The Kenai Peninsula’s first Verizon retailer celebrated its grand opening Friday, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Victra location in Soldotna.

The next closest Verizon retailer, in Anchorage, is hours away from the Kenai and Soldotna area, Mitchell Muna, regional sales and business director, said Monday.

Muna said the expansion makes their services and products more accessible to borough residents.

Muna oversees the Pacific region, which includes Hawaii and Alaska. He said that the move to enter a new community isn’t taken lightly, but that expansion in Alaska is something Victra has been “highly anticipating.” He said opening a location on the Kenai Peninsula came after a “meticulous” process of assessing demand, population and opportunity.

Entering a new community, especially offering a network that hasn’t previously been easily accessible, he said, means focusing on the product they’re offering.

Also important, Muna said, is engaging with the community. That’s why Victra has developed a relationship with Skyview Middle School, and why Skyview teacher Patrick Herding was celebrated at the opening.

Herding was selected by Skyview Principal Shonia Werner for his work bringing LEGO robotics to the school. Herding explained Friday that the LEGO robotics teach coding and development to students, and that there is lots of room for students to find success and even receive scholarships for the work.

The new Victra location is on the Sterling Highway near AK Crazy Collector in Soldotna.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.

Andrew Farina prepares to cut the ribbon at the grand opening of Victra in Soldotna, Alaska, on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)