The Talkeetna Chamber of Commerce held it’s monthly meeting last Thursday evening at the Talkeetna Roadhouse.   A handful of members navigated a hectic activity schedule to hear featured speaker Linzi Rothermel  of United Way Mat-Su give a presentation of the organization’s newly revamped funding strategy plan.

United Way Mat-Su plans to fund three main areas of need:  Education, Health and Income.  Currently, Sunshine Community Health Center is the only non-profit in the Talkeetna area qualified to apply for these United Way grants.   Talkeetna Community Council is awaiting acceptance of its recent application to become qualified.  Ms. Rothermel feels that once these new programs begin to launch, other area non-profits will see the funding potential for projects and apply to become United Way grantees as well.

In other Chamber news:  an update on Winterfest activities was given and thanks went out to Todd Kingery and Gale Moses for their volunteer efforts to light the Town Tree and specifically to Moses for running the Talkeetna’s Best Chili Contest and being the DJ and commentator over KTNA during the Motorized Parade of Lights.  Suzy Kellard, parade Chair, announced that there were eleven entrants in this years parade.  Board Member Kathy Stolz was also thanked for spearheading the revitalization of the Taste of Talkeetna.  Five downtown eateries participated and 106 tickets were sold.   The Chamber also awarded Chinook Wind Cabins a Holiday Spirit Award, recognizing their efforts to bring a well-lit sense of holiday cheer to the corner of the Spur Road and 2nd Street, year after year.  They were then invited to head next year’s Town Tree & Pavilion lighting.

The next General Membership Meeting of the Talkeetna Chamber of Commerce will be on January 14th at Meandering Moose Lodging on Beaver Road.  The Featured Speaker will be Economic Development Director Dave Hanson of who will give an update on the work being done on the Borough’s Economic Development Plan.