Homer hosts State Chamber Convention

• Conference could bring as many as 500 visitors to town

By Naomi Klouda
Homer Tribune
Homer will receive an economic boost this fall when busloads of Alaskans arrive the third weekend in September for the Statewide Chamber of Commerce Convention and 50th Fall Conference and Business Trade Show.
According to Homer Chamber of Commerce Director Tina Day, Homer beat out all the other communities on the Kenai Peninsula as the site for the statewide convention that already has several local hotels booked up. The conference will bring some 40 travel industry vendors to town.
“We had to submit a proposal, and all the communities applying had to be on the road system,” Day said. “In the even years, the state chamber goes to the major communities in Alaska. In the odd years, they go to the smaller communities.”
Seward opted out of the competition for this year, but supported Homer in its bid.
The actual number of conference participants runs around 220. However, with many bringing spouses and families along, true numbers could run as high as 500 people.
Events take place throughout the week of Sept. 21-23, with a 6 p.m. Monday night opening reception at the Pratt Museum. In order to host this event, the Homer Chamber raised $5,000 from sponsors in “one of the easiest fundraisers to date,” Day said.
Land’s End Resort Manager Patrick Cashman said he felt this would be a great economic boon to the local economy, adding that Land’s End Resort had sold all of its rooms for the conference.
To help local businesses benefit from this infusion of visitors, the chamber has sent out information to local businesses, asking which will still be open so that activities like kayaking, fishing, and hiking can be offered. Airlines are offering special fares for conference-goers, and Homer tour bus operators are transporting people from the conference center at Land’s End Resort to downtown Homer hotels and shops.
“We have a list of activities and have encouraged people to come early and make a long weekend of it,” Day said. “This should provide a lot of opportunities for the shoulder season.”
The 50th Fall Conference and Business Trade Show will feature timely topics of interest and importance to the future of Alaska business. It also will provide participants with the opportunity to learn and contribute to the most important issues facing Alaska business leaders, including local and regional concerns and developments.