Page 24 - Helena Chamber B2B Spring22

Q & A WITH THE CHAMBER’S 2022 BOARD CHAIR
Byron Stahly- Stahly Engineering
BACKGROUND (WHERE WERE YOU RAISED, WHERE YOU WENT TO SCHOOL, COLLEGE, ETC.)
Raised in the Helena community...Helena valley through 7th grade and Spokane Bench 8-12 grades. Graduate of Helena High School and MSU with a BS in engineering.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE HOBBIES OR THINGS TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK:
It changes as the years go by. Early on I enjoyed coaching wrestling (East Helena and volunteer at HHS), archery, elk hunting and chasing/raising our children. Now it’s golf, waterfowl hunting, Bobcat football and chasing grandkids.
FAMILY INFO:
My wife – Theresa, 34 years married. Children: Daughter Brianna (Aaron) Mcaninch – grandkids Drianna (11), Jackson (8), and Ava Pearl (almost 3). Son Rylan (Carissa) Stahly – grandkids Jay (4), John (1).
WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB/CAREER?
That I’m winding my career down :). Seriously, while engineering was my passion and something I loved to do, the most satisfaction was the relationships developed with co-workers (past and present) and the awesome people I’ve gotten to know in the community over all the years. The Helena area is a great place to work and raise a family and just a wonderful community.
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ADVICE FOR SOMEONE NEWLY GRADUATING THIS SPRING
(IN YOUR FIELD OR OTHER)?
1.Communication is king regardless of your field of occupation. Text and email are certainly important communication tools, but there is no substitution for a phone call or a face to face meeting when important items need to be addressed and communicated. 2. Work hard/play hard, life is short.
WHY DID YOU STEP UP TO LEAD THE CHAMBER’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS?
I had passed on the opportunity of being an officer years ago simply because of the lack of time. I was on other boards at the time and simply couldn’t commit to the Chamber due to work, kids, and other commitments. With more margin now, it was an easy decision to serve on behalf of all our great members and the community.
IN YOUR OPINION – WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR A BUSINESS TO BELONG TO AND SUPPORT THE CHAMBER?
I think the Chamber’s vision and mission statements say it all. Vision Statement – Catalyst for growth; Convener of leaders and influencers; Champion for a thriving community. Mission Statement – Engaging and supporting businesses to facilitate economic growth and community prosperity. Frankly, successful businesses are essential to economic growth and a thriving community and the Chamber exists to support businesses.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO LOOK BACK ON AT THE END OF 2022 AND BE MOST PROUD OF FOR THE CHAMBER?
The present staff at the Chamber are simply awesome. We are losing two key Chamber employees/leaders with Cathy and Mike both retiring. Accordingly, at the end of my Board leadership, my hope is that new leaders within the Chamber are taking the Chamber to higher levels of success.
24 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.