Spring 2015 Advancing Anchorage MAG by Morris Media Network

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HEALTH

16 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ANC H O R AG E M U SE U M 28 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ANC H O R AG E H OT E L 31 PROV I D E N C E H E ALT H & SE RV I C E S

r e m s m n o io y C f t t i c o n e s u n r n m a Ye Co om C &

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2014-2015

board of directors 2014-2015 Elected

Appointees (Up to 12, Optional; 1-year terms; can serve up to 3 terms as appointed) Sandra Heffern, owner, EHD Enterprises (past chair) Art Clark, vice president, Real Estate Brokers of Alaska Dr. Michael Acarregui, CMO, Providence Alaska Medical Center Jan Seglem, operations technical manager, ExxonMobil Matt Thiel, Chief Financial Officer, Hickel Investment Company Richard Watts, district manager, Safeway Brian Franklin, CEO, Frontier Tutoring Jana Hayenga, owner, Cabin Fever Nick Brorson, vice president of Client Relations, Sockeye Business Solutions Ben Hemmila, Business Development Executive, The Wilson Agency Scott Torrison, Chief Operating Officer, Bristol Bay Native Corporation Jim Kostka, Senior Director of Commercial Service Delivery and Operations/Senior Director of Commercial Services, GCI

Ex-Officios Col. Bruckbauer, Commander, U.S. Air Force, Elmendorf Ed Graff, superintendent, Anchorage School District Bill Popp, president/ CEO, Anchorage Economic Development Corporation Rashmi Prasad, dean, College of Business and Public Policy at UAA Julie Saupe, president/ CEO, Visit Anchorage Christopher Schutte, executive director, Anchorage Downtown Partnership, Ltd. George Vakalis, city manager, Municipality of Anchorage

1016 W. Sixth Ave., Suite 303 Anchorage, AK 99501 phone (907) 272-2401 fax (907) 272-4117 info@anchoragechamber.org Anchoragechamber.org Executive Editor / Publisher Corey Hester Contributors: Julie Decker John Quinley Laarni Power Hillary Walker Photos submitted will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. The Anchorage Chamber reserves the right to edit all information submitted for publication. Thank you to the Alaska’s Digital Archives, Alaska State Library, and the UAA/APU Consortium Library for their help in collecting historical photos and archives of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce. Published by

301 Arctic Slope Ave. Suite 350 Anchorage, Alaska 99518 (907) 561-4772 Publisher Rona Johnson Managing Editor Andrew Jensen Production Manager Maree Shogren Magazine and Cover Design Nadya Gilmore Advertising Director Jada Nowling: jada.nowling@morris.com Account Executives Joy Bunde: joy.bunde@morris.com Ken Hanni: ken.hanni@morris.com Ryan Estrada: ryan.estrada@morris.com

Photo/Dan Joling/AP

(15 Required; 3 year terms; can serve up to 3 terms) Janelle Pfleiger, associate broker, RE/MAX Properties (chair) Julie Anderson, health, safety, environment & stakeholder manager, Alaska Energy Authority (chair-elect) J.R. Wilcox, president, Cook Inlet Energy (vice chair) Bruce Bustamante, vice president of community & public affairs, Princess Cruises Chris Clifford, vice president & principal business relationship manager, Wells Fargo Mike Hayhurst, office managing partner, KPMG Susan Jensen, manager, Bayshore Clubhouse Greg Mattson, vice president of drilling/ completions, BP Bill O’Leary, CEO, Alaska Railroad (secretary-treasurer) Melissa Reiser, vice president of commercial lending, First National Bank Alaska Tim Thompson, manager of public affairs, Alaska Airlines Joy Merriner, audit director, BDO USA, LLP Andy MacLeod, general manager, KTUU-TV Randy Cunningham, Renewal by Andersen

TRANSPORTATION 20

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 7 100 YEARS OF ADVANCING BUSINESS, ADVANCING ANCHORAGE 9 PROVIDENCE HEALTH & SERVICES ALASKA 16 99 YEARS OF TOURISM THROUGH ANCHORAGE 18 ANCHORAGE AND THE RAILROAD GREW UP TOGETHER 20 OIL, GAS, & THE GROWTH OF ANCHORAGE 21 FAITH IN THE FUTURE 22 GROUNDED IN HISTORY 24 AMBASSADOR OF THE QUARTER 25 SPENARD BUILDERS SUPPLY 26 BUILDING THE ARTS INFRASTRUCTURE IN ANCHORAGE 28 YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE QUARTER 29 A HISTORY OF THE ANCHORAGE HOTEL 30 MEMBER BENEFITS 31 CHAMBER EVENTS 33 AROUND TOWN CALENDAR 34

Thank you to our 2015 renewing Executive Level Members

6 | advancing anchorage magazine | Spring 2015

letter from the editor

Corey Hester

Photo/Dan Joling/AP

Anchorage Chamber of Commerce We’re 100 years old with five stars! Earlier this year the Anchorage Chamber was awarded the highest rating possible for a chamber to achieve. This make us the only five-star chamber in Alaska, and puts us in the national spotlight. Of all the chambers of commerce in the United States, less than 1% of these accredited chambers are five-star. The United States Chamber of Commerce, as the accrediting organization, defines excellence in chamber planning and recognizes outstanding contributions toward positive change in a community. Five-star accreditation is the highest honor that distinguishes the high quality, expertise, and strong leadership displayed by your Anchorage Chamber. What a wonderful accomplishment –on our 100th birthday no less! Throughout this magazine you’ll see that our organization and many of its members have been instrumental in growing this city and the state. We’ve been an active foundation that works toward building and selling Anchorage as one of the most livable communities in the country. As the largest membership organization in Alaska, we take pride in continuing to advance this growing and diversifying community we call home. I started out as a college intern from UAA’s Journalism and Public Communications program working with the magazine, and within several months to Editor. Throughout my time here I’ve developed as an individual both personally and professionally, and gained meaningful friendships and mentors. This is largely in part to an engaged and supportive board of directors, as well as the staff here at the Anchorage Chamber. Now I do need to thank a few people. First, I have to say that working at the An-

chorage Chamber is an amazing opportunity. The staff became family, and together we work as a cohesive unit to advance this organization. The quantity of events we host is likely unparalleled, yet the quality of the events speak highly of my fellow staffers and their hard work and dedication to the more than 1,000 member businesses and the 55,000 employees represented by the Anchorage Chamber. Second, it’s great to have a reliable and flexible staff that helps us develop and circulate this magazine. Morris Publishing Group, and in particular my colleague Andrew Jensen at the Alaska Journal of Commerce, has done an incredible job helping the Chamber navigate the currents of the media industry. I want to say thank you to them for their hard work and support. Lastly, I have to thank our immediate pastpresident, Andrew Halcro. His relentless effort and determination to raise the Anchorage Chamber to to a level of excellence not only in the state’s business community, but also the national business community is very much appreciated by this organization and its members. In this Centennial Issue, we reflect on our history as well as our members’. We travel through decades that lead up to 2015, and then peer into the future of what this incredible city holds in store. Anchorage was raised by several different industries throughout the last century. From construction and oil & gas, to tourism and education, with others in between, we take a look at all the different components that have grown Anchorage to what it is today. See our city calendar for just some of the many centennial events happening around town this summer. It’s going to be an amazing festive year. I encourage all of you to participate with your fellow Alaskans in celebrating this momentous occasion that is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity!

Centennial Celebration For the last century, the Anchorage Chamber has played key role in Anchorage’s economic growth, and our centennial celebration will recognize the modernization of our economy. This historical milestone will be shared with the City of Anchorage, who will also be celebrating its one hundred year anniversary at the same time. The Anchorage Chamber’s centennial celebration will be filled with a variety of events focusing on celebrating industries and businesses that have made Anchorage into the diverse and global community that it is today. The crowning jewel of our centennial celebration will be a two day Tent City Festival on the Park Strip, reminiscent of Anchorage’s humble beginnings in 1915 as a tent city. The festival’s design and layout will transport attendees through the eras of economic expansion over the last century. From the roaring 1920’s when the Alaska Rail Road and mining played significant roles, to the 1970’s when oil and gas development set the stage for prosperity, to the growth of the telecommunications industry today, the walk through time will highlight what economic engines have powered Anchorage since 1915. The Anchorage Chamber’s Tent City Festival will be the only community wide event that will bring together more than a projected 50,000 local residents and tourists. For this marquis centennial event, we have created multiple sponsorship packages that are designed to offer your organization maximum exposure for this community-wide event. We hope you will join us in celebrating Anchorage’s centennial birthday, and the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce’s 100 years of Connections & Community by becoming a sponsor at any of our attractive levels. Anchorage Chamber of Commerce | 7

100

Years

of Advancing Business, Advancing A nchorage

Man standing in front of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce’s first building circa 1915.

By The Anchorage Chamber of Commerce

Photos/Courtesy/Marathon Oil & Hilcorp Alaska

Alaska’s largest chamber of commerce is celebrating its 100th birthday in 2015, marking a century of “Commerce, Connections, and Community.” The Anchorage Chamber of Commerce continues to percolate with enthusiasm and new ideas as it flourishes in the twenty-first century.

The Backbone of Anchorage Anchorage’s history is interwoven with the Anchorage Chamber’s activities, in an unbroken seam of commitment to community involvement, entrepreneurship, and engaged business activity, as the municipality has grown from a shore-side tent community to one of the fastest growing cities in America. When President Woodrow Wilson authorized funds for the construction of the

Alaska Railroad in 1914, a tent city sprang up overnight on the shores of Ship Creek. As hundreds of workers came to the area, the tent community of Anchorage, (from the name of the area where ships laid their anchors) grew to more than 2000 workers. The Anchorage Chamber of Commerce was born in July the following year and was one of the first groups to be organized in the growing town of Anchorage. For the first few weeks, a successful realtor by the name of J. H. Smith served as its first president, before Anton J. “Tony” Wendler was elected president. A. J. Wendler was also a strong advocate for an education and helped secure the first school in Anchorage, Pioneer Hall (see p. 24). Interestingly, one of the original purposes of the Anchorage Chamber was to serve as a liaison between Anchorage residents and the federal agency responsible for managing the town site of Anchorage.

Its longer-lasting purpose, which still holds true to this day, was to serve as the commerce hub of Alaska and to promote good relations between Anchorage and other Alaska communities. The entrepreneurs who arrived with the railroad construction workers recognized that the tent city was different than any other city in the territory. Anchorage was founded by the government, not by a gold, fish, timber, or any other natural resource company. The business community seized the opportunities that came with a diversified economic foundation, and the Chamber’s membership looked to the future with an eye to becoming a full-fledged service center, with financial services, hospitals, educational institutions, and air transportation. During the height of its construction boom, Anchorage had a population of Continued on page 10 Anchorage Chamber of Commerce | 9

Continued from Page 9

Alaska Railroad Band, Anchorage, Alaska in 1925. Kimball’s store and the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce building are in the background in City Hall block.

directors on the 100th anniversary I am honored to serve as the chairman of the board of our fine city! of of the Anchorage Chamber and the 100th anniversary ber and the business comI have been a long-time advocate of the Anchorage Cham was on the beautification ber munity of Anchorage. My first engagement with the Cham of Lights” and the “City “City the ping develo committee back in the 80’s when we were that time! My tenure since city our in es chang some seen of Flowers”, and wow have we much change in ienced have exper on the board of directors began in 2007 and again we the organization in just that short time period. cture the board and the presiI am particularly proud of the work we have done to restru cture the board from an restru to was dent position in the last couple of years. Our goal . At the same time the board ary /vision ic strateg a to “operational and governance “board ed to be a consistent and strong position of the President of the organization was elevat ve leader and manager of the voice for the Chamber to the community and an effecti to be the strategic body for ability the has staff, operations, and events. The board then the organization. of future the for , vision the the organization, responsible for is relevant, financially sound, Our strategic initiatives include insuring the organization is to reevaluate how we goals ic strateg our of One g. and nimble in decision makin ss ways that we can enhance provide value to our membership and to continually addre tically across the countr y and drama ed that value. Membership organizations have chang to stay relevant in today’s ntly dilige work to we find that these organizations are having are small businesses and our business community. The vast major ity of our membership ce diversity, and advocate for all of responsibility is to connect, create community, embra our members in the community. for the business community of Our Mission statement states that we are an advocate We will make every decision with sly! seriou Anchorage and we take that responsibly very as the chair is to make sure goal My mind. in ership our memb comthe Anchorage Chamber is THE voice for the business ce advan Let’s y. journe year 100 munity as we begin the next make to er togeth work and ctions conne strong business, create cular! specta y centur next the for all I always conclude my correspondence with a thank you you do for our community!

Janelle Pfleiger

Associate Broker, RE/MAX Dynamic Properties.

Board Chairman 2014–15

10 | advancing anchorage magazine | Spring 2015

ber attracted some of Alaska’s great leaders who influenced commerce in the territory and were pivotal in, if not responsible for, Alaska joining the union as the 49th state. In 1935, the Anchorage Daily Times was bought by an ambitious reporter, Robert B. Atwood, who was one such leader. He soon grew the Times to become Alaska’s largest and most influential newspaper. Upon arriving in Anchorage and purchasing the Times, Atwood became involved with the Anchorage Chamber, embracing its objectives and immersing himself within the business community. He played a significant role in achieving statehood for Alaska, not only through his strong editorials, but also due to his leadership as Chairman of the Alaska Statehood Committee and collaboration with other Chamber business members. Atwood was a long-time member and a staunch and vocal advocate for the Anchorage Chamber, never hesitating to speak at luncheons or to invite speakers or visitors to attend and engage the business community. Atwood was elected board chair, serving from 1943 to 1944.

Photos/Courtesy/Anchorage Chamber of Commerce

3,332. As the tent city grew, so did the Anchorage Chamber. The business community grew as stores, shops, and other businesses opened around town. In 1916, the Anchorage Hotel (now the Anchorage Historic Hotel; see p. 30) was built, and today, it is one of the oldest buildings in downtown as well as a long-time member of the Anchorage Chamber. Members were always eager to support other community organizations, and in 1935, they began a winter carnival, known as Fur Rondy, which is one of the largest winter carnivals in the world. Since dog teams were a major form of transportation and commerce, dog team racing was then introduced in 1946 with the World Championship Sled Dog Race. In its early days, the Anchorage Cham-

Robert B. Atwood

Elaine Atwood

Over these 100 years we have tackled many of the issues that are with us still... orderly and balanced growth, budgets keyed to membership development and politics. However, important to our successes always have been working together, establishing tight relationships and having a good time. There was a feeling of togetherness, we got a lot done and when you’re having fun you can really be creative. 1983 was a great year to have been Chair of the Anchorage Chamber. Just to have been associated with this organization for almost half of its life is an honor, indeed.

I was the first Chamber Presiden t under the new Chairman–President/CEO structure that endures today, following Wayne Beckwith who held the former position of Exe cutive Vice President. The goal of the restructuring was to enhanc e the role of the Chamber in the community and the state, furt her facilitating its ability to make Anchorage a better place to work, live and play. I enjoyed serving with Chairs Joe Heinz and Rod Bradley. During my tenure at the Chamber, we expand ed membership (with excellent help from Bob Coe), improved fina nces, revitalized committees, developed a dynamic new format for the annual Gold Pan Awards, computerized the office, improve d accounting and reporting, initiated a strategic plan, negotiated a new lease for the office and designed and remodeled the spa ce which subsequently was used by the Chamber for 18 years. The Chamber also played a vital role in negotiating differences between the Mayor and Assembly that both sides saw as impeding progress. Along with many other significant Alaskan business and policy organizations, the Chambe r initiated the Business Express, a collective effort to recognize the common goals shared by member organizations and express the m more effectively to Alaskan leaders, including those in Juneau .

Duane Davis Heyman

d Al Fleetwoo – ‘84

President, 1988–89

Board Chairman ’83 He was succeeded by another strong leader, Zach Loussac. After Atwood’s term, he remained involved with the organization and and collaborated with Loussac, who was elected mayor in 1947. Together, Atwood and Mayor Loussac worked to locate the new Alaska Native Health Service hospital in Anchorage, which brought thousands of Alaska Natives from all over the territory to Anchorage.

This outreach effort by members lead to the point where the Anchorage Chamber grew so rapidly it needed a full-time employee to handle its logistics and membership. John E. Croul, Jr., manager of the Anchorage branch of the Equitable Life Assurance Society, was hired as the organization’s first full-time manager from 1951 to 1956. During this time, Augie Hiebert, the pioneer of the telecommunications industry

in Alaska, also involved himself with the Anchorage Chamber. After being seen as a competent leader by his business peers, he was then elected board chair from 1953 to 1954. In 1956, a proposal for the state constitution was written and presented to voters. Members were active in promoting stateContinued on page 12

On March 27, 1964, the Great Alaska Earthquake leveled 4th Avenue, which dropped 30 feet.

Anchorage Chamber of Commerce | 11

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d to set a coopAs the first woman President of the Chamber, I aspire ber and AnCham the erative energetic leadership example for both shire, Ernie Shrop chorage. Board Chairs during my tenure were Steve Joe Grifand ms Hall, Judy Brady, Sue Linford, John Ayres, Tom Willia Program Star Green fith. Our collective accomplishments include the ization. organ e -alon promoting energy efficiency, which is now a stand thening Also we initiated the School Business Partnership, streng n and women. schools through interacting with successful businessme Leask was a Another major outreach effort spearheaded by Janie Chamber series of rural Alaska visits we conducted for Anchorage en urban and members. The mutually beneficial relationship betwe ding all Alasrural Alaska even today requires refreshing and remin ial and memkans that we are truly in this together. We made financ ber finances and bership progress, shoring up previously poor Cham expanded the membership base. Sandra Heffern, When I was invited to be Interim President by Chair n of young ipatio partic and t impac the I could not help but notice our greatately, Ultim s. event er memb in people, both on the staff and n of upcoming est resource is the vitality, education and participatio a vital role in have to ues contin ber Cham generations. The Anchorage future Alascultivating these and all other aspects of the promising kans can make for themselves.

man Carol Yamaguchi Hey 1991–97

Past President Interim President 2011–12

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hood, and in 1959, Alaska became the nation’s 49th state. Over the next few decades, the Anchorage Chamber experienced growing pains as its membership bubbled with innovative ideas on how to improve the quality of life of what was becoming the fastest growing city in the territory. As an organization of leaders, the Anchorage Chamber is often the first to rally the community, as it did when the Good Friday Earthquake hit on March 27, 1964. The event ignited a community commitment to build a bigger and better Anchorage and to extend a helping hand to towns hard hit by the tsunamis — Seward, Valdez, Cordova, and Kodiak and Native villages such as Chenega and Afognak. The strong relationship between Alaska’s largest newspaper, the Anchorage Times, was again cemented when former chairman Bob Atwood’s daughter Elaine became chairman from 1985 to 1986. The newspaper was a booster to Anchorage and supported ideas to bring people and businesses — the military, mining companies, banks, Native organizations and numerous service industries — to the greater area.

Photos/Courtesy/Anchorage Chamber of Commerce

A 1998 “Business After Hours” at long-time Chamber member, Allure Day Spa.

Today, the Anchorage Chamber continues to promote a positive business climate, and with over half of the state’s population within a three-hour drive from downtown Anchorage, the voice of the largest chamber in the state will no doubt continue to be heard for a long time to come.

Business Growth and Community Development The Anchorage Chamber of Commerce not only helps businesses grow, but, over the last century, has also been responsible for creating citywide programs, events, and efforts, that have grown into independent events and organizations that contribute to Anchorage businesses and the greater community. Both the Top 40 Under 40 Awards and the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation started out as Anchorage Chamber initiatives, and the non-profit Alaskans for Litter Prevention and Recycling (ALPAR) stemmed from the enthusiastic business leaders involved with the Anchorage Chamber’s Citywide Cleanup Committee, which banded together to keep the city of Anchorage clean. In 1983, the organization came up with the City of Lights initiative as a response to the prolonged periods of darkness in winter. This program encouraged business owners and residents to turn on their lights to promote a brighter and safer city.

Centennial Congratulations In the past 100 years the Anchorage Cham ber of Commerce has seen the best of times and some diffic ult times. Through it all, the Chamber has always stood up for business.

The last half of the decade of the ‘80’s was a turbulent time in Anchorage. The price of oil abruptly dropped to one-third of its previous value. Many people lost their jobs. Anchorage saw roughly 10% of its population leave, some just walking away from their home mortgages. Abou t half of the banks failed, never to re-open. Times were toug h. Then came the oil spill in Prince William Sound and the economy began to pick up. However, with the recovery there was the beginning of a new public attitude less supportive of oil and other resource industries. And, unfo rtunately, that attitude continues to this day. Becoming chairman of the Chamber in 1993 we did our best to build awareness of the necessity of businesses to provide jobs and an economy that government can’t create alone. To emphasize that message we ended each Monday Forum luncheon by saying: “We are adjourned, now let’s all ‘Stand Up For Business.’”

George Wuerch Board Chairman 1993–94 Former Mayor 2000-03

In 1990, the Anchorage Chamber helped establish the Green Star program with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and the Alaska Center for the Environment, the aim being to recognize organizations that practice environmental

of Reflections from the Anchorage Chamber bring a profound sense aspiran gratitude. Gratitude for the 27 members who took a chance on ded. ing 22-year-old, then invested every resource to insure we succee and Gratitude for the women and men who served as Chair, mentoring dedibut small supporting our staff. To those staff: thank you. To the , your cated group of men who rarely missed a Make it Monday forum d firm handshake and kind smile were something extra to look towar ed out each week. Hundreds of you volunteered for our committees; reach t; and to say “thanks” to other chamber members for their involvemen of gift the with donated whatever extra you could for sponsorships or work your time. Our success was the result of our motivation and hard to build Anchorage into a Premier American City. living. We’ve all aspired for more, for greatness beyond what we were chamNo matter the decade, the attributes each of you brought to the best. ber community will forever be relevant to achieving the chambers’ founsolid y My most sincere thanks to you for building on an alread dation, and a congratulatory toast: Stacy Schubert “The best is yet come.” Past President 2003–09

responsibility. Today, this program continues as a U.S. EPA-award-winning organization that promotes environmental consciousness within the business community. As the organization with the largest membership in the state, the Anchorage Chamber offers an array of inclusive and diverse events, programs, and opportunities for members and non-members alike. The Young Professionals Group, which started in June 2014, which started in June 2014, is now the largest young professional organization of its kind in Alaska, serving both members and non-members aged 21 to 39. The educational programs that are offered are available to thousands of people monthly. The Make it Monday Forum lunches, one of the longest running and most popular business lunches in Anchorage, have been around since before the 1930s. Also, the Chamber Academy program, an in-depth educational seminar series, is extremely popular and focuses on better business development and practices. Both programs utilize top Alaska leaders and business experts to discuss topics relevant to the business community. Another of the Anchorage Chamber’s unique features is its social and profesContinued on page 14 Anchorage Chamber of Commerce | 13

Continued from Page 13

sional networking opportunities. There are ten different committees, the heavily attended Gold Pan Awards Gala every fall, the monthly Business After Hours, and the Young Professionals Group’s monthly networking luncheons and social mixers, to mention a few. Lastly, the Anchorage Chamber never forgets to give back to the community. As a leader in civic and community responsibility for 100 years, the organization has imbedded these values in its programs. The School-Business Partnership connects more than 600 school and business partners in collaborations that benefit both the schools and the community. Another example is the Citywide Cleanup, which was an early example of a collaborative civic effort. The Military Committee was created in 1915 and soon conducted the Military Appreciation Week every year to show the business community’s support for the military population in Anchorage. Alaska and the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce have come a long way

I had the good fortune and honor to serve as chair two different years, 2006 and 2010. In 2006 Joe of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce committee that analyzed and created a report on Griffith and Tony Izzo chaired an amazing Cook Inlet natural gas. I believe that their repor the then-troubling state of affairs regarding action and the improved situation of the past fewt served as a key impetus for state legislative left its decade’s old location on 5th Avenue for its years. That same year the Anchorage Chamber then President Stacy Shubert, did a remarkable current offices. The Chamber staff, led by simultaneously dismantling and reassembling a job of keeping the Chamber running while Barbara Cash of RIM Design). During that transfunctional office (beautifully designed by ition period we even “took the show on the road” and held a number of Board meetings at vario us locations throughout Anchorage. A personal highlight of the year was being able to involving Sarah Palin, Andrew Halcro and Tonymoderate the gubernatorial debate that year Knowles. 2010 had the Anchorage Chamber hosting anoth coverage. This involved the U.S. Senate race betweer exciting debate that garnered national news en Lisa Murkowski, Joe Miller and Scott McAdams. Although we had a new Anchorage Cham issues we faced were stubbornly similar to the issues ber President in 2010, Sami Glascott, the from 2006 (and previous years): declining oil production, the formula for oil taxes; getting a natur al gas pipeline built; and obtaining a sustainable budget for Alaska. Despite record impressively prescient in warning that the state tax revenues, the Anchorage Chamber was not-too-distant reality when oil revenues wouldneeded a long term fiscal plan to deal with the our situation to the Titanic shortly before striki not sustain our level of spending. Analogizing avoid the collision while there was still time andng the iceberg we urged our state leaders to the hubris of those who feel no responsibility to we warned that “if we continue to act with [Titanic] analogy and we will deserve the results.”prevent future danger, we will complete the My heartfelt congratulations go to the current and Chamber of Commerce who have been advocating past staff members of the Anchorage for business and serving the community for 100 years. Well done!

Bill Evans

Board Chairman 2006-07, 2010–11

rs, long Chamber goes back nearly 30 yea My history with the Anchorage Tucson, in king wor was e. At that time I before I made Anchorage my hom ted a dina coor I and ines Airl ska ve for Ala Arizona, as a sales representati Fair and ge for a business trip to Anchora group of local business leaders r thei and ce mer the Chamber of Com banks. Our host in Anchorage was and I say the trip was a great success to s dles Nee od. two chairman Al Flee I had made with Mr. Fleetwood. was grateful for the friendship od was red to Anchorage and Mr. Fleetwo In the early 1990s I was transfer me ting to extremely helpful and accommoda immedited to engage with the Chamber wan I ka. Alas to er com new a as Chairman r mbe Cha ge ories was Anchora ately and one of my clearest mem motto the with ms Foru day ing the Mon George Wuerch leading and clos Chamber the that r clea in aga was it time “Stand up for Business.” At that need to the city and that business leaders was still a leader in business for cause. be connected through a common directhat I have served on the board of Since that time I am proud to say Board. the of n irma Cha ber and in 2012 as tors as an ex-officio, elected mem mber Cha the with ged enga be to ked for It is a duty to the businesses I wor year my ing ness climate in the city. Dur and do my part to improve the busi it and d boar the to horage Caucus update as Chairman we created the Anc t Inle k Coo the and ee mitt Com Legislative was the first year for the current . best at supply at that time was uncertain Subcommittee since future energy tion in our merce has held a prominent posi The Anchorage Chamber of Com the last for ent lopm deve ness busi tion of community and has been the junc tenCen its es mber of Commerce celebrat 100 years. As the Anchorage Cha nial Anniversary, legacy me members and continue the I encourage all businesses to beco Adge hora Anc cing future of “Advan of growth and prosperity for the vancing Business”.

stamante Bruce Bu Chairman 2011–12

Board Interim-President 2015

14 | advancing anchorage magazine | Spring 2015

in 100 years. The stereotypical image of the state as a cold, isolated, barren wasteland is vanishing, and more and more people looking for opportunities are coming to Alaska, many setting down roots in Anchorage. With each passing year, the opportunities for “Commerce, Community, and Connection” are multiplying, thanks to the Anchorage Chamber’s commitments to family, friends, neighbors, and visitors to the city. The Anchorage Chamber continues to embrace the community we live in. As the city grows, so do we; as the city diversifies, our vast membership grows a healthy mixture of diversity of both the types of businesses and business owners and employees. Your Anchorage Chamber continues to thrive and contribute to the city’s development in making it one of the nation’s top cities to live, work, and play by 2025. This initiative has garnered support from many organizations looking to attract the best and brightest to Anchorage. Only time will tell, but over the coming decades, the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, as the state’s only five-star-accredited chamber, will undoubtedly set an example for other chambers as it continues to advance business while advancing Anchorage.

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Anchorage Chamber of Commerce | 15

Main entrance and C tower of Providence Alaska Medical Center.

health

Providence Health & Services Alaska By Laarni Power

Providence Community Partnerships Providence Health & Services has a long history of serving Alaska. Founded in Montreal, Canada, in 1843, the Sisters of Providence followed their mission to minister to the needs of the poor, sick and vulnerable, and responded to communities throughout the Northwest United States. The Sisters arrived in Nome on June 10, 1902 during the Gold Rush. They soon purchased a two-story building and established the Holy Cross Hospital to provide shelter, care and compassion to anyone, regardless of their ability to pay. This pioneering spirit set the standard for modern health care in Alaska and formed the foundation for Providenceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth. In 1904 the Sisters responded to yet another community need by establishing a school, offering academic classes, as well

as music lessons. By 1906, Holy Cross Hospital had outgrown its first location. With record generosity and support the community opened the second Holy Cross Hospital, but by 1918 the troubled mining industry forced the majority of residents to leave. Called to join the Sisters of Providence in Fairbanks, the remaining Sisters departed Nome with two boarders still in their care. In 1910, responding to a community need, the Sisters purchased St. Joseph Hospital and were caring for an average of 300 patients a year. When the United States entered World War I in 1917, many believed Fairbanks would dissipate like other boomtowns. Instead, Fairbanks grew with the influx of the railroad industry. While The Depression hit the Lower 48 in the 1930s, Fairbanks saw a period of growth. St. Joseph Hospital was known statewide for some of Alaskaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most modern medical facilities. In 1937, the Anchorage community

16 | advancing anchorage magazine | Spring 2015

had started growing with the construction of the Seward to Fairbanks railroad. The Alaskan Engineering Commission made Anchorage its headquarters and funded several new facilities, including the railroad hospital. However, as the community continued to expand, the need for a larger hospital was inevitable. In 1939, a new two-story, 52-bed Providence Hospital opened in Anchorage on Ninth and L Streets. There, the Sisters of Providence sought to provide the best medical care available. As a result, Alaskans began to stay in-state for their medical care. After World War II, Anchorage became Alaskaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest city. The new military bases and the war effort contributed greatly to the economy and modernization of Alaska. Continuing their mission of caring, the Sisters of Providence traveled throughout Alaska ministering to those along the way. In 1949, two Sisters began an annual sum-

Photos/Courtesy/Sisters of Providence Corp.

Our History in Alaska and Commitments to Schools and the Community Today

mer vacation bible school. In September 1961, four Sisters came to Anchorage to open Catholic Junior High School. On Oct. 26, 1962, the new Providence Hospital opened at Goose Lake and continues to be its home today as Providence Alaska Medical Center. When the Great Alaska Earthquake of 1964 wreaked havoc in Anchorage, Providence Hospital stood strong. The Sisters kept the hospital running on auxiliary power while working with the community and helping those in need. After the Chena River flood of 1967, the Sisters of Providence bid farewell to Fairbanks in 1968. They were unable to finance the needed renovations and decided to turn the hospital over to the community. The next two decades witnessed further developments in Anchorage. In 1979 a new Thermal Unit opened to treat burn and frostbite victims. The Cancer Therapy Center opened in 1980. With the opening of Providence House in 1983, patients’ families from out-of-town began to have a place to stay close to the hospital. Also in 1983, Providence Extended Care Center was remodeled and enlarged, continuing to offer individuals with acute and/or chronic illness a long-term care facility. In 1984, Providence began to offer helicopter ambulance service, and in 1985 the new Maternity Center opened with the only in-state Level III facility with the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. In 1987, Mary Conrad Center, a 90-bed skilled nursing facility, opened. Growth in the 1990s included a remodeling of Cardiovascular Services in 1991, and the acquisition of Seward General Hospital in 1996 and Kodiak Island Hospital in 1997. In 1999, the new Children’s Hospital at Providence Alaska Medical Center celebrated its official grand opening. Beginning in 1992, the Sisters’ ongoing commitment to the community is reflected in the work at the Brother Francis Shelter where hot meals are served to an average of 150 guests per night. Today, Providence Health & Services Alaska continues to meet the needs of Alaska’s growing communities. With its ongoing pledge to support education, Providence remains actively involved with Anchorage School Business Partnerships, with continued representation on the board. Among other endeavors, Providence supports the ASD Gifted Mentorship program; the Biomedical Career Academy;

Left to right: Governor William A. Egan; Sister Philias Denis, Executive Vice President of Sisters of Providence corporation; Sister Evelyn Bergamini; Sister Louise Gleason; Walter Hickel, former Governor of Alaska. Project SEARCH internships; the King Career Center OJT program; and various high school health occupation programs.

While Providence’s history provides guidance, its mission drives the commitment to service excellence.

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Anchorage Chamber of Commerce | 17

tourism

99 Years

of Tourism

Through

By John Quinley

NPS-Alaska Associate Regional Director for Communications and Partnerships On any summer morning, a quick look at the Alaska Railroad’s Anchorage depot or a vehicle rental counter tells the short version of a story with a long history — Anchorage is the base camp for national park visitors. While RVs and rental cars were late arrivals in the park visitation picture, Anchorage and Alaska’s national parks share

Anchorage a century-old history, starting with the Alaska Railroad. The 1915 decision that the railroad would run from Seward to Fairbanks brought the first development boom to Anchorage, and spurred action on the idea to establish, just two years later, Mount McKinley National Park. Visitation to what is now Denali National Park and Preserve was slow to start – seven visitors were logged in 1922. In 2014, that blossomed to 513,000. The southern end of the line is the jumping off point for Kenai Fjords National Park,

A park ranger chats with visitors at Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park. 18 | advancing anchorage magazine | Spring 2015

which saw 270,000 visitors last year. Statewide, the state’s 15 national park areas attract about 2.5 million visitors, a number that has grown roughly in step with visitation increases seen across Alaska. “In Alaska, we’re fortunate to have rich natural and cultural history. From our vast National Parklands to historic cities such as Anchorage, our state has much to celebrate. Many visitors choose to experience Anchorage because of its unique combination of urban comforts and close proximity to pristine national parks, including Denali

and Kenai Fjords. As we commemorate the centennial anniversaries of the National Park Service and the City of Anchorage, this is a good time to reflect on Alaska’s history and consider the possibilities of what the next hundred years will bring,” said Sarah Leonard, President and CEO of the Alaska Travel Industry Association. A new national park marketing effort has launched the run-up to the 2016 Centennial of the National Park Service. Through private contributions, the “Find Your Park” campaign will feature a mix of national advertising, social media and celebrity appearances (see www.findyourpark.com). “The campaign is under way, and we’ll see events here and across the country focused on the Centennial and our goal of connecting with and creating the next generation of park visitors, supporters and advocates,” said Bert Frost, the Anchorage-based NPS regional director.

A park ranger leads a walk with visitors on the Exit Glacier trail at Kenai Fjords National Park. “We think that effort can grow visitation to Alaska and we know many of those visitors will come through Anchorage.” Anchorage’s interagency Public Lands Information Center on Fourth Avenue sees about 60,000 visitors a year — mostly residents in the winter, and more out-ofstate users in the summer. “Typically, a person is staying in Anchorage and looking for ideas about out of town trips, to go fishing or hiking, see wildlife or a glacier. It’s easy to give them ideas for destinations, whether they’re looking for a day trip or a longer adventure,” said Joanne Welch, the center manager.

BUILDING ALASKA’S

While a park ranger in a Stetson is the iconic image of national parks, increasingly private business partners help visitors experience parks. Across Alaska, about 400 businesses are authorized to provide park visitor services. Some are giants — think Princess Cruises. Others are family operations with long-distance reach. One example: A dozen companies working in Kenai Fjords are Anchorage-based. The buying power of visitors they work with is equally significant. The visitors to Alaska’s national parks annually generate more than $1 billion in visitor spending — another number worth celebrating!

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Anchorage Chamber of Commerce | 19

transportation

By Alaska Railroad Corp. The histories of the Alaska Railroad and the city of Anchorage are wedded together from their humble beginnings. More than a century after Captain James Cook first arrived in Alaska during his search for the Northwest Passage, a decision by the federal government that resources in Interior Alaska needed an efficient means of getting to tide water planted the seed for Anchorage to grow into the vibrant, diverse city it is today. A 1912 congressional study recommended that the government extend an existing railroad from Chitina, a mining community near Valdez, to Fairbanks. The construction cost would likely have been considerably less than an alternative proposal to extend existing track from Seward, but a still-fresh political controversy

involving ownership of the Chitina railway meant the political cost would be high. So, a second study was commissioned, and even though the Seward-to-Fairbanks route had a staggering price tag, on March 12, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a bill to extend the rail line in Seward all the way to Fairbanks — a move motivated by political pressures and backed with extensive government spending. After President Wilson authorized funds for the construction of the Alaska Railroad, Ship Creek Landing was selected as the headquarters of this effort, and a tent city sprang up at the mouth of the creek. As the government-run town’s population grew, it needed a name. Col. Frederick Mears, chairman and chief engineer of the railroad-building Alaska Engineering Commission, had

20 | advancing anchorage magazine | Spring 2015

the Cook Inlet Pioneer newspaper run a contest for readers to submit potential names. In 1915, residents voted on nine potential names. Alaska City took the top spot, followed by Lane and then Anchorage in third. Ultimately, because a steamship called “The Anchorage” had acted as the tent city’s post office, the U.S. Post Office picked the name Anchorage despite protests from the local Chamber of Commerce. The task of running Anchorage was delegated to Andrew Christensen, another AEC employee. Christensen was responsible for laying out the street grid, auctioning property and providing all government services. For five years, Anchorage was completely run and paid for by the federal government until it incorporated as a town in 1920. Many of the 4,500 men and

women who came to Anchorage to work during the construction of the Alaska Railroad decided to stay and make a go of it in this new land. They built and became the foundation upon which the city of Anchorage would develop in the future. Today, Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city — a unique metropolis with a pioneer past and a close ongoing relationship with the Alaska Railroad. The city has grown into a 300,000-person municipality that hundreds of Alaska Railroad employees call home. You can still find the Alaska Railroad headquarters located in downtown on the banks of Ship Creek. And every year the railroad carries millions of tons of freight and hundreds of thousands of passengers, continuing a century-long relationship of economic development and adventure that shows no signs of stopping.

Photos/Courtesy/Anchorage Chamber of Commerce

Anchorage and the Railroad grew up together

OIL, GAS, & THE GROWTH OF ANCHORAGE By Alaska Oil & Gas Association The history of Alaska and Anchorage are intertwined with the discovery of oil in the Cook Inlet and on the North Slope. Along with those discoveries came huge risks, daunting challenges and a promise fulfilled to provide an economic base for Alaska and its people. In 1957, oil was discovered at the Swanson River field on the Kenai Peninsula, providing more evidence Alaska could sustain itself as a state. Two years later, statehood was achieved largely as a result of oil’s economic potential. With the additional discovery of oil at Prudhoe Bay and the

Photos/Courtesy/Marathon Oil & Hilcorp Alaska

Workers at the Swanson River field, circa 1957.

oil & gas

Cook Inlet platform.

construction of the Trans Alaska Pipeline System, Alaska’s success as the 49th United State was assured. Oil and gas development quickly became the lifeblood of the new state, a role it maintains today. In Anchorage, evidence of oil and gas’ impact is visible. The world-class facilities enjoyed by Alaskans for years, the so-called “Project 80s” infrastructure, were built with revenues made from oil, ushering in a new era of modernization and sophistication in Anchorage. Landmark buildings like the Sullivan Arena, Egan Center, Performing Arts Center and Loussac Library were erected in a major push to make Anchorage an urban

center with amenities rivaling those on the West Coast. Today, these same facilities entertain and educate new generations of Anchorage residents. Natural gas provided produced from the Cook Inlet further spurred Anchorage’s growth by providing the growing city with an affordable, reliable source of energy. Today, that same basin provides Southcentral Alaska with 80 percent of its energy needs. State revenues have not been the only beneficiary of oil wealth. Indeed, the Anchorage economy is fueled by oil and gas, and has been for many years. In its latest industry impact report, McDowell Group reports impressive economic numbers for Alaska’s largest city: in 2014, more than half of Alaska’s oil industry jobs were located in the Anchorage economy. Thousands of oil company employees call Anchorage home, and more than 25,000 Anchorage residents work in jobs indirectly related to the oil industry. Together, an annual average of 31,000 jobs and total wages of about $2.1 billion in Anchorage can be attributed to the oil and gas industry. Millions more are donated to the city’s many non-profits and charities, either directly by company donations or through employee giving. It is difficult to overstate the industry’s importance to Anchorage and its contributions to the economy. Oil and gas is not just part of Alaska’s storied history. The industry continues to evolve and grow in new ways, meaning its impact will be felt in Anchorage for years to come. With new companies charging into a revitalized Cook Inlet, new players setting up shop on the North Slope, and legacy companies showing renewed interest in established fields, the industry’s commitment to the state and the city of Anchorage is assured. Anchorage Chamber of Commerce | 21

finance

First National Bank President D.H. Cuddy was one of the first Alaska business leaders to announce reconstruction plans after the catastrophic 1964 earthquake. He unveiled a plan to build eight additional floors of modern office space atop First National’s drive-in branch at 5th & G in Anchorage. The bank also put additional loan funds into the reconstruction of the quake area. In 1963, First National’s Elmendorf Branch offered full-service banking, the first such branch on a military base in Alaska.

By First National Bank Alaska “The reason I went into the banking business,” Winfield Ervin, First National’s founder, once said, “was because I had faith in the future of Anchorage.” And he was right. Ervin was working at the Bank of Anchorage, one of the town’s two small territorial banks, when Anchorage incorporated as a city in 1920. The area around Ship Creek was quickly filling with railroad workers, merchants and fortune-seekers looking for a fresh start and new opportunities. Sensing the potential of the rising population, Ervin rounded up a group of Anchorage’s business and community leaders and convinced them the town needed a national bank. Construction began at what is now the corner of 4th Avenue and G Street. In 1922, The First National Bank of Anchorage opened its doors with Ervin as cashier, one employee, $55,000 in capi-

tal and 500 outstanding shares of stock. Nearly a century later, the bank’s name has changed to reflect the statewide nature of its business. Untanned animal pelts and gold nuggets in the vault have been replaced (for the most part) by Federal Reserve notes and U.S. currency coin, but First National Bank Alaska’s roots have held firm — a local bank run by community members to serve their neighbors building the city of Anchorage and the state. Today, First National is Alaska’s largest community bank, providing Alaskans the financial expertise and service they need to help their families grow, their businesses thrive and their communities prosper. And while technology in banking, like in all industries, changed over the years, what hasn’t changed are the people. Alaskans can now bank faster, safer and more conveniently than ever before. But they still place great value in relationships developed between Alaskans overcoming

22 | advancing anchorage magazine | Spring 2015

the challenges of living and working in the Last Frontier. These relationships are the driving force behind the success of First National and its customers. Looking back at Anchorage’s history, it was after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941 that Anchorage’s population boomed with an influx of soldiers. First National supplied payroll to troops stationed in Alaska. A banking facility was opened at Adak to accommodate the banking needs of the U.S. Navy base. It was the westernmost banking institution in the United States. During this period of operation, First National branches spanned four time zones. In 1951, D.H. Cuddy was named president of First National Bank and his mother, Lucy Hon Cuddy, served as Chairman of the Board. Under Mr. Cuddy’s direction, First National began to expand. In all, the bank added three branches in the ‘50s, including the Seward Branch in 1952, and another 10 in the ‘60s, including the

Photos/Courtesy/First National Bank Alaska

Faith in the Future

First National Bank brought drive-in banking to Alaska in 1960 at its new facility adjacent to the original site of the bank at 4th & G Street in Anchorage.

first drive-through banking adjacent to the original site of the bank at 4th Avenue and G Street. After the devastating earthquake on March 27, 1964, D.H. Cuddy was among the first Alaskans to announce reconstruction. He unveiled the bank’s plans to begin construction of eight additional floors of modern office space atop the bank’s downtown headquarters in Anchorage. Cuddy recalled, “after the earthquake there was really great sadness in the community with people worrying about where they would go and the loss of jobs. “It struck me that this would be a fine time to tell the people of Anchorage that at least our bank was confident in the community.” Cuddy announced he was forging ahead

with construction of the 9-story building. He also turned to friend and fellow business leader Walter Hickel and helped with the financing of his Captain Cook Hotel a few blocks down the main street in Anchorage. Cuddy is known, in many respects, as the banker who helped contractors build Alaska. He believes it’s a two-way street. “You can say that we’re the contractors’ banker…we’re proud to be their banker, but it was the contractors’ support that made our bank what it is and made our growth, especially in the ‘40s and ‘50s,” Cuddy told The Alaska Contractor magazine. Through the ‘60s and ‘70s with the discovery of North Slope oil and construction of the trans-Alaska oil pipeline, the state boomed. The bank added branches, including one in Kenai in 1975, and computerized services and employees to serve the growing number of customers. With the economic recession of the mid1980s that forced businesses and 11 banks across the state to close, First National continued to grow thanks to prudent management before the bust. First National continued to open branches, including ones in Soldotna (1984) and Homer (1988). In the 1990s, First National contin-

ued to show its commitment to Alaska, building two new buildings in Anchorage. The bank also installed a $7 million mainframe computer and installed one of the largest communications networks in North America. At the turn of the century, the bank changed its name to reflect the statewide nature of its business. First National Bank Alaska, in the face of ever-growing regulatory requirements, customer demand for Internet banking services, and the constant threat of modern-aged bank robbers working entirely online, posted a record-setting $3.3 billion in assets at the close of 2014, with loans and deposits growing in each region of the state. The bank opened the first full-service branch adjacent to the University of Alaska Anchorage campus, Alaska Pacific University and the medical complex of Providence Hospital and the Alaska Native Medical Center. As the City of Anchorage celebrates its Centennial, First National continues to demonstrate its faith not only in Anchorage but in the entire state based on the face-to-face relationships it builds with fellow Alaskans working shoulder to shoulder to succeed.

Anchorage Chamber of Commerce | 23

education

Students at Northern Lights ABC School answer questions on the first day of school. Northern Lights ABC is one of ASD’s many optional school programs. Parents can submit a lottery application to a variety of programs, including foreign language immersion, back-to-basics, open optional, Montessori and more.

Grounded in history

with an eye on the next generation by Anchorage School District

The Anchorage School District has some of the most culturally diverse schools in the country, according to a University of Alaska researcher. In this picture, students at Bartlett High School in east Anchorage work on a group assignment.

1915 organized the Anchorage’s Women’s Club specifically to raise funds for Anchorage’s first school. From digital “chalkboards” to students bringing their own electronic learning devices to school, classrooms look different than they did a decade ago, much less a hundred years ago. While reading, writing and math remain at the core of education, ASD students also have the opportunity to gain specialty skills in a variety of career academies, such as biomedical, computer programming, process technology or con-

24 | advancing anchorage magazine | Spring 2015

struction trades. We have come a long way since the heyday of Anchorage’s tent city. ASD students have gone on to achieve distinguished careers in sports, film, science, medicine, engineering and art, even winning the Nobel prize. Our students graduate prepared for success in an increasingly globalized economy, and although many spread their wings and leave Alaska, many also choose to stay and become the next leaders of our city. Who knows, 100 from now some of them may have their name on one of our schools.

Photos/Courtesy/Anchorage School District

The Anchorage School District is celebrating 100 years alongside our city. For the past century, ASD has grown and developed from a single frontier school, now known as the Pioneer Schoolhouse, to more than 130 schools and programs educating more than 47,000 students. We are now one of the largest and most diverse school districts in the United States, preparing all of our students for success in life with a first-class education that reflects the world we live in today. Many ASD schools recall the legacies of Anchorage’s most prominent and pioneering leaders. Benson Secondary School bears the name of Benny Benson, the 13-year-old Aleut designer of the Alaska flag in 1926, and Bowman Elementary School stands in memory of Willard Bowman, the influential civil rights leader and advocate for Alaska’s African American community. Across the district, Anchorage schools serve as symbolic monuments to those who have shaped our city in positive and significant ways over time. Perhaps Mears Middle School’s moniker is most expressive of this distinction, named for Jane Mears who in

Two students at Bartlett High School work on their robot in Robotics Club. Many ASD students, from elementary to high school, participate in after-school robotics clubs. A group of students from three ASD high schools will represent Anchorage at the 2015 FIRST Robotics World Championship in St. Louis this spring.

ambassador of the quarter

Megan Kelley The Anchorage Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ambassador Council promotes membership within the organization while developing and expanding personal business networks. Each quarter, one Ambassador is recognized for his or her above and beyond service to the organization, helping the Anchorage Chamber advance a successful business climate on a consistent basis. We are happy to present the honors to Megan Kelley of KTUU Channel 2 for Spring 2015! Megan has been an ambassador for

Advancing a Successful Business Network nearly two years and has participated in Anchorage Chamber Business After Hours, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Make it Mondayâ&#x20AC;? forums, many annual Train Rides and has volunteered on many projects within the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce. She is an advertising account executive for KTUU Channel 2 and has worked for them for nearly two years. She works with many local businesses and organizations to help accomplish their advertising needs. Together with her partner, Solomon

Loosli, Megan just welcomed her second child into the world. They also have a 13-year-old boy, who has accompanied Megan on some volunteer projects! In her spare time, Kelley enjoys traveling, wine and yoga. Megan has truly invested in her membership and never hesitates to help the organization in its mission to advance a successful business climate.

Congratulations on a well-deserved award Megan!

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Anchorage Chamber of Commerce | 25

Iconic Paul Bunyan mural

construction

Spenard Builders Supply By Hillary Walker The saws hum and whirl, deftly cutting through oak to shape a custom door. The scent of lumber fills the air. Next door, employees build trusses to hold up roofs. A designer sketches plans for a kitchen remodel while a couple picks out new appliances. The iconic mural of Paul Bunyan overlooks the scene outside, where trucks

Future builders sharpen their skills

weave through the parking lot and contractors enjoy hotdogs in the sunshine before heading back to their projects. This is the flagship store of Spenard Builders Supply, or as customers like to call it, SBS. Construction is more than blueprints and buildings — it’s about creating the space where our lives unfold. As Alaska’s largest source of construction materials, Spenard Builders Supply has been helping build our city for more than 60 years — SBS and Anchorage have grown up together. SBS got its start in 1952. Back then, Tudor was a dirt road called 44th Avenue with just two lanes and plenty of bumps. The location at the Minnesota intersection was the hinterlands to many Anchorage residents, far from the town center but strategically chosen for being close to the railroad tracks, which shipped most of the freight passing through Southcentral Alaska. Founded by George A. Lagerquist and A.J. Johnson, the simple lumberyard with a staff of three has grown to 15 locations across the state and more than 600 employees. Nearly half of Spenard Builders Supply employees have been around for

26 | advancing anchorage magazine | Spring 2015

at least a decade, which reflects the company’s dedication to longevity and community investment. Paul Royal, the recently retired merchandise manager for design centers and millwork, grew up just a few blocks from SBS and used to cut through the lumberyard on his way to elementary school. He later built a career at SBS for more than three decades. “Spenard Builders Supply expanded my horizons,” said Royal. “The best part about working here is making people’s dreams a reality.” The 1940s were a busy time for construction in Anchorage. World War II and a growing military presence increased the population of Anchorage from 3,000 in 1940 to 47,000 in 1951. Construction boomed during the completion of the Elmendorf and Fort Richardson bases, while other projects, like the Fourth Avenue Theatre, were put on hold until the war was over. Anchorage got its first traffic lights and mail service during this period, and statehood in 1959 brought another flurry of expansion and building. When Anchorage was rocked by a 9.2

Photos/Courtesy/Spenard Builders Supply

Building Anchorage for more than 60 years

SBS flagship store

First truss at the new plant, 1971 earthquake in 1964, focus shifted to repair and recovery. The damage to Anchorage was extensive, but residents pulled together to help each other. SBS opened the very next day to make sure residents could get the materials they needed to repair their homes. Following the quake, Anchorage adopted stringent construction standards exceeding the Uniform Building Code, including an ordinance that caps buildings at 22 stories. The truss plant was added in 1971 to improve SBS’s capabilities in roof and floor truss construction. Over the years, SBS trusses have been incorporated into buildings from Barrow to Kodiak, along with plenty of commercial and residential

structures around Anchorage. One year, the Anchorage plant manufactured enough trusses to build a continuous roof stretching from Anchorage to Fairbanks. The mid 1970s also brought the construction boom of the trans-Alaska oil pipeline as oil and gas companies invested in infrastructure and fueled the state economy. Construction came to a halt in the ‘80s with sharply declining oil prices, but the 1990s saw slow and steady growth as the Anchorage economy expanded and diversified. Current local building trends include a focus on remodels and a shift from single-family homes to multi-unit construction. Today, SBS provides building materi-

als for everything from remote cabins to urban high rises. Customer relations are paramount, and no matter how big or how small, the team at SBS promises to go the extra mile to get the job done. A custombuilt cabin flown in to a jobsite by helicopter is just one example; even smaller projects, like helping a customer pick a paint color, get the same attention and investment from the SBS team. “It’s the people that make Spenard Builders Supply different. I started working here in 1981, and it’s like a family,” said Phyllis Michele. “It’s hard to put your finger on it, but you can feel it when you walk in the door.”

.................................................................

ADVANTAGE

ALASKA

• Less than 9.5 hours from 90% of the industrialized world • 24/7 operations, no curfews, and fast and efficient customs clearing • Hydrant fueling with ample supply and low-cost environment • CAT lllb ILS equipped runways to land any size aircraft, any time • Number two in the U.S. for landed cargo weight • Number six in the world for cargo throughput • Great circle route maximizes payload • Unique air cargo transfer rights AIAS offers an unbeatable combination of flexibility, certainty, capacity, throughput, handling, and economy! The Alaska International Airport System (AIAS) is comprised of Ted Stevens International Airport (ANC), and Fairbanks International Airport (FAI). Anchorage Chamber of Commerce | 27

arts and entertainment

Pulse Dance Company performance “in darkness and light” in December 2014 at the Anchorage Museum as part of Polar Lab, a series of programs exploring life in the North.

Building the Arts Infrastructure in Anchorage By Julie Decker

Director and CEO, Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center In 1915, when Anchorage was established as a “city” by settlers on Dena’ina territory, the town was one of expediency in terms of architecture and access. Sydney Laurence, best known for his iconic paintings of a romantic North, was then getting by as a commercial photographer, documenting the fledgling urban environment. Anchorage had yet to find its mystique beyond its landscape. Laurence wasn’t the first, nor was he the only, artist to struggle to make a living in Anchorage. A transient population caused artists of all disciplines to come and go, to work to capture the place and the people and export the idea of a city on the edge of nature’s expanse. Long before Alaska’s statehood, Anchorage had an orchestra. The Anchorage Symphony Orchestra was first formed in 1946 when 17 amateur and professional musicians began meeting once a week to share their interest and enthusiasm for creating an organized community orchestra. Today, the ASO is a vibrant group of 80 professional musicians who consistently garner both critical and popular acclaim. The Anchorage Civic Opera (now Anchorage Opera) was established in 1962.

Developing an infrastructure for arts It wasn’t until the oil boom that other arts organizations collectively established a foothold and developed an infrastructure on which to share ideas and cultivate a sense of artistic community. The 1980s saw the growth of commercial and non-profit galleries and art spaces. The local university added gallery space under the direction of a maturing arts faculty. The Alaska Center for the Performing Arts was built, the Anchorage Museum (then called the Anchorage Museum of History and Art) was expanded, and the Alaska Dance Theatre and Alaska Junior Theatre were formed. In 1994, the Decker/Morris Gallery (then called Stonington Gallery), Side Street Espresso and International Gallery of Contemporary Art collaborated to host art exhibition openings on the first Friday of each month. The initial Friday events attracted more than 1,000 people, and the First Friday tradition was born. It became a staple of not just the arts community, but also of the wider community looking for a way to gather and converse in a northern city. Cyrano’s Off-Center Playhouse joined the downtown scene with its first play in 1992, adding a strong local performing arts experience and professional opportunities for actors to the Continued on page 29

Anchorage Centennial exhibitions at the Anchorage Museum VoxVan On view through Nov. 30 Anchorage residents answer the question: “What makes Anchorage home?”

City Limits On view through Oct. 11 Learn how Anchorage has grown and changed from a tent city to urban center.

Arctic Ambitions: Captain Cook and the Northwest Passage On view through Sept. 7 Will melting Arctic ice reveal a Northwest Passage – the very thing Captain Cook sought but never found?

Home Field Advantage: Baseball in the Far North On view May 1 through Nov. 1 See the rich history of baseball in Anchorage and throughout Alaska.

On Sea Ice On view May 1 through Sept. 20 Explore the interactions between people and the sea ice of the Arctic.

100: Images from the Archives

The tent city of Anchorage in 1915, on view in the Anchorage Centennial exhibition “City Limits” at the Anchorage Museum. 28 | advancing anchorage magazine | Spring 2015

On view Nov. 13, 2015 through Jan. 10, 2016 The story of a growing city in a remote land told through 100 images from the Anchorage Museum’s archives.

Advancing Our Community The Anchorage Chamber’s Young Pro- in Entrepreneurial Management, from The fessionals Group is the largest young pro- University of Iowa. He joined AEDC in fessional organization in Anchorage with June 2012. As Business and Economic Deover 200 active members. YPG works to velopment Director, Will is responsible for address the challenges and support the creating and executing strategies to help growth of young professionals in Anchor- grow and diversify Anchorage’s economy. age, as well as enhance a successful busi- His work includes efforts to attract new ness climate both within the Anchorage businesses and industries to Anchorage, Chamber’s network and outside into the assisting Alaskan entrepreneurs in building their businesses and helping existing Anchorage community at large. Anchorage companies grow. Each quarter, one Young ProfesWill served on the ANC Airsional is elected by the entire YPG port Master Plan Update Commembership to receive the award mittee, Anchorage Industrial for exemplary leadership and enLands Assessment Committee, gagement both within YPG and and acts as an ex-officio Board the Anchorage Chamber, as well member for the Chugiak-Eagle as consistently contributing and River Chamber of Commerce. creating a positive impact within Will Kyzer He is a founder and member of the Anchorage community. We are happy to announce Will Kyzer of Engage Anchorage, a young professional Anchorage Economic Development Corp. organization within the Live.Work.Play. was voted Anchorage’s Young Professional initiative, and a member of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce’s Young Profesof the Quarter for Spring 2015! A third-generation Alaskan, Will was sionals Group. As a member of the Anchorage Chamber born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. He earned a Bachelors of Arts in English, and YPG, Will says he finds the networkWith Distinction, as well as a Certificate ing and education opportunities offered by

young professional of the quarter the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce to be incredibly valuable. “Being a member of the Chamber offers me a lot of great benefits, like preferred pricing for events, and it allows me to support an organization that’s doing great things for Anchorage. The Anchorage Chamber’s Young Professionals Group has been a great outlet for me to grow professionally. The opportunities for professional development, networking, and community service have been excellent.” Congratulations again to Mr. Kyzer for demonstrating outstanding leadership and volunteerism as an active YPG member, and for successfully advancing the goals and mission of the Anchorage Chamber and the Young Professionals Group, well done Will!

Photos/Courtesy/Anchorage Museum/Sydney Laurence//Michael Conti

Continued from Page 28

burgeoning visual arts scene. Today, Anchorage enjoys Broadway shows and first-rate theater by local playwrights, world-class exhibitions and creative spaces, such as Anchorage Community Works. Each supports Alaska artists while engaging with the best from around the globe.

Looking North, looking ahead

As changes affecting landscape, lifeways and resources turn the world’s attention North, Anchorage artists and arts organizations have an opportunity to convey an authentic narrative for the region, reflecting Alaska and the North in all of its complexity. The Anchorage Museum places art and science squarely at the center of the conversation about culture and environment, from exhibitions to events. Ex-

perimental films screen in unusual places. Dancers perform on the side of the building. Performance artists respond to exhibitions with “interventions” in galleries. Artists from around the world travel to Alaska for artist residencies. Creative partnerships develop with museums across the circumpolar North. All of these activities, and more, empower the voice of the North and create a story Anchorage can own. Arts and entertainment will continue to grow and thrive in Anchorage, offering more opportunities for both artists and others to experience the arts as not as bystanders, but as contributors. Julie Decker is the Director and CEO of the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, Alaska’s premier art, history, science and cultural institution. The museum’s mission is to connect people, expand perspectives and encourage global dialogue about the North and its distinct environment. Learn more at anchoragemuseum.org.

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member spotlight

Celebrating Nearly 100 Years of Excellence

A History of the Anchorage Hotel

Historic Anchorage Hotel is an elegant “diamond in the rough” located in the heart of downtown Anchorage. Take a step back in time when Anchorage was a bustling frontier city! Established in 1916, Anchorage was barely a year old when the Anchorage Hotel began operation. Built originally on the corner of 3rd Avenue and E Street, the Anchorage Hotel became the central gathering place for the new city. A wooden boardwalk led from the hotel to the docks so newly arrived visitors could walk from their boat to the hotel. The Anchorage Hotel became well known throughout the Pacific Northwest as the premier place to stay in Anchorage, being the only place that served meals with linen tablecloths silver utensils. As Anchorage grew, so did the Anchorage Hotel and within a few years the hotel needed to expand. Our current building, built in 1936 and located on the corner of 4th Avenue and E Street, was connected to the original building by a skywalk over the alley. It is a wooden building covered with a stucco finish. The Anchorage Hotel also played a significant role in the modernization of the city. As coal became a reliable source of heat, a coal room in the basement of the hotel provided the heat for the entire city block Many dignitaries and celebrities have stayed at the Anchorage Hotel over the years, including Will Rogers and Wiley Post, as well as famed mountain man Bob Marshall. Perhaps the most notable resident was well known Alaskan landscape artist Sydney Laurence who used his room as an art studio. Many of his original paintings are still on display at the Anchorage Museum. Unlike many of her surrounding buildings, the Anchorage Hotel survived the 4½ minutes of movement with very little damage during the Good Friday earthquake of 1964. Today, as you walk down the halls of the hotel you might notice a slight dip towards one side. A slight shifting of the foundation is the only telltale sign today of North America’s largest earthquake. In 1969 the original building was torn down, though the annex of the Anchorage Hotel (our current building) continued to operate for several years. The hotel fell victim to a long period of neglect and disrepair before being purchased in 1988 by its current 30 | advancing anchorage magazine | Spring 2015

local owner. Owned and operated by local, life-long Alaskans, the Historic Anchorage Hotel is under the Grizzly’s, Inc. umbrella. The Historic Anchorage Hotel is an important facet of Anchorage’s economy and community support. After extensive restoration, the Anchorage Hotel reopened as an elegant 26-room property and once again took its place among Anchorage’s few, but ever important, list of historical places. In April 1999 the Anchorage Hotel was officially placed on the National Register of Historic Places. We invite you to experience Alaska’s true charm, delightful past, and friendly present at the Historic Anchorage Hotel.

Photos/Courtesy/Anchorage Hotel

Leverage Your Chamber The time has come to focus on how to “Leverage Your Membership” by showing how one business membership can include the participation of many employees; you can expand your presence in the largest business-networking group in Alaska. The Anchorage Chamber’s most fundamental mission is to generate more business activity for our community. We initiate more business-to-business commerce and more opportunities for networking and connecting local professionals than is available through any other local organization. Major event participation, voice in government, unique networking events, M2M Discounts and many more. Whether it’s seminars or educational luncheons, fo-

rums and industry debates, social mixers, and galas, your Anchorage Chamber has everything for everyone. One membership means multiple opportunities and benefits, so start reminding your employees how they can participate in “Leveraging Your Membership!”

Member Testimonial:

“If you are a bottom line kind of company, and who isn’t these days, remember that all you need is ONE new customer to pay for your annual membership dues! The contacts and connections that can be made are invaluable.” — Kathie Anderson Account Manager for Office Products Services

member benefits Leverage your membership by using key personnel from your business to gain access to limitless branding opportunities. Beyond the President or the CEO, encourage the Sales and Marketing teams, HR Directors and other key employees to assist you in making those connections by participation in the membership. Opportunities to enhance your bottom line by reducing costs, expanding markets, accessing expertise and finding new customers is within your reach. Reach out to Vice President of Business Development, Brenda Hansen at brenda@anchoragechamber.org and find out how you can fully leverage all the resources the Anchorage Chamber has to offer.

new members WHITFIELD BENEFIT SOLUTIONS/COLONIAL LIFE 907-274-0227 | SOLUTIONS.COM BGES INC 907-644-2900 |WWW.BGESINC.COM ALASKA MEDIA LLC 907-770-0820 MORSE DESIGN/BUILD LLC 907-297-8534 | MORSEDESIGNBUILD.COM PARKER SMITH & FEEK, INC. 907-562-2225 | WWW.PSFINC.COM DR. TREVOR TEW 907-272-2700 | KCCAK.COM AMERICAN MULTIPLEX 907-248-0426 | AKAPARTMENTS.NET KELLER SUPPLY INC 907-248-0426 | WWW.KELLERSUPPLY.COM TYONEK NATIVE CORPORATION 907-272-0707 | WWW.TYONEK.COM UAA CENTER FOR CORPORATE AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 907-786-4938 | WWW.UAA.ALASKA.EDU/CCPD ESTES EXPRESS LINES 907-274-0779 | WWW.ESTES-EXPRESS.COM GUARDIAN FLIGHT 907-274-0779 | WWW.ESTES-EXPRESS.COM EXAMWORKS 907-830-7500 | WWW.EXAMWORKS.COM TITO’S GYROS FEATURING ROSCOE’S CATFISH & BBQ 907-279-8961 907 DEALS 907-632-4897 | WWW.907DEALS.COM

KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY THE TOLBERT REAL ESTATE GROUP 907-865-6500 | WWW.REALESTATEALASKASEARCH.COM TOWNEPLACE SUITES BY MARRIOTT MIDTOWN 907-334-8000 | WWW.TOWNEPLACESUITES.COM/ANCAT ROSCO’S SIGNS 907-562-1661 GLACIERS EDGE MAINTENANCE LLC 907-223-4666 | GEMALASKA.COM TIM GRAHAM STATE FARM 907-561-4000 | WWW.ANCHORAGESF.COM SUPER FLOORS OF ALASKA 907-562-1717 | WWW.SUPERFLOORSALASKA.COM UAA, COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE (907) 786-6364 | WWW.UAA.ALASKA.EDU/CTC/ GLOBAL SPECTRUM 907-334-8000 | WWW.ALASKAAIRLINESCENTER.COM BOGARD LOGISTICS 907-230 8307 THE MCW GROUP - MERRILL LYNCH 907-564-6607 BAC TRANSPORTATION LLC 907-222-2600 | BACTRANS.COM RENEA MILLER, ASSOCIATE BROKER/REALTOR CENTURY 21 REALTY SOLUTIONS 907-575-1700 | RENEASELLSHOMES.COM BLISS & WILKENS, LLC 907-264-6633 | WWW.BLISSWILKENS.COM ALL-ALASKA NEWS UNLIMITED, LLC 907-250-6568 REP. CATHY TILTON 907-465-2199 WWW.HOUSEMAJORITY.ORG/MEMBERS/TILTON/

Anchorage Chamber of Commerce | 31

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chamber events “Make it Monday” forum Every Monday 12 – 1 p.m. Hosted at: Dena’ina Center This Monday Forum is the city’s No. 1 weekly luncheon, offering current and relevant educational presentations from a variety of speakers. More than 45 programs are provided annually with the number of attendees averaging up to 300 a week.

Young Professionals Group – Monthly Meeting Second Tuesday of every month 4–5 p.m. Hosted at: Anchorage Chamber boardroom A great networking event that provides an opportunity for members to mingle in a relaxed atmosphere while making those important business connections.

Chamber Academy Second Wednesday of every month 12–1 p.m. Hosted at: Anchorage Chamber boardroom This lunch-time educational seminar is geared towards business owners, entrepreneurs and young professionals, where community experts present on a variety of topics.

Business After Hours Third Thursday of every month 5–7 p.m. Hosted at participating Chamber member’s business A great networking event that provides an opportunity for members to mingle in a relaxed atmosphere while making those important business connections.

Anchorage Chamber Military Appreciation Week June 1–5

Anchorage Chamber Tent City Festival July 25–26

Young Professionals Group – Monthly Networking Luncheon Last Friday of every month 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. Hosted at participating Chamber member restaurants Come and meet fellow young professionals from around Anchorage in a casual environment to eat and sip while socializing and talking politics, business, and what’s currently going on in Anchorage and the world. Anchorage Chamber of Commerce | 33

around town calendar Alaska Pridefest June 6, 2015 Delaney Park Strip Alaska PrideFest will run from May 30June 6 with the Parade and Festival on June 6. The Parade will be at 11 a.m. and the Festival from 12-5 p.m. on the Delaney Parkstrip between E and I. We will be celebrating 38 years of Pride in 2015. While PrideFest started with a few people sharing a picnic lunch on the Parkstrip it has grown to an event that attracts thousands of people. The sponsoring organization, Identity, Inc., opened as the Alaska Gay Community Center, Inc. on I Street in 1977. Over the years the name has changed to the Alaska Gay and Lesbian Resource Center, and Identity: The Center for Sexual Minorities.

Centennial Solstice Concert June 20 6 p.m.–10 p.m., Alaska Railroad Depot Join us at the Centennial Solstice Concert at the Alaska Railroad Depot which is free and open to the public! Bring your family, friends, pets, and enjoy this night of free entertainment, food trucks and activities!

Anchorage Heritage Garden: Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony June 27 12 p.m.–1 p.m. Alaska Botanical Garden OFFICIAL RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY: After two years of creation, growth and intense interest, the Garden is formally presented to the public! Join us for the official Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony.

Happy Birthday Anchorage June 27 The Anchorage Centennial Celebration as we officially turn 100 years old in July 2015. Filled with delicious vendors, Centennial activities, entertainment and much more

come down and be part of this historical milestone as we enter into the next 100 years and beyond! You won’t want to miss this celebration of the century!

Anchorage: The First 100 Years—A Theatrical Tour (2005-2015) July 2, 8, 15, 22, 29; August 5, 12, 19, 26 September 2 (Finale) 7 p.m.–9 p.m. Cyrano’s Theatre Each week for 10 weeks, Cyrano’s Theatre Company will be presenting a different decade in Anchorage in the form of a living newspaper, highlighting the headline stories and colorful characters of the day, with authentic music of the period and film clips, etc. There will also be fun extra-added attractions, such as the Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska, who will park a vintage care of that particular decade each week in front of Cyrano’s Off Center Playhouse, located in the historic 1915 Building at the corner of 4th and D Streets. SHOW TIMES: Thursday thru Saturday and Monday at 7:00p; Sunday at 3:00p. Advance tickets are available at CenterTix.net.

4th of July Celebration July 4 Delaney Park Strip Join us at the Delaney Park Strip for a special celebration of our country’s independence!

Anchorage In 1915: Its Founding And Significance To The World July 9 7 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Anchorage Museum Cook Inlet Historical Society presents guest speaker Preston Jones, Professor of History, John Brown University. The centennial of Anchorage’s founding comes

34 | advancing anchorage magazine | Winter 2015

on July 10, 2015. 100 Years after Andrew Christensen conducted the sale of lots on the newly established Anchorage Town Site on the bluff overlooking Ship Creek. Dr. Jones, whose family lives in Anchorage, will commemorate a century of growth and progress reviewing our community’s prospects at the time. When Anchorage was founded, much of the world was at war and the U.S. was becoming an industrial and economic power, growing rapidly with a large influx of immigrants.

Anchorage Tent City Festival July 25 Delaney Park Strip The Anchorage Chamber of Commerce will turn 100 on July 25, 2015 and is one of the city’s first organizations. This event will pay homage to the tent city that was the essence of Anchorage’s beginning, the businesses that keep our economy strong 100 years later, and the community for “buying local.” There will be a re-enactment of the tent city lease sale in a picnic-style celebration on the Delaney Park Strip featuring local food and drinks, door prizes, fun games for the family, live music, and stage entertainment. For more details please contact The Anchorage Chamber of Commerce (907) 272-2401

2015 Salmon Daze FestivalCelebrating 100 Years Of Wild Alaska! August 7 Anchorage Museum Quad Celebrate Alaska and all of its natural beauty, resources, and people at the 2015 Salmon Daze Festival! The Festival will take place on the Anchorage Museum Quad from 3-9 p.m. and feature live music, a beer garden, and plenty of vendors and activities focusing on the great state of Alaska. It’s a fun-filled event for the whole family, and destination you don’t want to miss!

EVERY SUMMER HAS A STORY

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15 % military discount available on all programs and membership New 5000 sq ft. Wellness Center and Locker Rooms

Take a new class. Meet a new friend. Volunteer. Let’s do more together! The Y. So Much More You’re more than just a member of our facility; you’re part of a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the community.

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ANCHORAGE COMMUNITY YMCA • PHONE NUMBER 907-563-3211 Anchorage Chamber of Commerce 5353 LAKE OTIS PKWY- ANCHORAGE • www.ymcaalaska.org

| 35

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