Click the play button on the featured image above to watch the Made in Montana Tradeshow Montana Business Spotlight.
HELENA, Mont. — Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen congratulated the award winners at the 2023 Made in Montana Tradeshow on Friday afternoon at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds. Secretary Jacobsen also thanked each Made in Montana business for attending and displaying its products.
Missoula’s The Last Best Store was named the retailer of the year, while 41 Grains of Circle captured the Best in Show honor. Medicine Springs Mineral Therapy of Helena earned an honorable mention nod in the Best of Show category.
Maiden Montana Pet Treats of Lewistown was named the Best in Show New Exhibitor.
“Congratulations to each of the honorees at this year’s event,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “The Made in Montana program boasts some wonderful local businesses, and we’re fortunate to see those businesses on display at the Tradeshow. Thank you for doing business in Montana.”
The Last Best Store prides itself as “the first all Montana Made store in the Southgate Mall,” according to its Facebook page. The store also “represents over 100 Montana-Made artists and artisans.”
Meanwhile, Rex and Kacie Sikveland of 41 Grains have transitioned a first-generation farm into a small flour mill and whole grains packaging company.
“We grow our own chickpeas and we make chickpea flour and chickpea flour products. They’re easy, convenient options for gluten-free, homegrown, farm-to-table products,” explained Kacie.
41 Grains offers products ranging from mixes for pancakes and waffles to brownies and banana bread.
Maiden Montana Pet Treats is a “multi-generation, Veteran- and family-owned, family-operated small business” in Lewistown that began its journey with a German Shepherd. Trey and Marie Gacke’s dog, Abbey, suffered an allergic reaction from a food allergy that nearly took her life. The Gacke Family took it upon themselves to create all-natural beef liver dog treats that were Abbey approved.
“We started giving them out to friends and family … and we just started (Maiden Montana Pet Treats),” said Trey.
“We like supporting the local ranchers, too,” added Marie. “In Lewistown, it’s important that we minimize the waste that goes into it. Our dog, our friends’ dogs, all the people we meet’s dogs, plus the ranchers are benefiting.”
Medicine Springs Mineral Therapy is the “only ones in the world who do what we do,” explained Brandon Price. “We take the mineral analysis of famous hot springs from all over the world, bring it back, separate out the compounds and package them so people can turn their bathtubs or hot tubs into these world famous hot springs. … It brings a whole new element to soaking and wellness and natural health.”
All four award-winning businesses began their journey by registering with the Secretary of State’s Office.
“Montana is blessed with so many wonderful businesses run by our family, friends, and neighbors,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “Our office is honored to assist with their beginnings and serve them as they continue to grow.”
This year’s Made in Montana Tradeshow was held on Friday and Saturday, with Friday reserved for wholesale buyers and Saturday open to the public. For more information on the Made in Montana program, visit the official website online.
