President's Message

Dear Chamber Members,

This is an exciting time of transition at the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce! By now many of you have had the opportunity to meet or talk with our new Executive Director, Frank Schiro. We are pleased to announce that as of September 4, Frank and our Administrative Assistant, Anastasia Painter, have been joined by a new Community Relations Director, Sarah Phillips. Please stop in at the Chamber and say “hi”!

There are several upcoming events for Members to engage with one another and learn about things going on in both our local community and state-wide.

  • September 27: Business After Hours hosted by the Kodiak Historical Society and Baranov Museum
  • October 12: Annual Meeting and banquet for Kodiak Chamber Members
  • October 17: Business After Hours hosted by the Kodiak Public Library and the Kodiak Public Library Association (tentative)
  • October 22: Gubernatorial Fisheries Debate at the Gerald C. Wilson Auditorium. More details to come as these events approach.

I want to thank all of our current Board of Directors for their hard work and dedication. We are currently accepting nominations and applications for Directors to serve a 3-year term. To join our team, fill out an application and return it to Frank Schiro , or drop it off at the Chamber. Applications will be accepted until close of business on September 12th.

Lastly, I would like to thank everyone who has supported the Chamber, its Members, and our community by attending recent Business After Hours and the State House Candidates’ Debate. Your involvement and patronage of Kodiak businesses is greatly appreciated. Keep an eye out for upcoming Chamber and Member events and learn more by visiting our Community Calendar .

Quyanaa - Thank You

Stacey Simmons
President
Our Sponsors
Chamber Hosts State House Candidate Forum

The Borough Assembly Chambers saw a well attended State House Candidates forum on August, 14th. Chamber and community members alike had the opportunity to hear from all three candidates about local and fisheries issues critical to Kodiak voters. The event was broadcast on KMXT Radio 100.1 FM for those unable to attend in person.
 
A series of questions for the candidates were developed by Chamber Members and KMXT and the Kodiak Daily Mirror news staffers, and took into account the unique needs of the Kodiak Community. Each candidate was asked the same questions and offered a two minute opportunity to respond. Louise Stutes (R.), Rich Walker (R.), and Dennis Harris (D.) competently and efficiently answered questions posed by the moderator Bill Oliver. Excerpts from the forum can be found here and are courtesy of KMXT Radio. A big thank you goes to Pam Foreman for her expertise and bringing the event together!
 
The primary election on August 21st resulted in a victory for Louise Stutes and unopposed Dennis Harris.

Pictured above: State House Forum (Left to right) Dennis Harris, Louise Stutes, and Rich Walker. (Photo by Pam Foreman / KMXT).
Chamber Board Member Nominations Needed

Do you know someone that would be interested in serving on the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce Board?

This is your opportunity to help affect the economic development and business community in Kodiak! Nominate yourself or someone else as a Chamber Board Member.
Board members are responsible for setting and financially prioritizing the goals and objectives of the organization.
 
Frank Schiro is now accepting applications for board nominees through September 12th . 
Member Spotlight: Kodiak Historical Society and Baranov Museum

The Kodiak Historical Society and Baranov Museum are honored to host the September Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event and welcome people to enjoy our National Historic Landmark facility and current exhibits. 

As stewards of Kodiak's history, the Baranov Museum is a place for locals and visitors alike to view objects and photographs illustrating the richness of Kodiak's story, a place for researchers and historians to investigate historical events, and a place for individuals to deepen their connection to the place we call home. 

The museum is in a meaningful time of transition as they prepare to renovate their permanent exhibits and make much needed upgrades to the facility. While the redesign will continue to feature the historical significance of the building, it will also professionalize our exhibits and showcase a more comprehensive and inclusive view of Kodiak's history.  

The September Chamber of Commerce After Hours event will feature the benefits of business and individual membership at the museum, guided tours of the upstairs, wonderful door prizes, and tasty hors d'oeuvres. This is a perfect opportunity to tour the museum for a last look before the grand reopening. Whether you've never been to the Baranov or you're an avid supporting member, all are encouraged and welcome to come.

Pictured above: View of the Baranov. Photo courtesy of Kodiak Historical Society and Baranov Museum.
We've Heard You & We're Taking Action

Frank (Executive Director) and Sarah (Community Relations Director), have been hard at work connecting with our current Chamber members determining your most important needs.

Many of our small businesses have expressed interest in more education, and we've heard you loud and clear. You can now expect weekly emails regarding free and low cost course offerings by the Alaska Small Business Development Center. While there are not currently any courses available in Kodiak, many Anchorage area classes are available as webinars. We are also aware that many of the webinars occur during business hours. We have reached out to SBDC with that feedback.

Also in the works with SBDC is a course that will be specifically created for Kodiak Business. A poll will be sent out in the coming weeks to determine which course and time periods are most beneficial to our Chamber Members.

Our door is always open and ready to discuss your business needs, we're here for you!
Gubernatorial Fisheries Debate

The Kodiak Chamber of Commerce along with KMXT and the Kodiak Daily Mirror are proud to announce the hosting of a Gubernatorial Fisheries Debate on October 22nd at the Gerald C. Wilson Auditorium. Currently, Governor Walker and Mark Begich have agreed to participate and we are waiting for Mr. Dunleavy to confirm committment. The debate will be broadcast live to the state of Alaska through a KMXT broadcast. Questions are being formulated by Julie Bonney and the ad hoc committee. Additional details including the specific time and moderator will be announced at a future date.
Bleeding Control Course

This is a community education opportunity for hunters, fishing people, hikers, and many more!

According to the Journal of Emergency Medicine, nearly one third of the 5 million world-wide trauma deaths are due to bleeding. A trauma could happen hours away from medical assistance. Would you know how to stop severe bleeding? Providence Alaska Medical Center’s Trauma Services team along with Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center are providing this ‘”Stop the Bleed” training.   
Board of Directors
President Stacey Simmons 
Past President Rick Kniaziowski                                  
Vice President Julie Bonney                  
Secretary/Treasurer Jeff Sanford
Board Members               
Susan Johnson · Ellen Simeonoff · Tyler Kornelis ·
Aaron Walton · Brian Lickfield · Lindsay Knight ·
Alex Turner
City of Kodiak Representative Mike Tvenge
Kodiak Island Borough Representative Michael Powers
USCG Base Representative Capt. Jeffery Good
USCG Air Station Representative Capt. Bryan Dailey
KEA Representative Darron Scott
Discover Kodiak Representative Aimee Williams