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.
Rasmuson Foundation Celebrates 70 Years of Empowering Alaskans
Anchorage, Alaska (May 28, 2025) — In 1955, Jenny Rasmuson and her son, Elmer, honored her late husband’s memory with a simple act of generosity, a $3,000 investment to start the Rasmuson Foundation. The Foundation’s first grant — $125 to a church for a motion picture projector — reflected a belief that even small investments could strengthen communities in lasting ways. Seventy years later, Rasmuson Foundation continues that tradition, empowering Alaskans to help each other and lead change in their own
New Staff Join R&M’S Land Surveying, Environmental and Water Resources Groups
Nick Parker, LSIT, Lindsey Sutherland and Adam Dalton, EIT recently joined R&M CONSULTANTS, INC. (R&M).Nick joined R&M’s Land Surveying Group as a Staff Surveyor. He has spent the last four summers as a Geomatics Intern with the firm, returning full-time after earning his B.S. in Geomatics from the University of Alaska Anchorage this past May. Nick has provided field surveying for airport, highway, trail and subdivision projects across the state, excelling in hands-on field work. “I came back to R&M,
Alaska Communications Welcomes Yasir Alvi as CFO
Alaska Communications Welcomes Yasir Alvi as CFOExperienced financial executive joins leading broadband service provider Experienced financial leader Yasir Alvi will join Alaska Communications as chief financial officer beginning June 2, 2025. Yasir started his career in software engineering at Microsoft Corporation, leading teams building commercial software for customers worldwide. This was followed by 15 years of progressive leadership roles in finance, including investment banking and M&A at Morgan
Big Wins in Australia
“This one is for Alaska!” – David McCarthy, Founder/President, 49th State Brewing. Join us in celebrating this exciting news from the other side of the globe. 49th State Brewing was named Champion Medium-Sized International Brewery at the prestigious Royal Melbourne Australian International Beer Awards. Being the first brewery from Alaska to win a Champion Award and the sole winner representing Alaska this year means we had the unique opportunity to show the world what brewers here can do. This recognition
Anchorage Assembly to Consider Amendments to Municipal Site Access Standards
The Anchorage Assembly is seeking community feedback on a set of Municipal Site Access Code changes sponsored by Mayor Suzanne LaFrance, Assembly Vice Chair Anna Brawley, Assembly Member Daniel Volland. The package of code changes was recommended by a working group of local design professionals, policymakers, developers, community members, and the Planning Department who collaborated over 6 months to make it easier to build housing in Anchorage. “We need common sense standards that serve our community’s
$5.5 million in rental assistance funding open to applicants
Community members can now apply to receive Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA2). Mayor LaFrance’s team worked to find and award more than $5.5 million in federal Emergency Rental Assistance to help people access and maintain housing. Funds are available to help people stay in housing and to help people transition from shelter to housing. You could be eligible for funding if your household . . . Makes less than 80% of the area median income; ANDIs experiencing housing insecurity; ANDExperienced financial
Alaska Native Heritage Center Welcomes Home Rare Dena'ina Parka, Hundreds of Ancestral Belongings, and Unveils Three Historic Exhibitions
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – This summer, the Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC) will unveil three new powerful exhibitions honoring the resilience, artistry, and living histories of Alaska’s First Peoples. Among the extraordinary highlights is the arrival of the world’s only known Dena'ina ground squirrel parka, on special loan from the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) in New York.The parka, hand-stitched from dozens of ground squirrel pelts, was collected during the historic Jesup Expedition on April
Alaska Communications and Slalom to Deliver Managed Cloud Solutions for Alaska Enterprises
Alaska Communications and Slalom to Deliver Managed Cloud Solutions for Alaska EnterprisesOptions include AWS and Microsoft with artificial intelligence and data options As cloud use cases continue to expand, Alaska Communications is teaming up with industry leader Slalom to provide advanced cloud offerings for Alaska enterprises and government organizations. From enabling more efficient and sustainable exploration in the oil and gas industry to opening a world of real-time collaboration and learning
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
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
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
