Junior Achievement inspires children to learn about free enterprise.

• Author: Wilson, David, Sr.
• Position: Junior Achievement 2009 Special Section

Junior Achievement of Alaska's 23rd Annual Alaska Business Hall of Fame unites the Alaska community to honor outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the Alaska economy and whose efforts have prompted the growth of Alaska business. Junior Achievement of Alaska and Alaska Business Monthly would like to congratulate the class of 2009 laureates: Margie Brown, Andrew Eker, Willie Hensley and Jim Jansen.

This year's event will take place on Jan. 30, 2009, at the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center. Approximately 400 industry and business leaders will join in commemorating the accomplishments of our laureates and the success of Alaska business. We would like to invite all past laureates, Junior Achievement alumni and supporters to join us in honoring our laureates and the continuing impact of Junior Achievement economic education programs in Alaska.

Events over the past few years have challenged our free enterprise system, as well as our economic stability. The leaders of tomorrow are watching with great interest how today's leaders will respond. As Americans, we have the responsibility to protect and preserve our nation's free enterprise system. The long-term guarantee that our economy will remain the strongest in the world rests in the education of our children.

Junior Achievement provides an extraordinary opportunity to help our young people understand and appreciate the tremendous value of our system of commerce.

Junior Achievement's sequential and integrated kindergarten though 12th grade programs give kids the necessary skills to be successful. This year, 9,300 students statewide will participate and learn through Junior Achievement's business, economics and free enterprise experiences in Alaska. Our mission is to ensure...