Ronan Chamber names Buhr 'Citizen of the Year'
JAMIE BUHR, left, accepts the Ronan Chamber of Commerce 2019 Citizen of the Year award from chamber manager Brian Bergquist during the April 3 awards ceremony at Ninepipes Lodge. (Carolyn Hidy/Lake County Leader)
DYLAN KRAMER of Ronan High School received Teacher of the Year kudos from Ronan Chamber member Lacy Cates. Casey Lunceford (not pictured) was also honored as Teacher of the Year.
BRENNIN GRAINEY receives one of the two Volunteer of the Year awards from Ronan Chamber member Lacy Cates.
BRANDY CHISHOLM receives one of the two Volunteer of the Year awards from Ronan Chamber member Lacy Cates.
CASEY LUNCEFORD was one of two Teacher of the Year award winners.
RONAN BOARD member Heather Gray receives the Ambassador of the Year award from Chamber Manager Brian Burgquist.
Valley Bank of Ronan, noted for the volunteerism of its employees, was recognized as Business of the Year by the Ronan Chamber of Commerce. Pictured, from left, are Kim Snyder, Jaime Buhr, and Cathy Marmon of Valley Bank, and Chamber Manager Brian Burgquist.
Ronan Chamber of Commerce honored citizens for their service in the Ronan community at their April 4 luncheon meeting at Ninepipes Lodge.
Two people were chosen as Volunteer of the Year. Brandy Chisholm of Access Montana was noted for her continued community service after stepping down from the Chamber board. “We see her at every community event and are so fortunate to have her,” said Lacy Cates, Chamber board member. The second recipient, Brennin Grainey, helps organize the annual Thanksgiving and Ag Appreciation Dinners, and “volunteers literally everywhere.”
Teacher of the Year also had two winners, both teachers at Ronan High School. Casey Lunceford, the new Vo Ag teacher, was thanked for moving the FFA and 4-H groups forward and helping with the arch reconstruction project. History and Social Studies teacher and wrestling coach Dylan Kramer was cited as “a dedicated teacher and coach” that “not only shows his passion for his content area, he teaches about life.”
Ambassador of the Year, Heather Gray, a Chamber board member, was honored for being a bridge between the community, the school and the Chamber.
Valley Bank was awarded Business of the Year. This honor is presented to a local Chamber business that “shows growth to revenue and creation of jobs, has innovative products and services, encourages volunteerism in its employees, and demonstrates economic support of the Ronan area business community,” said Chamber manager Brian Bergquist, presenting the award. “This small-town business has a giant heart.”
Valley Bank President Jamie Buhr was honored as Citizen of the Year. Buhr was recognized for being involved in, and donating to, many community events. “Jamie has a vision for Ronan and wants to see it continue to flourish and grow in a positive manner. He dedicates many hours to making Ronan a better place for businesses, schools, adults and children,” said Bergquist. Buhr was not available for later comment as he is on a well-earned vacation.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Photos of the other chamber award winners will be posted with this story on the Lake County Leader website.