About Us

The Chugiak-Eagle River Chamber had its humble beginnings in 1970 through dedicated local business folks and local residents who desired to advocate for and serve our small but growing community of under six thousand.  With the discovery of oil at Prudhoe Bay on the North Slope of Alaska just two years earlier, the community was seeing a shift toward rapid growth that completely redefined this sleepy corner of Alaska. Today, the Chugiak-Eagle River Chamber serves an area of 35,000 people and is part of the larger Municipality of Anchorage (population of approximately 300,000). Traveling to this community is easy on the fully lit six lane highway that connects the two areas.The Chamber is engaged in a variety of projects and annual Signature Events that connect, enhance, and promote all parts of our community.

At its inception, the Chamber’s mission was, and continues today to be, an organization whose energies are focused on the promotion and development of a sustainable and vibrant economic and civic environment. The Chamber of Commerce also provides Visitor Center services with brochures on businesses, recreation, entertainment, dining, hiking and more to enjoy while visiting our area or Alaska in general. So whether you are new to town, or a resident with questions about our communities, we invite you to stop by to visit with us.

The Chamber strives to make Chugiak-Eagle River the "most livable and unique community" in Alaska.  

 

The Chugiak-Eagle River area has a unique charm. With the area being a part of the larger Municipality of Anchorage, its individual "town" characteristics are quietly unique. The community spirit is brought together with traditional values, hometown pride and new energy from the younger generations. Stopping into one of the many coffee shops, breweries, or local hang-outs, you will see community members, both young and old, talking about the beginnings of our town and all the changes that have occurred, or about the high school game-winning touchdown from five years ago! Talk to the locals and many will tell you that they were raised in this community, left for a brief time in their young adult ages, only to return a short time later to raise their family, take over their family business or start their own! 

The Chamber Board of Directors and Staff understands and recognizes our town's unique characteristics and is very mindful in how to best help businesses thrive and our town prosper while still allowing it to feel like a small town for our community. The many Chamber signature events and community partnerships have remained year after year. Stop in to meet the fun and energetic "Chamber Ladies" at the office and find out how they are working with the Board of Directors to enhance 

The Chamber Office has two full-time staff on payroll. During the busy Summer months, an additional intern or staff member is hired to help assist with the Bear Paw Festival and Visitor Center.

 

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Debbie Rinckey, Executive Director

(907) 694-4702

executivedirector@cer.org

 

 

Britney Olsen, Associate Director

(907) 694-4702 

info@cer.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debbie Rinckey is a long-time Alaskan, business owner, family woman, and community advocate. She is a graduate from Michigan State University and has a Bachelor Degree in Marketing and a Minor in Parks and Recreation. Debbie has been actively involved in the community since her arrival approximately 30 years ago. She brings to the Executive Director position her tireless energy, enthusiasm for community involvement and great business-sense. 

 

Britney Olsen was born and raised in Eagle River. She attended the University of Alaska Anchorage and has a Bachelor Degree in Justice and a Minor in Communications. She spent most of her adult career working in the Justice System. She and her husband moved their family back into the Chugiak-Eagle River area and in 2018 took on the role as Associate Director bringing with her a newfound sense of youth involvement, seeing areas of need in our community and a level-headed, hard-working attitude. 

 

Some refer to Debbie and Britney as the Chamber Ladies!