Welcome to Summer!

Dear Kodiak Chamber Members,

These past couple of foggy days aside, now that warmer weather finally arrived this month, I hope you've been able to get out and enjoy the sunshine as much as you can when it shows up for us! Of course Kodiak has an abundance of businesses and organizations that offer wonderful opportunities to enjoy life to the fullest even on very wet and/or very gray days whether we choose to stay indoors or out. We have the opportunity for world class fishing right outside our front doors, endless outdoor adventures await at the beach and along the trails. Discover Kodiak's annual summer hiking challenge, Adjust Your Altitude is about to kick off on July 1st! Whether you your activities are indoors or out this summer in Kodiak has a wealth of opportunity for enjoying the best quality of life. These are great days to visit our many retail shops, have coffee, beer or cider with friends, cozy up to a good book, pick up a new game, fish the rivers, or hit the gym.

Our small island town offers so much, as business owners, operators, and managers you know the incredible importance of shop, eat, and explore local when it comes to all that Kodiak has to offer, lets all encourage supporting Kodiak's local businesses and organizations, and when you don't have what your customers, friends and neighbors are looking for, direct them to other local businesses and organizations that do and help support our economy. They can easily search our member business directory at kodiakchamber.org. Working together we help to sustain a stronger Kodiak for all while simply reminding people to take advantage of what's right in front of them.

Each summer we have numerous new residents to Kodiak arrive, eager to explore and learn all about what Kodiak has to offer them. Remember to reach out and welcome them to their new home and invite them to your establishment and show them what makes Kodiak such an awesome place to live. The Kodiak Island Borough School District is putting together Welcome packets for new teachers. If you'd like to contribute please put together 40 items from or representing your business and drop them off at the Chamber by August 5th. The Coast Guard has it's annual Welcome Aboard Fair for new Coast Guard Enlisted and their families on Friday, August 23rd, another great way to introduce your business or organization to those new to our island.

Early last week the Chamber welcomed over 35 Alaska State Chamber Board Members and Members to Kodiak for their Annual Community Outreach Trip at a reception at the Afognak Center followed by a dinner at Koniag, thank you to our members who were able to attend. Our fellow State Chamber visitors were fortunate to have fabulous weather to kick off their stay here as a warm greeting. The last time the Community Outreach Trip was hosted in Kodiak was 2012. On this trip they visited Providence, the Kodiak Marine & Science Center, Alaska Aerospace Launch Complex, the Coast Guard Base, took a Kodiak Electric Wind & Turbine Tour and many attendees including myself chose to take an incredible tour of the Kodiak Brown Bear Center & Lodge hosted by Stacey Simmons and Koniag. This trip offered Alaska Chamber members the opportunity to interact with the community, meet local chamber members and new business partners in a fun, educational and engaging environment.

Over next several months the Chamber staff will be working on expanding what the Chamber offers to encourage increased member networking, sharing, and other opportunities for members. If there's something you'd like help with or want to know more about please let us know.

On July 9th we will have our first Business After Hours of the Summer with Ani Thomas of Kodiak Connections Walking & Hiking Tours at Kodiak Island Brewing & Still starting at 5:30. If you're interested in hosting a Business After Hours or Ribbon Cutting Ceremony please get a hold of Ericka Thompson at our office and she can help you get started.

The Chamber's Summer Litter Patrol Program started on June 17th and goes through August 9th. Every summer the Chamber partners with the City of Kodiak and the Kodiak Island Borough to implement summer litter patrol program that helps keeps our streets, roadsides, parks, and neighborhoods free from trash. This year we hired 7 youths ages 14 to 17 and returning Litter Patrol Supervisor, Eric Flerchinger, to pick up trash on weekdays. We are grateful to be able to provide local youth with an opportunity to work one of their first jobs and earn some money. Without the help from the City and Borough this program would not be possible and Kodiak would not stay so clean throughout the summer.

Thank you to everyone who was a part of, helped out, had a booth, performed, was a part of the parade and took advantage of as many activities and events during Crab Fest 66 All Roads Lead To The Spit. Special thanks to our vendors providing fun activities for kids: the Kodiak Christian School Hamster Balls, Natalee & Jared Martin's RC Cars, the Bungee Bounce and the Tons of Fun Entertainment Inflatables. We owe tremendous thanks to Local Electric, World Wide Movers, Matson, our Volunteers, Kiwanis, the many City of Kodiak employees who help make Crab Fest a safe and fun event for all, from Parks & Rec, the Police Department, Fire Department, Parks & Rec and the building department. Thank you to the Civil Air Patrol, Boy Scout Troup 626 and Kodiak Kindness for picking up litter all throughout and after CrabFest. Thank you to our 26 new youth hires that worked the Tons of Fun Inflatables and thank you to all of our vendors for bringing your best to this incredible and beloved community event year after year. We hope you all enjoyed yourselves and had a successful 66th Annual Kodiak Crab Festival!

Congratulations to this year's Crab Fest Raffle Winners: Hadji Wight, Darren Muller Sr. Danica Clarion, Eben Escribano, Danny Clarion, Eli Deardruff and Grand Prize Winner Susan Johnson!

In the coming weeks and months Ericka Thompson, our new Community Relations Director, will be reaching out to as many of our members as she can to focus on getting to know our members better and to help you take advantage of your member benefits. She is in the process of handing out copies of our 2024 Relocation Guide to strategic locations and to many of our members, you can also take a look at it online at kodiakchamber.org. If you'd like help with something you can always reach out now and we will do our best to help you.

There will be a 60th Anniversary Celebration of the Tustumena in the Chamber parking lot from 2 pm to 6 pm on Wednesday, August 7th. August 13th through the 15th the City of Kodiak is hosting the Alaska Municipal League's Summer Conference here. We'll have more details on both events for you in July.

Thank for your support of the Chamber and partnering with us to help make Kodiak a better place to live, work and play for all! May this summer be all that you hope and more!

Ellen Simeonoff

Executive Director

Kodiak Chamber of Commerce

Below is a picture of Tanya Lauteret, Senator Murkowski's Regional Specialist Assistant for Kenai & Kodiak, Erin Fedewa, NOAA Fisheries Biologist, myself and "Big Charles the Red King Crab" officially christened by our wonderful attendees at the Pardoning of the Crab on the first day of Crab Fest. Please feel free to share your photos of Crab Fest with us by emailing Linda at chamber@kodiakchamber.org.

This year's Crab Fest was nothing short of spectacular, packed with unforgettable moments and delightful experiences. Here are the highlights of our cherished five-day festival.

A huge thank you to all our volunteers who helped our team in the booth: Rob Greene, Jason Fail, Nick Mangini, Sarah Fraser, MaryBeth Lowen, Lindsay Knight, Tyler and his family, Shane Thompson, Josh Rustemyer, Carolyn McMullin, Ephrem Oliver who dressed up as the Crab and especially our fantastic Crab Fest temps, Katie Hazlett & Jen Culton.

2024 Relocation Guide

The physical copies of the 2024 Relocation Guide are in! Thank you to everyone who purchased an Ad. The magazines have been or will be placed in strategic locations such as the Airport, Hotels, the Tustumena, the Coast Guard Welcome Fair, Base Guest Housing, and other offices where everyone's listing and business information will be seen by incoming and newly relocated individuals. Reach out if you would like to place an Ad for 2025!

The Relocation Guide is availably digitally on the website

2025 Photo Contest Now OPEN!

2024 Summer Litter Patrol Program

Congratulations to the following individuals who were hired for the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce's Litter Patrol Program!

Under the supervision of Mr. Flerchinger these students will work for the Chamber of Commerce's Litter Program picking up trash, litter and roadside refuse six hours per day Mon- Fri.

For many years the Chamber has found great reward in sponsoring this program, giving young motivated teens an introduction to employment while benefiting the Kodiak community simultaneously. It's a win win!

The next Board of Directors Meeting will be held Thursday, July 17th at 11:30 am in the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce Conference Room.

Kodiak Chamber Memebrs

YOU'RE INVITED!

2nd Wednesday of every month

Kodiak Non Profit Network Meeting

At the Chamber Conference Room

Time: 1:30 PM

This group is open to Kodiak nonprofit executive directors, program managers, and staff members.

Kodiak Nonprofit Network has been meeting regularly for over 30 years. We support each other, we collaborate, we ask for help or ideas.

Please share program updates, local issues, funding opportunities, questions, and anything else that pertains to nonprofit life

We hope you can attend!

COMING UP! Kodiak Connections Business After Hours! Please Join Us

The Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers is a nonprofit trade association representing the Bering Sea crab industry, including harvesters, processors, and associated businesses. Their mission is to sustainably manage crab resources in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands, ensuring the long-term health and viability of the crab populations and the industry. The organization advocates for science-based management, fair and equitable regulations, and the economic well-being of its members.

The Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers are working diligently to ensure that vital information about the 2019/20 Bering Sea bairdi (Tanner crab) fishery disaster relief application process reaches everyone in the fishing industry. This critical opportunity aims to assist those affected by the significant downturn in crab populations and the resulting economic hardships during that period. If you were impacted, it is highly encouraged to apply for relief.

The Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) is managing the relief process. Applications can be submitted through their dedicated relief website. For detailed information and to start your application, please visit: 2019/20 Bering Sea Tanner Crab Disaster Relief Application.

Eligibility for the relief extends to captains, crew, and other stakeholders directly impacted by the bairdi fishery disaster. It is important to gather all necessary documentation that demonstrates your involvement and losses during the 2019/20 season. Pay close attention to the submission deadlines, as late applications may not be considered, making timely action crucial.

Jamie from Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers, during a recent interview on the Alaska Fisheries Report, emphasized the importance of getting the word out to all affected parties. The crab fishing community is urged to support each other through these challenging times by spreading the news among colleagues and networks.

For any questions or assistance with the application process, do not hesitate to reach out to the Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers office. They are committed to providing the necessary guidance to ensure everyone can take full advantage of this relief opportunity.

Individuals who participate in the Learn & Earn program can be an asset to local businesses. Angelo Malong’s career goal is to work for the Kodiak Island Borough School District helping students with special needs. Angelo has been a Peer Direct Support Professional Apprentice for over three months, he is learning the skills to build relationships, trust, patience, communication, and professionalism to further his career goals.

This is an incredibly exciting time for Strong Solutions and their clients with various levels of special needs.

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Jonathan's programs not only empower individuals but also contribute to building a stronger, more inclusive economy. It’s a win-win for everyone involved!

The Kodiak Chapter of the Chief Petty Officers Association (CPOA) is a pivotal part of our community, comprising of active duty, reserve, and retired Chief Petty Officers from the United States Coast Guard. This chapter has been serving the Kodiak area for nearly five decades, focusing on enhancing the quality of life for military personnel and their families, and fostering a sense of camaraderie and support among members.

They are currently involved in projects such as supporting local youth football programs and the Wounded Warrior Project. They are particularly excited about our upcoming involvement in the Kodiak Rodeo. Significant past projects include beach cleanups and the Santa’s Sleigh program, both of which have had a meaningful impact on the community by enhancing our environment and providing joy during the holiday season. Additionally, they facilitate social events to strengthen community bonds and honor fallen service members through ceremonies and remembrance events. They are raising funds for an important project titled the Coast Guard 1600 Memorial.

Any contributions, large or small, are greatly appreciated and will directly support the construction and maintenance of the memorial. Your generosity will significantly enhance our chances of success and ensure that the legacy of our heroes is honored in the best possible way. While we have suggested donation amounts, please do not feel limited by these numbers.

There are several ways to contribute:

•Logo Bricks: For a donation of $500 or more, an organization's logo will be engraved on an 8x8 brick, becoming a permanent advertisement.

•Individual Bricks: For donations of $100 or $300, individuals can have 8x4 or 8x8 bricks engraved with personalized messages.



•General Donations: Any contribution, large or small, is greatly appreciated and will directly support the construction and maintenance of the memorial.

The Coast Guard 1600 Memorial is a tribute to honor the brave souls lost in the tragic crash of the Coast Guard aircraft 1600 on July 30, 1982. This incident claimed the lives of AT3 Brad S. Canfield and SA Steven D. Berryhill. The memorial will be prominently placed in front of the walkway leading to the commissary at Coast Guard Base Kodiak, Alaska – the highest foot traffic location on the base. It will feature a C-130H propeller and a brass commemorative plaque to ensure the legacy of those we lost remains forever in the hearts of the community.

For more information about the project and to make a donation, please visit our fundraising page: Coast Guard 1600 Memorial Fundraising Page.

Job Openings currently on the Chamber Website

Kodiak Car Rentals: Customer Service Agent NOW OPEN

Strong Solutions: Caregiver NOW OPEN



YOUR JOB POSTINGS COULD BE HERE

Click Here for open positions on the

Chamber Website.

Email ellen@kodiakchamber.org & chamber@kodiakchamber.org to list your open positions on our website today.

The Chamber Offers Health Care

for Members!  

As a Chamber Member, you and your employees have access to excellent health care insurance. Participation is available through Associated Industries, whose mission is to provide comprehensive healthcare products to Alaska employers at affordable prices. 

Please email us for more information.

Interested in becoming a member?

The Chamber Membership gives your organization the tools and support it needs to succeed. With access to business resources, educational materials, advocacy, networking opportunities, and much more... 

Contact us for more details

Chamber Board Members

President Mary Beth Loewen

Past President Jeff Sanford

Vice President Linnea Johnson     

Secretary/Treasurer: Sara Fraser

Board Members              

Lindsay Knight, Robert Greene, Emily Stewart, Nichole Rohde, Hailey Ivanoff, Tyler Wallace, & Nick Mangini



City of Kodiak Representative

Josie Banke

Kodiak Island Borough Representative Aimee Williams

USCG Base Representative

Capt. Jeremy Hall

USCG Air Station Representative Capt.Timothy Williams

KEA Representative Dan Menth

Discover Kodiak Representative

Brock Simmons

Play Pull Tabs @ Henry's!!