|
||||||||
LEAD Partners Click here to view
Leaders Effecting Alaska's Development |
Recognition/Awards The Alaska State Chamber of Commerce Announces Daniel H. Cuddy as Outstanding Alaskan of the Year The Alaska State Chamber of Commerce named Daniel H. Cuddy the 2006 William A. Egan Outstanding Alaskan at the Chamber's 47th Annual Convention and Business Trade Show in Anchorage. The Celebrated and prestigious William A. Egan award is given to individuals who have made substantial and continual contributions of statewide significance while working in the private sector. Each year, nominations are kept strictly confidential and the selection is made by the casting of a secret ballot by all past chairs of the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce. The recipients of the Outstanding Alaskan of the Year form an impressive list of Alaskan "Who's Who" and dates back to its first honoree in 1964. Daniel Cuddy, President and Chairman of First National Bank Alaska, is no exception. Born in Valdez in 1921, Cuddy is the quintessential Alaskan; his resume boasts his work as a gold miner, heavy equipment operator, commercial fisherman and cannery superintendent. After graduating from Stanford University, interrupted by a stint in Europe as an Air Force Captain during World War II, Dan Cuddy returned to Anchorage to practice law. Soon thereafter, in 1951, he became president of First National Bank of Anchorage when his father passed away. Under his guidance, the bank began a steady expansion. Today, First National operates 29 branches in 17 Alaskan communities. During these years of expansion, Cuddy spent many hours in his Piper Cub, winging his way to customers throughout western Alaska, taking the bank to them. Getting to know his fellow Alaskans gave Cuddy more knowledge of their needs, financial and otherwise. Cuddy's commitment to Alaska and its people has proven especially strong during Alaska's most trying times. After the Good Friday earthquake in 1964 leveled most of downtown Anchorage, Cuddy showed his confidence in Alaska by being the first business leader to announce reconstruction plans, adding an eight-story addition to the downtown branch. The bank made similar reconstruction commitments after the 1967 flood devastated Fairbanks. On September 1st Dan Cuddy celebrated his 55th Anniversary at First National Bank, still serving as president, as well as chairman of the board. He likes to joke that he's never been promoted while employed at the bank. Perhaps it is because his talents and vision serve Alaskans best exactly where he is now, at the helm of Alaska owned and operated bank. Dan Cuddy has been awarded the Gold Pan Award for Individual Achievement by the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, given an honorary doctorate of law degree from UAA in 2000, and chosen as Alaskan of the Year in 2002. Dan Cuddy has made a difference across the whole state of Alaska; he is a man who believes strongly in Alaskans and their ability to succeed. Dan Cuddy has stated many times that what he likes best about being a banker is that "most of [his] work is about helping people." The Alaska State Chamber of Commerce is honored to award Daniel H. Cuddy the title "Outstanding Alaskan of the Year" for his remarkable service to the state of Alaska and its people. Top of Page Juneau Headquarters: 217 Second Street, Suite 201, Juneau, AK 99801 Phone: 907.586.2323, Fax: 907.463.5515, Email: info@alaskachamber.com Anchorage Office: 601 W. 5th Avenue, Suite 700, Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907.278.2722, Fax: 907.278.6643 Copyright © 2003 - Present, The Alaska State Chamber of Commerce, all rights reserved. Designed by WebWeavers Technology Group LLC™ |
|||||||
