About Us
Our Mission
To advance a successful business climate by attending to the civic, economic, and cultural betterment of our community.
We achieve this through:
Who We Are
The Anchorage Chamber of Commerce is the largest business organization in Alaska. Founded in 1915 by local business leaders, the Chamber today is a not-for-profit 501(c)(6) member-driven business organization representing 1,000 companies and a regional workforce of approximately 50,000. For over 100 years, we have served as a resource where our members can gain business knowledge, insight, and strength as business professionals.
Our vision is to advance a successful business climate by attending to the civic, economic and cultural betterment of our community.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce awarded the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce with 5-Star Accreditation for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community.
Accreditation is the only national program that recognizes chambers for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement. In order to receive Accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, and technology. This extensive self-review can take six to nine months to complete.
Local chambers are rated Accredited, 3-Stars, 4-Stars, or 5-Stars. State chambers are recognized as either Accredited State Chamber or Accredited State Chamber with Distinction. The final determination is made by the Accrediting Board, a committee of U.S. Chamber board members. Of the 7,000 chambers in the United States, 214 of these are Accredited with only 125 honored with five stars.
“This is very gratifying recognition from the United States Chamber of Commerce on the performance of the last five years of our organization,” says Former President/CEO of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, Bruce Bustamante. “The Anchorage Chamber has stayed on mission in providing quality programs and opportunities for business to grow in Anchorage. The 5-Star Accreditation represents the highest standard for Chambers in the United States and it provides us confirmation that we are delivering valuable services to our business members. This is recognition of the work of staff, volunteers, ambassadors and board members at the highest level in our industry.”
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.
Partnerships
We partner with local organizations we've helped start, or those who provide a service close to our mission and the betterment of Anchorage.
A critical part of the Anchorage Chamber's efforts revolves around our public advocacy efforts. This will include a menu of groundbreaking efforts to improve everything from public school outcomes and affordable housing to a greater understanding of the many moving cultural pieces making up a greater share of Anchorage's economy.
In cooperation with efforts like Choose Anchorage with AEDC, the Anchorage School District's Academies of Anchorage, and longtime partnerships like Anchorage School Business Partnership, the Anchorage Chamber has taken the lead in areas like talent and workforce.