2023 Edition: Bigfork Area Chamber of Commerce Awards
Note: Since we have been in business for five years, we do not qualify for the “Emerging Business of The Year” Award, however, we thank you for your continued support!
The 2023 Bigfork Area Chamber of Commerce Awards is here! Please take a moment to vote for Bee’s Knees ‘n’ Knits as the “Business of the Year” category, as well as either Kassie Roedel or Kyle Cumming, owners of Bee’s Knees ‘n’ Knits and directors of Village Markets, for the “Heart of Bigfork” and “Businessperson of the Year” category. Voting ends on Thursday, January, 12th, 2023.
Business of the Year: This award recognizes a business that contributes to the economic growth and quality of life in Bigfork and whose practices and professional conduct contribute to a sense of cooperation within the entire business community. Some of the specific criteria that could be considered for this award include: a successful marketing or business strategy; growth; community involvement; exceptional customer service
The Heart of Bigfork Award: From grocery store clerks and retail cashiers to servers and bartenders, teachers, and nurses – this award recognizes an individual who is has stood out as an exceptional essential worker through their commitment, strength, and dedication to their employer, customers, and the Bigfork community over the last year.
Businessperson of the Year: This award recognizes someone who been in business in the Bigfork Area for a least five years and has set the standard of accomplishment in both business and the community. The have shown leadership, vision, and a commitment to the betterment of their business, employees, community, local economy.
Bee’s Knees ‘n’ Knits is a local small business owned by Kassie Dawn Roedel and Kyle Dean Cumming, born and raised in Bigfork, Montana. Together we embrace the sustainable lifestyle of slow fashion, herbal remedies, and nearly forgotten trades by offering handcrafted gifts and goods from our homestead. Our Made in Montana certified products are mindfully curated in small batches using wool, blooms, beeswax, and bit inbetween with an emphasis on local ingredients and materials.
One of our biggest values is to shop, share, and support local, not only as a business, but in our daily lives too. We choose to honor the Treasure State by nourishing the integrity of the land, animals, and people of Montana from which we were raised. Why? We believe it's important to lead the way for sustainability by practicing environmental stewardship and contributing to a circular economy through as well as fund local organizations that reflect our values to make a broader impact. A circular economy is based on the idea of regeneration, reducing waste and pollution, and keeping value in products that are made to last or be repaired and reused. Montana’s rich agricultural background in allows us to gain access to these resources and put them to good use through Bee’s Knees ‘n’ Knits, the way nature intended. By localizing our supply chain, we help build consumer confidence and awareness. Furthermore, we encourage our fellow tradesmen and support the arts by hosting the Village Markets, providing a low cost venue for young entrepreneurs, nonprofits, artisans, food trucks, entertainers, and musicians. Not to mention, Kassie also manages the Bigfork Farmers Market Cooperative social media accounts via Instagram and Facebook to embrace local food systems, farmers, and the arts. When supporting our business, you are also supporting those before us.