The Anchorage Chamber of Commerce on Friday announced the winners of its annual Gold Pan Awards, which recognize people and businesses in the community for "entrepreneurial excellence and a strong commitment to community service."
The 2017 finalists and winners, announced during a banquet at the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center, were:
Distinguished community service by an individual, organization or small business:
Winner: Susan Jensen, Bayshore Owners Association
Finalists: 2 Friends Gallery, Gonzalez Marketing, Super Floors of Alaska
Distinguished community service by a large business:
Winner: Alaska Airlines
Finalists: AK Child & Family, Cook Inlet Housing Authority, Ravn Alaska
Entrepreneurial excellence:
Winner: Bambino's Baby Food, founder Zoi Maroudas
Finalists: Dr. Emily E. McMahan of the Alaska Hearing and Tinnitus Center, Dawn Carmichael of Summit Embroidery Works, Elizabeth Eldridge of The Spice and Tea Exchange
Business excellence:
Winner: Spawn Ideas
Finalists: Jeannine Jabaay of Treeline Construction, Eklutna Inc., GCI
Gene Guess Humanitarian Award: Given posthumously to Dale Tran
Ambassador of the Year: Charissa Habeger
Volunteer of the Year: David Hannon
Chairmen's Award: Bill O'Leary