Letter from the President
2025 Board Elections
SARAH OATES HARLOW | ALASKA CHARR PRESIDENT & CEO
As your President & CEO, I am honored to write to you at this pivotal moment for our organization and our industry. Alaska CHARR stands as the unwavering voice for hospitality— championing workforce development, advocacy, training, and legislative representation for hotels, restaurants, bars, retailers, and other hospitality businesses across our great state.
VOTE IN THE UPCOMING BOARD ELECTION
This fall, we will be holding elections for our Alaska CHARR Board of Directors. I cannot overstate how important it is for each Active Voting Member to cast your vote. Your participation ensures that the Board reflects the diversity of our industry and remains focused on the challenges and opportunities unique to your business and community.
By exercising your right to vote, you not only help shape leadership but also set the direction of our advocacy, training initiatives, and membership services. Strong leadership on the Board empowers us all to navigate the landscape of regulation, workforce needs, and economic recovery with confidence.
NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT: COMMITTEE PARTICIPATION
Earlier this year, our board approved a meaningful amendment to the bylaws: non-board members may now serve on numerous CHARR committees. This change dramatically broadens participation opportunities— allowing you to lend your expertise, regional insight, or innovative ideas even if you’ re not elected to the Board.
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YOUR PARTICIPATION ENSURES THAT THE BOARD REFLECTS THE DIVERSITY OF OUR INDUSTRY AND REMAINS FOCUSED ON THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES UNIQUE TO YOUR BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY.
Committees such as Government Affairs, Membership, Nominations & Elections, and others now welcome non-board members. This inclusive structure enhances our collective capability: it brings fresh perspectives, strengthens representation, fosters leadership development, and helps ensure Alaska CHARR responds to your needs more effectively.
Members not on the Board can contribute meaningfully— supporting strategy, oversight, and advocacy— through these committees. If you’ ve been considering stepping deeper into Alaska CHARR’ s governance, this is your opportunity.
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
Vote in the upcoming Board election to ensure your industry perspective is represented.
1. Apply to serve on a committee that aligns with your interests— whether advocacy, awards, membership, or another area.
2. Engage with Alaska CHARR’ s programs and events— from our upcoming Annual Convention in Kenai to grassroots advocacy to workforce development and TAP and ServSafe training— that drive our mission forward.
3. Your voice, your vote, and your leadership matter— today more than ever. By participating in the Board election and embracing the new committee opportunities, you help forge a stronger, more effective Alaska CHARR.
Thank you for your commitment to supporting, advancing, and protecting Alaska’ s hospitality and foodservice industry. I look forward to seeing your name in committee meetings soon and perhaps on future ballots.
At your service,
ALASKA CHARR MAGAZINE | 3