Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1357477
2020 restrictions prevented the Chamber from hosting our annual awards banquet. The event is an enthusiastic gathering of the Chamber's biggest supporters through the year. Four times a year we award organizations with our quarterly award to honor their recent contributions in the Chamber and community. One time a year, however, we recognize winners in each award category whose Chamber and community participation through the year made significant impacts on both. In lieu of the banquet, we presented our annual award winners in a video produced by Erin Schermele Films that can be viewed on the Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce web page and YouTube channel. We honored each of the following businesses and individuals. Once again, we thank you each of these winners and each category's nominees for their considerable impacts on the Chamber and our community. Chamber Awards Not only is our Medium Business of the Year winner community-minded, but the employees are also actively involved with the Chamber's team and events. Since 1995, Vision Net has provided leading-edge technology solutions to businesses across Montana. Headquartered in Great Falls, they have grown to be Montana's largest independent network. Vision Net's commitment to giving back over the last several years has benefited several organizations in Great Falls. They committed $75,000 to the 2018, 2019, and 2020 Special Olympic Games along with providing paid time off to their employees to volunteer at the events. They also donate time and money to the annual United Way Stuff the Bus campaign. Vision Net remains committed to improving life under the Big Sky. Vision Net says their employees are their best assets. Most of their employees have worked there for decades, solidifying their reputation as a company to grow, learn, and apply knowledge. Our Large Business of the Year winner has been a part of the Great Falls community since 1935, originally as a branch for the company E.J. Gibson. In 1941, David Davidson bought a majority stake in the company, and in 1958, after Ian Davidson joined the company, renamed the company to D.A. Davidson. It has been a pillar in the Great Falls community ever since as a local, full-service investment firm. After more than 85 years and branches across eight states, D.A. Davidson continues to stay true to their Montana roots and values. They donate and contribute to countless organizations in Great Falls including contributions to Great Falls Public Schools STEM building addition at CMR High School and upgrades to the historic Great Falls High School auditorium. The Great Falls community may not understand each of D.A. Davidson seemingly endless contributions, but each member of this community is undeniably better off thanks to the company's generosity. 90 Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce www.greatfallschamber.org Small Business of the Year: Large Business of the Year: Medium Business of the Year: Our Small Business of the Year winner's nominations focused on the company's generosity and dedication to our community. During COVID-19, Double Barrel Coffee House Café provided free bagged lunches, produce, and recovered bakery items on a walk-in bases, no questions asked. Through the summer of 2019, Double Barrel partnered with Alliance for Youth to provide 5,000 meals to vulnerable youth at Chowen Springs Park and served hundreds more youth and families at Riverside Railyard Skate Park barbeques. They continue the partnership by providing a hot meal weekly at the Alliance for Youth – Youth Resource Center. Even more, Double Barrel supports a wide variety of community events and organizations providing thousands of dollars in donations and sponsorships each year. Their contributions seem endless. They have managed to find a beautiful balance in being a successful for-profit company while still extending open arms to those in the community who could use a helping hand. Photo by Erin Schermele Films Photo by Erin Schermele Films Photo provided by Vision Net D A Davidson Company Vision Net Double Barrel Coffee House Café