Resort gets new owners

Marina Cay Resort in downtown Bigfork changed hands for an undisclosed amount on Jan. 17.

It was sold to Senator Ed Buttrey from Great Falls, Senator Llew Jones from Conrad, and Jones' business partner Ken Wheeler from Valier.

The three form ELK Incorporated.

Bay Club Incorporated, owned by Suzie Judge, and her sons Don and Fred Sterhan, still holds a small share of the new company.

“We've been here for a long time and it was time for a change,” said Fred Sterhan, who is staying on as general manager of the resort.

 Sterhan said the resort has been running at partial strength since the economy tanked and the Bay Club's big expansion plan never materialized. He is looking forward to seeing new money and energy rejuvenate the complicated operation.

What ELK bought were resort amenities, the Tiki Club, Champ's Sports Pub, the sort restaurant, the marina's operations, the pool and other resort services that were offered by Bay Club Inc.

The condominiums Marina Cay offers for rent are owned by a separate homeowners association. The rental contracts between Bay Club and individual homeowners are being inherited and continued by ELK.

 Sterhan wants to see the resort go back to where it was in 2000.

“The resort should be fully operational by this summer,” he said.

Buttrey said plans include making the resort a fully staffed, year-round venue. ELK will reopen the restaurants and update some of the amenities. Which could mean a boost in employment opportunities in Bigfork.

Buttrey is the defensive coordinator for Bigfork High School's football team. He used to live in Bigfork with his wife and child, and still has family here.

Jones and Buttrey met during last year's legislative session.

“Llew and I got to be very close during the session,” Buttrey said. “We wanted to buy a resort and started in Laughlin, Nevada.”

Nevada didn't work out.

But, Buttrey knew of Sterhan's experience in the resort business, ELK started using Sterhan's knowledge as a resource.

Eventually the conversation of where to buy a resort became about Bigfork's Marina Cay. To the ELK trio it seemed like a good opportunity.

Buttrey's been going to the resort as a customer for years. He's seen what it was, what it is and what it has the potential to be with more money and the right marketing plan.

“I think one of the problems with the marina is they were trying to do a lot with a little,” Buttrey said. “We've got the business plan and a great budget.”