About The Mat-Su CVB

The Mat-Su Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, also widely known as The Mat-Su, Alaska.

The Official Voice of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough

As a non-profit 501(c)(6) membership organization formed in 1986, our primary mandate is to strengthen the local economy by promoting the Matanuska-Susitna Borough as a premier year-round destination for leisure travel, groups, and meetings. By establishing a unified brand for The Mat-Su, we help bridge the gap between our iconic landscapes and the global traveler.

a man smiles as he starts the iditarod race in the mat-su alaska

Our Mission

Our mission is to foster economic growth for our members and communities by positioning the Matanuska-Susitna Borough as a must-see travel destination within Alaska. We achieve this through strategic destination branding, data-driven marketing campaigns, and robust visitor services that showcase the unique character of our region.

Our Vision

The Mat-Su is the choice Alaska destination to visit, experience, and live.

What We Do

The CVB serves as the central hub for tourism in The Mat-Su, performing several critical functions:

  • Destination Marketing: We manage The Mat-Su brand across digital, social, and print media, reaching millions of potential visitors annually.
  • Visitor Services: We provide authoritative travel resources, including the Official Mat-Su Visitor Guide, to help travelers plan their perfect Alaska escape.
  • Member Support: We represent hundreds of local businesses, providing them with a platform to reach a wider audience.
  • Advocacy: We work closely with local and state government to emphasize the importance of the tourism industry as a pillar of The Mat-Su economy.

The Communities We Represent

The Mat-Su CVB is proud to promote the diverse communities and scenic corridors that make the Matanuska-Susitna Borough world-renowned.

Meet the Team

The Mat-Su CVB has a team of 9 employees who operate the Gateway Visitor Center, market The Mat-Su as a premier visitor destination in Alaska and collaborate with its volunteer board to represent more than 200 members throughout The Mat-Su Borough, mostly local tourism business owners and stakeholders.

Board of Directors

The Mat-Su CVB is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, with 11 members representing various sectors of the tourism industry and our local communities. Directors are elected to three-year terms in October. Directors may serve three consecutive three-year terms only. This helps ensure that our marketing efforts are aligned with the needs and values of the people who call The Mat-Su home.

Our Strategic Plans

The Mat-Su CVB has a strategic plan, adopted by the Board of Directors, to guide the organization’s destination marketing efforts. Grab the 2025-2026 Strategic Plan.

In 2022, The Mat-Su CVB developed a Sustainable Tourism Master Plan, which was approved by the Board of Directors. Review our comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Master Plan.

The Administration department serves as the organizational backbone of The Mat-Su CVB, overseeing the strategic direction, financial stewardship, and operational integrity of the Bureau. This team manages the accounting systems, board relations, and administrative logistics that allow our marketing and sales initiatives to thrive. By maintaining a transparent and efficient operation, the Admin team helps ensure that our resources are effectively utilized to drive economic growth and support the residents and businesses of The Mat-Su Borough.

Casey Ressler

President & CEO

Casey Ressler has been with The Mat-Su CVB for 18 years. He lives in Wasilla and enjoys traveling, the outdoors and sports of all kinds.

Phone: (907) 746-5037
Email: casey@thematsualaska.com

Tasha Belka

Administrative Manager

Tasha Belka is Mat-Su CVB’s Administrative Manager. She joined the staff in August 2023, and enjoys spending time outdoors.

Phone: (907) 746-5012
Email: tasha@thematsualaska.com

The Membership department is the primary advocate and resource hub for our network of local partners. This team is dedicated to helping businesses maximize their impact within The Mat-Su tourism economy. They manage all CVB-sponsored events that keep our community connected, including the Annual Meeting, Awards Banquet, and Membership Luncheons, as well as our signature Travel Auction.

Beyond networking, this department oversees essential member communications such as the Member Directory, the Annual Report, the member newsletter, and Visitor Guide advertising sales. We strive to provide our members with premier platforms to showcase their services to travelers planning their next Mat-Su expedition.

Katie Reeves

Membership Manager

Katie Reeves joined the Mat-Su CVB team in October 2023. In her spare time, Katie enjoys raising chickens – and her family – in Palmer.

Phone: (907) 746-5001
Email: katie@thematsualaska.com

The Marketing & Communications department is the creative engine responsible for managing the regional brand through multi-channel advertising, social media storytelling, and website management. By fostering relationships with journalists and digital creators, we inspire leisure and business travelers to explore our backyard. They act as the primary liaison for professional planners and tour operators, positioning the Valley as a strategic option for groups of all sizes. From securing sports tournaments in Wasilla and Palmer to coordinating group tour logistics in Willow and Sutton, Tourism Development moves the professional user from consideration to conversion. We provide the technical expertise, RFP support, and regional itineraries required to host world-class events in the heart of Alaska.

Justin SAunders

Marketing & Communications Manager

Justin Saunders has been with The Mat-Su CVB since 2010. He lives in the Knik River Valley and enjoys birding, maybe even a little too much.

Phone: (907) 746-5032
Email: justin@thematsualaska.com

Learn more about how we’re funded:

  • In 1988, voters approved a 5 percent bed tax which became the basis for the Mat-Su CVB funding.
  • The Mat-Su Borough and The Mat-Su CVB agreed upon a funding formula in 1994 to allocate The Mat-Su CVB’s share of bed tax revenue.
  • In FY21 and FY22, The Mat-Su CVB was funded with CARES funding through The Mat-Su Borough.
  • In FY23-26, a straight appropriation was made to The Mat-Su CVB from the Mat-Su Borough, unattached to the bed tax or a funding formula.