Alaska manufacturers have 11 days to enter state's top award

Alaska manufacturers have 11 days to nominate themselves or others for the state's 2025 Manufacturer of the Year award. Nominations close May 29, 2026.

The Made in Alaska program has recognized manufacturers across the state since at least 1990. Past winners include Alaska Bowl Company, Alaska Wild Berry Products, Marian Boat Works, Alaskan Brewing & Bottling Co., and Tesoro Alaska Petroleum. Alaska Gear Company won in 2024.

The winner gets a custom engraved bowl from the Great Alaskan Bowl Company. Made in Alaska Program staff will present the award. The state will feature the winning business on the program's website and social media pages and include it in future marketing materials. The Alaska Manufacturing Association will provide a one-year membership with access to a peer network, industry events, business-growth tools, and inclusion in AKMA's B2B Directory.

The award recognizes a Made in Alaska business that has overcome challenges, grown, innovated, been a leader in the community, and collaborated with other businesses. Anyone can nominate a business. Self-nominations are welcome.

To qualify, nominees must hold a current Made in Alaska permit and must not have won the award previously. The Made in Alaska program certifies products that are at least 51 percent produced in Alaska. Permit holders can use the program's logo on their products. The logo features a mother bear and her cub.

The program helps producers reach in-state, domestic, and international markets by certifying product authenticity. It is run by staff within the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development's Division of Community and Regional Affairs.

Manufacturers can submit nominations through an online form on the Made in Alaska website. Questions about the award can be sent by phone at 907-269-4501 or email at [email protected]. The program also maintains a presence on Instagram and Facebook.

Businesses that do not yet hold a Made in Alaska permit can apply through the MyAlaska online portal. Current permit holders can use the portal to renew permits.

The Made in Alaska Program Manager is located at 550 W 7th Ave, Suite 1650, in Anchorage.