The 64th annual Soldotna Chamber of Commerce Awards Celebration, spotlighting individuals and businesses for outstanding service to the City of Soldotna, was hosted at Soldotna Regional Sports Complex on Tuesday, a celebration of achievements for 2022.
The luncheon paid tribute to those who have made the community a better place to live, work and do business. Nominations are reviewed and voted upon by an awards committee, which consists of Chamber board members.
Volunteer of the Year Award
The Volunteer of the Year went to Matt Brown with Operation Children First. Brown, after overcoming addiction, had a desire to give back to the Kenai Peninsula Community, especially the kids. In 2017, he started Operation Children First, a non‐profit organization to help local families in need, whether that be by giving toys, clothing, or financial assistance
Commitment to Youth Award
Erin Micciche received the Commitment to Youth Award for her many years of volunteer work and time with youth activities throughout the Kenai Peninsula. Micciche makes many spaces special for kid’s events (proms, dances, fund‐raising events) throughout the Central Kenai Peninsula. For decades, she has created the magic of the Boys and Girls Club Annual Auction Gala. She was behind much of the fundraising for our community playground, designed the entry and features of the Soldotna Community Memorial Park and has been supporting local “good things” for the last 20 years.
Person of the Year
Jeff Dolifka, an attorney was awarded the Person of the Year award for his work with many community non-profits and projects, including spearheading the Soldotna Field House “yes” vote effort.
Civic Affairs Award
The Civic Affairs award went to Annette Villa and Beauty for Ashes Alaska. Villa was recognized as a wife, a mother of nine, a steadfast volunteer in the community, and owner of multiple small businesses. The vision of Beauty for Ashes Alaska is to bring continued hope to those in the darkest places by providing a physical place of safety and comfort. Bridging the gap between leaving rehab and re‐entering society. Stability to assist with going to school, getting a job that moves into a career, or starting a business.
Excellence in Profession Award
The Excellence in Profession award was given to Stephanie Queen, City Manager of the City of Soldotna. The award recognizes an individual who attained and personified the highest level of professional excellence in business and/or their profession. Queen is responsible for running a multi‐million‐dollar corporation, she also bridges the gap between politics, the community, and city
administration.
Commitment to Customer Service Award
Melody Allen of Mel’s Café was awarded the Commitment to Customer Service Award for exemplifying and promoting quality customer service. Melody Allen and her staff exemplify what true customer service looks like. Their friendly smiles, engaging conversations and fabulous quality of food keeps people coming back, and Melody gives encouragement and kindness to everyone she meets.
Small Business of the Year Award
Sara Erikson of AlaSkins received the Small Business of the Year award. AlaSkins is the first company in the world to make dog treats from our wild Alaskan fish skins ‐ salmon, cod & halibut. They are the only manufacturer in the state committed to zero waste by using the whole fish.
Chamber Business of the Year
The Chamber Business of the Year was awarded to Hilcorp, Alaska. For nearly 11 years, Hilcorp has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in the Cook Inlet basin, ultimately reviving and extending the life of the oil and gas industry on the Kenai Peninsula. In doing so, the company supports dozens of local businesses and hundreds of local jobs on the Kenai Peninsula.
Pioneer Award
