Delta Chamber of Commerce. Chamber News. Membership Luncheon Delta Chamber Board Elections

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1 Delta Chamber of Commerce Chamber News Volume 16 Issue 11 October 2013 like us on Facebook! Board of Directors President: Flower Cole Vice President Tony Porreca Secretary/Treasurer Pablo Martinez Board Members Chuck Creamer Julie Szidloski Allison Long Audrey A. Brown, Esquire Kim White Katie Behrens LTC Brian Speas Member in Charge Chuck Creamer Manager Jackie Carpenter Chamber Office Inside Visitor Center Mile 1422 ALASKA HWY PO Box 987 Delta Junction, AK Phone: Fax: Mission Statement The Delta Chamber of Commerce is a business organization that supports and represents its membership by promoting business growth and community development through leadership, programs, education and the dissemination of information. Membership Luncheon The next membership luncheon will be held on Thursday October 17th 12pm to 1pm at Taste of Europe. To be eligible for the free lunch drawing, you must RSVP no later than 4pm on October 14th to The Delta Chamber of Commerce office OUR GUEST SPEAKER this luncheon is Roxie Rodgers Dinstel, with the Tanana Dist. Cooperative Extension Office. Roxie Rodgers Dinstel, Tanana District Extension Home Economist, will talk about what radon is, why it is a problem, and will talk about testing your house this winter. Roxie Rodgers Dinstel has worked with Cooperative Extension for more than 30 years in four states: Texas, Oklahoma, Montana and now in Alaska. She has served as the Tanana District Extension Agent in Fairbanks for 18 years. She is program coordinator for the Alaska Family Nutrition Education Program and is program head for Health, Home and Family Development. Roxie graduated from Eastern New Mexico University with a BS in Home Economics and Business; and earned her MS from Texas Woman s University in Home Economics Education. She is currently in the final stages of earning her PhD from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Family Economics Delta Chamber Board Elections There are 5 positions opening up on the ballot, now is the time to think about who you would like to see elected. (See page 2 for a full list of nominees) Important Dates: October 1st 2013 ballots will be issued via mailing addresses on file October 20th 2013 all ballots need to be returned before this date, so election results can be processed. You may drop off completed ballots at our Visitor Center and Frontier Pull Tabs locations. Does your business have a radon problem?

2 2013 Chamber Board Candidates Candidate Listing Tammy Skaleski, Nanna s Attic Eileen Williams, Copper Current, Inc. The ballots are out! We would like you to get to know some of this year s candidates. There are seven candidates and only five seats this election: Consider this your chance to learn a little about those in your community. Eileen Williams Copper Current, Inc Holly Wrigley, Busy Bee Office Supply Mike Paschall, Delta Wind After moving to Delta Junction in 2009, Eileen Williams soon became actively involved in the community. In 2010 and 2011, she was appointed General Manager of the Deltana Fair Association. In 2012, she served as a board member on the Delta Chamber of Commerce, where she initiated the Chamber s first political forum. She is a 4-H leader for the Midnight Sun Stock Crew club and is a parent volunteer for multiple school related activities. Allison Long, Wells Fargo Katie Behrens, Highway s End Farmer s Market Kim White, The Smiling Moose She is the President and co-owner of a local business, Copper Current Electric (CCE). Before coming to Alaska, she previously worked for a large telecommunications organization and has 16+ years of experience in the field of Network Operations and Project Management. During her career, she advanced through a series of management positions and gained experience in Corporate Real Estate, Marketing and Operations. As a Senior Project Manager, Eileen has managed several global projects that has spanned over 6,000 locations throughout 25 countries including North America, Europe, APAC and UAE. She is an alumni of Villanova University having majored in Organizational Dynamics and Human Performance Management. She also holds a Masters Certification in Project Management from Villanova University and a Senior Executive Leadership Certification from Georgetown University. In 2012, she was nominated Construction Women of the Year State of Alaska, by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). She and her family live on a small hobby farm, where they grow giant pumpkins and enjoy the outdoors. KIM WHITE The Smiling Moose Kim White, and her husband Steve have been full time Deltinians since 6/2010, when Steve joined Boeing. He is a high voltage Electrician, and Kim works from home for Mayo Clinic Health System as a Physician Recruiter. They are from Minnesota originally. Kim has two grown boys, but no grandchildren yet, darnit! Steve has 3 grown kids, and 4 grandchildren. They have two fur kids (pugs), named Gracie and Grizz, who rule the roost at their house. Steve is having his 1968 Dodge Charger restored, and hopes to bring it up here next spring. He likes hunting, camping, and is an avid Nascar fan. Kim s favorite hobby is shopping, so she puts that to good use at her Smiling Moose store! Kim s other hobbies include playing scrabble, garage saleing, and fishing. She is on the hospital board, and is hoping we can get a medical center built here. When Kim first came to Delta Junction, she was welcomed with open arms into the IGA girls coffee group, and was impressed with how friendly the people were here. Since she works from home, and doesn t get out much, she yearned to open up a business again. Kim searched for commercial space for over a year, until she found her current space in the building next to Posh. Kim owned a gift/crafts/antique store for 5 years in Minnesota. She sold gifts and home decor items, as well as rented space to more than 30 craft and antique vendors. Kim purchased and renovated a 2,200 square foot 100 year old building that housed her store on the main floor, and she lived in the apartment upstairs. Kim ran that with the help of a manager while she worked full time at IBM. So, owning Smiling Moose is like doing her very favorite thing in the world again! We love it here, and I look forward to contributing to the livelihood of Delta Junction for years to come! Page 2

3 2013 Chamber Board Candidates HOLLY WRIGLEY New Owner of Busy Bee Office Supply ALLISON LONG Wells Fargo I was born and raised in Alaska, and that is where I plan to stay! My husband, Michael Long, and I have two children; Keenan, 4, and Gillian, 2,. I attended all local schools in Fairbanks, playing various sports and then left to pursue my bachelor s degree in England. I lived overseas for a total of 6 years, including time spent travelling and 2 years in Australia. Throughout that time I received a degree in Human Biology, started my MBA, and managed a marketing company that had various locations throughout the world. The time came when I was too burnt out on the crazy, fast paced life I was living and I moved back to Alaska. My management positions started with Princess Cruises, then Holland America/Princess cruises and from there I was recruited to become a bank manager for Wells Fargo Bank in Delta Junction. That worked well for my family, since my husband was already stationed at Ft. Greely. Today, he is the Alpha Company commander of the 49 th Missile Defense Battalion, our kids are both in pre-school and we are happy spending our doing anything outdoors, in the community, and keeping busy, no matter what time of year! I moved to Delta Junction with my family just over two years ago. My husband, Dallen Wrigley, has spent most of his life here in this community. We have four small children ages 3, 6, 7, and 9. We love this wonderful community and look forward to spending many more years here. I a m p l e a s e d t o a n n o u n c e that my husband and I bought Busy Bee Office Supply from Eileen Herman this September. We are excited to start this new adventure and I am looking forward to getting to know many more members of our community. We are happy to be able to provide office products and services to the community that will help to make life easier and more convenient, no need to run to Fairbanks for office or school supplies anymore. We also offer ACS phone service right here in Delta Junction. We are currently working on upgrading the type and amount of products that we carry. We are also now p r o v i d i n g a c o m p u t e r a n d p h o n e r e p a i r s e r v i c e I think that it would be great if the Chamber of Commerce would facilitate networking between local businesses to increase communication between businesses and the community members. It would be great if we could offer business workshops, where we can bounce ideas off of one another and learn more about what works for other business' as well as marketing workshops where we can learn more about advertising tricks and tips. I think that local business' offer many items that the community is not aware of. It would be great if we could get the word out and let everyone know what is available right here in Delta. MIKE PASCHALL Delta Wind I would like to serve on the Delta Chamber of Commerce Board because I believe it is time for the Chamber to reach out to the members and see if the Chamber is serving them in the best way possible. I am firmly committed to the principal that the mission of the Chamber is to help Chamber businesses. I have been in Delta Junction for nine years and own the Delta Wind and have served on several boards including the Rural Deltana Volunteer Fire Department and the Delta Farm Bureau Boards. Page 3

4 Chamber Spotlight Manager's Notes For those who missed our last Chamber Membership Luncheon, there were a few items highlighted that may be of interest to you. Wayne of Graphic North gave an informative presentation on the history of printing. It was truly fascinating to hear how we progressed from Stone Printing to our current desktop Laser Printers. For anyone with printing needs, I would suggest speaking with Wayne, his company has been servicing Delta business for several years. Some other issues that were addressed at the meeting included the Adopt a Highway Program. In a step towards city beautification we were asked to remind businesses that this is a free program. Meaning that there is no cost for Adopting your section of the Highway. You select the portion you would like, and then it is your responsibility to maintain this section a few times a year. A sign is posted with your business name, which is essentially another avenue of getting your name out there. The Mayor, Pete Hallgren was also at the meeting to formally announce that the City of Delta is allowing the Delta Chamber and it s Chamber Members to use the logo they had designed for the 40th Anniversary. (See Below). One of the proposed methods of using the Logo was having it printed on reusable bags. This would help cut down on the amount of loose trash that seems to come out when then winds blow. As part of the presentation he mentioned that to remain in compliance with regulators, they actually had people picking trash bags from the fences around the landfill, to insure a good rating. Reusable bags have many benefits, if your business would be interested in working with the Chamber to be able to add some to your stock, please contact me. We are doing something that is eccofriendly, but also shows that we are proud of our community. Jackie Carpenter Manager (907) deltacc@deltachamber.org Delta Music & Art Company Delta Music & Art Company Delta Music & Art Company has been a home-based business in Delta Junction since The early 1990's. It started as a way to keep students playing their instruments in my Delta/Greely school bands. I grew tired of students having to wait for months to get their broken instruments back from Fairbanks or Anchorage repair shops. I went back home to take Graduate level classes in music instrument repair from my father, Charles Atkins, in South Bend, Indiana. He was an expert in repairing having learned directly from several of the instrument manufacturing companies. I began repairing band instruments for Delta Junction, Tok, Nenana, Kotzebue, Fairbanks, and occasionally at some of the regional music festivals as needed. While I still have a full workshop and continue to repair, I have retired from public school music teaching after 30 years of teaching. Now I am teaching private music lessons full time and focusing on my other favorite creative talents which include jewelry making, and skin and fur sewing. After using my hands for all those small repairs for so many years, it was an easy jump from small tools to jewelry making, stretching hides, and hand sewing. I teach students on piano, voice, guitar, violin, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, recorder, and snare drum. I enjoy teaching many homeschool students as well as public school students including those as young as 5 up to adults. My handmade items include one-of-a-kind jewelry necklace & earring sets, beaded bookmarks, sheepskin ice worms, sheepskin mittens and slippers both with and without fur trim, as well as fur trapper hats out of local interior Alaska furs. Delta Music & Art Company creations can be found at Black Rapids Lodge, The Smiling Moose in Delta Junction, Screaming Weasel in North Pole, and World Eskimo Indian Olympics in Fairbanks. Customers are always welcome to contact me directly to place an order. I will be starting a website soon. Thank you for your support! Rachelle Stebbins Owner - Delta Music & Art Company Winners of the September Luncheon Door Prize and Free Lunch Drawings New Members Gary & Melanie Burgett Of GETFAR Group The Blind Helping the Blind. Page 4

5 Applying for small business tax credits under the ACA Article From alaskajournal.com Page 5 Chamber News By Calvin W. Goings, SBA Alaska Regional Administrator Published: :58 PM Article Published by Commerce/September-Issue The U.S. Small Business Administration is committed to educating small business owners about the facts surrounding the Affordable Care Act, so that you can make an informed decision about what makes sense for your business including whether you choose to apply for a tax credit. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, small businesses are benefitting from improved accountability and affordability in the health insurance market. As you prepare for the Small Business Health Options Program Marketplaces to begin open enrollment on Oct. 1, it is important that small businesses, who offer health insurance to their employees, remember that you may also be eligible for a tax credit. This can significantly offset the cost of providing insurance, by crediting a percentage of small business owners premium contributions. Through 2013, to qualify for a small business tax credit of up to 35 percent (up to 25 percent for non-profits) of your premium contributions, you must meet all of the following criteria: Have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees Pay average annual wages below $50,000 And, contribute 50 percent or more toward your employees self-only health insurance premiums. Beginning in January 2014, this tax credit increases to 50 percent (35 percent for non-profits) and will be available to small businesses who meet the criteria listed above and who purchase coverage through the new SHOP Marketplaces (also known as Exchanges). This enhanced credit can be claimed for any two consecutive taxable years beginning in 2014 (or beginning in a later year) through the SHOP. To determine whether your small business or tax exempt organization qualifies for the credit, the Internal Revenue Service offers a helpful step-by-step guide. Visit and search for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. If you have additional questions about the tax credit, or need assistance completing the necessary forms, call the IRS Business Help Line at Once you ve determined that you qualify for the credit, your tax professional can help guide you through the necessary steps to claim the credit which include: Carrying the credit back or forward to other tax years. Obtaining a refundable credit if you are a tax-exempt employer. (Note this is a federal tax credit. You may also be eligible for additional health care tax credits from your state.) Using Form 8941, Credit for Small Employer Health Insurance Premiums, to calculate the credit. It s also important to know that eligible small employers can claim the credit and still take a business expense deduction for the remainder of their premium contributions. The Affordable Care Act allows small employers to offer health coverage in a way that makes sense for their business and works for their bottom line, and the SBA is committed to leveraging our resources and federal partnerships to connect you with the facts and resources you need to understand the law. To learn more, visit healthcare or contact the Alaska District Office at LISTEN UP! The state concession contract to operate the restaurant and gift shop at Big Delta State Historical Park (Rika s Roadhouse) ends OCTOBER 30th 2013! A new concession contract would provide for: 1. An exclusive right to manage food services at Big Delta Historical Park 2. A reasonable fee schedule to be set by contract, subject to division review and approval. 3. Adequate and effective safety precautions 4. Adequate accommodations for persons with disabilities 5. A 5-year term, with option to renew for two additional 10- year terms. 6. A prohibition from significant interference with ordinary and traditional use of the park. 7. Full compliance with all relevant state and local laws. This information has been taken directly from the public information flyer provided by the Department of Natural Resources. Contact the Northern Area Superintendent, Brooks Ludwig via brooks.ludwig@alaska.gov For more information.

6 Chamber News Thanks For the Soup at the Sullivan The gardeners at the Sullivan Roadhouse Museum breathed a sigh of relief after the much-needed rains came a couple days prior to Soup Day at the Sullivan. Needless to say we were pleased to see the sun poke out Wednesday morning and take the chill 38 from the air. Kathy for your dedication to the Sullivan, it will certainly not shine as brightly without you presence. Happy Trails! Carol and Haley McNabb gladly served vanilla ice cream topped by rhubarb sauce Thanks to the Gardeners of the Sullivan Roadhouse Ma Sullivan would be proud to see the steady stream of folks at the 8 th annual Soup at the Sullivan. Familiar faces lined up in hopes of finding a pot of their favorite soup or chowder from past years; while new comers were delighted by the heavenly aroma that wafted through the door as they stood in line waiting for their first soup day. Many thanks goes out to the makers of the delectable soups: Sandy Dighton, Carol Dufendach, Jeff Durham, Lou Ann Fett, Laurie Franks, Phil Kaspari, Carol McNabb, Christy Roden, Kathy Sonnichsen, and Kathy Trim. Best of bread, muffins, roll and scones provided by: Mary Ann Czmer, Carol Dufendach, Courtney Durham, Kassie Farrar, Laurie Franks, Carol McNabb, Christy Roden, and Kathy Trim. Tea, punch, and cucumber water prepared and served by out littlest elf, Kathy Trim. We are sad to say this was her final event at the roadhouse. She and Chuck have moved South to be near family in their retirement years. Many thank to you dear Page 6 to the appreciative crowd. Ken Farrow, delighted the roadhouse with his musical talents while he played in the main salon. Steve DuBois was in attendance behind his camera, snapping photos of the festivities. Set up and clean up thanks goes out to Mary Ann, Carol D., Laurie, Christy, Kathy and our heavy lifters: Mike Farrar & Ron Roden. The process went smoothly thanks to the labors of this crew. Thank you, Delta News Web and the Delta Wind for mentioning this event. Hearts were warmed by the aroma of soup, bread, and the company of good friends - thank you to all who attended for your kind support of the Sullivan Roadhouse Museum and gardens. Anyone wishing to help with activities at the roadhouse can contact one of the many volunteers listed above. Thank you. ~Sincerely, Christy Roden garden elf ~ The final days of the garden have come to a close and the first snows will arrive in due time. It is with a sense of gratitude to have the garden put to bed and reflect on all those who participated in the care and maintenance of the roadhouse gardens. A Huge thanks to our Constant Gardeners these are the volunteers that show up consistently and not only worked in the gardens, they acted as museum hosts, cleaned house, helped with functions, and performed an assortment of tasks: Carol Dufendach Mary Ann Czmer Mike Farrar Christy Roden Kathy Trim A heartfelt thanks to our Come When You Can Gardeners, they helped accomplish big and small projects; including tasks from above: Lou Ann Fett Laurie Franks Ron Roden Mr. Hanson and Mrs. Parsons Spring classes and Tammie Kovalenko Holly Stewart s Delta Greely Home School spring and fall students Salcha-Delta Soil and Water Conservation District The comments received from travelers and townsfolk alike have been most gracious; a reflection of the attention bestowed upon the roadhouse and the surrounding gardens. Many thanks to all of you for your generous gift of time and imagination; without you the roadhouse would not shine as bright, or be a place that brings such pleasure. ~The Sullivan Roadhouse Gardens~

7 The Gardeners and House Keepers of the Sullivan Roadhouse Museum Give Thanks to the Hosts and Hostesses My apologies for overlooking a very integral part of the Sullivan Roadhouse Museum; our hosts, those wonderful volunteers who are dedicated to the roadhouse, spending countless hours, daily, weekly, or monthly. They inspire the spirit of the last Frontier, telling and retelling the story of Ma and Pa Sullivan, each has their own yarn to spin, and they do it with enthusiasm, enriching the lives of the Sullivan s and all who toiled on the Valdez to Fairbanks winter trail, and then some. Not only do they meet and greet, they dust and vacuum, water, weed, and deadhead, and on occasion help with the many events held on site. With the hot dry summer the flowers and veggies would have suffered greatly without their assistance, and for that we are most appreciative. Without you the doors of this fine museum would remain closed, thank you for being there, pitching in, and entertaining the masses. Upcoming Events Delta/ Greely School Dist. Share It! Meeting Thursday October 3rd, :00pm Delta HS Small Gym. It s your opportunity to interface with DGSD School Board Members. Salcha-Delta Soil & Water Conservation Dist. Board Meeting. Tuesday October 8th, :30am in the Jarvis Building Conference Room. For more info call Chamber Board Meeting Tuesday October 8th, :00am-12:00pm To be held at The Clearwater Lodge. Thank You: Katie Behrens Tony Lamanna Flower Cole Brian Corty Wayne Crowson Bob & Ann Geise Jan Jerry Bonnie Owen Tony & Tracey Porreca Emma Sparks Sherman Stebbins Nancy Williams Alaska Chamber Fall Conference. October 14-16th, 2013.Held at the West mark Hotel in Fairbanks. Please see alaskachamber.com for more information and Pre Registration. Chamber Membership Luncheon Thursday October 17th, :00pm-1:00pm, at Taste of Europe. Please RSVP UAF Cooperative Ext Service Treats are part of a Heart-Healthy diet, Workshop Thursday October 17th :00pm-4:00pm in the Delta Career Advancement Center. $5.00 person. Please contact to preregister. Happy Halloween! October, 31st 2013 Acacia Floral & Gifts Holiday Open House Saturday, November 2nd :00am to 5:00pm Page 7

8 Welcome Back For Another Season Thank-you to the following Members for renewing their membership with the Delta Chamber. Chamber Halloween Map 2013 For those of you who were not contacted, the Chamber is making a Trick Or Treat map this year. We would like to know if your business was planning on handing out candy, or having any other sales & Promotions on Halloween. The Map will list all the participating Chamber businesses, and tell families what times candy will be handed out, and or what sales they may want to take part in. A few businesses have asked to have the visitor center pass out candy for them. In this case, you drop off the candy prior to October 15th, we will bag it and tie it with your business name and logo to be presented to the kids. We would like to have this out in circulation starting October 20th. With all the activities that will be happening on this day, having a central map will help parent plan out their nights, and hopefully bring a few more people through your store front. Page 8 A.R.R.C Aces Automotive Services Alaska 7 Motel Alaska Communications Alaska Environmental Power LLC Alaska Farmers Co-op, INC. Alaska Interior Game Ranch Alaska Railroad Corporation Alaska Range Hideaways Alaska Steakhouse & Motel Arctic Drilling, INC. Aurora Aviation Services, INC. Bald Eagle Ranch Bed & Breakfast Bob & Ann Giese Borman s Farm Busy Bee Office Supply Buffalo Center Drive-In Cable Guy Towing & Recovery, LLC Cook Schuhmann & Groseclose, INC. Copper Current, INC. Cran & Lilly Boutique D s Machine Shop Debbie Joslin Realty, LLC Delta Building Supply Delta Lodging Delta Meat & Sausage Delta Mine Training Center Delta New Web Delta Veterinary Service Delta Wind Delta/Greely School Dist. Fairbanks Convention & Visitors Bureau Family Medical Center We are always looking for Volunteers! We would like to have 3-5 members per committee. This is a great way to get involved with the Chamber and get your ideas heard. The committees available are listed below. Please contact Delta Chamber of (907) to let us know which committee you would like to participate in. Committees Education Committee Events Committee Membership Committee Budget Committee Facilities Committee Membership Luncheons Committee Goals/Mission Committee Fort Greely Garrison Granite View Sports & Gifts Gold Dredge 8 G.V.E.A Heritage General Contracting IGA Interior Building Supplies J&J Specialties, LLC Jarvis Properties Kel s Septic Pumping Kelly s Alaska Country Inn Living Waters Assembly of God Logging & Milling Associates, LLC M2C1 Construction & Engineering Mt. McKinley Bank Partners for Progress in Delta Phillips Cruises & Tours LLC Riverboat Discovery Rent-A-Can Rural Alaska Insurance Agency Salcha-Delta Soil & Water Conservation Dist. Sawmill Creek Enterprises Silver Fox Roadhouse Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises SMM Pogo Tanana Adventure Sports Tanana Valley State Fair Association The Boeing Company The Calico Cow The GETFAR Group The Trophy Lodge TnT Technical Service Ward Farms Wells Fargo