Alaska Business Hall of Fame Names 2025 Laureates
Junior Achievement of Alaska
In advance of the induction ceremony next January, Junior Achievement (JA) of Alaska announced four laureates being honored by the Alaska Business Hall of Fame. The class of 2025 includes Linda Leary, founder of FisheWear and Linda Leary Consulting; Joe Schierhorn, chairman of Northrim Bank; Ralph Seekins, president of Seekins Ford-Lincoln dealership in Fairbanks; and, posthumously, US Congressman Don Young.
The event will also present awards for Junior Achievement of Alaska Volunteer and Educator of the Year for 2025.
Lauding Professionals, Supporting Students
Erin Byrne is credited with touching the lives of nearly 700 students as a JA volunteer, empowering each of them to own their economic success. Byrne, the chief financial officer of Delta Leasing, has been a strong supporter of JA and its mission to give Alaska’s youth workforce readiness skills, encourage entrepreneurship and strengthen financial literacy.
Current Issue
February 2025
Clare Fulp, the principal of Mountain View Elementary School in Anchorage, has been involved with JA for more than ten years and continues to innovate financial literacy programs with Junior Achievement for her students. Fulp brings programs like JA in a Day to schools, where volunteers can work alongside teachers.
“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.”
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.
The 37th annual celebration will take place at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center in Anchorage and includes a reception beginning at 5:30 p.m., dinner and induction ceremony at 6:30 p.m., and concluding by 8:30 p.m. The evening will also include a special recognition of the many past inductees who will be in attendance.
Individual tickets are $175, with limited sponsorship opportunities available. Tickets and tables can be purchased online at alaskabusinesshalloffame.com.
Path to Prosperity Awards $40,000 to Launch and Expand Two Southeast Businesses
A maker of Tlingit regalia and a manufacturer of hydrokinetic turbines each get $20,000 prizes in the Path to Prosperity business plan competition.
Kotzebue Branch Puts Credit Union 1 North of the Arctic Circle
A grand opening in Kotzebue on February 14 gives Credit Union 1 its fourteenth branch, while the thirteenth is under construction in Wasilla.
How Alaska Employers Can Prepare for Looming Sick Leave Requirement
Employers have until July 1 to implement a new paid sick leave requirement in Alaska. Lawyers have some tips on how to prepare.
Architecture & Engineering + Interior
February 2025
In our February 2025 issue, we highlight how architecture and engineering improve every facet of our daily lives, from increasing the availability and affordability of housing to building small businesses and improving community safety. Projects like these are helmed by Alaska’s exceptional professionals, including the 2024 Anchorage Engineer of the Year Nominees. In the Interior, Red Dog Mine and the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum are both making big moves. Enjoy!