There is a Rose in Southeast: Pelican's Rosie's Bar and Grill receives statewide award.

• Author: Barbour, Tracy
• Position: SMALL BUSINESS

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Last fall, 75-year-old Rose Miller received the "nicest" award of her life. Miller, owner and operator of Rosie's Bar and Grill in Pelican--a tiny town with about 160 residents--was presented the 2008 Bill Bivin Small Business of the Year Award in September at the annual Alaska State Chamber of Commerce conference and trade show in Fairbanks.

Miller was excited and shocked to receive the prestigious award from the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce. "I still can't believe they would honor me for something I enjoy doing," she said.

However, Wayne Stevens, the chamber's president and CEO, said the award was perfectly fitting for the small-town business owner.

"Ms. Miller's list of accomplishments and service to her community as a business owner are precisely the attributes that the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce looks for when honoring a business as the Bill Bivin Small Business of the Year."

Established in 1993, the Bill Bivin Small Business of the Year Award pays tribute to businesses that exemplify leadership, ethics and organization. These businesses have demonstrated consistent community involvement, have an excellent business reputation and have established leadership in their respective field. Previous winners of the award include Tongass Substance Screening of Ketchikan for 2007, Ketchikan's Diversified Investments for 2006 and Rust's Flying Service of Anchorage for 2005.

Kathie Wasserman, executive director of the Alaska Municipal League, was thrilled to nominate Miller for award. "Rose has been at the core of Pelican for many, many years," Wasserman said. "She is a big asset to this state. She's really amazing."

In support for her nomination, Miller received a letter from Sen. Ted Stevens saying: "Rose is an active resident of our state, having raised a large family and run a well-known business, and is a true friend to many. Her assistance to those who live and visit Pelican, particularly in difficult times, has proven invaluable. Rose has demonstrated the very best of the Alaskan spirit."

Former Gov. Bill Sheffield also wrote correspondence praising Miller: "I will never forget my...