Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting
Photo courtesy of Margaret Billinger
Allison Sayer - CRR Staff
On the evening of Thursday, October 27, the Copper Valley Chamber of Commerce held its annual dinner meeting. This year, the dinner was served at the Tolsona Lake Lodge.
Chamber President John Becker kept his remarks brief before turning the podium over to Jason Hoke from the newly-formed Copper Valley Regional Planning Organization (RPO) as keynote speaker. In Becker’s letter within the meeting agenda, he said businesses should work to advocate for the needs of the region as a whole. He also expressed a need to advocate not only for our own area but for rural communities across Alaska.
Hoke spoke about the shrinking population of the Copper Basin, from over 10,000 people when he arrived 26 years ago to an estimated 2,386 currently. He reminisced about football games and other bygone events that were sustained by the larger population, including about 3,000 kids in the school system. “I want it back,” he said. “I don’t want to turn into Wasilla, but I want some of that back.”
Hoke attributed the population decline in the area to an increase in the cost of living and a lack of employment opportunities. He advocated for lowering the cost of energy and improving transportation infrastructure as a means to build the region back up economically. One audience member interrupted with the word, “Housing!”
Hoke highlighted the creation of the RPO, currently in its infancy, to assert local priorities to the state for infrastructure improvement. In addition to advocating for highway dollars, expansion of the Gulkana Airport is high on his list.
According to Hoke, potential benefits of an expanded airport could include a shipping hub for goods trucked in from Canada and a medical hangar for the community. The airport would need to be expanded and fenced in order to meet Federal Aviation Administration approval.
Chamber Secretary Bruce Cain stated later in conversation that the RPO formation was at the suggestion of Alaska Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ryan Anderson. Anderson suggested that forming the organization could help advocate for the region to receive funding.
One project Cain highlighted was Glenn Highway Miles 92-66, also known as “Long Lake Hill.” According to Cain, this area has been redesigned and permitted, but has been repeatedly passed over for funding.
The awards ceremony at the end of the evening was one of the highlights. Cain became emotional at times, reading heartfelt tributes to local businesses that had overcome adversity in the region.
The “Perseverance Award” went to the Old Town Copper Center Inn and Restaurant. The award recognized not only Tom and Kim Huddleston rebuilding after a fire, but the Inn’s continuous year round operation in good times and bad.
The “Resilience Award” went to the Tazlina River Trading Post. The remarks noted that the effort for the Horrell family to rebuild after a fire was exceptionally difficult during a period when building material costs were at their peak and “inventory was almost impossible to acquire.”
The “Grand Craftsmanship Award” went to Casa de la Arte, also built in a new location after a fire. The remarks highlighted the meticulous work of co-owner Nigel Young as he “cut, trimmed, and installed each board,” and the availability of a gathering place for artists.
The “Special Investment Award” went to Subway. The remarks highlighted the Carltons’ work on building renovation and landscaping, and the provision of entry-level jobs for young residents.
The “Determination Award” went to New to You. The remarks cited Heike Wilmoth for her work to “help others when it seems it should be the other way around.” The business was cited for helping the planet by recycling goods, helping locals find low cost alternatives as the cost of living rises, and for the accomplishment of a new addition featuring rough cut lumber.
Chamber President John Becker presenting the “Determination Award” to Heike Wilmouth.
Jordanny Sutherland gave brief highlights from the Visitor Information Center report. Visitors from every U.S. state and 49 countries signed the guestbook this year.
Visitor numbers have risen since the reopening of the Canadian border, but fires, floods, and the Princess Lodge closure did some dampening. Sutherland said the visitor center hours were reduced compared to prior years due to staffing shortages.
Margaret Billinger gave the treasurer’s report for the Chamber. She kept her remarks brief, as much of the information was available in the agenda. 2022 Chamber of Commerce revenue was $62,218, and the bank account currently contains $46,908. At this time last year, the bank balance was $47,182.
Political candidates for local House and Senate races were invited to attend and give brief remarks. Click Bishop (Republican, Incumbent, Senate District R), Mike Cronk (Republican, Incumbent, House District 36), and Doug Massie (Republican, Challenging Mike Shower for Senate District O) attended in person. Elijah Verhagen (Republican, Challenging Click Bishop for Senate District R) sent a statement to be read by a proxy.
Bruce Cain reminded attendees they can vote early Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the Old Paths Baptist Church.
Cronk stated that affordable energy was a high priority for him as a representative for many rural communities. He also encouraged all attendees to make sure they voted.
Verhagen’s statement emphasized his support for eight year term limits, his experience working as a legislative aide, and his pro-life and pro Second Amendment stance.
Bishop also emphasized energy in his remarks. He expressed support for the Susitna Dam. Bishop also spoke about transportation, citing his work to re-open maintenance stations that had been closed, including Chitina.
Doug Massie stated that public safety and expanding trooper coverage was one of his top priorities. He also stated that infrastructure, including broadband, and education, especially trade schools, were important to attract and retain businesses.
The announcements from the gathered attendees included Jason Hoke’s open invitation to the 9th annual “Sausage Fest,” featuring his own handcrafted sausage. The fest will take place on November 5 and the theme is, “You can’t spell sausage without USA.”
The Tolsona Lake Lodge announced their Fall Ball with a band, which occurred over the past weekend, and a free meal for all comers on Thanksgiving Day.
The food and service were excellent and all attendees were filled to bursting. The homemade cheesecake was my personal favorite and I’m looking forward to stopping into the lodge for a dessert with a view again in the future.
The next Chamber of Commerce meeting will be on December 8 in Copper Center.
Chamber President John Becker with Naomi and Nigel Young, winners of the “Grand Craftsmanship Award.”
More Chamber of Commerce reporting:
Chamber Dinner Benefits Student Close Up Program
Greater Copper Valley Chamber of Commerce May Dinner Meeting
Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting: Awards and Appreciation
More from Allison Sayer:
A Visit to the Ahtna Cultural Center
Work Underway on Little Tonsina Bridge
It’s All Downhill From Here: Bluebell Gene Dispersal in a Changing Climate
Wildfire Season in the Copper Basin