Hermes wins Montana Ambassador award
The Montana Ambassadors, a non-profit group of leaders in business and education and state and local government in Montana, have named Troy businesswoman Tyann Hermes as the 2015 Entrepreneur of the Year. Hermes is co-owner of Kootenai Drug True Value Hardware and owner of Shakti Soul Yoga in Troy. The award was announced by Gov. Steve Bullock Thursday, Feb. 4.
“Montana’s economy is strong and the state’s ability to work collaboratively and forge new partnerships between businesses, educators and economic development professionals has never been better,” said Governor Bullock. “It is my honor to recognize the 2015 Montana Ambassador Award recipients, and I am thankful for their dedication, service, and efforts to ensure that Montana is one of the best places in the country to live, work, play, start a business and raise a family.”
Troy resident Shawna Kelsey, one of the people who sent in a nomination, said Hermes is the kind of person every community needs.
“Tyann is the type of entrepreneur that makes a community stronger,” she said. “She is incredibly talented, creative and generous. In addition to co-owning the Kootenai Drug store, she took an abandoned building on the main street and turned it into a beautiful yoga studio. What was once an eyesore is now a sanctuary and destination for health and wellness. In the midst of an already busy life, she still manages to spend seemingly endless hours volunteering to make Troy a more fun and vibrant place to live..”
Troy Mayor Darren Coldwell said Hermes’ entrepreneurial spirit and dedication demonstrate the success a person can achieve through work and commitment.
“Both the Kootenai Drug and Tyann’s yoga facility show what a person can do when you put your mind and time into it,” he said. “Tyann has had great success in a place, Troy, that many think you can’t. It is so nice to see an individual take the risk and have it pay off. I can’t imagine anyone else who deserves this honor more than Tyann.”
Hermes thanked the residents of Troy and the people with whom she’s worked for helping bring her dreams to fruition.
“I am honored to be recognized for pulsing energy and possibility in Troy,” she said. “Thank you to this wonderful community, friends, family, children and everyone who has crossed my path in this life. Thank you to my business partner Chris Hermes at Kootenai Drug True Value, for the steady foundation and our amazing employees for the smiles, hugs and continued excellence in caring about this place and each other over the past 10 years. The roots of this business have enabled me to branch out in the community as a volunteer and transform an abandoned gas station into a filling station for the soul, Shakti Soul Yoga and Movement. One small idea, planted with commitment, patience and faith will unfold and bask in the reality of anything is possible in this town. Deep gratitude and grace to my students, communities and teachers for illuminating my soul.”
The award will be presented at the Montana Ambassadors annual conference, which is being held March 10 and 11 in Great Falls.