The Billings Chamber Legacy Award honors individuals who have significantly impacted the Billings community and its surrounding areas by enhancing the business environment and enriching the quality of life. We are proud to honor Taylor Brown, President of Northern Broadcasting Systems & KGHL, as the 2024 Legacy Award recipient. This outstanding community leader and voice of agriculture will be honored during the 2024 Billings Chamber Annual Meeting presented by NonStop Local and Marsh McLennan Agency on October 22, 2024, at The Pub Station.
Taylor Brown’s journey began on his family ranch in Sand Springs, Montana, where the values of hard work and community took root. These values would guide him throughout his career, particularly in his role as an agricultural broadcaster. Through his leadership at Northern Broadcasting System and KGHL Radio, Brown has become a trusted voice in the industry, known for his deep understanding of the agricultural landscape and his commitment to supporting the rural communities that depend on it.
Brown’s influence extends beyond the airwaves. As a past National President of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting and a member of the NAFB Hall of Fame, he has helped shape the industry on a national scale, ensuring that the concerns and triumphs of farm and ranch families are heard far and wide.
His dedication to the agricultural community didn’t stop at broadcasting. From 2009 to 2016, Brown served as a Montana State Senator. Serving as Majority Whip and chairing both the Senate Agriculture Committee and the Senate Education Committee, he played a pivotal role in shaping policies that benefit rural Montana. His advocacy for farm and ranch families, as well as his support for organizations like 4-H, FFA, and the REAL Montana leadership program, have had lasting impacts on the state’s agricultural sector.
Brown’s commitment to community extends into his personal life as well. He and his wife, Shannon, have been pillars of the Huntley Project community since their marriage in 1980. Their strong family values are reflected in the next generation, with their son Travis and his wife Mary operating the family’s LO Cattle Company, and their son Colter, daughter Courtney Kibblewhite, and her husband Jonathan leading the management team at Northern Broadcasting.
The Billings Chamber Legacy Award is a testament to the lasting impact one individual can have on a community. Taylor Brown’s dedication to improving the business environment in Billings and his unwavering support for rural Montana make him a deserving recipient of this award. His legacy is one of growth, innovation, and a deep commitment to the values that make our community strong.
The Legacy Award is given to an individual who has consistently demonstrated success in improving the business and economic climate in addition to the quality of life for residents of Billings over their lifetime. Previous honorees include George Selover, Sam McDonald, Don and Marilyn Floberg, Ron Sexton, Joseph Sample, Michael Schaer, Jim Soft, Tom Scott, Karen Sanford Gall, Bill and Merilyn Ballard, Bruce MacIntyre, Bill and Mary Underriner, Ziggy and Stella Zeigler, Dr. Bob Wilmouth, Kris Carpenter, Jim and Chris Scott, and Mike Nelson.
Taylor Brown will be honored during the 2024 Billings Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting on October 22, 2024 from 3:30- to 5 p.m. at Pub Station. Tickets for this event can be purchased at BillingsChamber.com.
