o      Creation of the new mission statement “Making Change” that better reflects the focused direction of the Anchorage Chamber and community as a whole

o    Implementation of a new communication plan that allows us to more effectively interact with our members

o    Assisting in the formation and development of “Vision Anchorage;” today the Anchorage Chamber is one of seven Champions in this collaborative economic development initiative

o    More than 7.9 million pounds of trash were dropped off at the refuse and waste stations during the 35^th annual City Wide Clean Up Week held in May; more than 1,000 people participated in the kick-off Blue Jeans Luncheon at the Sullivan Arena

o    Soroptimist International of Cook Inlet awarded the Anchorage Chamber the 2002 award for the Advancement of the Status of Women

o    Support and enhancement of the 400 School Bu siness Partnerships throughout the community

o    Monthly representation at the Soldier of the Month Breakfast and financial contributor to the Air Force Band of the Pacific

o    Anchorage Chamber’s Military Appreciation Week in June included a Military Appreciation Luncheon on Monday June 2 and Military Appreciation Picnics on Friday June 6, held simultaneously at Ft. Richardson Army Post and Elmendorf Air Force Base; in 2003 volunteers served more than 8,000 military personnel and their families

o    Anchorage Chamber is partnering with many organizations to bring world-class conferences and seminars to the area including Alliance North, a small business conference co-hosted by Senator Ted Stevens aimed at assisting Alaska businesses to understand and capitalize on the local, state and federal government procurement process; and co-hosting the Biz Fair, a free one-day conference and tradeshow targeted for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.

o    Anchorage ATHENA Society accepted 13 new members during the annual luncheon in April, and honored local resident Jewel Jones with the annual ATHENA Award

o    20 years of brightening the city with the Anchorage Chamber City of Lights Program.  More than 400 Anchorage Chamber City of Lights volunteers work to string lights.  In 2002, 250,000 miniature lights were strung throughout downtown and in Eagle River

o    46-years of honoring Anchorage ’s leaders during the annual Anchorage Chamber Gold Pan Awards to be held in September

o    Anchorage Chamber Board of Directors passed Resolution 2002/2003-21 “Opposing Legislation to Ban the Use of Credit-History Data By Insurers in Assessing the Insurance Risk Posed by Their Insureds.”  Legislation that was proposed in an effort to ban such use was subsequently rejected in the State Legislature. 

o    Anchorage Chamber sign ordinance committee worked with Planning and Zoning and the Anchorage Assembly to amend the proposed Municipal Sign Ordinance to reflect the needs of the business community.  The Anchorage Chamber continues to monitor the Anchorage Assembly as they continue to review the document.   

o    Anchorage Chamber Board of Directors passed Resolution 2002/2003-20 “In Support of Long-term Growth and Fiscal Stability,” encouraging the Governor and Legislature to take specific steps toward achieving state fiscal stability. 

current projects:

o    Constant monitoring of Title 21, a land ordinance that will govern property rights, zoning, land use and planning.

o    Special ad hoc committee has been formed to address the proposed municipal sign ordinance.

o    Anchorage Chamber is actively involved with “Vision Anchorage”, whose goal is to provide the leadership to successfully implement a bold and progressive economic development plan for Anchorage ’s future

o    Developing a sub-committee to review the Governor’s State Bu dget, specifically its impact on the local economy and how the budget fits in with the “Vision Anchorage” Plan

o    Current discussion for recommendation to the Board of Directors on insurance regulation and the increasing costs for businesses to provide insurance coverage for their employees and the privatization of Blue Cross/Blue Shield

o    Weekly Make it Monday Forums are designed to educate the community about current business issues.  Upcoming topics include the proposed expansion and development of Girdwood as a premier resort community and the Small Bu siness Partnership/Success by Six awards ceremony

o    Monthly “ Bu siness Connection Breakfasts” allow for interaction between members and provides networking opportunities for small businesses. 

o    In working towards the goal of constant progress, several small focus groups are being formed geared toward the needs and ambitions of the small business

o   “ Bu siness After Hours” is a premier monthly networking event that allows businesses to showcase their products and services in relaxed and fun atmosphere