2018 Annual Chamber of Commerce Meeting

The Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce held their 2018 Annual meeting on Tuesday, February 6th at Everett’s, in the Mat-Su Resort, to review 2017, look forward to 2018 and present special awards to those who have served the Chamber in various capacities.

Our meeting opened with a special Pledge of Allegiance led by Benny Cottle and Bert Hall. Our main speaker was Bill Bopp, President & CEO of Anchorage Economic Development Corporation. Bill gave a wonderful presentation that included economic trends for the Mat-Su Valley. The data he presented showed the ebb and flow of growth over the past 10 years as well as how things have progressed in what is now year 2 of a recession. His main message was to our State Legislature, and the need to resolve State budget issues so communities can get back to the growth we all know is possible.

Mayor Cottle also spoke to us about the growth we are experiencing inside the City of Wasilla. We continue to experience an increase in jobs, and real estate development both residential and commercial. His goal as Mayor is to continue steering the ship in that direction.

We’d like to thank our Annual Meeting Sponsors – Matanuska Telephone Association, Matanuska Electric Association and Algone. Micha Weinstein with MTA assisted in presenting our 2017 awards. Recognition and certificates were awarded to both Stu Graham and Erika Bills for their many years of service to the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce. Their leadership has been invaluable.

The Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Stu Graham for his selfless contributions to the Chamber and their events. The Mat-Su Foodbank was awarded Non-Profit Organization of the Year and the Small Business of the Year award was presented to Lead Dog Enterprises and accepted by owner, Ryan Siebert. Our Business Partner of the Year Award was presented to the City of Wasilla in appreciation for the continued business partnership between the City of Wasilla and the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Cottle accepted that award on behalf of the City of Wasilla.

A special thank you went to The Staff and Management of The Grill and Grand View Inn for hosting our meetings each week. Our next meeting will be held at The Grill on Tuesday February 13th with our main speaker Julie Nolen, Alaska Small Business Development Center, time for Hot Business Tips!

See you there!

Beth Libbey, President