BLACK DIAMOND AWARDS

Each year in mid-June, the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce gathers our membership and the Big Sky Business Community to celebrate another year of partnership and economic vitality in our community through an evening of networking, speakers, and awards. These awards honor standouts that exemplify outstanding success and service to our community in the following categories.

Download the PDF Version of the Agenda

2024 BLACK DIAMOND AWARDS Dinner Information

5:00PM - Networking Reception

Yellowstone Conference Center Ballroom, Huntley Lodge, Big Sky Resort

Please join us at Peak Chop House 5-6PM for our Networking Reception Sponsored by Revitalized Restoration. You will check in at Peaks and receive your table number and two (2) drink tickets per guest thanks for Ace Hardware and Natural Retreats!

6:00PM - Annual Awards Dinner

Yellowstone Conference Center Ballroom, Huntley Lodge, Big Sky Resort

Make your way across the pavilion to the Yellowstone Conference Center for the Annual Dinner. If you were unable to check in at the Networking Reception you can do so here.

7:15 PM - Annual Awards Kick-off

Emerging Entrepreneur

Presented by: Emily Burke, Big Sky Thrift

2024 Nominees

Andrew Robin, Peak Creative DesignsCaroline Kelter, Bluebird
Erik Morrison, Love Street Media and Second Season
Janet and Brandon Tran, Big Sky Noodles/Scoops
Patrick Griffith, Blue Moon Bakery
Sam Rickenbaugh, Rocky Mountain Toy Company
Shawna Bennett, The Big Sky Experience
Vicky Childres and Beth Johnson, Reset Big Sky

Leader in Sustainability

Presented by: Ruthi Solari, Yellowstone Club Community Foundation

2024 Nominees

Big Sky Recycling Center
Big Sky Resort
Gallatin River Guides
Hungry Moose
Junk In The Trunk
Lizzie Peyton, Big Sky Sno
Max Scheder-Bieschin
Outlaw Partners
Big Sky Water & Sewer
YES Compost

Spirit of Big Sky

Presented by: Anna Johnson, Lone Mountain Land Company

The Master of Making it Happen

Presented by: Katie Grice, Big Sky Resort

2024 Nominees

Al Malinowski
Alli Mooradian
Amy Vance
Danny Bierschwale
Eric Ladd
John Haas
John Zirkle

Nonprofit Person of the Year

Presented by: Sarah Gaither, Community Food Bank

2024 Nominees

Jess Olson, Gallatin River Task Force
Anna Shipley, Moonlight Community Foundation
Becky Brockie, The Big Sky Housing Trust
Brit Diersch, Big Sky Out
Kiernan McCarthy, Wellness In Action
Kim Hall, Greater Gallatin United Way
Stephanie Kissell, Morning Star Learning Center
Whitney Montgomery, Big Sky Community Organization

Business Person of the Year

Presented by: Tallie Lancey, Big Sky Sotheby’s

2024 Nominees

Benjamin Axe, The Waypoint
Cara Blodgett, The Rocks
Dr. Kaley Burns, Big Sky Natural Health
Kelly Kern, The Hungry Moose
Mandy Hotovy, The Wilson
Paul Makarechian, Lone Mountain Ranch
Tanner Dunlap, First Tracks Tire
Taylor Middleton, Big Sky Resort
Twist Thompson, Blindside Burger, Blue Buddha, Drunken Monk, Tres Toros

Business of the Year

Presented by: Calvin Wescom, Buffalo Restoration

2024 Nominees

Ace Hardware
Big Sky Build
Big Sky Thrift
Surefoot
Montage Big Sky
The Riverhouse
The Rocks Tasting Room
Santosha Wellness Center
Alpine Property Management

Chet Huntley Lifetime Achievement

Presented by: Andy Dreisbach, Cornerstone Management Services

2024 Nominees

Chief Greg Megaard
David O’Connor
John Haas
John Hannas

8:30PM - Closing Remarks

Awards and Previous Recipients

Emerging Entrepreneur

This award was created to honor the business person who has brought fresh entrepreneurial engagement to the Big Sky Business Community.

Previous Emerging Entrepreneur Award Winners

2023 - Emily Burke, Big Sky Thrift
2022 - Christine Lugo-Yergensen, Sweet Buns Bakery
2021 - Bill Frye, Encore Electric
2019 - Ben & Kara Blodgett, The Rocks Tasting Room
2018 - Sydney Desmarais, Lone Peak Veterinary Hospital
2013 - Ousel and Spur Pizza

Non-profit Business Person of the Year

With nearly 10% of our chamber membership being a non-profit organization, this award was created to celebrate an individual that has achieved success for our community in this capacity.

Previous Non-profit Business Person of the Year Award Winners

2023 - Sarah Gaither Bivins, Big Sky Community Food Bank
2022 - Laura Seyfang, Big Sky Community Housing Trust
2021 - Daniel Bierschwale, Big Sky Resort Area District
2019 - Ciara Wolfe, BSCO
2018 - Jennifer O’Connor, Wellness in Action
2011 - Arts Council of Big Sky
2010 - Big Sky Community Corporation
2009 - Big Sky LIFT
2008 - Women in Action
2007 - Friends of Big Sky Education (high school)
2006 - Big Sky Rotary Club
2005 - Big Sky Volunteer Firefighters
2004 - Ophir School Council
2003 - Big Brothers Big Sisters

Business Person of the Year

This award honors an individual who helps elevate Big Sky with their service to our community.

Previous Business Person of the Year Award Winners

2023 - Tallie Lancey, Big Sky Sotheby’s International Realty
2022 - Christine Anderson, Big Sky Post Office
2021 - Kevin Germain, Moonlight Basin
2019 - Tim Kent, First Security Bank
2018 - David Klak, Big Sky Transportation District/WTI
2017 - Dale & Gale Palmer
2016 - John Seelye, Big Sky Build
2015 - Marla Ganoom, American Bank
2014 - Lynne Anderson, Country Market

Business of the Year

This award honors the business that best exemplifies success in our community this past year.

Previous Business of the Year Award Winners

2023 - First Tracks Tire Services
2022 - Bozeman Health Big Sky Medical Center
2021 - Outlaw Partners
2019 - Big Sky Town Center, Simkins Family
2018 - Winchester Holding / Western Mountains Investments (Michael Schreiner and the Corner Property)
2017 - ACE Hardware
2016 - The Hungry Moose Market & Deli
2015 - Skyline Bus - Link to the Peak
2014 - Gallatin Riverhouse BBQ & Events
2012 - Lone Peak Cinema
2011 - The Outlaw Partners
2010 - Big Sky Resort
2009 - 3 Rivers Communications
2008 - Lone Peak Brewery
2007 - Big Sky Western Bank
2006 - The Wrap Shack
2005 - The Corral
2004 - Moonlight Basin
2003 - Big Sky Conoco

Chet Huntley Lifetime Achievement Award

This award honors an individual who has, over a period of time, provided leadership to our community. (The nominee must be a living resident of our community and may not be a sitting member of the Big Sky Chamber's Board or an employee of the Chamber)

2023 - Andy Dreisbach, Cornerstone Management Services
2022 - Ron Edwards, Big Sky Water & Sewer
2021 - Dave & Kathy House, Corral Bar and Big Sky Community Library
2019 - Loren Bough
2018 - Glenniss Indreland, Big Sky Resort
2017 - Jerry Scott
2016 - Dr. Jeff Daniels, Medical Clinic of Big Sky
2015 - Taylor Middleton, Big Sky Resort
2014 - Mike Scholz, Buck’s T4
2012 - Marne Hayes, Big Sky Chamber of Commerce

Sustainability Award

NEW 2024!!

This award honors an individual or business who pushes the boundaries of sustainable action.

The Master of Making it Happen

NEW 2024

This award celebrate an individuals who transforms ambition into reality, and turns visions into victories.

Every year, the date and location of our event change so keep an eye on our calendar for the exact details!

Award winners from the 25th Annual Black Diamond Awards.

Events Calendar

Search the events calendar for what's happening in Big Sky.

BLACK DIAMOND AWARDS

2024 BLACK DIAMOND AWARDS Dinner Information

5:00PM - Networking Reception

6:00PM - Annual Awards Dinner

7:15 PM - Annual Awards Kick-off

Emerging Entrepreneur

Presented by: Emily Burke, Big Sky Thrift

Leader in Sustainability

2024 Nominees

Spirit of Big Sky

Nonprofit Person of the Year

Presented by: Sarah Gaither, Community Food Bank

Business Person of the Year

Presented by: Tallie Lancey, Big Sky Sotheby’s

Business of the Year

Presented by: Calvin Wescom, Buffalo Restoration

Chet Huntley Lifetime Achievement

Presented by: Andy Dreisbach, Cornerstone Management Services

8:30PM - Closing Remarks

Awards and Previous Recipients

Previous Emerging Entrepreneur Award Winners

Previous Non-profit Business Person of the Year Award Winners​

Previous Business Person of the Year Award Winners​​

Previous Business of the Year Award Winners

NEW 2024!!

The Master of Making it Happen

NEW 2024

Every year, the date and location of our event change so keep an eye on our calendar for the exact details!

Award winners from the 25th Annual Black Diamond Awards.

Previous Non-profit Business Person of the Year Award Winners

Previous Business Person of the Year Award Winners