Jay Graves recently joined Stockman Bank as VP, Branch Manager for the Grand Avenue location in Billings. His responsibilities include overseeing bank operations, management and employee supervision, and all lending activities.

Graves brings 20 years of banking experience to the position, which includes commercial and agricultural lending and business development. His extensive knowledge will be an asset to Stockman Bank and the Billings community.

Graves earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in finance and economics from Montana State University Billings. He is active in the community serving as a member of the Rotary Club, Exchange Club, and is a volunteer for the Big Sky State Games.

The Billings Chamber of Commerce has announced the “Business Excellence Awards” and “Legacy Awards.’ They will be recognized and honored during the Chamber’s  Annual Business Celebration, presented by Marsh McLennan Agency and Rubicare, on September 18 at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center.

— Ally Songstad with Billings Federal Credit Union has been named “The NextGEN Exceptional Emerging Leader”, which is awarded to a young professional who demonstrates strong leadership, excellence in professional, philanthropic and/or community investment, and inspires others to succeed.

— Blake Wahrlich with Best Western Clocktower Inn and Stella’s Kitchen & Bakery has been named “Employer of the Year Award.” The award recognizes leadership that transforms workplaces into communities—where people feel seen, heard, supported, and inspired. award recognizes a business that goes far beyond the basics—fostering an inclusive culture, offering meaningful benefits, investing in their people, creating opportunity, and making a true impact beyond their own walls. Wahrlich serves as the chair of the business improvement district of Downtown Billings

— Don Keisser, Transitional Marketing (TransMar), has recognized as “Small Business of the Year Award,” which was created to spotlight a local business with 15 or fewer employees that exemplifies innovation, resilience, and real community impact. TransMar is a business built on relationships, powered by service, and guided by values. For over a decade, this company has delivered high-quality results with a personal touch—offering clients creative, customized promotional solutions that help them succeed.

— Jen & Jason Marble, owners of The Marble Table and Marble Coffee Co., have been named as Outstanding Business Persons of the Year. The award recognizes those who are more than business leaders—they are visionaries, collaborators, and community champions. These two don’t stop at great food and coffee; they lead with heart, with hustle, and with purpose. They’re constantly innovating—testing menus, trying new hours, playing with flavors, and listening to customer feedback with open ears and open minds.

— Parker Phipps, Yellowstone Ice Foundation/Signal Peak Energy, is being recognized as a “Groundbreaker,” a boundary-pusher. The Groundbreakers Award recognizes those who don’t wait for permission to lead; they roll up their sleeves, reimagine what’s possible, and spark lasting change. Phipps did just that. When a community center bond failed, he didn’t see an ending. He acted decisively, and helped chart a new course for a public-private partnership in Billings. Thanks to his vision, the Signal Peak Energy Arena is on track to become a reality in early 2026—a transformational project poised to generate millions in economic impact and provide a vibrant new gathering place for our region. And, he did all of this while also leading a major energy company, raising four kids, coaching youth hockey, and volunteering on multiple philanthropic boards.

Maddie Malmstrom joined Visit Billings, managed by the Billings Chamber of Commerce, as the new Content Coordinator in March. In her new role, Malmstrom will spearhead content creation and curation for Visit Billings’ annual marketing plan.

Leveraging her graphic design and writing skills, Malmstrom will craft and disseminate engaging content across various social media platforms. Her focus will be on producing high-quality written and visual materials that elevate Billings’ profile as a premier travel destination.

Malmstrom brings a wealth of experience in digital marketing and social media management. At City Vineyard, she scaled Instagram followers by 46 percent, profile visits by 907 percent, and online orders by 62 percent in the first year. Her expertise in establishing routine social media data analytics and content calendars, as well as initiating cohesive brand standards, will be invaluable to Visit Billings.

“Maddie’s proven track record in digital marketing and her creative mindset make her a perfect fit for our team,” says Marya Pennington, marketing director of Visit Billings. Malmstrom holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Marketing from Boise State University, with a minor in Entrepreneurship Management. She has extensive experience in content development, project management, and client relationship management. Her skills in copywriting, graphic design, and social media management will help elevate Billings’ presence as a top travel destination.

Malmstrom officially joined Visit Billings on March 24, 2025. She has called Billings’s home for 23 years since moving here with her family at a young age. Outside of work, she enjoys travel, outdoor adventures, fashion, music, reading, and finding new creative outlets.

Casey Conlon joined Visit Billings, managed by the Billings Chamber of Commerce, as the new Sports Tourism Director in March.

In his new role, Conlon will lead Visit Billings Sports. He will spearhead efforts to attract and execute high-impact sporting events, collaborating with key stakeholders to enhance Billings’ reputation as a premier sports tourism destination.

Conlon brings a wealth of experience in sports journalism and event management, having overseen day-to-day newsroom operations at KTVQ, managed all sports coverage, and co-hosted Big Sky Football telecasts. He is highly regarded in the Billings community for his dedication and contributions to local journalism.

Conlon holds a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Southern California. He spent many of his 18 years at KTVQ as a sports anchor and reporter before moving over to news management. He won multiple awards, including an Edward R. Murrow Regional honor as well as five Montana Broadcasters E.B. Craney awards. He’s excited to bring his wealth of knowledge of the local sports community into tourism and event management.

Conlon officially joined Visit Billings on March 17, 2025. He has called Billings home for 18 years, marrying his wife Kassidy in 2022. The couple are expecting their first child in 2025. Outside of work, Casey is an avid golfer, but you can usually talk him into anything involving a field or court. He and Kassidy also love hiking and camping in Montana’s beautiful wilderness. He can be reached via email at Casey@VisitBillings.com or by calling 406-839-1284