Committees

Committees are the backbone of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce. They offer members the opportunity to meet other business people with similar community interests, to develop leadership and project management skills, and to have a positive effect on issues that concern our business and personal lives. 

Without volunteer committee members, the Anchorage Chamber's advocacy program would fail. Often a single community issue may require scores of Anchorage Chamber members in volunteer roles to form the chorus of business interests necessary to influence our decision makers.  Advocacy at the Anchorage Chamber begins and ends with volunteers.  An issue or interest can be raised by a single Anchorage Chamber members or by a group.  Regardless, issues are always handled through the committee process. 

To get involved in one of the Anchorage Chamber committees, double click on the committee you are interested in and send a message to the committee staff liaison.  The liaison will then notify you about committee times, dates, and agendas. Please note that many committees go on hiatus during the summer months so check the Anchorage Chamber calendar or call the office about summer meeting dates.

Ambassadors: Your Chamber Connection - This energetic group of people work to maintain contact with Anchorage Chamber members while helping to promote the organization as a whole. Ambassadors are present at all Anchorage Chamber functions and are the major coordinators for the Business After Hours, the annual train trip, and ribbon cutting events. The committee meets the 2^nd Tuesday of every month, 4 p.m., at Harry's Restaurant at 101 W. Benson Blvd, 5^th Floor. Staff Liaison: Laura Johnson

Anchorage ATHENA Society – The Society works to encourage the potential of all women as valued members and leaders of the business community and currently has more than 100 members, representing a diversity of professionals from local business owners to a former Air Force squadron leader. In the past, the Society’s main focus had been to annually present the ATHENA Award to a local member for his or her work toward accomplishing the mission of the Society. After tireless commitment for the past five years, the Society has grown to offer not only the ATHENA Award but also additional programs and scholarships that support the Society’s mission of encouraging women’s potential in business. Click here for more information about the Society.  Staff Liaison: Stacy Schubert

Business Connection Committee - This committee plans and organizes monthly breakfasts with speakers addressing 40 to 60 people. The breakfasts assist members with exchanging ideas and sharing business information skills, and help attendees create a network of business contacts. The committee meets the 3^rd Tuesday of every month, 7:30 am, at Alaska Bagel, 113 W. Northern Lights Blvd. Staff Liaison: Nicole Sullivan

Business and Economic Development Committee – This committee works on ways the Anchorage Chamber can provide greater benefits and services to member businesses.  The main committee meets the 3^rd Wednesday of every month, 4 p.m., at the Chamber office. Staff Liaison: Emily Ford

City of Lights Committee – This committee works to implement the Anchorage Chamber’s City of Lights winter celebration program. Anchorage residents and business owners are encouraged to brighten and beautify the community by using tiny white lights to decorate our landscapes during the winter months. Participate!  
This committee meets August through March. Staff Liaison: Laura Johnson

Clean-Up Committee - The community-wide event coordinates week-long clean-up efforts that involve schools, businesses, media and community dignitaries. 2002 marked the 34th anniversary of the Anchorage Chamber’s Clean-Up Week. Clean-Up Coordinator: Logistics, LLC

Crime Prevention and Safety Committee - This is a group of concerned citizens, police officers, attorneys and other Anchorage Chamber members working on solutions and recommendations for crime-related issues. This committee organizes the annual Crime Prevention and Safety Fair held at a local mall. The committee meets the 1^st and 3^rd Thursday of every month, 4 p.m., at the Chamber office. Staff Liaison: Laura Johnson

Gold Pan – This committee coordinates the Anchorage Chamber’s annual formal banquet held in September to honor individuals, organizations, and businesses for their civic contributions. Staff Liaison: Stacy Schubert.

State and Local Government Affairs Committee - Identifies the legislative, transportation, education and municipal issues that affects Anchorage Chamber members and prioritizes and takes action on those that the organization can most affect. In 2001 the committee strongly advocated for a long-term fiscal strategy and encouraged the legislature for immediate action on the fiscal gap. This Committee meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at the 7th floor Physician's Conference Room at Alaska Regional Hospital.  Staff Liaison: Emily Ford

Membership Committee – This Committee examines ways to enhance Anchorage Chamber membership and explores ideas for other potential benefits for members. The committee also searches for new ways to both attract new members and improve the relationship with current members. Staff Liaison: Laura Johnson

Military Committee – This committee interfaces with the military to address mutual concerns, and focuses on military-community involvement. Through various subcommittees and functions, they work to recognize the military presence in Anchorage. In 2002, the Anchorage Chamber showed continued community support of local military bases by hosting an appreciation lunch for more than 400 participants and military picnics at Ft. Richardson and Elmendorf Air Force Base simultaneously for 8,000 military personnel. This committee meets the 1^st Thursday of every month, 7:30 a.m., at the Anchorage Chamber office. Staff Liaison: Laura Johnson

Program Committee - Provides more than 45 programs with approximately 8,000 attendees every year for the "Make It Monday" luncheon forum. This committee meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month, 7:30 a.m., at the Anchorage Chamber office.  Staff Liaison: Emily Ford