ANCHORAGE – The Anchorage Chamber has announced that Era Alaska is one of four finalists for their 2012 Gold Pan Business Excellence Award. Era Alaska is the largest regional airline based in the state, offering daily passenger and cargo services to nearly 100 communities.

For the last 55 years, the Anchorage Chamber has recognized Alaska businesses with Gold Pan awards for entrepreneurial excellence and community service. According to the Anchorage Chamber, the Business Excellence award is given to a business that has “contributed to Anchorage’s vitality and has become an example in their respective field.”

Era Alaska was nominated by one of the many nonprofit organizations they sponsor, the American Red Cross. Era Alaska supports the American Red Cross by providing flights for volunteers deployed for disaster relief efforts, staff trainings across the state and transportation of cargo.

“Era Alaska is honored to be nominated for the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Gold Pan Business Excellence Award,” said Steve Smith, Era Alaska director of sales and marketing. “We don’t just fly to nearly 100 communities in Alaska, we are really a part of those communities. Our employees are there; our families and friends are there. Alaska is our home. Partnering with organizations like the American Red Cross gives us the opportunity to give back to communities in a very meaningful way.”

Michelle Houlihan, CEO of the American Red Cross in Alaska, stated: “Era Alaska is one of the unsung heroes of the state. They do so much for so many communities. They are one of the best corporate partners we have and it was an easy decision to nominate them for a Gold Pan award.”

The winner of the Business Excellence award will be announced at the 55th annual Anchorage Chamber Gold Pan Awards on Sept. 14, at the Dena’ina Center.