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Each year, the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce holds an Annual Awards & Membership Meeting to highlight the year's achievements and recognize the outstanding contributions of our membership. Along with celebrating these achievements, we hold a silent auction with generous gift donations from our members. If you are interested in becoming a donor, email jacqueline@fairbankschamber.org. We announce the recipients of our annual awards: Bill Stoeker Business of the Year, Bernice M. Joseph Education Advocate of the Year, and George Nehrbas Volunteer of the Year. If you have a business or individual that you want to nominate, click the buttons below.
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Nomination Period Over. Join Us at Annual Awards & Membership Meeting to See Winners!
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2022 Bill Stoecker Business of the Year Award
Lat 65 Brewing Co.
Lat 65 made a significant financial investment to revitalize and re-purpose a long-time vacant building. They host one of the largest first Friday events all year long, often having up to 15 artists on display for a month. They also allow other businesses and groups to have pop-up events, such as Making Strides, Hops for Hope, Arctic Refuge, the USO of Eielson and Ft. Wainwright, Staley Cup Memorial, Golden Retriever Rescue of Fairbanks, and a Pajama Drive for the Fairbanks Rescue Mission. The owners of Lat 65 believe in supporting local and in the summer, you can find many food truck business owners setting up shop on their outdoor patio. They have additionally teamed up with UAF, where a portion of the proceeds of their product goes back to the university to support student athlete scholarships.
2022 Bernice M. Joseph Education Advocate of the Year Award
Brianna Gray
Brianna Gray supports underserved students and families while leading with empathy and intention to provide staff with opportunities to grow professionally and personally. She is often supporting teachers as a guest speaker and with hands-on learning. It was best said in the nomination that “Brianna Gray leads in a way that is not only honest, authentic, and through an indigenous lens; but has a way of bringing the community together through their ability to remain genuine”. The late Bernice Joseph, for whom this award is named, was instrumental in guiding her to where she is now.
2022 George Nehrbas Volunteer of the Year Award
MAC Federal Credit Union's MAC PAC
MAC PAC encourages employees to volunteer by being flexible with work schedules and searching for volunteer opportunities in the community to match the employee with local needs.
In 2021 there were 618 volunteer hours logged by employees, in 2022, there were over 1,000 hours. Not only is time given, but so is money. Employees in MAC PAC chose to donate $15 from every paycheck and select where to use or donate the funds. Some of the locations they have volunteered with are, The Door, Little Pantries, Denali Center, Relay for Life, Go Red, Clean-up Day, Spin for a Cause, the Food Bank, and the 9/11 Stair Climb.
MAC PAC is the only employee-funded volunteer group in the state.
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BILL STROECKER BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
The Bill Stroecker Business of the Year award honors the accomplishments in the business community of a member of the Chamber who has shown drive in leading local development with sights on the future of Fairbanks. The business is recognized for consistent community involvement, an excellent business reputation with the public, and as a leader in their own profession and/or field of business.
Past recipients include:
2022: Lat 65 Brewing Co.2021: Kinross Fort Knox2020: McKinley Orthopedics, Sports Medicine & Spine2019: Alaska Universal Productions2018: Design Alaska
2017: Alyeska Pipeline Service Company
2016: Sunrise Bagel and Espresso
2015: HooDoo Brewing Company
2014: Northern Alaska Tour Company
2013: Date-Line Digital Printing
2012: Madden Real Estate
2011: Mt. McKinley Bank
2010: Chena Hot Springs
2009: Santina’s Flowers & Gifts
2008: Advance Printing Company
2007: Pacific Alaska Forwarders -
BERNICE M. JOSEPH EDUCATION ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR
The Bernice M. Joseph Education Advocate of the Year award recognizes a business or individual in the business community that has consistently shown a commitment to education through sustained partnership, outreach, or career development opportunities that improve the educational experience of students and demonstrate partnership, innovation, and creativity. All employees of Chamber member businesses are eligible to receive this award.
Past recipients include:2022: Brianna Gray2021: Spirit of Alaska Federal Credit Union2020: Michele Stalder2019: Daniel Domke2018: Denise Wartes
2017: The Associated General Contractors of Alaska
2016: Dr. Cary Keller
2015: Sue Hull -
GEORGE NEHRBAS VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
The George Nehrbas Volunteer of the Year award is presented to a member of the Chamber who has distinguished themselves as an outstanding volunteer. It is the Chamber's most visible recognition for volunteer contributions to our community. All employees of Chamber member businesses and organizations are eligible to receive this award.
Past recipients include:
2022: MAC Federal Credit Union's MAC PAC2021: Lisa Cassino2020: Ken Hall2019: Christina Tachick2018: Clark Milne
2017 : Mike Richards
2016: Dr. Katherine Johnson
2015: Derek Miller
2014: Sarah Lefebvre
2013: Heather Lambert
2012: Mary Jane Fate
2011: Cindy Cevasco
2010: Lorna Shaw
2009: Joe Usibelli Jr.
2008: Billie Blanchard
2007: Val Cofield2006: Jack Wilbur2005: Teresa Reed2004: Dr. Hugh "Bud" Fate2004: Dan Gavora2003: John Ringstad2002: Steve Thompson2002: Karen Lavery2001: Gary Roth2001: Joe Usibelli Sr.2000: Dick Brickley1999: Dr. William R. Wood1998: Rose Todd1996: Mike Kramer1995: Richard Wien1993: Jeff Cook1992: James R. Lentine1991: Pamela J. (held) Younker1989: Art Buswell1988: Frank Chapados1987: Jim Messer1985: Jo R. Scott1984: John Robertson1983: Robert Thomas1980: Robert H. Dempsey1971: Eva McGowan1968: Harry J. Porter1967: William "Bill" Green1965: J.D. Don Vogwill1964: Arthur J. Sexauer1963: G.A. "Al" Seeliger