Chamber to choose board of directors

MAT-SU -- It's voting time again for Wasilla residents, that is, if you are a member of the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce. Ballots are available for members to chose the board of directors for a two-year term: November 2003 to November 2005. Nine candidates are vying for the chance to serve on the five-member board. Candidates are as follows:

Jason Hamlin is in management at the Sears store on the Parks Highway. At the introduction of candidates at last week's chamber luncheon, Hamlin said, "I defiantly have a track record of getting results."

George Larson is the CEO of Valley Hospital Association. Larson said he looks at the chamber as a way to help individuals living in the Valley. "I think I can lend something to this board," he said.

Heather Wilkins is the promotions manager of the Creekside Plaza and the owner of the Black Dog Deli. Relatively new to the chamber, Wilkins said, "I'd like to take this opportunity to grow and learn with the chamber."

Chas St. George is the director of community development at Behavioral Health Services of Mat-Su. He said he would be proud to represent the community as a chamber member board because "we have what [people] came to Alaska to live in, we have quality of life."

Robert Baker is the owner of North Star Multimedia. He now serves as the chamber photographer, and would like to promote more local business because "it pains me to see people with good talent have to drive into town."

Ron Farnsworth is the loss mitigation manager for Taylored Restorations and has resided in the Valley for the past eight years. Farnsworth said in his introduction on the chamber ballot, "If elected, I will devote my intellect and energies to helping the chamber achieve its mission."

John Klapperich is an incumbent and the present president of the chamber board. Owner of KMBQ 99.7, Klapperich reminded Wasilla businesses that "it doesn't cost to be a member, it pays!"

Paddy Coan is the associate broker in charge at the Wasilla branch of Prudential Vista Real Estate and has been a Wasilla resident for 12 years. An incumbent of the chamber board, Coan will serve as the board's president if re-elected.

Annette Andres is the vice president and branch manager of Wells Fargo Bank Alaska. A past president of the chamber board, Andres is an incumbent involved in many volunteer groups, including United Way of Mat-Su.

Ballots are available at the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce headquarters in Wasilla. Ballots must be postmarked no later than Nov. 5 or can be hand-delivered to the chamber office by Nov. 6. Results of the election will be announced at the annual meeting luncheon on Nov. 11 at Evangelo's Restaurant.