Nancy and Kelcey Diemert receive the "Spirit of Montana Award"
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Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte, Nancy Diemert and Kelcey Diemert pose in the Chinook Pharmacy for a photo op. The governor stopped in Chinook last week during his annual "56 County Tour" to award the "Spirit of Montana Award" to the Diemerts. The former owners of the Chinook Pharmacy were recognized for their nearly thirty years of operating pharmacies in rural Montana and helping launch new pharmacies in several small towns.
Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte was in Blaine County last week as he continued his annual "56 County Tour," the third such tour since becoming governor. On the tour the governor will make stops in all 56 counties throughout the state. Explaining the "why" of the tour the governor said, "The best and most important part of my job is meeting with Montanans where they live and work."
Last Wednesday he stopped in Blaine County to visit the tribal-owned Little River Trading Post in Harlem and then met with the Fort Belknap Tribal Council. From there the governor headed west for a stop at the Chinook Pharmacy to recognize the contributions of Nancy and Kelcey Diemert, both pharmacists and long time owners of the local main street pharmacy.
After nearly 30 years operating business the couple recently sold the pharmacy to Angie Billmayer who is also a pharmacist and a 10+ year employee at the Chinook Pharmacy. In a short ceremony in the pharmacy Gov. Gianforte awarded the Diemerts the "Spirit of Montana Award." The award was created by the current governor to recognize selected Montanans "for their accomplishments, dedication, or service to our communities." The award has recognized individuals, businesses and organizations across the state. Fewer than 20 of the awards have been given in the three-year history of the honor.
A letter from the governor accompanying the framed award to the Diemerts read in part: "The award was based on their nearly 30 years of service as pharmacists in small towns of Montana and being fortunate enough to help launch three new pharmacies in small towns." With a handshake for both Nancy and Kelcey Gov. Gianforte presented them with the framed award, his accompanying letter of commendation and a Montana state flag that was flown over the capitol building in Helena.
Responding to the governor's award Kelcey said, "Both Nancy and I recognized early on that when we found a pharmacist who wanted to stay in a small town and practice their skills, they were great candidates to eventually take over a pharmacy we started and keep it going. Angie Billmayer, the new owner of the Chinook Pharmacy, is a great example of the perfect candidate."
Angie Billmayer and her family including husband Frank and sons Bridger and Bowman were on hand to greet Gov. Gianforte and congratulate the Diemerts for the award. On July 1 Nancy and Kelcey sold the Chinook Pharmacy to Angie. Regarding the Diemerts winning the "Spirit" award Angie said, "They've been great mentors and I appreciate their trust in me. I'm honored they've given me the opportunity to own and continue the business they started. They are a great choice for this Award."
Closing the awards ceremony, Gov. Gianforte said, "On behalf of a grateful state thank you for creating new business opportunities and jobs, being strong leaders in your community and supporting school, sporting and community events. You've made our state stronger and a better place to live, work, and raise a family."
