MSU Billings College of Business

Executives in Residence inductee panel discussion Oct. 2, presented by MSU Billings College of Business, Library 148, 2 p.m.

Sept. 30, 2014

Dear Colleagues:

Please join Montana State University Billings College of Business on Thursday for an Executive in Residence program featuring inductees of the inaugural Montana Business Hall of Fame during an hourlong panel discussion at 2 p.m., in the Library building, room 148.

The inaugural class—featuring trailblazers of innovation and philanthropy—include Chris Nelson, of Zoot Enterprises; Mike Schaer, of Computers Unlimited; Bill Oftedal, of Oftedal Construction; Ian Davidson, of Davidson Companies; and the late Sam McDonald, of Wendy’s of Montana.

Through ingenuity, remarkable insight and risk, the inaugural class of Montana Business Hall of Fame inductees have made significant impacts on the landscape of business in the Treasure State, and will discuss their success in business and leadership during the panel discussion. The event is free and open to the public.

The hall of fame is designed to honor, preserve and perpetuate the names and outstanding accomplishments of Montana business leaders who have enhanced the state’s business climate and made significant contributions to their communities.

College of Business Dean Barbara Wheeling said hall of fame inductees serve as role models for Montana’s business students, those just beginning their careers, and for new entrepreneurs.

“Their accomplishments and innovations serve to inspire others to make the best of their chosen careers while being thoughtful of the people in their organizations and communities,” Wheeling said.

The hall of fame recognizes outstanding businessmen and women who have made significant and enduring contributions to their business and industry through extraordinary leadership, she said.

Nominees are selected based on a number of criteria, such as their level of business leadership and ethics, willingness to take risks, concern for customers and employees, innovation and impact on their community and the state’s economy. Nominations for hall of fame inductions will reopen in January for the 2015 class.

The MSUB community is also invited for An Evening with Rudy Giuliani following the panel discussion. The dinner ceremony begins at 7 p.m., at the Big Horn Resort. Tickets for the dinner are $75 per person. Seating is still available, but limited.

IMAGES RIGHT: The inaugural Montana Business Hall of Fame class left to right: Mike Schaer, of Computers Unlimited; the late Sam McDonald, of Wendy’s of Montana; Ian Davidson, of Davidson Companies; Chris Nelson, of Zoot Enterprises; and Bill Oftedal, of Oftedal Construction. Paintings by Joe Heins of Heins Creative.