Dear Big Sky Business Community,
As we close out another remarkable year in Big Sky, I want to take a moment, on behalf of the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce and Visit Big Sky, to reflect on our work together and to express sincere gratitude to the business community that makes this place thrive.
This year underscored what we already know to be true: Big Sky succeeds because of engaged, forward-thinking business leaders who care deeply about this community. Your investment of time, resources, and leadership continues to shape a resilient and vibrant local economy.
One highlight of 2025 was our Leadership Big Sky program, which welcomed its largest cohort yet with 31 participants committed to learning, serving, and leading in our community. This cohort represents the next generation of Big Sky leadership with business owners, managers, and professionals who are stepping up with curiosity, collaboration, and a shared sense of responsibility for Big Sky’s future. The Chamber is proud to steward this program and help cultivate informed, connected leaders who will guide our community in the years ahead.
Advocacy also remained a core focus in 2025. The Chamber continued to actively represent Big Sky’s interests at the Montana State Legislature in collaboration with Big Sky Resort Area District, ensuring our community’s voice is heard on issues that directly impact our businesses, workforce, and quality of life. From infrastructure and housing to tourism policy and funding mechanisms, we worked to elevate Big Sky’s unique needs and its outsized economic contribution to the state.
That contribution is significant. Big Sky remains the largest collector of the statewide lodging tax, a distinction that speaks to the strength of our tourism economy and the professionalism of our lodging and hospitality partners. These dollars do more than support Big Sky; they help fuel tourism promotion and economic vitality across all of Montana, reinforcing Big Sky’s role as a major economic engine for the state.
Beyond our advocacy and leadership work, we’ve been busy creating more ways for you to connect. We recently shifted from quarterly to Monthly Member Meetups, giving our community more frequent opportunities to build relationships with both new and established businesses. Plus, our Brunch & Learn series remains a favorite. These free, 90-minute sessions are a perfect way to gain fresh insights while you grow your professional network.
None of this work happens without a dedicated team. I am incredibly proud of our Chamber and VBS staff and our two boards of directors, whose commitment, responsiveness, and professionalism remain focused on one priority: supporting your business. As we head into the new year, our team stands ready to assist, advocate, connect, and provide resources that help you succeed in an ever-changing business environment.
Thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your belief in what Big Sky can be. It is an honor to serve this business community.
Wishing you and your families a happy and healthy holiday season—and of course, we’ll all be praying for snow as we head into winter.
All the best,
Brad Niva
CEO of the Big Sky Chamber and Visit Big Sky
