Industry Appreciation Day honors community leaders, businesses

Published 9:30 pm Sunday, August 24, 2025

Industry Appreciation Day, an annual celebration of oil and gas, commercial fishing, tourism and health care in the Kenai Peninsula Borough, drew hundreds on Saturday to Kenai’s Softball Greenstrip to enjoy free food, play games, and recognize “outstanding” businesses and individuals.

The event is important, Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Peter Micciche said while hosting the award ceremony, because the industries being recognized drive the Kenai Peninsula’s economy. He pointed to ongoing closures of commercial setnetters and an attempt to create a borough-wide bed tax as evidence that people need to “defend these industries.”

“We’re recognizing these folks because they literally provide an economy for the Kenai Peninsula Borough that would nothing like it looks without these industries,” he said. “We need to fight for all of them. That is why we truly have a four-legged stool.”

Micciche was joined by a cast of local dignitaries — Sen. Jesse Bjorkman; Reps. Justin Ruffridge and Bill Elam; Kenai Mayor Brian Gabriel; and Soldotna Mayor Paul Whitney — in presenting awards in three categories to each of the four industries. Awards were given for outstanding individual, support and business. There were also three “special” awards given as part of Saturday’s celebration, and Bjorkman presented a legislative citation to Homer Electric Association in recognition of their 75th anniversary.

The Perseverance Award was presented to the City of Kenai and accepted by Mayor Gabriel and former Mayor John Williams, in recognition of decades of work on the bluff stabilization project “protecting the bluff, safeguarding the community and paving the way for future growth.”

“I cannot tell you how many people have been involved in this, to bring it to fruition,” Williams said. “Finally, after all these years, it’s going to be done and it’s going to mean a lot — a whole lot — to the city’s future.”

The Spirit of Industry Appreciation Day Award was given to longtime committee member Shanon Davis. Micciche cited her years of support for the annual Industry Appreciation Day and her years of work in both tourism and health care.

Peggy Arness and her son Joe were together awarded the Don Gilman Award for Community Service for their decades of service to the Kenai Peninsula Borough and its industries.

“Together, Peggy and Joe exemplify a family tradition of dedication, leadership and service, showing how one family’s commitment can shape and strengthen an entire community,” Micciche said in presenting the award.

Kenai Aviation was named as outstanding business in tourism for their work to restore and expand “vital air service” on the peninsula and create more opportunities for visitors to experience its “breathtaking landscape.”

Cook’s Corner in Sterling was recognized as outstanding support business in tourism as a “landmark and a staple” for travelers to “refuel, recharge and feel welcome” as a gas station, restaurant and “informal hub for fishermen and tourists alike.”

Jan Knutson was named the outstanding individual in tourism for her work with the Homer Chamber of Commerce and her work to connect visitors with southern peninsula events each week on KSRM.

In commercial fishing, Teague Vanek was named outstanding individual. He’s a longtime, third-generation commercial drift-netter who also serves as a board member for the United Cook Inlet Drift Association, the Cook Inlet Fisherman’s Fund and as a member of the Central Peninsula Fish and Game Advisory Committee.

“We had a spectacular season this year, but that’s only half the story,” Vanek said in reference to the setnet fishery that has been closed in recent years. “We need to be vigilant and make sure that this industry stays vibrant and alive because it is seriously under attack.”

Bill Sleasman took the award for commercial fishing support, for his decades working “in nearly every corner of the industry.”

“Bill’s dedication and steady presence have made a real difference to the fishermen and processors he worked alongside,” Gabriel said.

Alaska Boats and Permits, based in Homer, was named the outstanding support organization, for decades of service as a trusted partner in the industry who help fishermen buy and sell permits and boats.

Peninsula Pediatric Dentistry was recognized as the outstanding business in health care — specifically for creating a welcoming and comfortable space for youngsters — which Dr. Rob McAlpine said came as a surprise.

“As a dentist, it’s not something you hear too often to be either nominated or even suggested as a health care business,” he said. “Most of our success comes from the community and definitely from our awesome staff.”

Kelly Morre was named outstanding individual in health care for her work as an oncology social worker at CPH, “helping patients not only beat cancer but embrace life beyond it.”

The outstanding business in long-term health award was given to Heritage Place, the long-term care facility run by CPH.

In oil and gas, George Derkevorkian was named outstanding individual for decades of service as “a steady smiling face behind fuel deliveries across the central Kenai Peninsula.”

“Today, we honor George,” Elam said. “Not just for the miles driven and the barrels rolled, but for the relationships and resilience that power the Kenai Peninsula.”

Alaska Oil and Gas Association was named outstanding support organization, for decades of advocacy and lobbying on behalf of their industry.

The final industry award was outstanding business, presented to Furie Operating Alaska/HEX Cook Inlet, who this year drilled new wells in Cook Inlet and are expanding their share of gas production in the region.

“We are Alaska’s only oil and gas company owned by Alaskans,” CEO John Hendrix said. “We’re here, and we’re committed to grow the resources that we have outside our doorsteps.”

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

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