SNRAS supporter Bernie Karl (pictured at right with his wife Connie) was honored as business leader of the year March 19 in Fairbanks by the UAF School of Management.
This is the 34th year UAF has given the annual award. Recipients are selected for their leadership, business excellence, educational support, and community service.
"Being selected as the UAF business leader of the year is one of the most humbling experiences in my life," Karl said. "No man is a self-made man. There are lots of people that help you all through your life, starting with my parents, my family, and my wife.”
Karl has been a diesel mechanic, gold miner, hotel owner, and recycling entrepreneur; he likes to call himself an “imagineer.” His current business ventures include Chena Hot Springs Resort and K&K Recycling. Karl is known for his work using geothermal technology to make his resort more environmentally friendly. Geothermal energy powers three greenhouses at Chena Hot Springs, which grow fresh produce year-round for the resort’s restaurant.
Along with being an innovative businessman, Karl is an active community and university partner. Through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Karl arranges visits for children to the resort. He provides educational programs on alternative energy for K-12 students throughout the state and internship opportunities for UAF students.
At Chena Hot Springs, Karl has provided opportunities for SNRAS researchers to do hands-on, real time research on hydroponics systems, greenhouse controls, environmental management, crop lighting, and large-scale production systems for Alaska unique to the climate. He follows researchers' leads, provides reliable data, and helps make sure resources are available to accomplish necessary tasks. "If we need something he tries to provide it; he is very accommodating," said SNRAS Research Professional Jeff Werner.
A promoter of Alaska agriculture, Karl is also a leader in the statewide self-sufficiency movement, touting the benefits of high tunnels, sustainable greenhouses, and self-reliant communities. "People can see what he is doing and realize it is possible for them to do it too, even in rural areas," Werner said.
He is a major contributor to the Alaska FFA, assisting the SNRS-sponsored youth organization with its annual state conference and Envirothon and Chena Fest, the annual fall celebration of agriculture in the Tanana Valley and an FFA fundraiser.
Photo by Nelson Photography
Further reading:
Geothermal power in Alaska holds hidden model for clean energy, Popular Mechanics, February 2008, by Jennifer Bogo
Business Leader of the Year Banquet brochure, March 19, 2010 (PDF)
Chena Hot Springs Resort owner Bernie Karl named UAF's Business Leader of the Year, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, March 28, 2010, by Jeff Richardson
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