In addition to a diverse 27-member board of directors, 14 ex-officio board members and a dedicated staff of eight, the Chamber has 15 committees made up of hundreds of volunteers. These active civic leaders work on everything from business development and crime issues, to beautifying Anchorage with its annual clean up and City of Lights programs, to working with regulatory agencies and government to maintain a healthy business climate for our city.

Although each committee has its own individual focus the work can be concentrated into three areas:

Public policy formation: Promoting and opposing government action on municipal, state and national levels on issues affecting business.

Member and civic services: Programs, strategic planning, advocacy and information for the benefit of our members and the community.

Economic development: Expanding Anchorage's economic base through stimulation of sustainable business, commercial and cultural development.

In the past, the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce has been instrumental in establishing Fur Rendezvous, the Better Business Bureau, the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, Buy Alaska, Crime Stoppers, City of Lights, Green Star and many others.

The Chamber, working with other business and government entities has affected change or improvements in our roads, sewer, airport, port and railroad. Chamber planning, mediating, and strategizing have helped pass a tax cap, encouraged regulatory changes and provided forward thinking on crime prevention.

Handling more than 1,500 calls and information requests each month, providing business data, city maps and relocation packets are only part of what the Chamber does. The Anchorage Chamber of Commerce is one of the few chambers nationwide providing a newsworthy weekly luncheon forum for its membership and the general public.

The Chamber also works hard to encourage networking by organizing several opportunities each month for members. Regular meetings are: the Business Connection Breakfast, Business After Hours and Member Orientation.

This dynamic organization also publishes a monthly newsletter, "Chamber News & Views," which is direct-mailed to the entire membership in the first week of each month. The newsletter contains news on Chamber businesses and Chamber events, a list of new and renewing members and messages from the Board Chair and others.

With your membership in the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce you can become involved in your community and become part of a strong business network.