A Lakeside-Somers chamber and community member of twelve years, gratitude abounds for this Ambassador, Ashley Jennings. Boating, biking, hiking and skiing  – all in the same town – contributed greatly towards the decision to raise our  family here. The only thing missing back then for this coffee-loving Mom of four, was a coffee shop!  Shortly after moving to Lakeside in 2012, my husband and I created Glacier Perks–a community focused coffee house where our love for  baking, brewing, cooking and caring–proved a dream manifest.     

Cultivating collaborations and encouraging budding entrepreneurs is a passion of mine that comes naturally when surrounded by a community of incredible business owners and volunteers! Inspiration is contagious, and is easily caught when in attendance at our chamber’s monthly BASH! Our community may appear smaller than most, but once our members gather for an event, one can easily witness the abundant camaraderie and feel the warmth of welcoming hearts. We can start our day on the shores of Flathead Lake with a cup of locally roasted coffee, and end the day on Blacktail mountain with a locally brewed beer – but it’s the people who are serving it up and whom we meet in between, that truly make this place ‘home’.

Wendi Phelps has been an integral part of our community since 2016, when she  established her first massage practice at Riverbend Integrative Medicine. In 2017, she expanded her reach by joining forces with Lakeside Chiropractic Clinic, further  solidifying her commitment to holistic healthcare. With a deep-rooted belief in "Massage as Medicine," Wendi is dedicated to crafting personalized treatment  approaches for her clients, emphasizing Restorative Breast Therapy. Her collaboration with breast cancer patients and survivors, alongside their medical  teams, showcases her unwavering dedication to providing comprehensive care. Wendi's expertise extends to her profound knowledge of the lymphatic system, an  area in which she is accredited. 

Beyond her professional endeavors, Wendi finds solace outdoors with her faithful  companion, Roscoe, indulging in the abundance of activities the Flathead region offers.

Jason was raised in Central Virginia. His passion for athletics led him to earn a swimming scholarship at the University of Duquesne in Pittsburgh. Jason’s love of discipline and hard work, instilled by his military father, motivated him to become a paratrooper in the U.S. Army serving at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. After Medically retiring in 2017. Now immersed in the construction world, Jason utilizes his work ethic, organizational skills, passion for the outdoors, and relationship building strengths to connect with his family and community.

Introducing Kaci Santos, a passionate realtor and entrepreneur who wears many  hats in the Lakeside community. As the proud owner of both a thriving real estate  business and Vacation Flathead, a premier vacation rental property management  company, Kaci is deeply entrenched in the heartbeat of Lakeside and Somers. Since relocating to Lakeside in 2020 with her husband and two adorable babies, Kaci has found solace in the warm embrace of this lakeside town. It's not just about the stunning views and tranquil waters – it's the sense of belonging that resonates with her soul. A true foodie at heart, whether it's trying out new restaurants or hosting events with loved ones, Kaci finds joy in bringing people together over delicious food and  good company. 

Among her favorite community events are the monthly BASH's. For Kaci, it's more than just a networking opportunity – it's a chance to reconnect with friends, discover budding businesses, and strengthen the fabric of the community she  holds dear. 

Becoming an ambassador for Lakeside was a heartfelt commitment to giving back  and fostering connections within her community. With her family by her side, Kaci  is dedicated to building a bright future in Lakeside, one filled with cherished memories and meaningful relationships.

Shelly, a Realtor at Pure West Christies International Real Estate in Lakeside, wears multiple hats as a business owner of Montana Rockies, an excavation construction  company, alongside her husband Robert and son Chantz. Relocating from Creston, MT to Lakeside in 1997, they found the perfect environment to raise their four children, immersed in outdoor activities like skiing and enjoying the community's close-knit atmosphere. Witnessing Lakeside's growth, Shelly became an advocate  for community involvement, serving as an ambassador to promote local events and  encourage support for businesses, epitomizing the spirit of Lakeside's "Live, play,  & work" ethos. 

In Lakeside, community bonds are integral, with events like Shelly’s favorite: the Lakeside Fair Parade! It embodies the unity of Lakeside and Somers, with good ol’ fashioned fun! Shelly's dedication to fostering this unity underscores her  commitment to preserving Lakeside's cherished small-town atmosphere amidst its  growth. With stunning sunsets against the majestic Swan and Rocky Mountain ranges, Lakeside remains a beacon of natural beauty and community spirit, exemplifying why it's hailed as the "last best place" by its residents and local  businesses alike.

Introducing Julie Darrow, a devoted mother of four energetic children and an avid  advocate for exceptional guest experiences at The Cabins at Blacktail, an event  venue and 6 cabin property in Lakeside. Julie also serves as the Director of  Culture & Marketing at a medical technology company focused on minimizing  radiation exposure in operating rooms. 

Julie and her family happened upon the Flathead Valley and the Lakeside/Somers  community in 2021 during their nationwide RV journey. They were immediately  captivated by the valley's stunning mountainous landscape, lake and orchards, the  warm embrace of the community, and the innovative spirit of its small business  owners. The valley simply felt like home! 

Within months of making Somers home, Julie and her husband George became instrumental in organizing the Lakeside Christmas Tree Lighting event, now their  favorite annual tradition in the community. Weekends for Julie are filled with family  adventures like skiing, hiking, and boating, as well as hosting guests, weddings  and special events at The Cabins at Blacktail. Whenever they can steal a moment  away, they also love to indulge in their favorite Lakeside restaurants.

Julie considers it a true privilege to be part of this vibrant community and to serve as a chamber Ambassador. Her greatest joy lies in making a positive impact in the lives of others, forging meaningful connections, and contributing to the community that has already given her family so much.

Jessica Lenz is a proud fourth-generation resident of the Flathead valley from both sides of her family! Her and her husband, Colby, own and operate No Bad Days Lakeside; a Tinyhome vacation rental in Somers. She is also a Real Estate Agent with PureWest and serving as a Lt Col in the Air Force. Aside from her professional roles, Lakeside/Somers captivates her with its serene beauty and tight-knit community. Whether it's hiking, spending time at the lake or bike riding in the summer or skiing or snowshoeing in the winter, there's always something to do outdoors. She loves attending local events, especially the annual Earth Day Cleanup and Flathead lake run —they are a blast every year. Becoming an ambassador was a no-brainer; she wanted to give back to the place that's given her and her family so much joy. She loves including her kids in all the events, either to enjoy, or to volunteer themselves.