Stone Recognized for Hard Work and Perseverance

Glasgow resident Betty Stone was awarded the Tourism Ambassador of the Year award on April 15 by Lt. Governor Mike Cooney at the Governor's Conference on Tourism and Recreation in Butte. Stone was one of five people nominated for the award from throughout the state and upon hearing her name called to receive the award, "I have been told I screeched out loud, but I don't remember doing that!" laughed Stone. The award is a lifetime achievement award, encompassing all of the projects she has worked on over the years.

Fellow members and organizations within the tourism sector including the Glasgow Chamber, Missouri River Country and Two Rivers Economic Growth nominated Stone for this prestigious award. "I have been told lots of letters were submitted on my behalf. It's a real humbling recognition as really the whole community comes together for a project," stated Stone.

Stone first got involved in the tourism sector 30 years ago when she started working as a general manager of the Cottonwood Inn. "My involvement in tourism just grew from being in the business." Her philosophy in life, 'To make a difference,' motivated her to stay involved even after retiring from the Cottonwood. "Tourism is such a great industry and great to be involved in. People are so energetic and proactive. There are so many people with creative ideas and projects," said Stone. Tourism is funded through a four percent lodging facility use tax, commonly known as the Bed Tax. According to Stone, it was started in 1988, and at that time collection was $40,264 in Valley County. In 2018, it was $174,559 and between 2017 and 2018, Valley County was up 19 percent.

Currently, Stone volunteers on the board of directors of the Missouri River Country Tourism Region and is a part of Two Rivers Economic Growth, Glasgow Downtown Association, Glasgow Tourism Business Improvement District, Montana State Parks and the Montana Lodging and Hospitality Association. She also facilitates the development of the Glasgow Tourism Business Improvement District and has been instrumental in Glasgow's new brand and wayfinding projects. To say Stone wears lots of hats is an understatement however because of those various roles, she has been able to assist in increasing tourism to Glasgow and the surrounding areas.

One project that she is most proud of being a part of is the first tourism project she was involved in. The Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Project included putting up interpretive signage along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail in the state, where one currently resides on the overlook out at Fort Peck Lake. Other projects Stone has had a hand in include the Milk River Observation Point, Homerun Pond at Sullivan Park and getting signage created pointing tourists to the must-sees of the area as well as setting up information kiosks throughout the city.

Current projects Stone is working on include putting up the signage that was created in order to direct those passing through, and even those who live here and not know about the hidden gems, to local attractions and local places of the area. "People don't know there is a downtown when on the highway. The signs will get people into town to see Glasgow," stated Stone. In addition to the signs, there will also be information kiosks at the high school, the Valley Event Center and at the corner of the addition of Busted Knuckle Brewery. "Those kiosks will show locations to go to, and even mileage to nearby attractions such as the Fort Peck Summer Theatre and the lake. It will also have vinyl covers, so when new places come into the area or if a place moves, we can easily update the information," explained Stone. Another project is working on getting a trail from Highway 2 to the Smith Park bicycle camp, across from the Cottonwood Inn. "We are currently working on getting the trail and the hope is to have it done this summer," explained Stone.

Stone does not take all of the credit for the successes and accomplishments of the projects she has worked on and seen into fruition. "The great thing about Glasgow is the community works together. The Chamber, TBID, Two Rivers Economic Growth, the City of Glasgow, Valley County schools, everyone works well together and mesh together."