Mat-Su CVB honors local businesses

The Mat-Su CVB honored six local businesses and individuals during the organization’s Stars of the Industry luncheon Nov. 2 at Evangelo’s.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Steve Mahay of Mahay’s Jet Boat Adventures in Talkeetna. Mahay is retiring after 40 years in tourism and has helped many Mat-Su tourism businesses throughout his four decades. Mahay’s son, Israel, is taking over the family business in January.

The Cheechako Award honors a new business that has grown steadily and thrived in its early years. Alaska Horse Adventures was this year’s recipient. They offer guided trail rides in the Butte and Knik River Valley area.

The Northern Lights Award was given to the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation for its efforts in building and maintaining trails and related infrastructure throughout the Mat-Su Borough.

The Gold Star Award honors a business that has made significant contributions. Settlers Bay Golf Course and the Albatross Restaurant was this year’s recipient for their work in hosting concerts, events for nonprofits and working to help establish the Settlers Bay Coastal Trail.

Cole Chambers of K2 Aviation was this year’s Tourism Angel winner. Chambers is a member of the Mat-Su CVB board, is part of the first-ever board of the Mat-Su Visitor Foundation, serves as the chapter president of the Alaska Travel Industry Association Anchorage Chapter and gives her time to many tourism-related causes.

The It Happens Award honors a business that took lemons and turned them into lemonade. This year, that went to Alaska Chinook Charters. With king salmon season shut down, they shifted and started offering eco tours as a way to not lose revenue. While fishing is still their primary focus, they adapted well in the face of adversity.

Mat-Su CVB welcomes new board members

The membership of the Mat-Su CVB elected two incumbents and two new board members in October, and the directors were formally seated on Nov. 2 at the organization’s annual business meeting at Evangelo’s.

Cheryl Metiva of the Extreme Fun Center and Mark Fleenor of Sheep Mountain Lodge both won reelection, while Dan Wilcock of Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours and Ina Mueller of Mat-Su Resort both won seats on the board of directors. Karen Harris of Alaska Garden Gate B&B and Cottages and Craig Saunders of Iditarod Trailside Lodging both reached term limits.

“Karen and Craig have given a lot to the tourism industry throughout the years and their service will be missed for sure,” said Mat-Su CVB President & CEO Bonnie Quill. “But it’s also exciting to welcome Dan and Ina to the board. All of the candidates were excellent.”

Metiva will remain the board chair and Fleenor remains the vice chair. Mark Austin (Musk Ox Farm) remains the treasurer, while Roberta Warner (Explore Tours) remains the secretary. Other board members include Israel Mahay (Mahay’s Jet Boat Adventures), Cole Chambers (K2 Aviation), Collete Hand (Alaska Harvest B&B) and Fernando Salvador (Alaska Collection/Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge).