Richard Stryken, Director – Incumbent email: rstryken@gmail.com
Palmer, AK
State why you wish to serve on the Board of Directors.
Having served as a temporary director for the past six months, I wish to continue serving on the board. We have just celebrated our 75th year, and our slogan this year was “75 and growing”. The reality is, we are busting at the seams. Although we have done tremendous work in the past, I believe it is time for us to look into substantially expanding our infrastructure as well as developing our overall appearance and our fairgoers’ experience. I wish to contribute my knowledge of both horizontal and vertical construction to move us forward.
Summarize employment experience; include work with budgets and supervisory duties.
For the past 10 years I have been self-employed and own several local businesses. Prior to that, I was a road superintendent for the Mat-Su Borough for 15 years. I supervised personnel and equipment to maintain 1,025 miles of borough roads, and managed all 18 administrative and capital budgets; prior to that I worked in construction on different projects throughout the state.
List any volunteer activities, including board experience.
Chairman for the Palmer Economic Development Association .
Palmer Downtown Alliance member.
Served on the Borough Road Advisory Board, Mat-Su Health Foundation board member.
President of two non-profit condominium boards.
Volunteer at the State Fair for 15 years.
How long have you been a member of the fair.
I have been a lifetime member since 2005.
How have you participated in the Fair in the past?
I was born in the territory of Alaska and have attended the State Fair since the mid-60’s. I was a vendor for four years and received cash prizes for placing in first and second places for Best Overall Vendor Booth. For the past 15 years I have volunteered as a judge for vendor booths, displays and overall appearance as well as helped draft changes for vendor booth requirements.
Summarize what you value most about the Fair. State your specific areas of interest.
I enjoy all aspects of the Fair, including concerts, racing, performance arts and meeting old friends and making new ones. Oh yes, and of course the food.
What is your vision for the Fair, and do you have specific goals?
I would like to improve the overall appearance of the facilities through upgrades and new construction. I would like to concentrate on improving the overall grounds and parking lots, better use of Ag Pavilion, and new facilities for events to include new rodeo area and new concert venue.