WELCOME TO THE BEST OF ALASKA BUSINESS AWARDS.

Alaska Business is eager to present the third annual Best of Alaska Business special section. Just three years ago General Manager Jason Martin strolled into the editorial department and said, "I want to throw a party. How can you make that happen?" Well, more accurately, we were all invested in finding a way to bring attention to the exemplary work demonstrated by Alaska's businesses, so we created the Best of Alaska Business survey to allow our readers to choose their favorite businesses--and then made sure to plan a party, which this year is taking place July 12 at 49th State Brewing Company in Anchorage.

Our magazine (and newsletter and website and social media) often focus on the state's major players, whether through our strongest industries or the powerhouse companies that operate in them. But we are Alaska's business advocate, and we take that seriously. We believe no business is too small to make an impact, either by drawing visitors to Alaska...