Alaska Gear Company wins 2024 Manufacturer of Year; 2025 nominations open

The Made in Alaska Program has opened nominations for its 2025 Manufacturer of the Year award, recognizing businesses that demonstrate growth, innovation, and community leadership across the state.

Nominations will be accepted from May 8 to May 29, 2026. Anyone can nominate a Made in Alaska-permitted business, and self-nominations are encouraged.

The Alaska Department of Commerce announced Alaska Gear Company of Anchorage as the 2024 winner on September 2, 2025. The program has recognized winners annually since 1991, with past recipients including Alaska Bowl Company of Fairbanks in 1994.

The award recognizes businesses that overcome challenges, grow their operations, innovate, lead in their communities, and work with other Alaska businesses. Winners receive a custom engraved bowl from the Great Alaskan Bowl Company, publicity through Made in Alaska channels, and a one-year membership to the Alaska Manufacturing Association. Winners will be featured on the program's website and social media pages and highlighted in future marketing materials.

The association is the only statewide organization dedicated to Alaska's manufacturing community. It provides access to a peer network, industry events, business growth tools, and inclusion in a business-to-business directory.

To qualify, nominees must hold a current Made in Alaska permit and must not have won the award previously. Products must be at least 51 percent produced in Alaska to use the Made in Alaska logo, which features a mother bear and her cub.

Businesses can submit nominations through an online form. The Made in Alaska Program is administered by the Division of Community and Regional Affairs. The program promotes products made, manufactured, or handcrafted in the state.

Businesses that do not yet hold a Made in Alaska permit can apply through the MyAlaska online portal. Current permit holders can use the same portal to renew permits, update business information, and order Made in Alaska supplies. Fee waivers are available for permit holders affected by recent Western Alaska storms.

Questions can be directed to [email protected] or 907-269-4501. The program office is located at 550 W 7th Ave., Suite 1650, Anchorage, AK 99501-3510. The Alaska Small Business Development Center offers resources for developing or fine-tuning business and marketing plans.