Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce Wins BBB Ethics Award
Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce members display the Better Business Bureau Foundation’s Torch Award for Ethics. From left to right: Jake Nelson of MAC Federal Credit Union; Destiny O’Daniel of Global Federal Credit Union; Travis Pease of Alaska Waste; Jessica Viera, Wasilla Chamber CEO; Jessica Gallagher of Credit Union 1; Veronica Pillans of First National Bank Alaska; Brian Headdings of Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union and the chamber’s board chair; and Deborah B. of BBB Alaska.
Photo Credit: Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Great West and Pacific and the BBB Foundation selected the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce (GWCC) as the Alaska winner of the 2024 Torch Award for Ethics.
The Torch Award for Ethics is the most prestigious honor BBB Foundation bestows on businesses in the Great West and Pacific eight-state service area. Winners must demonstrate a high level of personal character, meet the highest standards of ethics, and build trust with their customers and the community.
Second Nomination, First Win
The awards were announced at a virtual ceremony on October 24. Winners were also announced at the Alaska Entrepreneurship Week celebration in Anchorage earlier this month. BBB leaders hand delivered the award to GWCC during an October 21 ribbon-cutting celebrating Yukon Tails Mobile Pet Grooming’s grand opening of its new van.
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“It’s exciting,” says Chamber CEO Jessica Viera of the news. “It’s a testament to how hard we work to be transparent.”
Viera adds that this is GWCC’s first time winning the Torch award after being nominated once before.
Incorporated in 1978, GWCC provides a wealth of services to the community, including networking opportunities, business advocacy, business education resources, marketing and promotion, business support services, community engagement, community events, and visitor and relocation services.
BBB Foundation received 229 submissions for this year’s Torch Award for Ethics. A panel of judges composed of past award winners reviewed the finalists, and only the applicants that demonstrated the highest levels of team character, company culture, customer engagement, and community involvement were named this year’s winners.
“This year’s award recipients have once again raised the bar for excellence in business ethics and community impact. Their commitment to integrity and social responsibility not only strengthens the marketplace but also inspires others to follow suit,” says Tyler Andrew, president and CEO of BBB Great West and Pacific. “By recognizing these outstanding companies, we aim to foster a business environment where ethical practices are not just appreciated but expected.”
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2026 Alaska Business Hall of Fame
Five new inductees to the Alaska Business Hall of Fame share some odd coincidences. Meet the leaders honored for their lifelong support of Alaska’s economy and for commitment to Junior Achievement of Alaska.
We’re honored again this year to celebrate our partnership with Junior Achievement of Alaska, a nonprofit that educates local youth about enterprise, business, money, and financial literacy. In the special section, three Junior Achievement of Alaska students weigh in on their experience with the exceptional volunteers and teachers involved with the program.
And in Industry Support, we explore the range of varied services that industry in Alaska requires, from mancamps to spill response to off-grid energy solutions.
Outside the special sections, make sure to check out the 2026 Economic forecast, where Alaska leaders share their insights on what may lie ahead in the coming year. Enjoy!