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.
Meet Betsy: Alaska’s First SDPA Diplomate Fellow – Now Accepting Online Appointments!
We’re excited to announce that Betsy, our talented Physician Assistant (PA-C), is now accepting online appointments! As Alaska’s first SDPA Diplomate Fellow, Betsy brings advanced dermatology expertise and compassionate care to every patient she sees.What Does SDPA Diplomate Fellow Mean for You? Betsy’s Diplomate Fellow status is a prestigious achievement, signifying extensive training in dermatology beyond standard PA education. This means she has advanced knowledge in diagnosing and treating a wide
Crisis, Chaos, and Confusion: What we are hearing from nonprofits
A funding freeze for any length of time could affect the billions of dollars Alaska receives each year from the federal government. Recent Foraker research in partnership with the UA Center for Economic Development shows our state received $38 billion in federal funds in 2023. This is in addition to funds received between 2022 and 2024 from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act ($7.6 billion), the Inflation Reduction Act ($2.5 billion), broadband funding ($2.2 billion), and remaining federal pandemic
First National Bank Alaska donates nearly $1 million to Alaska organizations in 2024
Fourth quarter contributions of $488,791 pushed the total given to Alaska communities by First National Bank Alaska and its employees to nearly $1 million in 2024. Total contributions include charitable gifts, activity sponsorships and in-kind donations of time and talent during the past year. “First National has a strong commitment to our great state,” said Board Chair and CEO/President Betsy Lawer. “This commitment has been a core part of the bank’s mission and culture for more than a century. We
Anchorage ATHENA Society announces 2025 honorees
The Anchorage ATHENA Society is pleased to announce the inductees into the Class of 2025. A group of 14 women and this year’s Leadership Award recipient will be honored at the annual Anchorage ATHENA Society luncheon Monday, March 17, 2025, at the Hotel Captain Cook. This year’s inductees are: Kay Brown,Arctic Policy Director, Pacific EnvironmentDianne Blumer, Principal, NavigateAKKate Consenstein,Principal, Rising Tide CommunicationsDawn Dinwoodie, Co-Owner, ManagerTrickster CompanyPatuk Glenn, Executive
Anchorage Museum Named Top U.S. Museum by Condé Nast Traveler!
Anchorage Museum named among the Best in the U.S. This recognition honors our dedication to sharing the diverse voices, stories, and landscapes that define Alaska. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime local, we invite you to explore the Alaska Exhibition, enjoy the Art of the North galleries, and join us for ongoing events and programs that celebrate Alaska’s rich cultural tapestry. READ MORE
Municipality to take on Mountain View Community Center operations this summer
After a special meeting of the Anchorage Assembly, new plans were announced today to ensure the future of the Mountain View Community Center. Starting June 1, the Municipality’s Parks and Recreation Department will take on the center’s operations to implement access and continuity for the community. Boys & Girls Clubs of Southcentral Alaska (BGCSAK), which has managed the Mountain View Community Center since it opened in 1998, will continue service at the facility until May 31, 2025. Parks and Recreation
Registration opens for Anchorage Homelessness Summit
Community members are invited to a summit on Anchorage’s Coordinated Response to Homelessness March 20-21, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Organized by the Mayor’s Office, the Anchorage Assembly’s Housing and Homelessness Committee, and the Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness, this 2-day summit is an opportunity for community members to understand the systems and strategies the Municipality and its partners are using to address homelessness in our community. “We're working every day to significantly
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
Municipality takes action to make it easier to build housing
Last night, the Anchorage Assembly passed an ordinance co-sponsored by Mayor Suzanne LaFrance, Assembly Vice Chair Meg Zaletel, and Assembly Member Anna Brawley to reduce the cost of building multi-family housing in Anchorage. The ordinance, which pauses design standards for multi-family housing, is part of the mayor’s 10,000 homes in 10 years strategy. “If we want to improve our economy, grow our local workforce, and tackle homelessness, we’re going to need a lot more housing,” Mayor Suzanne LaFrance
First National Bank Alaska named top ten bank in America by Forbes
ANCHORAGE, AK – Forbes selected Alaska’s largest community bank, First National Bank Alaska, as one of the top ten banks in the country for their annual list America’s Best Banks. First National ranked sixth in the nation and was the only bank in Alaska to make the list. The global media company evaluates 11 metrics, including growth, credit quality, profitability and stock performance. “We are honored to receive this recognition,” said First National Board Chair and CEO/President Betsy Lawer. “I
First National Bank Alaska strengthens leadership team with key appointments and promotions
First National Bank Alaska’s Board of Directors announced several appointments and promotions January 25, 2025 at their annual Dinner Dance. The event recognizes and celebrates bank achievements. Key appointments and promotions to the bank’s leadership include: Branch Administration Director Karl Heinz was promoted to Senior Branch Administration Director and appointed Executive Vice President.Senior Corporate Lending Director Chad Steadman was appointed Executive Vice President.Treasury Management &
MOA and partners propose solutions to pave the way to housing
Estimates suggest Anchorage needs 10,000 more homes over the next ten years to meet the community’s needs. So, in summer 2024, Assembly members and Mayor LaFrance formed a working group of local design professionals, policymakers, developers, community members, and the Planning Department to make it easier to build housing in the Municipality of Anchorage.“We have been working on our housing strategy since July 1 because we know more housing will unlock opportunity for our community,” Mayor LaFrance said.
Harvest Alaska and Chugach Electric Association Announce Plans to Bolster Southcentral Gas Supplies
ANCHORAGE, AK – Feb.6, 2025 –Today, Harvest Alaska (Harvest), announced an agreement with Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) and Chugach Electric Association (Chugach) to bolster Southcentral Alaska energy supplies through Harvest’s acquisition and re-development of the existing Kenai LNG Terminal, currently owned by a subsidiary of MPC. The project is designed to repurpose existing assets to enable the timely delivery of additional natural gas supplies to the Southcentral market as early as 2026, with
Mayor LaFrance seeks applicants for 2025 Community Grants
Mayor LaFrance invites community members to apply for the 2025 Mayor's Community Grants. The application period will be open February 11 to March 10, 2025. Each year, the mayor awards Community Grants to local charities and nonprofits working to improve the Municipality’s well-being. This long-standing tradition of local grants provides financial support and recognition for organizations working to address community needs. This year, a total of $315,000 will be awarded to a range of projects that engage
Exciting Opportunity for HR Professionals!
Early Bird Registration is now open for ASHRM’s Spring 2025 SHRM Certification Prep Classes! Program Details: • Start Date: Monday, March 3, 2025 • Duration: 6 weeks • Format: In-person and virtual sessions Why Enroll Early? • Early Bird Pricing: Secure your spot at a discounted rate by registering before the deadline. • Comprehensive Preparation: Gain access to the SHRM Learning System and expert-led study groups. Scholarship Opportunity: Apply by February 24, 2025, for a scholarship
Leadership Anchorage Applications Are Now Open!
What is Leadership Anchorage? Leadership Anchorage is a unique leadership learning experience lasting nine months (September - May), which includes both deep personal growth and a rich breadth of experiences with a dynamic, diverse cohort from all parts of our community. The program is entering its 29th year, and we are excited to select ~20 new members to join the more than 450 distinguished alumni now serving in many capacities across Alaska.Who should apply? Leadership Anchorage (LA) seeks established
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
Alaska Airlines announces new flights to Anchorage from Detroit and Sacramento
For the first time this summer, we're connecting Anchorage to both Detroit and Sacramento with seasonal nonstop flights, as well as resuming nonstop service between Fairbanks and Portland. We’ll offer the most nonstop destinations ever this summer from Alaska’s largest city along with daily Portland-Fairbanks service; other new nonstops begin this week across our network For the first time this summer, Alaska Airlines is connecting Anchorage to both Detroit and Sacramento with seasonal nonstop flights,
Alaska Communications Announces Leadership Transition
Alaska Communications Announces Leadership Transition Paul Fenaroli Named Chief Executive Officer and Joins Board of Directors ANCHORAGE, Alaska, January 6, 2025 – The Alaska Communications board of directors today announced the appointment of Paul Fenaroli as chief executive officer and a member of the board, effective January 6, 2025. “We are excited to welcome Paul Fenaroli as our new CEO,” said Alaska Communications Chairman Brad Martin. “Paul brings a wealth of experience in corporate strategy,
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,
