Passionate promoters: Mat-Su CVB celebrates 30 years

WASILLA — The Mat-Su Convention and Visitors Bureau looked back on 30 years of promoting the Matanuska and Susitna valleys and handed out a slew of awards Nov. 4 at its annual membership meeting and luncheon, held this year at Evangelo’s.

The 30-year anniversary was an opportunity for the MSCVB staff, board of directors as well as current members to trace the growth and mission of the organization since its inception.

Marketing and Communications manager Casey Ressler outlined the CVB’s efforts over the years in marketing outreach with a presentation that showed the evolution of both the organization’s website and visitors’ guide. A redesigned website launch in May has garnered a couple of awards for the group, most recently a Silver Award in the tourism category in the W3 Awards, a national competition that highlights award-winning websites and online marketing programs.

The CVB also recently released its 2017 visitor guide.

Membership manager Justin Saunders highlighted the group’s growth over the span, beginning with 65 in 1987. Today’s membership tops out at 255, a total that has seen steady growth over the last few years, Saunders said.

The CVB also presented its “Stars of the Industry” awards at the luncheon. They included:

Tourism Angel Award

Zack and Anjanette Steer. The Steers owned Sheep Mountain Lodge from 2000-2015, and following the sale of the lodge, Zack remained on the Mat-Su CVB board of directors. His term expired this year, and he did not seek reelection.

Northern Lights Award

Given to a community or community organization for outstanding tourism promotion and/or development, the 2016 recipient is the Palmer Museum of History and Art and Visitor Center. Ressler said in an email the award went to the group for not only promoting Palmer, but also because it has started and participated in many events (Palmer Midsummer Garden and Art Faire, Second Saturdays, The Wine Walk,) “that benefit the community as a whole.”

Gold Star Award

Ressler said this award recognizes a business or organization that has made significant accomplishments. This year’s recipient is The Musk Ox Farm.

“The Musk Ox Farm is one of eight charter members as we celebrate our 30th anniversary,” Ressler said, citing the work of current director Mark Austin, who took over in 2010. “Prior to Mark’s tenure, the farm was always on unsure financial ground and almost didn’t open. The farm has turned it around, and is more successful now than ever before.” Ressler cited the farm’s successful “OxToberfest” events that combine music, Alaska grown food and local craft beers.

Cheechako Award

According to the CVB, this awarded goes to a relatively new tourism business, organization or entity that has managed to not only survive, but thrive during its early years.

“This year we actually have two awards winners,” Ressler said. “The first is the Extreme Fun Zone, for opening up and creating 60 new jobs during a challenging time in the economy. In addition to creating jobs, they created fun – an atmosphere of family friendly activities and entertainment that includes race carts, laser tag, an arcade, lounge and much more.”

The second is Alaska Travel Connections, which is owned by Isabelle Bornemann.

“Isabelle has had a long career in tourism, but opened Alaska Travel Connections three years ago,” Ressler said. “They cater to international guests and have grown every year. She uses a lot of Mat-Su Valley businesses in her itineraries. They have also assisted Mat-Su CVB with international marketing efforts.”

Spirit of Tourism Award

Ressler said the award is a special one that isn’t given out every year. This year’s recipient is Visit Anchorage.

“Which may seem weird at first, but there’s a definite Mat-Su angle there,” Ressler said. “They had a huge impact on helping the CVB reach hundreds of international tour operators and travel media in the last year.”