Montana Chamber names 2019 'Champions of Business'

Rep. Frank Garner, R-Kalispell and Sen. Dan Salomon, R-Ronan, were recognized as 2019 “Champions of Business” the Montana Chamber of Commerce.

Twenty-seven legislators receiving the “Champions of Business” award for their work during the 66th Montana Legislature.

“The Champion of Business and MVP designations identify policymakers who stood up for job creation, free enterprise and economic development in 2019,” the state Chamber said in a press release.

Garner has served as a state representative since 2015. Salomon served as a representative from 2010 to 2016, and has been a state senator since 2017.

Sen. Jeff Welborn of Dillon was selected as the Chamber’s “Most Valuable Policymaker.”

Bridger Mahlum, the government relations director of the Montana Chamber, said, “We are excited to recognize these lawmakers for going the extra mile to improve Montana’s business climate.”

Legislators have to earn a score of 90 percent or more in the Montana Chamber’s Voting Review, support the Montana Chamber’s top six priority bills and sponsor no anti-business legislation.

The Montana Chamber will release its Voting Review of the Montana Legislature on Aug. 5.

The 2019 Economic Update Series will feature the 2019 Champions of Business. The Series will take place July 30 to Aug. 1 in Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Helena, Great Falls, Missoula and Kalispell. The Kalispell session is planned Aug. 1

Reporter Bret Anne Serbin may be reached at bserbin@dailyinterlake.com or 758-4459.