Board of Directors

2008 Board of Directors Contact Information

Rick Solie
2008 GFCC Chairman
Director - Northern Region Office for ConocoPhillips
100 Cushman Street, Suite 501
Fairbanks, AK 99701
Phone: (907) 451-0097
Email: rick.j.solie@conocophillips.com


A Letter from the Chairman

First let me thank you for the privilege of serving as Chair for the coming year – I am honored. It is my hope that the Chamber of Commerce can provide benefits to your business through our weekly luncheon programs, the seminars and classes we offer for our members and the public policy issues that we speak out on.

Natural resource and mining issues will likely top our legislative and public policy agenda this year. There are a number of ballot measures that if passed would decimate the mining industry and other resource related activities. The Chamber will educate its membership on these issues and their impact on our economy. Oil & gas issues remain important and we have been actively advocating for a business and political climate that encourages additional oil investment and a gas pipeline project.

This past year the Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation (FEDC) formally separated from the Chamber; however, we remain closely linked in our desire to promote jobs and economic development in the interior. We will work with FEDC and other stakeholders to increase the economic climate and prosperity of local businesses. Currently, Fairbanks ranks 14th in the state in per capita income – that is unacceptable and we will work with FEDC and other stakeholders to change that. A specific response to is FEDC's goal of “4/4/5” - four thousand new jobs in four years that pay $50,000 – laudable goal that we will support.

To encourage those new jobs, we should focus on drivers of our economy, which in addition to the resource areas , include the university, military and tourism. These sectors form a foundation on which the local economy rests..

As I mentioned at the annual luncheon, business advocacy is not rocket science, but it does require building relationships with people and groups that can influence our business and taking charge of our economic future. The Chamber needs your involvement and help…….together, we can work to make the Chamber more effective and responsive to your needs.

Again, thank you for the honor of serving you – I'll be pleased to talk to you about issues that concern you and your business or ideas you may have for the Chamber.

Thank you,

Rick Solie