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.
thread Announces 6th Annual Summit on the Economic Impact of Early Care & Learning: Building Solutions & Creating Opportunity
Anchorage, Alaska — thread, Alaska’s Statewide Child Care Resource and Referral agency, will host its 6th Summit on the Economic Impact of Early Care & Learning: Building Solutions & Creating Opportunity on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Marriott Anchorage Downtown. The full-day event will bring together local and national leaders, policymakers, businesses and community advocates to focus on solutions that strengthen Alaska’s child care system. Families, communities, and
Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC) is proud to offer our Indigenous Awareness Workshops
The Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC), one of America’s Cultural Treasures, is proud to offer our Indigenous Awareness Workshops (IAWs), designed to foster understanding, collaboration, and respect across cultures.As Alaska’s only statewide living cultural center, ANHC is uniquely positioned to provide immersive, interactive, and customizable training that helps organizations build stronger, more culturally aware teams. Whether you are working with Alaska Native communities, hosting visiting partners, or
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Supplier Portal Routine Enhancements Coming September 13
To our valued suppliers, We are reaching out to inform you of upcoming changes to our current Supplier Portal, effective September 13th. Please note that these updates are routine enhancements from our current provider GEP and are not related to the future launch of the American Heart Association’s new Supplier Portal under Oracle Cloud. The upcoming enhancements include:A refreshed log-in page A redesigned landing/home pageFor more details on the above enhancements, please review the following
11th Annual Running Free Alaska 4-Miler Race
The Running Free 4 Miler is a course from Eagle River High School to Hiland Mountain Correctional Center, with a loop around the correctional facility before heading back to ERHS. The runners from our inside program will cheer you on from the Hiland yard as you run! If you can't join us in-person this year, use the link below to compete virtually.https://runsignup.com/Race/AK/EagleRiver/RunningFree4Miler If you can't join us in-person this year, use the link to compete virtually.
ACDA Releases New Online Policy Map with Key Community Data
Anchorage, Alaska — August 22, 2025 — The Anchorage Community Development Authority (ACDA) has released a mapping and data tool with PolicyMap, a web-based mapping platform designed to give residents, partners, and community organizations easy access to essential statistics about Anchorage. The map provides a snapshot of general community data, including: DemographicsIncome & SpendingHousing & LendingQuality of LifeEconomy, Education, and Health “Our goal is to make data accessible and useful,” said Mike
YWCA Alaska announces 2025 Women of Achievement Awardees
YWCA Alaska is proud to announce it’s 2025 Women of Achievement Awardees. The Women of Achievement is the flagship program and event for YWCA Alaska since 1989. Over 350 women leaders have been recognized in Alaska for their commitment to eliminating racism and empowering women, for their amazing work in their professional careers, their commitment to community, and their inspiration for younger generations. This year’s awardees are:Cara Durr, CEO – Food Bank of AlaskaJaime Bricker - Tribal President &
SBA Launches First-Ever Loan Program Dedicated to American Manufacturers
SBA Launches First-Ever Loan Program Dedicated to American ManufacturersMARC Loans Will Expand Access to Credit Lines that Create Jobs, Onshore Production, and Support the Return of Industrial Dominance WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) launched its first-ever loan program dedicated to supporting America’s small manufacturers, which make up 98% of all U.S. manufacturers. The 7(a) Manufacturer’s Access to Revolving Credit (MARC) Loan Program will offer working capital for
Office of the Mayor Announces Two Executive Appointments
Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance on Thursday announced two new executive appointments to her administration, selecting Shanna Gamble as Director of Parks and Recreation and Mike Abbott as Interim Director of the Don Young Port of Alaska. Shanna Gamble has been leading Parks and Recreation as acting director since April, and Mayor LaFrance appointed Gamble to permanently lead the department. Gamble’s appointment is scheduled for confirmation at the next Assembly meeting. Gamble joined the Municipality in
Rasmuson Foundation Names Tasha Pineda Chief Program Officer
Anchorage, Alaska — Rasmuson Foundation is proud to announce the promotion of Tasha Pineda to the newly created role of Chief Program Officer, a strategic move that brings all of the Foundation’s grantmaking—core and strategic—under one leader. This new structure is designed to better serve Alaska’s nonprofits, tribes, and community partners by creating a more unified, responsive, and coordinated approach to funding. It reflects the Foundation’s commitment to investing in Alaska’s future and connecting
Northrim Annouces Schierhorn Retirement
Northrim Bank Announces Retirement of Joe Schierhorn Northrim Bank announces the retirement of Chairman, Joe Schierhorn effective December 31, 2025. President and CEO Mike Huston will succeed Mr. Schierhorn as Chairman of the Board of Northrim Bank on January 1, 2026 in addition to his current responsibilities. Mr. Huston has been with the Bank since 2017 serving as President since 2022 and President and CEO since 2024. Mr. Schierhorn’s professional career began at Alaska Pacific Trust and has spanned
Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Gold Pan Nominations Open
ANCHORAGE – The Anchorage Chamber of Commerce’s 68th Annual Gold Pan Awards “Brilliance on Bourbon Street” will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center. Established in 1957, the awards are one of Anchorage’s longest-running civic programs. "An Anchorage Chamber Gold Pan Award is an iconic, coveted recognition in our community of service and success, celebrating outstanding civic dedication and economic accomplishment,” says Kathleen McArdle, President & CEO. For
GOODWILL INDUSTRIES “ROUND-UP FOR STAND DOWN” TO SUPPORT VETERANS IN OUR COMMUNITY
GOODWILL INDUSTRIES “ROUND-UP FOR STAND DOWN” TO SUPPORT VETERANS IN OUR COMMUNITY From Sunday, August 31st through Saturday, September 6th, Goodwill stores in Anchorage and Wasilla will host a “Round Up for Stand Down” campaign, giving customers the opportunity to donate or round up their purchases to the nearest dollar in support of Stand Down, Inc. All proceeds raised during this time will help provide essential resources to veterans in need throughout the community. Funds raised through the campaign
AEDC Announces Interim During President & CEO’s Medical Leave
Anchorage, Alaska – The Anchorage Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) announced today that it has partnered with The Foraker Group while President & CEO Jenna Wright takes a medical leave of absence to focus on her health. We wish Jenna all our best and look forward to her return. The AEDC Board of Directors has appointed Heather Harris, a consultant with Foraker, as Interim President & CEO. AEDC has a long-standing partnership with Foraker, Alaska’s statewide nonprofit and tribal capacity building
Paid Childcare Co-op Workshops in Anchorage!
Anchorage needs more affordable, high-quality childcare — and more empowered childcare providers. YWCA Alaska, in partnership with First Entrepreneur LLC, is launching a 10-class training series to teach participants how to start and run a worker-owned childcare cooperative.This free workshop series begins Saturday, September 20th and will meet every Saturday for 10 weeks. Each participant will receive a $100 stipend per class — that’s up to $1,000 for completing the program.Participants will
Rasmuson Foundation welcomes Issa Spatrisano as program officer
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Rasmuson Foundation welcomes Issa Spatrisano to its strategy group as a Program Officer. In this role, Spatrisano will support the Foundation’s strategic grantmaking, foster meaningful partnerships, and help implement solutions that reflect the ideas and aspirations of Alaskans. Spatrisano brings over a decade of experience in refugee resettlement and community engagement. Most recently, she served as Alaska’s State Refugee Coordinator, managing more than $20 million in federal grants
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
Chugach Electric files review of base rates
Chugach Electric Association, Inc. (Chugach) filed a request with the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) to update its base rates, which is known as a general rate case, on August 18, 2025. Chugach is requesting a 3% permanent increase to total retail bill levels compared to current rates. In its filing, Chugach states that it “continues to see increases in costs and declines in sales.” Through June 2025, sales have decreased over 3%, primarily due to an unusually warm winter. These combined pressures
Want to Help Anchorage’s Little Free Libraries Shine?
Best Beginnings is reaching out to see if anyone would be interested in helping support the Anchorage community through our Little Free Libraries! These little libraries connect kids and families with free books, and a few of them could use some extra love. We’re looking for volunteers who can help with small repairs, a fresh paint job, or just sprucing them up so they stay welcoming and full of stories. &##128736;️ Ways you can help our community: Fix simple repairs (hinges, doors, plexiglass, or
The Arc of Anchorage’s Annual Trunk-or-Treat
September 13, 2025 | 5:00-7:00 PMLocation: 2211 Arca Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508Tickets: $10/person - Parents attend free! Join us for an evening of candy, games, gifts, and entertainment in a fun, inclusive, and safe environment for individuals and families of all abilities. Hosted by The Arc of Anchorage, this heartwarming community event is part of their mission of #TransformingLives. Ways to Participate:Attend - Grab your $10 ticket before they’re gone!Sponsor - Support inclusion and gain visibility
SBA Opens Nominations for 2026 National Small Business Week Awards
Nominate Alaska’s Great Entrepreneurs ALASKA -The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened nominations for the 2026 National Small Business Week Awards. National Small Business Week, which recognizes the contributions of America’s 36 million small businesses, which make up 99% of all businesses in America, creates two out of every three new jobs, and employs about half of America’s workforce. Next year, National Small Business Week will take place May 3 – 9, 2026. “During National Small
Mayor LaFrance highlights Port of Alaska’s national significance during three visits from federal of
A visit Monday to the Don Young Port of Alaska by Dale R. Marks, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment, marked the third high-level federal visit to the port in just one week, underscoring its national importance.Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance hosted the tour and briefing alongside Acting Port Director Jim Jager and Colonel Lisa M. Mabbutt, Commander of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER).Assistant Secretary Marks’ visit follows tours last Tuesday by U.S. Secretary
Book Release - Unseen Obstacles: Overcoming the Ten Major Causes of Leadership Failures
My newest book has just been released. Check it out! UNSEEN OBSTACLES: OVERCOMING THE TEN MAJOR CAUSES OF LEADERSHIP FAILURES https://amzn.to/4loiLtx
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
