Homer Alaska - Business

Students will live on campus in the dormitories and experience what it is like to attend college first-hand. Over the course of the week, they will have an opportunity to have "hands-on" experience of running a company, as well as creating a product or service, and will defend their company policies, business strategies and financial plans in front of a group of business leaders from communities around the state, according to a press release from the state chamber.

Alaska Business Week is being championed by the state chamber to encourage businesses and organizations throughout the state to take a more active role in mentoring Alaska's future leaders.

"Thanks to the generous support of Tesoro Alaska, BP Exploration Alaska, Icicle Seafoods, State Farm and Tote, as well as Alaska Airlines and Aadlandflint, this program is positioned to give students and business participants a robust and fulfilling course in leadership and teamwork, as well as encouragement to students to pursue their studies and future endeavors in life," according to the release.

Earlier this month BP awarded a $60,000 grant to the state chamber, providing major support for the program. Phil Cochrane, vice president for external affairs at BP, made the award presentation at the chamber's Legislative Fly-In event in Juneau.

In making the presentation, Cochrane said that BP "fully endorses Alaska Business Week as an exciting and unique way to teach young people the leadership skills that are vital to career and business success."

In accepting the donation, state chamber vice chair Tadd Owens said it marks a significant step ahead for the new educational program. "This generous contribution puts Alaska Business Week on a solid financial footing," he said. "BP has shown a strong commitment to Alaska and to our students with this gift. We're very grateful."

Business and organization leaders are being asked to consider participating in this endeavor in a number of ways, including working as company advisers for the weeklong program. There also are opportunities to participate by taking part in the judges' panel on Friday morning of the program.

"It is so inspirational to witness the transformation of the students at the culmination of this program, where they are beginning to realize their leadership potential and the importance of math and English courses," said Ann Ringstad, a state chamber board member who participated in the Washington Business Week program last summer at Pacific Lutheran University.

"The transformation of the students over the course of the week is remarkable, as they begin to understand their leadership capabilities, as well as their talents and vision for the future. They take on the roles of CEOs, financial officers, marketing advisers and spokespersons, and have fun in the process. The magic of the program is the direct involvement of the business community."

Financial support is encouraged, and sponsorship is recognized at different levels. Businesses or organizations can sponsor a student for $1,000 (the actual cost of the program). Other opportunities are offered, including sponsoring an event or day of the program, as well as overall support. In-kind support is also welcomed.

The business week program is conducted on university campuses throughout Washington, as well as 22 other states. Washington Business Week is partnering with the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce to bring the program to Alaska, and plans call for staging the program in other areas of Alaska in the future.

Applications are now available online through the state chamber and are going out to high schools and chamber members throughout the state. Tuition is $325 per student, which includes housing, food, and program materials. Transportation to and from Fairbanks is not provided.

For more information, contact the chamber at (907) 586-2010 or go online at www.alaskachamber.com.