Alaska Chamber members explore Nome culture and commerce

Anchorage, AK – More than three dozen Alaska State Chamber of Commerce members traveled to Nome, Alaska for the Chamber’s 2014 Community Outreach Trip. Located on the edge of the Bering Sea on the southwest side of the Seward Peninsula, Nome is a vital hub for Northwest Alaska.

Chamber members kicked off the trip with a welcome lunch with Nome Mayor Denise Michels, Nome Chamber of Commerce President Robert Hafner, and Nome Chamber Executive Director Barb Nickels. Following lunch, the Chamber held a quarterly Board of Directors meeting with special presentations from Lt. Gov. Mead Treadwell, Bering Straits Native Corporation President and CEO Gail Schubert and Representative Neal Foster.

The following day and a half proceeded with a packed agenda. From presentations on the new gold mining rush and the Arctic port expansion to tours of the new Norton Sound Regional Hospital and the Norton Sound Seafood Plant, Chamber members gained a solid understanding of Nome's (and region's) business climate and economy as they directly influence the advocacy work of the Chamber.

“The relationships formed and the information exchanged during outreach trips are key as we advocate for sound business policies for all Alaska,” said Alaska Chamber President and CEO Rachael Petro.

“As a statewide organization, I believe getting out of urban Alaska provides a better understanding of the economic opportunities and challenges around Alaska, and is key to our successful advocacy on behalf of all Alaska businesses in Juneau,” Petro added.

The Chamber thanks the following sponsors for this year’s outreach trip, without whom such an event would not be possible: ConocoPhillips Alaska, Bering Straits Native Corporation, NANA Development Corporation, Nome Chamber of Commerce, Saltchuck, Totem Ocean Trailer Express, Inc., Holland America, Kinross Fort Knox, Lynden and Alaska Airlines.

About the Community Outreach Trips
Community Outreach Trips are an opportunity for Chamber members to interact with communities across the state. Chamber members enjoy networking opportunities with other members and new business partners in a fun, educational and productive environment.

About the Alaska Chamber
Since 1952, the Alaska Chamber has worked to promote a positive business environment in Alaska. A private, non-profit corporation, the Chamber is the voice of small and large business across the state with a Board of Directors comprised of 80 members representing all regions of the state. For more information, go to alaskachamber.com.