Conference Speakers
C.E. "Abe" Abramson | C.E. Abramson/REALTOR (Missoula, MT)
Abe Abramson has been a real estate agent in Montana since 1975, and a broker since 1978. He received his B.A. from the University of Florida. He is a charter member of the Real Estate Educators Association and has taught "Real Estate Valuation & Investment" at the University of Montana's School of Business Administration. He is also a member of the Montana Board of Realty Regulation and a member of the Timeshares Taskforce with the international Association of R.E. License Law Officials.
Denise Andres | ERA Landmark Commercial Real Estate (Bozeman, MT)
Recognized as an expert in the marketing of luxury homes, Denise Andres is a leading associate in Bozeman's real estate market. Denise began her real estate career in 1997. In 2007 Denise ranked in the top 20 of 25,000 ERA agents worldwide. In 2001, Denise was awarded the Gallatin Association of REALTORS’ Salesperson of the Year. She's also a member of the Historic Real Estate Program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Thor Arnold | zimtor architecture (Bozeman, MT)
Thor Arnold is a principal architect with zimtor architecture in Bozeman. He is known for building healthy, efficient, low-maintenance structures that are site sensitive and climate specific. He started his professional career with Jonathan L. Foote, Architect, in Livingston before he launched Thor Design 1996, an interdisciplinary design-build firm specializing in custom residential projects. In 2006, Thor founded zimtor architecture, in partnership with architect Gary Zimmer. Thor is also a director of TMP Resources, a development company in Rossland, British Columbia. Thor is licensed to practice architecture in Montana, Colorado and British Columbia. With a passion for wilderness, mountain communities and culture, his work can be found throughout the intermountain west.
Perry Ashby | Wesmont Builders, Inc (Missoula, MT)
Perry Ashby, who has been in the building and real estate industries for over 20 years, created Wesmont Builder and Developers in 1994 in Missoula. Perry combines his vision, practical building experience and eye for design to create traditional neighborhoods — those that are reminiscent of the past and incorporate tree-lined streets and neighborhood parks. Hundreds of families live in Wesmont-developed communities. In 1998 he was honored as Montana State Builder of the year. He was Missoula Building Industry's Builder of the Year in 1999. He is a member of Missoula's 'Mayors Affordable Housing Team'.
Collin Bangs | Coldwell Banker Steinbrenner Real Estate (Missoula, MT)
Collin Bangs has been active in the real estate business in Missoula for more than 30 years. His business is concentrated on developing new housing. Collin and his partner David Edgell, of Edgell Homes, have completed many successful new housing projects, focusing on the affordable portion of the market.
Heather Burdette | Yellowstone Business Partnership (Cooke City, MT)
Heather Burdette, a lifelong Montana resident, was hired by the Yellowstone Business Partnership this February to manage its sustainability programs. Heather earned a forestry degree at the University of Montana, studied solar home design in California and earneda master's degree from UM in environmental studies, alternative energy and sustainable building. Heather is also a licensed private pilot and is accredited by LEEDs. She and her family live in remote Silver Gate, Montana, near the northeastern corner of Yellowstone National Park, where they own an art gallery and gift shop.
Bruce Burger | Foley Group, LLC (Billings, MT)
Bruce Burger is a project manager with Foley Group, a firm providing specialized expertise in resource-based land planning, design, real estate research and development consulting. His background includes experience working with a variety of rural landowners and conservation development projects. He has managed feasibility review, planning, marketing and sales, and other general management activities for projects incorporating protective development strategies for ranches and rural lands in transition. This work has included acquisition due diligence, concept development, demand assessment, programming and yield analysis, and marketing and sales program management. Prior to his consulting and conservation development experience, Bruce held positions in commercial banking and mortgage lending. He also maintains an active Montana real estate license.
JoAnn Butler | Spink Butler, LLP (Boise, ID)
JoAnn C. Butler concentrates her legal practice in the areas of land use, real estate and commercial law. She guides developers and local governments to through planning, annexation, zoning and development of commercial, industrial and residential developments. She has helped cities implement impact fees. Butler has written several articles, taught at Boise State University and spoken often on real estate, planning and zoning topics. She is a member the Idaho State Bar, Oregon State Bar, American and Idaho Planning Associations and the Urban Land Institute.
Bridget Cavanaugh | O'Berry Cavanaugh (Bozeman, MT)
Bridget Cavanaugh is founding partner of O'Berry Cavanaugh, a Bozeman-based brand marketing agency that provides national and regional clients with marketing strategy and innovative solutions to traditional advertising, direct mail, media-buying and public relations. Bridget is a creative problem solver, innovator and marketing catalyst whose clients rely on her team’s insight and superior execution and results. She draws from her public relations background to build brands in a more authentic, conversational style. A partial listing of OC clients includes Clarisonic, Sotheby’s, Sun West Ranch, Yellowstone Preserve and Western Transportation Institute. OC has been a proud sponsor of New West’s REDNR conference since it launched in October 2006.
Lori Davidson, Missoula Housing Authority (Missoula, MT)
Lori Davidson has worked for the Missoula Housing Authority for the past 13 years as finance officer, deputy director and, currently, as interim executive director. The Housing Authority is recognized regionally a progressive, forward thinking agency at the forefront of public housing policy. During her tenure, the Housing Authority has increased the number of low income housing subsidies and units available to the Missoula community from 625 to 1,188 using a wide range of funding mechanisms.
Tom Donnelly | Flathead Beacon (Kalispell, MT)
Tom Donnelly, publisher of the Flathead Beacon, is a University of Montana graduate with almost two decades of experience working in various roles associated with the publishing industry. Prior to accepting the role of publisher at the Beacon, Tom’s career had encompassed both manufacturing and distribution assignments that have spanned the globe. A devoted father of three boys, Tom and his wife have relocated their base camp of 12 years in Frenchtown to the Flathead Valley.
David Eacret | Real Estate Economics (Sandpoint, ID)
David Eacret, who has a doctorate in economics, has completed over 350 research assignments in applied land use economics in the Puget Sound, Eastern Washington and North Idaho regions and throughout the western United States since 1973. His clients include developers, corporations, private institutions and public agencies. His experience includes: site selection analysis, market feasibility studies, financial feasibility studies, economic impact analysis, economic base studies, highest and best use studies for vacant land and adaptive reuse, urban and recreational revitalization studies, public facilities planning, economic analyses for public bond underwriting, and liaison with land planners, architects and engineers.
Timothy Egan | Author and NY Times Columnist (Seattle, WA)
Timothy Egan worked for 18 years as a writer for The New York Times, first as the Pacific Northwest correspondent, then as a national enterprise reporter. Now, he writes a New York Times opinion column, “Outposts,” which focuses on the West. In 2006, Egan won the National Book Award for his history of people who lived through the Dust Bowl, The Worst Hard Time. In 2001, he won the Pulitzer Prize as part of a team who wrote the series, "How Race Is Lived in America." He has done special projects on the West and the decline of rural America, and he has traveled the entire length of the Lewis and Clark Trail.
Janet Ellis | Montana Audobon (Helena, MT)
Janet Ellis is program director and has lobbied for Montana Audubon since 1983, and was hired to staff its office on a year-round basis when it opened in 1989. Her work focuses on protecting wildlife and wildlife habitat through public policy, with an emphasis on land-use planning, stream setbacks, wind energy and more. She has been the principal author on several land-use planning and wetlands-related publications. Prior to coming to Audubon, Janet worked as a ranger in Yellowstone and Zion national parks. She has received several awards for her work, including the conservationist of the year from the Montana Wildlife Federation, the Montana Environmental Information Center, and Montana Audubon.
Jessica Flynn | Red Sky Public Relations (Boise, ID)
Jessica Flynn is an owner and principal in Red Sky Public Relations based in Boise, Idaho, where she specializes in tourism and the promotion of places, including economic development, destination marketing, and brand enhancement, along with video production and social media strategy. Prior to starting the agency at the start of 2008, she served as the first communications manager for Idaho’s Tamarack Resort where she was responsible for a global public relations effort, which reached a circulation of more than 355 million to promote the $4.1 billion resort. In addition to media relations, her role with Tamarack included providing strategic counsel to senior management for crisis communications, public affairs, and internal communications initiatives.
John Freer | Montana Building Industry Association, Riverworks (Missoula, MT)
John Freer is the president, owner and founder of Riverworks. He is a LEED-accredited professional, founder of the Missoula Green Building Initiative and chair of the Montana State Green Building Program. In addition to nearly 20 years in the building trade, including 10 years building homes in Missoula, John stays educated on cutting edge building techniques, industry trends and best practices. He speaks often about his expertise and practical experience in implementing best practices in green building.
Jim Hagenbarth | Hagenbarth Livestock (Dillon, MT)
Jim Hagenbarth was born and raised in southwestern Montana and earned a business degree from the University of Notre Dame. Along with his brother Dave and son John, Jim manages a livestock operation that began in Montana and Idaho in the 1880s. Although the size of the operation and its landscape has changed, the Hagenbarths are dedicated to using livestock to keep grazing resources healthy and sustainable. We firmly believe that the diversity and sustainability of the resource is far more important than individual species.
Charles Hales | HDR Engineering (Portland, OR)
Charles Hales, senior vice president for HDR Engineering, brings an extensive background in integrating regional transit with the urban environment. As Commissioner of Planning and Transportation for the City of Portland, Hales led the planning and implementation of a streetcar circulator system there, as well as major elements of Portland’s light rail system. His transit planning experience also includes rapid bus corridors and citywide bus system planning. Hales’ public administration background also equips him to help HDR's clients implement financing plans for parks, street improvements, transit projects and other community investments.
Hal Harper | Chief Policy Advisor to Governor Brian Schweitzer (Helena, MT)
Hal Harper, serves as both chief policy advisor and legislative liaison to Governor Brian Schweitzer. Harper served nearly 30 years in the Montana House of Representatives as both a Democrat and Republican, was twice elected the House Majority Leader, and also was elected Speaker of the House during that time. Harper was previously a long-time building contractor in Helena, Montana. He graduated from Helena High School, attended Rocky Mountain College and the University of Montana, where he received his bachelor’s degree in philosophy.
Rick Holley | Plum Creek Timber Company (Seattle, WA)
Rick Holley became president and CEO and joined the board of directors of Plum Creek in 1994. Prior to assuming this role, he served as vice president and chief financial officer for the timber giant since 1985. Holley began his career at General Electric in 1974, where he served in a variety of financial management positions. In 1983, he joined Burlington Northern. In addition to serving on Plum Creek's board, Holley serves on several private and nonprofit boards including the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and the Blethen Corporation.
Paul Hubbard | Community Food & Agriculture Coalition (Missoula, MT)
Paul Hubbard survived the suburbs of Houston and wound up on a small farm in Vermont that led him to explore sustainable agriculture and community food systems as a farmhand, student, educator and advocate. Now, Hubbard coordinates the Community Food and Agriculture Coalition's land use programs that aim to bolster local farming and ranching to create an equitable and viable food system. He works with CFAC to conserve agricultural land by advocating for thoughtful planning and policies at the county and municipal levels. He also helps Land Link Montana, one of CFAC's pilot programs, to assist beginning farmers and ranchers get fertile ground through partnerships with landowners.
David Kack | Western Transportation Institute (Bozeman, MT)
David Kack is program manager for the mobility and public transportation research area at the Western Transportation Institute at Montana State University in Bozeman. Kack has a master's in business administration and specializes in transportation coordination, management and planning. At WTI, he worked on several projects to develop and improve rural passenger transportation systems. These days, Kack is chairman of the GALAVAN/Streamline Advisory Board, the coordinator for the Skyline public transportation system in Big Sky and is a member of the TRB Rural Public and Intercity Bus Committee.
Stacy Kendrick | Partners Creative (Missoula, MT)
Originally from Kellogg, Idaho, Stacy Kendrick worked for eight years on the Home Depot and Chik-Fil-A accounts at the Dallas-based Richards Group, the world’s largest independently owned advertising agency. She moved back to raise a family in the Northern Rockies. At Partners, Stacy is a marketing resource clients can turn to for strategic thinking, media expertise and day-to-day marketing and advertising functions. She strives to provide an independent, unbiased point-of-view on marketing and media related issues. She heads up the Farran Group, Community Medical Center, Advanced Imaging, Treasure State Bank and KIBO Group Architecture accounts, works on branding assignments and provides ongoing training and guidance for the firm's account team.
Karen Knudsen | Clark Fork Coalition (Missoula, MT)
Karen Knudsen was hired as director of the Clark Fork Coalition in April, 2007, after serving as the Coalition’s acting director for three months. She has worked with the Coalition for 14 years in a variety of capacities, including business manager, education and outreach coordinator, campaign director, and, most recently, communications director. Karen has also been the Coalition’s point person on growth issues in the basin, working to promote policies that deliver high-quality, river-sensitive growth. Prior to joining the Coalition in 1993, Karen worked as a research associate for a forestry economics research firm in Portland, where she crunched numbers and analyzed economic policy on national forest management issues.
Tobias Madden | Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis (Minneapolis, MN)
Tobias Madden is a regional economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. He writes articles for bank publications and frequently speaks on the district economy. Madden joined the Minneapolis Fed in 1995 as a management analyst in the automated clearing house area. Prior to joining the Fed, Madden worked for five years at TCF Financial Corporation and for five years at Ernst and Young as a senior consultant. He is working toward a doctorate degree in applied economics at the University of Minnesota. Madden is past president of the Minnesota Economic Association and is on the board of the Institute for Financial Economics.
Don MacArthur | MMW Architects (Missoula, MT)
Don is a founding partner of MacArthur, Means and Wells, Architects. His firm seeks to create an architecture that contributes to the community, demonstrates leadership in issues of sustainable design, responds poetically to the particularity of the site and climate, and features direct and inventive use of materials. Don, both AIA and LEED certified, has focused on the architecture and planning of residential projects. His work has been awarded state and national awards for design excellence. He is the past chair of the Missoula Consolidated Planning Board and has served on the board for 8 years.
Alan McCormick | Garlington, Lohn & Robinson (Missoula, MT)
Alan McCormick, associate at the law firm of Garlington, Lohn & Robinson, practices land use, zoning, real estate and local government law with an emphasis on the permitting for development and related transactions and litigation. McCormick combines his professional planning background with his work in land-use law to provide clients with both practical ideas and legal analysis. He earned his undergraduate degree and a master's in urban and regional planning from Virginia Tech. Before entering law school, he was a certified land use planner for Montana local governments. He also served as a law clerk to the Honorable James R. Browning of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco.
Ryan McEvoy | Gaia Development (Los Angeles, CA)
Ryan McEvoy is a LEED-accredited professional and a certified permaculture designer who has been working on LEED projects in the Los Angeles area since 2001. McEvoy was development project manager and sustainability coordinator for the Tricom Building, the first LEED speculative building built in the nation. Through this project, he was able to introduce LEED to city officials in Pasadena, who today require all buildings 25,000 square feet or more to be LEED-certified. He has been an active member of the USGBC-LA Chapter since 2001, and is the founding principal of Gaia Development, a consulting firm with over 60 LEED projects certified, totaling over 16 million square feet.
Jennifer McKee | Lee Newspapers State Bureau (Helena, MT)
Jennifer McKee is a political reporter for the Lee Newspapers State Bureau in Helena. She covers politics and state government five Montana newspapers: the Billings Gazette, the Missoulian, the Helena Independent Record, The Montana Standard in Butte and the Ravalli Republic in Hamilton. A fourth-generation Montanan, McKee grew up in Billings and has been a reporter in the West for 11 years, six of them at her current post. McKee has covered Montana’s transition from a state where the Republican Party dominated the political landscape to one in which Democrats control the governor’s office and are major players.
Roger Millar | Missoula Office of Planning & Grants (Missoula, MT)
Roger, director of the Missoula Office of Planning and Grants since January, 2007, implements the City and County vision and mission as they relate to existing and proposed land use and the built environment. Millar's previous experience includes two years as deputy city manager for McCall in Idaho, eight years with the Portland in Oregon and 15 years in private practice. Millar played a leading role in the planning of Portland's Pearl District and the Portland Streetcar, both of which are national models for urban livability. He has also managed or participated in signature projects for rural, resort and National Park gateway communities throughout the American West.
Sima Murhoff | Blackhawk on the River (McCall, ID)
In 1999, Sima Muroff created Bull Valley Developers. He turned a 160-acre site in northwest Montana with riverfront and lakefront property into stewardship-oriented home sites. In 2002, Muroff's residential construction company completed 40 homes and a development of estates in Oregon. He and his partner then returned to Montana and purchased about 4,200 acres, which is being developed into the Falls at Savage Lake and the Stanley Creek Homestead. In 2004, Muroff was vice president of investment real estate acquisitions for Prudential Real Estate Professionals. Muroff's latest project is the 2,800-acre Blackhawk on the River near McCall, Idaho, which has 135 home sites and 1,200 acres under conservation easements.
Bill Myers | Bayside Park and Marine Center, LLC (Bigfork, MT)
Bill Myers has been a property owner and resident of Big Fork for 30 years. He is the owner of Pointer Scenic Cruises-Wild Horse Island Boat Trips, a company that conducts private charter trips to Wild Horse Island as well as sightseeing, dinner cruises and real estate tours on Flathead Lake. He also owns seven acres on the Swan River at the mouth of the bay in downtown Bigfork and has plans to develop it into a destination marina, with condos and a conference center. He studied at Miami University and Northwestn University in Chicago in the early and mid-1970s and received a certificate from the University of Illinois in 1978 in solar and energy efficient design and installation.
Tim Newhart | Newhart
& Associates (Missoula, MT)
Tim Newhart acts as an advocate and strategic marketing consultant for real estate developers and mountain resort operators. Newhart applies principles derived from years of hands-on marketing experience and specializes in multi-channel and e-business solutions including email campaigns, web strategies, integration with traditional media, online branding and social networking. Past and present clients include Roscoe Bridge, Bitterroot Resort, Clearwater Montana RE/Cabela’s Trophy Properties and Red Mountain Resort. Prior to forming Newhart & Associates, Tim served as a vice president of resort and real estate marketing at the American Skiing Company and held similar positions with Intrawest, Heavenly Resort and Silver Mountain Resort.
Chip Pigman | Pigman Builders (Hamilton, MT)
Chip is a Bitterroot Valley native and has combined over 20 years experience in the construction industry with a business degree in accounting and real estate from the University of Montana. As president of Pigman Builders, he has built many award-winning homes and neighborhoods and has been a leader in affordable housing construction. Chip was named the State Builder of the Year in 1996 by the Montana Building Industry Association. He is past president of the Montana Building Industry Association and the Bitterroot Building Association. He continues to be an active member of the Ravalli County Planning Board, Bitterroot Building Industry Association and the Lost Trail Ski Patrol.
Dan Popkey | Idaho Statesman (Boise, ID)
Dan Popkey has been with The Idaho Statesman since 1984. He's been a columnist since 1994, but also worked as a police reporter, covered Boise City Hall, the Statehouse and politics. He has covered the Idaho Legislature since 1987. In 2007, Popkey led the Statesman's coverage of the Sen. Larry Craig sex scandal, which was recognized as a Pulitzer Prize finalist. He was the inaugural winner of the Idaho Press Club's Reporter of the Year Award for 2007 and won the Tedd M. Natt First Amendment Award for his 2003 coverage of University Place. He has a bachelor's in political science from Santa Clara University and a master's in journalism from Columbia University.
Bob Quinn | Quinn Organic Farm (Big Sandy, MT)
Bob Quinn received a doctorate in plant biochemistry from the University of California, Davis in 1976. In 1978 he returned home to farm and ranch in Big Sandy, the third generation of the Quinn family to do so. In 1983 Quinn started Montana Flour & Grains to market his conventional grain directly to whole grain bakeries. Within eight years Montana Flour almost entirely organic, and the company provided markets for numerous farmers. He introduced to the natural food industry an ancient Egyptian wheat under a trademark of Kamut. Part of the farm is now a research center where he studies dry land vegetables, organic systems and methods to grow fuel.
Ross Rademacher | Maverick Marketing Group (Hamilton, MT)
Ross Rademacher founded Maverick Group, a marketing consulting firm in 1996. Rademacher has generated and employed hundreds of profit-earning campaigns, strategies, and marketing plans for companies and products in the retail, development, service, financial, manufacturing, and non-profit fields. Rademacher's strengths lie in his understanding of land development issues, complex business issues, environmental marketing, public speaking and communication training. After 15 years in business, Rademacher received a master's degree in environmental studies in 2008 from the University of Montana.
Troy Russ | Glatting Jackson Kercher Anglin (Denver, CO)
Troy Russ directs urban design and transportation practice for Glatting Jackson Kercher Anglin, a design firm specializing in community planning. For 18 years, Russ has been at the forefront of providing public and private clients integrated land use and transportation strategies and implementation-focused design solutions for revitalizing urban and suburban environments. He is a regular panelist for the National Endowment of the Arts’ Mayor’s Institute on City Design and is leading member of the Congress of the New Urbanism. Troy has a master's degree in city planning from Georgia Tech and a bachelor's in environmental design from the University of Colorado.
Larry Swanson | o'Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West (Missoula, MT)
Larry Swanson, who has a doctorate in economics, is director of the O'Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West at the University of Montana. His work focuses on economic change and restructuring in the region as well as implications of this change for community and regional development, the region's evolving trans-border relationship, and the region's changing economy and relationship to the environment. At the O'Connor Center, Swanson developed a new, geographically-referenced database system for systematic identification and evaluation of sub-state, regional economies in the West, referred to as READ or the "Regional Economies Assessment Database." Prior to his work at UM, Swanson was an economic consultant for about ten years, both independently from his office in Lincoln, Nebraska, and with a Washington, D.C.-based firm.
Rone Tempest | WyoFile.com (Lander, WY)
Rone Tempest is editor of WyoFile.Com, a Wyoming public policy and politics website with emphasis on environmental issues. He worked from 1981 to 2007 as a national reporter, foreign correspondent and senior California correspondent for the Los Angeles Times, serving as the newspaper's bureau chief in Houston, Paris, Beijing and Sacramento. His honors include a 1984 Citation for Excellence from the Overseas Press Club for his coverage of the Indira Gandhi assassination, the 1997 Harvard University Goldsmith Award for reporting on the Democratic Party international campaign funding scandal and the 2004 Pulitzer Prize for his coverage of the devastating forest fires in southern California. He lives on 10 acres in the foothills of the Wind River Range in Wyoming.
Christopher Thornberg | Beacon Economics (Los Angeles, CA)
Christopher Thornberg is a founding partner of Beacon Economics. Thornberg is an expert in the study of regional economies, real estate dynamics, labor markets and business forecasting. He has been involved in a number of special studies measuring the impact of important events on the economy, including the NAFTA treaty, the California power crisis and the September 11th terrorist attacks. Prior to launching Beacon he worked with the UCLA Anderson Forecast where he regularly authored the outlooks for California, Los Angeles and the East Bay. Thornberg lectures on a regular basis at a variety of public and private events and continues to teach in the MBA program at UCLA.
Bob Tutskey | saltStudio (Missoula, MT)
With a well-established professional biography that includes eight years at McCann Erickson in Chicago working with national accounts such as Sears, Ace Hardware and NAPA Auto Parts, Bob Tutskey's love of all things Big Sky lead him to Montana. After 18 years at Spiker Communications and the Tutskey Group working with leading Montana tourism, financial and healthcare businesses, Tutskey struck out on his own with his new “salty dog” partners at the saltStudio. This three-year-old, full service advertising and public relations firm is located in downtown Missoula.
William K. VanCanagan | Datsopoulos MacDonald & Lind (Missoula, MT)
William VanCanagan is an attorney whose practice areas include entrepreneurial and emerging companies, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and business combinations, securities regulation, corporate counseling and international transactions. His clients include businesses, owners and investors in the areas of manufacturing, technology, medical devices, financial transactions, recreational products and real estate transactions. VanCanagan has completed numerous private and public merger-and-acquisition transactions, as well as securities financings for publicly and privately held businesses. Born in Roslyn, New York, he holds an undergraduate degree in economics from Stanford University and a law degree from the University of Montana.
Clint Walker | Saddlehorn (Bigfork, MT)
Clint Walker is the founder of His & Hers Magazine Group, publishers of six consumer publications in three states including Flathead Living, Missoula Living and Visitor’s Choice. Over the past several years, Walker's publishing and marketing clients have included Land Rover, BF Goodrich, C.C. Filson and the National Forest Foundation. Specific to real estate, Walker launched and coordinated the marketing and public relations for Saddlehorn, an upscale community development in Bigfork. Despite the toughest real estate market in 15-years, Saddlehorn has outpaced its relative competitors by a 4-to-1 ratio on nominal budget.
Jeff Welch | Mercury Advertising (Bozeman, MT)
Jeff Welch is the founder and CEO of Mercury Advertising, a Bozeman firm specializing in the geo-tourism market. His company’s experience includes the Montana Tourism Office, Big Sky Resort, First Interstate Bank, Redington Fly Rods and Apparel, Rio Fly Lines and the outdoor industry’s Conservation Alliance as well as developing partnerships with brands such as North Face, REI and Orvis. Welch entered the business as a writer in the St. Louis area and is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism. When he is not in the office he can usually be found floating a river or learning about the local food movement from his wife.
Jennifer Zung | Harmony Design & Engineering (Driggs, ID)
Jennifer Zung is the founder of Harmony Design & Engineering, a planning and engineering company that specializes in low-impact, environmentally sensitive developments for residential, commercial and municipal projects. She is a professional civil engineer and worked in Colorado and the Philippines prior to moving to eastern Idaho. HDE is the prime planning and engineering consultant on a pilot LEED-Neighborhood Development project located in Driggs, Idaho, and has planned several rural subdivisions using conservation design principles.
