The Big Sky Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the outstanding nominees for our highly anticipated Annual Black Diamond Awards, taking place on June 12th! This year, we're celebrating the individuals and businesses who embody the spirit of Big Sky, contributing to our vibrant community, fostering innovation, and demonstrating unwavering dedication.

Each of our nominees represents the best of Big Sky, working tirelessly to make our town an even better place to live, work, and visit. We're honored to recognize their hard work, passion, and commitment.

Black Diamond Awards

Let's meet the incredible nominees for this year's Black Diamond Awards!

 

 

Emerging Entrepreneur:

This award recognizes a business person who brought fresh entrepreneurial engagement to the Big Sky business community.

  • Amy & Josh Herran - Moving Mountains:  ​Amy and Josh became the new owners of Moving Mountains just over a year ago, bringing their backgrounds in sports performance to help keep our community strong and healthy.

  • Shane Hammitt & Alison Adams - Wrap Shack: After bouncing around the globe, Shane and Alison chose Montana as their long-term home, and running the Wrap Shack has helped make their dream a reality in Big Sky.

  • Brandon & Janet Tran - Big Sky Noodles & Scoops: This sibling duo has brought beloved family recipes to life with traditional Vietnamese dishes at Big Sky Noodles and sweet treats at Scoops, quickly becoming local favorites.

 

Sustainability Award:

This award celebrates an individual or organization that has shown exceptional dedication to environmental stewardship, implementing sustainable practices, and promoting a greener future for Big Sky.

  • Johnny O’Connor & Adam Rutz - Big Sky Water & Sewer District: Johnny's nearly 30 years of experience and dedication to environmental initiatives, alongside Adam's leadership at the Water Resource Recovery Facility, highlight their focus on sustainability and conservation for the Big Sky community and the Gallatin Watershed.

  • Lindsie Fender - School District: Lindsie's commitment to educating children about the value of food that tastes good, is not processed, and is grown close to home exemplifies her dedication to sustainable practices.

  • Karl Johnson - YES Compost: YES Compost works with businesses and households to divert over 1 million pounds of food scraps annually, turning them into nutrient-rich compost, truly a "trash-to-treasure" enterprise promoting a greener Big Sky.

 

Steve Johnson, Non-Profit Person of the Year:

With nearly 10% of our chamber membership comprising non-profit organizations, this award was created to celebrate an individual who has supported our community through volunteering or working for a non-profit organization.

  • Becky Brockie - Big Sky Community Housing Trust: Becky leads programming and communications at the Big Sky Community Housing Trust, chairs the board for Wellness in Action, and is dedicated to exploring and serving Big Sky country.

  • Amy Vance - Big Sky Bandage: Amy, a nurse practitioner, initiated the Big Sky Bandage program to support local workers and residents with unexpected medical expenses, exemplifying remarkable compassion and initiative.

  • Brit Diersch - Big Sky OUT: In a short time, Brit has helped facilitate joy, inclusion, and connection with community members of all backgrounds through Big Sky OUT, believing in a diverse and strong community.

 

Master of Making it Happen:

This award recognizes an individual who consistently goes above and beyond, demonstrating exceptional initiative, resourcefulness, and a knack for turning visions into reality within the Big Sky community.

  • Justa Adams - Big Sky Skijoring Association: A passionate force in Big Sky, Justa is the founder of the Big Sky Skijoring Association and an active community leader. Her energy, vision, and talent for event organizing help others find their place in our vibrant town.

  • Mariel Butan - Morningstar Learning Center: Mariel is all about helping and connecting people, serving as Executive Director of Morningstar Learning Center, Co-Chair of the Coordinating Council of Big Sky, and on multiple boards. She's a big fan of activities and adventures that bring people together.

  • Daniel Bierschwale - BSRAD: Since 2019, Daniel has led BSRAD, overseeing significant annual resort tax collections that fund essential services and accelerate projects shaping Big Sky’s future. His broad perspective and commitment to shared solutions are invaluable.

 

Business Person of the Year:

This award honors an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and business acumen, making a significant impact on the Big Sky community.

  • Sydney Desmarais - Lone Peak Veterinary Hospital: Sydney's dedication to animal care and her commitment to the well-being of Big Sky's beloved pets have made Lone Peak Veterinary Hospital a cornerstone of our community.

  • Kara & Ben Blodgette - The Rocks: After six years, Kara and Ben continue to serve both locals and visitors with unwavering gratitude and dedication. Their commitment to community service truly reflects the spirit of Big Sky.

  • Todd Rossier - Two Bear Construction: Todd's leadership at Two Bear Construction showcases a commitment to quality craftsmanship and contributing to the growth and development of our built environment.

 

Business of the Year:

This award honors a business that has demonstrated overall excellence, outstanding growth, exceptional customer service, and a positive impact on the Big Sky community.

  • Rob McRae & Todd Thesing - Highline Partners: Rob and Todd lead Highline Partners, building exceptional custom mountain homes with a focus on craftsmanship and a thriving, values-based company culture rooted in community and the outdoors.

  • Erica Perlman - Big Sky Eyes: Dr. Erica Perlman founded Big Sky Eyes in 2019, bringing exceptional eye care to the Big Sky community she calls home, demonstrating a commitment to local well-being.

  • John & Pam Flach - BYWOM: John and Pam have created a "bywom" community over the last 30 years, showcasing their enduring dedication to fostering connection and support.

 

Chet Huntley Lifetime Achievement

This prestigious award celebrates an individual who has made profound and lasting contributions to the Big Sky community over many years, leaving an indelible mark on its development and spirit.

  • Doug & JoDean Bing - Blue Ribbon Builders: Doug, founder of Blue Ribbon Builders alongside his wife JoDean, has been a dedicated leader in Big Sky since 1974, exemplifying community, craftsmanship, and leadership for over five decades.

  • Lynne Anderson - The Country Market: For 24 years, Lynne has been a beloved grocer at The Country Market, finding joy and happiness in serving her community and customers, demonstrating a deep love for Big Sky.

  • John Seelye - Big Sky Build: John relocated to Big Sky in 1996 and achieved his goal of founding Big Sky Build in 1997, making a significant contribution to the construction landscape of our mountain community.

 

 

There are still a small number of seats and sponsorships available for this event.  Email megan@bigskychamber.com to save your spot! 

We can't wait to celebrate with everyone on June 12th at Riverhouse BBQ. We look forward to an evening of community and much-deserved recognition. Stay tuned, as we'll release our 2025 winners shortly after the event!