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. 
 

Marcie has been and continues to be a volunteer for many organizations. She has participated in the Mat-Su Softball Association since 1988, has volunteered at the Alaska State Fair for 20 years in areas such as the Live Stock Auction and judging baked goods. She has been involved with the Relay for life serving on committees and as a team participant, served as a mentor at Swanson Elementary school, is involved in the Valley Memory Walk fund raising and as a walker, assisted with the Special Santa Program, spent many years volunteering with Junior Achievement raising money in their Bowl-A-Thon and Auction.
 
She presently is serving on the Colonist 75th reunion committee and is the current President of the United Way Board of Directors and current President of the Alaska State Bowling Association. 
 
Marcie is a former Palmer Chamber Board member. She has served on the Special Events Committee for Colony Days, Colony Christmas, State Fair Parade and the Chamber Auction and also has a knack for getting others to volunteer. She in known for stepping up to the plate for things such as spending days going through Old Chamber papers and serving on the Nominations Committee just to name a few.
 
Marcie started with the Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union in June of 1984.  She started as a teller moving to Office Supervisor then to her present position in Collections.
 
Please join the Palmer Chamber in thanking our 2010 Pioneer Award winner Marcie Bentti on her contributions and accomplishments.