Member News
Does your business have exciting news it wants to share with the rest of the Anchorage Chamber membership? To submit an announcement, log in to your Anchorage Chamber profile and complete a News Release. For assistance accessing your account, call (907) 272-2401.
Anchorage Chamber staff will review and approve all submissions.
First National Bank Alaska announces unaudited results for fourth quarter 2025
ANCHORAGE, AK – First National Bank Alaska’s (OTCQX:FBAK) net income for the fourth quarter of 2025 was $20.1 million, or $6.33 per share. This compares to a net income of $20.0 million, or $6.29 per share, for the same period in 2024. “Fourth quarter results capped another year of exceptional financial performance,” said First National Board Chair and CEO/President Betsy Lawer. “Total assets exceeded five billion dollars, driven by record annual loan growth that strengthened our earning asset mix. Fourth
First National ranked as the second-top bank in the nation by Forbes
ANCHORAGE – Forbes named First National Bank Alaska as the second-ranked bank in the United States on its 17th annual America’s Best Banks list. First National is the only bank in Alaska to make the list. The global media company ranks the 100 strongest banks by 11 metrics, including growth, credit quality, profitability, efficiency ratio and stock performance. “This recognition is a tribute to the team of 633 Alaskans across the state who don’t show up every day to be simply average,” said Board Chair
Anchorage Assembly approves Mayor LaFrance’s ordinance to enhance safety in public spaces
In an 11-1 vote on Tuesday, the Anchorage Assembly approved a measure to improve safety in public spaces, proposed by Mayor Suzanne LaFrance and cosponsored by Assembly Members Zac Johnson and Kameron Perez-Verdia. AO 2026-10 updates Anchorage Municipal Code with new legal tools that will enable law enforcement to address certain behaviors that are unsafe or inappropriate in public areas, including public intoxication and public indecency. The approved ordinance closes legal gaps that previously limited
Nominations Now Open: 2026 Seymour Awards ??
New this year, we are inviting you, the members, to nominate a colleague or business you believe deserves recognition. This is your chance to shine the spotlight on someone who went above and beyond or made a meaningful impact on the industry. The 2026 Seymour Awards Banquet is on Friday, April 3. This year’s theme is Night of the Stars: Celebrating the Stars Among Us!Nomination DetailsNominations are due by February 20Include specifics about why you think they deserve the award; more detail makes
R&M Opens Wasilla Office, Expanding presence in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley
R&M CONSULTANTS, INC. (R&M) has opened a new office in Wasilla, expanding the firm’s footprint in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley and strengthening its ability to serve clients and communities in one of Alaska’s fastest-growing regions.The Wasilla office supports R&M’s multi-discipline services, including engineering, planning, surveying, geosciences, environmental services and construction support. Establishing a permanent presence in the Mat-Su improves local responsiveness, enhances collaboration with
Rasmuson Foundation Selects LeeAnn Cooper Garrick as Chief Operating Officer
Anchorage, ALASKA – Rasmuson Foundation welcomes LeeAnn Cooper Garrick as its Chief Operating Officer. In this newly added role, Garrick will join the Foundation’s executive group, overseeing internal operations and external events. “The COO role is key to creating a unified, collaborative work environment and strengthening our ability to serve Alaskans,” said Gretchen Guess, president & CEO of Rasmuson Foundation. “Success means a humble leader who elevates teams, partners with her directors, and fosters
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Celebrates 118 Years of Sisterhood, Service and Scholarship
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Celebrates 118 Years of Sisterhood at Far Western Region Founders’ Day in Anchorage, AlaskaANCHORAGE, Alaska — February 2026 — Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® (AKA), the first historically African American sorority, is proudly commemorating its 118th Founders’ Day in Anchorage, Alaska, February 13–15, 2026. Hosted by the Far Western Region Xi Psi Omega Chapter, the historic celebration is themed “Everlasting Love: Celebrating 118 Years of Sisterhood in
R&M Staff Promoted to New Roles
R&M CONSULTANTS, INC. (R&M) recently promoted three employees into new roles: Courtney Maillet, FMAA to Accounting Supervisor, Mikey Auza to Project Biller and Bryant Wright, CPRP to Senior Planner.Courtney has been with R&M for 14 years and previously served as a Senior Project Accountant. In her new role, she is responsible for supervising the accounting team and managing the firm’s day-to-day financial operations. During her tenure at R&M, Courtney has contributed significantly to the success of R&M’s
THE MOTH MAINSTAGE: AMERICAN DREAMS STARTS IN ANCHORAGE, ALASKA
### THE MOTH MAINSTAGE: AMERICAN DREAMS STARTS IN ANCHORAGE, ALASKAAcclaimed nonprofit to present multi-city storytelling shows —plus themed podcast and radio episodes— exploring hope, ambition, and belonging as the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary January 22, 2026 – (Anchorage, AK) — Global storytelling nonprofit The Moth announced its Winter/Spring 2026 season starting in Anchorage, centering on the theme AMERICAN DREAMS—a thoughtful and provocative exploration of hope, ambition, identity, and
Community Relations Council (CRC) Luncheon
Please Join Us! Employer Roundtable & Community Relations Council Luncheon at the Don Young Alaska Job Corps Center - Dining Hall When: February 19, 2026, at 11:30AM Where: 800 East Lynn Martin Drive Palmer, AK 99645 Please RSVP with Naomi Akers via email or phone.
ACDA Strengthens Development Team with Real Estate Leadership Promotion and Strategic New Hire
ACDA Strengthens Development Team with Real Estate Leadership Promotion and Strategic New Hire Anchorage, Alaska – January 23, 2026 - The Anchorage Community Development Authority (ACDA) is pleased to announce the promotion of John Woodbury to Associate Director of Real Estate, along with the addition of Jody Serrano, who joins the organization as Development Technician. These appointments strengthen ACDA’s capacity to advance strategic development initiatives, manage public assets, and support long-term
Global Credit Union Foundation Gives $55,000 to Alaska Nonprofits
Anchorage, AK – The Global Credit Union Foundation donated $55,000 to community nonprofits that operate in Alaska as part of the Foundation’s 2025 quarterly distribution of funds to its nonprofit partners in areas served by the credit union. "Nonprofits like the ones we have partnered with are truly transformative to Alaska communities,” said Noël Gabler, Executive Director, Global Credit Union Foundation. "They provide services to Alaskans who might otherwise fall through the cracks. We can’t thank
Pacific Northern Academy: Pearl Jubilee
We invite you to join us at the Pacific Northern Academy Pearl Jubilee, celebrating 30 years and supporting the future! On March 27, 2026, PNA is hosting our PNA Jubilee at the Alaska Native Heritage Center! The evening will include champagne and oyster bar, fabulous passed hors d’oeuvres, a silent and live auction, games, raffles, and dancing into the evening! Bid on trips to Hawaii, Juneau, fabulous local experiences, and more! Win a weekend at a beautiful home in Girdwood! All while supporting private,
Hey, Anchorage: What do you want to ask your Assembly and school board candidates?
Ballots for Anchorage’s 2026 spring election go out in March, with six Assembly seats and two school board seats up for grabs. In partnership with the Anchorage Daily News, we’ll be asking every candidate a series of questions ahead of the April 7 election — and publishing their answers on alaskapublic.org so you can compare them side by side. But first, we want to hear from you: What questions should we ask this year’s Assembly and school board candidates? What issues matter most to you and your
MEA Extends Firm Natural Gas Supply Contract and New Storage Agreement with Hilcorp
PALMER, Alaska — MEA’s Board of Directors has approved an extension of its existing natural gas supply agreement with Hilcorp Alaska along with a companion Firm Storage Service (“FSS”) Agreement that have both been filed with the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (“RCA”) for consideration and approval. The extension secures firm Cook Inlet natural gas supply for an additional year through March of 2029. This contract extension and FSS agreement ensures MEA continues to receive reliable, firm natural gas at
Rasmuson Foundation welcomes new staff, announces executive promotion
Anchorage, Alaska – Rasmuson Foundation today announced the addition of two new team members and expanded responsibilities for a key staff member, strengthening the Foundation’s leadership and operational capacity.Jess Haley has been promoted to the newly created role of Director of Board, CEO, and Family Engagement. Haley joined the Foundation in 2019 and previously served as Manager of Board Relations. With more than 17 years of experience in education and nonprofit sectors, she oversees governance, board
$3 Million Coca-Cola Scholars: Regional Finalists
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is the largest corporate-sponsored, achievement-based scholarship program in the United States. The foundation has provided more than 7,200 Coke Scholars nationwide with over $90 million in scholarships over the course of 38 years. Proud to share that the Coca-Cola Scholars Regional Finalists have been announced: $3 Million Coca-Cola ScholarsWhat It Is $20,000 Scholarship for High School SeniorsAttend Scholars Banquet @ Atlanta, GA @ April 23, 2026Timing/Next
Mayor LaFrance proposes new ordinance to support safety in Anchorage public spaces
Mayor Suzanne LaFranceMunicipality of AnchorageJanuary 14, 2026Mayor LaFrance proposes new ordinance to support safety in Anchorage public spacesToday, Mayor Suzanne LaFrance announced a new ordinance to help ensure Anchorage’s public spaces are safe and accessible for all residents. Assembly members Zac Johnson and Kameron Perez-Verdia are cosponsoring the measure alongside Mayor LaFrance.The proposal, which was introduced during Tuesday’s Assembly meeting, will allow law enforcement to address certain
First National Bank Alaska bankers and lenders receive national and statewide honors
ANCHORAGE – First National Bank Alaska was recently honored with both the 2025 Mastercard Small Business Impact Award and Evergreen Business Capital’s Top Alaska SBA 504 Community Lender Award. These recognitions highlight the bank’s dedication to promoting a vibrant and sustainable economic future for Alaska through customized financial solutions, strategic partnerships and innovative programs to help Alaskans succeed. “We are proud to support countless Alaska small businesses in obtaining the funding
Mayor LaFrance and Assembly members propose one-time education levy to reduce Anchorage School District funding gap
Mayor Suzanne LaFrance today announced a proposal for a one-time, $12 million education tax levy to appear on the April municipal ballot as the Anchorage School District faces an $83 million funding shortfall for the 2026-27 school year. Cosponsored by Assembly Vice Chair Anna Brawley and Members Felix Rivera and Erin Baldwin Day, this proposed levy will give Anchorage voters the opportunity to help reduce forecasted class size increases and cuts to student programs. “I strongly believe public education
Urban Snow Modeling to Advance Resilience for Today and Tomorrow (USMARTT)
Project USMARTT: Business Surveys Mission Statement University of Alaska researchers want to understand how previous years of heavy snow affected your business.Background In Anchorage, Alaska, the urban area has faced the top three snowiest years in the last decade. Specifically, from 2022 to 2024, heavy snow loads caused 24 buildings to collpase, resulting in one fatality.Survey Goals Objectives of the research project’s business surveys include: Assessing risk perceptions.Understanding actions taken
A Business Owner’s Guide to Securing Digital Intellectual Property
Launching and growing a business today means more than securing customers and building brand recognition — it also means safeguarding your intellectual property (IP). In a world where digital assets can be copied, shared, or misused within seconds, protecting your IP is not optional; it’s essential. This guide explores practical strategies you can implement to keep your ideas, content, designs, and innovations secure while still running a thriving business. Understanding Intellectual Property in the
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Awards the Anchorage Chamber with 5-Star Accreditation
ANCHORAGE, AK — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce a 5-Star Accreditation for its sound policies, effective procedures, and positive community impact. Of the 7,500 chambers in the United States, 187 of these are Accredited. These elite chambers represent the top 3% of all chambers in the United States. “Chambers of commerce nationwide play a vital role in their communities every day,” said Raymond P. Towle, Vice President, Federation Relations and Coalition
