Tuesday, October 8th

9:00-1:00pm - Local Chamber Executives Roundtable Sponsored by AOGA

The Future of AI and Chambers: Understanding the fundamentals and how you can implement AI to work smarter, not harder. 
Speaker: Carlos Machuca, MBA, AI Resource Program Director, SBDC

This session is for local chamber executives only.

 

2:00-4:00pm - Board Meeting

Open to current and onboarding board members and invited guests

 

2:00pm - Optional Tours (Pick ONE) - Buses Depart from Westmark
Open to all Alaska Business Summit attendees! 

RSVP’s required – Email lydia@alaskachamber.com to secure your tour slot.  

Kinross Fort Knox Mine Tour

OR 

Commercial Drone Tour with UAF at Fairbanks International Airport https://acuasi.alaska.edu/

 

5:00pm Bus Departure from Westmark for Opening Reception 

If unable to attend the Kinross Fort Knox or UAF drone tour, hop on the second bus to attend our opening reception!

 

5:30- Opening Reception at Silver Gulch: Pints & PAC's Sponsored by Samson Tug & Barge

Tour participants will meet up with the rest of the Business Summit attendees for a private reception. Contributions to the Alaska Business PAC and Alaska Miners Association PAC are welcome!  

 

7:00pm - Depart Reception for Westmark

Dinner on your own!

 

 

Wednesday, October 9th, Westmark Gold Room

7:30am - Doors open for Alaska Business Summit - Breakfast sponsored by Hilcorp Alaska  

 

8:00am - Opening Remarks

Joe Balash, Board Chair, Alaska Chamber 

 

William A. Egan Alaskan of the Year Presentation
Award Winner: Jeff Cook
Presenters: Kara Moriarty and Marilyn Romano

 

Video address by Senator Murkowski

 

8:15am - The Future of Work

Stephanie Ferguson, Director, Global Employment Policy & Special Initiatives, U.S. Chamber of Commerce 

Joey Crum, President & CEO, Northern Industrial Training 

 

Facilitated by: Kara Moriarty, President & CEO, Alaska Oil & Gas Association 

 

From barriers to employment, birthrates to immigration reform, and generational divides among employees; an update on today’s workforce shortage and how employers should prepare for the next ten years. In addition, a primer on SkillBridge, a veteran-hire program all employers should know about. 

 

9:00am - Strategic Leadership in the age of AI: From Vision and Challenges to Impact

Carlos A. Machuca, AI Resource Program Director, Alaska Small Business Development Center 

Mike Satre, Director of Governmental Affairs, Hecla Mining Company 

Ellie Booth, Senior Manager, Public Policy, Amazon

 

Facilitated by: Laura McDonnell, Small Business Owner, Caribou Crossings 

 

What are the strategic challenges of implementing AI in your organization and how can you safely embrace and manage the technology. 

 

10:00am - Break - Refreshments Sponsored by Transportation Institute 

 

10:15am - Ballot Measure 1: A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing 

Rebecca Logan, CEO, Alaska Support Industry Alliance  
Michael Cervantes, Owner, The Banks Alehouse 

Elizabeth Hall, Chief Operating Officer, John Hall's Alaska Tours Transportation

A primer on the so-called minimum wage measure on the statewide ballot this year and why your business, regardless of size or type, should care.

 

10:45am - Bill Bivin Small Business of the Year Presentation 
Award Winner: Northern Industrial Training, LLC 

 

11:00am - Foot on the Gas: Switching Directions: Trucking LNG from Prudhoe to Fairbanks

Andrew Limmer, Vice President, Harvest Alaska 
Elena Sudduth, General Manager, Interior Gas Utility 
 
First delivery of Prudhoe LNG is expected to arrive in Fairbanks in early 2025. An update on the Harvest-IGU project.

 

Local Chamber of the Year Presentation 
Award Winner: Greater Sitka Chamber of Commerce 
Presenter: Holly Meyer, Aspen Hotels of Alaska 

 

Video Presentation by Senator Sullivan

 

Luncheon Keynote Fireside Chat 

Rich Nolan, President & CEO, National Mining Association
Deantha Skibinski, Executive Director, Alaska Miners Association 
Mike Satre, Director of Governmental Affairs, Hecla Mining Company 

 

1:30pm - It's Your Business:  Wins and Losses of the 2024 Legislative Session and a look ahead to 2025 

Joe Balash, Santos, Alaska Chamber Chairman 
Kati Capozzi, President & CEO, Alaska Chamber 
Kari Nore, Director of External Affairs, Alaska Chamber 

 

2:00pm - Tipping Point: The Cost of Living, Working, and Playing in the Last Frontier 

Dr. Brett Watson, Assistant Professor of Applied and Natural Resource Economics, ISER

Akis Gialopsos, Deputy Executive Director, Alaska Housing Finance Corporation

Commissioner Heidi Hedberg, Department of Health, State of Alaska

Alethea Gomez, Colorado Executive Director, Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC) 

 

Facilitated by: Stacy Barnes, Director, Governmental Relations and Public Affairs, Alaska Housing Finance Corporation 

 

While jobs and GDP are up in Alaska, the cost of housing, childcare, and groceries are hurting employers’ abilities to attract and retain workforce. What’s the solution?  

 

2:45pm - Break 

 

3:00pm - Elections 2024: Hot Takes 

Matt Larkin, Owner, Dittman Research 
Nicole McCleskey, Partner, Public Opinion Strategies 

 

Facilitated by: Renee Reeve, VP of Government and Community Relations, Cruise Line International Association Alaska (CLIA)

 
With 50 legislative races, two ballot measures, a Congressional seat, and a rollercoaster of a Presidential campaign, hear the perspectives and predictions of two pollsters who are the best at what they do, both in-state and nationally. Less than a month until election day!

 

Rita Sholton Large Business of the Year Presentation 
Award Winner: Trident Seafoods
Presenter: Scott Habberstad

 

Champagne Toast: Sponsored by CLIA

 

5:15pm to Lobby for those riding bus to Morris Thompson Center

 

5:30-7:30pm - Reception at Morris Thompson Center Sponsored by Usibelli Coal Mine and Explore Fairbanks

Bussing is provided from the Westmark to reception in 15 min rotations

 

Thursday, October 10th - Westmark, Gold Room

8:30am - Breakfast Doors Open Sponsored by Santos

 

9am - 11am - Policy Forum – Open to Alaska Chamber members only 

Our annual advocacy agenda-setting event! Learn about, discuss, and cast your vote on policy positions submitted by members for the Alaska Chamber’s advocacy agenda.  

To include as many members as possible, this will be a hybrid event. If you are a member and do not plan to attend in person, contact kari@alaskachamber.com to register and receive your secure link to attend virtually.  

 

12:00 - 1pm Congressional Candidate Forum 

Co-hosted by the Alaska Chamber and Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce

             Congresswoman Mary Peltola  - confirmed

             Nick Begich - confirmed

 

The Alaska Business Summit will conclude at 1:00p.m. sharp.