Tourism gives back

One Talkeetna business has struck gold — in the form of beer.

While selling locally made products to visitors and residents has been profitable, the business can serve as a blueprint for others about how to get involved in their local community.

Denali Brewing Co., along with its sister restaurant Twister Creek, opened for business less than three years ago. Since then, the company has not only blossomed, it has become an integral part of Talkeetna and has given back by supporting nonprofits, community groups and even local farmers.

“During the peak of the season, we employ up to 47 people. We’re No. 1 or 2 in terms of private employers in Talkeetna,” said Sassan Mossanen, general manager. “My partner, Bo (Barnett), and I have always wanted to start a brewery, and right away things just clicked. We’ve got the right folks working together, and it’s been fun.”

You wouldn’t think of a brewery as a major tourist attraction, but culinary tourism — including beer, wine and spirits — is a big trend. Visitors are increasingly opting for unique options central to the area they visit — and beer brewed in the shadow of Mt. McKinley certainly applies. Mossanen and his team have found a way to give visitors a taste of Talkeetna, all while supporting the place they call home.

The brewery was one of the founders of the Hudson Memorial Fly In, scheduled for May 19-20. At last year’s event, they raised $5,000 for both the Alaska Airman’s Association and the Talkeetna Build-A-Plane program, in which Talkeetna students have the opportunity to rebuild a plane, earn free flying lessons and ultimately earn a job in the aviation industry. They’ve also become involved with fundraisers for the American Red Cross and are planning a beer festival in September to support the Northern Susitna Institute.

“We help out any way we can,” Mossanen said. “Talkeetna is our home, and anything we can do to support our community, we do.”

In the Mat-Su Valley, many people who may not necessarily identify themselves as tourism businesses benefit from tourism. A hog farmer in Talkeetna would be a prime example. But, that farmer benefits greatly from the tourism industry through his work with the brewery.

“Our spent grain goes to a local hog farmer, and then we turn around and buy the meat from him to use for our pulled pork sandwiches,” Mossanen said. “It’s a win-win — we don’t waste anything, the farmer uses our products, we then support that farmer by buying meat.”

The generosity of tourism businesses can be seen everywhere in the Mat-Su Valley.

Go to a local nonprofit auction or fundraiser, and chances are you’ll see a ton of donations from tourism businesses. While these businesses make most of their income on visitors to our area, they are leaders in terms of supporting the communities where they do businesses.

Casey Ressler (casey@alaskavisit.com) is marketing and communications manager for the Mat-Su Convention and Visitors Bureau.