Bruce Bustamante, a longtime travel industry executive and prominent booster of Anchorage's newest convention center, was named president of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, the business advocacy organization announced Monday.
Bustamante has served as interim president since March 19 after former president Andrew Halcro vacated the position to join the race for Anchorage mayor.
Bustamante came to Alaska to work as a regional sales director for Alaska Airlines. He later became president and CEO of the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau before leaving to serve as head of public affairs for Princess Cruises Alaska. He was also interim Visitor and Convention Bureau Director for Lincoln City, Oregon.
Bustamante said he felt honored by the selection, especially because it coincides with the 100th anniversaries of both the chamber and the city itself. Looking ahead, he sees the opportunity to provide "great value" to existing members and attract new ones.
"We have to make sure our organization evolves and truly represents the diverse array of Anchorage businesses," Bustamante said. "We'll do that through our education and advocacy efforts."
Businesses in the oil and gas, banking, construction, tourism and health care industries are among the chamber's 1,000 members. The nonprofit organization lobbies state and local government officials on their behalf and hosts business education and networking events.