By Sentinel Staff
Bob and Betty Allen, whose family-owned Allen Marine Inc. is one of Sitka’s major businesses, were recognized for their contributions to the community Saturday night at the Chamber of Commerce annual gala at Harrigan Centennial Hall.
Others honored were Petro Marine, selected as Business of the Year; Alaska Seaplanes, the New Business of the Year; and Sitka Sound Science Center, recognized as a Community Hero.
The Allens’ son, Dave, and his daughter Zaide accepted the Cossack Caps for his parents, who were unable to attend. Dave said the honor “means the world” to his parents.
Dave Allen and his daughter Zaide Allen accept the Cossack Cap award on behalf of Bob and Betty Allen. (Photo by Bobbi Jordan)
The award, given to them for “their vision, hard work and determination,” wasn’t the first one for the Allens. In 1996, Allen Marine Inc. was named the Chamber’s Business of the Year, and in 2012, Allen Marine’s Alaskan Dream Cruises won the title. In 2013, the Alaska Travel Industry Association honored them with the Visitor Industry Hall of Fame award.
The Allens launched the company as a shipyard in 1968, and in 1970 began their first tours in Silver Bay. They started building their own designs of high-speed aluminum passenger vessels in the mid-1980s and have sold them nationwide.
Last year’s Cossack Cap Award winners, Dirk and Trish White, joined Mike Snowden in presenting the award to the Allens.
Chris McGraw, of Halibut Point Marine and the Old Sitka Dock, last year’s Business of the Year Award, presented this year’s award to Jerry Jacobs, Petro plant manager in Sitka.
McGraw spoke of Petro’s “efficient, accessible and high quality service,” and its involvement in the community, including investing in Sitka’s docks, and organizing the 4th of July fireworks show.
Janet Clarke, Sitka Sound Science Center education director; Lisa Busch, SSSC executive director; Alana Peterson; Alex Thorne, SSSC business development director; and Trish White, SSSC board member, pose with the Community Heroes award. (Photo by Bobbi Jordan)
State Sen. Bert Stedman presented the New Business of the Year award to Mike Stedman (Bert’s cousin) of Alaska Seaplanes. Mike Stedman, who was born and raised in Sitka, and Kent Craford, who with Stedman had been Wings of Alaska managers, bought Alaska Seaplanes in 2011. Although it has been in business for several years, Alaska Seaplanes established counter presence at the Sitka airport in 2017, making it a new business, Stedman said. It serves 13 communities, carrying passengers, patients, freight and mail, and is active in the community.
Mike Stedman of Alaska Seaplanes, center, holds the New Business of the Year award. (Photo by Bobbi Jordan)
Chamber President Rachel Roy presented the Community Hero award to Lisa Busch, executive director of the Sitka Sound Science Center. For 13 years, Roy said, the center has “tirelessly advocated for this community, bringing cutting-edge research to our island and educating those of us who live here.” She cited the group’s backing of WhaleFest, the rescue of the Sheldon Jackson hatchery when the college closed, and presenting a variety of science and sealife programs.
The theme of this year’s Chamber gala was Venetian Masquerade. Those attending were invited to wear masks and costumes of the Medieval Venetian Republic; and the dinner, by Our Town Catering, featured Italian dishes.
Jerry Jacobs holds the Business of the Year award for Petro Marine. (Photo by Bobbi Jordan)
