CONTACT: Blake Case
blake@emccommunications.com, (601) 832-6079

ANCHORAGE, Sept. 5, 2024 — Today, Alaska Business for Better Jobs, a new and growing coalition with more than 120 Alaska businesses and business organizations to date, announced support for Ballot Measure 1. Alaska Business for Better Jobs says Ballot Measure 1, which would raise Alaska’s minimum wage to $15 by 2027 and enable workers to earn paid sick leave, would be good for business.

Speaking at a press conference in Anchorage today and supporting from across the state, Alaska Business for Better Jobs members said that raising the minimum wage and enabling workers to earn paid sick time would boost consumer spending, reduce costly employee turnover, increase productivity, improve health and safety, strengthen customer service, and help businesses and communities thrive. Supporters currently include more than 120 businesses – including a wide range of small businesses around the state, the Alaska Black Chamber of Commerce, and the U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce.

Alaska Business for Better Jobs supporters commented from around the state:

Jasmin Smith, owner of The Business Boutique, president of the Alaska Black Chamber of Commerce, and business organizer for Alaska Business for Better Jobs: “As a lifelong Alaskan and business owner, I’m deeply invested in Alaska’s business and economic development. And that’s why I strongly support Ballot Measure 1. Raising the minimum wage is a powerful way to boost the economy. It puts money in the pockets of people who most need to spend it. Minimum wage increases go right back into the economy as spending at local businesses. With better wages and paid sick time, businesses benefit from lower employee turnover, increased productivity, better health and safety, and better customer service. Ballot Measure 1 will help us build successful businesses and more livable communities.”

David Ottoson, owner of Rainbow Foods in Juneau: “The minimum wage hasn’t kept pace with the cost of living. That hurts people’s ability to shop local and healthy. Rainbow Foods opened in 1980, and employee retention is a big factor in our success. Employees know they are valued. Low turnover saves us time and money that would otherwise go to hiring and training new employees. We take care of our employees and they take great care of our customers. As a grocery store, we know how important it is that people stay home when they’re sick, without fear of missing a paycheck. With Ballot Measure 1, we’ll have healthier, more vibrant workplaces and communities.”

Mark Robokoff, owner of AK Bark, a pet supplies store in Anchorage: “Our slogan is ‘Intensely Alaskan,’ and we’re proud to be a locally owned store with a focus on Alaska-made products. People know when their employers value them – and they know when they don’t. Why would people take pride in their work and give it their all when businesses pay a wage their employees can’t live on? My employees are very valuable to me. Employees who take pride in their work provide better customer service, which means more customer satisfaction and ultimately more customers. Raising the minimum wage and giving people paid time off when sick will improve customer service and it will improve our economy.”

Carey Fristoe, co-owner of Black Spruce Brewing Co. in Fairbanks: “Ballot Measure 1 is good for business. When you pay decent wages and provide paid time off, employees are healthier and more productive, they provide better customer service, and they stay with you longer. High turnover is costly. Our low turnover really helps our bottom line. We already offer paid sick leave because we don’t want our staff coming to work when they’re sick and spreading illness to teammates and customers. And raising the minimum wage will boost consumer spending at local businesses in Fairbanks and across Alaska.”

Derrick Green, owner of Waffles and Whatnot in Anchorage and treasurer of the Alaska Black Chamber of Commerce: “As a restaurant owner, I know the value of taking care of your employees with fair wages and paid time off. It makes us a better, more resilient business. My staff treats the restaurant as family, because we treat them as family. Customers can feel that! And as a leader in the Alaska Black Chamber of Commerce, which has endorsed the ballot measure, I know that raising the minimum wage will increase consumer spending at businesses across Alaska. Combined with paid sick time, it will improve the well-being of our people, businesses and communities.”

Kumiko Helming, owner of MBS Alaska in Anchorage: “As the owner of an occupational health and safety consulting firm, I can attest that a company’s most valuable asset is its employees. When employees are paid fairly, provided paid sick leave, and have a safe workplace, it allows space for them to do their jobs effectively. Fair wages and benefits are synonymous with a supportive, safe environment for workers. There will be less employee turnover, healthier mindset, and fewer accidents and injuries. Passing Ballot Measure 1 will communicate to Alaska’s employees that we see them, we care, and that they matter. Because truly, they do matter.”

Thea Agnew Bemben, co-founder and co-owner of Agnew::Beck Consulting with offices in Anchorage and Soldotna: “Working-age people are the lifeblood of Alaska’s businesses, economy, communities and families. Unfortunately, we’ve seen an exodus of workers leaving Alaska because they can’t afford to live here. Raising the minimum wage and providing paid sick days will help Alaska attract and retain working people. Worker retention is vital for our state and for businesses. When you hire someone and they don’t stay, it wastes money. The more that Alaskans can afford to stay and are happy where they live and work, the more our businesses and communities can thrive.”

Ballot Measure 1 would increase Alaska’s minimum wage to $13 on July 1, 2025, $14 in July 2026, and $15 in July 2027. Beginning January 1, 2028, there would be annual cost of living adjustments so the minimum wage does not lose buying power. It would also enable employees to earn one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked. Employers with fewer than 15 employees can limit usage to 40 hours per year; those with 15 or more employees can set a limit of 56 hours per year. Ballot Measure 1 would also prohibit employers from requiring employees to attend meetings on political or religious matters unrelated to their work.

Click here to see the growing list of Alaska businesses supporting Ballot Measure 1.

To arrange an interview with members of the Alaska Business for Better Jobs coalition, please contact Blake Case at blake@emccommunications.com or (601) 832-6079.

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Alaska Business for Better Jobs is a new and growing coalition of Alaska business owners and executives who believe a fair minimum wage and earned paid sick days are good for business.

Paid for by Yes On 1 For Better Jobs, PO Box 210144, Anchorage AK 99521. Ed Flanagan, Chair, approved this message. The top three contributors are Sixteen Thirty Fund, Washington, DC; The Fairness Project, Washington, DC; and Unite Here, New York, NY.