General Information

406-245-4111
info@billingschamber.com

John Brewer

CAE, President/CEO, Billings Chamber of Commerce/Convention and Visitors Bureau
406-869-3720
john@billingschamber.com

I am the President and CEO of the Billings Chamber of Commerce/Convention & Visitors Bureau and the manager of the Tourism Business Improvement District. The Chamber/CVB’s focus is to: promote Billings as a preferred destination for visitors, business travelers and sporting events; lead the community in local, state and federal issues impacting business and our quality of life; and to provide opportunities for membership as they relate to education, networking and value added services. The mission of the Tourism BID is simply to put heads in beds. I currently serve as the President of the Montana Association of Chamber Executives, and am an active board member on the MSU-Billings College of Technology National Advisory Board, the Big Sky Economic Development Corporation Board, Montana Chamber of Commerce Board, and Better Billings Foundation Board. I was the President and CEO of the Spokane Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau prior to coming to Billings where I led a team to develop statewide legislation implementing a tourism promotion assessment to grow tourism funding in communities throughout Washington. I was also part of the leadership team that successfully developed and secured resources to expand Spokane’s convention facilities by $96 million. I have a B.A. degree in Communication Arts from the University of West Florida.

Tom Krause

CVB Sales Manager
406-869-3731
tom@billingschamber.com

Born and raised in Butte Montana, I lived in Washington and Oregon before returning to Montana ten years ago with his wife of 21 years and my son and daughter. In my role as CVB Sales Manager it is my responsibility to prospect and recruit groups to hold their convention or conference in Billings.

Kelly McCandless

Leisure Sales Manager
406-869-3732
kelly@billingschamber.com

Born and raised in Billings, I have Bachelor’s Degrees in Mass Communications and Organizational Communication from Montana State University - Billings. After a year and a half doing Guest Services for the Chamber/CVB, I now focus on Leisure Travel Market promotion, encouraging families, small groups and FIT’s to visit Billings. Appropriately, I have a passion for travel, whether I am the one traveling or if I am assisting others in their travels to Billings. I am so fortunate to live in a town I love and be able to promote it. I am married to my fantastic husband, Ryan and I have two terribly spoiled dogs, Bella and Diego.

Gerald Joest

Visitor Information Center Supervisor
406-869-3725
Gerald@billingschamber.com

 

The average square mile of land in Montana contains 1.4 elk, 1.4 pronghorn antelope, and 3.3 deer.