MSCVB honors local businesses

The Mat-Su Convention & Visitors Bureau honored five local businesses during its annual “Stars of the Industry” awards luncheon Nov. 7 at Evangelo’s.

The luncheon was held in conjunction with the organization’s annual meeting, which featured a panel discussion about tourism infrastructure in the Mat-Su Valley. Presenters represented the Mat-Su Borough, the Alaska Trails Initiative, Alaska State Parks, Mat-Su Trails & Parks Foundation, Chickaloon Village and the Gateway Visitor Center project.

At the awards luncheon, the Cheechako Award was given to Meier Lake Resort. The award honors a relatively new business that has thrived in its early years. Meier Lake underwent a four year renovation and now is a full-service resort sitting on 122 acres on Wasilla Fishhook Road. Steve Solari accepted the award.

The Northern Lights Award honors a community or organization that has distinguished itself for tourism promotion. This year’s winner was the Talkeetna Historical Society for their many efforts in the upper Susitna Valley.

The Gold Star Award is given to a business that has made a significant accomplishment in the industry. This year’s award winner was Knik River Lodge. The lodge has opened a full-service restaurant and is now opening in the evenings during winter for northern lights viewing.

This year’s Tourism Angel Award was given to Mark Austin, executive director of the Musk Ox Farm. He has overseen a renovation project to restore a Colony barn and turn it into an educational center at the farm. He also finished serving his ninth year on the Mat-Su CVB Board of Directors.

The Spirit of Tourism Award was given to the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge and general manager Fernando Salvador for their efforts during the McKinley Fire in August. With hundreds of motorcoaches stranded along the Parks Highway, the lodge assisted by donating food, helping with travel arrangements and other assistance.

Also at the annual meeting, new board members were seated. Salvador was re-elected to a three year term, while Travis Taylor of Premier Alaska Tours and Tony Spiroski of Salmon Berry Tours were elected. They take the seats of Austin, who termed off the board, and Collette Hand of Alaska’s Harvest Bed and Breakfast.