The Best of Alaska Business Awards 2019
The 2019 Best of Alaska Business Awards:
All your votes, dozens of businesses, and tons of local talent

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elcome to the fourth annual Best of Alaska Business Awards! As part of our continuing mission to support Alaska’s business communities, each year we look to you, our readers, to tell us which businesses excel in a range of diverse categories. For the 2019 Best of Alaska Business Awards we presented twenty-three categories: some of them are fan favorites from previous years and several are brand new.

How do we determine the categories you ask? Good question. Each year the editorial team analyzes survey results from the previous year, looking at which categories connected with our readers and which (if any) were regularly skipped; we combine those results with your feedback and suggestions for new categories, and voila! A Best of Alaska Business Awards series of questions is born. This year we added a number of new categories that saw great response, including Best Grocery Store, Best Gym, and Best Florist, to name a few. And as always we saw amazing engagement for Best to Place to Work, Best Coffee Shop, and Best Brewery.

Beyond great content (thanks again for voting!), an important part of the Best of Alaska Business Awards special section is the artwork. Each year we find an Alaskan artist and give that person free reign to pursue a design that he or she thinks best represents Alaska, the business community, and the categories you’re voting on that year. This year we are fortunate to feature the work of Jontue Hollingsworth (check out Off the Cuff to learn all about this talented entrepreneur). Hollingsworth’s incredible design skills, combined with the work of local, talented photographers and your participation, made this year’s section one for the books.

We’re thrilled to be given the opportunity to recognize so many new names in 2019 and to celebrate those businesses that have been voted best in their field year after year. One significant and exciting change is to the Corporate Citizen category. Because there are so many exceptional companies and employees donating their time, money, and hearts to important philanthropic causes, we’ve published all of the companies you voted for in this category with three editor’s picks, in no particular order, that work tirelessly to improve Alaska’s communities in unique ways.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey and congratulations to the 2019 Best of Alaska Business Award winners.

Best Place to Work 1-250 Employees
Best of Work 1-250
Altman, Rogers & Co.
Denali LogoAlaskan-owned and –operated, full service accounting and tax firm Altman, Rogers & Co. invests in talented people, providing “the culture, resources, and support” that employees need to develop as professionals and find success. Altman Rogers also builds Alaska’s workforce through internship and job shadowing opportunities at its Anchorage, Soldotna, and Juneau offices.
Covenant House Alaska
St Elias LogoCovenant House Alaska’s mission to provide services to homeless, trafficked, and runaway youth demands employees who will invest in others—so Covenant House Alaska invests in turn in its employees, who are both talented and motivated to make a difference for the 2,331 youth the organization serves annually.
PDC Engineers
Foraker Logo“Career growth is nurtured at PDC,” 100 percent employee-owned engineering firm PDC Engineers states. In addition to generous health insurance, leave, and retirement benefits, the company also offers tuition reimbursement, society memberships, and professional development support, as well as one-on-one mentoring at all career levels.
Best Place to work 250+ employees
Best Place to work 250+ employees
Best Place to work 250+ employees
Best Place to work 250+ employees
First National Bank Alaska
Denali LogoFirst National Bank Alaska has swept this category for the fourth consecutive year. Board Chair and CEO Betsy Lawer says, “It’s all about our employees,” which the bank demonstrates through competitive salaries, training and development opportunities, generous leave, healthcare plan choices, a 401(k)/profit sharing plan, and opportunities for career advancement.
GCI
St Elias Logo“At GCI our employees are our most valuable resource,” GCI states, and to keep that resource happy and productive the company provides a competitive 401(k); paid leave and holidays; and medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options. GCI seeks out professionals who exemplify leadership, are connected to the industry, and seek to build up Alaska’s communities.
Credit Union 1
Foraker LogoAccording to financial institution Credit Union 1, “One of the biggest benefits of working at Credit Union 1 is the true opportunity to help others. We encourage our employees to participate in community service programs and volunteer their time to the causes they care about.” Other benefits include insurance, tuition assistance, and paid leave and holidays.
Best Hotel for Corporate Travel
Best Hotel for Corporate Travel
The Hotel Captain Cook
Denali LogoThe Hotel Captain Cook offers top-notch service and meticulous attention to detail to guests in every one of its 546 rooms, which includes 96 suites. Located in downtown Anchorage, the hotel is particularly advantageous for corporate travelers, featuring four onsite dining options and several athletic facilities open every day.
Hilton Anchorage
St Elias LogoFor the convenience of its business travelers, the Hilton Anchorage offers A/V equipment rental, complimentary printing services, express mail, meeting rooms, video conferencing, video messaging, and a business center, as well as a fitness room and pool and onsite bar and café—all combined with the hotel’s warm, inviting guest rooms.
Anchorage Marriott Downtown
Foraker LogoThe Anchorage Marriott Downtown is located close to the Anchorage Museum, Egan Center, and Anchorage Cruise Port. Whether visiting the pool and fitness center or taking advantage of the hotel’s meeting rooms and business center, the Marriott is a welcoming home-base for any corporate traveler.
Best Air Charter Service
Best Air Charter Service
Best Air Charter Service
Best Air Charter Service
Ravn Alaska
Denali LogoRavn Alaska provides air transportation to more than 115 towns and communities throughout Alaska, as well as into Canada and the Lower 48. Business travelers, tour companies, oilfield crews, athletic teams, and other parties with specific travel needs have taken advantage of Ravn’s well-equipped fleet and expert pilots for decades.
Rust’s Flying Service
St Elias LogoOwned and operated by the Rust family, Rust’s Flying Service is the oldest and largest seaplane operation based at Lake Hood. Having purchased sister company K2 Aviation in 1996, the two airlines now have a fleet of twenty-two aircraft between them and are poised and ready to get Alaska’s travelers where they need to go.
Security Aviation
Foraker LogoBilling itself as “Alaska’s premier air charter company,” Security Aviation specializes in 24/7, full service, on-demand twin engine and jet charters. The company’s entire fleet is IFR-rated and equipped with GPS tracking, and all of the aircraft can be crewed with one or two pilots to fit a client’s safety requirements.
Best Event Venue
Best Event Venue
Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center
Denali LogoThe Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center has everything any business needs to host an incredible event. With its modern design, stunning views, technology and professional services, and multiple meeting rooms and halls, the Dena’ina has the unique distinction of being both beautiful and functional.
The Hotel Captain Cook
St Elias LogoWith fourteen meeting and conference rooms including a library with a fireplace and a ballroom, The Hotel Captain Cook has the space to make any event a memorable one. The venue can accommodate meetings of “every size, from small board meetings to large-scale international conferences.”
49th State Brewing Company
Foraker LogoIt has a rooftop deck, plenty of outdoor seating, and two theaters that can host a range of events from live music and comedy to business seminars and meetings—with all that and great food and drinks, too, it’s no wonder 49th State Brewing Company is a multi-year, multi-category Best of Alaska Business award winner.
Best Swag Supplier
Best Swag Supplier
Best Swag Supplier
Best Swag Supplier
Alaska Serigraphics
Denali LogoAccording to Alaska Serigraphics, “It’s all about image—your image—and how to promote it.” Alaska Serigraphics opened in 1981 and has grown from a small t-shirt printer to a multi-disciplined promotional company. The company provides clients an opportunity to see, feel, and try the products they supply at their extensive showroom.
Stellar Designs
St Elias LogoStellar Designs offers a full range of sportswear and promotional products, stating “Promoting your business is our business.” The company was established in 1981 and refreshes its website daily with the newest, on-trend products ranging from apparel and bags to drinkware, office tools, tech gadgets, and wellness items.
Klondike Promotions
Foraker LogoKlondike Promotions bills itself as “Alaska’s source for promotional products and corporate apparel.” While the company has been serving the Alaska market for more than thirty-five years, in 2018 it updated its brand to Klondike Promotions to “better reflect the services” it offers to its more than 400 accounts country-wide.
Best Video Production Company
Best Video Production
Brilliant Media Strategies
Denali LogoBrilliant Media Strategies reached a milestone last year when it celebrated serving Alaska’s marketing needs for more than fifty years. Having opened in 1968, the company says it was Alaska’s first advertising agency, and today it continues to “produce innovative marketing and communications tools” that target the client’s audience to reach them “at home, work, and play.”
Upper One Studios
St Elias Logo“We are a full service creative production company,” states Upper One Studios, which provides media production for graphic design, web development, and social media marketing in addition to video. “Upper One Studios can provide anything from a simple logo resolve or complex visual effects compositing to technical 3D animations.”
Yuit Comms
Foraker Logo“We listen. Connect. Respect. Deliver.” is Yuit Comms’ holistic approach to communications. The company prides itself on foregoing “traditional agency silos [and] the moat between creative and client services.” Whether working on annual reports or a video campaign, Yuit is one team with many voices providing “creative and strategy that sing.”
Best Information Technology Provider
Best Information Technology Provider
Best Information Technology Provider
Best Information Technology Provider
GCI
Denali LogoThroughout forty years of providing services to the state, GCI has spent $3 billion investing in its comprehensive communications network: “We’ve partnered with businesses and organizations of all sizes, in a broad spectrum of categories, helping them fulfill their potential and reach even greater goals… We continue to innovate and expand an extraordinary Alaska network.”
AlasConnect
St Elias LogoAlasConnect offers its clients managed IT services, business broadband, security and compliance, and business technology consulting. According to the company, “What sets us apart from everyone else is the strength of our relationships with our customers. We are there when you need us the most.”
Alaska Communications
Foraker Logo“A trusted partner for businesses, Alaska Communications provides an extensive, secure, and reliable network for cloud-enabled IT services statewide,” the company says. Alaska Communications offers IT solutions to businesses supported by quality products, state-of-the-art technology, and decades of industry expertise. According to the telecommunications company, “With Business Internet you can expect more.”
Best Office Furniture Store
Best Office Furniture Store
Bailey’s Furniture
Denali LogoIn addition to an expansive selection of home furnishings, Bailey’s Furniture offers a range of solutions to meet the needs of any business, including desks, tables, chairs, shelves, cabinets, hospitality seating, and more. Bailey’s also caters to businesses in rural Alaska through an exclusive partnership with Everts Air Cargo to reduce shipping costs.
Arctic Office Products
St Elias LogoLaunched in 1946 as a small business, Arctic Office Products today boasts more than eighty-five associates who provide Alaska with office furnishings and supplies. “When you need to upgrade or replace the furniture in your office, count on our expertise to create a beautiful office space that inspires a functional workplace environment,” the company states.
Scan Home
Foraker LogoEstablished in 1983, Scan Home’s founders shared a dream of bringing Scandinavian furniture to the Alaska market. Today the company’s mission is to bring contemporary furniture from around the world to Alaskan customers—including Alaska’s businesses through supplying bookcases, conference tables, desks, chairs, file cabinets, and other office furnishings.
BEST Commercial Real Estate Firm
BEST Commercial Real Estate Firm
BEST Commercial Real Estate Firm
BEST Commercial Real Estate Firm
Jack White Commercial
Denali LogoJack White Commercial offers commercial, commercial lease, business operations, and land listings to help Alaska’s businesses find the right property. “Our growth and evolution is a testimony to our success with satisfying the needs of our customers… giving exceptional service and creating customers for life.”
BSI
St Elias LogoBaker Spoerhase Investments (BSI) has built a name based on “client satisfaction and loyalty,” the company states. BSI works with clients from beginning to end, including site selection, negotiations, acquisition, and closing. The company also provides business consulting in addition to commercial real estate sales and leasing and property management.
Keller Williams
Foraker LogoThe Keller Williams vision is “to be the real estate company of choice.” The company’s belief system is built on integrity, commitment, communication, creativity, teamwork, trust, success, putting customers first, and making sure every deal is win/win—or there’s no deal at all.
BEST Hospital
Best Hospital
Providence Alaska Medical Center
Denali LogoProvidence’s roots in Alaska were planted in Nome in 1902 during the Gold Rush. “This pioneering spirit set the standard for modern healthcare in Alaska and formed the foundation for Providence’s growth as the state’s leading healthcare provider.” Today Providence provides healthcare to Alaskans in Anchorage, Eagle River, Kodiak, the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Seward, and Valdez.
Alaska Regional Hospital
St Elias LogoAlaska Regional Hospital saw its start in Downtown Anchorage in 1963, moving to its current location in 1976. “For more than fifty years Alaska Regional has been fulfilling the medical needs of Alaskans, continually improving the scope of services and skills available within the state,” including pet therapy, surgical robots, and programs to treat drug-dependent newborns.
Alaska Native Medical Center
Foraker LogoThe Alaska Native Medical Center was established in 1953 as the Anchorage Medical Center to care for Alaska Natives suffering from tuberculosis; in 1998 ownership of the facility was transferred to the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and Southcentral Foundation. Today the Alaska Native Medical Center “has become a world leader in healthcare where advanced technology meets human caring.”
Best Health Clinic
BEST HEALTH CLINIC
BEST HEALTH CLINIC
Best Health Clinic
Medical Park Family Care
Denali LogoMedical Park Family Care is locally- and doctor-owned and takes “great pride in bringing the finest medical services necessary for a high level of care for our patients.” The organization’s twenty-three care providers offer services such as a diabetes care center, physical and massage therapy, occupational health, sleep studies, and behavioral health.
Primary Care Associates
St Elias LogoThe practitioners at Primary Care Associates have received more than fifty-eight awards for care and community service. According to the organization, “One of the most important relationships you will ever develop will be with a primary care physician you trust.” Primary Care Associates has strived to earn that trust over three decades of service in Alaska.
Independence Park Medical Services
Foraker LogoThe team of medical providers at Independence Park Medical Services specialize in family practice and minor emergencies; women’s health, obstetrics, and gynecology; and physical and sports therapy. “At Independence Park Medical Services, you and your family are our first priority… we are here to offer you continuity of care for your entire family.”
BEST Florist
Best Florist
Bagoy’s Florist & Home
Denali LogoTo the Bagoy’s staff, the “floral business is one that creates a connection between people.” What began in 1922 as a backyard greenhouse supplying John and Marie Bagoy’s family with vegetables has flourished into an award-winning florist that provides “bright blooms, cheerful baskets, colorful balloons, and more.”
Hummel’s Flowers
St Elias LogoHummel’s Flowers offers businesses and individuals alike “only the freshest, highest quality flowers and creative floral designs that spark your imagination.” The company delivers arrangements for virtually any occasion with the pledge to go beyond every client’s expectations.
Oopsie Daisy
Foraker LogoBright blooms, exotic arrangements, and gourmet gift baskets are a few of the offerings from Eagle River-based Oopsie Daisy. The family-owned and –operated business has been in operation for more than twenty years providing in-store options and deliveries to Eagle River, Chugiak, and parts of Anchorage.
Best Catering/Delivery
Best Catering/ Delivery
Best Catering/ Delivery
Best Catering/Delivery
Peppercini’s Deli & Catering
Denali LogoPeppercini’s Deli & Catering has been providing Anchorage’s business community with “fast, fresh, and affordable” lunch options since 2007. The company philosophy is “working hard and treating people right.” Peppercini’s gives back through partnerships with the American Diabetes Association, the American Red Cross of Alaska, the Anchorage Jingle Bell Run/Walk, and Hope Community Resources.
Dianne’s Wild Fork Catering
St Elias LogoThe team of professionals at Dianne’s Wild Fork Catering serves “fresh, delicious, and creatively displayed feel good food” to corporate clients, open houses, and life celebrations throughout Anchorage. Whether for a breakfast meeting or an upscale after-work light appetizer, Dianne’s delivers and sets up everything needed for a successful catered event.
Sweet Caribou
Foraker LogoSweet Caribou is an Alaskan family patisserie. The company prides itself on using high quality, locally-sourced ingredients to create artisan desserts and lunch bowls from scratch. The company says, “We believe in top-shelf service to our clients and community. We donate to local organizations addressing causes such as childhood hunger and poverty.”
Best Business Lunch
Best Business Lunch
Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria
Denali LogoMoose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria’s goal is to “offer a truly gourmet pizza experience, focusing on creative, high-quality food in a casual environment.” It’s a goal that the beloved Anchorage pizzeria meets over and over again according to reviews from its huge fan base and the many awards it’s garnered over the years.
Kinley’s Restaurant
St Elias LogoKinley’s Restaurant offers corporate clients a luxurious lunch experience. James Beard Award nominee, certified sommelier, chef, and owner Brett Knipmeyer’s menu is filled with delectable delicacies guaranteed to impress even the most sophisticated palate.
Spenard Roadhouse
Foraker LogoSpenard Roadhouse serves contemporarycomfort food in a “casual, eclectic” setting.Billed as a neighborhood gathering place,the restaurant welcomes families and friendsto come by and enjoy its food, local beers ondraft, and perhaps even a flight of small batch bourbon,among other delights.
Best Brewery
Best Brewery
Best Brewery
Best Brewery
49th State Brewing Company
Denali LogoIf it’s beer you’re after, 49th State Brewing Company is the place to be. 49th State enjoys a long tradition of brewing, producing award winning beer. It’s the ideal spot to choose a craft beer on tap and enjoy an appetizer made from freshly sourced Alaska products while relaxing on the rooftop patio overlooking Cook Inlet.
Broken Tooth Brewing
St Elias LogoAs Broken Tooth Brewing says, “Variety is the name of the game, and the brewers of Broken Tooth do not disappoint.” In 2016 alone the company made seventy-three different craft beers. The actual brewery is located in the Ship Creek port and has earned two gold and six bronze medals from the Brewers Association’s Great American Beer Festival, as well as silver and bronze medals from the World Beer Cup.
Midnight Sun Brewing Co.
Foraker LogoMidnight Sun Brewing is world renowned for its barrel-aged stouts and barley wines, beers that are appropriate for Alaska’s less-than-temperate climate and long dark winter nights, the company says. Its core brands include IPAs and Belgian ales for the rest of the year when it seems the sun never sets.
BEST SUSHI SPOT
Best Sushi Spot
Sushi & Sushi
Denali LogoSushi & Sushi caters to sushi connoisseurs seeking a “superior upscale dining experience with an emphasis on quality sushi and customer service.” Diners enjoy a wide selection of sushi and sake from traditional Japanese sushi and dinner entrees to creative and delicious sushi rolls.
Sushi Ya
St Elias LogoSushi Ya offers sushi and Japanese cuisine “the way it should be,” the restaurant says. From the delicious Delicato Roll to S.M.T. (Scallop. Mayo. Tobiko) and toro—marbled tuna that “melts in your mouth”—Sushi Ya serves fresh, original delicacies designed to satisfy the most discerning sushi lovers.
Ronnie Sushi
Foraker LogoRonnie Sushi offers Alaskan sushi lovers a modern dining experience with a family atmosphere. Owner and head sushi chef Ronnie Lee can be found at the sushi bar making his unique creations. Using his artistic background, Lee strives to make beautiful, aesthetically pleasing, delicious dishes. And based on customer reviews, he’s succeeding.
Best Coffee Shop
Best Coffee Shop
Best Coffee Shop
Best Coffee Shop
Kaladi Brothers Coffee
Denali LogoSince 1984 Kaladi Brothers Coffee has been helping Alaska wake up with high-grade beans and roasts. Kaladi Brothers stays true to its motto, “Made in Alaska, by Alaskans, for Alaskans,” by being a “catalyst for community” through contributing time and resources to the community and providing meeting places for people to come together, share ideas, and build relationships.
SteamDot
St Elias LogoSteamDot is all about making great coffee. The company says it strives to deliver the freshest coffee possible by roasting nearly every day and “never, ever allowing coffee to sit out exposed to the elements.” SteamDot’s premier cafés in south Anchorage feature Alaska’s only “Slow Bar” with single cup, artisan coffee preparations.
Black Cup
Foraker Logo“Extraordinary Coffee. Best Served Black.” That’s how Black Cup describes its perfect cup of coffee. Black Cup’s mission is to place more emphasis on farm to cup transparency, roasting to promote origin characteristics, coffee education, and to deliver some of the world’s finest coffees to Alaskans. Job well done.
BEST Grocery Store
Best Grocery Store
Fred Meyer
Denali LogoFred G. Meyer founded his namesake store in 1922 with the vision of “giving his customers more reasons to shop in his store than in any other.” Thousands of customers and decades later, Meyer’s vision is still intact. Today, Fred Meyer stores offer some 225,000 items, all chosen to “help customers get more shopping done in one stop than at any other store.”
Carrs/Safeway
St Elias LogoA staple for grocery shoppers, the Carrs/Safeway chain of stores provides a wide selection of groceries, service delis and fresh bakeries, soup and salad bars, and seasonless produce including tomatoes from Israel and raspberries from New Zealand, thanks in large part to operating its own, and Alaska’s only, full-line food distribution center.
Costco Wholesale
Foraker LogoCostco may have started out in Southern California, but it’s found a huge fan base in Alaska. For more than forty years the company’s philosophy has remained the same: “Keep costs down and pass the savings on to our members.” For those in the market for groceries, beauty products, even clothes and furniture, Costco offers it all.
Best Gym
Best Gym
Best Gym
Best Gym
The Alaska Club
Denali LogoWhen it comes to fitness and wellness, The Alaska Club offers it all: personal training, swimming, group fitness, spa amenities (including massage and skin treatments), and free child care. Fitness fans of weight training, yoga, or cardio will find what they need (including trainers of three experience levels—advanced, expert, and master) at The Alaska Club.
Planet Fitness
St Elias Logo“It’s our goal to provide a clean, safe, welcoming environment for anyone who walks through our door, and all the equipment, amenities, and support you need once you’re here,” is how Planet Fitness explains its philosophy. With multiple membership options, Planet Fitness has a plan to help its members meet their fitness goals in a “Judgement Free Zone.”
Body Renew Fitness
Foraker LogoBody Renew Alaska’s goal is to “help each person who comes through our doors be successful in reaching their health, weight loss, and fitness goals.” Body Renew offers personal training, group classes, and all the equipment needed to help its members get their blood pumping.
BEST Hair Salon
Best Hair Salon
Allure Day Spa & Hair Design
Denali LogoAlong with being a Best of Alaska Business winner, Allure Day Spa & Hair Design was also voted a Top Five Salon in America by Salon Today. Its highly trained, professional staff provide a full range of salon and spa services with the goal of giving every client a “wow” experience.
Hairplay Salon
St Elias LogoHairplay Salon’s mission is to provide services and products that make its clients feel and look their best, while making every visit a memorable experience for each guest with “passion and professionalism.” Hairplay Salon’s professional team of stylists offer a wide variety of hair services from “traditional to funky.”
The Loft Hair Design
Foraker LogoOwned and operated by its “Lofties,” aka the stylists, The Loft Hair Design is dedicated to taking care of its clients from the moment they step through the door until the minute they leave. Promising to “leave you feeling beautiful,” the Loft’s stylists will “transform you into your very best self.”
BEST Fundraising Endeavor
BEST Fundraising Endeavor
BEST Fundraising Endeavor
BEST Fundraising Endeavor
Covenant House: Fire & Ice Ball
Denali LogoCovenant House has been offering sanctuary, services, and support to Alaskan youth for the past thirty years. The organization’s annual Fire & Ice Ball is an opportunity to don a gorgeous gown or tailored tux for a great cause. As Covenant House says, “Covenant House Alaska’s Fire & Ice Ball is an elegant black-tie event filled with glamour, fun, and philanthropy.”
Bean’s Café: Empty Bowl Project
St Elias LogoThe Bean’s Café mission is to “provide a warm place where those in need can find comfort, warmth, and a helping hand.” To further that mission, every year Bean’s Café hosts the Empty Bowl Project, during which event-goers have the chance to support an incredible cause while enjoying homemade bean soup from a wide variety of chefs out of handcrafted bowls.
The American Heart Association: Go Red for Women
Foraker Logo“It’s no longer just about wearing red; it’s no longer just about sharing heart health facts. It’s about all women making a commitment to stand together with Go Red and taking charge of their own heart health,” says the American Heart Association about its signature women’s initiative, the Go Red for Women luncheon and community movement.
Best Corporate Citizen
Best Corporate Citizen

Thank You

Tastee Freez has been operating in Alaska for more than sixty years, and for sixty years the eatery and treat shop has built up the community it serves, including beautifying the neighborhood and raising funds when a fire destroyed the homes of the company’s residential neighbors.

In 2014, ConocoPhillips Alaska donated $6 million to 400 nonprofit groups in the Last Frontier, and the corporation’s employees donated more than 6,000 hours of their time to support their fellow Alaskans.

No matter the scale, when businesses get involved, it matters: It matters to every child who gets to play a sport, all the students who can pursue their educational dreams, and every neighbor to whom a hand was extended in a time of need.

Our readers voted for the companies they see giving back to their communities day in and day out, and in the end the counts were too close to call. The Alaska Business editorial team selected, in no particular order, three standouts based on our knowledge of their efforts in corporate citizenship and the feedback of our readers. We also included here a list of every organization our readers voted for—whether it was one vote or hundreds, your work is noticed.

BP Alaska
Denali LogoMore than 700 community and educational organizations benefit from BP’s employee contributions, as well as more than 230 youth teams in Alaska. BP supports its workers in these efforts through matching donations, volunteer hours, and fundraising. Last year, BP provided upwards of $3.5 million to support Alaska communities.

BP supports teachers and students through scholarships and its BP Teachers of Excellence program, which recognizes the outstanding teachers at elementary, junior, and senior high school levels.

Credit Union 1
St Elias LogoThrough its #CU1LUV campaign Credit Union 1 is leading change, uplifting others, and valuing people. The bank offers several initiatives to build communities statewide, including GoodCoin through which people give back to local charities through an online donation; Leading Change Fund, the proceeds of which directly benefit Alaska; Uplifting Others Fund, which donates to Alaskans in need when clients finance a loan; and the Valuing People Volunteer Program, through which Credit Union 1 organizes employee volunteer opportunities.
GCI
Foraker LogoGCI has provided more than $10 million in cash, in-kind donations, scholarships, and grants to Alaska organizations over the past five years. GCI is passionate about addressing Alaska’s high suicide rate, which is more than twice the national average. The GCI Suicide Prevention Fund, with the help of the Alaska Community Foundation, awarded a combined total of $100,000 to nine recipients in 2017. Due to its success in 2017, GCI continued the program in 2018, contributing another $100,000.
From Our Readers:

“Though a global powerhouse… [Alaska Airlines] still are the first to donate to a charity and support Alaskans. I have never received a, ‘No, we can’t do that this year.’ And it is so inspiring.“

“[Alaska Regional Hospital] involves themselves in community events and offers free health clinics and services to the community.”

[Arctic Slope Regional Corporation] provides thousands of jobs in Alaska, supports local causes, and maintains connections to their lands and culture.”

“[ConocoPhillips Alaska] continues to invest and reinvest in our community in a very responsible way. They are also very generous.”

“[MTA’s] involvement in the community has contributed to economic development in STEM all over Alaska.“

“Parker, Smith & Feek has always been a frontrunner for philanthropy and charitable contributions and promotes a culture of honesty and respect.”

“[Subway of Alaska] donates to just about every event and company and has five School Business Partnerships in Anchorage.”

“Upper One Studios makes professional marketing services available to local Alaska businesses that wouldn’t normally be able to afford them.”

Honorable Mentions:
  • 49th State Brewing Company
  • Anchorage Economic Development Corporation
  • Advanced Physical Therapy
  • Ahtna
  • Alaska Airlines
  • Alaska Communications
  • Alaska Executive Search
  • Alaska Mill Feed and Garden Center
  • Alaska Regional Hospital
  • Alaska Women’s Environmental Network
  • Anchorage Chamber of Commerce
  • Arctic Slope Regional Corporation
  • Behavior Matters
  • Brilliant Media Strategies
  • Champ Martial Arts
  • ConocoPhillips Alaska
  • First National Bank Alaska
  • Fred Meyer
  • Grace Christian School
  • Hilcorp Alaska
  • Kaladi Brother’s Coffee
  • Littler Mendelson
  • Matson
  • MTA
  • Northrim Bank
  • Parker, Smith & Feek
  • PDC Engineers
  • Peppercini’s Deli & Catering
  • Rotary Club
  • Siemens Building Technologies
  • Sitnasuak Native Corporation
  • Skinny Raven Sports
  • Southcentral Foundation
  • Stantec
  • Tastee Freez
  • United Way of Anchorage
  • Upper One Studios
  • 49th State Brewing Company
  • Anchorage Economic Development Corporation
  • Advanced Physical Therapy
  • Ahtna
  • Alaska Airlines
  • Alaska Communications
  • Alaska Executive Search
  • Alaska Mill Feed and Garden Center
  • Alaska Regional Hospital
  • Alaska Women’s Environmental Network
  • Anchorage Chamber of Commerce
  • Arctic Slope Regional Corporation
  • Behavior Matters
  • Brilliant Media Strategies
  • Champ Martial Arts
  • ConocoPhillips Alaska
  • First National Bank Alaska
  • Fred Meyer
  • Grace Christian School
  • Hilcorp Alaska
  • Kaladi Brother’s Coffee
  • Littler Mendelson
  • Matson
  • MTA
  • Northrim Bank
  • Parker, Smith & Feek
  • PDC Engineers
  • Peppercini’s Deli & Catering
  • Rotary Club
  • Siemens Building Technologies
  • Sitnasuak Native Corporation
  • Skinny Raven Sports
  • Southcentral Foundation
  • Stantec
  • Tastee Freez
  • United Way of Anchorage
  • Upper One Studios
GCI Gives