Page 7 - Helena Chamber B2B Spring22

SAYING FAREWELL TO MIKE MERGENTHALER
•••
By Mike Mergenthaler
The time has come for my wife and I to
begin a new chapter in our lives. As most of you know, we have made the very difficult decision to retire and relocate to Logan, Utah where we will be with our daughter, son-in- law and four grandsons.
The feelings and emotions that I have are very bittersweet. I was born and raised in Helena and grew up loving everything that Helena has to offer. This town has a rich history, numerous outdoor activities and the friendliest most passionate people on the planet. It is the people of Helena that I will miss the most.
Over the years I have been blessed to work with and associate myself with many won- derful people. I began my career in Helena at what was then the Best Western Colonial Hotel. I never knew that anyone could love a job and enjoy their work as much as I did during my tenure at the Colonial. The hotel and hospitality industry were a perfect fit for me.
After 16 years in the hotel business, I applied for and was hired on at the Helena Chamber where I have been the Vice President and CVB Director for the past 18 years. It’s hard to believe that after 34 years in the tourism/ hospitality industry, I am moving on.
During my time at the Chamber, I have been able to be a part of one of the longest running basketball tournaments in the state, the Helena SWISH. I have worked side by side with numerous volunteers, court supervisors and game officials and have spent numerous hours with some of the greatest minds work- ing to bracket the games for the tournament. I have met some of the best players, coaches and fans from all across the state during my career.
Through the Leadership Helena program, I have had the opportunity to meet over 600 business professionals that have each had an impact on my life. The Leadership skills that are taught in this program are second to none. The opportunity to learn and grow while participating in the class are ever present. During this time, we have met with many
of the top officials in Helena including the Governor, the Mayor, City and County Com- missioners and many others, too numerous to name. Leadership Helena has toured and experienced a plethora of exciting places in Helena that not everyone has the opportunity to be a part of.
My involvement with the Golf Tournament, the Chambers Big Night Out, the Annual Awards Luncheon and other events have been some of the greatest experiences of my life. I will miss them all.
However, with change, comes great oppor- tunity. I am looking forward to being able to spend time with my four grandsons who are growing up way too fast. They are excited to
Mike Mergenthaler’s first Helena Area Chamber professional photo, 2004
have “Papa Mike” living close to them so that neither of us has to make a six-hour trip to be together. The memories that we will make in this new adventure will be exciting and rewarding.
To the community of Helena, I say thank you to everyone that has made my time here the best that anyone can ask for. I will miss you all and wish all of you the best that life has to offer.
Until we meet again – God Bless!! -Mike
Mike Mergenthaler’s last Helena Area Chamber professional photo, 2022
Photo Credit: Mark LaRowe
SPRING 2022 B2B - A Publication of the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce 7