Community leaders honored at annual Ronan chamber awards banquet
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Sjaan Vincent, left, was named Citizen of the Year during the Ronan Chamber Awards event. Justine Welker, right, recognizes Vincent for her many contributions to her community.
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Tammy Campbell, Ronan Chamber of Commerce manager, left, and Katie Jo Elliott, Ronan Chamber president, right, present Brennin Grainey, center, with the non-profit of the year award for the Lower Flathead Valley Community Foundation.
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By Dana Grant for the Ronan Chamber of Commerce
Lions. Monkeys. Fish. And a few random giraffes, elephants, and rhinos took over the Ronan Chamber of Commerce Awards on a cold, snowy winter day. Under the cover of a jungle theme, it was a time to celebrate exceptional achievement within the community welcoming back the annual event on Feb. 6th at the Mission Mountain Golf Course.
“We are so happy to recognize those who have made a difference in our community,” said Ronan Chamber of Commerce President Katie Jo Elliott. “We have so many amazing people sharing their time to make our world better.”
The Ronan Chamber of Commerce invited nominations for those who had made a positive impact on the community.
“We received outstanding nominations this year,” explained Ronan Chamber of Commerce Manager Tammy Campbell. “People want to celebrate each other and share their stories. It’s inspiring watching our community rally to lift each other up.”
Following the nomination process, a group representing different community agencies reviewed each category and then made recommendations for the awards.
“It is a tough decision,” said Ronan Chamber Board member Dana Grant. “We received awesome nominations for people who are doing such important work.”
In addition to the nominations, the review committee seeks feedback from other agencies and businesses about each nominee.
“These are people who give so much to the community,” said Elliott. “They step up, take action, and help all of us.”
In 2025, the Ronan Chamber of Commerce recognized Agricultural Leadership finalists Westland Seed and Mission West Community Development. The winner was the Ronan Farmers Market.
“The Ronan Farmers Market is a gem that enriches the health, nutrition, economics, and well-being of the community, providing an experience that connects back to the earth in the most organic way possible,” Campbell said.
For the Volunteer of the Year, the finalists were Patti Mocabee and Justine Welker. Coming out as the winners were Patti and Denny Winter. Mocabee has a long history of working with the Bread Basket, the Garden of the Rockies Museum, and the Ronan Woman’s Club. Welker serves on the Ronan Board and as a leader for Pioneer Days.
“Patti and Denny are just incredible,” said Elliott. “They are the type of volunteers who share their time without expecting anything in return.”
Finalists for the Business of the Year were Harvest Foods and Glacier Bank, with the winner being Hi-Line Dispensary and Deli.
“The Hi-Line has built a new business during a very challenging time. They have taken an active role in the community, serving on the Ronan Chamber and coordinating the Trunk or Treat event,” said Grant.
Educator of the year finalists were Heather Gray and Amy Miller. Gray is active with various community programs and Miller has been an important advocate for youth as a teacher and librarian. The top prize was won by band director for the Ronan Schools, Alicia Lipscomb. Lipscomb will be retiring from her role after more than three decades.
“She is an institution who has positively impacted thousands of students,” Elliott said.
Through their ambitious outreach and promotion, Tammy Campbell and Justine Welker were selected as finalists for Ambassador of the Year. In a highly contested category, the winner was Katie Jo Elliott.
“Katie is so innovative. She is always looking for ways to promote Ronan and support the community,” Grant said. “She is a role model for all of us.”
The Citizen of the Year finalists were Aric Cooksley and Jan Tusick. Cooksley is the long-time Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of the Flathead Reservation and Lake County, helping them expand their services across the community. Tusick has been instrumental in building capacity and strengthening food systems, empowering small farmers, and fostering sustainable agricultural practices that have helped Mission Valley maintain its history as the garden of the Rockies. Winning this category was Sjann Vincent, who is the manager of the Flathead Fairgrounds, and serves on the Lake County Republican Women, on the Ronan Chamber of Commerce Board, the Mission West Community Development Partners Board, and the Push Play Leadership Team.
“Sjaan is that person who never stops. She sees a problem and finds a solution. I am so thankful she is here for our community, not to mention she is a delight to be around!” Campbell said.
During the ceremony, the Ronan Chamber bestowed Lifetime Achievement Awards to Robert Gauthier and Robin Nelson. Gautier dedicated his career to improving the quality of life for residents, as a Director of the Salish Kootenai Housing Authority, as the first chair of the United Native American Housing Association, on the National American Indian Housing Council creating AMERIND, serving the HUD Secretary’s Committee, as the Eagle Bank Board Chair, and as part of the Lower Flathead Community Foundation. He also was a leader with the local Pheasants Forever and different youth programs.
“Bob was an icon,” said Grant. “His legacy is one of finding solutions, building sustainability, and helping people succeed.”
Robin Nelson devoted her life to Mission Valley, both professionally and as a community activist. She served on the boards of the Ronan Chamber, Pioneer Days, St. Luke Foundation, and the City of Ronan Board of Adjustments. She played a key role in creating the Ronan Performing Arts Center and Ravalli Rest Area and volunteered for over 20 years at the Bison Range. For 41 years, she served as a principal agent of Bishop Insurance Service, along with being the President of the Montana Independent Insurance Agents Association, and Montana’s State Representative to the National Board. Nelson is known for taking time to build relationships and promoting a connected community.
“Robin is a role model for me and others,” Elliott said. “I think about all she has done, and it gives me the motivation to do better.”
