Photo provided by Altman, Rogers & Co.

embers of the Associated General Contractors, or AGC, of Alaska made an impressive showing this year at the Best of Alaska Business Awards, or BOAB, sponsored by Alaska Business magazine. From general contractors to cargo and logistics providers to bank and credit unions and accounting firms, AGC members were recognized for outstanding work in twenty-two categories.

A few companies took home more than one award or continued their winning ways by winning for the second—or even tenth—year in a row. The top three winners were awarded the Denali, St. Elias and Foraker awards, in order of votes received.

CEO Grant Todd says the firm, now in its 34th year, truly cares about its customers and its employees.

“Even though we have thousands of clients from every corner of the state, we try to treat them as individuals and help them out in any way we can in a kind and efficient manner,” says Todd.

Even during crunch times like tax season, the company’s employees make clients a priority, working 60 to 80 hours a week to make sure that work is completed in a timely manner. Competitive salaries and benefits, bonuses and generous vacation policies, and maternity/paternity leave make it worth it to employees, who also enjoy half-day Fridays from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The staff can also take part in a company softball team, potlucks, fishing outings, barbecues, and community-focused philanthropy.

“We try to strike a work/life balance,” says Todd of the family-oriented firm. “We work hard but we also play hard. We’ve worked hard to build a good, fun culture that is also inclusive.”

Photo provided by First National Bank Alaska

“We audit a large number of nonprofits, so we try to help them the most,” says Todd, noting that the company recently closed its Anchorage office for a day to spend time with the athletes at Special Olympics Alaska and also supports the nonprofit’s yearly auction.

“In the past, we’ve helped out on Christmas Eve morning at Bean’s Café to help them prep for Christmas dinner the next day, and every year we have a big team that participates in the Anchorage Chamber Citywide Cleanup,” he adds. “Our other offices donate to their local communities as well.”

While the company finishes in the top one or two places in the BOAB awards consistently—including winning Best Accounting Firm every year since the category’s inception—Todd says the company doesn’t take the wins for granted.

“It’s a great honor when your staff and clients recognize your hard work and vote for you,” he says. “It’s really special when you see a client on the street and they say, “Hey! I voted for you!’”

“I believe that our workforce and our culture are our superpowers,” says Senior Administrative Director Steven Patin, who notes that First National has won the Best Bank/Credit Union award numerous times. “We have a great workforce because of our culture, and our workforce creates that culture. It’s a symbiotic relationship.”

He adds that, while the bank is up to date on the latest technology, it is also “delightfully old school” in a certain way.

“When someone goes into a branch, they are greeted with a smile. We have adequate staffing so they’re not waiting in line. Our people ask the right questions and try to anticipate customers’ needs. This traditional feel sits on top of a complex and sophisticated operation.”

First National has won the Best Place to Work award ten years in a row, which Patin credits to the fact that the bank offers extremely generous benefits and learning and development resources that appeal to employees at different stages of life.

Photo provided by Alaska Business

“In a place like Alaska, reputation goes a long way,” he adds. “We all know somebody who knows somebody who banks at or works for First National. Word-of-mouth is huge for us.”

Community involvement is also important to the bank, which provides approximately $1 million a year in donations, activities, sponsorships, and in-kind contributions. Recipients range from high school sports and activities through Alaska School Activities Association to Big Brothers Big Sisters Alaska to the United Way, University of Alaska and more.

“First National is Alaska’s community bank; if we were not contributing to the community, we wouldn’t be true to who we are,” Patin says. “We do this not only on an individual level through our employees but collectively as an institution.”

In 2024, Matson contributed $1.4 million in cash and in-kind services in Alaska to entities such as Alaskan for Litter Prevention and Recycling, Matson’s Caring for Alaska program and the Prince William Science Center. Wells Fargo contributed approximately $4.8 million to Alaska over the past four years, with its employees volunteering 6,700 hours of community service.

Readers also nominated AGC companies ASRC Energy Services, ConocoPhillips Alaska, First National Bank Alaska, GCI, Global Credit Union, Hilcorp, Hotel Captain Cook, Northrim Bank, and PeopleAK for this notable honor.

• Matson, 2025 Best Corporate Citizen
• Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., 2025 Best Corporate Citizen