HELENA, Mont. – A Billings business, The Maker’s Market, was honored with the 2024 Retailer of the Year award today at the annual Made in Montana Tradeshow for Food and Gifts in Helena. Montana Lt. Governor Kristen Juras and Department of Commerce Deputy Director Mandy Rambo presented the award to Victoria Eichel, owner of The Maker’s Market, at the show.
“For forty years, the Made in Montana program has helped expand our state’s economy, and we’re excited to show the public all the high-quality and creative Montana made products that are here at the tradeshow,” said Mandy Rambo, Deputy Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “The Montana Department of Commerce congratulates The Maker’s Market for winning the Retailer of the Year award today. We also congratulate the other award recipients and all the Made in Montana businesses that make this tradeshow such a huge success every year.”
The Maker’s Market is a 16,500 square foot mercantile retail store of handmade products made by makers from all over Montana. Makers produce 100 percent of their sales by joining a monthly membership to gain more profit on their products. The Market connects its makers with consumers, ships out products all over the U.S. and gives makers a landing point to get in front of a larger audience. Products include food, merchandise and services.
“The Maker’s Market is grateful to be named Made in Montana Retailer of the Year. We are made up of a community of makers that is growing in numbers,” said owner Victoria Eichel. “Showcasing skills that embark on the beauty of our beloved Montana is what our makers do best. We invite you to stop in, introduce yourself and support our Made in Montana makers.”
Each year, Montana retailers are nominated by their peers to receive the Retailer of the Year Award. Other awards presented at the show today by Lt. Governor Juras and Deputy Director Rambo included:
Best in Show Overall – Living Sky Grains, based in Three Forks, produces regeneratively grown nutrient dense grains, pulses and oilseeds.
Best in Show Honorable Mention – Natural Essentials, based in Churchill, produces creams, lotions, bath salts, therapeutic lip balms, cold sore treatments, cloth napkins and handmade coat hangers.
Best in Show New Exhibitor – Badlands Sustainable Resources, based in Glendive, develops hand-crafted granola using wholesome, natural ingredients.
This year, Commerce is celebrating 40 years of the Made in Montana program and 26 years of the annual tradeshow. For more information about the Made in Montana program and tradeshow, visit madeinmontanausa.com or connect on Facebook.
Press release provided by Montana Department of Commerce