2014 Prospera Business Excellence Awards Winners Announced

Prospera Business Network announced the winners of its 2014 Business Excellence Awards at the organization’s largest celebration of the year on Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Best Western GranTree Inn in Bozeman. Nearly 220 individuals were in attendance recognizing businesses and individuals in five categories for their exceptional contributions to the region’s business community.

The award categories were: Innovator of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, Economic Leadership Award, and Business of the Year.

406 Aerospace and President Ehson Mosleh were named the 2014 Innovator of the Year in recognition of the company’s application of state-of-the-art technologies to develop, design and build small satellites. 406 Aerospace leverages excess launch vehicle capacity by designing and building low-mass, low-power systems, sensors and software for clients including NASA and the United States Air Force. The company was formed in 2012 by commercializing technology out of the Montana State University Space Science and Engineering Laboratory.

Copper Whiskey Bar & Grill Managing Partners Jon Slye and Jay Thane were named the 2014 Entrepreneurs of the Year in recognition of their significant revenue growth, job creation and commitment to supporting Montana-made products. Copper features a wide array of beer, spirits and food products from Montana producers and the restaurant saw positive financial performance within the first six months of opening. They have created jobs for nearly 50 employees at Copper and are also in the process of opening a second restaurant, in the former Weebee’s location, which is anticipated to employ another 65 individuals.
 
Noelle Johnson, owner of The Daily Coffee Bar, was named the 2014 Woman Entrepreneur of the Year in recognition of her passion for high-quality coffee and pastries and her long-lasting success in the Bozeman community. Noelle opened her first location on College Street in 1993 and has since expanded to a second location at Oak and Rouse. The Daily Coffee Bar has seen profit growth each year since it was established, and has also enjoyed exceptional employee retention.

Dr. Becky Mahurin, Director of the Technology Transfer Office at Montana State University, was honored with the 2014 Economic Leadership Award in recognition for her substantial contributions to economic development throughout the state. In her 23 years as director, she has created a nationally prominent university tech transfer program and MSU consistently ranks in the top ten universities nationwide for licensing activity. Since 2003, the Technology Transfer Office has executed approximately 198 licenses or options with Montana companies or entrepreneurs and in the past 15 years MSU has spun out roughly 50 companies. Local examples of companies using licensed inventions include LigoCyte Pharmaceuticals, now Takeda Vaccines Montana, Cleanwaste and Bridger Photonics. Becky has also taken leadership roles over the years with organizations including the Montana Science and Technology Alliance, the Montana BioScience Alliance, the Montana Biotechnology Center at the University of Montana and the Prospera Board of Directors.
 
Bozeman’s Gibson Brands Inc., Acoustic Division was named the 2014 Business of the Year in recognition of their longevity in Bozeman, commitment to quality and efficiency and their role as a significant employer in the area. Producing high-end acoustic guitars for Gibson since Gibson acquired the Flatiron Mandolin Company in 1986; the Gibson Acoustic Division is currently the fastest growing guitar division within the Gibson Corporation. With assistance from the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center, the facility has reduced the time needed per guitar from over 30 hours to just 10.7 hours and now produces 94 guitars per day. Nearly all of Gibson Acoustic’s guitars are sold outside of the state, with over half going to international customers and with prices ranging from $1,500 to over $6,000. Of the roughly 120 craft builders employed at Gibson Acoustic, the majority has been with the company for over five years and the average tenure is ten years. In addition to generating revenue from outside of the area and providing quality long-term employment opportunities, Gibson Brands Inc., Acoustic Division has been a good corporate citizen, consistently supporting local organizations and charities.
 
Video vignettes highlighting the winners and their stories, produced by ABC Fox of Montana, are available at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqwG3UogxaEGA9lIeVPtphQ

About the Business Excellence Awards
Prospera Business Network presents its Business Excellence Awards each year at the organization’s annual dinner to recognize exceptional businesses and leaders in our area. Award nominations are solicited and received from the business community with the final selection made by Prospera’s Board of Directors. The Business Excellence Awards is Prospera’s biggest event of the year, with more than 200 business and community leaders in attendance.

The Innovator of the Year Award is given to a business for an innovative business model or for creating innovative or value-added products or services.

The Entrepreneur of the Year Award is presented to an individual or team from a company in business less than five years in recognition of exceptional performance. Measurements could include: establishment of new product line, unique business model, significant growth in revenues, outstanding leadership, steady job growth, sustainable business practices, overcoming obstacles or hardships, community involvement, etc.

The Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award is presented to a woman who owns at least 51 percent of a company, in recognition of her exceptional leadership and performance. Measurements could include: establishment of new product line, unique business model, significant growth in revenues, outstanding leadership, steady job growth, sustainable business practices, overcoming obstacles or hardships, community involvement, etc.

The Economic Leadership Award is given to an individual leader from government, non-profit, or business sector who has made a significant contribution to the economic development of our area.

The Business of the Year Award is given to an established business (in business for five or more years) in recognition for its significant contribution to the economic development of our area. Measurements could include: steady job creation, significant revenues from out of state, support for community events/organizations, sustainable business practices, etc.
 
About Prospera Business Network
Prospera Business Network is a member-supported nonprofit economic development organization in southwestern Montana whose purpose is to advance, challenge and inspire our regional business communities. Prospera Business Network is dedicated to supporting business expansion, retention and relocation by providing access to business consulting, financing, professional development and economic research. Prospera Business Network is one of the most comprehensive and collaborative economic development organizations in the area, with the mission to advance, challenge and inspire the business communities in southwestern Montana and in the process contribute to the overall growth and diversification of Montana’s economy.  Prospera Business Network provides a wealth of resources and tools to business leaders and visionary entrepreneurs and prides itself on the range and quality of its programs. To learn more about Prospera Business Network, visit: www.ProsperaBusinessNetwork.org
 
Award Winner photos attached, courtesy of Sunrift Studios.