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.
Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Presents National Civics Bee® Local Finals
Anchorage, Alaska middle school students will test their civics knowledge on April 5th and compete for a chance at the national title.ANCHORAGE, AK - The Anchorage Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the launch of the 2025 National Civics Bee®, an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Hosted in partnership with The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the competition in Anchorage will inspire middle schoolers to
Anchorage Chamber Supports Parks Bond and Town Square Park
To the Anchorage Chamber Membership: As one of the largest business organizations in Alaska with nearly 800 members representing over 40,000 employees, the mission at the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce is to advance a successful business climate by attending to the civic, economic, and cultural betterment of our community. For over 100 years we have served as a resource where members can gain business knowledge, strength, and insight, and we are motivated to support the growth and success for all of
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
Mayor LaFrance opens call for Youth Advisory Commission members
Do you know a young leader in the Municipality of Anchorage who’s looking for a way to make a difference and contribute to our community? Mayor LaFrance is seeking applicants aged 14 to 22 to join the Youth Advisory Commission to provide insight to City Hall and the Assembly on issues, services, and programs affecting youth.One of the commission’s exciting responsibilities this year includes managing a generous donation from a local philanthropist to support community-focused initiatives.Members will take
Municipal wood lots free for residents preparing Anchorage for wildfire season
Alaska’s wildfire season started early this year. To help Anchorage residents protect their properties against wildfires, the Mayor’s Office, Anchorage Fire Department Wildfire Division and Solid Waste Services (SWS) are partnering together to open the local wood lots for free to Anchorage residents clearing their properties this spring and summer. To encourage wildfire mitigation, from March 29 to September 30, no Anchorage residential loads of woody debris will incur fees.“I live in South Anchorage, so I
Global Credit Union Honors Alaska’s Military Service Members
Global Credit Union hosted its 30th Annual Alaska Military Appreciation Breakfast on February 14, 2025, to honor the Alaska Armed Services YMCA’s 13 Service Members of the Year recipients and the Military Spouse of the Year. Service members from all active-duty branches, as well as the Guard and Reserves, were nominated by their supervisors. Each nominee was then interviewed by a panel for recognition and awards based on their outstanding achievements. Guests included the command teams of the honorees,
LaFrance administration deploying over $5 million in housing assistance
Today, the LaFrance administration announced that over $5 million in secured federal funding will go toward helping people get housed and keep their housing in Anchorage.The Mayor’s Office team and the Anchorage Health Department have worked together to identify, align, and deploy two sets of federal funding for housing stability: Just over $4 million in Emergency Rental Assistance and $1.5 million in Housing and Urban Development funds (HOME-ARP).The funds are being awarded through a competitive process.
Municipality levels up preparations for Mount Spurr
Today, the Municipality’s Office of Emergency Management is stepping up to a Level Two activation status (of five possible levels) as they continue to monitor, coordinate, and share information about the potential of a Mount Spurr eruption. Mount Spurr’s official alert level has not changed since October 16, 2024 when the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) elevated it to Yellow/Advisory status due to increased activity. However, on March 12, the AVO released a statement that rising gas emissions mean they
Research Project USMARTT: Business Surveys
Urban Snow Modeling to Advance Resilience for Today and Tomorrow (USMARTT)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. In the last two years, 24 buildings have collapsed due to weight of snow, resulting in one fatality.Survey Goals Objectives of the research project’s business surveys include: Assessing risk
Anchorage Community Land Trust (ACLT) Receives $300,000 Grant from KeyBank for a Shared Commercial
Grant will create access for early-stage food businesses in Alaska, focusing on underserved communities ANCHORAGE, Alaska — March 18, 2025 — Anchorage Community Land Trust (ACLT) has received a $300,000 grant from KeyBank to launch the programming and operations of a new shared commercial kitchen facility in the Mountain View neighborhood of Anchorage. The facility, currently in development and slated to open in 2026, will provide shared kitchen and production space and cold and dry storage space to
2025 SHE Strength Heart Excellence Leadership Training Conference Set for May 12th & 13th
Anchorage, AK - The 2025 SHE (Strength, Heart, Excellence) Leadership Training Conference will take place on Monday, May 12, 2025, 6:00 - 8:00 PM - VIP Reception / Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM - Main Event at The Petroleum Club Anchorage / Dena'ina Civic & Convention Center This premier leadership training experience for professionals in the hospitality and tourism industries, hosted by Alaska CHARR, will provide attendees with the tools, insights, and connections to elevate their careers and
Global Credit Union and First Financial Northwest Announce Closing Date for Acquisition
Anchorage, Alaska and Renton, Washington – March 14, 2025 – Global Federal Credit Union (“Global”) and First Financial Northwest, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ GS: FFNW), the holding company for First Financial Northwest Bank (the “Bank”), jointly announced today they have set the expected closing date for Global’s acquisition of substantially all of the assets and assumption of substantially all of the liabilities (including deposit liabilities) of the Bank (the “Asset Sale”), on the terms and subject
Global Credit Union and First Financial Northwest, Inc. Announce Receipt of Final Regulatory Approval for Transaction
Anchorage, Alaska and Renton, Washington – March 12, 2025 – Global Federal Credit Union (“Global”) and First Financial Northwest, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ GS: FFNW), the holding company for First Financial Northwest Bank (the “Bank”), jointly announced today that Global received the required regulatory approval from the National Credit Union Administration (“NCUA”) for its acquisition of substantially all of the assets and assumption of substantially all of the liabilities (including deposit
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
Mayor LaFrance seeks applicants for 2025 Art Grants
Mayor LaFrance invites community members to apply for the 2025 Mayor's Art Grants. The application period will be open March 17 to April 14, 2025. Historically, the Mayor’s Art Grants recognized and uplifted the work of presenters, producers, and community-based arts organizations that are 501(c)(3) nonprofits which offer visual art, theater, dance, music, and poetry in the Municipality of Anchorage. This long-standing local grant tradition supports organizations contributing to the municipality’s wellness
Global Credit Union and Employees Donate $33,000 to United Way
Anchorage, AK – Global Credit Union employees, along with additional contributions from the credit union, have generously donated $33,000 to the United Way. “Our employees have a longstanding relationship with the United Way, with many of them contributing from every paycheck they receive,” said Geoff Lundfelt, President and CEO of Global Credit Union. “It’s hard to express just how much esteem and admiration I have for the generosity they’ve shown.” These donations are distributed across the regions
2025 Top Forty Under 40 announced
The 2025 awards event will be on April 18 at the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage. Doors will open at 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour, and the dinner/program will begin at 7 p.m. with music and dancing following the awards and dinner. Tickets are available on MyAlaskaTix.com. Individual seats are $180, and table sponsorships are $2,000.• • • The Alaska Journal of Commerce is pleased to once again recognize a group of outstanding young professionals as the Class of 2025 Top Forty Under 40. We are thrilled to
Coke Scholars Announces Alaska Winners
Coke ScholarsAnnounces Alaska WinnersAward$20,00 Scholarship eachBackground$87 Million in Scholarships provided to 7,050 High School Seniors since 1988Winners (Viewable here)Natalie Hodge @ Robert Service High School @ Anchorage, AKAnna Kardashyan @ South Anchorage High School @ Anchorage, AK
Rasmuson fosters Foundation relationships with new hire
Anchorage, ALASKA — As Rasmuson Foundation celebrates 70 years of investing in Alaska communities, it is also investing in its relationships and strengthening partnerships. In a new role as partnership manager, Sydney Copley will support the development of strategic relationships to advance the Foundation’s mission of empowering Alaskans to help each other. “Beyond grantmaking, Rasmuson works to connect and convene Alaskans and Sydney is a natural fit for this role,” said Tasha Pineda, vice president of
Municipality adds GPS to snow clearing equipment, announces naming competition
Today, Mayor Suzanne LaFrance announced the Municipality’s snow clearing vehicles are now equipped with GPS, which the public can track online at www.muni.org/plow. Now, the public can see the progress of plows moving across the city and their neighborhoods in near-real time – GPS devices will report with a slight delay to ensure the safety of operators. In a winter city like Anchorage, snow clearing is a matter of economic importance and public safety, whether you’re trying to make it to work, to school,
Parker, Smith & Feek Rebrands to IMA
Longtime PNW independent broker joined IMA as strategic partner in 2021 January 15, 2025. (Denver, CO). IMA Financial Group, A North American insurance brokerage firm defining the future of insurance through comprehensive, consultative risk and wealth management advisement services, is realizing a major milestone this week with one of its largest strategic partners, Parker, Smith & Feek (PS&F), rebranding to IMA. PS&F, which was one of the 50 largest brokerage companies in the U.S. when it was acquired
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
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
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,
