Alaska CHARR - The Magazine September/October | Page 9

EVENTS
KENAI PENINSULA - ARDEN RANKINS
Sunrise Inn, Cooper Landing
Hello! My name is Arden Rankins and I own the
Sunrise Inn in Cooper Landing. My career in
the industry started in the early 1980's when
I worked as a camp cook in the Yukon Territory
cooking for 30 men out of a tent! Later I went
to chef school and worked as a chef in Vancouver,
British Columbia until moving to Anchorage
in 1986. I have worked catering and as a
private chef in both Anchorage and Cooper
Landing. In 2006 I became a full time Cooper
Landing resident where I owned and operated
Kenai Lake Escape Fishing Lodge.
In 2017 I purchased the Sunrise Inn. Sunrise
consists of a restaurant, bar, motel, R.V. Lot and
cabin rental and a gift store/gas station. While
we are open year round our crew varies from
13 to 34 employees depending on the season.
The learning curve has been amazing and
CHARR has helped me and my crew numerous
times with many aspects of my business.
I joined CHARR in 2018 and believe in the organization
completely. I have attended conferences
in Juneau, Sitka, Seward and Anchorage.
The CHARR board is very important to me as
it provides diversity, represents all aspects of
the industry and gives back to the communities
in amazing ways. I continue to learn very valuable
tools and believe I contribute knowledge
about how a business operates in a very small
community. I appreciate the opportunity to
give back to the industry and to help make the
voices in the hospitality industry heard.
I would appreciate your vote and commit to attending
and participating in all CHARR meetings
to further enhance my knowledge so I can
better represent the hospitality industry.
ALASKACHARR.COM
MAT-SU - MATT TOMTER
Matanuska Brewing Company, Palmer
Matt Tomter came to Nome, Alaska in the 1990’s
as a pilot. He got his start in the food and beverage
industry in 2005, when he started delivering
pizzas by airplane and opened Airport Pizza. His
next venture was Eagle River Alehouse, in 2011.
He opened Palmer City Alehouse in 2014 and
Anchorage Alehouse in 2017.
He is also a founding partner in Matanuska
Brewing Company, in Palmer, which started
operations in April 2018.
Matt has been an active member of Alaska
CHARR for years, and has served on the Mat-
Su CHARR Board of Directors. He enjoys
politics and wants to stand up for the industry
against more taxes and regulations.
KODIAK – ANA BRAVO
El Chicano Mexican Restaurant, Kodiak
Hello Fellow CHARR Members, I am Ana M.
Bravo, from Kodiak CHARR and would like to
run again for the state board. My husband Filomeno
(Fili) Bravo and our family have been in
the industry for 40 years all in Kodiak. I have
had such a good experience getting to know
the ins and outs of how this industry works for
us to progress in our businesses, truly looking
out for us. I would sincerely like your vote to
be elected again and serve to represent all you
wonderful people.
MAT-SU – JOSH BRODA
Settler’s Bay Lodge, Wasilla
My name is Joshua Broda, managing owner
of Settler’s Bay Lodge located on Knik Goose
Bay road in Wasilla. We have a staff of 50 with
a seating capacity of 250 with large banquet
facilities that seat up to 375. This is a popular
wedding destination due to our outstanding
food and service along with our stunning
views. I have many years of experience in the
hospitality industry in Alaska dating back to
2009 where I worked for Holland America
Princess Tours as their sous chef at their Fairbanks
Princess Lodge. In 2013 I graduated
from UAF where I earned a degree in culinary
arts and hospitality management.
As a resident of the Mat-Su valley for 5 years,
I have a great relationship with our valley
representatives, many of which are frequent
guests at my restaurant.
My volunteer experience is through the UAF
annual culinary arts scholarship dinner as the
chef professional and mentor. Through my
years of experience in the hospitality industry
I have become well versed in title 4 liquor
law along with DEC regulations. I have been
very supportive of our local affiliate, Mat-Su
CHARR by donating to fund raisers and supporting
their annual member meeting. I would
be honored.
“
VOTING ENDS AT
3 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY
SEPTEMBER 2020!“ 16,
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ALASKA CHARR 907.274.8133
ALASKA CHARR MAGAZINE | 7