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PROSPERA ANNOUNCES BUSINESS IGNITE LUNCHEON SPEAKERS

Bozeman, MT – Prospera is excited to announce the speaker line up for this year’s Business Ignite Luncheon. The Business Ignite Luncheon has become a signature event for Prospera showcasing the remarkable initiatives and innovations that are happening in the community. This gathering is designed to showcase individuals from diverse backgrounds and the projects, companies, and initiatives they are leading.

The 2026 speakers include:

Michal DeChellis, Montana Working Lands Project

Michal DeChellis is a food systems strategist working to strengthen Montana’s agricultural economy from soil to market. As Co-Director of the Montana Working Lands Project, she advances holistic land management, producer education, and market development that supports thriving rural communities. Through her consulting practice, Cultivating Minds, Michal partners with Montana based organizations to design community food system assessments and build coordinated supply chain solutions, helping Montana-grown food move into Montana schools and institutions at scale. A former organizational psychologist and current instructor at Montana State University, Michal brings a systems lens to cross-sector collaboration—building the relationships and infrastructure needed for lasting economic and ecological resilience.

Gregory Juda, Montana Department of Livestock

Gregory Juda, Ph.D. is currently the Director of the Montana Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MVDL), a Bureau of the Montana Department of Livestock and the only accredited veterinary diagnostic laboratory in the State of Montana. The MVDL performs approximately 170,000 annual individual diagnostic testing services on behalf of Montana veterinarians and livestock producers to help protect animal and public health within the state. In his role as Director, Dr. Juda is responsible for managing all aspects of the laboratory testing operations with a staff of over 20 personnel.

Jenny Moore, Tinworks at Rialto

Jenny Moore is the inaugural Director of Tinworks Art in Bozeman, Montana. From her start in 2023, she has established the non-profit as an artist-centered, community-oriented organization. Significant artistic projects under her direction include a major new ecological artwork by Agnes Denes, Wheatfield—An Inspiration. The seed is in the ground, the first time Denes has accepted the invitation to reconsider her iconic Wheatfield—A Confrontation, from 1982, in another American context; the group exhibitions The Lay of the Land and A Kin to Clay; and the incorporation of the historic Rialto theater into Tinworks’ programs and project venues, with the Montana premier of Matthew Barney’s Redoubt. An arts professional for more than 25 years, Jenny has held curatorial positions at the New Museum (NYC), the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts (NYC), Exit Art (NYC) and the 8th Gwangju Biennale (South Korea). Throughout her career, she has been drawn to experimental, artist-centered spaces in unconventional places.

Bryan Robertus, Advanced Electronic Designs

As AED’s Chief “Engineering” Officer, Bryan looks beyond the engineering of a product to make sure AED serves the best interests of the client and end user. His ability to see the big picture allows him to make solid engineering decisions and elegant designs. He’s streamlined AED into a flexible, tight company without corporate baggage and red tape. Working side by side with his creative staff eliminates the layers of management, giving his clients desirable timelines and excellent results. Bryan had to choose between music and engineering early in his career. You may hear Bryan playing the sax in big bands around Bozeman, find him enjoying his family, or in his home workshop. His house is probably the only house in the valley with a dedicated Lego room.

The Business Ignite Luncheon is not just an opportunity to witness inspiring projects unfolding in our midst but also a chance to connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact. Engage in meaningful conversations, network with fellow community members, and leave inspired by the collective efforts driving innovation and change in our community.

Business Ignite Luncheon, Thursday April 16, 2026, 11am-1:30pm, Field & Stream Lodge. Purchase tickets online at proseramt.org.

About Prospera: Founded in 1985, Prospera is a non-profit that helps businesses and communities find their pathway to success, acting as the navigator, problem solver, and catalyst for a strong Montana economy. Prospera offers no-cost business advising and training, access to capital and loan financing, community development, and professional networking.

For more information, visit prosperamt.org.

865 Technology Blvd, Suite A, Bozeman, MT 59718

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