Skip to content
ABS 2025 BANNER WITH DATE COMPLETED (2)

The Alaska Business Summit attracts business leaders and elected officials from all across the state to connect, collaborate, and strengthen Alaska’s business community. The Summit will highlight business issues of statewide importance, host the Premier Business Awards, and set our 2026 advocacy agenda.

Policy Book Copy (2)

2025 ALASKA BUSINESS SUMMIT SCHEDULE

We had many outstanding panels. To view their presentations, click the titles below.

Wednesday, October 8th

12:00pm-5:00pm - Local Chamber Executives Roundtable
Sponsored by: AOGA

This session is for local chamber executives only.

3:00-5:00pm - Board Meeting 

Open to current and onboarding board members and invited guests.

5:30pm- Opening Reception held at the aBar at Alyeska Resort

Open to all attendees.

7:00pm - Dinner on your own!

 

Thursday, October 9th

8:00am - Opening Remarks
Kati Capozzi, President & CEO, Alaska Chamber
Joe Balash, Board Chair, Alaska Chamber

Bill Bivin Small Business of the Year Award
Award winner: Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal
Presented By: Ralph Samuels

Livestream Remarks from U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Nick Begich 

Generations At Work: Building Alaska’s Workforce of Tomorrow
Keynote Presenter Jeff Utecht

From Boomers to Gen Z, the workplace has them all! In this interactive session, Jeff shares insights on leading across generations and explores how we can recruit, retain, and inspire Alaska’s workforce of tomorrow.

William A. Egan Alaskan of the Year Presentation
Award winner: John Hendrix
Presented By: Aaron Schutt

The State of Alaska’s Economy: The Berry Breakdown 
Katie Berry, President, McKinley Research Group
Kevin Berry, Professor of Economics, University of Alaska Anchorage

Two leading economists — who also happen to share a home and three children together — bring their joint expertise to the stage. They’ll explore key economic trends in Alaska, from resource development to workforce shifts, offering insights that matter to businesses and communities alike.

Alaska LNG Project Update
Adam Prestidge, President, Glenfarne Alaska LNG, LLC

12:00pm - Luncheon Program
Sponsored by: Donlin Gold 

Local Chamber of the Year Presentation
Award winner: Kenai Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center
Presented By: Casey Sullivan

Best & Worst for Alaska’s Industries: A Fireside Chat 
Deantha Skibinski, Executive Director, Alaska Miners Association
Jillian Simpson, President & CEO, Alaska Travel Industry Association 

Jamie Benson, President & CEO, Alaska Trucking Association
 
Sierra Minder, External Affairs Manager, Alaska Oil and Gas Association

Nicole Borromeo, President, ANCSA Regional Association
Alicia Kresl, Executive Director, Associated General Contractors of Alaska
Caitlin Yeager, Vice President of Policy & Engagement, At Sea Processors Association
Moderated by: Heather Handyside, President & COO, Thompson & Co.

In this rapid fire conversation, hear from some of Alaska’s key industry leaders on the highs and the lows their industry is facing in today’s economic and political climate.  

1:30pm -Trade Winds: Steering Business Through Tariff Uncertainty
Mike Satre, Director, Governmental Affairs, Hecla Ltd.
Jessica Rostad, Owner/CEO, Big Ray’s
Jonathan White, Founder, SteamDot
Moderated by: Greg Wolf, President & CEO, Alaska International Business Center

Ballot Measure 1: The Aftermath
Mike O’Brien, Partner, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
Representative Justin Ruffridge, Alaska State Legislature
Laura McDonnell, Owner, Caribou Crossings
Moderated by: Kati Capozzi, President & CEO, Alaska Chamber

An update on the newly released paid sick leave regulations; how to comply, and current legislation that could provide relief for thousands of businesses. 

The ERA and the Corpus: The Case for Account Consolidation 
Jason Brune, Chair, Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation

Global Energy Institute Update 
MacKenzie Morales, Director of Advocacy & Outreach, U.S. Chamber GEI

Unleashing Alaska's Resources: How the State is Responding to President Trump's Executive Order 
Rachel Bylsma, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of Governor Dunleavy

Generative AI: Empowering Leaders to Innovate and Drive Productivity
Jeff Utecht, Speaker and Consultant, Jeff Utecht Consulting

Rita Sholton Large Business of the Year Presentation
Award winner: STG Incorporated
Presented By: Krag Johnsen
 

Champagne Toast
Sponsored by: CLIA

5:30pm - Summit at the Summit Reception
Sponsored by: Alaska Pollock Fishery Alliance
Bar Sponsored by: Alaska Miners Association 

7:30pm - Dinner on Your Own

 

Friday, October 10th

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.  

Scroll To Top