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Alaska Business Hall of Fame Names 2026 Laureates

Apr 25, 2025 | News, Nonprofits

Photo Credit: Junior Achievement of Alaska

In advance of the induction ceremony next January, Junior Achievement (JA) of Alaska announced five laureates being honored by the Alaska Business Hall of Fame. The class of 2026 includes housing and building executives.

Delta Constructors CEO Ed Gohr and Delta Leasing CEO Rudi von Imhof are being honored, as is Meg Nordale, president of Fairbanks general contractor GHEMM Company. The class also includes the retired CEO and president of Cook Inlet Housing Authority, Carol Gore, and one non-Alaskan: Dean Weidner, the Seattle-based magnate who owns 4,000 housing units in Anchorage.

Lauding Professionals, Supporting Students

The induction ceremony will also present awards for JA Volunteer and Educator of the Year for 2026. The volunteer being recognized is Carl Propes, president of the Scan Home furniture store in Anchorage and a longtime JA booster. The educator honor goes to Cindy Trawicki, the family and consumer science teacher at Mears Middle School in Anchorage.

“For more than 100 years, volunteers and educators have partnered with JA to empower the next generation’s success, and promote economic mobility,” says Flora Teo, JA of Alaska president. “We have amazing heroes in our schools. JA is grateful for the opportunity to recognize these individuals for their contributions that at the end of the day, make a huge difference for our youth.”

Current Issue

Alaska Business May 2025 Cover

May 2025

Awardees and Hall of Fame laureates were selected based on their direct impact toward furthering the success of Alaska business, demonstrated support and commitment to JA programs, and demonstrated commitment to Alaska business.

Alaska Business magazine began the Alaska Business Hall of Fame in 1987 to honor outstanding individuals in Alaska businesses. The annual ceremony is a fundraiser for JA of Alaska.

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Alaska Business Magazine May 2025 cover
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The May 2025 issue of Alaska Business features the construction special section, which includes our cover story about the National Association of Women in Construction and that organization’s goal to expand and elevate Alaska’s construction workforce. It’s joined by a construction forecast, a look at technology in new residential construction, a summary of upcoming projects at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, and a feature on small contractors making a big difference. Which ties directly to the issue's small business theme. Small businesses have a big impact on our daily lives, so we’ve taken the opportunity to help you get to know a few of them a little better. Enjoy!
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