2018 ANNUAL AWARDS

ABOUT THE 2018 AWARD RECIPIENTS:

Clark Milne of DOWL​ is the 2018 George Nehrbas Volunteer of the Year.  Clark literally has his fingerprints all over the infrastructure of Fairbanks and outlying regions after his 40 years as a civil and environmental engineer.  Clark has been semi-retired for a few years now, but the only thing that’s changed is the ratio of what he’s paid to do vs what he’s not paid to do.  When asked to lend his calm, thoughtful and powerful voice to a topic related to Fairbanks needs, he rarely says NO, but rather “let me look at my calendar and see how I can fit that in.” He not only joins organizations, but he often actively leads them. Clark seldom calls attention to his efforts, rather working diligently, thoroughly and quietly to effect positive change for each organization, for Fairbanks, and frequently for Alaska. Each of these organizations has benefited from his interest and time, and most of them from having his strong hand on the helm. He brings organization, vision, clarity and direction to every group he is involved in.

The 2018 Bill Stroecker Business of the Year Award recipient is Design Alaska.  Their motto is “Built to Last” and they do that by adhering to their core values which are Serve the Client, Support the Employee, and Strengthen the Community. They support their clients by understanding their needs so they can serve them better.  They support their employees by providing them with opportunities for personal and professional growth understanding the company will succeed when their employees are succeeding. And they strengthen the community by partnering in ways that enhance our assets and make the Greater Fairbanks Area a wonderful place to live and work.
Design Alaska is a strong supporter of the Arts such as the Fairbanks Symphony, Opera Fairbanks, and Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival.  They support environmental stewardship programs such as Interior Alaska Green Star and Friends of Creamer’s Field, and they support community and economic development associations such as FEDC, Downtown Association, and, of course, the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce.  Their staff can be found volunteering at service projects on Boards of Directors, and everything in between.

Denise Wartes of UAF Rural Alaska Honors Institute is the recipient of the 2018 Bernice Joseph Education Advocate of the Year Award. Denise Wartes, through the Rural Alaska Honors Institute (commonly referred to as RAHI) has built relationships between the borough and rural communities, exposing rural students to life in the 'big city', and endless opportunities for students to explore their future. Denise is a stalwart member and supporter of the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce, attending as many luncheons and events as possible in her busy schedule. She has also volunteered her time and talents assiting the Chamber to host the Tanana Chiefs Conference Welcome Reception each spring during Convention week. Over her career, she has mentored and inspired over 1,900 students. Almost every single graduate of the RAHI program have gone on to obtain college degrees and are now contributing to life in their own communities and beyond.