Al Fleetwood: man of many talents: Fleetwood honored by Alaska Business Monthly for his 'Lifetime Achievement in Business.'.

• Author: Barbour, Tracy
• Position: Alaska Business Monthly's 2007 Lifetime Achievement in Business Award

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The road leading to Al Fleetwood's success in business has been paved with excitement, dedication and impact. And it's never-ending.

Since moving to Alaska in 1957, Fleetwood, 83, has had a positive influence on businesses all around the state. He founded the Alaska Statebank in Fairbanks in 1961, was executive vice president of Alaska National Bank of the North from 1974 to 1983, and has diligently served as chairman of the board of directors of Alaska First Bank & Trust, N.A. (formerly First Interstate Bank of Alaska) since 1999.

In addition, Fleetwood is the only individual to have served as chair of the state's foremost chambers of commerce: the Anchorage, Fairbanks and Alaska State chambers of commerce. After he "retired" in 1988, he established Fleetwood & Associates, which provides business and financial consulting with emphasis on organization, communication and strategic planning. He is also an avid supporter of charities and community causes throughout the state. Therefore, it is highly fitting that he be recognized by Alaska Business Monthly for his "Lifetime Achievement in Business."

Receiving the award is an honor, Fleetwood said. "The award has always impressed me; it's just a wonderful recognition," he said.

At the same time, the recognition being bestowed is "terribly surprising," Fleetwood said. "I'm thinking why in the world me because I haven't done any earth-shaking things," he said. "I've gone into communities and just identified areas where I needed to bring the community together to make things a little bit better."

Fleetwood is well known for his efforts to make things better for Alaskans. "Every time I turn around, I find Al involved in an activity that benefits the community," said David Wight, a former president of Alyeska Pipeline Service Co., who has served on a number of boards with Fleetwood. "He finds places where he can make a difference, and he goes to work there."

Fleetwood is the type of person who speaks with his personal commitment, Wight added. "In my mind, he's a long-term businessman and community leader who makes a big difference in Alaska," he said. "We need more people like that. He's always thinking about other people."

Ernie Hall, who has known Fleetwood for 25 years, wholeheartedly agrees. "If you're fortunate to have Al as your friend ... it doesn't matter the time of day or the need that you have, if you call Al, he will be there for you," said Hall, who owns Alaska...