Committees & Advocacy
Download a copy of the 2008-2009 Legislative Priorities
Ambassadors Committee
Chair: Amanda Blanchard, Monroe Catholic Schools/HIPOW
Vice Chair: Michelle Maynor, Interior Graphics & Printing
Meeting Time: Alternating the 1st Wednesday or Thursday of the month at various member restaurants
Mission Statement: The Ambassadors Committee serves as the official greeting arm of the Chamber and the community which results in a broad and diverse team of members dedicated to the enhancement of the economic future of Alaska.
Business & Arts Committee
Chair: June Rogers, Fairbanks Arts Association & McCafferty's
Meeting Time: 3rd Wednesday at 12:30 p.m.
Mission Statement: Business & Arts Committee will facilitate creating and maintaining mutally beneficial partnerships with the and businesses as a positive way for Chamber members to improve success and make a lasting impact on the community.
Education Committee
Chair: Kurt Newman, Honeywell Building Solutions
Meeting Time: 2nd & 4th Thursdays at 4:00pm at the Chamber Office
Mission Statement: The Education Committee serves to advise Chamber members on matters of education that relate to the business community and promote a quality educational system, to include K – 12 and higher education.Governmental Relations Committee
Chair: Garry Hutchison, Kohler, Schmitt and Hutchison
Meeting Time: As Scheduled
Mission Statement: The Governmental Relations Committee monitors proposed or existing laws, policies and regulations affecting Chamber members or its mission. The Committee takes a proactive posture in advancing matters of importance to our community or our state. From time to time, the Committee submits formal recommendations to the Board and takes a lead role in advocating Chamber positions externally.Leadership Fairbanks
Chair: Sue Hull, Ben Lomond Inc.
Meeting Time: As Scheduled
Mission Statement: Leadership Fairbanks Committee assists in developing and overseeing a community leadership program that gives the participants exposure to other leaders in the community, development of leadership skills, opportunities for personal growth, networking, and mentoring to a diverse group of students.Membership Committee
Chair: Gary Conatser, Denali State Bank
Meeting Time: 1st Friday at 8:30am at the Chamber Office
Mission Statement: The Membership and Ambassadors Committee develops and coordinates services of the Chamber to enhance the overall retention and recruitment of its membership.Military Affairs Committee
Chair: Butch Stein, American Red Cross
Vice Chair: Jim Malingowski, The Boeing Company
Meeting Time: 2nd & 4th Fridays at 8:30 a.m.
Mission Statement: The Military Affairs Committee promotes cooperative relationships between the military and Interior Alaskan businesses to maintain and enhance the economic value of our military installations.Natural Resources Committee:
Chair: Tom Bundtzen, Pacific Rim Consulting
Vice Chair: Bud Fate, Fate Enterprises
Meeting Time: 1st & 3rd Wednesday's at 7:30 a.m.
Mission Statement: The Natural Resources Committee advocates for the development and use of Alaskan's natural resources and strives to have a working knowledge of technical, financial, and political aspects surrounding development.Transportation Committee
Chair: Jim Little, JCL Engineering
Vice Chair: Tony Johansen, Great Northwest, Inc.
Meeting Times: Every Thursday at 7:00am at Denny's Restaurant
Mission Statement: The Transportation Committee advocates for improvement and growth in transportation infrastructure for the Northern Region including roads, railroad, aviation, terminals and water access with a goal to enhance Fairbanks as the Alaska and Northern Region transportation hub and increase the capability to service International traffic.Urban & Rural Affairs Committee
Chair: Ed Peebles, Warbelow's Air Ventures
Meeting Time: 3rd Thursday at 2:30pm
Mission Statement: The Urban and Rural Affairs Committee identifies and supports projects that enhance urban and rural exchanges: business, social, educational, and cultural relations.
