Sky after a similar concept was successful in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, near Cleveland.
“It’s a modern take on wellness and recovery, based in the Meadow Village. It’s quickly becoming a go-to for anyone who needs to recover after a fun day playing and recreating around Big Sky,” Burke said, reading from the chamber’s award description. “… Reset opened in 2023 to complement the existing health and wellness offerings in the community.”
Other nominees:
- Shawna Bennett, The Big Sky Experience
- Patrick Griffith, Blue Moon Bakery
- Caroline Kelter, Bluebird
- Erik Morrison, Love Street Media and Second Season
- Andrew Robin, Peak Creative Designs
- Sam Rickenbaugh, Rocky Mountain Toy Company
- Janet and Brandon Tran, Big Sky Noodles, and Scoops
Leader in Sustainability: Lizzie Peyton
Ruthi Solari presented a new award for Leader in Sustainability, for a person or business who worked to preserve Big Sky’s environment.
It went to Lizzie Peyton, director of community sustainability for Big Sky SNO.
“Lizzie doesn’t just lead by example,” Solari said. “She leads with passion and charisma, and she makes Big Sky a more sustainable place to live and work, every single day.”
Peyton is driven by her vision that Big Sky will not only be recognized for world-class skiing, but for world-class environmental stewardship, Solari said. Among her accomplishments, Peyton has worked on a carpool incentive program, waste mitigation projects, and mentored students to apply for a federal grant, which earned the Big Sky School District $345,000 for an electric school bus.
“The list goes on and on, and Lizzie is just getting started,” Solari said.
Other nominees:
- Big Sky County Water and Sewer District
- Big Sky Recycling Center
- Big Sky Resort
- Gallatin River Guides
- Hungry Moose Market and Deli
- Junk in the Trunk
- Max Scheder-Bieschin
- Outlaw Partners
- YES Compost
Spirit of Big Sky: Jenny Muscat
A new award recognized an individual “who has provided ongoing leadership and shaped our community over time,” said Anna Johnson, who presented the award on behalf of Lone Mountain Land Company.
Jenny Muscat, deputy director of the Big Sky Resort Area District, earned the new award.
“Born in raised in Big Sky, Jenny can actually claim to be a Big Sky local,” Johnson quipped. “… She is always behind the scenes making things happen for Resort Tax.”
Since joining in 2019, Muscat has played a key role in modernizing BSRAD’s processes, and managing technology through monthly board and biannual county commission meetings. She also envisioned and executed an “extremely successful” community week for the past two years, Johnson said.
“Jenny is always working to increase transparency, while educating and engaging our community members,” Johnson added.
This award did not include nominees.
The Master of Making it Happen: Al Malinowski
Katie Grice, VP of sales at Big Sky Resort, presented the award for “The Master of Making it Happen,” the individual “who turns visions into victories,” and always sees a path forward—even when it’s not the easy path to take, she explained.
Al Malinowski earned the award, for his efforts leading the Big Sky Post Office, which will be upgraded to federal management this summer.
“We are certainly grateful that he is part of our community,” Grice said. “… For over 20 years, Al and the post office team have been delivering the mail to Big Sky.”
In recent years, when it became evident that Big Sky had outgrown its post office, Malinowski assembled a team to push the United States Postal Service to provide its federal service to the growing community.
“For over four years, Al pushed, and pushed, and we’ve all been a part of these conversations. And Al led the charge, so that here we are tonight, recognizing his hard work, and saying ‘thank you’ to Al and for the efforts for the new post office, which opens next month,” Grice said.
Other nominees:
- Daniel Bierschwale
- Eric Ladd
- Alli Mooradian
- John Haas
- Amy Vance
- John Zirkle
Steve Johnson Nonprofit Person of the Year: Kiernan McCarthy
An existing award had its name amended to honor the late Steve Johnson, who passed in April. Johnson modeled volunteerism for more than two decades since moving to Big Sky.
Daniel Bierschwale, executive director of BSRAD—Johnson spent his final days serving as BSRAD board treasurer—gave a brief speech to honor Johnson.
“Steve fought hard for the people of Big Sky, our natural environment, and our cherished waterways,” Bierschwale said. He listed Johnson’s contributions to numerous volunteer boards and services, and even recited Johnny Cash lyrics and an iconic line from Norman Maclean’s “A River Runs Through It,” in honor of his friend Steve.
The award, much like its namesake, honors an individual who makes significant contributions to the community through nonprofit work.
Kiernan McCarthy, programs manager for Wellness in Action, was recognized for developing WIA’s Community Health Worker program, overseeing the counseling and scholarship programs, managing data and impact reporting, and evaluating programs.
Bierschwale said that in 2023, WIA served over 9% of Big Sky’s population.
“Kiernan hopes to continue to serve the community as long as data shows a need and demand for mental health services,” Bierschwale said. “Kiernan is integral to the success of WIA, and we congratulate her again on this well-deserved award.”
Other nominees:
- Becky Brockie, Big Sky Community Housing Trust
- Brit Diersch, Big Sky OUT
- Kim Hall, Greater Gallatin United Way
- Stephanie Kissell, Morningstar Learning Center
- Whitney Montgomery, Big Sky Community Organization
- Jess Olson, Gallatin River Task Force
- Anna Shipley, Moonlight Community Foundation
Business Person of the Year: Troy ‘Twist’ Thompson
Business Person of the Year was presented by Tallie Lancey, the award’s 2023 winner. The award recognizes someone who elevates Big Sky with their dedication and service to the community, while running a business that sets a high standard—through philanthropy, company culture or development, “they strive to be the best,” Lancey said.
Winner Troy “Twist” Thompson is the owner of four Town Center businesses. Thompson most recently opened Blindside Burger in addition to Blue Buddha Sushi Lounge, Tres Toros Tacos and Tequila and The Drunken Monk.
“Twist and his wife, Jaime, continue to be innovators of eclectic dining establishments that showcase the best of Big Sky with their own unique look and feel,” Lancey said. “But we would be remiss not to mention the culture that has been cultivated at each establishment and their success wouldn’t [be possible] without the buy-in from each of their employees.”
Other nominees:
- Benjamin Axe, The Waypoint
- Cara Blodgett, The Rocks Tasting Room
- Dr. Kaley Burns, Big Sky Natural Health
- Tanner Dunlap, First Tracks Tire Service
- Mandy Hotovy, The Wilson
- Kelly Kern, Hungry Moose Market and Deli
- Paul Makarechian, Lone Mountain Ranch
- Taylor Middleton, Big Sky Resort
Business of the Year: Santosha Wellness Center
Calvin Wescom of Buffalo Restoration presented the award for Business of the Year, awarded not only for success, but for “the company that has risen above the rest” while embodying the spirit of the Big Sky community and exceeding expectations, he said.
Santosha Wellness Center won the award, recognized for providing wellness services to the community for more than 12 years. Wescom recognized owner Callie Stolz Dominick for her role in supporting behavioral health efforts in Big Sky.
“With the growing pains of our community, we need places like Santosha and people like Callie more than ever. We’re so grateful for your dedication and your commitment to wellness,” Wescom said.
Other nominees:
- Ace Hardware
- Alpine Property Management
- Big Sky Build
- Big Sky Thrift
- Montage Big Sky
- The Riverhouse BBQ and Events
- The Rocks Tasting Room
- Surefoot
Chet Huntley Lifetime Achievement Award: David O’Connor
Finally, the Chet Huntley Lifetime Achievement Award was presented by last year’s recipient, Andy Dreisbach.
The award honors an individual who, over time, has led by example and been an advocate for business and the growth of the Big Sky community. The individual steps up to make things better for Big Sky’s future, he explained.
Dreisbach emphasized that Big Sky is home to many longtime leaders who do not receive recognition, beyond the short list of nominees for the annual award.
Recipient David O’Connor received a standing ovation.
O’Connor, now executive director of the Big Sky Community Housing Trust, held prior roles in local business with Buck’s T-4 Lodge beginning in the early 1990s, and the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce.
“Dave has made a profound and lasting impact on our Big Sky community,” Dreisbach said. “He has spearheaded innovative solutions, inspiring community members to collaborate and engage with each other.”
Dreisbach summarized O’Connor’s journey from working to improve tourism at local, state and regional levels, to now dedicating his craft to provide homes for Big Sky’s local workforce.
Friends and colleagues describe O’Connor as “always learning, tenacious, an early adopter and visionary, and just so smart,” Dreisbach said.
Other nominees:
- Greg Megaard, former chief of Big Sky Fire Department
- John Haas
- John Hannahs
