On Thursday, October 23, the Greater Copper Valley Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting at the Caribou Grill. There were around fifty business leaders and community members in attendance.
Thursday’s meeting marked the Chamber’s 38th anniversary and included an update from the Chamber president, a keynote presentation by the Commissioner for the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, Chamber board elections, and community awards.
In her opening message, Chamber president Jordanny Sutherland gave an update on two of the biggest projects from the past year: aluminum welcome signs placed on various highways and a complete website revamp. She also mentioned ongoing projects to improve and maintain the visitor center’s building in the Hub parking lot.
The keynote was presented by Ryan Anderson, the Commissioner for the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. He began with a report about the flooding that has displaced around 1,500 Alaskans and the response of the Department of Transportation, whose stated goal is to get as many evacuees home as possible in the next month.
Anderson also spoke about issues that impact local residents in the Copper River Valley. The project to realign Simpson Hill (Mile 113 on the Richardson Highway) has been funded. Given the scope of the project, it may take three to four years. However, Anderson stated, “if we need to, we’ll accelerate it.”
Over dinner, discussion, and presentations, the Chamber held a silent auction with baskets, gift certificates, and gifts donated from around the community. The fundraiser brought in a little less than $800, which will go to help keep the visitor center open next summer.
I couldn’t attend the entire meeting, but Kristal Bengston, the Chamber’s office assistant, helped fill in the remaining details.
Board member Nathan Helmer gave an update on the Visitor Information Center located in the Hub parking lot. More than 7,000 tourists stopped by the visitor center when it was open this summer. Nearly 2,000 of these were from outside the United States.
Nathan Helmer, John Becker, Margaret Billinger, and Richard Dennis were re-elected to the board. Jason Hoke was nominated and voted into the board as its newest member. Jordanny Sutherland was also re-elected to another two-year term as president.
The evening ended with four different awards honoring people or organizations within the community. Jeremy Weld received the Board Member of the Year Award and was recognized for creating the new website, literally digging the new signs into place, and inspiring others to get involved in the Chamber.
The Copper River Basin Lions Club received the Copper Valley Unity Award. The Community Involvement Award was given to Copper River Basin Music and Art Events, LLC.
The Caribou Hotel & Grill received the Community Improvement Award. They were recognized for providing a welcoming place to gather, with special mention of their karaoke nights, trivia tournaments, and comedy shows.
The Chamber’s next meeting will be held on December 11 at Tolsona Lake Lodge.
Disclosure: Anna’s husband was one of the part-time workers at the visitor center and was employed by the Chamber of Commerce this past summer.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here