DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
Our mission is to better serve and advocate for the business community by becoming a more open, inclusive, and diverse organization reflective of the makeup of Anchorage.
#DIVERSITYACC
The Anchorage Chamber positions diversity, equity and inclusion as critical for business maturation and growth.
We endorse the development and implementation of diversity and inclusion strategies that advance productivity, innovation, and economic growth.
Our Diversity Initiative drives economic competitiveness, highlights diverse employee populations, and promotes inclusive growth throughout the Anchorage Bowl.
Why Diversity, Equity & Inclusion?
It is a competitive advantage!
Recruiting
When you have a diverse office, recruiting new talent is more successful.
Retention
Employees want to continue working when they feel included in the company.
Perspective
The idea pool is deepened when including people of diverse backgrounds.
Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program
The Anchorage Chamber, in both its values and practices, is committed to inclusion and excellence of all diverse people irrespective of differences. This means that there shall be no barriers to participation in any activity of this chamber on the basis of economic position, gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability. We recognize that diverse perspectives are important and necessary for responsible and representative decision-making. We believe inclusiveness is a fundamental principle of every organization that enhances its ability to respond more effectively to changing demographics and needs. We affirm our commitment to reflecting the diversity of Anchorage and the members of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce.
DIVERSITY COMMITTEE
Diversity Committee Vision
We envision a board that reflects the demographics of our city and a growing membership of businesses representing the diversity of our community business owners and entrepreneurs.
Diversity Committee Members
The Diversity Committee is responsible for: supplying advice and support for the development and implementation of diversity, equity and inclusion programs; developing initiatives to augment retention and recruitment strategies for a diverse membership; and providing guidance and assistance with respect to the continued evolution of the Chamber’s diversity, equity and inclusion standards.
Committee Focus Areas
- Workplace: Adopting policies and practices that include people who have historically been absent from your organization.
- Workforce: Concerted effort to recruit qualified employees from traditionally underrepresented groups.
- Marketplace: More deeply involve minority-owned enterprises and consumers in the regional economy and recognize the enormous purchasing power of minority groups.
“The Anchorage Chamber endorses the development and implementation of diversity and inclusion strategies that advance productivity, innovation, and economic growth.”
Jocasta Olp
“Diversity makes our businesses – and the larger business community around us – stronger. The ideas, opinions and contributions that come from people of different backgrounds and experiences can only have a positive effect on the economic growth of Anchorage and the personal growth of the people who work here.”
Joy Merriner, BDO
Bruce Bustamante, President & CEO of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce
"Diversity makes our businesses – and the larger business community around us – stronger. The ideas, opinions and contributions that come from people of different backgrounds and experiences can only have a positive effect on the economic growth of Anchorage and the personal growth of the people who work here."
Joy Merriner, BDO
Gary Scott, Thompson & Co.
Ed Hendrickson, Alyeska Pipeline
Jin Chen, Alaska Skylar Travel
Heritage & Diversity Calendar
ALASKA INDEPENDENT WORKERS ALLIANCE (AIWA)
Mission Statement
To advance opportunities for independent workers and expand Anchorage’s workforce prospects, allowing individuals to work, play, and live in our city.
AIWA Vision
- Creating a space for independent workers to connect and share lessons learned, challenges, and solutions
- Allowing the chamber to be more educated about independent workers' business needs
- Igniting advocacy on issues that improve the rights and benefits of independent workers
