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Alaska Chamber announces winners of 2015 top business awards

Fairbanks, AK – The recipients for the Bill Bivin Small Business of the Year, Local Chamber of Commerce of the Year, William A. Egan Alaskan of the Year and North Star Award were announced on Wednesday, October 14 at the Alaska Chamber’s annual Awards Gala in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Bill Bivins Small Business of the Year
Date-Line Digital Printing is the recipient of the Bill Bivins Small Business of the Year award. Established in 1993, the award pays tribute to businesses that exemplify leadership, ethics and organization. The Fairbanks-based partnership of Geoff Welch and Travis Lewis exemplify the community commitment of Alaska small businesses. Date-Line is notable for the "Thanks Fairbanks" program, sharing thousands of free Thank You cards with Fairbanks community.

Local Chamber of Commerce of the Year
The Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center is the recipient of the Local Chamber of Commerce of the Year award. The award recognizes consistent community involvement and excellent business reputation. Established in 1954 and predating statehood, the Kenai Chamber is an active advocate on business issues effecting local community and the state. The Chamber is proud to recognize the Kenai Chamber for providing practical business support, relocation assistance and service to visitors of the Kenai Peninsula area.

William A. Egan Outstanding Alaskan of the Year
Charles "CB" Bettisworth is the recipient of the celebrated and prestigious William A. Egan Alaskan of the Year award. The award is presented to individuals who have made substantial and continual contributions of statewide significance while working in the private sector. Born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska, CB has inspired a new generation of architects. He is an active Rotarian, public servant, businessman and true Alaskan.

North Star Award
The Chamber presents the North Star Award to an individual or organization in Alaska who actively develops and pursues the betterment of all Alaska residents. These individuals and organizations provide significant contributions to the future of the Great State of Alaska. This year's recipient has been Alaska's guiding star in a very special way, serving as President and CEO of the Chamber. The Chamber is proud to present this rare honor to Rachael Petro in recognition of her determined support of Alaska business to the betterment of each Alaskan and our great state.

The Chamber's board of directors also recognized Gary Brackett of the Tacoma-Pierce County for his 38 years of service at the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce and decades of active partnership with Alaska. Gary has attended more than 25 annual Chamber conferences since 1988, raising awareness of the Tacoma-Alaska connection with the slogan, "Alaska, Tacoma's North Star!"

Please join the members of the Chamber in recognizing each of the 2015 award winners.
 

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About the Alaska Chamber
The Alaska Chamber, a private, non-profit corporation, operating since 1952, works to promote a positive business environment in Alaska. The Alaska 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 visit alaskachamber.com.
 

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