The People’s Choice

Celebrating AGC Members Recognized as Best of Alaska Businesses

By Terri Marshall

hile US Olympians were preparing for the games in Paris, Alaska businesses were celebrating the results of this year’s Best of Alaska Business awards. Each year, the readers of Alaska Business magazine vote for their favorite businesses across several categories. The top three receive Alaska’s version of medals: the Denali, St. Elias, and Foraker awards.

The award categories are evaluated by the Alaska Business editorial and management teams, taking into consideration current business and industry trends along with the prior year’s data. Categories are sometimes adjusted based on trends or reader feedback. The Best of Alaska Business awards have no relationship with or effect on advertising, making them truly the people’s choice.

In 2024, Associated General Contractors, or AGC, of Alaska members dominated several relevant categories, which speaks volumes about the reputation and work ethic of AGC members.

In the Best Law Firm category, AGC members claimed the top two awards, with Landye Bennett Blumstein receiving the Denali award and Birch Horton Bittner & Cherot receiving the St. Elias.

Founded in 1955, Landye Bennett Blumstein provides legal services across several fields including administrative law, advocacy, appellate, aviation, bankruptcy, business, civil, construction, environmental, estate planning, fisheries, housing, intellectual property, liability defense, municipal, native and tribal, natural resource, products liability, and real estate law.

The firm also maintains the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, or ANCSA, Resource Center which compiles, organizes, and presents source documents relative to ANCSA. The resource center aims to be the broadest source of information relating to ANCSA.

LBB attorneys say winning the best law firm award affirms their dedication to achieving excellence in every outcome and underscores their commitment to their clients and community.

AGC of Alaska member Cornerstone General Contractors claimed the Foraker Award in the General Contractor category.

Since its founding in 1993, Cornerstone General Contractors has completed numerous significant projects across the state. Landmark buildings include the Alaska Airlines Center, Cook Inlet Tribal Council headquarters, and Providence Alaska Medical Center, in addition to educational facilities, housing, and industrial projects. The company’s work benefits both cities and remote communities. Its work is found from the Southeast to the Kenai Peninsula, Kodiak Island, and Alaska’s far west coast.

“Cornerstone’s mission is to build a better Alaska, which we believe can only be accomplished by delivering the best construction experience for all involved—from our teammates and clients to our designers and subcontractors,” says Cornerstone president Joe Jolley. “Being recognized as one of the top general contractors in Alaska lets us know that we are on the right track.”

A shining star, AGC member First National Bank Alaska, or First National, earned the Denali Award in three categories this year: Best Bank/Credit Union, Best Place to Work with 250+ Employees, and Best Customer Service.

This is the ninth consecutive year that Alaska Business magazine readers voted First National as the Best Place to Work. And it is the fourth time the bank has received the title of Best Bank/Credit Union.

“Thank you, Alaska!” exclaims First National Board Chair and CEO/President Betsy Lawer. “Another big win for our dedicated employees who consistently nurture a well-connected workplace. As Alaska’s community bank, we are committed to the welfare of our employees, customers, and the community, laying the groundwork for a brighter future for all Alaskans.”

Founded by Winfield Ervin Sr. in 1922, First National has continually guided Alaskans through financial decisions for 103 years. As Alaska’s largest locally owned and operated bank, First National manages assets worth billions of dollars and has also served the community by supporting Alaska contractors statewide. The bank has twenty-eight locations in nineteen communities throughout the state.

First National Bank Alaska Loan Officer and Assistant Vice President Katie Mallard helps customer Toby Drake, owner of Drake Construction, get ready for a new project.

Photos provided by First National Bank Alaska

Speaking to the Denali Award for Best Place to Work 250+ Employees, First National Bank Alaska Loan Officer and Assistant Vice President Katie Mallard says, “I’m proud to work for a company that has won Best Place to Work nine years in a row. Having a knowledgeable and supportive team to work with gives me the foundation to provide excellent customer service and provide Alaskans and businesses with the financial tools they need. When I’m not the expert on a particular service or opportunity, I know I can count on other members of the First National team to serve our customers well.”

With regard to the Best Bank/Credit Union and Best Customer Service awards, Kotzebue-based Toby Drake, the owner of Drake Construction and a First National customer, notes, “I like that First National Bank Alaska is a homegrown institution that can make quick, Alaska-based decisions. The bankers at First National are responsive to my needs and listen to my ideas. Together, we figure issues out so I can manage the short, busy construction season in Western Alaska.”