unior Achievement (JA) of Alaska inspires and prepares young people to succeed in a global economy through hands-on programs in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness. Reaching 20,000 K–12 students in Alaska annually, JA connects volunteers from the business community with classrooms statewide—helping students build confidence, explore career paths, and develop the skills needed to thrive in work and life.

On January 15, 2026, Alaska’s business community will gather for one of its most anticipated annual traditions: the 38th Annual Alaska Business Hall of Fame, presented by Alaska Business Publishing Company and JA of Alaska. Each year, this signature event honors business leaders whose vision, integrity, and innovation have shaped Alaska’s economic landscape and strengthened its communities.

The 2026 Hall of Fame will celebrate five new inductees, each representing the entrepreneurial spirit and dedication that define Alaska’s business legacy. From pioneering industries to mentoring the next generation of leaders, these honorees exemplify what it means to build a stronger, more resilient Alaska. Our congratulations to Ed Gohr, Delta Constructors; Carol Gore, Cook Inlet Housing Authority; Meg Nordale, GHEMM Company; Rudi von Imhof, Delta Leasing; and Dean Weidner, Weidner Apartment Homes.

Adding to the evening’s inspiration, each inductee will be introduced by one of five outstanding JA students, representing the promise of Alaska’s future workforce. These students’ stories—their ambition, curiosity, and leadership—remind us that the investments we make in education and opportunity today will determine the strength of Alaska’s economy tomorrow.

The Alaska Business Hall of Fame is more than a celebration of achievement; it is a key fundraiser supporting JA’s mission to prepare young people for success in a global economy. Proceeds from the event help JA deliver hands-on programs in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness across the state—from Anchorage to rural communities stretching from Southeast to the Arctic. Each year, 20,000 Alaskan students gain the skills, confidence, and real-world understanding they need to navigate their futures and contribute to Alaska’s long-term economic vitality.

JA is helping Alaska’s students connect their dreams to real opportunities. By linking business and education, we’re helping prepare the next generation not just to participate in the workforce but to lead it.

This year’s theme—honoring the past, empowering the present, and investing in the future—captures the enduring role that the Hall of Fame plays in uniting Alaska’s business community around a shared purpose. It’s a night to celebrate leadership, acknowledge mentorship, and reaffirm the importance of investing in youth as the foundation of sustainable economic growth.

As JA celebrates five decades of impact in Alaska, the organization is also looking ahead. New initiatives are on the horizon that promise to reshape how Alaska thinks and talks about work readiness and career pathways. These efforts will expand access to opportunity and help ensure that every student in Alaska can envision—and achieve—a successful future.