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.
ANHC Awarded Five-Year $1.25 Million SAMHSA Native Connections Grant
The Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC) is pleased to announce Unguwat: Resilience & Connection (URC), a new Indigenous wellness project created by ANHC to serve young Alaska Native people (ages 18-24), has been funded under the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Native Connections grant.“Unguwat is a Sugpiaq word that communicates how people are strengthened by a common purpose; that lives are changed through increased opportunity and self-actualization,” said
2020 Small Business Owners from Alaska Honored by SBA Alaska District as Part of Annual National Small Business Week
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Alaska District announces the winners of its annual awards program as part of National Small Business Week Sept. 20-26. Typically held during the first week of May every year since 1963, National Small Business Week award announcements and celebrations were postponed this year due to the Coronavirus outbreak. “National Small Business Week is a time to recognize the impact entrepreneurs and small businesses have on our economy and in our
Justin Mills Joins Key Private Bank's Alaska Team
ANCHORAGE—Sept. 21, 2020 — Justin Mills has joined the Key Private Bank as a relationship manager in Alaska. In this role, Mills will collaborate with the entire Key Private Bank team in delivering the full continuum of wealth management solutions to clients in the high net worth channel. Mills most recently was a financial advisor with a national financial services organization. Prior to that, he had eight years of military service: as a Platoon Leader in Kirkuk, Iraq; Executive Officer at Fort Leonard
Municipality of Anchorage to Distribute Cloth Masks to Community
Anchorage, Alaska: The Municipality of Anchorage Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is partnering with community organizations and other municipal departments to distribute 160,000 cloth masks to Anchorage residents beginning September 14. The EOC has done two other rounds of community mask distribution, resulting in 44,500 masks given out to residents. This round of cloth, reusable masks came from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in their effort to distribute 1,000,000 masks around the State
Altman, Rogers & Co. Earned Designation as a Great Place to Work-Certified™ Company in 2020
Anchorage, AK – September 11, 2020 – Altman, Rogers & Co., Alaska’s largest locally owned certified public accounting firm, today announced that it is Great Place to Work-Certified™. Certification is a significant achievement. Using validated employee feedback gathered with Great Place to Work’s rigorous, data-driven For All methodology, Certification confirms 9 out of 10 employees have a consistently positive experience at Altman, Rogers & Co, or 88%. Great Place to Work is the global authority on
AHD partners with CDC, HUD to address COVID-19 outbreak in people experiencing homelessness
ANCHORAGE – The Anchorage Health Department will receive federal support from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in response to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak among persons experiencing homelessness (PEH) in Anchorage. The federal support, arranged and in collaboration with the State of Alaska Department of Health & Social Services (DHSS), will include three CDC professionals and one HUD team member to offer on-site
Anchorage Gig Economy Gets a Boost
ANCHORAGE – Local gig economy workers have the support of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, with its board approving the development of the Anchorage Gig Economy Network and establishing a committee that will prioritize opportunities that foster growth for the budding economic sector. The chamber appointed Far North Fashion blogger Lesli Olson to its Board of Directors and to chair an ad hoc committee responsible for further developing the effort. “Gig workers are a strong segment of Anchorage’s
AnchorRIDES Offers New Grocery Delivery Program
The Municipality of Anchorage’s Public Transportation Department (PTD) announces a new grocery delivery service for senior citizens, age 60 and over, and for people who have disabilities that prevent them from using People Mover buses. Starting Wednesday, September 9, people will be able to arrange for AnchorRIDES buses to pick up their orders of groceries, essential household items, and pet supplies from participating stores that offer curbside pickup. AnchorRIDES buses will deliver these items to their
Anchorage Economic Development Corp. launches initiative to attract remote workforce
As Americans across the country consider relocating to less densely populated areas due to both COVID-19 concerns and an increasingly decentralized workforce, Anchorage Economic Development Corp. (AEDC) wants to make sure Anchorage is a part of that conversation. From increased spending at local businesses and restaurants to bolstering the available workforce with new energy and skillsets, attracting a remote workforce to Anchorage has a direct benefit to the local economy. “We’re looking to attract
National Small Business Week to Kick-off September 22-24
This week, Jovita Carranza, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced the kick-off for National Small Business Week. The virtual event, rescheduled from May due to the coronavirus pandemic, will be held September 22-24. National Small Business Week honors the nation’s small businesses, many of which are veteran, women and minority-owned, for their achievements and dedication to their communities. This year’s National Small Business Week activities will include numerous educational
Alaska Counts Update
First things first... Hello again. If you've been following along, you know that census efforts over the past year have been adjusted and readjusted as we've received new information, timelines, and even public health whirlwinds. What we do know right now is that September 30 is the final deadline for the census as it stands. At Alaska Counts, we are absolutely running with the understanding that time is up for the census at the end of this month. That means we have to hang on tight and stay the course
Fly with peace of mind: Alaska Airlines eliminates change fees permanently
SEATTLE, Sept. 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Airlines is giving guests more peace of mind and effective immediately will eliminate change fees on all domestic and international tickets. "COVID has taught us that flexibility in travel is key. As we evolve our approach to travel to include more than 100 safety actions, it's important to give our guests flexibility when they book by eliminating change fees," said Andrew Harrison, executive vice president and chief commercial officer for Alaska Airlines. The
The Museum Re-Opens its Doors
We’re happy to welcome you back on site Wednesday, Sept. 2. We're still on a restricted schedule with open hours 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and remain under 50% capacity as part of our safe-visit protocol, which includes face coverings and physical distancing. The Discovery Center opens with advance reservations next week.PLAN YOUR VISIT
GCI partners with Kaladi and VOA Alaska during Recovery Month
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Through the company’s charitable arm, GCI Gives, GCI is working with Volunteers of America Alaska to support Alaskans in recovery in September. The company is encouraging conversations about recovery to help eliminate the stigma associated with seeking help for substance misuse and mental health concerns. These efforts are all a part of VOA Alaska’s participation in National Recovery Month. Custom VOA Alaska designed coffee sleeves, inspired by artwork from VOA Alaska youth in
A New Partnership with the Associated General Contractors of Alaska
Alaska Business Publishing Company (ABPC) is proud to announce our new partnership with the Associated General Contractors of Alaska to publish their quarterly magazine, The Alaska Contractor beginning with the Winter 2021 edition. APBC will also publish the annual AGC of Alaska Membership Directory. The agreement marks another step forward in ABPC’s mission of promoting economic growth in the state through discussion and analysis of the issues and trends affecting Alaska’s business sector. “A partnership
SBA Alaska District Announces New Director
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Alaska District Office announces Steve Brown is the new district director. As the leader of the SBA Alaska District, Brown will oversee the delivery of all SBA programs and services in Alaska including technical training and assistance, funding programs, and small business certifications connected to government contracting. “It’s not often you have an opportunity to jump tracks to start something exciting and new halfway through your
A lighthouse in the storm - 176th Wing director of Psychological Health is here to help
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — A single COVID cell is no more than 140 nanometers in diameter — about 1/500th the width of a human hair — but it has come to dominate daily life the world over. Beyond its physical health impact, Diann Richardson, 176th Wing director of Psychological Health, said the invisible microorganism also has psychological health impacts as Airmen, civilian employees and family members have been forced to change their daily habits such as looking after and teaching
Assembly Transitions Website to Serve as One-Stop Shop for all Coronavirus Relief Fund Information
Public Can Find Resources and Information on New Programs The Anchorage Assembly recently transitioned the website dedicated to programs funded by the Coronavirus Relief Fund to a one-stop-shop, making available all plans concerning funding allocations. The website is also a place for the community to connect with resources for rental and mortgage assistance, small business and nonprofit relief, and more. The Municipality of Anchorage received $156 million in federal funding to assist local efforts to
National Preparedness Month
National Preparedness Month (NPM) is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. As our nation continues to respond to COVID-19, there is no better time to be involved this September. The 2020 NPM theme is: "Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today." Week 1 September 1-5: Make A Plan Talk to your friends and family about how you will communicate before, during, and after a disaster. Make sure to update your plan based on the Centers for
Matson Announcement: Introducing 'Alaska-Asia Express'
I am pleased to announce a new direct service from Alaska to Asia designed specifically for Alaska’s seafood industry. The new service will commence with the first westbound sailing from Dutch Harbor on Wednesday, September 30, 2020. Our Alaska-Asia Express (AAX) service connects with Matson’s existing Alaska service, which links Dutch Harbor with fast weekly service from Kodiak and Anchorage. Shippers in the Kenai Peninsula will also have easy access to AAX via truck connections to Anchorage. Already an
Mayor and Chugach Electric announce ML&P acquisition on track to close
ANCHORAGE, AK — Today, Mayor Ethan Berkowitz and Chugach Electric Association CEO Lee Thibert announced the acquisition of Municipal Light & Power (ML&P) by Chugach Electric Association is anticipated to close on Friday, October 30, 2020. The Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) conditionally approved the acquisition of ML&P by Chugach Electric in May. Chugach and the Municipality of Anchorage have been working together to finalize the transaction and move to closing. “This is a time to reflect on the
Anchorage Downtown Partnership announces three new board members
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Anchorage Downtown Partnership recently welcomed three new board members: Matt Samuel, regional director of Diamond Parking, Larry Michael, owner of Arctic Fox Inn B&B and Eric Ritner, real estate broker. All three represent voices of downtown property owners, and are motivated to keep downtown clean, safe and vital through the pandemic and beyond. “Our newest board members represent interests from different areas across our Downtown Improvement District, including less frequently
Identity, Inc. welcomes Laura Carpenter as Executive Director
Identity, Inc.’s board of directors is pleased to announce that Laura Carpenter (they/them/she/her) has accepted the position of Executive Director. The Board conducted a rigorous search and made this selection based on Mx. Carpenter’s extensive experience and professional achievements. Mx. Carpenter is an award-winning nonprofit leader with a passion for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice. They are a writer and activist who has worked for community-minded organizations for more than two decades, with the
Alaska Railroad kicks off 2020 Catch the Train Photo Contest
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The popular Catch the Train Photo Contest is back, and this year lets Alaskans share their images of what they capture onboard the Alaska Railroad with the chance to win cash and prizes. To participate, passengers can submit a photo to the contest via the Alaska Railroad Facebook page or by using the hashtag #CatchTheTrainAK on Twitter or Instagram. The deadline for submissions in the photo contest closes on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020. Following the submission period, 12 finalists will be
Alaska Pacific University Releases Campus Reopening Plan
Anchorage, Alaska – Alaska Pacific University (APU) has released its Campus Reopening Plan, which outlines protective measures against COVID-19 transmission. The plan allows for both in-person and distance learning when the semester begins August 24. “Our Campus Reopening planning document details new policies and expectations for the year,” said APU President Valerie Nurr’araaluk Davidson. “I am confident that our comprehensive planning and a shared commitment to safety will help our community overcome
Alaska USA Federal Credit Union’s response to COVID-19
Anchorage, Alaska – People helping people, the credit union philosophy, has never wavered as Alaska USA Federal Credit Union puts its members, employees and the markets it serves as top priority during the COVID-19 pandemic. From implementing an informative website and support services to members, to providing flexible remote work and/or paid leave options to meet the needs of employees, Alaska USA is committed to ensuring members and employees receive the same level of service, value and convenience during
Kikkan Randall joins The Alaska Club board of directors
Olympic gold medalist Kikkan Randall is the newest member of The Alaska Club board of directors. Randall is a longtime member of The Alaska Club and her deep knowledge of Alaska and its people, along with her commitment to family, is a perfect fit with The Alaska Club’s core values. Kikkan will bring her unique and extensive perspective on training, physical fitness and personal health to The Alaska Club’s management team.“I’m excited to begin working with The Alaska Club board of directors,” said Randall.
