The Denali Chamber of Commerce (formerly the Greater Healy/Denali Chamber of Commerce) was formed in 1991 to serve the fledgling tourism businesses of the Healy/Denali area. It’s work and mission took many forms until 2017, when Executive Director Vanessa Jusczak took the helm and began what has been an organizational transformation. The one constant has been adapting to change; the changing needs of the membership, the changes in our communities, and the impacts of national and statewide changes on the Denali Borough.
Adapting to change required a lot of learning. Learning about the challenges within the Borough – from housing, to childcare to available workforce. Learning how tourism impacts every business, even if at first glance there is no connection. Learning the things businesses and community members need to create a solid base for stability and growth. Learning the importance of planning and looking to the needs of the future, to guide today’s actions.
Growth requires resources. The current resources of the Denali Chamber cannot provide the growth required. Our small but dedicated membership provides a solid foundation, but are unable to leverage us into the stage of action. The tax designation of a chamber [ 501(c)6 ] prohibit most State and Federal grant opportunities. Most of the funding available for workforce development, economic development and diversification, and community development require an entity with a 501(c)3 designation. There are also a number of funding and planning opportunities for our local government that require a community-based organization as an application partner.
The Denali Community Foundation allows the Denali Chamber of Commerce to provide an arm for impactful planning and action. Our ‘why’ is simple. We love our communities. We believe in the potential of our communities. We recognize there is work that can be done to strengthen our communities, through thoughtful planning, education, training, grant opportunities and community development. We are ready to tackle that work.