L. Pete Larson helped expand one of the Flathead Valley’s core industries and was a leader for many of its vital organizations as a businessman and philanthropist.
In other words, he embodied the Great Chief Award.
The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce bestowed its oldest and most prestigious honor on Larson at last week’s annual banquet at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kalispell.
“What makes Pete a Great Chief is his leadership profile, his generosity and community spirit,” the person who nominated Larson for the honor stated. “He has a caring benevolent approach to helping people who are less-fortunate. Pete’s lifelong passion for community service, volunteerism and business success are unwavering and unmatched.”
Larson is a home-grown success story from both a business and philanthropic standpoint. He and his family owned American Timber Company, which was founded in 1928 by Laron’s grandfather, Hans, and closed in 2000. The family also ran L. Peter Larson and Company, Glacier Gold Compost and American Stud Company, providing stalwart businesses for the valley’s timber industry, similar to American Timber Co. Larson served on the boards of Glacier Bank, Semitool, Kalispell Regional Medical Center, Lighthouse Christian Home, Youth with a Mission, Immanuel Lutheran Home, and others.
Larson’s great honor was one of many highlights during the Nov. 12 event. The banquet raised $16,000 for the chamber’s Here and Now Initiative, and $100,000 was raised for Kidsports Complex, which is preparing to expand its widely popular youth sports campus.
The chamber also handed out its annual top honors for community members.
Member of the Year – Lori Alsbury, Kalispell Regional Healthcare
The Member of the Year Award goes to the general member who goes above and beyond in their service to the goals of the Chamber. Alsbury is a long-time chair of the Education and Communications Committee, responsible for the education and workforce public policy work and luncheon programs. She is also dedicated volunteer for all of the Kalispell Convention and Visitors Bureau projects, including the Montana Pond Hockey Classic, the Montana Dragon Boat Festival and Spartan Race.
Chairman of the Year – Mark Lalum, CHS, Agribusiness Committee
Mark Lalum is the general manager of CHS and the chairman of the Agribusiness Committee. The committee set a new high mark for the 4H and FFA Livestock Auction with sales of $364,000. He has chaired the committee for over 10 years.
Chairman of the Year – Jason Manger, Applied Materials, Manufacturers Alliance
Jason Manger is the production manager of Applied Materials and the chairman of the Manufacturers Alliance. This year the Alliance had over 750 members of the community participate in one of the Manufacturing Day events around the Flathead and helped pass HB 156, which revised the tax on pollution control equipment.
Businessman of the Year – Jim Peterson, Valley Ford
Peterson is the owner of Valley Ford. Since opening the business in 2011, Peterson and the business have given $130,000 to area schools, FVCC, Rotary, Shepherds Hand Dental Clinic and others through the Ford Drive program. Peterson also serves on the Kalispell Chamber Board, Flathead Valley 4H Foundation, and other community leadership positions.
Businesswoman of the Year – Susan Pirrie Munsinger, Western Outdoor
Munsinger is an owner of Western Outdoor in Kalispell. She is a strong supporter of downtown Kalispell, 4H and FFA Livestock Auction and has served on the Flathead County Fair Board and as the chairman of the board for the Montana Chamber of Commerce.