Individuals and businesses recognized at Industry Appreciation Day

The Kenai Softball Greenstrip was packed on Saturday, Aug. 17, as hundreds gathered to recognize local industries and also enjoy free food and games.

The 32nd Annual Industry Appreciation Day, Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Peter Micciche said to attendees, represents the development of the Kenai Peninsula. He said a tax base driven by oil and gas, commercial fishing and tourism make borough services possible. That tax base, he said, also drives “world-class health care.”

“We’ve come a long way,” he said. “A lot of the benefits we see are because of those industries.”

During Industry Appreciation Day festivities, awards were given to individuals and businesses in each of those industries. Awards were given by local representatives in the Alaska Legislature — including Sen. Jesse Bjorkman and Reps. Ben Carpenter, Justin Ruffridge and Sarah Vance — as well as Kenai Peninsula mayors Brian Gabriel, Paul Whitney and Ken Castner.

In oil and gas, Peterkin Distributors was named outstanding support business. Bruce Jackman, general manager of Marathon Petroleum’s Kenai Refinery, was named outstanding individual.

Jackman, in accepting his award, said he was “a proxy” for the 250 employees who operate the refinery year-round — “creating the transportation fuels and heating fuels that really move Alaska.”

Outstanding business went to Udelhoven Oilfield System Services, a Kenai-based business that has, presenter Bjorkman said, provided high quality work and excellent service for 54 years while also proving themselves “an outstanding community partner.”

Dan Anderson, a long-time commercial fisher, was named outstanding individual in his industry. Carpenter, in presenting the award, said that Anderson had been immersed in commercial fishing from 6 weeks old. In addition to his own “fishing endeavors,” he also has served on local fishing committees.

“Dan’s story is one of dedication, leadership and deep respect for the sea,” Carpenter said. “Today we celebrate his remarkable contributions and the lasting impact he has made.”

Vance presented the outstanding commercial fish processor award to Rogue Wave Processing. Gabriel presented outstanding commercial fishing support to Kenai’s Napa Auto Parts — a reliable and critical partner for commercial fishers to acquire equipment, he said, even his own.

Samantha Springer, the executive director of the Kenai Chamber of Commerce, was named outstanding individual in tourism.

“She has transformed this chamber into a thriving nonprofit that has returned to its core values,” Gabriel said. “The chamber has once again become a serious force in the City of Kenai, thanks largely to her efforts.”

Outstanding business in tourism was awarded to Talon Air Service. The Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District received outstanding industry support in tourism.

In health care, the Blood Bank of Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula Center was named outstanding business. Outstanding support organization went to Central Peninsula Health Foundation.

Dr. Alex Russell was named outstanding individual in health care, for “over 40 years of dedicated medical service to Alaskans.” Micciche said Russell has “dedicated his career to the health and well-being of the children of the central peninsula, and we can think of no higher calling.”

Russell said only that he was surprised to be recognized — “I came here to do this kind of work, and I’m happy with it.”

The ceremony closed with “special awards.”

Audrey Salmon, of the United Cook Inlet Drift Association, was named the Spirit of Industry Appreciation Day for her dedication to and advocacy for the commercial fishing industry, which Micciche said “has made a lasting impact on our community, contributing to the preservation of a vital way of life and the economic health of our region.”

Like Russell, Salmon’s words were brief.

“I do what I can for the Cook Inlet fishermen.”

Jeanne Follett was awarded for outstanding service to the community. Micciche said she was recognized for her tireless work cleaning the side of the Seward and Sterling highways. Each year, she covers around 50 miles of road.

“Her dedication has gone beyond mere cleanup,” he said. “Jeanne has returned lost clothing, wallets, firearms, credit cards and electronics to their rightful owners. On behalf of all the residents of Alaska and everyone who benefits from the pristine beauty of our highways, we extend our deepest gratitude.”

Gary Hollier, another long-time commercial fisher and “a cornerstone of the east side setnet fishery,” was awarded for outstanding innovation in commercial fishing, specifically citing his efforts last year to pioneer research in selective harvest setnets last year.

For more information, find “Industry Appreciation Day” on Facebook.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.