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Dear Chamber Members and Kodiak Community,
You can feel the change in the air over our beautiful island, and as the evenings get earlier and the mornings later, I remind myself of the resilience and adaptability that has always defined our community. I hate the end of summer, but, however reluctantly, let’s embrace the changing seasons and work together to keep Kodiak's business community strong and vibrant. The changing seasons bring shorter days and more indoor activities, with schools heading back into session and for me, dance and tumbling classes twirling back into action!
I'm excited to announce our upcoming Chamber Awards Dinner, a celebration of the outstanding contributions that make our business community thrive. I encourage each of you to take a moment to nominate deserving businesses and individuals for these prestigious awards. Your participation ensures we recognize the best of Kodiak's entrepreneurial spirit. Click Here
As we look to the future, I'm calling on passionate and involved individuals to consider running for one of the two open seats on our Chamber Board of Directors. Your voice and vision can help shape the direction of our business community and contribute to Kodiak's prosperity. And honestly, if you’re interested enough to be reading this, you’d probably be a great addition to our board!
Lastly, I want to remind you of the importance of renewing your Chamber membership. Your continued support empowers us to advocate for your interests and provide resources tailored to your needs, that can help all our Kodiak businesses flourish.
Thank you so much for your support of the Chamber and of our Kodiak community,
Mary Beth President, Kodiak Chamber of Commerce
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE | |
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Dear Chamber Members,
For so many of us, settling into September can be challenging as we resist the end to summer weather, but it also comes with excitement, opportunity for change and possibilities for successful and rewarding fall season. Like children diving back into all things school, there is so much to look forward to in the coming weeks and months.
In this month’s newsletter scroll down for featured stories on Global Credit Union and new Chamber Member Special Finds. There’s also information on upcoming community events including the Kodiak History Museum’s 70th Anniversary Celebration tomorrow from 5pm to 7pm, on Saturday Kodiak Kindness will have their annual Milk Run/Walk, the Kodiak Community Foundation & Kodiak Arts Council’s Downtown Block Party on Saturday and more.
As promised, we will be kicking off a Fall Holiday Raffle this month with a nice variety of cash prizes and a chance to win 2 Round Trip Tickets on Alaska Airlines. Ticket sales will close out on November 25th and winners will be drawn on the 26th just in time for the holidays.
Later in the month I hope you join us at the Senior Center for an Ice Cream Social Business After Hours Wednesday the 25th from 5 to 6:30. This is a great opportunity to learn more about their services, buses, tour the Senior Center, and enjoy some ice cream with your peers.
Plans for the annual community wide shopping event, Moonlight Madness, are brewing for Friday October 18th. Also, on Friday the 18th the Mule Deer Foundation will hold another Gunapalooza Raffle Fundraiser. Watch for more details to come about both events very soon.
We are excited about and busy planning for a “Chamber Hollywood Night”, this year’s Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner at the Afognak Center on Saturday, October 26th. Tickets will go on sale by next Friday the 13th. We are still accepting nominations for our Annual Member Recognition Awards and if you have been considering serving on the Chamber Board of Directors you can still submit an application for a Board seat. This year we have 2 Board Seats up for election.
Thank you to those of you who have taken the time to fill out our Kodiak Small Business Survey. We are giving away $100 to one lucky winner who completes our survey. We’ve modeled it somewhat after the Alaska Small Business Development Corporation’s annual Small Business Survey and we have quite a few questions on what types of subject matter/topics for training and forums you’re interested in. The link to the survey in this newsletter now through September 30th.
You could help influence next year’s crab fest logo and poster by submitting theme ideas to us. You have through tomorrow September 6th to get some cool theme ideas to us. This will be our 67th year. If you’d like to submit a theme idea or would like more information on past Crab Fest themes, please reach out to Linda at chamber@kodiakchamber.org. And if you’d like to be a part of our Crab Fest Committee this year please let us know.
It’s an election year which means you are blessed with the opportunity to make a difference by voting for the candidates you believe will best represent us on the local, state and national levels. The Chamber is doing its part to help you get to know the candidates running for office.
With our local municipal election on Tuesday, October 1st and early voting starting on September 16th, next Monday & Tuesday we are hosting Local Candidates Forums in the Borough Assembly Chambers with KMXT. The forums will be broadcast on 100.1 FM KMXT, streamed at www. kmxt.org and you are of course invited to listen to the candidates in person each night.
Then on October 8th, we will host an in-person US House Fisheries Debate at the Gerald C. Wilson Auditorium starting at 7pm. Candidates Nick Begich, and Incumbent Representative Mary Peltola have agreed to participate. We are waiting on final confirmation from the other candidates regarding participation. If you have fisheries topics and questions you want to be considered for the debate, please email them to me.
If you're looking for a nice way to start your weekend, tomorrow is the First Friday Art Walk from 5 to 7, this month’s participating businesses include the Alutiiq Museum Store, the Kodiak History Museum, Harborside Fly-By, Kodiak Island Brewing & Still and the Kodiak Refuge Visitor Center downtown.
Thank you for your membership and continued support of the Chamber, our events and programs. Please reach out to Ericka, Linda or I via email and let us know if you would like us to share something about your business or organization in our October newsletter.
Kindest Regards,
Ellen Simeonoff, Executive Director, Kodiak Chamber of Commerce
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COMPLETE the Survey for a chance to WIN $100!
The survey can give us a better indication of what the current local challenges are, what our strengths are, how successful the Kodiak business community is and how the Chamber can better serve our members through educational and training opportunities.
The deadline to complete the survey is September 30th.
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2024 Local Kodiak Candidate Forums | |
2024 Annual Awards Dinner Sponsorship | |
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Showcase your organization in a room full of community leaders, business owners, and potential new clients by sponsoring one of the items for the dinner. All will recognize your generous contribution to making the event much more memorable, and this kind of visibility is an excellent opportunity to reinforce your presence.
Our sponsors will be prominently featured during the event on materials, signage displays, and in verbal acknowledgements during the evening's announcements, ensuring that your name is seen and remembered by a wide audience.
Contact Ericka at crd@kodiakchamber.org to learn more.
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2024 Annual Awards Nominations
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Please email your nominations to the Chamber by Tuesday, September 10th
For a list of previous year's winners click here.
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The Chamber is now accepting nominations for five annual awards and a new community award, to be presented at the Annual Meeting on Saturday, October 26th.
Award Categories:
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Business of the Year
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Volunteer of the Year
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Service Organization of the Year
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Member of the Year
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Cornerstone Award
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Excellence in Customer Service Award
You can nominate multiple people or businesses for the same award, or one person for multiple awards.
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2024 Photo Contest- 2 weeks left! | |
2024 Fisheries Debate Live | | |
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Join us for the 2024 Alaska Fisheries Debate, where industry leaders, community members, and candidates will come together to discuss the future of our fisheries. | |
This is your chance to hear directly from those shaping policies that impact our vital fishing industry. Don’t miss out—your voice and presence matter!
📅 Date: Tue, Oct 8th
📍 Location: Gerald C Wilson Auditorium
See you there!
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🙏 A big THANK YOU to our incredible sponsors for supporting the 2024 Alaska Fisheries Debate! Your generosity is helping us bring together the brightest minds in the industry to discuss and shape the future of Alaska's fisheries. We couldn’t do this without you! | |
Small Business Collaboration Group | | |
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The Chamber's Small Business Collaboration Group's next meeting is set for Tuesday, September 17th, at 9am in the Chamber conference room. Look for an upcoming email invitation. 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.
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Monthly Chamber Board Meeting | |
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- Wednesday, September 18th
- 11:30 am
- Kodiak Chamber Conference Room
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Non Profit Network Meeting | | |
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Come Attend!
- 2nd Wednesday every month
- 1:30 pm
- Chamber Conference room
facebook page
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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.
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Senior Citizen Kodiak Business After Hours | |
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Join the Chamber at our next Business After Hours on Wednesday, September 25th from 5:00 to 6:30 pm! Come enjoy a delicious ice cream sundae, learn more about our services, busses and tour the facility! Door Prizes will be given and we'll play Split the Pot!
Looking forward to seeing you there!
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2023 Crab Fest Merch Sale | |
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BIG SALE HAPPENING NOW!
2023 Merchandise is available at the Chamber office. Come on down to purchase items 50% off or more.
Shop online or at the Chamber, Monday - Friday from 8 am - 4pm. Downstairs below Discover Kodiak.
2023 Merchandise Sale
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Alutiiq Museum Store, Kodiak History Museum, Kodiak Refuge Visitors Center, Harborside Fly-By and Kodiak Island Brewing & Still | |
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First Friday Art Walks in Kodiak are designed to provide artists an opportunity to showcase their work, and provide community members a fun way to enjoy new arts experiences. The Kodiak Arts Council works with Kodiak Chamber of Commerce and the Frame Shop to coordinate First Friday Art Walks year-round. We work with a variety of venues including local museums, libraries, art studios, and businesses of all kinds.
Many thanks to the Kodiak artists whose work is featured in the Art Walk logo:
A - Sally Troxell, R - Angela Toci, T - Hannah Gordon, W - Bruce W. Nelson, A - Neelam Ibrahim, L - Megan Ivanoff, K - Stacy Studebaker
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Kodiak History Museum 70th Anniversary | |
Friday, September 6th | 5 - 7 pm
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Celebrate preserving and sharing Kodiak’s history for 70 years! Join us for an evening of sharing stories with community experts and knowledge holders, light refreshments, and contribute to a community time capsule! Free and open to the public.
All time capsule participants will be entered into a raffle drawing to win one of two fantastic prizes.
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Alaska Aerospace Open House | |
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AAC Welcomes the Kodiak Community to their Open House Event
Date: Sunday, September 15th
Time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Location: Pacific Spaceport Complex - Alaska (PSCA)
For questions, feel free to contact local (907) 486-2271. We hope to see you there.
Click Here for More Details
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T-Minus one week until the 3rd Annual Downtown Block Party! We have more than two dozen local nonprofits, organizations, and performers ready to keep you and your family entertained on Saturday, September 7, from 12 - 4 p.m.
See you downtown, on the mall in one week!
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Kodiak Kindess Milk Run/Walk 2024 | |
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Join Kodiak KINDNESS for our annual Milk Run/Walk at Woody Way Field! This is a family, dog and stroller-friendly event. There will be a children's race across the field for the "littles" prior to the kick off of the "pick-your-distance" (up to 5K) event!
Call or text 907-539-2660 with any questions.
Schedule
Saturday, September 7, 2024
Woody Way Field
9:45 - 10:20 am -- Same-day Registration, Bib Pick-Up, Door Prize Tickets
10:30 am -- Children's Race
10:45 am -- Family Friendly Race "pick-your-distance" (up to 5K)
After the races -- Milk and Cookies for all! Door Prizes from local businesses to
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Kodiak Furniture Tax Free Sale | |
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Strenghthening Community Ties and Supporting the Future of Kodiak
Global Credit Union (Global CU) continues to reinforce its commitment to community outreach and involvement, making strides in supporting the people and institutions that make Kodiak a vibrant and thriving community. This year, Global CU is renewing its focus on local partnerships, working closely with organizations like Chambers of Commerce, Rotary, schools, and youth-centered groups to make a meaningful impact.
One of the key initiatives Global CU is undertaking is a partnership with the Youth Courts of Alaska and the Kodiak Youth Court. They are sponsoring and supporting the upcoming Alaska State Youth Court Conference, which will be held in Kodiak this October. During the conference, Global CU’s branch manager will not only facilitate financial education classes but also volunteer time to help ensure the event's success.
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Welcome New Chamber Member: Special Finds | |
Empowering Independence and Building Community | |
Special Finds Thrift Store is more than just a place to find great deals—it's a beacon of opportunity for Kodiak's special needs community. Founded by Andy Conway, the store was born out of a desire to provide meaningful employment and skill-building opportunities for special adults who have graduated from the high school's Life Skills program.
At Special Finds, employees are trained in essential job skills such as handling money, processing inventory, cleaning, and customer service. Andy’s goal is to ensure that these skills are transferable, giving employees the tools they need to succeed in any workplace. Beyond that, the store plays a vital role in supporting the Special Friends Organization, helping fund their participation in the Special Olympics each year.
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Alaska Economic Trends
Alaska Economic Trends is a monthly magazine that covers a broad range of economic issues.
Click the link above to view the current electronic magazine, search articles and archives, and sign up for a FREE electronic subscription.
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Strong Solutions: Caregiver NOW OPEN
BridgeView Dental: Dental Hygienist & Dental Assistant NOW OPEN
Northrim: Teller or Universal Banker NOW OPEN
BrightBox Farms: Farm Tech NOW OPEN
Click Here for open positions on the Chamber Website.
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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.
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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.
How Do I Get Started? Contact us, via email, stop by the office, or call (907) 486-5557 to schedule an interview by calling the Chamber office.
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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!
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Alaska Small Business Development Center | Visit https://aksbdc.org/ for more On Demand Workshops and More! | |
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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
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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.
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THANK YOU TO OUR RENEWING MEMBERS
- Radar Alaska
- Kodiak Community Health Center
- Kodiak Hana
- Chellissa Fisheries
- Kodiak Vision Clinic
- The Knotty Crew
- Kodiak Island Ambulatory Care Clinic
- Educational Concepts
Welcome to new member Family Dentistry of Kodiak
If we missed you , we sincerely apologize. Please let us know.
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New & Renewing Pike Sponsors | |
If you're interested in becoming a PIKE Sponsor let us know. | |
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Reach out to Ellen at 907-486-5557 or email ellen@kodiakchamber.org.
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THANK YOU TO OUR PIKE SPONSORS | | |
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...
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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 Bahnke
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
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Play Pull Tabs @ Henry's!! | | |
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CHAMBER STAFF
Administrative Assistant: Linda Hartle
Community Relations Director: Ericka Thompson
Executive Director: Ellen Simeonoff
CONTACT US
Phone: (907) 486 5557
www.KodiakChamber.org
chamber@KodiakChamber.org
crd@kodiakchamber.org
ellen@kodiakchamber.org
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