Deer Lodge Entrepreneur Wins Retailer of the Year Award at 2022 Made in Montana Tradeshow
HELENA – Entrepreneur Rachel Jenkins was announced as the 2022 Retailer of the Year today at the annual Made in Montana Tradeshow for Food and Gifts in Helena. Montana Department of Commerce Deputy Director Adam Schafer presented the award to Jenkins, who owns Montana Made & The Lilliepad Boutique in Deer Lodge.“Small businesses are the foundation of Montana’s economy, and are vital in keeping our communities thriving by creating jobs and opportunities,” said Montana Department of Commerce Director Scott Osterman. “This year’s winner of our Retailer of the Year Award clearly has strong community connections and enthusiastically supports Made in Montana producers,” Osterman added.
Located at 517 Main Street in downtown Deer Lodge, Montana Made & The Lilliepad Boutique offers a wide variety of Made in Montana, Grown in Montana, and Native American Made in Montana products sourced from all corners of the state. “Consumers are excited to purchase authentic handmade or grown Montana merchandise,” Rachel Jenkins said. “What inspires me is meeting new vendors and being able to tell their story and how their products are made. I want shoppers to know they are truly helping local Montana families when they purchase items from Montana Made.”
Each year, Montana retailers are nominated by their peers to receive the Retailer of the Year Award. Montana Lieutenant Governor Kristen Juras and Department of Commerce Deputy Director Adam Schafer presented awards to the following winners:
Best in Show Overall - Windrift Hill, based in Conrad, makes 45 different types of soaps, 21 scented lotions, and 13 scented body butters using natural clay oxides, herbs, oils, and farm fresh goat’s milk.
Best in Show New Exhibitor - Montana Block, based in Billings, builds functional, high-quality, and unique wooden kitchen products, specializing in End-Grain Butcher Blocks.
Best in Show Honorable Mention – Lake Missoula Tea Company, based in Missoula, offers the highest quality tea from around the world.
For more information about the Made in Montana program and tradeshow, click here or connect on Facebook.
Tags: Office of Tourism and Business Development, Made in Montana Program and Brand MT