Above calendar photo "Fishing" by Kyle Stangrover from our 2026 Relocation Guide Photo Contest. Above featured photo from Kodiak Crab Festival 2026 "Kodiak Lions Club Sawdust Pile" by Ellen Carty.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

Dear Chamber Members,

I hope you are doing great and that the spring season in Kodiak has been good to you. I am thrilled that as I write this it is lovely outside and the summer season of fishing, hiking, beach days and all things outdoors is unfolding for us all.

In May our cup was overflowing with activity and accomplishments. We hosted our Annual Community Clean Up Day, a 1 Year Anniversary Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the Rendezvous, a Community Reception for the Head of NOAA Fisheries, a fantastic parade and one of the biggest Kodiak Crab Festivals in many years with over 90 vendors participating, featuring an updated and expanded layout, more food, more fun and an entertainment host in DJ Marc that we hope to have back with us again. Thank you to everyone who was a part of each of these events in May and for helping to make them so successful.

So many good things are happening this June. At the beginning of the month the sun came out as we helped the Kodiak YMCA with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on June 3^rd. On June 10^th our Summer Litter Patrol Employees hit the streets to do the hard work of keeping Kodiak clean all summer long for locals and tourists alike. The Chamber's 2026 Relocation Guide is live at kodiakchamber.org and our hard copies are on the way. Discover Kodiak's Adjust Your Altitude Summer Hiking Challenge started on Monday the 15th and Island Trails Network is hosting the Kodiak Mountain Series this week.

In July get ready for the 2^nd Annual Emerald Isle Floats Treasure Hunt hosted by the Best Western Kodiak Inn is coming up 4^th of July weekend on the 3^rd & 4^th. Be sure to mark your calendars to join us as we host a 20^th Anniversary Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Midtown Auto Repair Services on the 9^th and a new business Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on July 18^th in Chiniak at Friends By The Ocean.

Join us in July on Monday July 6th for another Small Business Collaboration Group meeting at 2pm in the Chamber Conference Room to discuss City Sales Tax. On the 20th we'll meet again at 2pm to discuss fall Moonlight Madness planning. Please reach out to chamber@kodiakchamber.org or me if you have questions or input about these meetings.

Be sure to read all the way through this newsletter and scroll down for a look at photos from our biggest events in May. You’ll also find numerous links and information on many Chamber programs and offerings this month as well as an abundance of information on what’s happening with many of our local businesses and nonprofit organizations.

May this be one of your best summer seasons ever!

Warm Regards,

Ellen Simeonoff, Executive Director

Kodiak Crab Festival 2026

“You, Me, & the Sea”

MAY 21-25, 2026

kodiakcrabfest.com

2026 Crab Fest Raffle Ticket PRIZE WINNERS!

Congratulations to our 2026 Kodiak Crab Festival Raffle Ticket Winners:

$10,000 Winner-- Catharine Samuelson King Cove, AK Ticket # 692

$2,000 plus 2 Round Trip Tickets on Alaska Airlines Winner--Sonia Streitmatter Kodiak, AK Ticket #331

$2,500 Winner-- Ginny Gormley Palmer AK Ticket #311

$1,500 Winner -- Kristie Blanco Kodiak, AK Ticket #1250

$1,275 Winner -- Amanda Johnson Kodiak, AK Ticket #2132

$750 Winner - -Alana Branson Kodiak, AK Ticket #582

We're so excited to announce that our 2027 CrabFest LOGO CONTEST IS OPEN!!!

Fully guided, First-Class trip to Greece!

Book now through June 24th!

November 2 - 10, 2026

9 DAYS/7 Nights

The Total Price is just $4,399

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

The Deadline to Reserve your space and pay for the trip is June 24, 2026

Your Chamber Membership Includes Free Access to Alaska SBDC Training Courses

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

Use the member-exclusive code SBDC4FREE at checkout

Check out these Free On Demand Workshops →

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

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.

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.



Take advantage of this valuable Member Benefit through July 2026!

June 1, 2026

No. 26-11

JUNEAU — Alaska's minimum wage will increase to $14.00 per hour on July 1, 2026. In November 2024, Alaska Statute 23.10.065 was amended through the passage of Ballot Measure 1 to include this increase. The minimum wage will increase to $15.00 per hour on July 1, 2027. Starting Jan. 1, 2028, the minimum wage will return to annual adjustments for inflation.

The Alaska minimum wage applies to all hours worked in a pay period regardless of how the employee is paid, whether by time, piece, commission, or another agreement. The minimum compensation an employee must receive per pay period is all hours worked in the pay period multiplied by the Alaska minimum wage. Any claimed exemptions to the minimum wage must be clearly and specifically named in Alaska law.

Salaried employees who are exempt from minimum wage and overtime requirements under Alaska Statute 23.10.055(b) as bona fide executive, administrative, or professional employees must earn a salary equivalent to twice the minimum wage for the first 40 hours worked. Accordingly, effective July 1, 2026, the minimum salary for these employees will increase from $1,040 per week to $1,120 per week.

More information about Alaska's wage laws can be found at: https://labor.alaska.gov/lss/whhome.htm.

For more information, contact Wage and Hour at (907) 269-4900 or statewide.wagehour@alaska.gov.

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

Monthly Chamber Board Meeting in June

• Wednesday, June 17th, 2026
• 11:30 am
• Kodiak Chamber Conference Room

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

Why Business Income and Extra Expense Coverage Matters More Than Ever

Courtesy of Aurora National Insurance Agency

When business owners think about protecting their company, most immediately think about insuring the building, inventory, equipment, or vehicles. While those coverages are extremely important, one of the most overlooked protections on a commercial property policy is Business Income and Extra Expense coverage — also commonly referred to as Business Interruption coverage.

Recently, a local business experienced a major loss when a vehicle crashed directly into their storefront. Thankfully, insurance can help repair the physical damage to the building. However, the challenge does not stop there. During renovations, the business may be unable to fully operate, resulting in lost revenue, ongoing payroll obligations, rent or mortgage payments, utility expenses, and additional unexpected costs.

This is where Business Income and Extra Expense coverage becomes critical.

What Does Business Income Coverage Do?

Business Income coverage helps replace lost income when a business is temporarily unable to operate due to a covered property loss. The goal is to help the business survive financially while repairs are being completed.

For example, if a retail store is forced to close for several weeks or months after a covered loss, this coverage can help with:

• Lost net income
• Employee payroll
• Rent or mortgage obligations
• Taxes and operating expenses
• Continuing business costs during the shutdown

Without this coverage, many businesses may struggle to stay afloat even if the building itself is insured.

What Is Extra Expense Coverage?

Extra Expense coverage helps pay for additional costs a business incurs to continue operations after a loss.

Examples may include:

• Renting a temporary location
• Leasing replacement equipment
• Expedited shipping or construction costs
• Temporary signage or advertising to notify customers
• Technology or operational adjustments to continue serving clients

In many cases, these extra expenses help businesses reopen faster and reduce the long-term financial impact of the loss.

Property Insurance Alone Is Not Enough

A common misconception is that having commercial property coverage automatically protects the business from all financial consequences. In reality, property coverage repairs the physical damage, but it does not automatically replace lost income unless Business Income coverage is specifically included.

At Aurora National Insurance, we strongly believe in educating business owners on exposures that can significantly impact their financial future. In fact, our agency specifically highlights Business Interruption (Income) coverage as a critical commercial insurance protection because it “covers lost income and expenses when a business is forced to close temporarily due to a covered event.”

The recent storefront accident is a powerful reminder that unexpected losses can happen to any business — whether from fire, storms, vandalism, water damage, or even a vehicle collision.

This Message Is for All Business Owners

This article is not about whether a business is insured through our agency or another insurance provider. Our goal is simply to raise awareness within the Kodiak business community about the importance of reviewing commercial insurance policies carefully and understanding whether Business Income and Extra Expense coverage is included.

Far too often, business owners only discover gaps in coverage after a claim occurs.

We encourage all business owners to:

• Review their current commercial property policy
• Verify Business Income and Extra Expense limits
• Understand waiting periods and coverage triggers
• Discuss realistic downtime scenarios with their insurance professional
• Evaluate whether current limits would truly sustain operations after a major loss

Protecting the building is important. Protecting the future of the business is essential.

Aurora National Insurance remains committed to helping businesses understand their risks, strengthen their protection strategies, and continue serving our communities through unexpected challenges.

Call to Action:

If you would like a complimentary review of your current commercial insurance program or want to better understand Business Income and Extra Expense coverage, contact Aurora National Insurance at 907-562-3020 or visit www.aurorainsurance.net.

Orthopedic Physicians Alaska

Are you interested in the outdoors, exploring Kodiak's local ecosystem, participating in awesome arts and science activities, or just want to hang out with some kids your age?

Coastal Connections Camp offers all of those things!

Offered from June 29 - July 2nd, Coastal Connections Camp (CCC) will be for those entering 6th-8th grades. Register online by June 17th, waiver's available upon request.

For more information, please reach out to Prestan Walker at pwalker@city.kodiak.ak.us or (907) 486 - 8669.

Sign up by scanning the QR code below or online at: https://seagrant.uaf.edu/events/ssl/register.php?id=622

Teachers and teacher aides:

June is dedicated to you—enjoy 50% off our 5-Class Pack (non-spin) for the entire month of June! There’s no limit to the number of packs you can purchase, so stock up and take some well-deserved time for yourself. Reach out to us through social media, the app, or email for your coupon code.

we can’t even begin to express how grateful we are for all that you do.

WEEKENDS THIS SUMMER

at THE RENDEZVOUS

June at The Rendezvous 

Live outdoor music every Friday & Saturday night, Taco Tuesdays, Family Fun Nights, Military Wednesdays, burger truck weekends, and all the summer vibes.  Be on the lookout for our June specials!

Grab your crew, your lawn chair, and your summer music pass — let’s make this a season to remember.

Kodiak Rendezvous Summer music passes and individual tickets available now at kodiakrendezvous.com

Hannahville Creations

Perfect for birthdays, baby showers, graduations, holidays, and all your special celebrations.

Every banner is custom designed, cut, and assembled by hand with so much care.

Alexandra's Salon

This month at BIG RAY'S

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

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!!