photo by Cyrus Crossan via Unsplash

Billings Chamber Endorses 3 City Council Candidates

October 13, 2021

Billings Chamber of Commerce Media Release

The Billings Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors announced endorsements in three City Council races today. The endorsements identify the following candidates as business-friendly options for the Billings community:

Ward 1: Ed Gulick
Ward 2: Jennifer Owen
Ward 5: Tom Rupsis

The Chamber Board of Directors considered but did not issue endorsements in Ward 3 and Ward 4.

The Billings Chamber has been very active organizing opportunities for member engagement with candidates. Through our Coffee with Candidates, an all Candidate Forum, and providing recordings online, the Billings Chamber has ensured there is no shortage of opportunities to get to know who is running for office. Fortunately, our businesses are busy keeping our economy churning and sometimes don’t have the availability to engage in local candidate research. By endorsing candidates, we let our members know who will be a champion for our priorities and making a better Billings.

In making the decision, the Billings Chamber’s Local Government Advisory Board and Board of Directors weighed a number of factors including candidates’ answers during the forums and answers to a questionnaire. Notably, two wards did not receive an endorsement. While we believe we could work with everyone running for City Council, we want to communicate to our membership who we think will be champions for the business climate and our priorities. The Billings Chamber looks forward to working with all of City Council to ensure Billings is a community where business can thrive.

During the endorsement discussion, Nichole Mehling, Chamber Board Chair, said, “We have an opportunity to help our members make an informed decision on elections that will have a lasting impact on our city, and move Billings forward in a positive direction.”

The Billings Chamber is especially pleased to have a slate of endorsements representing viewpoints across the political spectrum: we hope to continue making a difference by supporting candidates looking for solutions.

“There are great candidates in every ward and we wanted to weigh in where we can make a difference,” explains Director of Business Advocacy, Dan Brooks. “We want to elevate those candidates who will be champions for our priorities and the future of Billings.”

Never miss an issue, check out SLM's digital editions here!

Billings Chamber of Commerce

The Billings Chamber: The voice of our business community. The spark that ignites business growth. Connecting dynamic people who make things happen. Fighting to build a strong, thriving community.

Look Local: City Council and Mayoral Elections

It’s that time of year again. An important part of our culture that many Americans participate in. Now, I know what you’re thinking: obviously, I'm talking about May the 4th (be with you). Well, not quite. As important as those dates are - two that I celebrate enthusiastically - I'm referring to our upcoming elections.

The One with the Mandates: Legislative Session Wrap Up

Two factors fundamentally shaped the 67th Legislative Session: the global coronavirus pandemic and sweeping election victories by the Montana GOP.

Fund the Police, Fund our Firefighters, Fund Public Safety

If we wait until the stars align with city, county, state, and federal governments coordinated to implement a cohesive set of policies, we’ll never get anything done. Vote YES for public safety.

Sports Tourism: A Role in the Regional Economy

Hosting sporting events in Yellowstone County reveals numerous benefits to the community. Visit Billings staff promotes the economic impact of sports events big and small at Montana’s Trailhead; opportunities are plentiful, and the conversation about the future of sports tourism in Billings needs to continue.