Polson business wins Retailer of the Year Award at 2021 Made in Montana Tradeshow
MONTANA -- Polson business handMADE Montana and owner Carol Lynn Lapotka was honored by her peers as the 2021 Retailer of the Year. Montana Lieutenant Governor Kristen Juras, Department of Agriculture Director Christy Clark and Commerce Director Scott Osterman presented the Award to Lapotka today at the annual Made in Montana Tradeshow for Food and Gifts.Each year, Montana retailers are nominated by their communities and across the state to receive this prestigious award. This year, there was overwhelming support for handMADE Montana.
“It’s small business owners like Carol at handMADE Montana who highlight the very best of Montana-made handcrafted goods while providing a supportive platform for local artisans,” said Montana Department of Commerce Director Scott Osterman.
Located on Main Street in Polson, the handMADE Montana store sells over 80 local and regional modern handcrafted goods, includes 65 artists and has a fully visible and functioning production studio in the back for REcreate Designs. In addition, handMADE is an event and community resource organization for artisans, provides selling opportunities for artists and offers workshops in small business development.
Carol Lynn Lapotka is also notably known for organizing the award-winning MADE fairs, Montana's largest art and handcrafted markets.
Other award winners included:
Best in Show Overall - Farver Farms
Best in Show New Exhibitor - Rebekah Jarvey
Best in Show Honorable Mention - Martikarli.com
Tags: Office of Tourism and Business Development, Made in Montana Program and Business MT