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A Message from our Board of Directors President, Mary Beth Loewen

Dear Chamber Members,

As we dive into May, the Chamber is buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming Crab festival, an annual highlight for our local community, as well as visitors. And hip hip hooray, Tons of Fun entertainment will be back with bounce houses and all sorts of fun activities for kids!

As we look ahead to the summer, there's a sense of renewal in the air. As the days grow longer, I'm reminded of the beauty and resilience of our island. Thank you to everyone who participated in the annual community clean-up last weekend, ensuring that Kodiak remains pristine for residents and visitors alike. I'm also filled with optimism for what lies ahead. Our Chamber continues to be a driving force for positive change and economic growth in Kodiak, thanks to the support and involvement of our members. Several state-wide groups will be visiting Kodiak this summer, such as the AK Chamber of Commerce and AK Municipal League, and those are always a great chance to learn more about what’s happening in the wider world.

In reflecting on the past few months, I'm proud to say that our Coast Guard appreciation dinner was a tremendous success. We had the privilege of honoring several Coast Guard members and their spouses for their dedication and service to our community. Their commitment to keeping our waters safe is truly commendable, and we're grateful for all that they do. ComFish was also a great few days. Especially in light of recent changes in our processor capacity in Kodiak, harvest prices, and other impactful logistics, ComFish this year was particularly meaningful, filled with engaging forums and an impressive array of tradeshow booths, showcasing the best our region has to offer. Fishing truly is and remains the bedrock of our town, and what happens in Alaska’s fisheries and the ocean ecosystems will affect us all.

I encourage you all to stay engaged and take advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead. Whether it's participating in Crab Festival (we always need more volunteers) events like the foot races, the parade, or visiting vendors and enjoying the food, joining a Chamber committee (the Small Business committee meets monthly and has lots of good ideas and collaboration opportunities!), or simply connecting with fellow Chamber members to learn more about the diversity of businesses in our community, your involvement makes a difference.

Thank you for your continued support, and here's to a successful and fulfilling month ahead.

Mary Beth Loewen

President

Kodiak Chamber of Commerce

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S UPDATE

Dear Chamber Members,

I hope the arrival of this newsletter finds each of you doing well, ready for spring to finally take off and for a great summer season in Kodiak.

So much has taken place since our last newsletter in February. We hosted a Pull Tabs Customer Appreciation Event on St. Patrick's Day with our Pull Tab Partners, the Humane Society of Kodiak. Then we had two Business After Hours in March, first for Island Trails Network at Kodiak Island Brewing and then on Friday, March 29th at Kodiak College. In early March we were fortunate to hire Ericka Thompson, to fill the role of Community Relations Director. Ericka started on March 6th, just in time to dive into our many different Spring Chamber events. Ericka brings a wealth of valuable relevant experience, skills and a contagious positive, helpful "Can Do" attitude to the Chamber which is exactly what we needed as we headed into the biggest projects and events of the year.

For the past two months plus our Chamber staff were been busy planning and working on ComFish & the Forums, Community Clean Up Day and CrabFest as well as finalizing the 2024 Relocation Guide. Our days, nights and some of our weekends have been power packed getting ready for and implementing each of these events. To help us keep up with everything, we've added to temporary employees to help us with each of these events. Jennifer Culton and Katie Hazlett have been hard at work since April and will continue working with us through Crab Fest.

ComFish Alaska 2024 was a great success, we had an excellent community turn out in our new location at the Kodiak Marketplace and the Forums were very well attended and informative. The Chamber is incredibly grateful to all of our speakers/presenters for the Forums, notably Senator Dan Sullivan, Senator Lisa Murkowski, Representative Mary Peltola, US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, Senator Gary Stevens, Representative Louise Stutes, and Alaska Fish & Game Commissioner Doug Vincent-Lang. Tremendous thanks goes out to all of our 2024 ComFish Forum Speakers for your time and dedication to the Commercial Fishing Industry and to new economic opportunities for our community and our State.

Thank you to everyone that came out and helped pick up trash this past weekend and to everyone that volunteered their time and made food donations for Saturday's Community Clean Up Day. Thank you to our Community Clean Up Day Sponsors: Matson, Silver Bay Seafoods, the Kodiak Island Borough, the City of Kodiak, Kodiak Lions Club, Kiwanis Club of Kodiak, Safeway, Walmart, Cost Savers, Subway, Threshold Services, Nick's Auto Wrecking & Salvage, Boy Scout Troup 626, Kodiak Rotary Club, Audubon Society of Kodiak, and Alaska Waste. Huge thanks to everyone that picked up the old mattresses, sofas, refrigerators, other large household garbage and old vehicle parts from our neighborhoods, up Pillar Mountain and in Monashka. The saying It Takes a Village is so very true when it comes to Community Clean Up. This year the Chamber partnered with the KANA Native Youth Council for Community Clean Up Day. These students have been hosting Village Clean Ups around the island since Earth Day, we look forward to updating you on what they were able to accomplish.

The 66th Annual Kodiak Crab Festival is just a little more than 2 weeks away and we are excited! We have over 60 Vendors signed up, parade and event registration is still open. We are selling Crab Fest Merchandise and Raffle Tickets online, in our office and of course at Crab Fest through Memorial Day. Our raffle ticket winners will be drawn at our CrabFest Booth starting at 3pm on Monday, May 27th.

All Roads Lead To The Spit--Crab Fest 66...is this year's theme and we love this year's logo by high school senior Makoto Seto on our Crab Fest Merchandise, the poster designed by local artist Robert Wagner, and we are thrilled to have Tons of Fun Entertainment return to Kodiak with slides, bounce houses, a climbing wall, bucking bull, salmon and much more! Plus the Bungee Bounce and Kodiak Christian School Hamster Balls are back for Crab Fest and new this year will be RC Cars! DJ Marc is brining "In Da Mix In Da Mall" back to Thursday at Crab Fest and the City of Kodiak Parks & Rec Department will have the Crab Fest Pillar Mountain & Bike Races on Sunday end back downtown at Crab Fest again this year! Crab Fest Weekend 2024 promises to be a great time filled with fantastic food, events, and activities Thursday through Memorial Day Monday! The full schedule of events will be posted on our website kodiakcrabfest.com by mid next week. Also... Tons of Fun Entertainment is looking to hire 8 students to work for them over Crab Fest so if you know someone who'd like to earn a little money over Crab Fest...or if you know of a non profit group/organization that would like to earn the money please let me know right away.

This Saturday be sure to join us at the Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Kodiak Tactical at 1315 Mill Bay Road Ste. C from 12pm to 2pm.

Thank you for all that you do for our community to make it a better place to live, work, enjoy life and raise our families.

Ellen Simeonoff

Executive Director

Kodiak Chamber of Commerce

COMFISH REVIEW 2024

We hope this message finds you well and still riding the wave of excitement from ComFish 2024 in Kodiak, AK! With the event now behind us, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the incredible experience we shared together. For those who may have missed it, ComFish is the largest and longest running premiere commercial fisheries trade show in Alaksa, bringing together industry leaders, businesses, and enthusiasts to celebrate our vibrant fishing economy.

Event Highlights:

Forums and Discussions: Throughout the convention, attendees engaged in insightful discussions on a range of industry topics, from drug mediation to navigating economic challenges. Special thanks to Senator Dan Sullivan for his invaluable insights into legislative actions to protect our fishing economy.
Vendor Showcase: With under 50 booths featuring industry businesses and complementary organizations, the Kodiak Marketplace was abuzz with activity. From marine apparel stores to educational institutions like Kodiak College Maritime, the marketplace showcased the diversity and innovation driving our industry forward.
Networking and Community: From Taco Night at Kodiak's Brewery & Still to sponsored breakfasts and evening soirees, attendees enjoyed delicious food and forged meaningful connections. Special thanks to our sponsors, including Trident Seafoods Cascade and Cummins, for their generous spread of amazing and delicious food and libations.
Professionalism and Camaraderie: The professionalism of our vendors and the camaraderie among attendees made ComFish 2024 a resounding success. We're proud to have provided a platform for networking, collaboration, and celebration within our community.

As we reflect on the achievements of ComFish 2024, we look forward to building upon this success and continuing to strengthen our fishing economy for years to come.

Stay connected with us on social media and our website for updates on future events and initiatives. Until we meet again at ComFish 2025, tight lines and fair seas!

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of ComFish 2024 – from our sponsors and vendors to our dedicated events team and the Kodiak community at large. Your support and enthusiasm made this year's event truly unforgettable.

Big Thanks to our sponsors: Turnagain, Lynden, Highmark Marine, John Deere, Mitsubishi Marine, Cascade, Silver Bay Seafoods, F/V Silver Spray, Trident, AG West, Petro Marine Services and Samson Tug & Barge, KMXT, and Kodiak Harbormaster.

Thank you to our COMFISH PIKE Sponsors: World Wide Movers, Alaska Aerospace, KVOK HOT 101, Alaska Airlines, Lions Club, Best Western, Northrim Bank, Matson, Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center, Koniag, Kodiak Furniture, and the Kodiak Daily Mirror. Alaska Marine Conservation Council, Alaska Sea Grant, ASMI, Sitka Seafood Market, Kodiak Island WIldsource, and Kodiak Jig Seafoods, Association of Latin Women in Alaska.

Thank you to our Forum Moderators and Speakers as well as our ComFish Committee Members: Julie Bonney, Linda Kozak, Theresa Peterson, Julie Matweyou, Hailey Ivanoff, Nick Mangini, Julianne Curry, Nick Szabo, Nichole Rohde, Cooper Curtis & Jeff Stephen.

Thanks to the IT Wes Hanna, the Best Western and Kana Events Staff for helping to make our event a successful one!

Congratulations to Linda Suydam! Winner of the 2 Round Trip Tickets on Alaska Airlines! Thank you to Alaska Airlines and everyone who participated in the Bingo Card during ComFish!

COMMUNITY CLEAN UP DAY RECAP

Thank you to everyone who participated in Kodiak’s Community Clean Up event last weekend! 🌟 It was a beautiful Kodiak spring day, and we were thrilled to see such an enthusiastic response from the community. 🌸 A special thanks to the Boy Scouts, Walmart Team, Providence, Rotary Club, Island Trails Network, ALMA, Kodiak Soil & Water Conservation District, and all the hardworking community volunteers who came out. 👏

We also want to extend a heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors whose support made this event possible. 🙌 A big thank you to Matson for donating prizes, as well as Lions, US Foods, Walmart, Safeway, Subway, and Cost Savers for their contributions towards the food. 🥳

A special shout out to the Lions club for preparing a delicious lunch of hamburgers and hotdogs for everyone. Yummmm! 🍔🌭

🌟Special thank you to Sara Fraser, Rob & Sherrie Greene, MIke and Stacy Ross, the Kodiak Lions Club, Maria Carmona, and the students from Kana Native Youth Council. 🌟

Don't miss out on the chance to win some amazing prizes from Matson! 🎉 As a thank you for your hard work, sign up online before May 10th for your shot at winning a fantastic reward. 💪

Thanks to our generous sponsors whose support made this event possible!!

REMINDER! Upload your Photo to Enter the Matson Drawing for a chance to win $125 Local to Loyal Gift Card. Thank you to the businesses who participated.

Welcome Our New Community Relations Director

Hello Kodiak Community! My name is Ericka Thompson, and I'm thrilled to step into the role of Community Relations Director with the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce. Many of you might already know me from my time at the Kodiak Island Borough School District, where I've had the pleasure of working alongside some incredible individuals.

With a background in business, account management, and marketing, I bring a wealth of experience to the table. I believe that my skills will not only support our Chamber members but also contribute to the economic growth and overall development of the chamber events and membership.

My vision for Kodiak is one of prosperity and inclusivity. I envision a community where businesses thrive, residents flourish, and newcomers feel welcomed with open arms. As the Community Relations Director, my primary goals revolve around increasing business participation and building a robust network by facilitating connections, providing resources, and advocating for our members.

I'm particularly excited about Crab Fest and our next ComFIsh event. We've been hard at work planning the marketing strategies, creative elements, and logistical details to ensure these events are a resounding success.

Frame Shop Business After Hours

May 3rd from 5:00 to 7:00pm the Chamber of Commerce hosted a Business After Hours with the Frame Shop!

The Chamber joined the Frame Shop in a Business After Hours Event during the May Art Walk! Crab Fest 66 Posters were available for purchase and a signature from local Kodiak Artist Robert Wagner! We played Split the Pot, gave out Door Prizes, Crab Cab Stickers and more. Sarah had a delicous charcuterie spread and libations. Thank you to Lindsay Knight & Robert Greene for stopping by!

CLICK HERE FOR PICTURES

Hiring for Litter Patrol

🚮💰 Do you know a teen who is looking for a summer job? 💰🚮

Please share that the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce is hiring four motivated students aged 14-17 to join the Kodiak Youth Litter Patrol team. It's a great way to get a resume started, build refrences, and learn some job responsibility.

🌟 Job Details:

Six hours per day, Monday through Friday
Mid-June to early August
Responsibilities include picking up trash, litter, and roadside refuse

Ready to be part of the solution? Fill out your application, or email it to ellen@kodiakchamber.org.

Click for Full Details

CRAB FEST 2024 PLANNING IS UNDERWAY!!

GET YOUR CRABFEST "TONS OF FUN ENTERTAINMENT" PRESALE TICKETS AT THE CHAMBER OFFICE NOW AND SAVE $10 per every 20 tickets!!!

THE CRABFEST POSTERS ARE IN! GET YOURS NOW AT THE CHAMBER OFFICE OR THROUGH kodiakcrabfest.com.

Crab Fest Raffle Tickets are on sale now!

You could win anywhere from $500 up to $10,000!!! Tickets are just $25 each or 5 for $100! Click here to purchase your tickets now:

Winners will be drawn at 3pm on Monday, May 27th, 2024 downtown at our CrabFest Headquarters Booth 403 W Marine Way, Kodiak, AK 99615. Only 3,000 tickets available for purchase. You must be an Alaska Resident and 18 years or older. Tickets are also available through kodiakchamber.org or in person at the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce office 100 East Marine Way Suite 300; Kodiak, AK 99615. For questions call 907-486-5557.

Click here for the official rules!

Tons of Fun Entertainment is hiring Inflatable Equipment Attendants during CrabFest!

$15 an hour. Turn in Applications to Ellen at the Chamber office or email ellen@kodiakchamber.org. Click Below for More Details

Tons of Fun Job Details

PARADE REGISTRATION IS OPEN!!

Click on the button below to register and for more information.

Parade Registration

WANT TO HELP OUT?CRAB FEST VOLUNTEER SIGN UP IS AVAILABLE

CHAMBER NEWS & VIEWS

Share what's happening at your business through Chamber News & Views!

Chamber News & Views is a weekly, two-minute, pre-recorded radio segment that airs on KVOK & HOT 101.1

Each segment spotlights one of our local Chamber Members and is recorded at the KVOK studio.

What is Discussed? Maybe you have a sale coming up, or a new menu, or want to let the community know about a new feature, event or changes at your business. We will help guide your message, but anything business-related is fair game!

Who Can Take Advantage? Any Chamber Member is able to take advantage of this unique promotional opportunity. Anyone from the organization can be interviewed. You choose the direction and goal you'd like to accomplish and we will work with you to achieve it! This is a completely FREE service we provide for our Chamber Members.

I'm Ready, What Do I Do Next? Contact us, via email, stop by the office, or call (907) 486-5557 to schedule an interview by calling the Chamber office.

The Small Business

Collaboration Group

The Chamber's Small Business Collaboration Group's next meeting will be scheduled sometime this summer. Email ellen@kodiakchamber.org if you'd like to attend in person or via zoom.

The Group's mission is to support an environment of success for small business through collaboration, communication, and education.

MEMBER INFORMATION & UPCOMING EVENTS

COMING UP! Kodiak Tactical Grand Opening! Please Join Us

CLICK HERE FOR EVENT DETAILS

COMING UP! RELOCATION GUIDE

The Relocation Guide is available digitally on the website. Click the link below for a peek. A physical copy will be coming to you soon!

Visit the Digital Guide

MEMBER RESOURCES

Visit https://aksbdc.org/ for more On Demand Workshops and More!

Alaska Small Business Development Center

Workshops & On-Demand Classes

Combating Fraud & Identity Theft
Creating a Compelling Commercialization Plan
Avoiding Security Disasters for Small Businesses
SBA Loans & What the Lender Requires
Digital Marketing Trends
Beginner's Guide Sell Your Products on Etsy
Credit It is that important
ADA Law What Businesses Should Know
Financial Health of Your Business
Anatomy of Modern Websites
Bookkeeping Basics
Creating Financial Projections for your Business Plan
Developing a Marketing/Sales Strategy
How to get a Business License in Alaska

Put Your Membership to Work for You

POST YOUR JOB ON THE CHAMBER WEBSITE

Email us your job listing and we can share them on our online Job Board, post them on our social media, and include them in our monthly e-newsletter. You can also easily upload your job listings through the Member Portal yourself.

Contact the Chamber office for more details! 907-486-5557 or email chamber@kodiakchamber.org.

Job Openings currently on the Chamber Website

RTS AUTO:

Automotive Mechanic

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.

Access Your Membership Portal!

We want our members to get the most out of our online directory and resources by updating their membership listing with the most current contact information for the Kodiak Chamber's website! Login to your member portal or call (907) 486-5557 or email chamber@kodiakchamber.org to get your online portal set up 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.

Membership with the Chamber

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...