As we close out Women’s History Month, Alpine Bank would like to posthumously honor one final outstanding employee—Michelle Bates. Michelle was a Banking Officer at Alpine and had been with the bank since 1994. She passed unexpectedly in late November, but we celebrate her longstanding volunteer work with the Snowmass Western Heritage Association, the organization that coordinates the Snowmass Rodeo. “Michelle was truly passionate about preserving the Western ethos within Snowmass Village,” said friend and former Alpine Bank staffer Carol Dresser. “She was the face of the Wednesday night volunteer effort at the rodeo grounds for almost a decade.” Dressed in her flannel and cowboy hat, Michelle would sell tickets, direct traffic, help vendors, guide volunteers, whatever the rodeo needed. And volunteering was a family affair too, she ensured her children, Mikayla and Jay, understood their Western roots. They learned the value of contributing their time and talents to the rode...