Above: The calendar photo of Poppies by Hillarie Price and featured photo of Hands Holding the Moon taken by Denise Link are both from our 2026 Relocation Guide Photo Contest.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

Dear Chamber Members,

February is a month filled with possibility and promise. From Valentine’s Day celebrations, to special & sweet gifts, flowers, cards and more flowers…to dinners out, date nights and sometimes shiny & expensive gifts, life begins to flow back into our retail and restaurant businesses while health, wellness and fitness organizations reminder us how we can take better care of ourselves and achieve real, lasting results.

At the Chamber we’re hard at work and truly excited about a multitude of events about to kick off. Tonight, our team will be selling split the pot tickets and helping Discover Kodiak at the Chocolate Lover’s Fling. We’ll also be there for the Placing in Ceremony and Ribbon Cutting at tomorrow’s City of Kodiak Grand Opening for the Brand New Fire Department at 2 o’clock.

Next week joins us as we host a Business After Hours at “Social” on Wednesday the 18^th starting at 5:30 and then Friday evening we’ll host our Annual Coast Guard Appreciation Dinner “We Applaud You” at the Afognak Center. Tickets are sold out, and we’re excited to announce that Senator Lisa Murkowski will be our Guest Speaker for the evening.

On Saturday, the 21^st we’ll be at Daniel’s Fine Jewelry to help him Celebrate 20 years doing business in Kodiak!!! And the final week of the month we invite you to the Chamber’s very first “Kodiak Home Show”! We currently have over 30 vendors signed up for this exciting event at the Kodiak Market Place. There will be daily door prize and raffle ticket drawings, raffle tickets are on sale now and you can purchase them through a link on our website or in this email when you scroll down.

As we start making plans for March remember that Sales Tax Free Day is Saturday the 7^th. You can check out the Chamber Calendar of Events on our website along with more information on the Home Show and other upcoming Chamber events.

If you’re looking for an exciting escape to a new travel destination this year be sure to check out our Chamber backed trip to Greece in November 2026. We’ve partnered with Aventura World Travel to offer our members top notch, guided overseas travel opportunities. Aventura World Travel has been working with Chambers all over the country since 1972.

Be sure to check out the online classes & workshops offered through the Alaska Small Business Development Center that are an added benefit with your Chamber membership, contact our team if you need more information on how to take advantage of that service so we can help you get started. Just a heads up, later this year on September 14^th & 15^th we’ll be hosting 3 seminars for our members in partnership with the Alaska SBDC for members at the Marketplace.

We hope you’ll join us at the Home Show February 27^th through March 1^st at the Kodiak Marketplace. Everything kicks off on Friday at 4pm. The Home Show is a family friendly trade show with free admission and open to everyone. The focus is broad and All Things Home….paint, flooring, tools, contractors, information, homes, cabins, cabinets and much more. Want to build it, buy it, rent it, or renovate it? Maybe you’d just like to furnish your home, or put up a fence, come talk dirt, driveways, rentals and real estate. The possibilities are endless and the access to this incredible group of professionals is priceless and available to everyone who can make it to the Kodiak Home Show. Show hours are listed on our website, social media pages and below. Scroll down for the current list of vendors. AND it’s not too late to sign up to be a vendor…visit kodiakchamber.org or give us a call. There’s no place like the Kodiak Home Show…come see it for yourself. Connect, dream, plan, & do. Thank you to Levi & Kaylynn of Kodiak Furniture for supporting us in hosting this exciting new community event!



In closing I’d like to say congratulations to First National Bank of Alaska, FNBA, for making Forbes second-ranked bank in the United States! This is a tremendous accomplishment. A strong statement of confidence and recognition! Read the article here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/hanktucker/2026/02/04/americas-best-banks-2026-small-banks-in-the-heartland-shine/

Here’s to a great month and an even more successful year on all fronts.

Warm Regards,

Ellen Simeonoff, Executive Director

A $50 raffle ticket could mean you walk away with at least double your money or you could...

WIN $5,000!!

Raffle Tickets are on sale now for our new Expo, the Kodiak Home Show!

Tickets are $50 for 1 or purchase 3 or more tickets for just $40 each!!

You could win $5,000 or

2 unrestricted Round Trip Tickets on Alaska Airlines plus $1,000!!!

Attending the HOME SHOW is FREE!

Attend the event to enter prize drawings and enjoy three days of exhibitors, resources, and community connections.

Prize drawings will take place during the Home Show on Feb 27 (7:45 PM), Feb 28 (12:00 PM & 3:45 PM), and Mar 1 (12:45 PM) at the Kodiak Marketplace! 

Raffle tickets are on sale now. Click on the links below to purchase or stop by the Chamber office or call us at (907) 486-5557.

Must be an Alaska resident 18 years of age or older to purchase raffle tickets. Permit #73

Visit kodiakchamber.org for the RULES

Here's a look at our current list of HOME SHOW VENDORS....it's not too late to sign up

Fully guided, First-Class trip to Greece!

November 2 - 10, 2026

9 DAYS/7 Nights

Early-Bird Special! $4,399, $4,299

Save $100 if booked & deposited before March 31, 2026

INCL. Airfare from Anchorage, First Class Hotels, Meals, & Many Day Tours!

To make your reservation contact:

Ellen Simeonoff at the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce

E-mail: ellen@kodiakchamber.org 

Telephone: (907) 486-5557

REGISTRATION IS LIVE

FOR COMFISH ALASKA 2026!

April 16-18, 2026|Kodiak Marketplace|Kodiak, AK

ComFish Alaska is Alaska’s premier commercial Fisheries Expo and is the largest and longest-running in Alaska. Over three days, ComFish Alaska brings together every aspect of commercial fishing, from equipment, technology, and gear exhibitors to government agencies and nonprofits. Forums on relevant topics are organized annually to share ideas and fishing information with the public and the fishing industry. Where Alaska’s fishing industry comes together.

We look forward to seeing you in Kodiak this April.

Registration is easy when you click the button below.

Did You Know Your Chamber Membership Includes Free Business Training?

We know what matters to Kodiak’s business owners. Your time is limited, and you want support that actually helps.

As a Chamber member, you get access to Alaska SBDC business courses at no cost. You can get practical help when you need it, quickly and on your own schedule.

These easy to follow, on demand courses are built to help you:

• Tighten up your marketing without hiring outside help
• Find new opportunities to grow your business
• Build a stronger online presence
• Feel more confident using social media

Claim Your FREE Chamber Member Access

Enter member-exclusive code SBDC4FREE at checkout

Explore Free On Demand Workshops Now →

Whether you prefer on demand learning, live webinars, or in person trainings, your membership unlocks it all. Check below for upcoming live webinars and in person trainings.

Upcoming LIVE WEBINAR - TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10th & THURSDAY FEBRUARY 12th

A $300 VALUE

Thank you for being a valued member of the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce. This benefit is exclusively available to current Chamber members, and we’re proud to offer you access to resources that support your success.



We hope you take full advantage of this exciting opportunity!

2026 Alaska SBDC Summit: Small Business at the Edge of Innovation

We’re delighted to share that U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski will be attending this year’s Coast Guard Appreciation Dinner. As Alaska’s senior U.S. Senator and a strong advocate for our state’s communities and service members, her presence adds exceptional significance to an already meaningful evening. 

Scroll down through the newsletter for a listing of our upcoming Business After Hours.

Kodiak Crab Festival

“You, Me, & the Sea”

2026 LOGO

The 2026 Kodiak Crab Festival Logo was designed by Artist Valory Canfield

2026 Crab Fest Poster Design Coming in early 2026 

The Kodiak Chamber of Commerce is commissioning local Artist Bruce Nelson to create the 2026 Crab Fest Poster

MAY 21-25, 2026

kodiakcrabfest.com

Monthly Chamber Board Meeting in February

• Wednesday, February 18th
• 11:30 am
• Kodiak Chamber Conference Room

May I Sit with You Awhile?

Chamber members are invited to an evening of elegance, community, and compassion at our annual fundraiser, the Hearts for Hospice Gala, on Saturday, February 14th at the Kodiak Marketplace. Come raise a glass and raise funds for end of life care on Kodiak Island. This special night will feature one of a kind art chairs and decadent desserts to auction off, all in support of an organization that serves our community during life’s most meaningful moments.

Only 75 tickets are left for this event, so do not miss out. This is a limited seating opportunity to attend one of Kodiak’s most heartfelt evenings while directly supporting hospice services for local families.

This gala is a time to celebrate the organization, celebrate the community the organization serves, dress up, and enjoy an evening of bidding for a cause. It is the perfect opportunity to gather with your community, show your support, and take part in an event that reflects the caring spirit Kodiak is known for.

One of the most anticipated features of the evening will be the beautiful chairs available through auction. These are one-of-a-kind art pieces created by local artists, making each chair a unique treasure and a lasting reminder of the generosity behind this event.

To complete the evening, dinner will be catered by the KHS Culinary Program and will be served as a formal full course meal. Guests will enjoy an impressive menu including antipasto with two plates per table preset, focaccia bread, spinach salad with balsamic vinaigrette, salmon with citrus glaze, Sigyuk cod, creamy garlic Parmesan orzo, lime infused rice, buttered carrots, sauteed green beans, cookies, and mini fruit cups.

This is an evening you will not want to miss. Secure your ticket, dress up, and join us in supporting hospice care while enjoying a memorable night of community, celebration, and giving.

Follow the link above to buy tickets. The perfect Valentines date while giving back to Kodiak’s only hospice organization.

HOSPICE GALA - HEARTS FOR HOSPICE

Tickets ON SALE NOW

Sunrise Studio

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 with Jen, 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

Past President Mary Beth Loewen

Vice President Robert Greene

Secretary/Treasurer Rebecca Skinner

Board Members              

Lindsay Knight, Emily Stewart,

Wesley Snyder, Sarah Vega,

Nicholas Mangini, Nichole Miles,

& Laura Mullican



City of Kodiak Representative

Josie Bahnke

Kodiak Island Borough Representative Aimee Williams

USCG Base Representative

Capt. Jeremy Hall

USCG Air Station Representative Capt. Timothy Williams

KEA Representative Dan Menth

Discover Kodiak Representative

Sabrina Hicks

Play Pull Tabs @ Henry's!!