The Chamber Connection
The Chamber Connection is the official podcast of the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce, bringing you conversations that inform, connect, and inspire the Mat-Su business community. In each episode, we explore the issues, opportunities, and people shaping our local economy, from small business success stories and community partnerships to advocacy, workforce development, upcoming Chamber events, and practical resources for business owners. Whether you're a Chamber member, entrepreneur, community leader, or simply passionate about the future of the Valley, The Chamber Connection keeps you connected to the ideas, relationships, and initiatives that help our businesses and communities thrive.
The Chamber Connection
S26:E02 | Fall and Winter 2026 Event Preview
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
From sold-out conferences to festive holiday traditions, the second half of the year is packed with opportunities to connect, grow, and celebrate. Before you fill your calendar, join us for a preview of everything the Greater Wasilla Chamber has planned through the end of 2026.
Fall and Winter 2026 Event Preview
Join Greater Wasilla Chamber CEO Jessica Viera and Event Coordinator Ashley Staller as they take you behind the scenes of the Chamber's exciting lineup of events through the end of 2026. From networking opportunities and educational luncheons to economic development events, community celebrations, and holiday traditions, they'll share what's coming up, why these events matter, and how you can get involved. Whether you're a Chamber member, local business owner, or community supporter, this episode will help you plan your calendar and make the most of the season.
About The Chamber Connection
The Chamber Connection is the official podcast of the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce, featuring conversations with local business leaders, community partners, elected officials, and entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of the Valley. New episodes are released monthly, bringing insights on business, leadership, economic development, advocacy, and the people driving our community forward.
Learn more about the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce, upcoming events, and membership opportunities at wasillachamber.org.
Fall is when business momentum is built, and if you're only showing up when you need something, you're already behind. Today we're talking about the chamber of events that could shape your networking, your business, and your community before the year is over. Hey there everyone, I'm Ashley Staller, Events Coordinator with the Greater Wasilla Chamber, and our CEO Jessica Vieira is here with me to help give everyone a preview of our fall and winter event lineup. I feel like every year we survive our busy summer and our members forget about the incredible networking, marketing, and sponsorship opportunities for fall and winter.
SPEAKER_01It's true. We're all trying to squeeze every possible second out of the sunshine, fishing trips, outdoor projects, and all the fun things we wait all winter to do.
SPEAKER_00Exactly. That's why we take a break from events and meetings in July, because we know Alaskans are maximizing every minute of good weather. But once August hits, it is game on, and you do not want to sleep on these networking, collaborating, and sponsoring opportunities. Kicking off on August 4th, our Business Builder Bite series is back. These are our lunch and learn style sessions, and we have a new venue partner, the Little Lake House at Lake Lucille.
SPEAKER_01Which is such a beautiful setting. It feels a little different than your average meeting space and makes networking and learning a lot more enjoyable.
SPEAKER_00Our move over there means we'll host up to 24 attendees on the first Tuesday of every month from August through December. And we have some really great topics lined up this year.
SPEAKER_01So if you're somebody who likes practical takeaways and conversations that can actually help your business, definitely check those out by visiting wasillachamber.org.
SPEAKER_00After that, our first large gathering for the fall is our State of the Matsu Borough, the land of more opportunity, on August 18th at Evangelos.
SPEAKER_01And first, a huge thank you to our sponsors who've signed up as of July 8th. Northern Bank has jumped in as our presenting sponsor for the second year in a row. Matsu Health Foundation, RM Consultants, and David Wilson for Wasilla Mayor, our State of the Matsu Borough gold sponsors, and the Alaska Railroad Corporation is our silver sponsor.
SPEAKER_00We are so grateful for that early support. This year's theme of the land of more opportunity happened really naturally while planning with borough manager Mike Brown. Our chamber and the borough kept hearing the same message over and over. People are coming to the Matsu because there are more opportunities here.
SPEAKER_01More land, more jobs, more business opportunities, more development. There's a lot happening in the valley. And we know there are challenges too. But overall, the growth and momentum in our borough is really exciting. Exactly.
SPEAKER_00One of the ways to be a part of the conversation is that when attendees register for the state of the borough, we encourage them to submit a question for borough leadership. Those questions get reviewed by us and shared with the borough beforehand so departments can prepare meaningful responses.
SPEAKER_01So people aren't just sitting and listening. They actually get to help shape the community conversation.
SPEAKER_00Yes. And another exciting addition this year is a two-day Port Mackenzie open house on August 21st and 22nd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
SPEAKER_01We've had so many members say that they missed our tour during the first spring economic summit or the last open houses that happened last year. Those are a really great way to stay up to date on the rapidly accelerating developments out at the port.
SPEAKER_00Registration is open now for the state of the borough at Evangelos on August 18th. Early bird pricing runs through August 5th, and we still have some gold and silver marketing opportunities at very reasonable price points. Even if a business can't attend, those sponsorships are a great way to stay visible in front of the community.
SPEAKER_01September is going to roll in quick, but it gives us a little breather before our busy October.
SPEAKER_00It really does. We've got business builder bites September 1st, our regular luncheon on September 15th, and then we jump right into our state candidate forum on September 19th at the Glen Massey Theater, which will include State House, State Senate, and Gubernatorial Candidates.
SPEAKER_01And at the chamber, we believe local involvement matters, and these forums are such a valuable way for people to hear directly from the candidates.
SPEAKER_00So this free candidate forum on September 19th at the Glen Massey Theater will be open to the public. Sponsorships will be a terrific way for organizations to broadcast their civic engagement and encourage our community to get out and vote. Moving right along, October is shaping up to be packed with exciting events. Our fall conference is October 21st, and this year's theme is Building Bridges, Education to Workforce.
SPEAKER_01I love that topic because it impacts everyone businesses, schools, families, and area-wide growth.
SPEAKER_00We've heard for the past couple years that finding and keeping qualified employees has been difficult. At this year's fall conference, our aim is for our attendees to bring ideas about feasible solutions to the education and workforce conversations. Maybe we can create some opportunities between our business community and the Matsu education organizations.
SPEAKER_01The interactive segments of these events have proposed some great suggestions in the past, and I expect this forward-looking theme will do the same. The spirit of collaboration is palpable at our conferences.
SPEAKER_00This fall conference will be a half day, starting nice and early at 8 a.m. and finishing up by noon, so attendees can still be productive at work if they like. Registrations for the October 21st Wasilla Fall Conference will open on August 18th. Sponsorships are available now, and once again, Stuart Tidal has already committed to being our copper sponsor. Thank you so much, Christy. Speaking of collaboration, I'm regularly available to sit down with any business who would like and help them match with the best sponsorship opportunities for all of our events.
SPEAKER_01Sometimes businesses know they have a marketing budget, but figuring out where it's best spent can really feel overwhelming. Exactly.
SPEAKER_00Sponsorship planning, I always say, is a lot like meal prepping. If you don't plan, there's going to be waste. So I love helping organizations figure out what events align best with their missions and goals. So if you're interested in trying out a sponsorship or just attending an event or seeing which event will be best for your organization, please email me at events at wasillachamber.org so I can help you plan.
SPEAKER_01Alright, Ashley. I know you've been excited to talk about this next one.
SPEAKER_00I really have. Halloween Town Trunk Retreat is back on October 24th from 3 to 5 p.m.
SPEAKER_01This is such a fun community event and a really big draw for the general public.
SPEAKER_00This year we're going to have food trucks, activities, and of course, decorated trunks for all the little ghouls and goblins to trick-or-treat at. We already have Valley Business Machines as our Monster Mash music sponsor, Stuart Tidal as our Enchanted Photo Booth sponsor, and Make a Scene as our haunted hype sponsor. We really appreciate those businesses getting on board early.
SPEAKER_01And it's a great way for participating businesses to introduce themselves to the general public. I know we've done a lot of planning already, and we're aiming for a great community event and plenty of candy.
SPEAKER_00November slows down just a bit, but only because we've made some excited changes to our support local campaign.
SPEAKER_01Which now has an amazing holiday twist.
SPEAKER_00We've transformed it into Cocoa, Cookies, and Commerce happening December 4th and 5th. And I mean honestly, cookies and shopping, that's already sounding like a win. Exactly. Community members can visit participating businesses, enjoy treats, get passport stamps, and turn their passports in to be entered into our drawings. Those participants can also vote for their favorite participating businesses in fun categories such as most holiday spirit, best treats, and best holiday decorations. Looking at the sponsorships, Stuart Tidle has already committed to being a bronze sponsor for Cocoa Cookies and Commerce. Thank you, Stuart Tidle. And there are still a bunch of ways to market during that event and also participate.
SPEAKER_01And then we wrap up the year with the holiday gathering and the brown bag bottle exchange, one of our most spirited events.
SPEAKER_00Oh, I see what you did there. Yes, our holiday gathering and bottle exchange will be on December 15th. And last year the wildcard sponsorships were a huge hit. Right? Those went over really well. We've got some fun surprises planned this year too, but we're keeping those under wraps for right now.
SPEAKER_01Ashley, I can tell you're excited.
SPEAKER_00I really am. I genuinely love planning and executing these events. My goal for each one is for people to walk away having learned something or connected with someone or been a part of the important community conversations or all of the above, honestly. There is so much coming up this season. So head over to wasilachamber.org, get registered, check out sponsorship opportunities, and we can't wait to see everyone this fall and winter. If you have questions, email me at events at wasillachamber.org. And thank you so much for listening to the Wasilla Chamber Connections podcast.
SPEAKER_01We're here to connect people, champion local businesses, and create opportunities throughout our community.
SPEAKER_00Because the Greater Wasilla Chamber is your leader in advocating for a business climate that fosters positive economic growth and prosperity. We'll catch you next time.