Happy Friday, Beacon readers! Lauren Frick here, and although I’m sitting within the four air-conditioned walls of Beacon HQ as I write this newsletter, I’m still soaking up as much of the sunshine as I can before things take a turn for the rainy and gloomy this weekend (read more on that below).
I may even duck out a bit early (Editor-in-Chief Kellyn Brown approved, of course) to catch some rays with my parents, who are visiting for the first time from Ohio — hi mom and dad! With the obligatory Glacier National Park visit already crossed off the list (and a trip to Whitefish Lake, sans Lauren), I think we’ll enjoy the beautiful afternoon by wandering around Whitefish’s downtown, which will be under a new watchful eye this summer.
The Whitefish Chamber of Commerce this week announced that veteran chamber professional and businesswoman Katherine Archibald has been named as its next Executive Director, replacing longtime director Kevin Gartland, who will retire July 5.
Archibald was chosen from a field of more than 50 applicants from across the country, impressing the search committee with her experience in the chamber business, her familiarity with Whitefish and the Flathead Valley and her desire to “truly make a difference,” the chamber said in its May 28 press release.
“We chose Katherine over the other candidates because she lives and breathes chamber of commerce culture and values,” Tony Veseth, a chamber board member and chairman of the search committee, said in the press release. “She has solid ties to Montana and a great understanding of the needs of the Whitefish business community. By respecting the past and embracing the future, Katherine is poised to lead for many years.”
Archibald’s professional background spans the corporate, nonprofit and education sectors, highlighted by six years of experience in the chamber industry — first at the Lethbridge Chamber in southern Alberta and later as Business Development Director of the Great Falls Chamber.
She has also owned her own small business — a communications and marketing firm based in Great Falls — and worked with a number of Montana companies to improve their business strategies and marketing efforts, the chamber said.
“I have a deep passion for chamber work, community building and helping entrepreneurs succeed,” Archibald said in the press release. “Successful businesses are built through practical skills, mentorship, collaboration and community, all of which are at the very foundation of a chamber of commerce.
Archibald’s first day on the job will be June 1, and she’ll work alongside Gartland until his retirement in early July.
“I am honored to have a chance to step-in and serve the Whitefish community,” Archibald said. “I know I have big shoes to fill, so the first several months will be a period of listening and learning, as I work to understand the community more deeply and intentionally.”
“Whitefish has a unique and contagious energy,” she added. “I’m excited to get out into the community and to work closely with our members, our board and community leaders to understand the needs of Whitefish, support business growth and strengthen our local economy.”
That’s all I’ve got for you on this final Friday of May. Here’s the rest of the Daily Roundup.
Mental Health Nonprofit Reduces Barriers with Therapy Scholarships
Community-MindEd provides financial assistance for 10 therapy sessions as board members continue their mission to expand mental healthcare access in northwest Montana
Flathead Valley City Planners Give State Legislators Progress Report on Housing and Zoning Reform
With the first phase of the 2023 legislation to boost Montana's housing supply coming to a close, cities bound by MLUPA outlined the pros and cons of the multi-year process
Heavy rains totaling up to 3 inches by early next week in the Northern Rockies could cause minor flooding in urban and flood-prone areas with more precipitation expected along the Continental Divide
Legendary multi-Grammy nominee and wetlands activist Tab Benoit brings his high-energy Soul of the Swamp Tour 2026 to stages across America. Critics have often described Benoit’s voice as “Otis Redding-ish,” while his guitar playing is celebrated for its originality and distinctive style. In 2024, he made a triumphant return with his first recording in 13 years, I Hear Thunder, signaling that his best work is yet to come. On the Soul of the Swamp Tour, Tab will take you on a musical journey, performing songs from his vast catalog and digging deep into the rich tones and storytelling lyrics that have made him an admired figure in the music world.
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