Student vendors take over Everett’s

The Young Entrepreneur Expo returns to Everett’s Fine Dining Bar and Bistro at the Mat-Su Resort on Saturday, Nov. 29, from noon to 4 p.m., transforming the property into a bustling marketplace run entirely by kids.

Dozens of student vendors from across the Mat-Su Valley from kindergarteners to 12th graders, including homeschoolers will showcase everything from handmade soaps, lotions, and woodworking to baked goods and creative crafts. Guests can explore the Pavilion, the Loft where comedy shows are usually held, and the surrounding grounds, shop, grab a bite to eat, and celebrate the next generation of innovators.

At the heart of the event is Amber Glasser, Everett’s manager and visionary behind the expo. When the pandemic hit, Amber suddenly found herself furloughed.

“It was really hard being in limbo,” she recalls.

But rather than wait for life to resume, she dove into community life. For 18 months, she attended assembly and school board meetings with her children, showing them what civic responsibility looks like. She even ran for community council.

“If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem by default,” she said.

By mid-2021, Amber was preparing to leave the service industry for good, leaning into politics, parenting, and even studying for her real estate license. Then a friend introduced her to Jerry Neeser, owner of Mat-Su Resort, who suggested she manage Everett’s.

“I was done. I was tired of being pushed around and underappreciated,” Glasser said.

But Neeser persisted. A few days later, she answered his call. Three interviews later, she was hired.

The pressure was immediate. Everett’s staff had dwindled to just 15 employees. At her first staff meeting, the owner warned, “She’s the last manager I’m hiring. If she can’t do it, I’m closing the doors.”

Glasser didn’t flinch. Four years later, she’s grown the team to 55, added two barrel saunas, expanded operations, and is exploring hotel or cabin expansions.

A marketplace for young minds

Glasser calls the expo her proudest accomplishment.

“Creating a place where young people can believe in themselves, follow their dreams, and see that working for someone else isn’t their only path; that’s everything to me,” she said.

Inspired by her first job at Lucky Wishbone at age 15—which gave her purpose, belonging, and a sense of family Amber is paying it forward.

Community partners like Youth 360, Big Brothers Big Sisters Alaska, and local schools help spread the word.

“Everyone’s welcome to set up a table in kindergarten through 12th grade, homeschoolers included,” Glasser said.

The spring showcase set a high bar, offering over $1,000 in cash prizes for winners across elementary and high school divisions.

“Some students had fully professional setups; others were selling for the very first time,” Glasser said. “We had dog-walking services, woodworking, crocheted creations, T-shirts, baked goods... and plenty of slime.”

For the winter show, student vendors have been encouraged to bring holiday-themed gifts and baskets.

“We can probably predict about half of what’s coming,” Glasser said. “The rest is a wonderful surprise.”

Community and creativity combined

Visitors can expect a property-wide experience, from the Pavilion to the Loft and beyond. Booths are packed with creativity and energy. Past highlights include handcrafted soaps, lotions, wooden spoons and bowls, baked goods, and inventive crafts. Glasser said she loves seeing a mix of polished young entrepreneurs and first-timers testing their ideas.

Everett’s itself is part of the story.

“We’ve been a community staple for nearly 80 years,” Glasser said. “We were one of the original homesteads on the lake. Even though we’re fine dining, this is a community-centered space. It’s an honor to keep it that way.”

“This is a full experience,” Glasser said. “Come support these kids, walk the property, eat, drink, shop; just enjoy being part of their journey. You’ll be amazed at what they can do.”