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

2023 awards dinner

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

2024 - Vicky Childres & Beth Johnson, Reset Big Sky
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

2024 - Kiernan McCarthy, Wellness In Action
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

2024 - Twist Thompson, Blindside Burger, Blue Buddha, Drunken Monk, & Tres Toros
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

2024 - Santosha Wellness Center
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)