about the chamber

your 2008 board of directors

L to R:  Susan Crowder , Ryan Berry , Robert Burnett, Quentin Algood, Jason Hamlin, Executive Director Cheryl Metiva, Erika Bills and Cheryl Combs, John Boyt (not present).

Erika M. Bills, President
Northrim Bank
Born and raised in a small town in Connecticut Erika is proud to call Alaska her home. Erika and her husband Steve came here to Alaska on military orders in 1994 and have never looked back. Alaska is her 3 year old daughter MeKenna was born and will be brought up. Besides being a busy mom Erika has worked at Northrim Bank for 11 years. She enjoys her job as an AVP Business Development Officer. She loves helping her customers and looks forward to everyday being a new challenge. She just completed a sales manager course through American Bankers’ Association. Erika is an active board member on United Way of Mat-Su, Jr. Achievement of Mat-Su, The Wasilla Food Pantry, and South Central Alaska Motorsports Association. She is an active member of Christ First United Methodist Church and the Wasilla Rotary Club. Erika is very passionate about giving back to her community and making the Mat-Su a great place to work and live. You can usually catch Erika at North Star Speedway driving her 37 Chevy Sedan, on the softball diamond, at the bowling alley for league night or spending quality time with her family.

Jason Hamlin, Past President
UBS Financial Services, Inc. - Financial Advisor
It has been my privilege to serve the members of the GWCC for the past few years as Treasurer and Director. We have made significant strides in the development of our processes, policies, and member benefits. We need to continue our steadfast approach of creating an optimal business environment. One that is focused on building strong businesses, enhancing quality of life for the community, and developing future business leaders. Mr. Hamlin is the President-Elect of the GWCC and a Director for MTA. I am an active member of the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce and have donated my time to the 'Choices' program, speaking to 7th graders about the importance of continuing their education.

Robert Burnett - Secretary/Treasurer
Small Business Development Center

Cheryl Combs - Director
Combs Insurance Agency Inc.

Ryan Berry - Director
Coldwell Banker Best Properties
I was born in San Diego, California. I moved to Alaska at the age of two and have called Alaska home ever since. Other then living in Eagle River for 7 years, I have resided in the Valley the majority of my life. I attended Colony Middle School and graduated from Colony High School in 1999. I then went on to college at the University of Idaho and the University of Southern Indiana where I graduated with a Degree in marketing in 2003. After college, I moved back to Alaska to be with family and friends. Soon after returning home I decided to try out the family industry and see if I could use my Marketing degree selling Real Estate. The first three years were a great success so I decided to get my broker’s license. Then in the fall of 2006 I was honored with the opportunity to step into a management position and take over training and recruiting for my office. 2007 will be my fourth year of selling Real Estate, along with my first year of management and I can honestly say I am loving every minute of it. In addition to the GWCC, I am on the Junior Achievement of Mat-Su committee. In the beginning of 2006 I decided to start another business called 907BigBoyToys.com, an online classified website where Alaskans meet to Buy, Sell, or Trade their Alaskan Toys, like: aircraft; boats; motorcycles; and more. I love living in the Valley and see the tremendous potential it has in the coming years. Make it a great year and don’t ever hesitate to contact me if you feel I can help you, no matter the subject!!!

Susan Crowder - Director
MTA

Quentin Algood - Director
ITS Alaska Computer Services
Born in Fairbanks long before it had a public transportation system or pizza delivery, I’m a life long Alaskan who has never lived anywhere else. My husband of 20 years and I relocated to Wasilla in 1998, seeking a small-town atmosphere, a great school system and just the right amount of big city convenience. You can find me and my company quietly behind the scenes of many of the Chamber’s fundraising events, by donating web hosting, website development and e-commerce solutions for the King Salmon Derby, Iditarod Days, and Murder on the Train. Every defining moment in the history of ITS Alaska can be attributed directly or indirectly to my membership in the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce. Whether as a business member, a sponsor, a board member, or just a neighbor – I will continue to actively and enthusiastically support the GWCC. We have similar visions of the future of Wasilla, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for us next!

John Boyt - Director
Replacement Glass

Cheryl Metiva
GWCC Executive Director|
Cheryl Metiva is the Executive Director of the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce. Her leadership has grown membership and community relationships during this exciting stage in Wasilla’s development. Metiva has a strong background in the tourism industry, retail sales and community activities. In addition to being Executive Director of the GWCC, Metiva also serves on the Board of the Mat-Su Convention & Visitor Bureau, and Mat-Su Resource, Conservation & Development, Inc.

Executive Assistant , Lynn Carden
Administrative Assistant,  Gerri Tokar-Hines

STAFF & BOARD DEPEND ON MEMBERS TO

• Elect qualified and committed Board members
• Serve on committees and help make the best possible decisions for the
  community
• Provide input and suggestions on goals
• Ensure success of Chamber events through sponsorship and participation