100 East Marine Way, Suite 300
Kodiak, AK 99615
President's Message

Happy New Year, Chamber Members, and an enthusiastic adios to 2020! No doubt 2021 will bring some surprises but here’s hoping they are not like the slew of major crises we saw in 2020. Do we ever need some respite and normality? Hopefully, the vaccination process moves relatively quickly so that we can put the global pandemic behind us and get back to life as we know it.
 
Check out the Guide to What Small Businesses Need to Know About the New Pandemic Relief Package passed by Congress in December. More help is available to small businesses and fishermen who have been impacted by COVID-19. Chamber Executive Director, Sarah Phillips, is now giving weekly updates every Thursday at 4pm so businesses have the most up to date information about opportunities Federally, Statewide, and Locally.

I am humbled and honored to be re-elected as Kodiak Chamber of Commerce President. Along with Vice-President Patrick Cummings, Sec./Treasurer Jeff Sanford, and the other Board members, we will continue to work to protect and advance Chamber member interests. Our mission is to promote the development of a strong and diverse economy for the Kodiak region through active leadership and opportunities for membership involvement.

We have extended the deadline for the 2021 Relocation Guide to January 8th, and time is running out to have your business listed in the guide, so please email crd@Kodiak.org to make sure your business is included.

I would like to welcome new Chamber members Wildflower Kodiak, Tacos 49 (who doesn’t love food trucks?), and Next Step Dance Kodiak. Do you own a business or know someone who does? Please contact Sarah Phillips or Jena Lowmaster (486-5557) to join the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce – the more business members, the more power and motivation we have to achieve great things for Kodiak.
 
Wishing you, your family, and your business a safe, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

Julie Bonney
President
Updates from The Chamber
Our Sponsors
How to Get the New Small Business Relief
In discussions with the US Chamber, the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce has reason to believe that many previous issues with PPP and EIDL programs have been corrected. Over the course of the year amendments allow for the following to receive PPP and in some cases EIDL:
  • Small Businesses (Less than 300 employees)
  • Sole Proprietors and 1099 Employees
  • Commercial Fishing Vessels and Fishermen
  • 501 C-6 Organizations
*Businesses can now have full funding from both EIDL and PPP

Additional programs have been established to aid:
  • Hospitality Industry - Additional PPP funding above Small Business
  • Live Event Organizations (i.e.- Museums, Convention Centers, Theaters) - Special Grants above PPP offerings (May not have both PPP and Live Event Grant)
  • Employee Retention Tax Credit - Organizations may now take advantage of Credit and PPP and EIDL

*SEE BELOW FOR FULL DETAILS, QUALIFICATION INFORMATION, AND APPLICATION OPENINGS. GUIDE LINK UPDATED DAILY.

NEW: Guide to Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Loans

As we shared yesterday, the U.S. Chamber has created a new Guide to Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Loans to provide you and your members with the latest information and answers to FAQs about the changes that have been made to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) Program as part of the end-of-year pandemic relief package Congress has passed.

Click here to view the U.S. Chamber's new Guide to Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Loans which we will continue to update as more information becomes available. We encourage you to share this with your members and networks as you see fit.
ICYMI: Summary of 501(c)(6) Eligibility in Pandemic Relief Package Expansion of PPP

The final pandemic relief package restarts the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and expands PPP eligibility to include 501(c)(6)s. The language begins on page 2102 (in the PDF) and can be found here. The authority to make new PPP loans will terminate on March 31, 2021. We expect the pandemic relief bill to become law this week.
501(c)(6) organizations are eligible to receive a PPP loan provided:
  1. They are not a professional sports league or organized for the purpose of promoting or participating in a political campaign (Note: this will not impact chambers of commerce or trade associations);
  2. They do not employ more than 300 employees;
  3. They do not receive more than 15% of their receipts from lobbying activities;
  4. Lobbying activities do not compromise more than 15% of the organization’s total activities; and
  5. The cost of the lobbying activities of the organization did not exceed $1,000,000 during the most recent tax year that ended prior to February 15, 2020.
  6. If an organization fails any of these tests they are NOT eligible to receive a PPP loan.

Similar rules apply to Destination Marketing Organizations.

Lobbying activities are not defined in the section. The Small Business Administration may provide a definition or guidance. Congressional staff have used information available in the 990 tax form when discussing the impact of the 15% lobbying activities limitation. Specifically, staff have compared the lobbying expenses reported on schedule C, Part III-B, Line 2 with the total expenses reported for the year (Page 1, line 18). (Note that these lines may be different if you are using a 990 form vs. 990EZ.)

Absent further guidance, organizations may wish to analyze their most recent 990 to determine whether they may be eligible to apply for a PPP loan and may wish to proceed with their lender if they believe they do qualify.

The bill also expands allowable uses for PPP funds and simplifies the loan process. We will be providing separate information on the other PPP changes.
A Weekly Updates from the Kodiak
Chamber of Commerce
We're kicking off 2021 by providing more information to our members than ever before! Tune in each Thursday at 4pm as the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce updates businesses about opportunities, challenges, and advocacy outreach.

We'll cover:
  • Funding Relief Options: PPP, EIDL, Employee Retention Tax Credits, and Live Event Facility Grants.
  • What facets of the programs have changed to become more friendly?
  • State and Local mandates and possible grant options.
  • Current business concerns and advocacy needs.
Advertise in the 2021 Annual Relocation Guide
Each year the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce produces a booklet filled with information on our community. The newest edition of the Relocation Guide will feature narratives for purchase that highlight details to make your business stand out. The Relocation Guide still includes business and organization listings, facts and articles about Kodiak, and local photography!

The guide will continue to be distributed throughout the year at Chamber events, on the Coast Guard Base, Real Estate offices, the Visitors Center, and major employers throughout the Kodiak region and anyone requesting information on Kodiak through our office. We expect an even wider distribution than ever before, as the guide will be available electronically for the second year in a row with the direct clickable website and ad links.

A variety of ad sizes and additional business narratives are available to fit your needs and your budget. Space is limited, so click below for more information and to sign-up! The reservation deadline is January 8, 2021.

As a reminder, all of our PIKE sponsors receive a free ad and narrative in the Relocation Guide. If you are interested in becoming a PIKE Sponsor, reach out to Sarah Phillips (Executive Director).

Any questions, please contact Jena Lowmaster, Community Relations Director
(907) 486-5557.
Wishing You Good Times, Good Cheer,
and a Memorable 2021!
All of us at the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce want to thank you for your business,
loyalty and support this past year!
NEXT STEP DANCE STUDIOS
TACOS 49
WILDFLOWER KODIAK



Interested in becoming a member? The Chamber Membership gives your organization the tools and support it needs to succeed. With access to business resources, educational materials, advocacy, networking opportunities, and much more... Contact us for more details.
CUMMINS SALES & SERVICE HENRY'S GREAT ALASKAN RESTAURANT
HUMANE SOCIETY OF KODIAK
KING'S DINER
KODIAK ARTS COUNCIL
KODIAK ISLAND HOUSING AUTHORITY
KODIAK SPECIAL OLYMPICS
KOZAK AND ASSOCIATES
LIFE MED ALASKA
NORMAN'S
R.C. ENTERPRISES INC
SPENARD BUILDERS SUPPLY
WALLSTRUM STEVENS CPA
Member Updates & Spotlight
Astra Successfully Launches Rocket from
Alaska Aerospace
Article By Sarah Lapidus or Kodiak Daily Mirror- Subscribe HERE

Astra successfully launched one of its rockets into space for the first time on Tuesday from Kodiak’s Pacific Spaceport Complex — Alaska, taking one step closer to their goal of achieving commercial space travel. 

“This is hard-fought, well earned,” said Mark Lester, the president and CEO of Alaska Aerospace Corp., which runs the spaceport. “Very few commercial companies have done what (Astra) just did. Now we are starting to see this industry get some momentum.”
The California-based startup, which recently won a contract with NASA to launch small satellites into space, launched their Rocket 3.2 from Narrow Cape. Liftoff occurred at 11:55 a.m., according to a series of tweets posted by the company. 

One minute after liftoff, the rocket reached Max-Q, the moment during which aerodynamic forces are the strongest. One minute later, the first stage burned off, was discarded and fell back toward Earth. 

By 12:01 p.m., the rocket had passed the Karman Line, the altitude 62 miles above Earth where space begins.

The entire flight lasted 8.5 minutes, Astra said in a tweet. 
By the time of publication, the company had not confirmed if the rocket had reached orbit, the original goal of this test launch. 
Reaching orbit is an issue of velocity, Lester said. 
“You have to go fast enough to fall around the Earth,” he said. “To do useful things in space — i.e., put up satellites — you have to make orbit and it’s all about speed.”

Lester said just making it into space was a success, especially after multiple failed attempts over the past year. 
The most recent attempt in September ended with the rocket falling down to Earth in a fiery explosion. Issues with the rocket’s guidance systems had caused the rocket to travel off course. 
“You learn from your mistakes. They got the flight data, they learned what they could change in their rocket and came back three months later,” Lester said. 

Tuesday’s launch aimed to test Astra’s technology and ability to send smaller, more affordable rockets into space. 

Lester said that the launch will likely attract more rocket companies to Kodiak, adding that U.S. and international companies are already showing interest in launching from the island’s spaceport complex. 

The TechCrunch website reported on Tuesday that Astra is working on Rocket 3.3 to attempt a “final orbital test flight with a payload onboard to deploy.” 

Lester confirmed that Astra will launch again in Kodiak, but did not say when the company would return. 
Kodiak Harvest Food Cooperative awarded USDA “Local Food Promotion Program” Grant
Kodiak Harvest Food Cooperative (KHFC) is the recipient of the United States Department of Agriculture Local Foods Promotion Program. KHFC was awarded $292,940 in Federal Funds, which will be matched at 25%, or $73,235 of in-kind and cash. The project will develop, coordinate, and expand local and regional food business enterprises and help increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products.

KHFC’s proposed project was one of 44 projects to receive funds across the country and was the only Alaska-based project to be funded. KHFC plans to use these funds to connect local producers with Kodiak’s consumers by establishing an online food hub for food producers to connect directly with consumers; securing a storefront within city limits as well as launch satellite market locations outside of city limits. The timeline for these efforts will occur over the span of the next three years. And if all goes as planned you can expect to see a storefront as soon as spring or summer of 2021!

Our first step is to hire a Project Director to lead this three-year project. The search is on for an enthusiastic and passionate individual to help the Board and KHFC members head this project! For more information or a job description, please contact us as Kodiakharvest@gmail.com.
Alaska Airlines Next-Level Care
Alaska Airlines Next-Level Care
With the safety of our guests and employees in mind during these times, we have thought through every single touchpoint of the travel experience. From booking to boarding, and beyond, we have implemented nearly 100 ways to keep you safe every time you fly with us. Learn about the latest actions we’re taking to keep you safe, and what you can expect when you are ready to fly.

COVID-19 testing information for travelers
We're helping our guests travel to destinations that require a negative COVID-19 test result. We're partnering with multiple testing providers to offer COVID-19 travel testing — available by appointment in-person, at-home, or drive-thru. Please make your appointments early, as availability is limited.

Club 49 Hub
Check out our new Club 49 Hub! Your one-stop for the latest news from Club 49, learn about ways we’re working to make life in Alaska a little bit easier for our flyers, and special promotions and giveaways.

Hawaii Pre-Clear Program
Alaska Airlines guests traveling to Hawaii can now pre-clear on the West Coast, avoiding lines and bypassing the airport screening process after they arrive in Hawaii with an approved negative COVID-19 test. Alaska’s Pre-Clear program, launched this week in coordination with the State of Hawaii, is the first of its kind to allow guests to obtain an exemption from the state’s mandatory 14-day quarantine before departure.
Christmas Tree Recycling
The City of Kodiak is encouraging residents to recycle their Christmas trees, saving landfill space and disposal costs. Residents can recycle their trees by dropping them off at the vacant lot located at 319 Lower Mill Bay Rd, between the fire station and the post office (the old libra1y site) after
December 30.

  • Location: 319 Lower Mill Bay Rd (the old library site) 
  • Days: December 30, 2020 through January 22, 2021 
  • Where: Enter from Mill Bay Rd or Cedar St, follow the sign 
  • Contact: Public Works at 486-8060
  • Please note: The trees MUST have ALL decorations, ornaments, tinsel, lights, and stands REMOVED. WE WILL NOT ACCEPT ARTIFICIAL or FLOCKED TREES and WREATHS. 
Businesses Recourses
Alaska Small Business Development Center
COVID-19 Resource Center
The impact of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on Alaskan communities and businesses is changing daily. The Alaska SBDC is here to support and prepare small businesses in the days, weeks, and months to come. Here you will find guidance, updates, and resources to help adapt in an unpredictable situation.

To follow-up on your EIDL application, connect with the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or by e-mail. To follow-up on your PPP application, connect with your lender directly.
COVID Conscious Business Kits
While Alaskans’ efforts to keep the spread low have made a difference, COVID-19 is still a serious health concern in Alaska. There’s a lot you can do as a business owner to help keep your workforce and clients safe.

The Chamber has a variety of signs and stickers available down at The Chamber. If you would like some, please email chamber@kodiak.org and we will get them to you.
Don't forget to add your 2021 events to our calendar or send them to us at chamber@kodiak.org!
Board of Directors
President Julie Bonney
Past President Lindsay Knight                                
Vice President Patrick Cummings                 
Secretary/Treasurer Jeff Sanford
Board Members              
Kevin Bumgarner · Daniel Eubanks · Tyler Kornelis ·
Phil Lampron · Diane Million · Ginny Shank · Pua Timu · Tyler Wallace
City of Kodiak Representative Mike Tvenge
Kodiak Island Borough Representative Michael Powers
USCG Air Station Representative Capt. Bryan Dailey
KEA Representative Darron Scott
Discover Kodiak Representative Aimee Williams
Contacts Us:
Phone: (907) 486-5557
Executive Director: Sarah Phillips
Community Relations: Jena Lowmaster