HomeMy WebLinkAbout09232024 City Council Laydown - Chamber of CommerceSeward Chamber of Commerce
Executive Director Report
09/23/2024
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Community Event Support:
• Winter Weekend
o October Halloweek : Oct 26-Nov 2
o Trunk or Treat : Oct 26, 4-530 pm @Seward Military Resort
o Downtown & Harbor Trick or Treat : Oct 31, 3-5pm
• Chamber Luncheon
o Seward Community Foundation : Oct 3, 12 noon @Breeze Inn
Alaska Entrepreneurship Week:
• InnoVision Monday Mixer : Oct 7, 5 pm @Tidewater Taphouse
• Choosing the Right Business Entity : Oct 8, 12 pm @Rowdy Radish
• Ladies Who Launch : Oct 9, 6 pm @Primrose Provisions
• Meet Your Local Lender : Oct 10, 6pm @First National Bank Alaska
• Buying or Selling a Small Business: Planning for a Successful Sale : Oct 11, 12 pm
@Breeze Inn
Hometown & Relocation Guide Reprint:
• This publication is the go -to hometown resource, highlighting local businesses, services,
and resources, ensuring that community -oriented businesses and organizations connect
directly with locals.
• 5,000 copies of the 2025 Seward Hometown Guide are distributed locally via
the Seward Chamber of Commerce, throughout the community, and the greater Seward
area.
• Advertisement opportunities available to Seward local services and the City of Seward
and its departments.
Work Session Request:
• For decades, the City of Seward and the Seward Chamber of Commerce have
maintained a strong partnership through the execution of a marketing contract.
Designated as the City's sole Marketing Organization in 1995, the Chamber has
diligently worked to promote economic development, provide visitor services, and
engage in destination marketing, as outlined in the agreement. We have consistently
fulfilled these responsibilities with steady success. In addition to our role in marketing,
we also function as a traditional Chamber of Commerce, supporting Seward's business
community.
• The Seward Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors formally requests that the
Council direct administration to schedule a work session during the FY25 budget cycle to
discuss our partnership. We seek an open discussion to review the current marketing
contract, explore whether there are any additional priorities or areas of focus the Council
would like us to address, and ensure our efforts align with Council expectations. Despite
a decrease in funding, the Chamber has consistently delivered high performance on the
tasks assigned by the Council. We want to remain proactive and collaborative, ensuring
continued alignment with Council objectives and satisfaction with our action plans.
SEWARD
EVENTS:
INNOVISION MONDAY MIXER
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Monday, Oct 7th
5 - 6 p.m.
Tidewater Taphouse
This is your chance to connect with seasoned small business
mentors from our community in a dynamic, fast -paced
environment. During our 5-minute speed -pitch sessions, you'
the opportunity to present your ideas and receive valuable,
actionable feedback from industry experts.
Mentors: Tom Tougas, Nicole Lawrence
*One Free Drink Token*
CHOOSING THE RIGHT BUSINESS ENTITY
'—' Tuesday, Oct. 8th
12-1 p.m.
9 The Rowdy Radish
Owning a business is an exciting journey, but choosing the
right legal structure can be one of the most critical decisions
you'll make. Join us for an in-depth workshop where you'll
explore the various business entities available, including sole
proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs and corporations.
Presented by KellyAnn Cavaretta, Alaska SBDC
* LADIES WHO LAUNCH *
9
ALASKA
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
WEEK
OCT. 7-11
II have
Wednesday, Oct. 9th
6-8p.m.
Zudy's Cafe
Back by popular demand. Join us for an inspiring panel of
Seward -area women as they share their journeys, discuss the
unique challenges they've faced and reveal the valuable lessons
they've learned along the way —all with a strong emphasis on
resilience.
Panelists: Kat Sorenson (City Manager), Casie Warner (HYPER,
Resurrection Recycling) Kylee Lambert (Seward Vacation Stays)
Wine provided by Zudy's Cafe & food from Primrose Provisions
MEET YOUR LOCAL LENDER
Thursday, Oct. loth
6 p.m.
FNBA Branch 9
Are you considering a loan to finance your small
business project but feeling unsure about where to
start? Join us for our Meet Your Local Lender event,
where you'll have the opportunity to learn about the
various loan programs available through First
National Bank of Alaska.
Presented by Melissa Schutter, FNBA
BUYING OP SELLING A SMALL BUSINESS:
PLANNING FOR A SUCCESSFUL SALE
Friday, October llth
12 -1 p.m.
Breeze Inn Conference Room 9
Are you considering buying or selling a small business?
Join us for an informative session designed to guide
you through the complexities of planning a successful
sale. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur looking
to invest in a business or a current business owner
contemplating an exit strategy, this event will equip
you with the knowledge you need.
Presented by KellyAnn Cavaretta, Alaska SBDC
WAAlaska
Small Business
Development Center
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