by Tom Howard

When Kristi Drake became executive director of Billings TrailNet back in 2012, she could have easily loaded all of Billings TrailNet’s dozen or so members  into the back of a stretch limo for a night on the town.

Five years later, if you tried to gather all of Billings TrailNet’s members in one place, you’d have to rent a venue the size of the Babcock Theater, and a line would still stretch through the lobby and into the street.

As 2017 draws to a close, Billings TrailNet is preparing a special event to welcome and celebrate its 1,000th member. That person will be honored during a get-together Jan. 11, 2018, at Thirsty Street Brewing Co.

Kristi credits Cassy Kramer, Billings TrailNet’s former membership chair, for emphasizing the importance of growing the membership. Individual members pay $25 per year, and efforts are underway to recruit corporate members as well.

It goes without saying that a growing membership helps pad Billings TrailNet’s bottom line. More importantly, a growing, robust membership gives Billings TrailNet added credibility during policy discussions with elected officials. When you have 1,000 members actively advocating for trails, there’s a good chance you can get something done.

Billings TrailNet’s ultimate goal is to reach 10,000 members, which would be approximately 10% of the Billings population. That would be a very convincing statement that trails are important to our community!

Please join Billings TrailNet here, or renew your sustaining membership donation.

Thank you for your support!