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Op-Ed By Cary Fristoe
Fairbanks Daily News Miner, October 6, 2024

As a small business owner, I understand that my employees are the most important piece of the business puzzle. It is essential that they are afforded the opportunity to earn enough money to not only survive but to feel valued on the job, with the ability to have work-life balance.

I strongly support Ballot Measure 1, which would gradually raise the minimum wage to $15 by July 2027 and assure that workers can earn some paid sick time. It makes good business sense.

I know from our experience at Black Spruce Brewing that when you compensate and treat people the right way, they are more productive, provide better service, and they stay with you longer. Employee retention is very important. With lower employee turnover, we have lower costs and disruptions to production when it comes to hiring and training new workers. ...

Workers who earn more money are, in turn, able to spend more money. Increasing the minimum wage will boost consumer spending at local businesses in Fairbanks and across Alaska. ...

Ballot Measure 1 enjoys wide support among businesses and the public. More than 120 businesses in the Alaska Business for Better Jobs Coalition support Ballot Measure 1 — ranging from small businesses like ours to the Alaska Black Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce. ...

Carey Fristoe is co-owner of Black Spruce Brewing in Fairbanks and a member of Alaska Business for Better Jobs.

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Copyright 2024 Carey Fristoe