The business climate in Palmer is healthy and growing. However, local business leaders say there are reasons for caution as the community looks toward 2027.
That was the assessment from Kelly Shoemake of the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce, Jeff Miller of Cruz Construction, and Ingrid St. John of Northrim Bank in a discussion on Chamber on the Air on Big Cabbage Radio yesterday.
Miller says Cruz Construction has plenty of work ahead. Planned projects extend through 2027. The company specializes in roads, airports, bridges, and other heavy construction in the Mat-Su, rural Alaska, the North Slope, and the Kenai Peninsula.
Cruz Construction employs between 500 and 600 people during peak periods. Most employees live in the Mat-Su Valley. The growing operations of Cruz include a new equipment yard near the Palmer Airport. The yard provides space to store, maintain, and stage equipment for projects around the state.
St. John says Northrim Bank continues to see strong lending activity. This includes mortgages, construction loans, and financing for small businesses. This continues even as higher interest rates make customers more cautious. Many are watching for possible rate reductions before making major financial commitments.
The recent election brings uncertainty. Miller says Alaska’s economy depends on oil and gas development and federal spending. He points to an estimated $22 billion in planned oil and gas investment over the next several years as an opportunity. But he says permitting and federal investment will be important to keep those projects moving.
Shoemake says one of the biggest questions is what changes in government policy could mean for opening or expanding a business. This is particularly true for small businesses.
Permitting was a recurring theme throughout the discussion. Miller says businesses need consistency. Unexpected changes in regulations or approval requirements can affect budgets, cash flow, and investment decisions. He recognizes that public input is important, even when it adds time to the approval process.
Shoemake, St. John, and Miller agree that Palmer needs to preserve its small-town character while making it easier for businesses to grow. St. John says the new library could help attract more people to the community while maintaining Palmer’s local identity.
All three emphasized the importance of shopping locally. Miller pointed out that construction dollars circulate through the community several times, supporting restaurants, retailers, suppliers, and other businesses.
Their advice to business owners is straightforward: know your numbers, watch your cash flow, prepare for rising expenses, and talk with your banker early if you’re considering an expansion or major investment. Miller also encouraged businesses to use the Chamber and other local business owners as resources.
Shoemake closed with a reminder that supporting local businesses strengthens the entire community. The Chamber’s annual Shop Palmer campaign begins Monday, November 23.
The message from these business leaders is one of cautious optimism. There is work ahead and opportunity for growth, but success will depend on financial planning, predictable regulations, continued investment, and keeping local dollars in the community.
The full conversation is on bigcabbageradio.org. Look in Podcasts for Chamber on the Air.
Chamber on the Air airs monthly on the second Tuesday of the month at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Mike Chmielewski summarized this article with help from AI. Yours truly, Lee Henrikson produced it. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.
Our Cabbage Hop dance party is on Saturday at 6 p.m. at Lekker. The cover is $20. Snacks and beverages at no cost are provided by Lekker, Turkey Red, and 203 Kombucha.
The gift card silent auction opens at noon today. It will close at 9 p.m. High bidders at the Cabbage Hope can pick up their winnings there or at the station next week. Most of the gift cards can be mailed to the winners.
Today is Veterans’ Day. It’s a federal holiday honoring all who have served in the armed forces of the United States. Take a moment to think about the sacrifices these men and women made for all of us. matsusentinel.com has a list of Veterans’ Day events and tributes.
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That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Wednesday November 11, 2026.