Hello Alaska,    

 ............and the race never ends. Now that you've started getting into basic social media, you should consider videos. The exposure is potentially staggering, especially when the video is promoted on your Facebook page and Twitter account. You tube's motto after all is "Broadcast yourself". Creating a small ad, or commercial that you can place on your free YouTube account takes little more than a camera, or phone with video capability and software that's usually included in most store bundles. (As always with technical items, if you have never produced a short video, ask any 14-year-old; they've done several). At this point, the experts in creating online video seem to match the majority of the online audience, but its not only kids that are doing internet viewing.

In March 2011 -

• Over 174,000 Americans viewed a video online, including 4.3 million ads, totaling close to 2 billion minutes of watching commercials
• 83.5 percent of the U.S. Internet audience viewed online video

3 out of the top 10 most watched videos of all time on YouTube feature..........wait for it......Justin Bieber. His music video "baby" has been seen over ½ billion times. This kid is a marketing monster, especially in his use of social media. I'm sure you remember from a previous newsletter that Justin has the second most Twitter followers? Well, he also holds the number 2 spot on Facebook, with nearly 9.5 million "FANS" So, which came first? The star that gained in popularity and whose social media presence became huge, or a kid with a cool haircut and a nice voice, whose social media campaign helped him to connect with his audience and made him a star? 

There are multiple reasons to use YouTube, and they go beyond just having a video hub. For example, the site lets you:

• Build a channel to highlight your videos and customize it with your logo and brand colors. Other YouTube users can subscribe to your channel so they're notified of any new video you post, giving you another point of contact with customers and members.
• Enhance your organization's search engine profile by offering yet another place - much like Facebook and Twitter - where mentions of your company, brand, products, services, or offerings can be found. Just make sure to give titles and descriptions to your videos that contain keywords associated with your business or organization. That way, when people search for a keyword related to you on a search engine like Google, they might find your website, Facebook Page, Twitter feed, and YouTube channel in the first set of results.
• Gain a view into your customer and prospect base through Insight, YouTube's free analytics tool. Insight not only shows which of your videos are most popular, but also where they're watching, demographic information, and how they're finding your video.
• Receive and respond to comments from viewers. YouTube notifies you of all new comments made on your videos, so you can quickly respond with a word of thanks or to answer any questions that may be asked.
• Easily share videos beyond YouTube by embedding them on your website or in a blog post or email, linking to them from Twitter, or posting them to your organization's Facebook Page (giving you better visibility in your fans' news feeds). And, viewers can do the same, pushing your video out to an even wider audience.

YouTube even offers a few tools to create videos, making it easy to get started. In fact, if you create a business video less than a minute long, we will post it to our Facebook page! See you next week!

Back by popular demand, the corrections and additions to last week's Farmer's Market list -

The Anchorage "Center Market"

Recently moved from the University Center to the Sears Mall in Midtown, just  behind the Carrs store at the corner of Benson and Denali.

        Wed 11 am - 6 pm

        Sat 10 am - 4 pm

The Fairbanks Downtown Market

            Golden Heart Plaza

            Mondays 4 pm - 8 pm

Wasilla City Market

            300 North Willow

            Saturdays and Sunday's 9am - 3pm

Juneau Farmer's & Artists Market

            Arts and Culture Center Juneau

Changed their times to Sundays at12-3PM (or later if it's busy!)

Speaking of markets.........

Jennifer Crow is recruiting vendors for the Alaska's Talented Moms Craft Show in the 4th Ave Marketplace on June 18th. This event is part of the Summer Solstice Festival in downtown Anchorage. Table space is only $75 for the day (10am-7pm) if anyone is interested, please contact her at craftclubgallery@gmail.com

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Broadband speed increase is on its way to rural Alaska!

StarBand is providing broadband over satellite service to rural underserved areas of Alaska as part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. The StarBand Open Skies Alaska initiative provides free equipment, free installation, & broadband speeds at an entry-level monthly service fee of $49.99*! Value added features include: 10 free hours of dial access per month for backup or traveling; virus protection; spam filtering; access to the StarBand Member Portal powered by Google; 24X7 online support; and up to 15 email accounts. Best of all, you can turn it on and off seasonally!

Visit http://www.starband.com/alaska to determine whether you are eligible for the program and for more information.

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Alpine Lodge $99 Weekend Special!

Enjoy the beautiful summer in Fairbanks (yes, they actually have one) for only $99 a night on Fri, Sat and Sun. Book your Room Today at www.akalpinelodge.com, or call my pal Shelley at 9070328-6375 to hook you up!

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Shooting for #1
Presenting Mr. Larry Potterfield, Founder and CEO of MidwayUSA,

2009 Baldrige National Award Winner
Friday, June 24, 2011 - Doors open at 11:30 a.m., Program begins at 12:00 p.m.
Dena'ina Civic & Convention Center
The cost is $35 ($40 at the door)
To register, please visit: http://shop.akrdc.org/

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Free IRS Webinar:  Real Estate Related Mortgage Interest

June 29 -- 11:00 a.m. (PT)

This webinar is primarily for tax professionals, mortgage brokers, lenders, and real estate investors.

Learn about:

• Interest on a Qualified Residence
• Home Equity Indebtedness
• Debt Treatment and Limitations
• Mortgage Points and Closing Costs
• Interest on Rental Property
• Resources for Other Real Estate Issues

To register, go to http://www.visualwebcaster.com

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Alaska Department of Labor Wage & Hour Seminar

June 20, July 19, Aug 16 - 9:00 AM -- 12:00 PM

3301 Eagle Street, Room 104, Anchorage

Free seminar from State of Alaska:

9:00 AM Wage & Hour

10:15 AM Child Labor

11:00 AM Title 36

For more information call (907) 269-4900.

See listing of this and other seminars on the AK SourceLink website calendar: http://www.aksourcelink.com/calendar

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Mark Your Calendars:

The Arctic Imperative Summit

June 19-21

Alyeska Resort, Girdwood

Two days of provocative discussions, investor roundtables and original research focusing on infrastructure development, policy needs and economic opportunities in the Alaskan Arctic. Don't miss this rare opportunity to share ideas with influential stakeholders and help shape future development in the region.

Visit www.arcticimperative.com for more information

Professional Development Seminar, sponsored by the Alaska Chapter of the PRSA

The Hybrid PR Professional with Deirdre Breakenridge(who has recently been named one of the Nifty 50 Women on Twitter and one of the Top 50 Small BizWomen on Twitter).

Attendees will learn the hybrid approach to social media roles and responsibilities, social media strategic planning and policy development. Discussion will include:

• How public relations, marketing and Web work together in an organization's social media outreach. 
• How public relations will rise to a level of one-on-one meaningful communication that helps marketing to embrace engagement over consumer interruption.
• How public relations has challenged traditional methods of monitoring and measurement to produce Return on Investment (ROI), as well as Return on Engagement (ROE), Return on Participation (ROP) and Return on Awareness (ROA).

Friday, June 24 8 AM  - 11:30 AM

Crowne Plaza Hotel

109 W. International Airport Rd., Anchorage, AK 99502

Breakfast is included.

Member fee $80.00

Non-member fee $110.00

Visit the PRSA website for more information and to register.

The Alaska Chapter of the AMA proudly presents its

Summer Lecture Series -

• Marketing Research July 14 Presented by Heather Handyside and Adam Hays, Hays Research Group

• Facebook, Marketing Online August 11 Presented by Ross Johnston, Fine Point

This in-depth lecture series takes place in the Carr Gottstein building Auditorium on the Alaska Pacific University campus. Parking is free. Open to the public, Free to AMA, AK Chapter members, and $10 for non-members. Bring a friend, your own lunch and we will see you there. Registration recommended at www.amaalaska.org

Alaska Dance Promotions is hosting the annual Alaska Salsa Festival at the Hotel Captain Cook this July 21 to 24, 2011.

It sounds like last year's event was a huge success, with over 300 people attending. Alaskans from Juneau, Fairbanks, Kenia and Anchorage joined with dance champions from Los Angelos, Washington and New York for four days of dance workshops, performances and competitions.  To get more information about the 2011 version, please visit: http://www.alaskadancepromotions.com/  

1st Annual Fishin' Chix Pink Rubber Boots Ladies Fishing Rodeo

Benefitting the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank

The Fish Hut Charters and Lodging, Kenai, AK

July 17, 2011

King Salmon Series

The First Place winners will receive 60%; Second Place will receive 30% and Third Place will Receive 10% of the cash pot.  The start time will be 7:00 a.m. shotgun start with the weigh-in at NOON sharp! The cost is $75 per person with 5% of the gross proceeds going to the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank and $21.25 towards tournament expenses.  There must be at least one Fishin' Chix Member on the boat to be allowed in the Tournament. Men may fish but are not eligible for any prizes.  There is a BBQ immediately following this event. Contact Jackie English - Independent Chapter Representative (907) 398-7877, akfishinchixs@hotmail.com, or Colleen Denbrock - Tournament Director (907) 262-4296 for more information and registration form.

AEDC Annual Outlook Luncheon

Featuring author and radio host Kurt Andersen

Wednesday July 27th

Noon-1:30 p.m.

Dena'ina Civic & Convention Center

Get Your Tickets Here

The Alaska Chapter of the American Planning Association is pleased to announce the 1st Annual Alaska State Planning Conference! You are welcome to join the APA at the Westmark in Fairbanks, November 7-8 for this historic event! The conference planning committee is currently seeking session proposals. Additional information about the conference will be posted on the Chapter website and Facebook page.

SBDC Workshops for Entrepreneurs:

• Anchorage:  Starting a Business 
• Bethel: Time Management 
• Juneau: -
• Fairbanks: "Steps" to Starting a Small Business 
• Ketchikan: Business Insurance Basics! 
•  Kenai Peninsula: Building A Business Plan - 1 - 3 p.m. 
• Wasilla:   How to Write an Effective Business Plan  
• Register QuickBooks Pro 2010 **ONLINE CLASS**  
• RURAL - Starting A Business Workshop Session 

Bid Opportunities

Sub-Contractor Opportunities

State of Alaska

State of Alaska-DOT

• KODIAK FENCING PROJECTS
• DEADHORSE AIRPORT REHABILITATION
• 4X4 Agricultural Farm Tractor with Attachments
• Bid Asphalt Melter Applicators
• 50-Ton Slide Axle Equipment Trailer, 3-Axle
• Academy Ammunition Order for the Department of Public Safety
• AIRPORTS INSPECTION SERVICES
• MERTARVIK WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT STUDY DRILLING SERVICES
  http://dot.alaska.gov/procurement/index.shtml

• South-Central -

Department of the Interior, National Park Service

National Park Service, Alaska Region is conducting this market research to ascertain if there are small businesses, which have the capability and experience to install video surveillance equipment for the Alaska Regional Office in Anchorage

https://www.fbo.gov/spg/DOI/

General Services Administration, Public Buildings Service

Domestic Water Piping Replacement Phase II

Place of Performance: Anchorage Federal Building/US Court House 222 West 7th Avenue Anchorage

https://www.fbo.gov/

Department of the Air Force, Pacific Air Forces, 3 CONS - Elmendorf

Asphalt at Elmendorf AFB

https://www.fbo.gov

Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

VESSEL CHARTER IN PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND

https://www.fbo.gov/

Department of the Air Force, Pacific Air Forces, 3 CONS - Elmendorf

Multi-Bin Recycling Collection Trailers

https://www.fbo.gov/spg/USAF

Anchorage School District

ORCA SOUNDINGS (BOOK) COLLECTION

http://www.asdk12.org

Department of the Air Force, Pacific Air Forces, 3 CONS - Elmendorf

Hospital Aquarium Maintenance

https://www.fbo.gov

Department of the Air Force, Pacific Air Forces, 3 CONS - Elmendorf

Asbestos Sampling/Abatement

https://www.fbo.gov/spg/USAF

Alaska Railroad

Dell Workstations/Racks/Servers

http://www.akrr.com/arrc1.html

UAA

Copier Leases for Distributive Copy Services

http://www.uaa.alaska.edu

http://www.akrr.com/arrc1.html

• Mat-Su Valley -

• Northern - Arctic -

North Slope Borough

• Design and Construction Contract Administration services for the installation of new above ground Water and Sewer Connections in Point Hope
• Point Hope Drum Disposal Services
  http://www.north-slope-procurement.com

• Southwest -  

Department of Homeland Security, United States Coast Guard

• REROOF HAZMAT STORAGE(N48) AND SPILL RESPONSE WAREHOUSE (BLDG 93) IN KODIAK https://www.fbo.gov/spg/DHS/USCG

Department of Homeland Security, United States Coast Guard

REROOF 8 LAKE LOUISE HOUSING UNITS

https://www.fbo.gov/spg/DHS

Department of the Interior, National Business Center

7 Appraisal Reports on Lake Illiamna

https://www.fbo.gov/

• Kenai Peninsula -

Kenai Peninsula Borough

• Motorola Encoder Enhancement - Preparation for CAD Toning Functionality
• River Hills Drive Paving Project
  http://purchasing.borough.kenai.ak.us/Opportunities.aspx

General Services Administration, Public Buildings Service

General Services Administration (GSA) is seeking to lease 876 to 968 So Ft. of office space in Seward

https://www.fbo.gov/spg/GSA/PBS/

• Southeast -

Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration

KAKE TO SEAL POINT ROAD

https://www.fbo.gov/spg/DOT/

Department of Agriculture, Forest Service

Road Improvements Segment 1 The Forest Service's Tongass National Forest anticipates issuing a solicitation and awarding a contract for the Forest Highway 43 (FH43) Road Improvements Segment 1 project. The project location is on Prince of Wales Island

https://www.fbo.gov/spg/USDA

Department of Agriculture, Forest Service

20ft Welded Aluminum Landing Craft Designed for safe operations on the ocean around Wrangell Alaska (FOB) balanced with the ability to operate in the shallow waters of the Stikine River.

https://www.fbo.gov/spg/USDA

Department of Agriculture, Forest Service

Tonka Timber Sale Layout

https://www.fbo.gov/spg/USDA

City of Juneau

Downtown Stair Rehabilitation Services Term Contract

http://www.demandstar.com/supplier

Department of Agriculture, Forest Service

Kook Creek Precommercial Thinning

https://www.fbo.gov/spg/USDA

Department of Agriculture, Forest Service

Situk River Watchable Wildlife Area Improvements

https://www.fbo.gov/spg/USDA

Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, R-10 Tongass National Forest

Lake Eva Cabin Site Reconstruction

https://www.fbo.gov/spg/USDA

Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, R-10 Tongass National Forest

Auke Recreation Road Culverts Rehabilitation

https://www.fbo.gov/spg

• Interior -

Department of the Air Force, Pacific Air Forces, 354 CONS - Eielson

Eielson Repair AGE Refueling equipment

https://www.fbo.gov/spg/

CITY OF FAIRBANKS

• REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL CITY OF FAIRBANKS PROFESSIONAL AUDITING SERVICES
• Public Works Roof Renovation
  http://www.ci.fairbanks.ak.us/

Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management

Rent Earth Moving Equipment Fairbanks

https://www.fbo.gov

General Services Administration, Public Buildings Service

Janitorial Services - Fairbanks Airport

https://www.fbo.gov/spg/

"Keeping the Change" in Alaska's Economy

BUY ALASKA's goal is to encourage Alaska's to shift their spending by 10%, effectively keeping over $700 million in Alaska every year.

When you purchase good and services from businesses with Alaska locations, you are doing your part to create more jobs.  And more people employed in Alaska means more property taxes for schools and roads, more charitable donations, more support for your youth teams and more customers for your business!  

Like us on facebook: www.facebook.com/BuyAlaskaKeepTheChange for more phone call and business!