We’re not just a stock show and rodeo. Sure, it is a proud, big part
of our organization but we
can also clean up quite nicely! High heels and hats get dusted off for Stetsons and Stilettos, our annual fundraiser. It actually falls
under the jurisdiction of the NILE Foundation, a separate organization that has a different tax ID that allows us to have an endowment
fund and accepts donations more effectively. The NILE Foundation has its own board of directors, and its own bank account where
the scholarship money comes from. Did you know we also give away FREE heifers?! That’s right, 100% no-money, free heifers are
given to approximately 20 kids through our Merit Heifer Program. Starting out in Agriculture can be tough, but we must involve the
next generation. This is one way that we meet our mission. We facilitate getting young farmers and ranchers a head start in the cattle
industry. We’re a year-round organization, yes our biggest event is in the Fall, but trust us, we’re busy all twelve months. The MATE
show (not a speed dating event), is our second left hand if NILE is our right hand. The Montana Agri-Trade Exposition is our second
largest, attendance wise, event and we love it! Bringing the latest technology and the trusted equipment in farming and ranching to the
region is an honor. The three-day trade show is in February every year. The NILE purchased the MATE in ‘08 and we haven’t looked
back since! Also in the spring we have the Century Dinner, Professional Bull Riding, and we usually take a day to go golfing. The history
of the Century Dinner is best told in person from someone who has attended it many years, and may have had a headache the next
day a couple of times. Track down one of our board members if you just gotta know what it’s all about. In 1993, a great opportunity
bucked out of the chutes. An event with ONLY bull riding was brought to Billings. We had bull riding before it was cool. Shortly after
our Bull Riding Only invitational the PBR became an organization and we became one of their oldest tour stops every April. We do a
lot of business and we’re pretty serious about what we do... but there’s an occasional fun day. Many of our board members are bankers,
and it’s widely known that to be hired as a banker you have to golf. Anyway, due to this, we take a day to hit the green and chat. It’s an
opportunity for the board, members, and staff to talk outside of a meeting. It’s a chance to visit and build relationships. We also do that
at our annual summer picnic. This is for the whole family, and we highly encourage that the kids get drug along too! Potluck style ties us
back to the original idea behind the NILE being a membership organization. We finish every year with the Christmas party, including
the infamous white elephant gift exchange tradition. We gather like-minded people for fun and to accomplish amazing things together.
That’s just a short and sweet snapshot of everything we do.
As a member of the NILE, you have a standing invitation to all of it. We would love to see
you, your family, and your neighbors attend all of our events.
Give the office a call or visit to find out how to get more involved.