Over 100 people gathered at the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce's annual meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 24th.
 
The Guest speaker was Neil Fried, State of Alaska Economist, who gave an informing and entertaining update of the Mat-Su Borough and statewide.
 
Sue Welton of First National Bank Alaska, the 2009 President, handed the reins over to President Elect, Jaccie Gaines of Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union for the upcoming year.
 
There were six excellent candidates running for the three board positions. They included: Beth Fread with Valley View Realty, Incumbent Chris Hughes with Staples, Cindy Wisdom with Alaska Rim Engineering, Jesse Jones with MatSu Technical Services, Incumbent Stu Graham with The Alaska Club, and Teresa Roy with The Cover Ups.  The three candidates joining the board for a term of three years are: Teresa Roy with The Cover-Ups, Jesse Jones with Mat-Su Technical Services and Stu Graham with The Alaska Club.  Each of the new board members are dedicated to the success of the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce and the Mission Statement of the Chamber: To promote opportunity that fosters growth and prosperity by ensuring the Greater Palmer area is the best place to operate and grow a business, as well as the most desirable place to live, work, play, and visit.
 
The 2010 Pioneer Award was presented as well. The Pioneer Award was established in 1986 as the Chamber's highest form of recognition for long term commitment and service to the Chamber of Commerce and the Palmer Community with distinction. This year's recipient was Marcie Bentti with the Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union.