For Annie Young, using professional skills to impact a community in a positive way is one of the best things about working in the marketing industry. Entering her new role as marketing communications manager of Discover Kalispell, Young looks forward to doing just that. 

“I’m inspired by this place, the joy it brings me personally and the opportunity to help others,” Young said last week. “Seeing this team at Discover Kalispell do that day in and day out ... I’m thrilled to be a part of that.”   

As the marketing communications manager, Young is responsible for the development and supervision of marketing and communication strategies, including working with agency partners to amplify the brand presence, continue to build out email marketing, managing the website and designing promotional products.  

Growing up, Young spent her childhood moving and traveling across the country as her father served in the Air Force. She attended the University of Arkansas, where she majored in journalism, advertising and public relations, and officially landed in the Flathead Valley about five years ago. 

Prior to moving to the valley, Young would often visit the region, enjoying the mountains and clear blue lakes. With the knowledge and experience of being a visitor to now having a local perspective, Young is uniquely positioned to amplify Discover Kalispell’s voice.  

“I’m really excited to continue the work that’s being done here and build on that. Specifically making sure Kalispell is positioned as an opportunity to experience Montana authentically,” Young said. 

Prior to joining Discover Kalispell, Young spent 10 years as the marketing and communications director for Central Washington University Advancement, where she worked on the college’s branding, design, marketing, merchandising and production.  

She looks forward to using the skills she’s acquired over the years in a new way that works with the local business community. 

“The goal is to make sure we’re supporting tourism in a way that supports local businesses but also preserves the way of life here,” she said.  

Young, her husband Derek and her son Dillon live in the Flathead Valley. Her daughter, Sydney, lives in Lolo. Young officially started at Discover Kalispell at the end of June.  

Discover Kalispell is Kalispell’s marketing organization that manages a sales and promotion strategy while working closely with the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce and the business community.

A fun opportunity for visitors and residents both is the Huckleberry Treat Trail challenge through Discover Kalispell, Young said. The challenge includes a list of savory and sweet drinks and meals across the valley that includes huckleberries. Those who check in at the stops can earn points for a chance to win prizes. To learn more, visit discoverkalispell.com/huckleberry-treat-trail/. 

Reporter Kate Heston may be reached at 758-4459 or [email protected].