Sitka Chamber News

Gerry Hope On behalf of the Sitka Chamber of Commerce, I hope you had a good 2010 and wish the very best to you, your business and family for 2011.

In 2010, the Chamber presented a diverse set of speakers at the weekly luncheons. Topics included the City Public Works proposed schedule of infrastructure projects, the Wood Utilization Center, the Sitka Conservation Society, the 2010 Census effort, numerous candidates for political office, updates on Alaska Day, the Sitka Summer Music Festival, and the Sitka School District, as well as updates from Representative Peggy Wilson, Senator Bert Stedman, U.S. Senator Mark Begich and U.S. Congressman Don Young.

Other 2010 areas of accomplishment included a fun and successful Annual Banquet, where Senator Richard 'Dick' Eliason was given the Cossack Cap award for his outstanding service to Sitka and the State of Alaska for so many years, and Arrowhead Transfer /Arrowhead LP Gas was awarded the Business of the Year - having been an outstanding business and corporate citizen for many years. In addition, the Sitka Chamber held its annual golf tournament, proudly sponsored by Alaska Communications Systems (ACS), hosted a "Welcome to Sitka Day" for the first (big) tour ship, supported the first annual Sitka Seafood Festival, had another successful 4^th of July parade - with the theme noting Sitka's national notoriety - "Sitka, a Distinctive City in a Distinctive Nation", and coordinated the Sitka Artisans Market, a great shopping venue and support for over 30 local micro-entrepreneurs.

Finally, in 2010 the Sitka Chamber of Commerce is in two major areas of transition. One is an update of the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws.The Board adopted the newly revised By-Laws last month and is set for approval of the updated Articles of Incorporation at the Membership Meeting during the January 5^th Luncheon.The new document is better aligned with our By-laws, and the Board highly recommends its adoption by the membership.

The second major transition is with our Executive Director. As many know, Sheila Finkenbinder has accepted a job as Legislative Aide for Representative Peggy Wilson.Sheila has done a wonderful job while at the Sitka Chamber of Commerce. She has worked tirelessly on advancing the organization, while ensuring all the day-to-day work is completed.The Chamber is thankful for her work as its Executive Director and wish her the very best in the new job. We also welcome the newly hired Executive Director, Jennifer Robinson, who was selected from a strong field of applicants. The Board looks forward to this transition of executive directors and is confident that 2011 will be a good year for our organization and the community.

Merry "Russian" Christmas and have a Happy New Year!

Gerry Hope, President