Anchorage Economic Development Corporation          Back to Top

FY 2010 Goals Accomplished

1. Working with its public relations firm, Thompson & Co. AEDC achieved 155 placements generating a publicity value of $1,028,116 reaching an audience of 14.1million through the third quarter of FY10.
2. AEDC averaged a 37:1 return on its media outreach program.
3. Of note is the growth in local radio coverage with over 8 on-air appearances or mentions in 4th Quarter of 09 alone.
4. AEDC will continue to cultivate these relationships in 2010. Studio 1080 (KUDO) is interested in a monthly update by AEDC and we are actively pursuing the opportunity.
5. Bill Popp was featured in an interview for a Financial Times article “Alaska: Doubts raised over demand for pipeline.”
6. AEDC’s 3rd quarter contact with Energy Intelligence reporter lead to multiple EnergyIntel.com articles including “Alaska Producers Target Smaller Pockets of Oil”, ”Alaska Gas Line Projects Dig in; Governor, et al, push for merger”, ”North Slope Gas Eyed as Engine for Industrial Natural Gas Use” and “Horizon: Global LNG, Feedstock Potential for Alaska's Liquids-Rich Gas.”
7. Anchorage named in list “Which 10 cities have the most urban gardens?” on Daily Green Blog
8. Bill Popp and AEDC were featured in KTUU piece titled “Enstar teams with TransCanada to store natural gas in Alaska.” Bill spoke about the impacts this might have on Anchorage and the Southcentral economy.
9. Bill Popp was interviewed for 10/26/2009 Anchorage Daily Planet article “Alaska experiences record job growth despite increasing unemployment.”
10. Opinion piece by Bill Popp entitled “Alaska must take advantage of spotlight for film, TV” featured in November 5th issue of Alaska Journal of Commerce.
11. Anchorage was featured as #8 on “Top-Earning States For Women” list on Forbes.com. Article was also picked up by today.msnbc.com and MSNmoney.com
12. Anchorage was ranked 34 best place in November 9th, Children’s Health Magazine “The Best and Worst Places to Raise a Family” article.
13. AEDC Resource Jobs Forecast featured in November 25th Petroleum News article “Projecting the Jobs.”
14. AEDC projections and Bill Popp featured on KTUU newscast “Economists say Alaska's economy will hold its own in 2010.”
15. AEDC 2010 projections and Bill Popp featured on Alaska Real Estate Showcase AEDC and Bill Popp appeared on multiple radio talk shows to talk about Anchorage’s economy and the role of AEDC. They included The Mark Colavecchio Show (KFQD), Studio 1080 (KUDO), The Mike Porcaro Show (KENI) and The Dan Fagan Show (KFQD).
16. Bill Popp and AEDC’s 2010 Economic Forecast (abbreviated) was featured on KSKA and APRN in two pieces entitled “Anchorage gets Peek at 2010 Economic Picture” and “Anchorage's economic forecast appears mixed.”

PERFORMANCE METRICS:

ONLINE DOCUMENTS ACCESSED:     30,000 times
TOTAL MEDIA IMPRESSIONS FOR 2009     $27,811,464
TOTAL AD EQUIVALENCY FOR PUBLIC RELATIONS PROGRAM 2009   $3,745,178

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE:

MORE THAN 100 IN-STATE AND OUTSIDE COMPANIES ASSISTED BY AEDC IN 2009

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

1. Assisted - National retail chain looking into enter the Anchorage market.
2. Assisted - Fossil Fuel & Renewable energy companies.
3. Worked with local company to source properties and services for the film industry.
4. Directed multiple companies looking for demographic and salary information to anchorageprospector.com
5. Helped manufacturing company open sales office in Anchorage.
6. Provided out-of-state cargo company information about Anchorage opportunities.
7. Met with national drugstore chain regarding anchorage economy and opportunities.

Other FY 2010 Accomplishments

The Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and the Kenai Peninsula Borough continue to team up on economic development efforts. The three communities, spanning more than 52,000 square miles across Southcentral Alaska, signed a Memorandum of Agreement.

The Anchorage Economic Development Corporation has been given limited authority to lead the effort to recruit new business investment to the region. Southcentral is the fastest growing region of the state, with more than 60 percent of the state population. AEDC will focus on several industries as immediate business opportunities to continue to grow the regional economy. AEDC will provide efficiencies in the marketing of the Southcentral region to international and domestic business interests and will use innovative recruitment tools and strategies to engage new business investment and help expand existing businesses in the region.

Bering Strait Development Council          Back to Top

FY 2010 Goals Accomplished

1. Worked with four tribes (King Island, Nome Eskimo, Mary’s Igloo and Council) and completed their Local Economic Development Plans (LEPDs). The updated LEDPs for King Island, Mary’s Igloo and Council have been uploaded to the Kawerak website. The updated LEPD for Nome Eskimo is located on their website.
2. Eleven communities were funded through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program. Diomede and Shishmaref both received Indian General Assistance Program grants through the Environmental Protection Agency for environmental projects.
3. Held a regional Grant Writers Symposium on September 28-30, 2010 in Nome with representatives from grant agencies and business development agencies. There were 21 participants in attendance.
4. Held regional Energy Conference with representatives from all the local villages. Conference focused on the region’s top 5 energy concerns. The top 3 regional energy priorities were identified through this conference. 
5. Completed the regional energy report in December 2009. Published a regional energy newsletter “Multi-power Local”, focusing on current regional energy projects and legislation of interest to the region and the state. Both of these can be found on the Kawerak website. Developed and distributed and energy bulletin “The Bolt” focusing on energy related funding opportunities as well as time sensitive energy information for the region.
6. Funded 14 grant writers in the region to work on their communities’ top priorities. Developed the “Floating Grant Writer” program. This program is designed to help those communities who find it difficult to hire a qualified grant writer from their village, while qualified grant writers are unemployed in other villages in the region.
7. Completed and additional 21 workshops through partnering with the State of Alaska Office of Economic Development and the U.S. Treasury for financial education and literacy. Financial Fitness Skills were provided to an additional 239 clients. There were 16 savings accounts opened and 79 credit reports provided. This partnership resulted in the expansion and creation of two local businesses creating 4 new jobs and delivering 2 new ATMs to the villages of the region.
8. A new partnership was formed with the University of Alaska Anchorage Center for Economic Development and Alaska SourceLink. Through this partnership two workshops were held. These workshops focused on entrepreneurship and starting a growing successful business. There were 13 participants in Nome and 14 in Unalakleet.
9. The Regional Conference was held on March 23-25, 2010 in Nome. Kawerak’s Community Planning and Development (CPD) Program hosted 5 workshops. These workshops included 2 along the energy tract with one presentation from the Cold Climate Housing Research Center on Sustainable Northern Shelter. There were also 2 environmental tract workshops, and 1 on emergency planning operations. In addition to the workshops CPD also hosted 2 conference tables presenting the e-commerce center and small business assistance programs.
10. Partnered with Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation (NSEDC) to provide assistance to their 2009 Small Business Initiative (SBI) awardees with all facets of business start up, planning and expansion. All 5 awardees had vendor tables at the Kawerak Regional Conference.
11. Provide assistance to 130 individuals seeking help with small business development, including 15 inquiries into the NSEDC SBI competition. 6 of those inquiries turned into assistance with developing a business plan and submission of proposals for the 2010 WBI competition.
12. Tuition assistance was provided for 9 individuals to take QuickBooks training to enhance their accounting and tracking skills for their businesses.

Other FY 2010 Accomplishments

Partnered with the State of Alaska, Division of Economic Development; the U.S. Department of Treasury's Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) in a pilot project that provided financial education and services to rural residents. This partnership resulted in the expansion of one business and creation of another businesses creating 4 new jobs and delivering 2 new ATMs to the villages of the region.

Collaborated and supported the Alaska Energy Authority/Alaska Industrial Development
and Export Authority and regional entities to create and publish a regional energy plan submitted in December 2009.

Copper Valley Development Association          Back to Top

FY 2010 Goals Accomplished

Enhanced tourism marketing –

1. Developed the fifth edition of the Historical Copper Center Map and Activity Guide with over 10,000 copies distributed for use by tourists.
2. Helped promote three community special events.
3. Developed and maintaining www.opperriverlodging.com web site funded by the DART program for lodging facilities in the Copper River Country to promote tourism in the region.
4. Held the Buy Alaska Workshop where 12 individual businesses benefitted.
5. Provided AKSourceLink, Social Media 101 Workshops with Aliza Sherman, Small Business Development Center and Made in Alaska workshops.
6. Coordinated the Fireweed Festival and Kenny Lake Fair with 45 craft and food vendors with over 150 people participated in even event.

Enhanced activities/attractions for locals and tourists –

7. Facilitated 1 and 5 year strategic planning for CVDA.
8. Community Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) was approved for update Dec 2009, which Copper River Native Association (CRNA) completed.
9. Coordinated four community special events.

Increased education of workforce –

10. Provided community awareness of local educational and networking opportunities with monthly calendar updates.
11. Website management for community information to our website.
12. Distributed and posted educational opportunities and provided planning support;
13. Facilitated community workshop planning meeting and notification of funding opportunities.
14. Provided small business development support to 24 individuals for start-up or expanding their businesses.
15. Managed Youth Adult Partnership Program with University Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension-4H Program, educating youth in leadership skills and techniques to teach ATV safety.

Enhanced student understanding of regional resources –

16. Developed trail and facilitated design of nine signs for the Copper Center School Trail Project, working with local students, local artisan, Native community and AmeriCorps worker.
17. Provided assistance to Wrangell Institute for Science and Environment (WISE); provided technical and planning assistance,
18. Provided Technical assistance for Gakona Village’s Youth Environmental Summit.
19. Coordinated two infrastructure field trips for elementary school students.

Increased agricultural facilities –

20. Provided technical advice and support of Kenny Lake community kitchen project including project management and grant administration assistance.
21. Supported bi-weekly Farmers Market in Copper Center.

Infrastructure –

22. Assisted Kenny Lake Fire Department and Community establish a new well.
23. Support the building of a Laundromat facility in Glennallen.
24. Support the building of new office space and community center for Glennallen.
25. Support of Copper River Native Association in developing and building new clinic and hospital facilities for the region. This will create an estimated 45 jobs in the area.

Other FY 2010 Accomplishments
Participated in the bi-annual Land Manager’s Forum which brings together Tribal entities, State and Federal land managers and offices to exchange information on current resource management issues.

Fairbanks North Star Borough
Economic Development Commission          Back to Top

FY 2010 Goals Accomplished

1. Develop systems to develop and accelerate local entrepreneurs and technology transfer: In partnership with FEDC and the University established an Economic Opportunity Task Force which brings together community entrepreneurs and university researchers in a monthly lunch.  This has resulted in entrepreneurs investing in peony production, staking mining claims, exploring other opportunities related to University research.  Partnered with university to establish University of Alaska Foundation Award that incentivizes entrepreneurship in the university and community.  Received $10,000 in initial contributions.  Supported first annual Arctic Innovation Competition at UAF.  Rolled out AK SourceLink in the Interior region.  This tool provides a one-stop shop to small businesses and entrepreneurs looking for resources.  Co-chaired Showcasing Solutions – a statewide group committed to helping entrepreneurs meet, network, and develop.  This group continues to find ways to meet the needs of Alaskan entrepreneurs in mentoring, access to capital, and other resources.
2. Develop sustainably affordable energy solutions: Worked closely with Alaska Gasline Port Authority on natural gas trucking proposal.  Project is in the final stages of due diligence and continues to move toward fruition.  Partnered with UAF School of Management student team to develop business plan for harvesting and selling dry fire wood in the interior. 
3. Actively participate in developing the ARDOR Statewide Economic Development Strategy: Completed and am rolling out Phase I of AK Forward project. Continue to be active member of AK Forward Phase II Planning and Implementation group. 
4. Continue to strengthen university/community partnerships: Partnered with University in many ways.  Together we established a statewide University Economic Development Task Force committed to finding ways that the university can partner with communities, regions and the state in moving economic development forward.  Continued to partner with UAF on regional economic development projects, including peony production, mining mapping, blueberry production, unmanned aerial vehicles, etc.
5. Ensure accurate US Census count of FNSB populations:  Partnered with US Census Bureau, US Post Office, and many community organizations to get the word out about how and why people should complete Census Questionnaires.  Recognized regionally and nationally for using novel and effective means to get the count out.  Worked with US Post Office to get Be Counted forms and posters in Post Offices – the only place in the nation this has occurred.  Conducted first annual Homeless Connect to ensure homeless were counted and received services. 
6. Fully utilize all authorized VISTA slots in economic development/poverty reduction projects: Filled ten VISTA positions in the community.  VISTAs worked on projects related to homelessness, senior services information network, job mentoring for youth in Fairbanks Youth Facility, Buy Local campaign, developing a successful recycling program, developing a local cooperative market, after-school program for at risk youth, and more.
7. Update CEDS: Received Economic Development Administration grant to update the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. Conducted stakeholder interviews, began conducting on-line survey and meeting with various local industry and business organizations.  Will finalize this fall.

Other FY 2010 Accomplishments

The FNSB partnered with many local organizations to create a regionally recognized Complete Count Committee.  Fourteen sub-committees worked together to get the word out to Census hard to count populations.  The Alaska Gasline Port Authority partnered with GVEA to put together a viable project to manufacture and deliver LNG in the FNSB and to deliver propane to interior and northern regions.  We also partnered with other regional economic development organizations on the AK Forward planning process, to create a statewide economic development strategy.

Interior Rivers Resource and Conservation Development Council          Back to Top

FY 2010 Goals Accomplished

1. With major support and contributions from USDA NRCS RC&D Coordinator, a 5-year Area Plan and Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy was submitted to State of Alaska, Department of Community, Commerce & Economic Development, Alaska Regional Development Organizations (ARDOR) on behalf of Interior Rivers RC&D Council, Inc. A copy of the Area Plan is posted on Interior Rivers website: www.interiorrivers.org. The Area Plan includes a complete description of the region in respect to natural setting, climate, government(s), employment, housing, utility services, health care, transportation, land resource and use, and Native Corporation status. The Area Plan addresses four elements which are: community development, land conservation, land management, and water management.
2. In late fall of 2009 a region-wide tourism survey was conducted of all postal patrons. The responses proved vast diverse opinions. With the outcome of the survey Interior Rivers decided not to pursue tourism as an organization, but to provide individuals with the resources to consider pursuing tourism and/or developing a local business on their own. Business development resource outreach trips to Kalskag, Grayling, Russian Mission, Crooked Creek, and Sleetmute were conducted by the executive director. Of this, interested individuals were provided resources available and invited to attend a business resource meeting in Aniak March 2010. Approximately 20 people from surrounding villages attended a 2-day resource meeting with personnel from AK SourceLink and University of Alaska Rural Outreach Program for Entrepreneurs (ROPE).
3. The Native Village of Kalskag Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (IGAP) director requested assistance in developing an emergency response plan for the community.  Interior Rivers met with the director, and staff, and a plan of action was set. Community meetings were held with city and tribal governments, school officials, law enforcement, health clinic staff, to identify potential hazards whether natural or manmade. Once hazards and critical facilities were identified emergency plans were requested from the businesses, schools, City Office, phone and electric company that would be instrumental in the event of a disaster. Such plans will be included in the completed ERP.

Other FY 2010 Accomplishments

• Interior Rivers RC&D Council and Mid-Yukon/Kuskokwim Soil and Water Conservation banded together to assist locals with various gardening supplies. Seeds, fertilizer, plant starts, and seed potatoes were provided to interested individuals. Bulk items were purchased then sold locally at a lower cost.
• Under a separate project Interior Rivers RC&D Council made a bulk purchase of easy assembly greenhouse kits. The kits can be set up in any remote area, i.e. back yard, spring or fish camp, no tools needed. Not meant for mass production, they are ideal for individual families to have healthier, robust crops.
• There has been an increase in local gardening/farming in the last few years. More in-depth planning and coordination will be conducted to focus on a regional farming business or supplier.

Kenai Peninsula Borough Economic Development District          Back to Top

FY 2010 Goals Accomplished

1. Held Forums and attended meetings across the Borough.  Worked on the creation and development of the Kenai Municipal Conference.  Held two meeting with all the mayors to set the bylaws and timelines.
2. Major update to the CEDS is completed.  The document will be printed by the end of July.  Conducted the first business survey called the Gap Analyst, to measure the barriers to business on the Kenai Peninsula.  Over 300 hundred businesses were interview, 70 sit down face-to-face interviews.  This information will be included in the CEDS.
3. The Executive Director is a member of the Executive Committee, which held several meeting in Juneau and Anchorage, and teleconferences to provide leadership in moving the State Economic Plan forward.
4. Applied for a USDA Grant to start the feasibility study for the vocational education program.

Other FY 2010 Accomplishments

KPEDD partnered with the Kenai Peninsula Chapter of the Alliance to conduct an Industry Opportunity Forum.  All the major owners of oil and gas companies were represented as well as the mining industry, cruise ship, coal export, and coal gasification projects.  All of these projects are important to our economy of both the region and the state.  This resulted in a private section funding of over $20,000.00 to pay for the forum.

FY 2010 Goals Accomplished

1. Commercial salmon fishing quality standards were promoted in Kuskokwim fisheries, through our salmon quality management program, now in its eleventh year. As a result of our slush bag availability, over 150 fishermen received a mid-winter bonus from the local processor for icing their catch. (Source: Coastal Villages Seafoods)
2. Partnered with the Department of Commerce’s, Division of Economic Development, Developing Alaska Rural Tourism staff, Kuskokwim Campus UAF, Marine Advisory and a local bed and breakfast operator providing regional training and mentorship with seven regional course participants during the summer of 2010.
3. Assessed the need for services not currently being provided; twelve prospective entrepreneurs were assisted through training and mentorship to complete applications with the Alaska Marketplace and others to launch a small business in their communities. (Alaska Federation of Natives - Alaska Marketplace)

Other FY 2010 Accomplishments

Continue interagency meetings and efforts to prepare local residents for new job opportunities coming to our region.

FY 2010 Goals Accomplished

1. Completed the update of the  regional CEDS and Work Plan with CEDS Committee input and regional stakeholder review  the document has been forwarded on to the Economic Development Administration for formal adoption as Mat-Su’s regional economic development strategy.
2. Mat-Su RC&D was integral in getting to Phase I: A Situational Analysis in the Alaska Forward project, which aims to create a statewide economic development strategy for Alaska. This will be the first strategy of its kind for the state. Mat-Su RC&D has continued to be actively involved in the Phase II- Development & Implementation of the Initiative.
3. Played an integral role in attracting the development of a 12 screen Multi-Plex Cinema in Wasilla creating 30 – 40 full and part time positions. Played conduit role in assisting them in securing $10 Million in financing for project. Construction is currently under way with a projected Dec 15th opening. Mat-Su RC&D is currently working with the developer on expansion of his Alaska division to other regions.
4. Negotiated sale of Big Lake Fish Hatchery – portion of proceeds will be used in development of micro-loan program.

Other FY 2010 Accomplishments

• Continued partnership with Mat-Su Borough on infrastructure development and expansion of Port Mackenzie as an industrial port and manufacturing area to provide employment and diversified tax base, including; installation of Gas Utilities and Road improvements to the port.
• Assisted Mat-Su Borough in securing $3 Million in funding from the Economic Development Administration ARRA funds to double the size of the existing barge dock.

Northwest Arctic Borough Economic Development Commission               Back to Top

FY 2010 Goals Accomplished

1. The NWA Energy Steering Committee has been organized and has met several times this year.  It consists of one representative from every community in our borough, one representative from each major organization and one from each major energy producer.
2. The Northwest Arctic Strategic Energy Plan was adopted by the Steering Committee in December 2009 as the guiding document for future regional Energy development. The plan is a dynamic document, contains the latest data and information pertinent to our region, and will be revised by the Steering Committee as needed.
3. Supported many energy initiatives within our region including: the Wind-Diesel project in three communities; programming and installing TED (The Energy Detective) meters for all households in three communities; the purchasing and installing of LED light replacement for one community; a 2 crt Alternative Energy university class, Sp09; the Cosmos Hills Hydro (electric) project study; researching and helping to write a grant for a Solar PV for heating water/sewer lines; a flow battery project; biomass study & workshop; solar heating project with NIHA (Northwest Inuipiat Housing Authority), and EECBG (Energy Efficiency Block Grants) for Tribes and Cities.  
4. Supported the second three-day NWAB Planning Department sponsored mining conference in Kotzebue and almost 20 participants earned college credit while attending the conference.
5. Participated and joined the SWER (Single Wire Electric Return) Committee to investigate the possibility of networking rural communities and to reduce electrical costs.
6. Contracted with WH Pacific engineering firm to establish the process and begin developing the wind-diesel electrical generation project for Deering and Buckland using a $10M grant from the Alaska Energy Authority.  Plans to begin the project in Noorvik will continue soon.
7. The Sulaŋich Art Center website continues to develop towards its initial launch: a policy has been drafted, a contract with our website host has been consummated, our website design has been drafted, art items have been photographed & many artist bios are finalized.
8. After overcoming a couple of barriers, we are finally able to take payment at our art center with our credit card machine.
9. With a grant through AlaskaSourceLink we were able to bring in a number of resource techs and small business entrepreneurs to participate in a two day small business resource training workshop.
10. Staff was trained and utilized our resources to document the making of a traditional sunshine ruff by one of our talented elders.
11. The Sulaŋich Art Center continues to provide shop space for artists to work and share techniques with each other.
12. Northwest Arctic Broadband Task Partners supported Internet Service Providers with their ARRA federal grant applications to bring broadband to the Northwest Arctic Region.
13. Staff wrote and submitted three (3) grant applications to support the demand for digital media development training
14. Promoted the QAI Sivulliq Nipi (regionally meaningful digital multi-media skills development) Project through ten (10) teleconferences and in person presentations
15. Partnered with the Native Village of Kotzebue to begin a Nikaitchuat Ilisagvait Iñupiaq Language Immersion School Curriculum Methodology Demo DVD (a sample of how they teach to complement what they teach).
16. Provided intermediate audio and video training for staff and to Nikaitchuat Ilisagviat Iñupiaq Language Immersion School staff for development of a CD to accompany their Iñupiaq Phrase Book.

Other FY 2010 Accomplishments

• In mid July 2009, the three-day Fifth Arctic Economic Development Summit (with the North Slope Borough, the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, NANA, Inc., and the NW Arctic Borough) was held in the Native Village of Point Hope.  This was our fifth summit. The theme of this summit was: “Two Regions One People No Boundaries”.  

• The boroughs are not only home to but have experienced residents with world class resource development projects.  However, both regions recognize that in the future they will be faced with decreasing revenues and reduced services, while social services necessities seem to continue to increase.

• The Boroughs are being proactive by increasing dialogue with residents, industries, and State and Federal officials on the issues of off-shore oil development, mining and social issues.

Prince William Sound Economic Development District      Back to Top

FY 2010 Goals Accomplished

1. PWSEDD, in partnership with its communities, National Wildlife Federation, Chugach State Park, USFS held meetings in the region and are making progress.  Member Chenega Corp. has received a State grant to build a cabin on Chenega land for Marine Trail users in western Prince William Sound, construction will take approximately 40 days.  Possible launching facilities/camp grounds are being discussed for the Head of Passage Canal in Whittier.  The enormous Cold War fuel storage tanks located in this area are being removed this summer!
2. PWSEDD became AKSourceLink partners in September, 2009, and held meetings in our communities with Linda Ketchum, University of Alaska Center for Economic Development, as featured speaker and official “Network Builder”.  This service is available for business owners and those wishing to open a new business, online, as well as a toll free hot line offering assistance.  We also provided brochures to the communities with our Board of Directors in the region.
3. Tatitlek, in its first attempt to introduce a cockle fishery, needs further experimentation and will confer with specialists in Seward this winter.  However, silver salmon smolt from Valdez Fisheries Development Association were successfully planted this spring in Tatitlek.
4. In Tatitlek, discussions continue about placing wind energy turbines for the village.  Data is being gathered and evaluated in several locations near the village for the highest wind velocity, and cannot interfere with the local airport.
5. In Cordova, repairs and updates at the hydro station at Humpback Creek will be complete this December, 2010.  Chenega Bay hydro feasibility study is now complete.

Other FY 2010 Accomplishments

In March, 2010, the region’s heavy vessel lift opened for business in Cordova and has seen tremendous activity since. This project will be available for marine repairs and maintenance. 

Construction began on the region’s Cold Storage plant in Valdez, Phase I by the Valdez Fisheries Development Association, and will be available year-long for new varieties of seafood.  These new facilities will add jobs, encourage training opportunities, and encourage new businesses.

Southeast Conference          Back to Top

FY 2010 Goals Accomplished

1. Our support for the local communities came to view with Resolution 10-12
   a resolution expressing support for Juneau broadband.   Along with this resolution we signed an agreement with Rivada Sea Lion to join American Recovery and Reconstitution Act Rural Utilities Service Rural Broadband Grant for the service aimed broadband rural expansion phase II project.  This project if funding is approved will build infrastructure for our communities to develop broadband expansion.
2. Also Resolution 10-13 A Resolution Supporting the Alaska Offeror’s Preference, & Opposing HB 225 if it eliminates the Alaska Offeror’s Preference. This effort is to maintain the Alaska Offerors Preference so our local contractors have equal competitive standing with state contract work.  HB225 was not passed.
3. We also were a large determining factor in the decision of the legislature to increase funding for three additional local government specialist positions in the state increasing the state support for our small communities and their governing bodies.
4. Southeast Conference maintained a strong relationship to the mining industry in Southeast Alaska through support for legislation for the local mines as well as statewide.  We are active members of the Alaska Miners Association and attend the annual community advisory meetings hosted by Hecla Mining Company.
5. Southeast Conference’s energy program had a very productive year assisting the regional utilities and municipalities in achieving progress in their energy goals. Last year 3 new hydroelectric generation facilities were brought on line in southeast Alaska (Kasidaya near Skagway, Lake Dorothy in Juneau and Falls Creek in Gustavus).
6. Another major milestone was the completion of the Swan – Tyee transmission line between Ketchikan and Wrangell.
7. The SEC Energy Coordinator was 1 of 16 members of a legislative working group convened by the Alaska State House Special Committee on Energy that met throughout the year to draft the state’s first energy policy. This policy, coupled with significant legislation passed by the Alaska Senate, will provide guidance for state investment and actions for generations to come. Both provisions were enacted into law.
8. Considerable progress is being made on energy projects in each community in southeast (especially the Kake to Petersburg intertie project and the Reynolds Creek hydro).
9. Southeast Conference continues to facilitate those efforts, networking technical support and serving as a resource of information regarding energy projects and issues for the region. We also serve as a conduit for and enabler of state and federal efforts to assist in the development of community energy infrastructure in southeast Alaska.

Other FY 2010 Accomplishments

Our efforts went toward the shellfish industry this year.  The shellfish farmers in Naukati have formed cooperative and are working on some best practices and regional processing opportunities.

Southeast Alaska Regional Solid Waste Authority continues to progress with four members now.  This year they will develop a regional plan for the disposal of solid waste in our region.

Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference          Back to Top

FY 2010 Goals Accomplished

1. Completed the regional CEDS and Work Plan with CEDS Committee input and regional stakeholder review. SWAMC was granted an AmeriCorps* VISTA to assist with the research and analysis of the CEDS. The document will be forwarded on to the Economic Development Administration for formal adoption as Southwest Alaska’s regional economic development strategy.
2. Provided small business technical assistance workshops to hub communities. SWAMC organized and/or participated in five during this past fiscal year. The communities were Ouzinkie, Unalaska, Kodiak, Dillingham and Naknek. Ouzinkie’s workshop consisted of a business planning and tourism development session and offered technical assistance to the local economic development organization with their plans for a visitor cultural heritage tour. The other workshops were part of SWAMC’s efforts to incorporate the Alaska SourceLink small business support network into our business assistance portfolio.
3. SWAMC’s energy project continues to be led by an active volunteer committee and is currently staffed by our AmeriCorps*VISTA volunteer Kathryn Abbott. The committee weighed in on several energy bills and policy documents over the fiscal year, including several pages of comments on the Legislature’s Energy Policy, which eventually passed and contained many positives for our region.
4. SWAMC is very active in organizing and sponsoring an energy workshop on implementing renewable energy projects at SWAMC’s annual meeting in partnership with the USDA Rural Development. The 2010 for the full day event (early Feb.) was very successful and was attended by 60 people. Topics covered efficiencies that households (and utilities) can implement that result in cost savings for residents, a look at successful renewable and alternative energy projects in the region that can be duplicated, and the different funding sources that can be accessed to help with reducing the cost of energy in the region. There was representation from state and federal agencies as well as utilities from throughout the region.
5. Over the last fiscal year, SWAMC has explored the idea of integrating Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPOs) into the state as a way to more Discussions effectively plan for transportation development in rural Alaska. RTPOs are used across the country and could be a good fit for Southwest Alaska’s communities. We had a national speaker at our conference describe the function of RTPOs, and our membership passed a resolution in support of their formation. We plan to talk to lawmakers about this subject in between legislative sessions.
6. There are several broadband projects in the works for Western and Southwestern Alaska, and SWAMC has hosted speakers and discussions on the opportunities these projects could bring for the region. In FY10 we started the groundwork for creating a regional broadband consortium to discuss and plan for the positive economic benefits of the various proposals.
7. SWAMC responded to many queries for information from travel media outlets who were contacted at the Alaska Travel Industry Association’s Alaska Media Road Show in Santa Barbara. This information will hopefully be included in stories about the region which are effective marketing tools. The impact of stories is far greater than general advertizing and will lead to increased visitation to the region. In addition, SWAMC provided input to a travel writer for the Southwest Alaska portion of Brandt’s travel guide for Alaska.
8. SWAMC’s ad hoc tourism committee created a new regional tagline in FY09: "Southwest Alaska... The Alaska You're Looking For". For this past fiscal year, the group adopted a new logo and an RFP was awarded to a Kodiak developer to overhaul the tourism marketing website (www.southwestalaska.com). The new website is complete and is much more interactive and user-friendly than the previous site. The project was made possible by funding from EDA’s Developing Alaska Rural Tourism (DART) grant, administered by the OED Travel Office.
9. SWAMC staff continues to respond to visitor inquiries from around the country and the world and distributes printed visitor information to all who request it.
10. SWAMC continues to be involved in a number of fisheries issues, including policy work at the national, state, and regional levels. SWAMC is working closely with the Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game to help them design, develop, and implement a system to collect and record socio-economic data from commercial fishery crewmembers. The Dept. and SWAMC are currently drawing up an MOA to work together on a pilot project for a test fishery regarding this issue, and we are currently in discussion with possible legislative sponsors.
11. SWAMC was integral in getting to Phase I: A Situational Analysis in the Alaska Forward project, which aims to create a statewide economic development strategy for Alaska. This will be the first strategy of its kind for the state, and we will remain committed to seeing this vision through to the end.

Other FY 2010 Accomplishments

SWAMC staff worked with regional entities and municipalities to provide effective business training and technical assistance to communities throughout the region. Although no quantitative deliverables are available, the primary purpose of the workshops was to produce a quantitative change within the business community of southwest Alaska. The better trained our business owners and entrepreneurs are will significantly increase the success rate of ventures thereby securing the long term viability of our business base in the region.

SWAMC took the lead in gathering regional public input to get the Southwest Alaska ferry service schedule changed to twice-monthly trips in the summer. The Tustumena had only been making one trip a month out the Aleutian Chain for several years, but with strong advocacy we got additional trips put into the State’s operating budget. The extra trip will be a big boost to the local economies of those ferry service communities.

SWAMC assisted a local tribal council with the development of a comprehensive energy strategy, with the hopes of creating new business due to lower energy costs. The Native Village of Chignik Lagoon asked us for assistance with their plan, and we met 6 times throughout the fiscal year as we worked towards a strategy. We devised three major goals to accomplish for the next fiscal year: to complete the design and procure final funding for their community hydro project; to initiate a major energy efficiency & conservation campaign in the community; and to utilize local renewable energy resources for their two public facilities in town (school and multi-purpose building).

SWAMC was involved with meetings between the public and private sector to get a new seafood operation, Aleutian Pacific Seafoods, up and running in Sand Point to provide another buying/processing source in the region. Our involvement was helping with the investment side by getting AIDEA to the table. The team seems committed to the project and the plant could be operating by 2012.