2022 Annual Report

2022

ANNUAL REPORT

I took over as President & CEO on December 1, 2022 and will co-lead the Chamber along side, Patrick Cotter, Chairman of the Board of Directors, in 2023. Fairbanks is my home, and it is an honor and privilege to work with the talented Chamber staff, business and community leaders, and all of the current and future members to advance the business advocacy efforts of the Chamber. A focus we have is to demonstrate value to you, as a chamber business member. The Chamber is going to do that by advocating for business interests, based on what you as members are telling us, and keeping you informed of important issues. I want your input, so please consider joining us to make your voice be heard.

PRESIDENT & CEO JEREMY JOHNSON

APPOINTED DIRECTORS

2022 BOARD CHAIR

JENNIFER THOMPSON, CENTURY 21 GOLD RUSH

ELECTED DIRECTORS

PAST CHAIR

TREASURER

CHAIR ELECT

ANNA ATCHISON Kinross Alaska

LISA CASSINO Usibelli Coal Mine

JIM CULLEY Mt. McKinley Bank

CHRIS DARRAH Shannon & Wilson, Inc.

KEN HALL Lynden Transport

JACOB HOWDESHELL Laborer’s Union, Local #942

JENNIFER IMUS First National Bank

TANYA KAQUATOSH Doyon, Limited

TOGI LETULIGASENOA Brice Companies

WENDIE MACNAUGTON Northern Star Resources Limited

SCOTT MCCREA Explore Fairbanks

JULIET SHEPHERD Shepherd et al.

SARA SMITH MAC Federal Credit Union

ELENA SUDDUTH Interior Gas Utility

KATHLEEN THOMPSON Alliance CPAs LLC

DAVID VAN DEN BERG Downtown Association of Fairbanks

MEADOW BAILEY Golden Valley Electric Association

TIMOTHY CAREY McKinley Orthopedics, Sports Medicine & Spine

STEVE LUNDGREN Denali State Bank

DEREK MILLER UAF College of Engineering & Mines

ANGIE TALLANT Somers Sotheby’s International Realty

KELLY WARD Robinson & Ward, PC

PATRICK COTTER RESPEC Company, LLC

OUR NEW STRATEGIC PLAN

During a one-day Board of Directors retreat, our organization’s leaders worked through the process of developing a road map to guide our work going forward. The strategic plan developed is meant to lead our organization for the next three to five years, helping us to stick to our priorities. This work was guided largely by Bob Harris, CAE, a world-renowned expert in board education. His knowledge, resources, and guided conversations helped our Board of Directors to create a strong and intentional strategic plan that now serves as a solid foundation to all of the Chamber’s work.

VOICE COMMUNITY FACILITATE

The Chamber examines, amplifies, and advances the most critical issues.

Government Relations – Be the primary conduit for strong advocacy on behalf of business and community.

Federal Appropriations – Recognize the federal allocations and maintain preparedness to respond. Explore opportunities to diversify the Interior economy.

Issues Forums – Provide platforms and opportunities to engage business and organizations in examining and advocating for improved public policy.

Advocacy Strength – Maintain the strength of the Chamber ’s advocacy program and keep members informed how government relations benefits business and community.

Military Relations – Support engagement for the mutual success of military and business.

Academic Relations – Build relationships with the University of Alaska and academic institutions to promote pathways, job readiness, worker advancement, and opportunity creation.

Leadership Fairbanks® - Provide training opportunities that strengthen and position future leaders in the community and Chamber.

Community Organizations – Build and support coalitions with organizations that work to enhance community.

CHAMBER STRENGTH

Signature Events – Provide events for business and residents to interact, share, and promote mutually beneficial outcomes.

Member Connections – Provide the opportunities and platforms that allow members to establish and sustain meaningful connections.

Demonstrate Value - Attract a diverse representation of businesses community, ensuring every demographic sees value in Chamber membership.

The Chamber is respected for its leadership, structure, and strategy.

Governance - Create a governance structure that supports the Chamber’s strategic goals and continued growth

Professional Staff - Provide professional development opportunities and support to attract and retain quality staff.

Finances - Maintain and protect the Chamber ’s financial and organizational assets while implementing innovative approaches to opportunities and revenue.

Impact - Gauge community and business awareness of the Chamber ’s impact and culture, allowing the board to make knowledge-based decisions.

The Chamber improves our community through collaboration and leadership.

The Chamber facilitates prosperity by being a hub and resource for business.

The Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce is the leading voice advocating for community by supporting business prosperity in the Interior.

VOICE

The Chamber examines, amplifies, and advances the most critical issues.

2022 TOP PRIORITIES

LONG-TERM FISCAL PLAN

Support responsible, comprehensive, long-term sustainable fiscal plans that fund essential programs and strategic investments that promote long-term economic growth and diversification while balancing revenue against expenses.

ADEQUATE SUITABLE HOUSING FOR SERVICE MEMBERS

Urge local and state government to swiftly implement effective solutions to the shortage of suitable housing for current and incoming service members, leveraging existing policy and programs while also pushing for creative solutions to support current and future investors. Adequate, suitable housing for military personnel will maximize the economic benefits associated with the buildup of Alaska military installations.

JUNEAU FLY-IN

The 2022 Juneau Fly-In was a successful event, and a wonderful return to being in-person down in Juneau. We were represented by 15 members who separated into 4 groups, connecting with 52 legislators, members of the Governor’s cabinet, state executives, as well as the Lt. Governor and Governor Dunleavy. Our participants attended a record number of meetings, totaling to over 60 meetings.

During the two-day event, teams met with legislators and staff, leadership from both the House and Senate as well as breakfast with Commissioner Mahoney of the Department of Revenue, and a decadent lunch at the restaurant SALT with Commissioner Anderson of DOT&PF. Individual teams had the opportunity to meet with Commissioner Sande of the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, as well as Directors at the Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development. Additionally, teams also met with Director Steininger at the Office of Management and Budget and Commissioner Brune from the Department of Environmental Conservation.

We were honored to receive an invitation to have breakfast at the Governor’s residence. We listened to remarks from the Governor, as well as a presentation from staff members about the Governor’s proposed budget for the coming year. This breakfast was delicious, and full of great discussion and opportunities for questions from our participants – as well as discussion of our two 2022 Advocacy priorities.

Wednesday evening, we hosted over 120 legislators, administration representatives, and Juneau staff at our annual Legislative Reception. We offered an incredible spread of hors d’oeuvres at the Centennial Center on the downtown Juneau waterfront.

ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES

The Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources committee explored a number of topics and issues in 2022, including air quality regulations, mining activity, and renewable energy. The committee engaged the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation’s commissioner’s office to discuss proposed wood stove regulations and the certification program, as well as submitted comments to EPA regarding wood stove testing protocols. We heard from groups developing railbelt energy infrastructure, including pumped hydro, wind farms, and upgraded transmission lines. Presentations on mineral exploration and development across the Interior covered critical mineral prospects and mine clean-up activities.

EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

The Education and Workforce Development Committee spent time in 2022 refining their position statement on Support for Quality K-12 Education; the position was approved for inclusion in the 2023 Advocacy Agenda. The committee tracked several bills on apprenticeship expansion, affirmative action, early education programs and the Alaska Reads Act which was signed into law in 2022. We hosted presentations from Wonderschool on Enhancing the Quality and Stability of Child Care Programs Across the Country; State Representative Prax on the Alaska Reads Act (SB111); the CTC/UAF Applied Business and Accounting Program on the use and value of Microcredentials; UAF’s E-Campus; the Associated General Contractors; the FNSB Transportation Director on busing issues and Mayor Bryce Ward on Education Authority and Funding.

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

The Government Relations Committee met throughout the year to discuss a variety of topics relevant to a healthy and sustainable business climate for Interior Alaska. The GRC met with the Interior Delegation to the Alaska Legislature biweekly during this year’s legislative session. These meetings provided the GRC with a direct line of communication to lawmakers, allowing us to offer our perspective on proposed legislation and to focus our advocacy in a timely and relevant manner. Separate from the Interior Delegation meetings, the GRC heard presentations from outside speakers on topics with national relevance (Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal Act, Taxpayer Penalty Protection Act); statewide relevance (Alaskans for Sustainable Budgets, Defend our Constitution); and local relevance (UAF budgets, FNSB Comprehensive Economic Strategy Development planning).

MILITARY AFFAIRS

TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE

Meeting every Thursday morning, the Transportation & Infrastructure committee was able to host a variety of speakers for updates on the following topics: Alaska Long Trail, Alaska Railroad, Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, the Polaris Building, FAST Planning, Airport Way Pedestrian Improvements, DOT & PF projects, Explore Fairbanks, the Port of Nome, FNSBSD transportation, STIP amendment 4, Chena River Recreation Site, Northern Pacific Airways, Richardson Highway 205-235 project, Alaska State Broadband, Doyon Denali Airport, Tanana River Recreation Area, Totchaket Road, Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center, Alaska International Airport System, J-1 Visas, and ACUASI.

The Military Affairs Committee moved significantly back toward a pre-COVID normalcy in 2022 with hybrid in-person and virtual meetings and the return of the Military Appreciation Banquet and Operation Standing Together. Committee business was primarily oriented toward addressing the housing concerns within our community; standup of the Army’s newest division, the 11th Infantry Division (Airborne); the Army’s efforts to reduce Soldier suicides; quality-of-life initiatives; and basing plans for four additional KC-135 Stratotankers at Eielson Air Force Base.

- CHRIS DARRAH, CHAIR

- PATRICK COTTER, CHAIR

- JANET DALEY, CO-CHAIR

- MELISSA OSBORN, CHAIR

-TIM JONES, CO-CHAIR

COMMITTEES

Advocacy committees advise the Chamber on issues that may affect our members, and are the backbone of our advocacy work. They provide a platform for members to engage with, examine, and improve public policy. Their work ensures that the greater Fairbanks area remains a great place to live, work, and do business. In 2022 we had help from Blueprint Alaska, a public relations and advocacy firm.

Blueprint Alaska assisted with advocacy and committee work during GFCC’s search for a new executive director. Blueprint led the effort to organize monthly committee meetings for the five committees, from drafting agendas, organizing presenters, prepping materials, recording minutes and more. They also drafted several position letters for different causes, and created an internal advocacy guideline for Chamber staff and committees. Lastly, they brainstormed a new social media campaign, Fiscal Notables. For it, they researched information for captions, created graphics and launched the campaign, helping explain Alaska’s fiscal scene in a digestible way.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Any employee from a member business can apply to join one of our advocacy committees! Get involved to make your business’s voice heard.

• If you don’t want to commit to committee membership, come to the meetings that interest you! All committee meetings are open to our membership public. Listen in as a guest.

COMMUNITY

The Chamber improves our community through collaboration and leadership.

© Greg Martin Photography

POSITIVE PICKETING

Members of our Education & Workforce Development committee spearheaded two Positive Picketing events this summer to recognize and celebrate those working for the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District. Firstly gathering at Nordale and Joy Elementary Schools, we showed our love and support of their last school year before permanent closure. Chamber staff and community members later assembled at the teacher inservice kicking off the 2022-2023 school year outside of Hering Auditorium.

This is one of our favorite traditions. Prepared with coffee, donuts, and ‘pump-up jams’ participants welcome educators and staff back to school while waving around positive signage.

© Fairbanks North Star Borough School District © Fairbanks North Star Borough School District © Fairbanks North Star Borough School District

CLASS OF ‘22

Fairbanks International Airport Christel Burgess

Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce Emily Coppinger

Interior Gas Utility Zachary Dameron

Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center Sara Harriger

Robinson & Ward PC Erin Hayes

Aurora Audiology Lily Hughes

Usibelli Coal Mine Amy Isaacson

Shannon & Wilson, Inc. Cyndi Jaffa

University of Alaska Fairbanks Paula Kennedy

Spirit of Alaska Federal Credit Union Michele Mace

Fairbanks North Star Borough Cecily Manning

Thrivalaska Sarah Newton

Mt. McKinley Bank Kareston Robinson

Fairbanks International Airport Amanda Stonecipher

Explore Fairbanks Leslie Young

CLASS OF ‘23

Teal Belz Golden Heart Performing Arts

Rylieh Bodyfelt Rylieh Real Estate, LLC

Tania Clucas Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center

Terrell Echols FNSB Parks and Rec

Tina Ferringer F&H Fitness Studio

Darrah Fitzpatrick Fairbanks North Star Borough

Maria Garcia MAC Federal Credit Union

Jessica German Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce

Marina Jones Design Alaska

Stephen Ketzler Mt. McKinley Bank

Tirza Knix Candlewood Suites Fairbanks

Natalie Lyon RESPEC

Cynthia Morgan Alliance CPAs

Jasmine Pletnikoff Mt. McKinley Bank

Natalia Ruppert University of Alaska Fairbanks

Sarah Schlichting Alaska DOT

Mckinlee Webber University of Alaska Fairbanks

Rachel Willis Shannon & Wilson, Inc.

Angellynn Wing Alaska Universal Productions

Congratulations, Leadership Fairbanks Class of ‘22!

Welcome, Leadership Fairbanks Class of ‘23!

© Greg Martin Photography

“Each year we work through topics like self-management, communication, building trust, and servant leadership, while spending a great deal of time building peer-to-peer relationships through in-class discussions and exercises. My focus has always been on helping students develop meaningful connections with one another so they have a network of people they trust to help them through the challenges they will inevitably face in the future. This means no two cohorts have been quite the same, but each has left with a strong sense of community and that their needs were central to our work together.”

“I looked forward to every session of Leadership Fairbanks. I was eager to hear what topics were going to be discussed, who our guest speaker was going to be, and what relationships I could build with my classmates. It was a valuable learning experience that I will never forget. At Leadership Fairbanks you learn how people are leading today, and in the future. It taught me to be a grateful leader, one who listens and knows how to cultivate a work environment where everyone thrives.”

“Leadership Fairbanks was top-notch, as is Geoff Welch. The topics of discussion were engaging, my colleagues turned into friends and the smaller class size allow our group to develop lifelong connections. This class helps individuals strengthen their speaking abilities in a group setting and hone in on business acuities to handle difficult discussions and challenging roles we face as leaders.”

“Two words: LIFE CHANGING. I am incredibly thankful for my experience in Leadership Fairbanks and would highly recommend the opportunity to anyone in any profession within our community. I grew personally and professionally and created life-long friendships that I will be forever grateful for. I have applied several tips and tricks learned during my time with such a fabulous group of people!”

Leslie Young,Class

BUILDING CONNECTIONS

We hosted our eighth annual Operation: Standing Together, welcoming sixty seven civilian and military leaders to an evening reception. Those in attendance spent the evening networking in a casual atmosphere, exchanging contact information, and learning about ways they can collaborate. Between military PCSs, elections, and promotions within the business community there is a constant changing of faces. This event allows leadership to reestablish connections and put faces to names.

POLITICAL FORUMS

FAIRBANKS CITY COUNCIL

Seats C & D

FAIRBANKS CITY MAYOR

GUBERNATORIAL

Governor & Lieutenant Governor

Political forums are an opportunity for the community to learn more about the candidates running for office so they can make informed decisions at the polls. 2022 was a busy election year. We hosted forums for the Fairbanks City Council seats, the Fairbanks City Mayor candidates, the Borough Assembly seats, and the Interior Delegation House and Senate seats. We also had the pleasure of co-hosting the candidates running for Alaskan State Governor and Lieutenant Governor, as well as the U.S. House candidates, with the Alaska Chamber of Commerce. Our attendance among all of our forums totaled to 533 community members. Questions covered a wide variety of topics ranging from the budget and the Permanent Fun Dividend to workforce shortages and resource development. There was also opportunity for candidate-to-candidate questions and the crowd favorite, yes/no questions. Overall this year’s political forum season was a resounding success.

CONGRESSIONAL

U.S. House

BOROUGH ASSEMBLY

Seats B,C & I

INTERIOR DELEGATION

House Seats 31 & 32 | Senate Seat P

House Seat 34 | Senate Seat Q

House Seats 35 & 36 | Senate Seat R

General Mattis is a living legend, one of the most revered Marines, and a true American hero. Few have been a better partner for Alaska over the course of decades or know more about our state’s critical role in America’s defense.

The 52nd Annual Military Appreciation Banquet was the highest attended banquet in history. We welcomed more than 700 guests to the Carlson Center to honor military personnel from Interior Alaska for their excellence, leadership, and commitment to service in our armed forces. Our Senior Senator, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski brought U.S. Marine Corp Retired General and 26th U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis to be our keynote speaker for the evening; an incredible privilege for the Fairbanks community. We recognized fifteen honorees from U.S. Army Alaska, Alaska Army National Guard, the 354th Fighter Wing, and the 168th Wing for their notable efforts of service to our country. Nathan Bergerbest was awarded the 2022 Messer Award. He was integral to the collective effort to save Eielson, while also convincing the Air Force to bring the F-35s here. He was a dedicated public servant who fought hard for our state, and especially the military communities in the Interior. The Hometown Hero Award was created and awarded to Lieutenant General Retired Keith Stalder, a Fairbanksan who had a successful 40 year career in the Marine Corps and Department of Homeland Security. What started as a dinner party at home with Jim and Rosemary Messer has now grown into a well-loved and time-honored tradition in the Golden Heart Community. The Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce is honored to be part of it.

By unifying around our that is how we could meet over to the next generation,

2022 KEYNOTE SPEAKER General Jim Mattis U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.) 26th U.S. Secretary of Defense

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski Senior Senator of Alaska Honorary Host

HONOREES

U.S. ARMY ALASKA 1

Captain Douglas Cichowicz

Captain Benjamin Krzeczowski

Sergeant Tyler Falci

Sergeant Colton Wilson

354TH FIGHTER WING 1

Second Lieutenant Aidan Kress

Master Sergeant Richard Skelly

Staff Sergeant Kalvin Gilhousen

Senior Airman Herman Washington

ALASKA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD 1

First Lieutenant Jose Montalvo

Sergeant First Class Blake Trahan

168TH WING 1

Master Sergeant Carla Carey

Master Sergeant Chad Hill

Master Sergeant Robert Rosa

VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR 2

Ruth Fuller

Carinell Feliciano Moya

2022 MESSER AWARD WINNER

Nathan Bergerbest 3

HOMETOWN HERO AWARD WINNER

Lieutenant General (Ret.) Keith J. Stalder 4

our radical idea of what is said in our constitution; meet our ultimate responsibility to the fallen: to turn generation, a republic in better shape than we received it.

Golden Days2022

Fortune favors the GOLD! We celebrated the founding of Fairbanks with our traditional events, and even brought back the beloved Comedy Night. We kicked off the Golden Days week by releasing clue one for our annual Poke of Gold hunt. Our friends Robert, Kelly, and Walter found the hidden scroll on day three!

GOLDEN DAYS LUNCHEON

On the Tuesday of Golden Days week our membership gathered to hear a presentation from Steve Mitchell on Judge Wickersham and his role in the founding of our Golden Heart City. The staff dressed up in Golden Days regalia and cheered on our guests as they participated in a “duck hunt.” Fun was had by all and was exciting to see attendance growing back to its former glory.

COMEDY NIGHT

The return of this fun Golden Days event was well received by our community! We gathered with 111 golden heart community members for an evening of laughs. Jerry Evans and Glenner Anderson opened for local favorite, and big star, Jamie Lissow. Jamie had us rolling in our seats as we enjoyed an evening of drinks and jokes as we prepared for our culminating weekend.

4,337 yellow ticket numbers went into the tumbler for the 2022 Early Bird Drawing.

Stevie was our Early Bird winner with ticket #2356, winning $1,500!

Robert, Kelly and Walter found the poke of gold!

GRANDE PARADE

The community came out to line the streets as we welcomed the highly anticipated return of our Golden Days Grande Parade! 61 floats and entries wound through downtown Fairbanks showcasing our pioneers, classic cars, mining machinery, campaign floats, our Golden Days jail, and so much more. After two years of a stationary parade, it was wonderful to see the smiling faces of our community as the parade passed by.

STREET FAIR

Our small but mighty staff hosted 61 booths at this year’s Street Fair. Kids played in the Kidz Korner enjoying face painting, bounce houses, and balloon animals. There were back-to-back performances on the Golden Days stage with a beer garden. And, of course, lots of food and shopping with our Alaskan artisans and vendors.

RUBBER DUCKIE RACE

And last, but not least, our community cheered on our 8,000 Rubber Duckies as they raced down the Chena River. The Chamber sold 14,185 tickets and had 82 lucky duck winners receiving $34,834 worth of cash and prizes! Ticket #2844 was the lucky one this year! The yellow ticket holder with that number won $10,000 and the pink ticket holder with that number won $5,000.

FACILITATE

The Chamber facilitates prosperity by being a hub and resource for business.

The Greater Fairbanks Chamber hosts weekly luncheons featuring a wide variety of educational and informative guest speakers to discuss topics important to the business community. These luncheons also serve as great networking opportunities for our members to interact. In 2023 we hosted 33 Weekly Business Presentations in 2022 with a total attendance of 1,780 individuals representing our members and community. Featured below are our top five attended luncheons.

CELEBRATING MINING DAY

in partnership with the Alaska Miners Association

THE UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN KICKOFF

featuring Amanda Hanson, Executive Director, United Way of the Tanana Valley

OPPORTUNITIES AND OBSTACLES IN ALASKA’S OIL AND GAS RESOURCES

featuring Kara Moriarty, President and CEO Alaska Oil and Gas Association

STATE OF THE GARRISON

featuring COL Nathan Surrey, U.S. Army Garrison Commander, Fort Wainwright

THE NEW ARCTIC

featuring Dr. Mike Sfraga, Chair, Polar Institute, Chair, US Arctic Research Commission

ARBY’S

grand opening | new location

2022 RIBBON CUTTINGS

YUKON EYECARE PROFESSIONALS

grand opening

SPRUCE TREE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

1,000 sq. ft. expansion

907 VACATION RENTALS

grand opening

FAIRBANKS YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION

grand opening of multi-sport courts

JUST THE TIPS CAFE + WELLNESS CO.

grand opening

FIRST NATIONAL BANK ALASKA

centennial anniversary

reopening of Golden Valley Branch

BERNICE M. JOSEPH EDUCATION ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR

Brianna Gray

BILL STROECKER BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Lat 65 Brewing Company

GEORGE NEHRBAS VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

MAC PAC

2023 ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Anya Toelle

NEW! LISA CASSINO EXEMPLARY SERVICE AWARD

Lisa Cassino

KNOCK YOUR SOCK OFF AWARD

Fairbanks Youth Soccer Association

ARTIST OF THE YEAR Lyndsi Harris

We enjoyed working with our 2022 Artist of the Year, Lyndsi Harris of Evolutionary Thread. Throughout the year we featured her winning piece on all of our thank you cards, sponsored her booths at the Midnight Sun Festival and the Golden Days Street Fair, provided an hour of business consulting with Geoff Welch Consulting, and hosted her at our office for a First Friday event in November!

We were happy to see Lyndsi grow by capitalizing on the benefits of our Artist of the Year program.

DIVERSITY OF MEMBERSHIP

NEW MEMBERS

907 Vacation Rentals LLC

Alaska Resource Education

Alaska Satellite Internet Corp

Alaskan Ecotours

Alpine Medical Group

American Heart Association, Alaska Region

Apex Realty Group with Real Broker LLC

Barbara Haney

Beyond Blessed Travels, LLC

Black Gold Transport

Centinel Pacific Accounting LLC

Century 21 Gold Rush

DeMars Engineering, LLC

Elite Landscaping LLC

Fairbanks Assisted Living

Fairbanks Urology

Fairbanks Youth Advocates

Felix Gold Alaska Operations Inc

First Command

Gabriel King Photography LLC

GBA Assaying & Refining

Geotemps, Inc.

Golden Heart Performing Arts

Golden Heart Treats, LLC

Golden North Inn

Greater Fairbanks Racing Association

HD Clean Heart & Soul CPR

HomeLight Inc.

HQ-Legal, Inc

JC Services LLC

Jones Auto Detailing LLC

Just The Tips Café + Wellness Co. LLC

Lat 65 Brewing Company

LifeTyme Financial, LLC

McDonald’s of Fairbanks

McGraw IT Services

Medphysicals Plus

Mike Ferguson

Moda Health & Delta Dental of Alaska

MTA

NAMI Fairbanks

North Star Ballet

Northern Homes

Nuvision Credit Union Alaska

Panda Express

Powered By Lymburner Realty

Resource Center for Parents & Children

Rylieh Real Estate LLC

SPITwSPOTS, Inc.

The Local Pages Inc.

Timber Creek Senior Living Top-Shelf Views

U-Haul of Alaska

Wells Fargo Bank

William B Stapp Agency

Yukon Eyecare Professionals

OUR EXECUTIVE PARTNERS

Our Executive Partners recognize the value and impact of the Fairbanks Chamber. Our strength comes from our members and their support as Executive Partners sustain our efforts throughout the year. They share their knowledge and support which help us advocate for a pro-business environment in Alaska. We work with local, state, and federal officials, as well as key stakeholders across the state, to ensure that all understand our members’ needs. Together, we can all go farther and build greater success.

2022 BOARD CHAIR

JENNIFER THOMPSON

My dad taught me to leave or return something in better shape than when I found it. And during my year leading the Chamber, I have done that. But it was not a solo effort. At last year’s annual meeting, I ended my comments with, I quote:

“As 2022 unfolds, all ofus are adding to the Fairbanks tapestry, and I lookforward towhatwe choose to create.”

The truth is, the success of the Chamber is because of YOU, our MEMBERS, and the amazing volunteers we have had throughout the year! My time in this role as Chair has been full of personal and professional growth. I am blessed to have had such an experience and to have worked with so many amazing people. The work of the Chamber is both fulfilling and rewarding, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity.

I’m honored and humbled to be the Board Chair for 2023, and I look forward to connecting with our businesses, committees, elected officials, and non-profits to identify and advocate for the issues that matter most to our community. The Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce is what we, the members, make it, and I genuinely believe that through our collective efforts we can continue making a positive difference in our community this year. I encourage our members to take an active role in the Chamber through volunteering at events, attending weekly luncheons, joining a committee, or simply providing feedback on your concerns.

2023 BOARD CHAIR PATRICK COTTER

JENNIFER THOMPSON, 2022 Board Chair

2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ELECTED DIRECTORS

JENNIFER THOMPSON

Past Chair

Century 21 Gold Rush

JIM CULLEY Treasurer

Mt. McKinley Bank

KELLY WARD Chair Elect Robinson & Ward, PC

LISA CASSINO

Usibelli Coal Mine

CHRIS DARRAH

Shannon & Wilson, Inc.

REBECCA DEAN

Dean & Associates LLC

KEN HALL Lynden Transport

MARC HARMON Golden Heart Utilities

JENNIFER IMUS First National Bank Alaska

TANYA KAQUATOSH Doyon, Limited

WENDIE MACNAUGTON

Northern Star Resources Limited

SCOTT MCCREA

Explore Fairbanks

JULIET SHEPHERD Shepherd et al.

SARA SMITH MAC Federal Credit Union

JOMO STEWART Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation

ELENA SUDDUTH Interior Gas Utility

DAVID VAN DEN BERG Downtown Association of Fairbanks

APPOINTED DIRECTORS

MIKE DAVIS GHEMM Company ARLETTE EAGLE-LAVELLE Lavelle’s Taphouse

ISAIAH MANGUM Fairbanks Brand Studio

HONORARY DIRECTORS

COLONEL DAVID BERKLAND 354th Fighter Wing Commander

COLONEL MICHAEL GRIESBAUM 168th Wing Commander

MAYOR DAVID PRUHS City of Fairbanks

COLONEL NATHAN SURREY Fort Wainwright Garrison Commander

MAYOR BRYCE WARD Fairbanks North Star Borough

KRYSTAL WESTER Evergreen Eatery

MAYOR MICHAEL WELCH City of North Pole

CHANCELLOR DANIEL WHITE University of Alaska Fairbanks

KATIE YARROW Membership Development Manager

AMANDA BOHMAN Advocacy Coordinator

EMILY COPPINGER Marketing & Communications Coordinator

JEREMY JOHNSON President & CEO ELORA SWAN Event Coordinator