• Jim Messer History

    About Jim Messer

    Jim Messer dedicated decades to serving as the Chairman of the Military Affairs Committee for the Fairbanks Chamber, acting as a tireless advocate for fostering a welcoming environment, securing first-class housing, and ensuring a superior quality of life for the local military community. This commitment is honored through a program that recognizes distinguished service members and Volunteers of the Year from Eielson AFB, Ft. Wainwright, Clear Space Force Station, and Ft. Greely.

    The Jim Messer Award: Presented to a community member identified by military leadership for their promotion of military/community relations.


    General Ronald P. Clark
    Keynote Guest Speaker

    GENERAL RONALD P. CLARK

    Commanding General, U.S. Army Pacific

    General Clark assumed command of the U.S. Army Pacific on November 8, 2024. A West Point graduate and career Infantry Officer, he has led at every level, including service in Operation Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

    View Full Biography →

     

  • Help Us Honor Our Military

    This event is possible thanks to the generous support of our business community. Interested? Call us at (907) 452-1105.

    Program Advertising

    Place a message of appreciation in our event program:

    Full Page $1,000
    Half Page $500
    Quarter Page $250

    Deadline: March 28th. Email ads to: chad@fairbankschamber.org

    *About Jim Messer: Jim Messer was the Chairman of the Military Affairs Committee and a long-time advocate for quality of life initiatives for our military members in Fairbanks.

  • Past Messer Award Winners

    2020 - 2025

    2025: Will Stapp
    2024: Tom Hough
    2023: Bryce Ward
    2022: Nathan Bergerbest

    2010 - 2019

    2019: Karl Kassel
    2018: Tim Jones
    2017: Jim Dodson
    2016: Mike Ferguson
    2015: Harry Cook
    2014: Luke Hopkins
    2013: Doug Isaacson
    2012: Kevin Robinson
    2011: Lisa Herbert
    2010: Althea St. Martin

    2000 - 2009

    2009: Lisa Murkowski
    2008: Butch Stein
    2007: Steve Thompson
    2006: Jim Dodson
    2005: Billy Blanchard
    2004: Bill Brophy
    2003: Ted Stevens
    2002: Rhonda Boyles
    2001: Karen Washburn
    2000: Steve Lundgren

    1994 - 1999

    1999: Richard Wien
    1998: Chick Wallace
    1997: Gary Wilken
    1996: William Wood
    1995: Frank Chapados
    1994: Jim Messer
  • Past Keynote Speakers

    Year Speaker Affiliation
    2025 General Kevin Schneider Air Force
    2024 General James Mingus U.S. Army
    2023 General Ken S. Wilsbach Air Force
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