(SitNews) Anchorage, Alaska - At a presentation at the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce’s Monday Forum, Grayson Davey became the youngest winner of the Made in Alaska’s Manufacturer of the Year Award. The award, presented annually by the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, highlights the importance of the statewide manufacturing sector.

“Alaska Paracord Designs is an excellent example how innovation and hard work can manifest into a successful small business,” said Chris Hladick, commissioner of the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development. “Grayson is an inspiring young entrepreneur. His company contributes to our economy and puts Alaskans to work. We are proud to honor Alaska Paracord Designs with this award.”

Grayson started Alaska Paracord Designs in 2013 at the age of 11 when family friends were stranded for days after their boat overturned on a local river. Grayson took note when they reflected on the ordeal saying, “if we only had something with us to start a fire.” Grayson took a paracord bracelet design that he already knew and integrated fire making and survival tools into it—Alaska Paracord Designs was born.

Alaska Paracord Designs uses local contractors to hand-make all of their products in Alaska. The company employs over 20 young Alaskans in Anchorage during its production peak. Alaska Paracord Designs products can be purchased at 30 retailers throughout Alaska and online at alaskaparacorddesigns.com.

Since 1991, the Manufacturer of the Year award has been presented annually to a Made in Alaska permit holder demonstrating hard work, business growth, job creation, innovation, and community spirit.

The Made in Alaska program is used to identify and promote the purchase of products manufactured or crafted in Alaska, ranging from small gift items to large industrial products.

The program, administered by the Alaska Division of Economic Development, was launched during 1985 and currently has nearly 1000 active participants. More information about the Made in Alaska program is available at madeinalaska.org.

Watch a video of Grayson telling his company’s story to Governor Bill Walker.
Photo clip courtesy of Office of the Governor.
https://vimeo.com/176668738/1770d05244

Reporting & Editing by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News:

Alaska Department of Commerce
https://www.commerce.alaska.gov

 

 

 

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