Page 6 - HC B2B Spring21

2020 CHAMBER AWARDS
Business of the Year award winner Montana Radio.
Owners pictured (L to R): Tyler Miller, Angela Terry and Kevin Terry.
2020 Small Business of the Year
Helena Recycling
2020 Business of the Year
Montana Radio
This growing company proudly proclaims to be 100% Montana-owned and operated. After coming to Helena, MRC became a dominating force in the radio market and 3 years ago purchased its competitor (Cherry Creek Radio) to totally lead the market. They have 9 channels/stations of all genres and from local surveys, are the “go to” market to advertise on the air. With the combined radio teams, they moved their operations into a totally renovated building they purchased on Airport Road – investing greatly in a quality office space for their large staff. They participate, support, and work with many organizations in the community including the chamber.
During 2020, they did many promotions to help local residents cope with COVID-19 but the most notable was their “Helping Grand” program – giving away $24,000 - $1,000 every day in gift certificates & cash. When their $24,000 promotion was about done, other businesses stepped up and funded nearly 2 months of additional days of giving the $1,000 away for a total of 67 days for a total of $67,000. MRC is owned by Kevin and Angela Terry and Tyler Miller.
Helena Recycling, LLC is a small, locally-owned Helena business that was started in 2008 offering curbside recycling pick-up for residents and businesses. During the business startup, current owner and Helena native John Hilton worked full-time during the week managing a bank and drove and picked up recycling on the weekends. It was a family affair with his wife, Tammie, managing the billing and the books and his sister, Charlotte, creating schedules and an online presence. As the business grew, John was able to leave the bank in 2011 and devote his full attention to the curbside recycling business. For three years he drove a truck and picked up the recycling himself. In 2013 he was able to hire an employee to assist with the
curbside pickups.
John’s hard work and perseverance paid off, and in 2017, he purchased land and built a processing warehouse to store, bale and ship the recyclable materials. A couple years later the City of Helena worked with Helena Recycling to subsidize half of the curbside recycling services for city residents if they chose to do so. Helena Recycling has now grown to five full-time employees. The business is successful due to John’s hard work and the opportunity he provides for the citizens of Helena to recycle. Although recycling services are easy and mandatory in large communities, Helena presents a unique challenge given its relatively small population and remote location.
Helena Recycling has worked hard to make recycling and recycling pick-up services work for the benefit of the Helena community and the environment.
6 BUSINESS TO BUSINESS CONNECTION
VISION: Catalyst for growth; Convener of leaders and influencers; Champion for a thriving community. MISSION: Engaging and supporting businesses to facilitate economic growth and community prosperity.
Small Business of the Year award winner Helena Recycling. Owner John Hilton pictured.
Photo Credit: Thom Bridge, IR