Best of alaska Business Special Section
The 2021 Best of Alaska Business Awards
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elcome to the 2021 Best of Alaska Business awards! We ask our readers to give us their input on the best businesses that Alaska has to offer, ranging from flower boutiques to accounting firms. Throughout March, readers voted in record numbers, yet another indication after a trying year of how Alaskans take extra effort to support local businesses.
We’ve retained many of our categories this year, including reader favorites like Best Place to Work and Best Brewery, but we’re delighted to debut a few new categories: Best New Company in 2020 (welcome to the Alaska business community!), Best General Contractor, Best International Cuisine—and a few others, too.
The Alaska Business team is particularly enthusiastic about the July issue year after year because it gives us the opportunity to work closely with brilliant, Alaskan artists. This year Dan Miller of Dan Miller Graphics is the incredible talent behind our 2021 Best of Alaska Business awards artwork, including the stunning cover.
Miller is a freelance commercial artist with extensive experience with graphic design and illustration. He’s provided his services for retailers, tourism companies, health and social services providers, and other industry clients around the Last Frontier.
We were drawn to his work for his use of color, his versatility, the humor in many of his illustrations and logos, and his amazing ability to create images that feel like home.
It’s funny over the last eighteen months, how our ideas of home have changed as we’ve all spent more and more time in them. And while we’ve all been reminded of the value of getting out and around, it’s been equally as obvious that, in times of crisis, it’s our homes that give us refuge and safety.
For us, Alaska is home. We work and live here; we spend our time learning about and investing in the businesses and industries that allow us to spend our time in such a majestic and stunning place.
The companies in this special section are near and dear to us because they’re an essential part of what makes this our home. Thank you, readers, for sharing with us the businesses that make Alaska feel like home for you. And to all of the 2021 Best of Alaska Business award winners: you’re amazing! Keep it up. 
Best International Cuisine
Kerry Tasker
Ray’s Place
Ray’s Place
Ray’s Place has “the best Vietnamese food in Alaska.” Its menu ranges from Joanne’s Deluxe Bahn Mi and Tofu sandwiches to cold noodle salads, bánx xèo (crepes), pho, and other traditional Vietnamese entrees. Located on Spenard in Anchorage, Ray’s Place also serves beer and wine for those dining in, including Saigon beer, which is brewed and bottled in Vietnam. raysplaceak.com
Sushi & Sushi
Catering to the sushi connoisseur looking for a superior, upscale dining experience, Sushi & Sushi bills itself as Alaska’s “premier upscale sushi and saké bar.” The menu ranges from traditional Japanese sushi and dinner entrees to creative sushi rolls. “The only missing ingredient for the best Japanese dining experience in Alaska is you!” sushiandsushiak.com
Basil Ginger
Wasilla-based Basil Ginger serves sushi and Thai cuisine. Its house rolls include the Da Bomb, which is a deep fried roll with eel, salmon skin, cream cheese and avocado, Thai chili sauce, and sweet soy; and the Smile Roll, featuring shrimp tempura, avocado, cucumber, salmon, and dried garlic, topped with wasabi mayo, spicy mayo, eel sauce, and Sriracha. basilginger.com
You also nominated: Namaste Shanri-La
Best Virtual Event
Kerry Tasker
MTA
MTA Gaming Tournament
MTA, a stalwart supporter of Alaska esports, has dazzled the gaming community with its Gaming Tournaments. The 2020 event even featured a guest appearance by the Boston Celtics’ Gordon Hayward. In addition to connecting gamers from across Alaska and streaming the event live on Twitch, MTA awards cash prizes to winning competitors in three different types of gameplay. mtasolutions.com
Meet Alaska
Hosted by the Alaska Support Industry Alliance, Meet Alaska is typically the largest one-day energy conference in the state. And while the pandemic may have changed the program’s delivery, industry experts still converged en masse at the latest (virtual) edition of Meet Alaska. Guest speakers included Erec Isaacson, ConocoPhillips Alaska’s new president and CEO; Bruce Dingeman, president of Oil Search Alaska; and Senator Lisa Murkowski. alaskaalliance.com
Go Red for Women
Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association’s (AHA) signature event. Its comprehensive program increases women’s heart health awareness and catalyzes change to improve the lives of women all over the globe. The Go Red for Women Luncheons went digital to support women where they are—around the state and the nation—continuing to spotlight the lifesaving work of the AHA and the Go Red for Women movement. goredforwomen.org
You also nominated: Special Olympics Alaska
Best Accounting Firm
Kerry Tasker
Altman, Rogers & Co.
Altman, Rogers & Co.
Alaskan-owned and -operated, Altman, Rogers & Co. has provided accounting and tax services to its clients for thirty years. The firm serves clients throughout Alaska with offices in Anchorage, Juneau, and Soldotna with a “Big Firm Experience, Small Firm Approach” that focuses on integrity and customer satisfaction. altrogco.com
BDO
BDO’s global network extends across 167 countries with 88,000 people working out of 1,800 offices—one of which is in Anchorage. Combining the depth and breadth of international resources with easy accessibility and local insight allows Alaska’s largest CPA firm to meet the unique needs of individual clients in the healthcare, nonprofit, education, government contracting, natural resource, real estate, and construction industries. bdo.com
Rulien + Associates
Rulien + Associates wants to take the stress out of running a business, providing bookkeeping, payroll, and tax services in addition to providing timely and constructive advice on a company’s finances. “When you outsource your accounting work to us, it’s like having a trusted advisor on staff. Our team handles all of your day-to-day accounting tasks so you can focus on what’s important—running your business.” rulien.com
You also nominated: Thomas Head & Greisen
Best Cannabis Retailer
Kerry Tasker
Enlighten Alaska
Enlighten Alaska
Feel well and live well at Enlighten Alaska, which holds a “strong belief in the positive, healing properties of cannabis.” The retailer is family-owned and –operated, and, as one of the first cannabis retail shops to open in Anchorage, takes seriously its responsibility as a steward of the cannabis industry—it cultivates a space for quality service, education, respect, integrity, innovation, and good vibes. enlightenak.com
Catalyst Cannabis Company
Catalyst Cannabis’ founders realized even before the legalization of recreational cannabis hit ballots around the state that “Alaska would be pivotal in raising marijuana consciousness, acceptance, and expansion.” Today the retailer offers flowers of “heirloom, boutique, and Alaskan” cannabis strains. “From our 100 percent organic line to our experimental and ground-breaking cultivation techniques, each phase of production is hand-crafted with the utmost precision, care, and attention to detail.” catalystcannabisco.com
Uncle Herb’s
Committed to being Alaska’s finest cannabis destination and housed in a “cyberspace warehouse” on Arctic Spur road and in a new store on Boniface Parkway, Uncle Herb’s offers its customers knowledge and expertise on all of its products—with a smile. “We’re easy to find and happy to help you… We look forward to welcoming you to our shop.” uncleherbs.com
You also nominated: Raspberry Roots
Best Dental Clinic
Anchorage Midtown Dental Center
With more than fifty years of experience providing dentistry to Alaskans, Anchorage Midtown Dental Center focuses on how its clients’ teeth and gums relate to their whole body health. “We want you to be confident that your smile will achieve your goals for comfort, function, and appearance… After all, your smile is your greatest asset, and the appearance of your smile says a lot about your overall health.” anchoragemidtowndental.com
Mint Dental
“When you come in for dental care, no matter what type of treatments you need, we will do our best to give you our undivided attention as we provide courteous treatment and personalized service,” says Mint Dental, which treats all patients, even providing special accommodations for the comfort and care-needs of seniors and children. “We pride ourselves on being pain-free dentists and we have your absolute comfort in mind.” mintdentalak.com
bty Dental
With multiple locations, extended hours, same day and walk-in appointments, and a broad acceptance of most insurance plans, bty Dental bills itself as the “most convenient dental practice in Anchorage.” It provides preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry, as well as dentures/implants, and IV sedation. bty Dental’s goal is to educate its patients about their treatments and overall oral care and health. btydental.com
You also nominated: Alaska Premier Dental Group
Best Place to Work 1-250 Employees
Kerry Tasker
PDC Engineers
PDC Engineers
This is the second year in a row that PDC has earned this category’s Denali award. Why? According to the 100 percent employee-owned engineering firm: “Career growth is nurtured at PDC.” Its workforce is a diverse mix of engineers, surveyors, planners, drafters, and environmental analysts—almost as diverse as the wide range of benefits the company offers each of them. pdceng.com
Altman, Rogers & Co.
This full-service accounting firm has continued to focus on providing the culture, resources, and support to help its employees develop as professionals to find continued success. In addition, the company’s Anchorage, Soldotna, and Juneau offices help shape the next generation of Alaska professionals through job shadowing and internship opportunities. altrogco.com
BDO
BDO may be a large, multinational corporation but it still finds ways to invest in its people and community. According to the company, “we volunteer both time and resources to community focused activities and events that are important to our staff.” As a result, BDO’s Anchorage office is deeply involved with local nonprofits, chambers of commerce at the local and state level, and other community groups. bdo.com
You also nominated: CIRI
Best Creative/Design Agency
Kerry Tasker
ARM Creative
ARM Creative
Who needs a helping hand when there’s a helping ARM? “ARM Creative combines content production with intentional marketing strategy” to help its clients build brand relationships with their audience using marketing data and analytics, engaging content, and effective advertising campaigns. “We’re seekers and explorers driven to find solutions that get results and leave a lasting impact.” arm-creative.com
Brilliant Media Strategies
Brilliant Media Strategies looks at the world through a “unique lens” to produce innovative marketing and communication tools. “At Brilliant, our work is designed to evoke a response: to stop people in their tracks and get them to think and respond.” According to the agency, Brilliant Media Strategies was Alaska’s first advertising agency, opening its doors in 1968. brilliantak.com
Spawn Ideas
“We are wayfinders,” says Spawn Ideas. “We’ll help you discover your True North and reach your most important business goals.” The fully-integrated advertising agency is employee owned and “proudly independent.” It provides creative, strategy, media, and design “for every channel that matters in 2021” and “goes far beyond the expected” to deliver superior outcomes for its clients. spawnideas.com
You also nominated: MSI Communications
Best Fine Dining Restaurant
Simon & Seafort’s Saloon & Grill
Classic American Grill Simon & Seafort’s has been feeding discerning (and hungry) Alaskans since 1978 from its downtown Anchorage location with panoramic views overlooking Cook Inlet, Mount Susitna, and the Alaska Range. The restaurant serves daily lunch and dinner menus as well as a weekend brunch, all of which feature the restaurant’s innovative approach to Alaska’s world-renowned fresh seafood. simonandseaforts.com
Club Paris
Club Paris is the home of the 4-inch thick filet mignon, which clearly speaks to the fine dining establishment’s commitment to serving mouth-watering steaks, charbroiled to perfection. “Only the finest fresh beef is used and all steaks are individually cut and aged on the premises.” Club Paris is also well-known for its fresh Alaskan seafood menu items, such as halibut and red king crab. clubparisrestaurant.com
Altura Bistro
One of Anchorage’s newer fine dining establishments, Altura Bistro emphasizes using ingredients from the Pacific Northwest on its New American menu. “Our standard for sourcing and utilizing the highest quality seafood, meats, and ingredients defines who we are.” Open for lunch and dinner, Altura Bistro also offers private dining (and can accommodate up to 100 people) and catering services.
(907) 561-2373
(907) 561-2373
You also nominated: Crow’s Nest
Best Florist
Bagoy’s Florist & Home
Bagoy’s Florist & Home
Bagoy’s Florist & Home
Bagoy’s is passionate about “flowering the Last Frontier.” Founded in 1922, Bagoy’s is only a year shy of 100 years of connecting people through flowers. “Having flowers and plants in our lives encourages us to live better, and when we give them, it makes people around us feel loved, celebrated, and valued.” bagoys.com
Carrs
Carrs locations across the state offer floral arrangements for any occasion which can be delivered, ordered online and picked-up, or purchased from the Flowers & Décor department. Carrs also provides flowers for weddings, shipping the blooms direct from its farms to the happy couple; the retailer offers a range of collections to fit any vision. carrsqc.com
Uptown Blossoms
A full-service florist, Uptown Blossoms is the place to go for upscale, artsy floral designs. “Whether you are celebrating a birthday, graduation, or anniversary, we take pride in providing the best locally custom-made flower arrangements.” Uptown Blossoms also creates “permanent botanicals” from silk flowers that can be cherished indefinitely. uptownblossoms.net
You also nominated: Hummel’s Flowers
Best Brewery
Kerry Tasker
49th State Brewing
49th State Brewing
According to the brewery and restaurant, “We consider the entire experience at 49th State Brewing Co. as reflective of our craft, and this all begins with glacial aquifers, fine malts and hops, and yeast… you’ll have beer served by a staff of Cicerone certified beer servers, proper glassware, and to accompany various styles of beer, a hearty menu to meet any hunger.” 49statebrewing.com
King Street Brewing Company
Owners Shane Kingry and Dana Walukiewicz launched King Street Brewing in October 2011 in Anchorage. Today more than forty restaurants and eateries feature the brewer’s beers across Alaska, and it’s also sold through retailers like Anchorage Wine House, Brown Jug, Fred Meyer, and Gold Rush Liquor. King Street keeps six beers on tap at all times: Blonde Ale, Hefeweizen, Pilsner, Stout, IPA, and American Pale Ale. kingstreetbrewing.com
Midnight Sun Brewing
Midnight Sun Brewing is renowned for its barrel-aged stouts and barely wines, which the company says are “appropriate for our less-than-temperate climate and long, dark winter nights.” The brewery also serves up IPAs and Belgian ales “to cover the rest of the days when it seems the sun never sleeps—nor the people of this wild northern country.” midnightsunbrewing.com
You also nominated: Matanuska Brewing Co.
Best Hotel
Hotel Captain Cook
Hotel Captain Cook
Hotel Captain Cook
The Hotel Captain Cook in downtown Anchorage offers world famous service and meticulous attention to detail for guests who come from all over the globe for its Alaska brand of hospitality. The hotel houses 546 rooms, 96 of which are suites, and a location that’s particularly advantageous for corporate travelers. captaincook.com
Alyeska Resort
With up-close views of mountains, glaciers, and the ocean, the chateau-style Alyeska Resort offers the whole package to visitors and locals alike—especially if you also happen to be a ski junkie. Regardless of the season, Alyeska’s year-round Alaska destination experience includes no less than five fine dining options, multiple spas, and other first-class amenities awaiting every guest. alyeskaresort.com
Embassy Suites
Anchorage’s Embassy Suites bills itself as “Your base in Midtown Anchorage.” And for good reason. Its location is perfectly situated for exploring the city, and it’s a stone’s throw away from the newly renovated Midtown Mall. Located within six miles of both downtown and Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, Embassy Suites also offers free shuttle service in addition to a number of other welcoming amenities. hilton.com
You also nominated: Hilton Anchorage
Best New Company in 2020
Kerry Tasker
Arctic On-Demand
Arctic On-Demand
Arctic On-Demand is a newcomer to Alaska’s air charter industry, providing both cargo and passenger service. The company’s specialty is solving complex supply chain challenges and delivering solutions that add value to the community. It does this by leveraging technology so that clients receive real-time updates as freight is transported from place to place. akaod.com
Zo Financial
Zo Financial is a lease-to-own company that offers creative consumer payment options. Through Zo’s low or no credit payment options, consumers have more opportunities to buy what they want when they want it, even without having cash in hand. And all it takes to make that next big purchase is filling out an online form. zofinancial.com
Mandala Restaurant
Even as the pandemic was busy wreaking havoc on the hospitality industry, Mandala forged ahead and opened to much fanfare. Diners enjoy delectable Nepalese and Indian cuisine in a dining room featuring authentic, beautifully presented dishes in a rustic interior décor. (907) 562-2662
You also nominated: The Bear Paw Bar & Grill
Best Takeout/Delivery from a Restaurant
Kerry Tasker
Mandala Restaurant
Bear Tooth | Moose’s Tooth
Bear Tooth Theatrepub, Bear Tooth Grill, and Moose’s Tooth are sister eateries that all serve Broken Tooth Brewing beer—and they each offer a unique, high-quality Alaska dining experience. During the pandemic it may not have been possible to catch a show or enjoy a pint at the bar, but that didn’t stop Alaskans from ordering in and indulging in some Bear Tooth at home.
beartooththeatre.net | moosestooth.net
beartooththeatre.net | moosestooth.net
49th State Brewing
49th State Brewing is used to working long distance: its iconic Downtown Anchorage location is hundreds of miles from its Denali Park brewery and restaurant in Healy. But no matter the distance, its “locations feature award-winning menus filled with locally and sustainably sourced Alaskan ingredients.” Alaskans can’t do without their 49th State—the pandemic prompted serious spikes in home delivery of restaurant’s scrumptious comfort food. 49statebrewing.com
Altura Bistro
New American restaurant Altura Bistro offers burgers and sandwiches for takeout, tailgating, and delivery. For those ready to head back inside, Altura Bistro’s location in Midtown Anchorage provides visitors from all over a fine-dining experience.
(907) 561-2373
(907) 561-2373
You also nominated: Pho Lena
Best General Contractor
Kerry Tasker
Cornerstone General Contractors
Cornerstone General Contractors
Cornerstone has earned a Governor’s Safety Award of Excellence for the last nine years in a row—one of the many reasons the construction firm has made a statewide name for itself. Cornerstone’s work includes some landmark buildings: the Alaska Airlines Center, Cook Inlet Tribal Council HQ, and Providence Alaska Medical Center, to name just a few! cornerstoneak.com
Davis Constructors & Engineers
In February, as part of our “Off the Cuff” section, Alaska Business highlighted Davis President and CEO Luke Blomfield, whose passion is reflected in the company’s success: “I still think the favorite part of my job is what brought me to it… any sort of development that’s going to be there long after I’m gone—it’s nice to drive around town or different places throughout the state and just say, ‘Our team had a hand in building that.’” davisconstructors.com
Tutka
Tutka, a woman-owned small business and Best of Alaska Business awards newcomer, specializes in environmental and heavy civil construction. The company considers its services at a nexus point “where engineering meets the environment” and emphasizes that philosophy in its work in places like Girdwood, Anchor Point, and Moose Creek. tutkallc.com
You also nominated: Neeser Construction
Best Telecommunications Provider
Kerry Tasker
GCI
GCI
For more than forty years GCI delivered communication and technology services throughout Alaska, including in some of the state’s most remote communities no matter the weather and or terrain. “GCI is a pioneer in its field, bringing telemedicine and online education capabilities to communities across the state and continuing efforts to connect the Arctic globally.” gci.com
AT&T
Billing itself as the “truly first modern media company,” AT&T works to change how people live, work, and play, and has been doing so for the past 144 years. “Our legacy of innovation has included the invention of the transistor—the building block of today’s digital world—as well as the solar cell, the communications satellite, and machine learning.” att.com
MTA
MTA creates “meaningful solutions to empower our member-owners to live more connected lives.” Its Alaska Plan includes network upgrades that help bring advanced broadband communications to rural Alaska communities. “We have made the commitment to extend connectivity to parts of our footprint where telecommunications infrastructure would otherwise be infeasible.” mtasolutions.com
You also nominated: Alaska Communications
Best Place to Work 250+ Employees
First National Bank Alaska
With an unprecedented sixth Denali award in this category, First National Bank Alaska (FNBA) is a Best of Alaska Business awards powerhouse. Built into the company’s mission statement, FNBA seeks to provide “competitive salaries and a pleasant working environment” with training and development opportunities, generous leave, healthcare plan choices, a 401(k)/profit sharing plan, and paths for career advancement. fnbalaska.com
MTA
MTA prides itself on the many benefits and opportunities it offers its employees. The company emphasizes a culture of positivity that has flourished within the company, making MTA a huge draw for prospective employees looking to make their homes in the Mat-Su. mtasolutions.com
Cook Inlet Tribal Council
From a grassroots organization to one of Alaska’s leading nonprofits, CITC has come a long way thanks to its people. According to Gloria O’Neill, president and CEO of CITC, “We’ve developed a community system rooted in the same values that have sustained Alaska Native people for thousands of years.” Those values include interdependence, resilience, accountability, respect, and humor. citci.org
You also nominated: GCI
Best Hospital
Providence Alaska Medical Center
Providence Alaska Medical Center
Providence Alaska Medical Center
As the state’s largest hospital and a nationally recognized adult and pediatric trauma center, Providence Alaska Medical Center provides comprehensive care to all Alaskans, a role unmatched by any other in the state. Providence serves Anchorage, Eagle River, Kodiak, the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Seward, and Valdez. alaska.providence.org
Alaska Regional Hospital
Established in 1963 (and in its current location since 1976), Alaska Regional’s continuous mission of “continually improving the scope of services and skills available within the state” marches on year after year. Over time its services have grown to include pet therapy, surgical robots, and programs to treat drug-dependent newborns. In March, Jennifer Opsut was named the hospital’s new CEO. alaskaregional.com
Alaska Native Medical Center
The Alaska Native Medical Center “has become a world leader in healthcare where advanced technology meets human caring.” Under the operation of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and Southcentral Foundation, the hospital works in close partnership with rural health facilities statewide to support a broad range of healthcare and related services for Alaska Native residents in even the most remote of locations. anmc.org
You also nominated: Fairbanks Memorial Hospital
Best Trade Association
Kerry Tasker
Alaska Travel Industry Association
Alaska Travel Industry Association
According to the Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA), it is community, integrity, leadership, passion, and professionalism. “With the ongoing support of ATIA members and partners, today the association is the leading nonprofit trade organization for the state’s tourism industry. We are reaching beyond initial goals to ensure the continued success, quality, and integrity of the travel industry in Alaska.” alaskatia.org
Associated General Contractors of Alaska
“We build Alaska,” says the Associated General Contractor of Alaska (chartered in 1948 and open for operations in 1949), which has the mission of advocating for its members and the Alaska construction industry; providing continuing education; and bringing public awareness to the skills, responsibilities, and integrity embodied by every member. agcak.org
Alaska Support Industry Alliance
“We’re electricians and engineers. Caterers and consultants. Communications gurus, construction experts, and computer whizzes. We’re bankers, educators, and more. We’re the Alaska Support Industry Alliance.” The nonprofit trade organization is made up of more than 500 members that employ upwards of 35,000 Alaskans in jobs related to oil, gas, and mining development and advocates for safe and environmentally responsible development. alaskaalliance.com
You also nominated: Resource Development Council
Best Tour Company
Salmon Berry Travel & Tours
Founded on the idea that “life in Alaska should be fun,” Salmon Berry Travel & Tours has “delighted countless guests of all ages from around the world and delivered appreciation and awards.” The tour company focuses on genuine and authentic Alaska hospitality during its day tours and custom multi-day travel packages. “It’s a small tour philosophy and a customized experience that delivers lifelong memories.” salmonberrytours.com
Holland America | Princess
Princess started with a single cruise ship in 1965 and today carries more than a million passengers every year to worldwide destinations. Holland America has been operating for more than 147 years and has a fleet of eleven ships that visit all seven continents. Between the two sister lines, if there’s a cruise experience you want, they can provide it. princess.com | hollandamerica.com
Kenai Fjords Tours
Kenai Fjords Tours has been operating in Kenai Fjords National Park since 1974. “Experienced and engaging captains narrate the trip, so you walk away knowing a whole lot more about Kenai Fjords National Park and its wonders.” Sailing a new fleet of custom sightseeing vessels, Kenai Fjords Tours explore coastal rainforests, tidewater glaciers, and remote Alaska islands. alaskacollection.com
You also nominated: Major Marine Tours
Best Law Firm
Kerry Tasker
Birch Horton Bittner & Cherot
Birch Horton Bittner & Cherot
This year, Birch Horton Bittner & Cherot proudly celebrates fifty years of providing multifaceted legal services to clients large and small, from multinational corporations and Native-owned, small-business startups to the State of Alaska and private individuals. With offices in Alaska and Washington, DC, Birch Horton Bittner & Cherot’s reach spans the country. birchhorton.com
Landye Bennett Blumstein
The Anchorage office of Landye Bennett Blumstein was established in 1976. Today, the law firm is one of the largest and most well regarded in Alaska. According to the firm, its “growth and success are grounded in a firm culture committed to providing exceptional legal representation, advice, and advocacy that is practical and laser-focused on the needs and objectives of our clients.” lbblawyers.com
Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt
Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt boasts more than 170 attorneys at eight offices throughout the western United States from Alaska to California. The law firm specializes in six core industries: healthcare and life sciences; manufacturing, distribution, and retail; natural resources; real estate and construction; technology; and transportation, ports, and maritime. schwabe.com
You also nominated: Manley & Brautigam
Best Pizzeria
Joshua Lowman
The Hungry Robot
Bear/Moose’s Tooth
Year after year, Moose’s Tooth tops the list as Alaska’s favorite pizza place, and in 2021 Alaska Business includes its sister location, Bear Tooth Theatrepub. Though its incredible food and amazing atmosphere have gained national attention, it remains firmly a true Alaskan staple. And its huge selection of craft beer brewed by sister company Broken Tooth Brewing is always on tap for eager customers with empty growlers. moosestooth.net
The Hungry Robot
Fairbanks’ Hungry Robot sources locally raised meat and Alaska grown vegetables whenever possible while making its own sauce and dough from scratch. The result: brick-fired pizzas that are the pride of the Golden Heart City. With a menu of pies that includes names like “Burning Bumble Bee,” “Dilly Dilly,” and “Wizard of Mozz,” there’s plenty to pique the curiosity of hungry Alaskans—robot or not. thehungryrobot.org
Uncle Joes Pizzeria
Uncle Joe’s, one of Anchorage’s most popular pizzerias, has been serving up traditional and gourmet pizzas for more than twenty-six years. Pies are hand crafted and stone baked, with crust options that include old-fashioned New York style, spent grain vegan wheat, and even a cauliflower-based, gluten-free option. Uncle Joe’s menu also features popular non-pizza items such as salads with homemade dressing, pasta, stromboli, and chicken wings. unclejoespizzeria.com
You also nominated: Pizza Man
Best Salon or Barbershop
The Beauty Room
This marks the Beauty Room’s twentieth year in business. Featuring a day spa, boutique shop, and even bridal services, this West Anchorage health and beauty spa will wash the day’s worries away. Be sure to stop in and receive a complimentary consultation or browse its luxury product lines. beautyroom.net
Hairplay Salon
Hairplay specializes in color services like highlighting, balayage, ombre, fashion colors, and corrective coloring. The salon provides services that compliment natural or colored hair—so whether you’re in search of something brand new and funky or just want your regular cut and color, this South Anchorage salon has what you need. hairplayak.com
The Loft Hair Design
This salon affectionately refers to its employees as “Lofties” and promises to leave clients feeling beautiful. Each “Loftie” is an individual business owner dedicated to providing total customer satisfaction through innovative, high quality hair care. And like so many other salons, the Loft worked hard to adapt to the pandemic by altering workspaces and implementing intensive sanitation measures. theloftak9220.com
You also nominated: Halo Salon
Best Staffing Agency
Kerry Tasker
Alaska Executive Search
Alaska Executive Search
Longtime staffing agency Alaska Executive Search has been connecting Alaskans with top-notch employers since 1977. The agency’s own staff is a group of highly qualified recruitment experts who share a world of hiring insights with both potential candidates and employer clients. The result: quality job placements that foster both employee and employer satisfaction. akexec.com
Opti Staffing
Opti specializes in high-level placements for small to midsize companies. The agency’s thorough vetting process connects clients with the right talent, and Opti provides an abundance of resources for those hiring and those in search of the next great job opportunity. Opti’s locations in the Pacific Northwest include Alaska, Washington, and Oregon, and the job opportunities it promotes range from temporary to full time to executive placement. optistaffing.com
Personnel Plus
With locations in Anchorage and Fairbanks, Personnel Plus provides, among other services, “Temporary to Permanent” placement that affords clients the ability to “try out” an employee before committing to a full-time job offer. The agency prides itself on its hands on approach to client management, even visiting employer clients in person to check on an employee placement. During peak seasons, the Personnel Plus workforce expands to more than 750 employees. perplus.com
You also nominated: Competentia Alaska
Best Swag Supplier
Kerry Tasker
Stellar Designs
Stellar Designs
After winning St. Elias awards in 2020 and 2019, Stellar Designs earned this year’s Denali award by being one of the most established names in promotional merchandise. From customized Carhartts to marketing-friendly mugs, Tim Ellis and company have been helping Alaska brands make a memorable impression in and out of the office for decades. stellar-designs.com
Alaska Serigraphics
Alaska Serigraphics opened in 1981 and has grown from a small t-shirt printer to a multi-faceted promotional company. The company provides clients the opportunity to see, feel, and try the products they supply at their extensive showroom. According to the company, “It’s all about image—your image—and how to promote it.” With that philosophy in mind, Alaska Serigraphics knows how to help brands really shine. akserigraphics.com
Shirts Up Serigraphics & Solutions
Shirts Up is another Best of Alaska Business newcomer, though its many loyal customers will tell you that the company has been consistently delivering quality services for years. According to Shirts Up, “No matter what you’re using your marketing products for, you need quality, longevity, and visual appeal you can count on. That’s exactly what Shirts Up provides.” shirtsup.net
You also nominated: PIP Printing
Best Furniture Store
Kerry Tasker
Bailey’s Furniture
Bailey’s Furniture
Bailey’s knows business and has been providing furniture solutions for Alaska workspaces since 1990. From desks to décor, Bailey’s offers something for every office. Locations stretch from Soldotna to Fairbanks, with additional service to rural Alaska through an exclusive partnership with Everts Air Cargo. baileysfurniture.com
Sadler’s Home Furnishing
Sadler’s has been a household name in Alaska furniture for decades. With beginnings in the early ‘70s, Sadler’s began to expand rapidly under the leadership of Dave Cavitt—a company employee who went from delivery man to president and owner. As a 100 percent Alaska-owned and -operated company, Sadler’s community work includes a role as a major sponsor of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women fundraiser. sadlers.com
Scan Home
Inspired by the concept of Scandinavian furniture, Scan Home is a perennial Best of Alaska Business finalist. Alaska’s businesses have chosen Scan Home’s inventory since 1983 for bookcases, conference tables, desks, chairs, file cabinets, and much more. With an affinity for modern aesthetics, this furniture retailer has enjoyed consistent success. scanhome.com
You also nominated: Treeforms Furniture Gallery
Best Bank or Credit Union
Kerry Tasker
Alaska USA Federal Credit Union
First National Bank Alaska
First National Bank Alaska is committed to the 49th State. Its stated mission is to safekeep depositors’ money; provide all legitimate banking services to the community, consistent with its resources; furnish employees with competitive salaries and a pleasant work environment; and earn a proper return for stakeholders. The bank’s goal is to be safe, strong, and secure. fnbalaska.com
Alaska USA Federal Credit Union
Founded in 1948, Alaska USA Federal Credit Union has expanded to have branches in Alaska, Arizona, California, and Washington. With more than $10 billion in assets, the not-for-profit credit union strives to provide service, value, and convenience to all of its more than 701,000 member-owners. This commitment is what makes the Alaska USA experience “better than banking.” alaskausa.org
Credit Union 1
According to Credit Union 1: “Alaskans are our people. You’re our friends, family, and the neighbors we grew up with! As Alaska’s only state-chartered credit union, we are proud to be Alaskan at Heart.” The credit union serves more than 86,00 Alaskans and endeavors to foster thriving, happy communities through putting people first. cu1.org
You also nominated: Northrim Bank
Best Corporate Citizen
Kerry Tasker
First National Bank Alaska
For 2021 we received hundreds of recommendations for Best Corporate Citizen, and this year we again asked our readers to explain the ways in which the nominees have looked beyond their office walls (and profit margins) to build up Alaska’s communities. The editorial team selected three outstanding nominations to highlight this year by considering the number of nominations each received, the comments made about them, and by using our knowledge of their community-minded endeavors. The three below stood out for going above and beyond, but we’ve also included all of the organizations our readers nominated because, especially right now, each and every one deserves recognition.
With a selected quote from a nominating individual, and in no particular order, we present the 2021 Editor’s Choice for Best Corporate Citizen:
MTA
“They do so much to support the community, especially during COVID. They assisted schools to keep students connected and installed free WiFi hotspots to serve those in need that lost connections due to library closures.” mtasolutions.com
GCI
“For all the hard work during COVID-19 and before, and for giving away free internet when all this started so kids could keep going to school and people could work from home. Literally the most kind thing I’ve ever seen a company do for its community.” gci.com
First National Bank Alaska
“They are a great organization always, but they have really stepped up their game through COVID-19, partnering with even more companies and nonprofits while stepping up for the increased need of their services within our community and state.” fnbalaska.com 
You also nominated:
49th State Brewing
Above and Beyond Doula Care
Açaí Alaska
ACENT
AES
AkUpply
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Coastal Catering
Alaska Literacy Program
Alaska Native Justice Center
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
Alaska Railroad Corporation
Alaska Regional Hospital
Alaska Resource Education
Alaska SeaLife Center
Alaska State Fair
Alaska Tax Lady
Alaska USA
Alpha Delta Kappa
Alpha Media
Altman, Rogers & Co
Altura Bistro
Alutiiq
American Cancer Society
American Legion
Anchorage Chamber
Anchorage Economic Development Corporation
Anchorage Remote Start and Sound
Anchorage School District
APD Citizen’s Academy Alumni Association
Arctic Echos Cardiology
Arctic Gymnastics
Arctic On-Demand
Arctic Slope Community Foundation
Arm Creative
ASRC
ASRC Energy Services
Bailey’s Furniture
BDO
Beacon Hill
Beacon Media + Marketing
Bean’s Cafe
Bear Tooth
Bee Well Chiropractic
Ben & Jerry’s
Big City Engineers
49th State Brewing
Above and Beyond Doula Care
Açaí Alaska
ACENT
AES
AkUpply
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Coastal Catering
Alaska Literacy Program
Alaska Native Justice Center
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
Alaska Railroad Corporation
Alaska Regional Hospital
Alaska Resource Education
Alaska SeaLife Center
Alaska State Fair
Alaska Tax Lady
Alaska USA
Alpha Delta Kappa
Alpha Media
Altman, Rogers & Co
Altura Bistro
Alutiiq
American Cancer Society
American Legion
Anchorage Chamber
Anchorage Economic Development Corporation
Anchorage Remote Start and Sound
Anchorage School District
APD Citizen’s Academy Alumni Association
Arctic Echos Cardiology
Arctic Gymnastics
Arctic On-Demand
Arctic Slope Community Foundation
Arm Creative
ASRC
ASRC Energy Services
Bailey’s Furniture
BDO
Beacon Hill
Beacon Media + Marketing
Bean’s Cafe
Bear Tooth
Bee Well Chiropractic
Ben & Jerry’s
Big City Engineers
Birch Horton Bittner & Cherot
Boys & Girls Club of Eagle River
Brilliant Media Strategies
Bristol Bay Native Corporation
Camp Fire Alaska
Cape Fox Corporation
Carrs
Catalyst Marine
Catholic Social Services
Chevron Denali Express
CIRI
ConocoPhillips Alaska
Cook Inlet Housing Authority
Cook Inlet Tribal Council
Copper Whale Inn
Cordova Telecom Cooperative
Costco
Credit Union 1
Dateline Printing
Day & Night Valley Communications
Denali Express Cheron Network
Denali Nuvision
Distinctive Ride
Donlin Gold
Doyon
EBO Consulting
El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant
Enlaces Latinos
Equinox Physical Therapy
Fairbanks Native Association
Faith Christian Community
First National Bank Alaska
Food Bank of Alaska
Frostbite Foods
Full Curl Archery
Garcia’s
GCI
Gospel Rescue Mission
Great Harvest Bread Company
Great Land Trust
Health TIE
Hilcorp
Homer Foundation
Hot Shot Sisters
Hotel Captain Cook
Hungry Robot
Imaging Associates
Inlet Tower
Jackie’s Restaurant
Kaladi Brothers
Kawerak
Kim’s Cuisine Asian Fusion Bistro
Kinross Fort Knox
KPMG
KVAK Radio
Launch Alaska
LifeMed Alaska
Lynden
Mat Valley Milling
Mat-Su Title Agency
Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union
Matson
MCG Explore Design
MEA
Moose Lodge
Mossy’s Fly Shop
MTA
New Horizon
Nome Community Center
Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage
Northern Air Cargo
Northrim Bank
Odd Man Rush Brewing
Odom Corporation
PDC Engineers
Peppercini’s
Perfectionist Auto
Permafrost Beards
Pillar to Post
Point Blank Firearms & Self Defense Training
Poppy Lane Mercantile
Preferred Medical and Rehab
Providence
R&M Engineers
Rasmussen Foundation
Ray’s Apartment
Renewal by Andersen
Resource Development Council
Salvation Army
Sealaska
Seward Chamber of Commerce
Shirts Up!
Skinny Raven Sports
Snow City Cafe
Southcentral Foundatio
Special Olympics
State Farm
Stellar Designs
Subway of Alaska
Sunrise
Sysco
Tastee Freeze
Taylored Reconstruction
The Alaska Club
The Alaska Raceway
The Book Shelf
The Foraker Group
The Hungry Robot
The Scotty Gomez Foundation
The Seward Alehouse
Thompson & Co.
Thrive Assisted Living
Tote
True dank
UniSea
United Way
Upper One Studios Inc.
Usibelli Coal Mine
Valor Midwifery Services
Vellum
Verizon
Walmart
Wells Fargo
Writer’s Block
Yuit Communications
Zo Financial
You also nominated:
49th State Brewing
Above and Beyond Doula Care
Açaí Alaska
ACENT
AES
AkUpply
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Coastal Catering
Alaska Literacy Program
Alaska Native Justice Center
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
Alaska Railroad Corporation
Alaska Regional Hospital
Alaska Resource Education
Alaska SeaLife Center
Alaska State Fair
Alaska Tax Lady
Alaska USA
Alpha Delta Kappa
Alpha Media
Altman, Rogers & Co
Altura Bistro
Alutiiq
American Cancer Society
American Legion
Anchorage Chamber
Anchorage Economic Development Corporation
Anchorage Remote Start and Sound
Anchorage School District
APD Citizen’s Academy Alumni Association
Arctic Echos Cardiology
Arctic Gymnastics
Arctic On-Demand
Arctic Slope Community Foundation
Arm Creative
ASRC
ASRC Energy Services
Bailey’s Furniture
BDO
Beacon Hill
Beacon Media + Marketing
Bean’s Cafe
Bear Tooth
Bee Well Chiropractic
Ben & Jerry’s
Big City Engineers
Birch Horton Bittner & Cherot
Boys & Girls Club of Eagle River
Brilliant Media Strategies
Bristol Bay Native Corporation
Camp Fire Alaska
Cape Fox Corporation
Carrs
Catalyst Marine
Catholic Social Services
Chevron Denali Express
CIRI
ConocoPhillips Alaska
Cook Inlet Housing Authority
Cook Inlet Tribal Council
Copper Whale Inn
Cordova Telecom Cooperative
Costco
Credit Union 1
Dateline Printing
Day & Night Valley Communications
Denali Express Cheron Network
Denali Nuvision
Distinctive Ride
Donlin Gold
Doyon
EBO Consulting
El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant
Enlaces Latinos
Equinox Physical Therapy
Fairbanks Native Association
Faith Christian Community
First National Bank Alaska
Food Bank of Alaska
Frostbite Foods
Full Curl Archery
Garcia’s
GCI
Gospel Rescue Mission
Great Harvest Bread Company
Great Land Trust
Health TIE
Hilcorp
Homer Foundation
Hot Shot Sisters
Hotel Captain Cook
Hungry Robot
Imaging Associates
Inlet Tower
Jackie’s Restaurant
Kaladi Brothers
Kawerak
Kim’s Cuisine Asian Fusion Bistro
Kinross Fort Knox
KPMG
KVAK Radio
Launch Alaska
LifeMed Alaska
Lynden
Mat Valley Milling
Mat-Su Title Agency
Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union
Matson
MCG Explore Design
MEA
Moose Lodge
Mossy’s Fly Shop
MTA
New Horizon
Nome Community Center
Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage
Northern Air Cargo
Northrim Bank
Odd Man Rush Brewing
Odom Corporation
PDC Engineers
Peppercini’s
Perfectionist Auto
Permafrost Beards
Pillar to Post
Point Blank Firearms & Self Defense Training
Poppy Lane Mercantile
Preferred Medical and Rehab
Providence
R&M Engineers
Rasmussen Foundation
Ray’s Apartment
Renewal by Andersen
Resource Development Council
Salvation Army
Sealaska
Seward Chamber of Commerce
Shirts Up!
Skinny Raven Sports
Snow City Cafe
Southcentral Foundatio
Special Olympics
State Farm
Stellar Designs
Subway of Alaska
Sunrise
Sysco
Tastee Freeze
Taylored Reconstruction
The Alaska Club
The Alaska Raceway
The Book Shelf
The Foraker Group
The Hungry Robot
The Scotty Gomez Foundation
The Seward Alehouse
Thompson & Co.
Thrive Assisted Living
Tote
True dank
UniSea
United Way
Upper One Studios Inc.
Usibelli Coal Mine
Valor Midwifery Services
Vellum
Verizon
Walmart
Wells Fargo
Writer’s Block
Yuit Communications
Zo Financial
49th State Brewing
Above and Beyond Doula Care
Açaí Alaska
ACENT
AES
AkUpply
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Coastal Catering
Alaska Literacy Program
Alaska Native Justice Center
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
Alaska Railroad Corporation
Alaska Regional Hospital
Alaska Resource Education
Alaska SeaLife Center
Alaska State Fair
Alaska Tax Lady
Alaska USA
Alpha Delta Kappa
Alpha Media
Altman, Rogers & Co
Altura Bistro
Alutiiq
American Cancer Society
American Legion
Anchorage Chamber
Anchorage Economic Development Corporation
Anchorage Remote Start and Sound
Anchorage School District
APD Citizen’s Academy Alumni Association
Arctic Echos Cardiology
Arctic Gymnastics
Arctic On-Demand
Arctic Slope Community Foundation
Arm Creative
ASRC
ASRC Energy Services
Bailey’s Furniture
BDO
Beacon Hill
Beacon Media + Marketing
Bean’s Cafe
Bear Tooth
Bee Well Chiropractic
Ben & Jerry’s
Big City Engineers
Birch Horton Bittner & Cherot
Boys & Girls Club of Eagle River
Brilliant Media Strategies
Bristol Bay Native Corporation
Camp Fire Alaska
Cape Fox Corporation
Carrs
Catalyst Marine
Catholic Social Services
Chevron Denali Express
CIRI
ConocoPhillips Alaska
Cook Inlet Housing Authority
Cook Inlet Tribal Council
Copper Whale Inn
Cordova Telecom Cooperative
Costco
Credit Union 1
Dateline Printing
Day & Night Valley Communications
Denali Express Cheron Network
Denali Nuvision
Distinctive Ride
Donlin Gold
Doyon
EBO Consulting
El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant
Enlaces Latinos
Equinox Physical Therapy
Fairbanks Native Association
Faith Christian Community
First National Bank Alaska
Food Bank of Alaska
Frostbite Foods
Full Curl Archery
Garcia’s
GCI
Gospel Rescue Mission
Great Harvest Bread Company
Great Land Trust
Health TIE
Hilcorp
Homer Foundation
Hot Shot Sisters
Hotel Captain Cook
Hungry Robot
Imaging Associates
Inlet Tower
Jackie’s Restaurant
Kaladi Brothers
Kawerak
Kim’s Cuisine Asian Fusion Bistro
Kinross Fort Knox
KPMG
KVAK Radio
Launch Alaska
LifeMed Alaska
Lynden
Mat Valley Milling
Mat-Su Title Agency
Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union
Matson
MCG Explore Design
MEA
Moose Lodge
Mossy’s Fly Shop
MTA
New Horizon
Nome Community Center
Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage
Northern Air Cargo
Northrim Bank
Odd Man Rush Brewing
Odom Corporation
PDC Engineers
Peppercini’s
Perfectionist Auto
Permafrost Beards
Pillar to Post
Point Blank Firearms & Self Defense Training
Poppy Lane Mercantile
Preferred Medical and Rehab
Providence
R&M Engineers
Rasmussen Foundation
Ray’s Apartment
Renewal by Andersen
Resource Development Council
Salvation Army
Sealaska
Seward Chamber of Commerce
Shirts Up!
Skinny Raven Sports
Snow City Cafe
Southcentral Foundatio
Special Olympics
State Farm
Stellar Designs
Subway of Alaska
Sunrise
Sysco
Tastee Freeze
Taylored Reconstruction
The Alaska Club
The Alaska Raceway
The Book Shelf
The Foraker Group
The Hungry Robot
The Scotty Gomez Foundation
The Seward Alehouse
Thompson & Co.
Thrive Assisted Living
Tote
True dank
UniSea
United Way
Upper One Studios Inc.
Usibelli Coal Mine
Valor Midwifery Services
Vellum
Verizon
Walmart
Wells Fargo
Writer’s Block
Yuit Communications
Zo Financial
Cook Inlet Tribal Council
“CITC remained open for services throughout the pandemic as a critical service for some of Anchorage’s most in-need people,” said one reader of Cook Inlet Tribal Council, continuing, “They staggered appointments with on-site presence as needed and used all of the available technology to keep operations fluid… CITC was hit hard by both the earthquake and the pandemic; however, their value of resilience really shined through for their employees.” citci.org
Bear/Moose’s Tooth
According to one respondent, “Moose’s Tooth put its team members’ safety first, which as a patron I really appreciated. They also fine-tuned their safety protocols every day to make patrons feels as safe as possible. Their procedures for takeout were the best of the restaurants we supported and continue to be as they transition to more and more in-house dining while supporting those of us who are still not quite ready to dine-in.”
beartooththeatre.net | moosestooth.net
beartooththeatre.net | moosestooth.net
MTA
“[MTA’s] employees came together while apart by quickly mobilizing initiatives to ensure the communities they serve remained connected—public WiFi locations, free upgrades for educators and students, supporting local businesses, and committing to not disconnect anyone financially affected by COVID-19,” said a reader of MTA’s pandemic efforts. mtasolutions.com