MSCVB awards annual local business honors

MAT-SU — The Mat-Su Convention and Visitors Bureau welcomed two new members to its board of directors in November, and also honored local tourism businesses for their success in the industry.

Zack Steer of Sheep Mountain Lodge and Travis Taylor of Premier Alaska Tours were elected to the board by the membership of the Mat-Su CVB. Winning re-election to the board were Cheryl Metiva of the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman and Mark Austin of the Palmer Musk Ox Farm.

At the November board meeting, Craig Saunders of Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours began his second year as president of the board. Metiva will continue as vice president, Nicole Bendle will remain the treasurer and Karen Harris of Alaska Garden Gate B&B is the new secretary. Joining them on the 10-person board are Dee Dee Kay of Grand Denali Lodges, Mabel Wimmer of Mendeltna Creek Lodge and Steve Zadra of Princess Tours.

During the ensuing “Stars of the Industry” luncheon, several local tourism leaders were honored. Ina Mueller was the recipient of the Northern Lights Award for her work in establishing the Big Lake Winterfest event the last two years, in conjunction with the Big Lake Chamber of Commerce.

The Cheechako Award, given annually to a new business that has thrived in its early years, was given to Denali Zipline Tours of Talkeetna. In just its second year of operation, the zipline tour has become a staple of the Talkeetna scene and has expanded to accommodate increased demand.

The Tourism Angel, given to an individual who has made significant contributions to the tourism industry, was given to Vern Halter. Halter has served on the Mat-Su CVB Board of Directors, is a current Mat-Su Assemblyman and owns and operates Dream a Dream Dog Farm, where his Iditarod tours have been very successful.

The Mat-Su Nordic Ski Club was this year’s recipient of the Gold Star Award for overall contributions to the tourism industry. The club has been instrumental in trail grooming, maintenance and promotion of all Nordic skiing in the Valley, but in particular the Government Peak Recreation Area in Hatcher Pass.

The final award was given tongue in cheek. The “It Happens” award was given to a lifelong politician who brought worldwide attention to Talkeetna this fall. Stubbs, the unofficial mayor cat, garnered coverage from the Wall Street Journal, New York Post and more during his recovery from a dog attack. Representatives from Talkeetna accepted the award on the cat’s behalf.