Ronan Chamber of Commerce
www.ronanchamber.com
Setting beneath the majestic Mission Mountains in Western Montana, Ronan has been a center for agriculture since 1910. In the middle of the Flathead Reservation, the community is one of grand natural wonder, a gateway for outdoor adventure along the magnificent pathway to Glacier National Park. Nearby, one can explore amazing forest trails, discover the joy of river rafting, or experience the magic of the pristine waters of Flathead Lake.
Bridging the gap between community improvement and economic development, the Ronan Chamber of Commerce leads the way in promoting a healthy, safe, connected, and friendly place; where families thrive and businesses enjoy economic success. A signature program for the Ronan Chamber is the operation of the Visitors Center. As a venue for information sharing, enhancing tourism, and raising the community profile, facility management involves staff and volunteers to maintain operations during the summer.
Over the last few years, a key focus for the group has been the Ronan Revitalization Project. Under this initiative, the Ronan Chamber was the recipient of a Main Street grant and other awards to support store front improvements, the installation of bike racks, and creation of an economic development plan. Another component of the revitalization is ongoing support for year round beautification efforts with seasonal displays, flower baskets, and maintenance of a welcoming arch.
Chamber members also offer services and support to local youth programs, such as partnering with the Ronan Schools for the Community Spotlight Days, helping students to be more informed about technology, workforce demands, and essential 21st century skills, as they prepare for the future. Annually, the Ronan Chamber hosts a variety of community events that encourage social engagement, while recognizing the cultural components, local specialties, and hardworking entrepreneurs who define life in this rural destination. Each spring, the group brings together a variety of partners to collaborate on the Annual Agricultural Appreciation Dinner. For more than 40 years, this gathering of more than 200 has been a time for good food, great conversation, and camaraderie. It is a chance to honor those who have dedicated their life to working the land and providing quality products across the region
Other annual activities the Ronan Chamber helps facilitate include: the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Ronan-Mission Valley Chainsaw Carving Rendezvous, Pioneer Days, Crabfest, Ranch Days, the Lake County Fair, Harvest Festival, Lights Under the Big Sky, the Ronan Farmer’s Market, the Holiday Treasures Promotion, and a Clean Up Day. All of these programs involve significant teamwork between business, government, non-profits, education, and volunteers. Combined, the activities have helped build a strong community identity; where neighbors help one another, families feel safe, and everyone is able to enjoy a better quality of life.
In shepherding these programs, the Ronan Chamber of Commerce has developed a system in which revenues generated go back into the community through a self-sustaining model, enabling them to continue offering interesting, meaningful, and family friendly social connections year round. Funds generated by Chamber sponsored activities support costs associated with the Visitor Center, hosting community programs, beautification, youth activities, and revitalization.
Carrying on this tradition of promoting a robust community, the Ronan Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to introduce the first Ronan Brewfest, as part of its Solstice Festival. Adding this shindig to its programming menu will allow the Ronan Chamber to expand its efforts in fostering a dynamic community, responsive to changing societal needs, while treasuring the history which makes it a place like no other.
