South Denali a focus at CVB meeting

MAT-SU — The positive economic impact developing Denali State Park would have on the Mat-Su Borough was a major topic during a recent roundtable discussion that featured panelists from local, state and national organizations.

More than 60 people turned out for Mat-Su Convention and Visitors Bureau’s annual meeting Nov. 8 at Settler’s Bay, which included the South Denali presentation as well as an outline of the CVB’s marketing plan and an awards luncheon.

“South Denali is such an important part of the visitor experience in the Mat-Su Valley, and future development there could enrich those experiences so much,” said Bonnie Quill, executive director of the Mat-Su CVB.

Panelists included Bruce Bustamante of Princess Tours, Eileen Probasco from the Mat-Su Borough, Miriam Valentine of the National Parks Service, and David Griffin and Ben Ellis from the state of Alaska.

Ellis and Griffin outlined a projected timeline for development of a South Denali Visitor Center and updated the crowd on the status of funding. A Curry Ridge center is envisioned, with a transportation hub located along the Parks Highway. Probasco and Valentine talked about how the project complements both the Mat-Su Borough and the National Parks Service. Bustamante talked about how developments will have a positive economic effect on not only tourism businesses in the borough, but all businesses.

Following the roundtable discussion, the new board of directors was seated for the Mat-Su CVB. Re-elected to three-year terms were Nicole Bendle of First National Bank Alaska and Dee Dee Kay of CIRI Alaska Tourism Corp., who will serve as president of the board for the third year in a row. Also elected to three-year terms were Mabel Wimmer of Mendeltna Creek Lodge and Cheryl Metiva of Morris Communications.

They join the six other directors on the 10-person board: Craig Saunders of Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours; Ruth Kimerer of the Alaska Railroad; Karen Harris of Alaska Garden Gate B&B; Bethany Buckingham of the Dorothy Page Museum; Mark Austin of the Palmer Musk Ox Farm; and Steve Zadra of Princess Tours.

Dan McDonough of Lifetime Adventures opted not to run for the board after nine years of service. Jason Votruba of Deshka Landing Outdoor Association resigned from the board to pursue other opportunities.