Make Sure to Sign Up for the Coastal Communities Workshop 

In addition to our traditional two-day SWAMC event on February 10 & 11, we are pleased to team up with the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program to sponsor a Coastal Communities Workshop on February 9th, also at the Captain Cook. The Marine Advisory Program's knowledgeable experts will help facilitate discussion on some

Click here to register.

important issue areas, including how we transition from today's economy to that of future generations. The morning will focus on a few technical issues (fish handling, operational efficiencies) but the afternoon will be more interactive and discussion driven- consider it the "Southwest Dialogue." We will break out into issue groups where we hope to directly address some topics that will get to the heart of making coastal Alaska a sustainable area for endless generations. Please click on the image to sign up- we'd love to have you as part of the discussion. 

The Sea Grant workshop is just the kick-off to the full 2011 Southwest Alaska Economic Summit & SWAMC Annual Membership Meeting,  just one week away. The theme of  this year's event is Strong Communities, Vibrant Economies, and we've  lined up a couple days of great topics and speakers. Click here to see the latest agenda. We have added Larry Cotter of APICDA to speak at lunch on the first day, where he will address the latest developments in the ongoing Steller sea lion saga. We will hear about some cool education programs for all of our budding scientists and engineers (and even visit the pool for an exhibition!); talk about several important energy programs and projects in the region; discover the new opportunities presented by broadband; and, of course, discuss the value of seafood for the region. Those topics are just the tip of the iceberg for this year's program, so please make time to partake in all of the interesting issues we'll hear about.
  

Finally, we want to thank all who of have sponsored, registered, and signed up to exhibit at this year's conference. We know this is a busy time of year - and you have no shortage of meeting choices - so thank you for taking time to attend and participate. And special appreciation to those in rural Alaska who brave the elements (and the costs) to make it to Anchorage each and every year for this event. 

Thanks again for all your interest and support- see you next week!

Sincerely,