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Dear Chamber Members and Kodiak Community,
As we move into the darker days of our Alaska winter, the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce continues its work to support our business community. It's not a joke to say things have been tricky economically lately, and hard to stay ahead of the curve with interest rates, fisheries disruptions or changes, the influx of new families to our community with USCG transfers and new KIBSD teachers. Maybe you also had out-of-town guests visiting (I hope they came during the good weather!) or are trying to fill your freezer with silvers or venison. The chamber remains committed to being a cornerstone for our economic sustainability and success on our island, and as we look forward to coming challenges and opportunities.
This month, we're hosting two significant events. Our annual Fisheries Debate will provide an important forum for discussion about one of our community's cornerstone industries. I encourage all members to attend and participate in this crucial dialogue about Kodiak's fishing future. We'll also be holding our Annual Awards Dinner, where we recognize the achievements and contributions of our local businesses and community leaders over the past year. Tickets are available online, and it's always a great evening.
Despite the shorter days ahead, the Chamber remains committed to fostering a strong, resilient business environment in Kodiak. Our staff is available to assist you with any needs as we navigate the winter season together.
As you come upon membership renewal time you will receive a copy our new Member Benefits Guide available through a link here, to remind you of the opportunities to take advantage of and help provide a greater understanding of the value of your membership.
Thank you for your continued support of the Chamber and our local business community.
Mary Beth President, Kodiak Chamber of Commerce
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE | |
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Dear Chamber Members,
I hope that you’ve been able to enjoy this incredible weather we’ve had this past month as much as possible, thankfully its felt more like summer than fall. September kept our Chamber Staff very busy and October promises more of the same. Thank you to everyone who attended the Business After Hours at the Kodiak Senior Center on September 25th, to everyone who attended, watched and listened to the local candidate forums and to everyone who helped with and attended the Ribbon Cutting for the City’s new Baranof Park playground this week.
October offers numerous fun and engaging community events like Galley Tables and the first Friday Art Walk tonight, to the Women’s Show on the 11th & 12th where we’ll have a booth with lots of Crab Fest Merch ALL ON SALE and Raffle tickets for purchase, to local Moonlight Madness Sales all across town on Friday October 18th, along with a Mule Deer Foundation Deer A Palooza Raffle on the 18th at Kodiak Island Brewery & Still, and the Annual 4 H Pumpkin Patch & Sale Saturday the 19th at the Fairgrounds. We have our Annual Meeting & Dinner on Saturday the 26th followed by Halloween and our Annual Downtown Trick or Trick for Kodiak children and their families.
I hope you join us Tuesday, October 8th, at our in-person US House Fisheries Debate at the Gerald C. Wilson Auditorium starting at 7pm. Candidates Nick Begich, John Wayne Howe, and Incumbent Representative Mary Peltola will be here to debate in person. If you can’t be there in person you can listen on 100.1 FM KMXT, via the stream at KMXT.org and you can also watch it on the Chamber’s YouTube channel.
Tremendous thanks and recognition go to our Fisheries Debate Committee members Julie Bonney, Julie Matweyou, Julianne Curry, Rebecca Skinner, Linda Kozak, Theresa Peterson, Nick Mangini, Hailey Ivanoff, Mary Beth Loewen, Davis Hovey, Terry Haines, Chamber & KMXT Staff, Matt Alward, United Fishermen of Alaska President and all of our sponsors for helping to make this year’s fisheries debate possible.
We’re incredibly excited about this year’s Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner theme, "A Chamber Hollywood Night” A Star Studded Event where we’ll be celebrating some of our Kodiak Chamber Stars. Tickets for the dinner on Saturday, October 26th are on sale now. Click here to get yours. You can also purchase raffle tickets through the same link for $25 each or 5 for $100 to win $2,500 or 2 Round Trip Tickets on Alaska Airlines, only 500 tickets are available for purchase. We’re accepting Silent Auction donations for our annual dinner, please reach out to Ericka Thompson, our Community Relations Dinner if you’d like to contribute to the Silent Auction this year. Last year we raised over $4,000 for the Chamber’s Scholarship fund at our annual dinner, we’re hoping we can do more of the same this year. Join us at our dinner to find out who this year’s Recognition Award Winners will be.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete our Kodiak Small Business Survey. Kelly Bennett of Norman’s Fine Gifts is the lucky winner of $100 for completing the survey. In November we will give you an update on our survey results. If you’d still like to fill it out the link is still active and in this email.
Last month our Crab Fest Committee received so many fun theme ideas for Crab Fest 2025 that we decided to take a different path to arrive at next year’s theme. We have three theme slogans for you to submit logo and poster designs to us this year. Here they are: “You, me and the sea”, “Grab life by the Claws” and “It’s Otter Chaos”. You pick which one you’d like to design a logo for, and we’ll make our final decision on next year’s theme based on the winning submission. Logo & poster contest will be from October 10th through November 20th.
As you scroll through this month’s newsletter along with flyers and links to different programs and opportunities available, be sure to read this month’s featured story on Chamber Member & PIKE Sponsor Kodiak Island Housing Authority.
Thank you so much for your membership, participation and your continued support of the Chamber, our events and programs. Please send Ericka, Linda or I an email and let us know if you would like us to share something about your business or organization in our November newsletter.
Kind Regards,
Ellen Simeonoff, Executive Director, Kodiak Chamber of Commerce
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We offered all survey submitters a chance to WIN $100 last month. Kelly from Normans was our winner!
The drawing is now closed but please complete the survey to give us a better indication of what the current local challenges are, what our strengths are, how successful the Kodiak business community is and how the Chamber can better serve our members through educational and training opportunities.
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2024 Annual Awards Dinner Sponsorship | |
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Showcase your organization in a room full of community leaders, business owners, and potential new clients by sponsoring one of the items for the dinner. All will recognize your generous contribution to making the event much more memorable, and this kind of visibility is an excellent opportunity to reinforce your presence.
Our sponsors will be prominently featured during the event on materials, signage displays, and in verbal acknowledgements during the evening's announcements, ensuring that your name is seen and remembered by a wide audience.
Contact Ericka at crd@kodiakchamber.org to learn more.
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2024 Annual Awards Raffle
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Tickets on Sale Now! Tickets: $25 each or 5 for $100. Only 500 available! Two Grand Prizes: 1st drawn chooses $2,500 or 2 Alaska Airlines tickets; 2nd gets the remaining prize! | |
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DATE : Saturday,Oct 26th
TIME: 6:15pm to 9:30pm
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Celebrate Kodiak Chamber Members, Service Organizations & Volunteer of the Year!
Gourmet Dinner & Drinks by Chef Joel & Martine Chenet, Melanie’s Crazy Cakes, and Henry’s Great Alaskan Restaurant.
Live Entertainment by Drew Sablon & Little Ronnie.
Get your tickets online by Friday, October 18th or call (907) 486-5557
Single Ticket: $65 | Couple: $120| Table of 8: $480
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2024 Annual Dinner Silent Action | | |
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Please Confirm Your Participation for Media Purposes.
Don’t miss out on Moonlight Madness this year! It’s the perfect chance to get your business in front of Kodiak’s holiday shoppers. This fun, community-wide event brings out tons of locals who are all about finding deals, enjoying treats, and soaking in the festive vibes. Whether you’ve got Halloween-themed specials or some great evening sales, it’s a great way to bring in more customers and give you some extra spotlight. Sign up now and be part of the excitement!
| Please Confirm Your Participation for media purposes | |
Kodiak Arts Council: Galley Tables | | |
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OCTOBER 4th
7 pm
111 W. Rezanof Drive
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7 PM*
7 STORYTELLERS
7 MINUTES
7 DOLLARS*
*doors at 6:30 (no music)
*cash or card on the night
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Humane Society & Kodiak College | |
Kodiak Furniture Tax Free Sale | |
2024 Fisheries Debate Live | |
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DATE : Tuesday,Oct 8th
TIME: 7:00 pm
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PLACE: Gerald C Wilson Auditorium
TIME: 7:00 pm
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Join the 2024 Alaska Fisheries Debate to hear industry leaders, community members, and candidates discuss the future of our fisheries. Don’t miss this chance to see them in person! | |
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DATE : Friday,Oct 11th
TIME: 7:00 pm
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PLACE: Gerald C Wilson Auditorium Drama Pod | |
Teams of three will compete for the Kodiak glory in this first-ever KMXT Adult Spelling bee. Competitors will work with their team to correctly write the word or risk elimination from the competition. All participants must be 18+ an out of high school. | |
Small Business Collaboration Group | | |
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The Chamber's Small Business Collaboration Group's next meeting is set for Tuesday, November 5th, at 12 pm with lunch provided in the Chamber conference room. Look for an upcoming email invitation. Email ellen@kodiakchamber.org if you'd like to attend in person or via zoom.
The Group's mission is to support an environment of success for small business through collaboration, communication, and education.
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Monthly Chamber Board Meeting | |
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- Wednesday, October 23rd
- 11:30 am
- Kodiak Chamber Conference Room
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Non Profit Network Meeting | | |
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Come Attend!
- 2nd Wednesday every month
- 1:30 pm
- Chamber Conference room
facebook page
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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.
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2023 Crab Fest Merch Sale | |
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BIG SALE HAPPENING NOW!
2023 Merchandise is available at the Chamber office. Come on down to purchase items 50% off or more.
Shop online or at the Chamber, Monday - Friday from 8 am - 4pm. Downstairs below Discover Kodiak.
2023 Merchandise Sale
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2024 Downtown Trick or Treat | |
Kodiak Island Borough School District | |
Kodiak Island Housing Authority | |
Kodiak Island Housing Authority (KIHA) is dedicated to providing safe, high-quality, and affordable housing solutions across Kodiak Island. Whether you’re looking to rent or own, their wide range of programs helps lay the foundation for a brighter future in our community. KIHA’s mission is to create opportunities for resident self-sufficiency and economic independence while ensuring access to safe, decent, and affordable housing. | |
With Kodiak being one of the most expensive places to live in the U.S., KIHA is tackling the housing shortage with over 300 affordable, well-maintained rental units. They offer rentals for American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) residents, non-AIANs, seniors aged 55+, and individuals requiring accessible units. Many properties come with resident services, such as after-school programs and light housekeeping. | |
Recently, I had the opportunity to tour several KIHA properties, and I was thoroughly impressed. The renovations, which included replacing carpets with sleek wood flooring by local company Alaskan Flooring, are a testament to KIHA's commitment to supporting the Kodiak economy. The properties, especially those at Woodside Manor, stood out for the outstanding services they offer to families. | | | |
UFA: Current Alaska Seafood Industry Facts | | |
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United Fishermen of Alaska
UFA held a candidate forum this month. Click on the image to read more facts about the Alaska seafood industry.
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Strong Solutions: Caregiver NOW OPEN
BridgeView Dental: Dental Hygienist & Dental Assistant NOW OPEN
Northrim: Teller or Universal Banker NOW OPEN
BrightBox Farms: Farm Tech NOW OPEN
Click Here for open positions on the Chamber Website.
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POST YOUR JOB ON THE CHAMBER WEBSITE
Email us your job listing and we can share them on our online Job Board, post them on our social media, and include them in our monthly e-newsletter. You can also easily upload your job listings through the Member Portal yourself.
Contact the Chamber office for more details! 907-486-5557 or email chamber@kodiakchamber.org.
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Share what's happening at your business through Chamber News & Views!
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 us, via email, stop by the office, or call (907) 486-5557 to schedule an interview by calling the Chamber office.
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Access Your Membership Portal!
We want our members to get the most out of our online directory and resources by updating their membership listing with the most current contact information for the Kodiak Chamber's website! Login to your member portal or call (907) 486-5557 or email chamber@kodiakchamber.org to get your online portal set up today!
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Alaska Small Business Development Center | Visit https://aksbdc.org/ for more On Demand Workshops and More! | |
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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
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Chamber Offers Health Care for 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.
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THANK YOU TO OUR RENEWING MEMBERS
- MK Enterprises
- Aquamarine Cafe
- Bernie Brothers
- Salvation Army
- Seahawk Air
- The Islander Bookshop
- Haven Financial Partners
- Kodiak Arts Council
- Representative Louise Stutes
- F/V Resilient/ Resilient Fisheries
- Enterprise Fisheries
- Nichole Fisheries
- River of Life Christian Fellowship Daycare Center
- Kodiak Furniture
- Kodiak Area Mentor Program Inc
- Kodiak Morning Rotary
- Kodiak Funeral Chapel
- Kodiak Teen Court
- Alaska Whitefish Trawlers Association
- Ocean Plastics Recovery
- State of Alaska Kodiak Job Center
- Carlile Transportation
- Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center
- Humane Society of Kodiak
- RC Enterprises
- OBI Seafoods
- Spenard Builders Supply
Welcome to New Member Ocean Plastics Recovery
If we missed you , we sincerely apologize. Please let us know.
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New & Renewing Pike Sponsors | |
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Kodiak Furniture-Pillar Sponsor
Best Western Kodiak Inn-Pyramid Sponsor
If you're interested in becoming a PIKE Sponsor let us know.
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Reach out to Ellen at
907-486-5557 or email: ellen@kodiakchamber.org.
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THANK YOU TO OUR PIKE SPONSORS | | |
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...
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President Mary Beth Loewen
Past President Jeff Sanford
Vice President Linnea Johnson
Secretary/Treasurer: Sara Fraser
Board Members
Lindsay Knight, Robert Greene, Emily Stewart, Nichole Rohde, Hailey Ivanoff, Tyler Wallace, & Nick Mangini
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
Brock Simmons
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Play Pull Tabs @ Henry's!! | | |
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CHAMBER STAFF
Administrative Assistant: Linda Hartle
Community Relations Director: Ericka Thompson
Executive Director: Ellen Simeonoff
CONTACT US
Phone: (907) 486 5557
www.KodiakChamber.org
chamber@KodiakChamber.org
crd@kodiakchamber.org
ellen@kodiakchamber.org
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