Page 10 - Flathead Beacon // 11.19.14

10 | NOVEMBR 19, 2014 NEWS FLATHEADBEACON.COM Larsons Recognized for Lifetime
Facts
FIGURES
Numbers in the news
-33
Wind chill temperature in Butte last week.
-3
Record low temperature in Kalispell on Nov. 14, tying the old mark set in 1955.
865
Roadkill salvage permits issued in Montana in the last year, including 704 deer permits, 123 elk and 33 moose.
135
Roadkill salvage permits issued in Flathead County, the most of any other county.
114th
Number of times the Montana Grizzlies and Montana State Bobcats have played in football following this weekend’s “Brawl of the Wild.”
Duane and Bev Larson earn Kalispell’s oldest and most prestigious honor, the Great Chief Award
By DILLON TABISH of the Beacon
Few couples have devoted themselves to serving a community quite like Duane and Bev Larson in Kalispell.
For nearly 60 years, the husband-and- wife duo has helped shape the community through constant public service and vol- unteer efforts.
Their lasting legacy was recognized at the 110th Chamber of Commerce Banquet at the Hilton Garden Inn on Nov. 14.
The Larsons received the 43rd Great Chief Award, the city’s oldest and most prestigious honor, which annually recog- nizes someone whose civic and volunteer spirit shaped a legacy for the community.
“We’re overwhelmed and so thank- ful to all of you and thankful for a won- derful community, and our family and all of my friends. Thank you so much,” Bev said after receiving the honor with Duane last week.
Duane served as Kalispell’s fire chief and worked in the department for 22 years. He also served on the Kalispell City Council for 24 years. Since moving here in his late teens, Larson has served on nu- merous boards such as Northwest Mon- tana Historical Society, Park Side Federal Credit Union, Montana League of Cities and Towns and City County Health De- partment. Bev has also served on several nonprofit boards including Samaritan House, Flathead Food Bank, United Way and Neighbors in Need.
“Bev and Duane leave a legacy for the citizens of Kalispell that is unmatched. They are two of the most generous indi- viduals this community has ever seen,” the person who nominated the Larsons wrote in their nomination letter.
Bev and Duane Larson. COURTESY PHOTO
The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce
celebrated its 110th year of community and business enterprise with the theme “Taking Care of Business.” The event drew a crowd of more than 400 people. Proceeds from the event were dedicated to the Chamber’s initiatives and priori- ties, including supporting improved air service, completing the U.S. Highway 93 Alternate Route, furnishing a strong downtown and high-tech business devel- opment, and supporting a strong manu- facturing sector.
The event also recognized the best businessman and woman, and chamber member:
BUSINESSMAN OF THE YEAR: MARK BLASDEL
Blasdel owns Vista Linda Restaurant and Catering. He is a graduate of Flathead High School and Flathead Valley Com- munity College. A nominator said, “He is known for the countless gift certificates that they give out and discount food prices
the give for charity events.”
BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR: KAREN CRAMER
Cramer owns Beckman’s Fine Fur- nishings in downtown Kalispell and now in Whitefish. She is also on the board of directors of the Kalispell Downtown Business Improvement District. Cramer brings enthusiasm and professionalism to all of her endeavors in a way that inspires everyone she works with, according to the person who nominated her.
MEMBER OF THE YEAR: DORIN- DA GREY, INSURED TITLES
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. Grey, the business development officer for Insured Titles, chaired two of the most active and complex committees of the chamber: the Ambassadors and Leadership Flathead.
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