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.
Mayor LaFrance seeks to curb urban fire danger with new law
Mayor LaFrance introduced an ordinance to the Assembly yesterday to criminalize unauthorized fires across the Municipality.The new law criminalizes starting dangerous fires on public and private land. It makes it a misdemeanor to start unauthorized fires during fire season, to start fires on public roads and sidewalks, or to start any fires in violation of a burn ban.Right now, people can’t be held accountable for starting unauthorized fires unless and until they cause property damage or get dangerously out
Matson Donates $1.4 Million to Alaska Nonprofits in 2024
ANCHORAGE (May 7, 2025) – Ocean transportation and logistics service company Matson contributed a total of $1.4 million in cash donations and in-kind services to 110 Alaska charitable community organizations and non-profit programs during 2024. Cash contributions, including funds directed by employees through the company’s Matching Gift program, totaled $600,000 in 2024, while the value of donated services and equipment came to $800,000. Environmental programs comprised the largest category of giving at
Bradley Butcher Brings Comedy and Healing to Alaska
Local comedian brings laughter and mental health awareness to the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts in Anchorage beginning June 12 ANCHORAGE, AK — Anchorage native Bradley Butcher is launching a summer comedy series, titled Comedy Up North, presented in partnership with the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts in the Sydney Laurence Theatre. The series is bringing nationally touring comedians to Alaska for a run of stand-up comedy shows that spotlight great comedy and normalizing mental health. The
Rock the Hill Music Festival Gets Bigger and Bolder
Anchorage, AK – May 1, 2025 – The Anchorage Concert Association is excited to announce the return of Rock the Hill, now expanded to a two-day summer celebration at Hilltop Ski Area, July 18–19, 2025. After selling out last year, this homegrown festival is back — bigger, better, and ready to showcase the best in Alaskan music, food, and outdoor fun. Set at the foothills of the Chugach Mountains, Rock the Hill blends live music with the natural beauty of Anchorage. This year’s festival features thirteen
UAA’s College of Business and Public Policy Earns Extension of Prestigious AACSB Accreditation
The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) College of Business and Public Policy (CBPP) is proud to announce the extension of its accreditation by AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This recognition affirms CBPP’s continued commitment to excellence in business education, impactful research, and meaningful engagement with Alaska’s communities and economy. AACSB accreditation is the hallmark of excellence in business education and is earned by fewer than six
Kathleen McArdle Selected for U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Business Leads Fellowship Program
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced Kathleen McArdle, President & CEO of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce was selected from a competitive national pool of applicants to participate in a Master Class for members of the Business Leads Fellowship Program network. The Business Leads Fellowship Program trains and equips business leaders from across the country with resources, experts, and a powerful network of peers needed to address the most pressing education and workforce
CTE Summer Internships Application Extended
The Anchorage School District offers juniors and seniors opportunities to experience an internship in specific career and technical education (CTE) fields. Students participating in the internship program must meet specific guidelines and then be partnered with a business that is interested in providing internship experience over the summer. The mentor (business partner), the student, and the CTE teacher collaborate to develop goals for the student that build upon the foundations the student has learned in
The Legal Lowdown: 2025 Updates for Businesses
Navigating today’s evolving legal landscape is a challenge for organizational leaders and their HR managers. As new legislation, executive orders, and the dynamic interplay between state and federal law continue to reshape workplace compliance, staying informed is more critical than ever. Join us for an in-person half-day session on May 22 where three seasoned attorneys will discuss the latest legal developments affecting HR practices. They will provide practical, actionable insights on how to interpret
Alaska Communications seeks nominations for youth who are local heroes
Do You Know an Incredible Youth?Alaska Communications seeks nominations for youth who are local heroes May 5, 2025 – Every day, young Alaskans are doing incredible things to help others – volunteering to support those in need, stepping up for friends or neighbors in tough times, or initiating projects that make their community better. Alaska Communications is excited to celebrate extraordinary youth who are making a positive community impact through the Summer of Heroes program. In partnership with
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Anchorage Chamber Announces Annual Citywide Cleanup & Kickoff
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 28, 2025 ANCHORAGE CHAMBER ANNOUNCES ANNUAL CITYWIDE CLEANUP & KICKOFF! May 3 through May 31, 2025 ANCHORAGE - The Anchorage Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the 2025 Citywide Cleanup presented by Matson, May 3rd through May 31st. Each year, thousands of volunteers throughout the Municipality of Anchorage unite to collect and dispose of millions of pounds of trash from Anchorage, Eagle River, and Girdwood. In 2024, over 5,000 registered volunteers
Cruise for a Cause for the American Red Cross with Kenai Fjords Tours
The American Red Cross of Alaska has teamed up with Pursuit and Kenai Fjords Tours to offer a special fundraising opportunity to provide disaster relief to those who need it most in Alaska. On Saturday, May 17th, from noon to 4:00 pm, Kenai Fjords Tours will host a special "Cruise for a Cause"Spring Whale Watching Tour, and all ticket sales will be donated to the American Red Cross of Alaska. This four-hour tour will cruise along Resurrection Bay out of Seward and watch for Gray Whales, Humpback Whales,
First National Bank Alaska contributes nearly $219,400 to Alaskans in Q1 2025 News Release: 4/24/2025
Alaskans statewide benefitted from contributions of $219,399.78 from First National Bank Alaska and its employees during January through March 2025. This total includes investments in Alaska communities made in the form of charitable gifts and community sponsorships. “I learned early on that First National succeeds only when Alaskans and the communities they live in prosper as well,” said Betsy Lawer, First National Board Chair and CEO/President. “Experience has taught us these contributions are an
Alaska Native Heritage Center Awarded $3.5M from Mellon Foundation for Monumental Healing Garden Project
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC) board and staff are excited to announce that we have been awarded $3.5 million from the Mellon Foundation as part of the Monuments Project, an initiative from the arts and culture institution based in New York, NY. This project represents a historic step towards healing for the Alaska Native community. It is intended for this endeavor to invigorate the artist community to work towards public commemoration of the largest challenges that Alaska
Three LaFrance pro-housing policies pass Assembly
Three pieces of housing reform sponsored by the LaFrance administration passed at last night’s Assembly meeting. As part of Mayor Suzanne LaFrance’s 10,000 Homes in Ten Years strategy, the three measures are tailored to help get housing built across the Municipality.Tax break to build multi-family housing. This ordinance establishes a property tax break so the cost of building multi-family housing in Anchorage isn’t more than the property itself is worth. Co-sponsored by Mayor LaFrance and Assembly Members
2025 Alaska Young Professionals Summit Award Winners
ANCHORAGE – The Anchorage Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Group (YPG) proudly hosted the 2025 Alaska Young Professionals Summit on April 10-12, 2025 in Anchorage, AK. The two-day conference featured immersive workshops and compelling seminars presented by successful and experienced government, business, and community leaders. Programs and events were geared toward all levels of employees and executives, and welcomed 200+ professionals of all ages and industries.The 2025 Summit was designed to
Global Credit Union Foundation Gives $115,000 to Local Nonprofits
Global Credit Union Foundation Gives $115,000 to Local Nonprofits Anchorage, AK – The Global Credit Union Foundation donated $115,000 to community nonprofits in Alaska, Arizona, and California as part of its 2025 quarterly distribution of funds to its nonprofit partners in areas served by the credit union. "We collaborate with these nonprofits because we have witnessed the positive impact they have on the community," said Noël Gabler, Executive Director, Global Credit Union Foundation. "The essential
Media advisory: A Conversation with Liz Cheney
Media Advisory Former Congresswoman Liz Cheney will discuss her career, personal convictions and the future of the American two-party system. This event is part of the UAA College of Arts and Sciences Community Lecture Series, aimed at bringing varied expertise to Alaska. Proceeds from the event will benefit students, programs and future events. Venue information can be found at alaskapac.org. Event: A Conversation with Liz Cheney Date: May 1, 2025, Atwood Concert Hall Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m Media
Municipality reaches historic milestones for Don Young Port of Alaska Modernization Program
In a special meeting today of the Anchorage Assembly, two significant milestones for the Port of Alaska Modernization Program were approved. With the authorization of a $1.1 billion revenue bond (AO 2025-47) and approval of a construction contract for Terminal 1 (AM 327-2025), the Municipality is positioned to finance and construct the largest municipal capital project in its 50-year history. "As a Municipality, the Port is the most important piece of infrastructure we steward. As the most cost-effective
Global Federal Credit Union officially acquires First Financial Northwest Bank
Anchorage, AK and Renton, WA – As of Saturday, April 12, 2025, Global Federal Credit Union (“Global”) is officially managing the operations of First Financial Northwest Bank (FFNWB). In an agreement that closed at midnight last Friday, Global, with headquarters in Anchorage, Alaska, acquired substantially all assets and assumed substantially all liabilities (including deposit liabilities) of FFNWB, headquartered in Renton, Washington. Global will operate the locations of the bank as a separately
Enrollment open for Chugach Community Solar
Enrollment is open in Alaska’s first community solar program. Offered by Chugach Electric Association, Inc., the program gives members a chance to voluntarily subscribe to solar panels from a solar facility built and operated by Chugach. Chugach Community Solar is a 500-kilowatt (kW) AC, four-acre project with 1,560 bifacial panels. The project is located next to Chugach’s Retherford Substation in South Anchorage, about a half mile south of the Dimond Center. The program provides members with the option
Registration opens, award nominations invited, teacher grant available for AOGA’S 2025 conference
ANCHORAGE — April 9, 2025 — Registration is now open for the Alaska Oil and Gas Association’s annual conference. The conference is scheduled for Aug. 27-28, 2025, at Anchorage’s Dena’ina Center. The conference will kick off with an employee appreciation event on Aug. 26. AOGA’s annual conference gathers industry and business leaders, government officials, and public policy experts to discuss key issues impacting Alaska’s oil and gas sector, environmental stewardship, and technological advancements shaping
2025 AMATS Public Participation Plan
We are excited to announce the release of the 2025 Public Participation Plan, which outlines AMATS’s role in transportation planning for the Anchorage Bowl and Chugiak-Eagle River areas. We will collect comments until Friday, May 16th on this plan. Overview The plan explains AMATS processes in straightforward terms, including: Goals and objectives.Organizational structure of committees and staff.Key planning documents.Ways for the public to participate and provide input.How to Review the DocumentWatch: A
Alaska Communications Launches Bundled Services Perfect for Small Businesses
Alaska Communications Launches Bundled Services Perfect for Small BusinessesBundles are scalable and include unlimited internet, Microsoft 365, voice and help desk options ANCHORAGE, Alaska--(BUSINESS WIRE)--According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 99.9% of businesses in the U.S. are small businesses. Although many small businesses are a labor of love, their owners often find themselves working long hours and juggling multiple roles. “As a technology leader, we want to help Alaska’s business leaders
Alaska Native Heritage Center honors two community leaders with awards at annual spring brunch
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Two influential Alaska Native leaders — one emerging, one established — were recently honored by the Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC) Board and Staff for their dedication to preserving and uplifting Alaska Native cultures. During the ANHC’s Spring Brunch celebration last month, West Anchorage High School junior Miley Amisiimaq Kakaruk and former CIRI President and CEO Roy Huhndorf received community awards that spotlight leadership rooted in cultural resilience, advocacy and
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
Fiber broadband coming to Nenana thanks to Nenana Native Association and Alaska Communications
Alaskans living in the Athabascan community of Nenana will receive lifechanging broadband service, thanks to a Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program Round 2 grant funded by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The collaboration between Nenana Native Association, Tanana Chiefs Conference and Alaska Communications will bring fiber to the home service to 362 households, 30 businesses, and nine anchor institutions. This transformative effort is poised to bridge the digital
Old Harbor Native Corporation and Alaska Communications Will Build Advanced Broadband Network Serving Tribal Communities on Kodiak Island
KODIAK, Alaska ? Alaskans in four Tribal communities on Kodiak Island will receive lifechanging broadband service, thanks to a Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program Round 2 grant funded by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The collaboration, named Project Nunapet, between Old Harbor Native Corporation and Alaska Communications will install a middle mile subsea fiber optic cable from Homer to Kodiak Island. It will also deploy a last-mile fiber network offering Gigabit
Global Credit Union Foundation Gives $65,000 to Local Nonprofits
Anchorage, AK – The Global Credit Union Foundation donated $65,000 to community nonprofits in Alaska and Arizona. The donations were part of the Foundation’s 2024 quarterly distribution of funds to its nonprofit partners in areas served by the credit union. “We’ve partnered with these nonprofits because we’ve seen firsthand the good they do in the community,” said Noël Gabler, Executive Director, Global Credit Union Foundation. “Many of the vital services they provide can’t be obtained anywhere else,
