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Gallatin Development Corp. now ‘Prospera’ – Recognizes Business Leaders

Gallatin Development Corporation Unveils New Name, Recognizes Business Leaders

After 21 years of dedicated service to area businesses and the local economy, the Gallatin Development Corporation (GDC) continues to evolve. Addressing the changing needs of businesses and the community, the organization unveiled a new, comprehensive re-naming and re-branding effort to its members and guests at the conclusion of the organization’s 2006 Annual Membership Dinner and Business Excellence Awards.

The new name, Prospera Business Network http://www.ProsperaBusinessNetwork.com , is a result of an extensive market research, strategic planning and re-branding initiative undertaken over a year ago, which included in-depth focus groups and interviews with key stakeholders, area businesses, and partnering organizations. The initiative also included researching and studying the “best practices” of state, regional and national economic development organizations.

The Gallatin Development Corporation is the leading non-profit economic development organization dedicated to encouraging and supporting business startup, expansion, retention and relocation in both Gallatin and Park counties. “Our organization’s name needed to evolve to better match our expanding service area, mission and services,” according to Scott Levandowski, 2006 GDC Board President.

In deciding on a new name for the organization, Kitch Walker, GDC Past President and current board member, knew the name needed to align with organization’s core values, goals and service area. He explains, “We understand prosperous businesses are the cornerstone of the local economy. A thriving business generates good jobs, increases our area’s production of goods and services, and adds more dollars to the local economy. Therefore, this organization is truly committed to supporting a prosperous business environment and network.” Thus, Prospera Business Network was born.

The re-branding effort also included clearly defining the organization’s HighFive Focus for businesses. The Prospera Business Network is dedicated to providing businesses with five of the resources they need most from the organization: Guidance, Capital, Professional Development, Networking and Recognition. “Our core value proposition, called the HighFive Focus, is a reflection of who we are and why we exist – to serve businesses, to support a thriving economy,” according to GDC Executive Director, Tracey Jette.

In addition to unveiling its new name, corporate identity, brochure system and website, the Annual Membership Dinner and Business Excellence Awards event focused on recognizing some of the most dedicated and successful leaders in the business community. “This is an annual tradition for us. Our members and the community consider it essential to recognize and support the success of businesses and their leaders,” according to Jette. At this year’s event, the following awardees were recognized for their outstanding efforts:

Start-Up Business of the Year: The Gourmet Cellar, Debra Endres
Innovation Award: LigoCyte Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Dr. Robert R. Goodwin
Business of the Year: Sweet Pea Landscaping, Ben and Elissa Zavora
Entrepreneur of the Year: Elk River Systems, Mike Yinger

Gallatin Development Corporation has benefited from the leadership of area business owners and professionals, many of whom have served as the organization’s president. To thank them for their service, the GDC recognized the 21 years of GDC Past Presidents at this years annual dinner. GDC Past Presidents include: Spencer Williams, West Paw Design; Rick Weaver, Bozeman Daily Chronicle; Dennis Cattin, Gallatin Valley Furniture; and LeRoy Luft, MSU Extension Professor Emeritus (inaugural GDC president). It is through contributions such as theirs that the Gallatin Development Corporation was founded and with their support, the Prospera Business Network will continue to thrive.

To learn more about our evolution, please visit http://www.ProsperaBusinessNetwork.com

About the Prospera Business Network

The Prospera Business Network is the leading non-profit economic development organization in Gallatin and Park Counties. We are dedicated to encouraging and supporting business start-up, expansion, retention and relocation by providing access to guidance, capital, professional development, networking and recognition. Prospera Business Network provides guidance through several programs, including the area’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Advanced Business Consulting Network (ABCN) as well as area economic and business resources and information.

The SBDC is partially funded by the US Small Business Administration. SBA’s funding is not an endorsement of any products, opinions, or services. SBA funded programs are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis.

Prospera Business Network Contacts:

Executive Director
Tracey Jette
Prospera Business Network (formerly the Gallatin Development Corporation or GDC)
406.587.3113
[email protected]

2006 Board President
Scott Levandowski
First Interstate Bank
[email protected]
406-556-4880

Past President
Kitch Walker
Ripple Marketing
[email protected]
406-585-8168

***

The organization has refined its mission to include principles such as providing guidance for businesses, access to capital and networking opportunities.

The group launched a new Web site, http://www.ProsperaBusinessNetwork.com, with the name change.

By CAMDEN EASTERLING Chronicle Staff Writer

Full Story: http://bozemandailychronicle.com/articles/2006/10/20/breakingnews/30gdc.txt

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