Alaska State Fair Board of Directors Candidate Profile
Charlie Willis
Wasilla, Alaska
- State why you wish to serve on the Board of Directors.
I would like to serve on the ASF Board of Directors to make this yearly event even better for fairgoers and make improvements that benefit the fair customers, staff, and fair entity. I believe my experience as a local businessman, fairgoer, vendor, and past board member bring valuable input and ideas to make the fair more profitable while still maintaining safety and bringing enjoyment to all who attend.
- Summarize employment experience; include work with budgets and supervisory duties.
I have owned and operated my business, CW Tack and Western Wear, here in the valley for 27 years. I previously served on this board for 6 years and believe my business experience brought valuable insight to the board. In my retail business, I deal with the ongoing economic difficulties, determining what to order to maintain a good inventory. As the owner, I supervise employees as well as hire staff that will provide the best possible customer service to my clientele. The 6 years I served on this board, I brought forth new ideas and concerns that others without business experience may not have thought about. Over the years I have also held offices on various other boards which set up budgets and worked with those budgets.
- List any volunteer activities, including board experience.
I previously served as an Alaska State Fair board member. I have also served on the board for the rodeo associations as president, vice president, director of events, and treasurer. I have produced successful rodeos for the past 6 years. I was president of the Wasilla Blueliners Booster Club for 2 years, and a 4-H volunteer for several years. All of these positions entailed duties from setting up rules and bylaws, running meetings, working with other organizations and members, collecting money for awards and working with budgets for running the associations, providing for unexpected expenses and providing awards. The Wasilla Blueliners Booster Club also maintained a scholarship fund.
- How have you participated in the Fair in the past?
I have been a fairgoer every year since 1974. I have been a vendor for 27 years. I was a 4-H volunteer from 1978 – 1984. I have also been a rodeo contestant at the Fair every year since 1975. My wife and I have produced the ASF rodeo for the last 6 years. I was an ASF board member from 2003 – 2009.
- Summarize what you value most about the Fair. State your specific areas of interest.
The Alaska State Fair is a great place to go with family and friends to enjoy all kinds of good food, fun, entertainment, and to meet with new and old friends, both local Alaskans as well as out of state visitors. It is always exciting to come together at the end of the summer to see the huge vegetables and harvests of another good year and get together with friends before fall arrives. Alaskans look forward to this event all year long. I especially love the rodeo, livestock, and of course the wide variety of great food.
- What is your vision for the Fair, and do you have specific goals?
My vision is to see the Fair continue to be a fun and affordable place for the whole family. I also want to help keep it profitable so that improvements can be made as the demand for upgrades become necessary. I also like to keep new and exciting exhibits and entertainment coming each year so that our attendance continues to grow. We have the BEST state fair and I want this to continue |
