Why does a simple "hello" matter so much? In the bustling world of local businesses, the person greeting your customers—often a receptionist—plays a pivotal role not only in setting the tone of customer interactions but also in the broader success of your establishment.

Frontline of First Impressions
The receptionist is the first human touchpoint in your business. They're not just opening doors; they are opening opportunities with every greeting, every call handled, and every problem solved. The impact of their efficiency and warmth can be profound, often transforming a first-time visitor into a regular.

Skills That Define Success
Attention to detail, mastery of multitasking, and impeccable communication skills are the staples of a top-tier receptionist. Imagine a day filled with back-to-back client appointments, each requiring a personalized touch. The ability to manage this without a hitch not only keeps the day running smoothly but also elevates your business’s reputation for professionalism and reliability.

More Than Just Answering Calls
A receptionist’s role often goes unnoticed until you experience a bad one. Their day-to-day duties extend far beyond answering phones. They manage appointments, handle billing inquiries, resolve minor issues before they escalate, and maintain a calm, organized lobby area. Each task, performed well, knits a tighter, more successful business fabric.

Impact on Customer Service Excellence
The correlation between customer service and business success isn't new. However, the receptionist's role in mediating customer experiences is critical. They often act as the problem-solver, the information provider, and sometimes, the calm in a storm. Excellent customer service isn't just about meeting needs but also about making each interaction feel personal and valued.

Upskilling: A Path to Greater Impact
Investing in your receptionists through training and development isn't just beneficial; it's essential. Upskilling in areas such as CRM software, conflict resolution, and advanced communication techniques can transform good receptionists into great ones. For those looking to deepen their understanding of this career, a comprehensive job description template might offer insights into how to elevate their skills effectively.

Real-World Influence
Consider a local clinic where the receptionist not only greets patients but also ensures that their records are up to date and that they understand their post-visit instructions clearly. This not only improves patient satisfaction but also operational efficiency. Effective receptionists also build relationships, remembering client preferences and details, which enhances the personalized service that clients treasure.

A Sustainable Competitive Advantage
Ultimately, a well-trained, capable receptionist provides a competitive edge. They ensure that every customer interaction starts and ends on a high note, fostering loyalty and encouraging word-of-mouth promotion, which is invaluable for local businesses.

The Broader Scope of Influence
Beyond the immediate tasks at hand, receptionists play a crucial role in the marketing and branding of a business. They often control the flow of information, managing what new and returning customers see, hear, and experience from the moment they enter. This control makes them integral to brand consistency—ensuring that every interaction aligns with the business’s values and image.

Training for Excellence
Businesses that recognize the strategic role of receptionists invest heavily in their continuous training. Workshops on customer service, technical training on the latest office technology, and sessions on stress management are not just beneficial—they are crucial. This investment pays off in enhanced customer interactions, more efficient office management, and a happier workplace.

The Receptionist as a Catalyst for Growth
A dynamic receptionist doesn’t just keep your business running; they propel it forward. By efficiently handling logistical tasks, they free up other team members to focus on their core responsibilities. This efficiency boosts the overall productivity of the business, turning it into a well-oiled machine capable of growth and expansion.

In conclusion, the humble receptionist does more than answer calls and manage schedules. They create an atmosphere of welcome and efficiency that directly impacts customer retention and business success. It's clear that in the tapestry of local business success, the threads woven by a skilled receptionist are crucial. So, next time you pass by your reception desk, remember—the person behind it is not just part of your team; they are integral to your success. Their role is critical, and their contributions are vast, reinforcing why every local business needs to invest in empowering this key position.

On Saturday, May 4, 2024, Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) in conjunction with Gallatin County Emergency Management will conduct a full-scale aircraft disaster exercise on airport grounds. 

This exercise will test on-scene coordination between the airport, airline, hospital and emergency response personnel from across the Gallatin Valley. It is another opportunity for these agencies to collaborate to improve emergency plans and response protocols, all for the benefit of our county’s residents and visitors. 

Multiple agencies, business and organizations partner with airport staff for this exercise, including Bozeman Health, Central Valley Fire District, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Gallatin County 911, Hyalite Fire District, Salvation Army, Red Cross and numerous others.  

Due to this exercise, from 10 AM to 2 PM on May 4, folks will see an increased presence of emergency response vehicles at the airport. These will be for exercise purposes only and will not impact airline or air traffic at the airport. Please do not call 911 to report.  

“This exercise gives us the opportunity to test and revise our airport emergency plans as we continue to grow, not only as an airport, but also as a community,” said Jake Simpson, BZN Senior Director of Operations and Maintenance. “We rely heavily on our partnerships in Gallatin County when it comes to large scale emergencies and this exercise lets us strengthen those relationships.”  

Kevin Larsen, Gallatin County Emergency Management’s operations and training manager added: “Gallatin County Emergency Management strives to maintain a prepared and resistant community, and to support coordinated interagency responses to incidents and events throughout our county. This exercise is a great way to test plans, improve communications at numerous levels, build capability, and challenge assumptions. Collaboration with our emergency response partners builds community resiliency, and better prepares us to face a variety of disasters, both natural and man-made.”  

The exercise also meets the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirement for the airport to conduct a full-scale emergency exercise every three years in addition to annual table-top drills. 

Anna Nemudraia, left, and Artem Nemudryi are lead authors on a new paper exploring the use of CRISPR technology to edit RNA genetic material. MSU photo by Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez.

BOZEMAN – A team at Montana State University published research this week that shows how RNA, the close chemical cousin to DNA, can be edited using CRISPRs. The work reveals a new process in human cells that has potential for treating a wide variety of genetic diseases. 

Postdoctoral researchers Artem Nemudryi and Anna Nemudraia conducted the research alongside Blake Wiedenheft, professor in the Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology in MSU’s College of Agriculture. The paper, titled “Repair of CRISPR-guided RNA breaks enables site-specific RNA excision in human cells,” was published online Thursday in the journal Science and constitutes the latest advance in the team’s ongoing exploration of CRISPR applications for programmable genetic engineering.

CRISPR, which stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, is a type of immune system that bacteria use to recognize and fight off viruses. Wiedenheft, one of the nation’s leading CRISPR researchers, said that the system has been used for years to cut and edit DNA, but that applying similar technology to RNA is unprecedented. DNA editing uses a CRISPR-associated protein called Cas9, while editing RNA requires the use of a different CRISPR system, called type-III.

“In our previous work, we used type-III CRISPRs to edit viral RNA in a test tube,” said Nemudryi. “But we wondered, can we program manipulation of RNA in a living human cell?”

To explore that question, the team programmed type-III CRISPR proteins to cut RNA containing a mutation that causes cystic fibrosis, restoring cell function.

“We were confident that we could use these CRISPR systems to cut RNA in a programmable manner, but we were all surprised when we sequenced the RNA and realized that the cell had stitched the RNA back together in a way that removed the mutation,” said Wiedenheft.

Nemudryi noted that RNA is transient within the cell; it is constantly being destroyed and replaced.

“The general belief is that there’s not much point in repairing RNA,” he said. “We speculated that RNA would be repaired in living human cells, and it turned out to be true." 

Wiedenheft has mentored the two postdoctoral researchers since their arrival at MSU nearly six years ago, and said that the impact of their scientific contributions will lead to significant and continued advancements. 

“The work done by Artem and Anna suggests that RNA repair might be a fundamental aspect of biology and that harnessing this activity may lead to new lifesaving cures,” said Wiedenheft. “Artem and Anna are two of the most brilliant scientists I have ever encountered, and I’m confident that their work is going to have a lasting impact on humanity.”

RNA editing has important applications in the search for treatments of genetic diseases, Nemudryi said. RNA is a temporary copy of a cell’s DNA, which serves as a template. Manipulating the template by editing DNA could cause unwanted and potentially irreversible collateral changes, but because RNA is a temporary copy, he said, edits made are essentially reversible and carry far less risk. 

“People used Cas9 to break DNA and study how cells repair these breaks. Then, based on these patterns, they improved Cas9 editors,” said Nemudraia. “Here, we hope the same will happen with RNA editing. We created a tool that allows us to study how the cells repair their RNA, and we hope to use this knowledge to make RNA editors more efficient.”

In the new publication, the team shows that a mutation causing cystic fibrosis can be successfully removed from the RNA. But this is only one of thousands of known mutations that cause disease. The question of how many of them could be addressed with this new RNA editing technology will guide future work for Nemudryi and Nemudraia as they finish their postdoctoral training at MSU and prepare for faculty positions at the University of Florida this fall. Both credited Wiedenheft as a life-changing mentor.

“Blake taught us not to be afraid of testing any ideas,” said Nemudraia. “As a scientist, you should be brave and not be afraid to fail. RNA editing and repair is the terra incognita. It’s scary but also exciting. You feel you’re working on the edge of science, pushing the limits to where nobody has been before." 

HELENA – This year’s Montana paddlefish season kicks off on May 1 with the opening of the Upper Missouri River section from Fort Benton downstream to Fort Peck Dam. Anglers must have a White Harvest Tag to participate in catching and keeping a paddlefish from this section of the river. These tags are issued through a lottery system. FWP mails these tags to successful applicants. 

Unsuccessful paddlefish drawing applicants will be issued a snag-and-release only license for the Upper Missouri River. Others may also purchase snag-and-release tags for this fishery, even if they are not part of the lottery. 

The paddlefish season on the Missouri River below Fort Peck Dam and in the Yellowstone River below the mouth of the Bighorn River opens May 15, and the archery fishing season for paddlefish in the Fort Peck Dredge Cuts below Fort Peck Dam opens July 1. As in the past, anglers may only select one area to fish for paddlefish in Montana: Upper Missouri River (White Harvest Tag), Yellowstone River and Missouri River downstream of Fort Peck Dam (Yellow Harvest Tag) and the Fort Peck Dredge Cut archery-only season (Blue Harvest Tag). 

All harvested paddlefish must be immediately tagged and reported within 48 hours. Reporting options include: on-site where fish were harvested (at check points like Intake Fishing Access Site or roving creel staff along the Missouri), on the phone hotline at 1-877-FWP-WILD (877-397-9453) or 406-444-0356, or online at MyFWP at fwp.mt.gov. 

Three Forks, Montana – No-Coast Entertainment presents - ‘Rappin The Rivers Festival”, taking place August 16th & 17th 2024 at The Bridge near Three Forks Montana, where they have held CountryJam and the legendary Rocking The Rivers Festival every summer for the last 23 years. After its first year, Rappin The Rivers Festival was the winner of the Bozeman Choice Awards for Best Local or Regional Event.

This event is a two-day festival of live Rap / Hip Hop and EDM performances, as well as camping options and many of your favorite merchandising and food vendors.

List of acts includes:

Brother Ali, Cordel Drake, Dizzy Wright w/ a live band, Mac Lethal, Dirtysnatcha, DL Down3r, Stevie Stone, Killah Priest of Wu-Tang, Kosha Dillz, Kottonmouth Kings, Lady Dice, Mickey Avalon, Montana of 300, Filth and Foul, TALIB KWELI and more to be announced.

No-Coast Entertainment is proud to bring Rappin The Rivers Festival to Three Forks Montana for the first-ever Montana Rap and EDM festival. Rappin The Rivers will provide an entertaining and safe summer atmosphere for concertgoers, combining live music and the great outdoors with camping and RV spots available. Providing 3 stages and live music Aug 16th from 4pm-3am and Aug 17th from 12pm-3am.

No DOGS or GUNS allowed on property. Positive vibes only.

All tickets for the festival are available at www.rappintheriversmt.com

“Early Bird” two day concert passes and two day “Early Bird” camping passes are on sale for just $100. Follow Rappin The Rivers Festival on facebook and instagram for free ticket give aways and contests, as well as updates on the event.

Rappin The Rivers Festival will be the ultimate experience of the summer if you are truly a lover of live music and the outdoors. Please come and be a part of history at Rappin The Rivers Festival 2024.

The host and co-owner of the festival, Nickel Barney of No-Coast Entertainment has been booking and promoting live concerts and events across the northwest since 1998, and has worked with many of the best in the business. Now No-Coast Entertainment has teamed up with the folks at legendary Rockin The Rivers to help bring you something else to enjoy this summer. 2 Days of live Rap / Hip-Hop / EDM / Camping / Friends in beautiful Cardwell Montana. Hope to see you there.

The Rowan Tree Story:

Our Founder, Chelsey Patera, enjoyed an ordinary childhood while growing up here in Bozeman, MT. Her life took an abrupt detour in 2003 when she began witnessing addiction within her home. Circumstances worsened when her father tragically took his own life in 2004. Struggling to cope with the trauma, Chelsey started acting out. Like any concerned parent, her mother was filled with fear and desperation, desperately trying to save Chelsey from a path of self-destruction. Her actions eventually let her into the US "Troubled Teen Industry", a network of privately owned, powerfully punitive, residential academic programs. Within the system, Chelsey was subjected to harsh punishments and lost the vibrant spirit she once possessed. Like most teens who experience trauma, what she truly needed was to be heard, validated, nurtured, and guided on how to address the profound emotions she was experiencing.

After completing the program, Chelsey encountered additional trauma. Each ordeal added to the calluses on her heart, leading her to cope with alcohol. However, in 2021, she reached a breaking point. She committed to sobriety, to healing, and to confronting her suppressed emotions head-on. Through her journey to sobriety, Chelsey uncovered a profound desire to help teenagers who are struggling with life's adversities, trauma, and substance abuse. From this profound experience, The Rowan Tree was born.

The Rowan tree, native to the UK, is renowned for its resilience, often found thriving in challenging environments such as high altitudes, rocky terrain, and even in the midst of turbulent rivers. In English folklore, its berries were believed to possess protective qualities. Just as the Rowan tree's resilience helps it withstand harsh conditions and thrive, our foundation aims to nurture and support teens, helping them tap into their inner resilience to overcome life's challenges and grow into strong, empowered individuals. Our goal is to create a safe haven for teens, much like the protective quality attributed to the Rowan tree's berries, where they can navigate life's challenges, trauma, and substance abuse where they can connect with others, build meaningful relationships, and address their challenges in healthy ways. We take a holistic approach to healing, recognizing that addiction and trauma affect every aspect of a teenager's life. Through a combination of mentorship, counseling, support groups and community activities, we help teenagers heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

We are dedicated to fostering strength and resilience in the youth of the Gallatin Valley, helping them navigate and heal from trauma. Our commitment is to be a steadfast support for these young individuals, providing a beacon of home and endless possibilities. The contributions we receive are pivotal in offering personalized mentorship, therapeutic sessions, and scholarships for mental health and addiction recovery. We embrace a variety of healing modalities, including holistic practices, equine therapy, and beyond.

Our initiative extends to educating parents and caregivers, equipping them with the skills to communicate effectively, deepen their connection with their teenagers, and forge enduring bonds. The pinnacle of our aspirations is to establish The Rowan Tree Ranch amidst Montana's majestic mountains. Here, we will curate transformative retreats ranging from 7 to 150 days, designed to nurture healing, personal growth, and the adoption of wholesome habits, all within the embrace of nature and holistic wellness.

Give Big to Rowan Tree!

Ever noticed how the most cohesive teams sport the sharpest gear? That's no coincidence. Custom gear goes beyond mere aesthetics; it weaves pride and identity into every thread. 

For local athletes looking to strengthen their bond and boost that all-important team spirit, personalized swag offers a unique edge. From jerseys with your name to custom made towels, each piece serves as a rallying flag. 

Here's how tailoring your kit can transform your group of players into an unwavering unit ready to take on any challenge together.

5 Ways Local Athletes Can Boost Team Spirit with Custom Gear

Looking to ignite a fire of unity within your team? Custom gear might just be the spark. Here are five inventive ways local athletes can amplify their team spirit using personalized gear.

1. Personalized Jerseys
You might not realize it, but personalized jerseys are more than just fabric; they're a statistic-backed morale booster. Surveys suggest team members wearing custom uniforms often feel an increased sense of belonging and identity. It makes sense when you think about it. 

Seeing your name and number emblazoned on the back gives that extra kick of confidence, like you own a piece of the game itself. So, if you’re looking for an edge, remember that personalized jerseys are a tangible route to elevating individual investment in team success. 

2. Team-Branded Accessories
It's the small things that often make the biggest difference. That’s where team-branded accessories come into play. Think about water bottles with your logo on them or wristbands in your team colors. These are items you use every time you train or compete. 

They’re reminders of unity and shared goals. But here's a true game-changer - custom made towels. These aren't just for drying off sweat after a hard session; they symbolize the toil all of you endure together. Plus, they’re an easy thing to sell to your fans (for a reasonable price).

3. Custom Hats or Caps
When you’re wearing a customized hat, it's like waving your team's flag wherever you go. There are many ways to make and design custom headgear, with many things to think over.

Here are some things to consider when crafting: 

Choose Your Style: Do you like snapbacks, beanies, or classic baseball caps?
Select Colors and Design: Match them with your team colors.
Think Practicality: Opt for breathable fabrics and thicker materials.

Creating custom hats is all about combining style with visibility. They're not just cool; they bind your team identity into one simple yet powerful statement piece.

4. Communal Warm-Up Kits
Communal warm-up kits aren't just about looking sharp as a team; they're powerful marketing tools, too. With the right gear, you could spread the word about your team far and wide.

Here’s how to use them to your advantage:

Flaunt Your Colors: Use pre-game routines as a showcase, displaying your team colors and logos during warm-ups.
Social Media Buzz: Post photos of your team decked out on social media.
Local Endorsements: Approach local businesses with your professional appearance. Offer to feature their logo on your kits in exchange for sponsorship.

Using warm-up kits can turn routine drills into promotional gold, quickly building local fan bases.

5. Make Special Event Apparel
Have you ever wondered why teams often have unique gear for big events? Well, the stats give us a hint. First, they’re memorable, not just to the team but to customers. 70% of survey respondents in a PPAI report said that they kept their company swag for over 5 years.

That means your biggest fans are going to continue to boost athlete morale for years, thanks to the merchandise they wear. That morale can greatly improve team spirit. So next time there’s a major game on the horizon, consider gearing up with specialty jerseys, hats, and other items. 

Don’t Forget Your Team Spirit at the Game!

Ready to charge up the team spirit and march to victory in style? Now’s your chance! Elevate your game and unite your crew with custom gear that screams team pride. Tackle each match with personalized jerseys, and carry a piece of that unity off the field with team-branded merch. 

Embrace the power of togetherness; after all, it's more than just gear - it's wearing your heart on your sleeve. Don’t wait for team spirit to happen. Get out there and make every play count!

BOZEMAN – Norman Huynh today announced his commitment to the Greater Yellowstone region by extending his tenure as the Bozeman Symphony’s Music Director through the 2028-29 season, marking a significant continuation of his transformative influence on the organization.

To reinforce the momentum of this flourishing artistic partnership, the Bozeman Symphony unveiled “Music that Moves Us,” a new, strategic growth plan for the next five years. Key initiatives include expanding classical and popular programming, investing in musicians and staff, increasing education and community engagement programs, and expanding live performances beyond Bozeman.

Since Norman was appointed the Symphony’s Music Director in 2020, the organization has celebrated record success, growing from 881 to more than 1,300 subscribers in just two seasons, with over 200 percent growth in ticket revenue, and numerous sold-out shows. The Symphony also extended its performance season with a sixth classical concert in 2021 and now a seventh in 2024. Norman has welcomed a wide and diverse range of special guests and created artistic partnerships with several local artists and arts organizations, establishing himself as an invaluable collaborative partner in Bozeman.

“It gives me great joy to continue the artistic partnership with my wonderful colleagues at the Bozeman Symphony and Symphonic Choir,” said Norman. “It is a privilege to work with our amazing musicians, dedicated Board and staff, and this incredible community. I am so thankful and proud of the many things that we’ve been able to share with our growing audiences in my first four seasons. I’m looking forward to the programs ahead that will continue to celebrate the breadth of talent and arts support within our vibrant community.”

“We’re thrilled that Norman will be with us through at least the next five years,” said Bozeman Symphony Board Chair Ben Phinney. “Norman’s upbeat energy and artistic acumen have elevated the Symphony to new heights, breathing fresh energy into the concert hall with extraordinary music and outstanding artistry. Norman’s commitment sends a message of dedication to our supporters, musicians, and staff, and is the foundation of our strategic growth plan. We are grateful that Norman will stay in Bozeman, the future of the Bozeman Symphony is bright.”

Recognized for his dynamic and authoritative conducting style and enthusiastic advocacy for the arts, Norman has played a pivotal role in redefining the Bozeman Symphony’s artistic direction, focusing on innovative programming that blends traditional symphonic works with contemporary pieces to reflect the diverse community it serves. Audiences love how welcoming and approachable Norman is from the podium—he has a unique ability to connect audiences with classical music, creating a richer listening experience.

Aside from his contributions to the Symphony’s artistic achievements, Norman is devoted to building connections in the community through education and outreach programs. Last season, Norman secured a $50,000 donation to launch the Symphony’s first true education and outreach department—unleashing a host of musical activities throughout the region. Everyone, from toddlers to retired lifelong learners, is now connecting with the orchestra and choir, inspiring passion for music and the arts.

Norman’s influence extends beyond the local community, with a distinguished career as a guest conductor that most recently included his sold-out subscription debut with the New York Philharmonic, as well as regular appearances with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, San Diego Symphony, Seattle Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Minnesota Symphony Orchestra, Oregon Symphony, and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

“As the Bozeman Symphony and Norman embark on this extended journey together, the orchestra’s trajectory is poised for further innovation and excellence,” said Bozeman Symphony Executive Director Jacob Blaser. “Norman’s tenure has left an indelible mark on musicians and audience members alike, and his contract extension promises to bring even more creative achievements and community connections. Now is an exciting time to be part of the performing arts in Southwest Montana.”

BOZEMAN - Bozeman Municipal Court is celebrating the start of their misdemeanor DUI Treatment Court – the BRIDGERS Court – with a public launch event on May 2 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Bozeman Public Safety Center’s Community Room. This event will provide members of the public with an opportunity to learn about the treatment program and referral process and engage with others interested in reducing DUIs in Gallatin County. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. 

BRIDGERS Court is an alternative to incarceration for individuals facing DUI 2nd, DUI 3rd, or Aggravated DUI charges whose involvement in the legal system is rooted in a substance use disorder or a co-occurring substance use/mental health disorder. It is a voluntary 12- to 15-month program that uses a collaborative and evidence-based approach to connect participants with community resources and treatment services.  

The therapeutic program design aims to break cycles of addiction and legal involvement by addressing underlying causes of substance use disorder. Participants undergo an intensive regimen of substance use disorder treatment, case management, drug testing, and probation supervision while reporting to regularly scheduled status hearings before the judge. 

Municipal Court Judge Colleen Herrington, who also presides over the Veteran Eligible Treatment Services (V.E.T.S.) Court, spearheaded the new program. “I saw a great need for this program with the number of DUIs and number of stacking offenses - 2nd and 3^rd DUIs - that were being cited. I needed to find a new solution to reduce the number of DUIs and increase public safety,” Herrington explained. 

The BRIDGERS Court is funded through a 4-year $900,000 federal Bureau of Justice Assistance grant which was applied for in April 2023 and awarded in October 2023. The team has begun screening applicants and aims to hold their first court session on June 11. The court can serve a maximum of 25 participants at once.  

In 2022, there were approximately 695 misdemeanor and 110 felony DUI citations between Bozeman and Belgrade’s Municipal Courts and Gallatin County’s Justice and District Courts. National research confirms that DUI court participants are 19 times less likely to reoffend. Taxpayers also benefit when offenders remain in the community, with their families and in jobs as opposed to costly jail time. 

Those interested in learning more or referring someone to this program can contact rboundy@bozeman.net.