Tourism businesses win awards

The Mat-Su Convention & Visitors Bureau welcomed three new board members and honored local tourism businesses and organizations for their success during the Mat-Su CVB’s annual meeting and awards luncheon Nov. 7 at Evangelo’s.

Arkose Brewery, Salmon Berry Tours, the Mat-Su Borough, Jim Colver and David Johnston were all honored during the Stars of the Industry awards luncheon for their contributions to the tourism industry in the Valley.

The Northern Lights Award, given to a community or organization, was given to the Mat-Su Borough for its continued support of the tourism industry, and for its role in developing tourism infrastructure projects. Borough Manager John Moosey and Assembly members Matthew Beck and Dan Mayfield were present to accept the award.

The Cheechako Award honors a business that not only survives but thrives during its early years. Arkose Brewery has done exactly that in the three years it has been open in Palmer, and owners Stephen and June Gerteisen were on hand to accept the award.

Salmon Berry Tours garnered the Gold Star Award for general excellence. Owner Candice McDonald and her team have extensively promoted the Mat-Su Valley as part of their statewide itineraries, and they have been an important part in the growth of winter tourism.

The Tourism Angel Award was given to Colver, for his support and efforts as a Mat-Su Borough Assembly member. Cindy Bettine presented the award. Colver was a major advocate for the Government Peak Chalet and trail system, as well as other tourism infrastructure projects.

The Spirit of Tourism Award isn’t given annually, but this year was bestowed to David Johnston for his behind-the-scenes efforts. Johnston, a well-known ultramarathoner, has developed several races in the Willow area that attract out-of-town visitors, and he’s always been a champion for the Mat-Su Valley as a whole.

During the business portion of the half-day event, three members were seated on the Board of Directors following the October election — Roberta Caenepeel of Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, Cole Ouellette of K2 Aviation and Israel Mahay of Mahay’s Jet Boat Adventures.

They join Cheryl Metiva of the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, Craig Saunders of Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours, Karen Harris of Alaska’s Garden Gate B&B, Rick Peterson of Mount McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, Zack Steer of Sheep Mountain Lodge, Mark Austin of the Palmer Musk Ox Farm and Travis Taylor of Premier Alaska Tours on the 10-person board.

Metiva was elected as president of the board of directors, while Steer takes over as vice president. Peterson is the new treasurer, and Austin will serve as secretary.

Casey Ressler (casey@alaskavisit.com) is the marketing and communications manager at the Mat-Su CVB.