Above calendar photo "Savannah Sparrow On Lupine" by Denise Link from our 2026 Relocation Guide Photo Contest. Above featured photo from our 2026 Relocation Guide Photo Conest by Rena Rankin.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

Dear Chamber Members,

Summer is an exciting time in Kodiak for all things outdoors, fishing (commercial, sport & subsistence), tourist season and the start of hunting season, which typically means things are pretty busy on all fronts for our community overall. As busy professionals and business owners/operators it can be tough to give your best and your all to both work and career and then actually have time for all the things that truly matter to you. If you’re not doing all that you can to ensure you have time for yourself, your family and beyond, I hope you remember to make your life a priority too.

Just a few important reminders: Tonight is another First Friday Art Walk, the Farmer’s Market at the Kodiak Baptist Mission is happening tomorrow, Bearfoot Bakery sells pizzas and pizza crusts on Saturdays. There are three more weekends of Live Music at the Rendezvous this month. Join us at GCI this Thursday the 13th for a Grand Re-Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. The Kiwanis Club Annual Pink Salmon Derby is Saturday, August 15^th at the Buskin starting at 2:30pm. We hope to see you at KCHC's Ribbon Cutting for their new Mobile Health Unit on the 19th and then again at Kodiak College on the 20th for their Campus Kick Off!

We’ve partnered with the Alaska Small Business Development Center, KANA & Koniag again this year to host 4 Free Small Business Workshops September 14^th & 15^th. The workshops will be on AI in the workplace, Marketing that Works and Financial Planning. You’ll find registration links for each session in the newsletter. There is also a survey in this newsletter that anyone can take about what business workshops you’d like to have access to.

There's still take the Kodiak Sales Tax Modernization Business Survey now through Monday, August 20^th at 5pm. This survey is for all businesses that collect and remit Sales Tax to the City of Kodiak. It takes about 5 to 7 minutes to complete the survey and to let the City know your thoughts on the process. Enter your name and email address to win 1 of 3 $100 Loyal To Local Gift Cards for completing the survey.

It is an election year, and the primary election is on Tuesday, August 18^th. For more information on the candidates' positions on fisheries, I encourage you to go check out dockthevote.org. The Chamber & KMXT are hosting Fisheries Debates on Wednesday, September 9^th & Saturday, September 12^th. To submit topics or questions to ask the candidates to our debate committee please email them to Alexa at memberrelations@kodiakchamber.org.

Moonlight Madness Fall Shopping Event & Community Block Party will be Friday, October 16^th…you’ll find a link to register for businesses, nonprofits, food trucks and musicians as you scroll through the newsletter. You can also sign up at kodiakchamber.org.

Be sure to scroll all the way through for our Member Spotlight on Kodiak Kindness as well as more information on member benefits and what's happening with some of our Member Businesses this month. You’ll also find information on our Crab Fest Logo Contest, Relocation Guide Photo Contest and important dates for more upcoming Chamber Business After Hours & Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies in August and beyond.

It's August in Kodiak....From good food & beverages, to live music, art & art walks, to flight seeing, bear viewing, off road activities, shopping, beach days, boating, sports fishing, kayaking, massage therapy, workout classes and much, much more. There’s so much more happening in our fabulous island community, pick the things you want to enjoy, learn about and/or do and dive in.

Warm Regards,

Ellen Simeonoff, Executive Director

If you have questions or topics you'd like us to consider asking the candidates please submit them via email by August 19th to Alexa San Juan at memberrelations@kodiakchamber.org

Complete the Kodiak Sales Tax Modernization Survey for a Chance to Win!

Deadline is Monday, August 10th at 5pm.

Survey Incentive Added!

Complete this survey and opt in by providing your contact information at the end to be entered into three separate drawings for a $100 Loyal to Local Gift Card.

Three winners will each receive a $100 gift card!

To thank businesses for taking the time to participate, we've added a drawing for three $100 Loyal to Local Gift Cards. If you've already completed the survey before this incentive was added, don't worry! You're still eligible to enter. Simply complete the optional contact information at the end of the survey, or reply to this email with your name and business name so we can include you in the drawing.

The City of Kodiak is evaluating opportunities to modernize its sales tax administration, and your feedback is an important part of that process.

Whether you own a retail store, restaurant, service business, or nonprofit, your experience can help identify ways to simplify administration, reduce unnecessary burdens, improve consistency, and strengthen communication with the business community.



The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Thank you for taking the time to share your perspective and help improve the City of Kodiak's sales tax administration.

2027 CrabFest LOGO CONTEST IS OPEN!!!

We've partnered with the Alaska Small Business Development Center, KANA, & Koniag to Host Free Business Workshops in Kodiak September 14th & 15th.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Small Businesses
• Marketing that Works
• Financial Projections

Keep reading the newsletter for a full listing of our upcoming Business After Hours.

Monthly Chamber Board Meeting in August

• Wednesday, August 19th, 2026
• 11:30 am
• Kodiak Chamber Conference Room

NonProfit Network Meeting in August

• 2nd Wednesday, August 12th, 2026
• 1:00 pm
• Kodiak Public Library

This group is open to Kodiak nonprofit executive directors, program managers, and staff members. Kodiak Nonprofit Network has been meeting regularly for over 30 years.

We support each other, we collaborate, we ask for help or ideas. Please share program updates, local issues, funding opportunities, questions, and anything else that pertains to nonprofit life.



Kodiak KINDNESS: Get Ready for the 2026 Milk Run!

Their Classes Are Always FREE

Infant Nutrition Class

We teach the developmental approach to starting solids and introducing a cup, based on AAP infant nutrition recommendations. We offer a few options to fit your life.

Group Session, offered the first Thursday of every month: 6:30 – 7:30 pm, Kodiak Public Library multipurpose room. We encourage you to attend this fun, experiential, in-person class (we offer taste-testing of baby food!). Contact us to pre-register, or just show up. All ages are welcome.

Individual Feeding Consults: Schedule a personalized session either virtually or in your own home with one of our experienced team members. Contact us to start a conversation about how we can help you.

A pre-recorded class you can watch anytime, at your convenience!

Newborn Feeding Class

Expecting a baby? Taught by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, this class delivers current newborn feeding recommendations with interactive learning games, discussions, and hands-on practice.

Group Session, offered the 3rd Wednesday of odd-numbered months: 5:30 – 7:30 pm, Kodiak Public Library multipurpose room.

Individual prenatal consults: Contact us if the timing of our group session doesn’t work for you, and one of our lactation consultants will schedule a free individual consult.

Resource Library

Browse our library of infant feeding posts for current information focused on specific topics, questions, and concerns. We are always working on expanding our library. Contact us if you don’t find what you’re looking for, and we’ll add it! Check back often for updates and new posts.

SUMMER DASH FOR CASH

Doing our part to put more $$$ back into Kodiak's economy!

Kodiak Economic Development Corporation

Confidence Café: Customer Service Skills in Practice

Family Dentistry of Kodiak

KeyBank: Student Loan Solutions

Sea & Spruce Studios

KODIAK PORTRAIT COLLECTIVE CREATIVE OPEN HOUSE

Wednesday August 12th | 6-8pm 

Next Creative Open House: September 9th | 6-8pm

1420 Selig Street, Suite 100

Sea & Spruce Studios is soft-launching the Kodiak Portrait Collective with a monthly, low-key professional networking night for adult artists, photographers, makers, content creators, and other creative professionals.

A simple headshot station will be available throughout the evening. Photographers can trade portraits, while other creatives can receive one complimentary headshot. 

Bring a recent project, pull one up on your phone, or just come ready to talk about what you create, or what you could use help with. It’s also a chance to explore the studio, ask about rentals, and connect with people interested in assisting or collaborating on future shoots and projects.

Studio rentals are now available. Contact kodiakportraits@gmail.com for details.

WALK-IN WEDNESDAYS

Walk-In Wednesday headshots and Back-to-School portraits continue through August and September from 11am - 1pm.

MONTHLY EDITORIAL PORTRAITURE & BOUDOIR THEMES

Sea & Spruce Studios is introducing monthly Editorial Portraiture and Boudoir themes, beginning with Heatwave in August and In the Spotlight in September.

Book an individual theme or choose a membership for VIP pricing and preferred scheduling.

AVAILABLE BY APPOINTMENT

Headshots, personal branding, team photography, and fully customized portrait, editorial, and boudoir sessions are available by appointment. 

Corporate appointments and team headshots can be booked on location or in the studio, including short-notice scheduling and fast turnaround when needed.

Complimentary consultations are available for full sessions. 

Visit kodiakportraits.com for more information or to sign up for the studio newsletter

Kodiak History Museum & Kodiak Maritime Museum: The Future of Kodiak's Museums

The Kodiak Maritime Museum and Kodiak History Museum invite community members to join us in an important conversation about the future of preserving and sharing Kodiak's history.

The two museums face a common challenge: we do not have enough space to fulfill our missions. The Kodiak Maritime Museum needs a permanent home in which to create exhibits and store artifacts from Alaska's maritime history. The Kodiak History Museum has also reached the limits of its collections storage, making it increasingly difficult to preserve and provide access to Kodiak's tangible heritage.

Rather than tackling these challenges separately, the two museums are exploring collaborative solutions, and before we begin strategic planning this fall, we want to hear directly from you. What does the community want for the future of Kodiak’s museums? Are there creative, collaborative solutions that could help meet both museums' needs?

To that end, the Kodiak History Museum and Kodiak Maritime Museum will host a joint Community Conversation on the future of the two institutions. Attendees will hear a brief overview of the challenges and opportunities being explored by the museums, followed by an open discussion on August 12, 2026. Community feedback from this event will help guide future planning and decision-making, including exploring potential opportunities for shared space and expanded public access.

Whether you're a longtime museum supporter, a history enthusiast, or simply care about preserving Kodiak's heritage for future generations, your voice is an important part of the conversation.



Join us on Wednesday, August 12, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Kodiak Public Library Multipurpose Room and help shape the future of Kodiak's museums.

Kiwanis Pink Salmon Derby

Emerald Isle Aesthetics

 Greyson is Coming August 22 & 23!

Your favorite injector is back!

By popular demand, Greyson continues to serve Kodiak! Whether you're maintaining your results or considering Botox or Filler for the first time, Greyson's personalized approach and commitment to natural-looking outcomes make every treatment tailored to you.

Appointments are limited-reserve your spot today.

Find Greyson’s work on instagram

@facesbygrey

Alutiiq Museum: Native Arts Raffle

Anchorage Foot & Ankle Clinic Returns to Kodiak

Anchorage Foot & Ankle Clinic will be returning for its bi-monthly clinics September 16-18 with Dr. Archibald and November 4-6 with Dr. Kaufman. Clinics are held at the Providence Specialty Clinic, and outpatient surgical services are also available at the hospital. Please call the main office at 907-344-2155 to schedule.

Foot & Ankle Surgeons of Alaska

This October Anchorage Foot & Ankle Clinic, LLC will be changing its business name to Foot & Ankle Surgeons of Alaska. Current and future patients, please be aware of this change. Only the name is changing – our superior care for our patients stays the same!

Island Trails Network

Kodiak Outdoor Film Festival Is

Now Accepting Submissions!

American Legion Post 17:

Purchase your Raffle Tickets Now!

The American Legion now has $100.00 Dollar raffle tickets for sale.

Grand prize is $10,000.00 and numerous additional prizes drawn every 25^th ticket.

Runner up gets $1,000.00 unless they choose to split the pot.

The drawing will be December 18^th at 6:00 pm at the American Legion Post 17 hall.

A dinner is included with the ticket purchase and there are only 300 tickets sold. Tickets are sold at the American Legion Club. Proceeds of this raffle will be used to build an enclosed outdoor garden in the back of our building.

Permit # 43

BETAS Firm LLC: Business Update

BETAS Firm proudly serves the Kodiak community with tax preparation, bookkeeping, business support, and financial education.

BETAS Transportation Services provides dependable local taxi service, airport transportation, and other transportation support throughout Kodiak.

ORTHOPEDIC PHYSICIANS ALASKA

Western Alaska Land Title Co.

We're Hiring!

Western Alaska Land Title Co. is seeking a full-time Escrow Officer to join their team. Previous administrative or accounting experience is preferred, but they are willing to train the right candidate.

Interested applicants can submit a resume by emailing waltco@alaskan.com or by dropping one off at their office:

Western Alaska Land Title Co.

314 Center Avenue

Kodiak, AK 99615

For more information, call (907) 486-4433.

Well Being Massage & Rossiter

FRIENDS BY THE OCEAN

Summer Opening Special 10% off cottage rates for local stays

(907) 539-1978|www.friendsbytheocean.com

AUGUST SUMMER MUSIC at THE RENDEZVOUS

August at The Rendezvous is looking good!

Now serving LUNCH ON SATURDAYS all summer long!

Lunch: Tuesday–Saturday | 11:30am–3pm

Dinner: Tuesday–Saturday | 5pm–9pm

Taco Tuesday

Military Wednesday – 20% off food with Military ID

Live Outdoor Music Friday & Saturday nights

Burger Truck 7pm-10pm Friday & Saturday nights

Whether you’re heading out the road, coming back into town, or looking for a place to spend a summer evening, we’ve got you covered from lunch through live music.



Check out our August lineup and make plans to join us!

August at "A Balanced Approach"

KODIAK JOB CENTER

HAVING AN EVENT?

List Your Event on the Chamber Calendar

Chamber News & Views

Let's talk about what's new at your business!

Chamber News & Views is a weekly, two-minute, pre-recorded radio segment that airs on KVOK & HOT 101.1

Each segment spotlights one of our local Chamber Members and is recorded at the KVOK studio.

What is Discussed?

Maybe you have a sale coming up, or a new menu, or want to let the community

know about a new feature, event or changes at your business. We will help guide your message, but anything business-related is fair game!

Who Can Take Advantage?

Any Chamber Member is able to take advantage of this unique promotional opportunity. Anyone from the organization can be interviewed. You choose the direction and goal you'd like to accomplish, and we will work with you to achieve it! This is a completely FREE service we provide for our Chamber Members.

How Do I Get Started?

Contact Alexa to schedule an interview, via email, stop by the office, or

call (907) 486-5557 to schedule an interview by calling the Chamber office. Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for (audience)? Why should they care (benefit)? What do I want them to do (call-to-action)?

Create a great offer by adding words like "free," "personalized," "complimentary," or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take action, so consider inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"

Contact our office to set up an appointment to share what's happening at your business through Chamber News & Views!

Membership Portal

Alaska Small Business Development Center

Visit https://aksbdc.org/ for more On Demand Workshops and More!

Workshops &

On-Demand Classes

• Combating Fraud & Identity Theft
• Creating a Compelling Commercialization Plan
• Avoiding Security Disasters for Small Businesses
• SBA Loans & What the Lender Requires
• Digital Marketing Trends
• Beginner's Guide Sell Your Products on Etsy
• Credit It is that important
• ADA Law What Businesses Should Know
• Financial Health of Your Business
• Anatomy of Modern Websites
• Bookkeeping Basics
• Creating Financial Projections for your Business Plan
• Developing a Marketing/Sales Strategy
• How to get a Business License in Alaska

Health Care for Chamber Members

As a Chamber Member, you and your employees have access to excellent health care insurance. Participation is available through Associated Industries, whose mission is to provide comprehensive healthcare products to Alaska employers at affordable prices. 

Please email us for more information.

Not a member? Join the Chamber

Interested in becoming a member?

The Chamber Membership gives your organization the tools and support it needs to succeed. With access to business resources, educational materials, advocacy, networking opportunities, and much more... 

If you're interested in becoming a PIKE Sponsor let us know.

Reach out to Ellen at 907-486-5557

or email: ellen@kodiakchamber.org or

Ericka via email at erickathompson@kodiakchamber.org

Chamber Board of Directors

President Sara Fraser

Vice President Robert Greene

Secretary/Treasurer Rebecca Skinner

Board Members              

Mary Beth Loewen, Lindsay Knight, Emily Stewart,

Wesley Snyder, Sarah Vega,

Nicholas Mangini, Nichole Miles,

& Laura Mullican



City of Kodiak Representative

Tim Putney

Kodiak Island Borough Representative Aimee Williams

USCG Base Representative

Capt. Gordon Hood

USCG Air Station Representative Capt. Dusty Williams

KEA Representative Dan Menth

Discover Kodiak Representative

Sabrina Hicks

Play Pull Tabs @ Henry's!!