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.
Municipal Veterans Day celebration and property tax exemptions
In recognition of Veterans Day, Mayor Suzanne LaFrance encourages disabled Anchorage veterans and surviving spouses of military members to review and apply for property tax exemptions available to them through the Municipality of Anchorage.“Anchorage is home to many who have served and sacrificed for our country,” said Mayor LaFrance. “We are profoundly grateful for their commitment, and it is important that our veterans and their families have access to the benefits they’ve earned.”Information and
HR, Are You Ready? Legal & Accounting Perspectives
?? OBBBA – HR, Are You Ready? Legal & Accounting Perspectives Thursday, Nov 20, 2025 Networking: 11:30 AM | Program: 11:45 AM | Speakers: 12:00–2:30 PM BP Energy Center | Anchorage, Alaska The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)—signed into law in July 2025—introduces sweeping changes to payroll, benefits, and compliance that will directly affect how HR operates. Join ASHRM for a power-packed session featuring two dynamic experts: Renea Saade, JD – Legal & HR
Matson Partners with WhaleSpotter to Commercialize Breakthrough Whale Detection Technology
HONOLULU, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Matson, Inc. ("Matson") today announced a product agreement with WhaleSpotter Corp. ("WhaleSpotter") to purchase and deploy a groundbreaking whale detection system developed by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), making Matson the first container shipping company to deploy this advanced marine protection technology. Developed at WHOI with support from Matson and other contributors, the WhaleSpotter system combines thermal and AI-driven detection, and 24/7
Municipality of Anchorage offers support to federal workers and military families impacted by the federal government shutdown
Mayor Suzanne LaFrance, in partnership with Assembly Members Christopher Constant and Jared Goecker, has instituted free bus rides and directed municipal utilities to offer flexibility and assistance to local federal employees and military families going without paychecks during the federal government shutdown.These steps aim to help impacted Anchorage residents stretch their financial resources when they are missing paychecks. The federal government is one of the largest employers in Alaska, and about
UAA Appoints Dr. Jay Butler as Dean of the College of Health
UAA Appoints Dr. Jay Butler as Dean of the College of Health Renowned public health leader and former CDC deputy director leads UAA’s health education mission ANCHORAGE, Alaska —The University of Alaska Anchorage is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Jay Butler as the next dean of the College of Health, effective December 28, 2025. His distinguished career in public health and infectious disease includes deep ties to Alaska’s health landscape. Dr. Butler previously served as
Goodwill Industries Disaster Relief Efforts “Round-Up Campaign'' to Support the American Red Cross
Goodwill Industries of Alaska (Goodwill) will join the community to provide assistance for individuals affected by the devastating storms and floods in Alaska. Beginning Sunday, November 2nd and running through Saturday, November 8th, Goodwill will conduct a Round Up campaign for the American Red Cross and will match up to $5,000 in contributions made at its stores in Anchorage and Wasilla. Individuals can contribute by rounding up their purchase or simply walking in and making a donation at any
MSI Communications and Mosaic Media Form Strategic Partnership
ANCHORAGE, AK (October 29, 2025) – Mosaic Media and MSI Communications announced their intent to form a strategic partnership — the largest of its kind in Alaska — uniting two respected agencies with complementary strengths to deliver greater value to clients. “We’ve spent years honing our digital media skills on the national stage,” says Mary Ann Pruitt, Founder and CEO of Mosaic Media. “Now, teaming up with Alaska’s renowned creative agency, MSI, we can bring our expertise home to Alaska to address
Matanuska Electric Association Announces Kim Henkel as Chief Financial Officer
PALMER, Alaska — Matanuska Electric Association, Inc. (MEA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kim Henkel, CPA, MBA, as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective January 2, 2026. Henkel brings more than a decade of financial and strategic leadership within Alaska’s utility and energy industries. Since joining MEA in 2018, she has held several key leadership positions—including Senior Manager of Finance & Commercial, Senior Manager of Strategic Implementation, and Energy Supply Manager—where
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
Anchorage Assembly unanimously passes two LaFrance policies to support housing repair and rehabilit
Two policies sponsored by Mayor Suzanne LaFrance making it easier to repair and rehabilitate housing were unanimously approved by the Anchorage Assembly this week.“Red tape shouldn’t prevent people from repairing, rehabilitating, or maintaining their homes, no matter where they live,” said Mayor LaFrance. “These changes will help unlock our community’s housing supply by removing unnecessary regulatory burdens and create flexibility so homeowners have more power to address their own needs.”AO 2025-94 makes
Mayor LaFrance and Anchorage Assembly call special meeting to consider emergency measures to support
Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance has called a special meeting of the Anchorage Assembly to consider emergency measures that will help the Municipality provide critical support for the State of Alaska’s emergency response for Alaskans displaced by Typhoon Halong. The Assembly will take up the measures at a special meeting Friday, Oct. 17 at 1 p.m. Assembly Chair Christopher Constant, Vice Chair Anna Brawley and Assembly member Kameron Perez-Verdia have joined the Mayor as co-sponsors of an emergency
Mayor LaFrance announces $500,000 grant award to revitalize rural communities through historic preservation
Mayor Suzanne LaFrance is proud to announce that the National Park Service has awarded the Municipality of Anchorage a $500,000 grant aimed at revitalizing its rural communities through historic preservation, heritage tourism, and job creation.The program funding is specifically tailored toward the rehabilitation of culturally significant sites. The program targets rural areas with a population center of 3,000 or fewer, located at least 25 miles from downtown Anchorage. Key areas include the Native Village
SBA offers disaster assistance in the form of low interest loans
In response to the Presidential disaster declaration issued on Wednesday, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program is available to Alaska small businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations and residents affected by severe storms, flooding, and remnants of Typhoon Halong that occurred October 8-13. The disaster declaration covers the Lower Kuskokwim REAA, Lower Yukon REAA & Northwest Arctic Borough. SBA offers disaster assistance in the form of low interest loans. These
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
AI Impacts Alaska Businesses
HumanAxis offers AI and automation consultations to help companies uncover AI-enabled cost savings, new revenue opportunities, and identify risks in today’s rapidly evolving AI landscape. Evaluating how AI impacts your business is no longer optional—it’s essential. "AI is going to reshape every industry and every job." – Reid Hoffman, Co-founder of LinkedInOur AI Risk & Opportunity Consultation includes:Executive sessions with company leadership, 2 meetings (60–90 minutes each)Detailed report outlining
Alaska Communications Adds Best-in-Class Managed Wi-Fi to Its Small Business Solutions
ANCHORAGE, Alaska--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As part of its continued effort to help Alaska’s small businesses thrive, Alaska Communications (ACS) has added a best-in-class, secure managed Wi-Fi solution, purpose-built to meet small business connectivity needs, to its portfolio with ACS SmartBiz. ACS is the first provider in Alaska to launch Wi-Fi 7, delivering speeds up to four times faster than Wi-Fi 6, significantly lower latency, and more devices seamlessly connecting at the same time. The SmartBiz Wi-Fi 7
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
