Overview and Training presented by

Rick Edwards and Liz Marchi, Past Presidents

Goal #1: Provide history and background of the Montana Ambassador Organization

Goal #2: Provide purpose, guidance and training for each new Montana Ambassador so they in turn can support the efforts of this organization.

Organizational structure, contact information, and goals and priorities for the Ambassador organization

Chapter Charters and roles within the chapter

Opportunities to participate and become involved

• History—How We Came to Be• 27 Years—Highlights• Organizational Overview and Mission• Role of Leadership, Chapters and

Membership• Activities and Involvement

The Beginning --Governor Schwinden and Dept of Commerce

Authorized by 1983 Legislature as part of the “Build Montana” Program

Goals were to promote and encourage long-term economic growth

Exploration Phases Governor enlisted the Chamber of Commerce, Montana

Bankers Association, International Trade Commission, and Montana Department of Commerce to gather and evaluate data from other states abut economic development activities.

Gained commitment from Private Sector

Launch Phase Articles of Incorporation filed January 24, 1984 First meeting in Helena, June 20, 1984-- 120 Ambassadors

Ambassador SurveyCatch and Release Fly Fishing

TourBragg/Lewis Business Retention

& ExpansionValue-added Ag Forum

Infracon ’96School-to-work

Telecom-FCC Universal Service Fund

Business Technology DayWheeler Center Tax Forum

Made in Montana Food & Gift Show

Loaned ExecutiveLegislative “Wins”

Development SummitsJason Project

World in MotionJohn Raffato Business Plan

CompetitionMontana Arts Council

Montana Business OpenLaunch of Montana Meth

ProjectOutreach Chapters: PNW Model

60 SummitsBEAR Program

T. Boone Pickens: Energy Jobs for MT

Bay Area Outreach Chapter Formation

Strategic Planning

Business Open

Chapter Connections Your Board at Work

The Montana Ambassadors is a volunteer, not-for-profit organization of leaders in business, education, and the professions with common dedication to living and doing business in Montana and to furthering the best interests of the state. At the pleasure of the Governor, its members act as official Ambassadors of the State of Montana.

. Represent the office of the Governor and the Department of Commerce in business related contacts in and out of the state.

Assist the Department of Commerce and the Governor's Office of Economic Development with their business, trade, and tourism development programs.

Sponsor projects that encourage and support economic improvements throughout the state.

Support, whenever practical, efforts by other groups to contribute to the economic vitality of Montana.

Support whenever practical, efforts by other groups to maintain or increase the quality of all levels of education in the State of Montana.

And, as official Ambassadors of the State of Montana, put the best interests of the state before personal interests and give freely of time, energy and personal finances in support of this mission.  

Elected Board of Directors 24 Board Members (varies) 11 Directors 9 Chapter VPs Outreach VPs-- Members at Large Ex-officio members—DOC, GOED, MEDA

Executive Committee—8 members Executive Assistant/Coordinator

For a list of board members and a description of roles and responsibilities visit the Leadership segment of the Montana Ambassador website.

Revenue Membership Dues Golf Tournament Sponsorships Outreach

Expense categories Conference Speakers Annual reports, etc. Sponsorships Outreach

Please see the appendix in your handout regarding the specific roles of Montana Ambassador leadership.

You as a Member :

Report to Chapter VP Attends four chapter meetings per year Attends and participates in individual assignments of

committees Prepares to make contributions and voice insight regarding

chapter activities and programs Nominates new candidates for membership Assist GOED and MDOC with its business, trade, and tourism

programs Sponsor and participates in programs that will encourage

economic development in the state Attends and participates in annual conference

KALISPELL – V.P. Jeannie Luckey

BOZEMAN – V.P. Terry Beaubois

MISSOULA – V.P. Tyler Disburg (election pending)

BUTTE – V.P. Dale Mahugh

PACIFIC NORTHWEST - V.P. Kirk Van Alstyne

HELENA – V.P. Tom McGree

GREAT FALLS – V.P. Tenis Tennyson

BILLINGS – V.P. Melanie Schwarz

GLASGOW/SIDNEY – V.P. Craig Herbert

And the just forming Bay Area Chapter – Lynda Colucci

Strive for at least one meeting per year with the Governor to stay up-to-date on administrative agenda Hold at least four chapter meetings with potential new members invited Chapters to provide summary reports of each meeting to the Coordinator who will distribute quarterly to the GOED Involvement in forming legislative agenda Chapter representation at economic development summits, activities, etc. Participate in local business retention and expansion efforts (BEAR) Share in education and workforce efforts to drive workforce development for all skills

1. Build business opportunities for Montana whether through business expansion, retention or recruitment efforts.

2. Assist the Governor in developing out-of-state Ambassadors who can serve as a voice for Montana in other states.

3. Assist in developing and exploring energy options and opportunities for Montana.

4. Develop relationships with educational institutions, agencies and systems that foster the Governor’s vision of economic vitality of Montana’s work force and quality of life for its citizens.

5. Enlist membership to engage in the business agenda of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.

THE OPPORTUNITY TOSHARE YOUR PASSION FOR LIVING

AND DOING BUSINESS IN MONTANA INYOUR COMMUNITY,

IN OUR STATE, ACROSS THE U.S. AND

AROUNDTHE WORLD

Annual Meeting Awards and Recognition Event

Business of the Year Entrepreneur of the Year Ambassador Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Year Mike Malone Educator of the Year Legislator of the Year Outreach Ambassador of the Year

Events and Participation Annual Montana Business Open Tournament Fund

Raiser Montana Arts Council Hometown Celebrations Baucus’ Economic Development Summit Statewide Montana BEAR Program The UofM Business Plan Competition

QUESTIONS?

Montana AmbassadorsP.O.Box 722

Anaconda, MT 59711Ph: 406.563.5353

Email: gloria@montanaambassadors.com

The following slides outline the Ambassador organization and associated responsibilities for each position.

President: Chief elected officer, supervises Officers and Chapter VPs. EC and BoD Represents entire membership

Acts as spokesperson to the public, press, legislative and governmental bodies.

Officially represents the Ambassadors at all conferences, seminars, and the annual convention.

Proposes and assists BoD in developing policies and programs that will further the goals of the corporation

President (cont) Selects committee chair persons and others

for special task forces. Provides direction and monitors progress.

Keeps Board members informed on the condition and operation of the corporation

Presents “State of Montana Ambassadors” report at the annual meeting.

First Vice President: Reports to the President and assumes presidential responsibilities in his/her absence. Assists the President and serves on ED and BoD

Schedules activities of the President’s Council as needed.

Schedules and coordinates any business retention and expansion projects.

Outlines objectives of Ambassadors for the next year at the annual membership meeting.

Assist and serve as chairman of the committee in scheduling of President’s Circle dinner upon request.

Second Vice President: reports to President Performs duties assigned by the President Serves as member of the BOD and EC Serves as Chairman of the following

committees Membership Development Strategic Planning

Board of Director: reports to Membership for a three year term, limit of two terms Election of President, one or more Vice

Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer Plan future of Montana Ambassadors Establish board policy Evaluates and approves programs and

projects of the Ambassadors Sets financial objectives and monitors their

progress.

Director (cont) Ensures completion of an annual audit of

financial records Communicates with membership to determine

needs and report these needs to the full board Annually recommend and vote on various

awards recognizing outstanding achievement in business or education

Recommend new members for appointment by the Governor

Chapter Vice President: reports to chapter members and President

Serves as member of the BOD and has the same responsibilities as BOD members.

Should conduct at least 4 chapter meetings a year

Recommend new members to the board Execute those applicable portions of the

Strategic Plan with the Chapter. Administers applicable Ambassador

programs and projects within their Chapter

Committee Chairperson: reports to President and supervises committee members

Serves one year unless re-appointed by the President Directs the committee to ensure it meets its goals

and objectives. Informs committee members of their expected

individual contributions and responsibilities Prepares meeting and agendas and distribute

relevant information to all members prior to each meeting.

Presides over each meeting to ensure adherence to agenda

Recommends to the President potential members for appointment to the committee

Prepares committee reports as requested by the Chair of the BOD.

Secretary: reports to the President. Provides notice of all Board meetings. Records notes

and minutes of same. Maintains all corporate records and seal. Other duties assigned by the President

Treasurer: reports to the President Prepares annual budget. Maintains accurate

accounts of receipts and disbursements Credits all funds received to the corporation and

disburses funds upon authorization of the BOD. Serves in performance of the annual audit Serves as a member of the BOD and EC Other duties assigned by the President

Immediate Past President: Serves as member of EC and BOD. Provides counsel to the officers and directors.

Coordinator, reports to BOD Coordinates annual and quarterly meetings Oversees publication of all printed material and annual

reports Provides necessary liaison on legislative activities and

communicates action to the officers. Remains current on policy activities of interest to Montana

Ambassadors and communicates action to the officers Ensures smooth administrative operation of Montana

Ambassadors Maintains and administers bulletins, e-mails and membership

lists Responds to routine correspondence and telephone inquiries.

Member: reports to Chapter VP Attends 4 chapter meetings a year Attends and participates in individual assignments of

committees Prepares to make contributions and voice objectives to

chapter activities and programs Nominates new candidates for membership Assist GOED and MDOC with its business, trade, and

tourism programs Sponsor and participates in programs that will

encourage economic development in the state Attends and participates in annual conference