Junior Achievement inspires children to learn about business: keeping America the strongest economic force in the world will soon be up to our youth.

• Author: Wilson, David
• Position: JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT SPECIAL SECTION

Junior Achievement is proud to present the 22nd annual Alaska Business Monthly Junior Achievement Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. The Alaska Business Hall of Fame recognizes and honors the pioneers of our state's economic success. Laureates are selected based upon lifelong, positive contributions to Alaska commerce. During the previous 21 years, 103 deserving persons have been inducted into the Alaska Business Hall of Fame. We salute the achievements of the first 100 laureates; individuals who have helped shape the destiny of our great state. Junior Achievement of Alaska Inc. and Alaska Business Monthly would also like to congratulate the class of 2008 laureates: Richard Cattanach, Barbara and Robert Halcro, James Sampson and Patricia Walsh, and welcome them into the second centennial of Alaska Business Hall of Fame laureates.

This year's ceremony will be held on Friday, Jan. 25, 2008, at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel. There, more than 400 business and community leaders will convene to honor the accomplishments these laureates have made and the resulting economic impact to Alaska. This event also presents us with the opportunity to, once again, recognize and salute our past laureates. We cordially invite them--as well as all Junior Achievement alumni, supporters, and volunteers--to attend this important event. It is always a stimulating evening.

Junior Achievement's mission is to provide Alaska students with a fundamental understanding of how our free-enterprise system works. It teaches students about business, giving them information about career possibilities they may have never considered otherwise. The sequential programs begin with kindergarten and go through grade 12. Junior Achievement of Alaska...