Sitka Wonders Named New Business of the Year by Sitka Chamber of Commerce

Sitka, Alaska — Sitka Wonders has been named New Business of the Year by the Sitka Chamber of Commerce.

The award was presented Saturday evening at the Chamber’s annual awards gala held at Harrigan Centennial Hall, where a full crowd gathered to recognize community leaders, nonprofit organizations, emerging leaders, and local businesses contributing to Sitka’s future.

Sitka Wonders was honored alongside recipients including Sitka Travel (Business of the Year), Friends of the Sitka Animal Shelter (Community Heroes), Ben Hughey (Emerging Leader of the Year), and Rob Allen, who received the Chamber’s highest honor for public service, the Cossack Cap.

A Film That Became a Place-Based Experience

Sitka Wonders began with the production of Sitka’s Hidden Wonders, a 40-minute wildlife documentary filmed entirely in and around Sitka, Alaska.

Created over multiple years through collaboration with local scientists, divers, and conservation partners, the film explores the interconnected ecosystems of Sitka Sound and the outer coast of Baranof Island.

After its first season of local screenings in downtown Sitka, the project expanded into small-group wildlife tours and immersive multi-day journeys designed to help visitors experience this place more deeply.

During the award presentation, Chamber board member Jaylene Owen noted that Sitka Wonders has become a top-rated experience for visitors, showcasing Sitka’s natural world while contributing to the local tourism economy.

Built Through Collaboration

From the beginning, Sitka Wonders has worked in close partnership with organizations deeply invested in Southeast Alaska.

Collaborators include:

• Sitka Sound Science Center
• Sitka Conservation Society
• University of Alaska Southeast Whale Lab
• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service teams on St. Lazaria Island
• Local marine researchers and boat captains
  

These partnerships ensure that both the film and on-the-water experiences remain grounded in science, stewardship, and respect for the ecosystems being shared.

The People Behind the Work

The Chamber’s recognition also reflects the collective effort behind Sitka Wonders.

Staff members including Pamala Johnson, Chas Isenhart, and Katina Hamilton worked throughout the summer to deliver a high-quality experience for viewers and guests.

The film itself was brought to life by a dedicated team, including:

• Ben Hamilton — Director, Producer, Cinematographer, Editor, Colorist
• Chas Isenhart — Cinematographer
• Maxwell Hohn — Primary Underwater Cinematographer
• James Wiess — Microscopic Cinematographer
• Damian Tetelbaum — Editor
• Harvey Fisher and H1 Sound — Sound Design
• Andy Dollerson of Do Sounds — Music and Final Mix
• Anisa Peters — Assistant Writer
• Ellen Chenoweth — Research Contributor
• Ella Van Cleave — Researcher and Camera Assistant
• Dive Guide Chance Grey
• Matt Wilson — Aquarist
• Wildlife Biologist Brie Drummond

Deepening Sitka’s Connections

The Chamber’s annual gala, themed “A Night in the Emerald City,” celebrated businesses and individuals working to strengthen Sitka’s economy and community life. Despite heavy snowfall earlier in the day, Centennial Hall was filled with residents and business leaders honoring local contributions.

The recognition of Sitka Wonders reflects the support of the broader Sitka community and the collaborative effort behind the film and its related experiences.

The recognition belongs not just to a business, but to a community that continues to protect and share this remarkable place.

Looking Ahead

Today, Sitka Wonders operates as a Sitka-based wildlife film and small-group expedition company offering wildlife boat tours, photography workshops, immersive multi-day Alaska journeys, and ongoing screenings of Sitka’s Hidden Wonders.

As Sitka continues to grow as a cruise port and independent travel destination, Sitka Wonders remains committed to connecting people to Sitka’s wild heart in a meaningful and sustainable way that supports this place and community.

To learn more about Sitka Wonders and its experiences in Sitka, Alaska, visit:

https://www.sitkawonders.com

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