Right now, most of us are finding joy by soaking up summer in Alaska. More so than in most places, Alaskans appreciate every last moment of those golden rays because we know it won’t be long before the honey-hued sunlight is hidden behind the gray tones of winter. But that’s nothing to concern ourselves with today. Today we celebrate! Welcome back to one of our very favorite issues of the year: the Best of Alaska Business awards.

The response to this year’s reader survey was nothing short of astounding. You came out in droves to provide praise to the incredible individuals and businesses in our state who provided comfort and security over this past year, further confirming our notion that when we need it, we’re there for each other. Right now our business community needs to hear how much their efforts to keep us employed (and safe) during a very uncertain time means to us. And in this issue they get the praise they so rightly deserve.

Along with the more than two dozen categories we feature in this year’s Best of Alaska Business awards special section, we also asked you to tell us which companies really left an impression on you with their response to the pandemic. And tell us you did. What became very clear in sifting through your answers is that comfort and security is of paramount importance to you. When a business was able to keep you employed from the safety of your home, you noticed the momentous effort it took to coordinate moving an entire team of (sometimes) hundreds of workers to home offices all over the state. For those whose jobs required they stay public-facing, you appreciated the logistics involved in keeping both customers and employees safe. When you saw your favorite restaurants—most of them struggling to stay afloat themselves—spending time and money to help feed those left vulnerable by the pandemic, you wanted us to help spread the word about their generosity of spirit (not to mention resources).

This issue is special because it’s your chance and ours to give praise to the many, many businesses that form the backbone of this state’s community. So while you’re out taking advantage of that midnight sun, take a moment to look around you. Notice the return of the tourists, the businesses beginning to bustle, and restaurants full-up with happy diners. It’s a truly beautiful sight to behold.

Congratulations to all of the 2021 Best of Alaska Business award winners. We’re celebrating right along with you!