JEDC News

News from the Juneau Economic Development Council | JEDC.org
Tuesday, September 17, 2013


JEDC partners to advance teaching skills in Math & Science Teaching grants for UAS graduate studies are now available to educators in small Southeast schools. read more	Renewable Energy is progressing in the Capital City Electric Vehicles get a boost and and waste oil is now being collected for use as biofuel. read more	Indicator of the Month: Rent is on the rise in Juneau Juneau's median 2013 rent of $1,100 has increased 3% from 2012 rates while vacancy rates hold steady. read more

Southeast Alaska Small Schools Math Network

JEDC, University of Alaska Southeast and a coalition of small Southeast school districts have teamed up to offer continuing math and science education for K-8 teachers. Educators in the Craig, Hydaburg City and Southeast Island School Districts are eligible to apply for learning grants for entry in the Mathematics Elementary Education Graduate Certificate program. The program is aimed at increasing student math knowledge in rural Southeast communities and hopes to include over thirty dedicated educators over the next three years.

Find out more at www.southeastmathnetwork.org

Electric Vehicles powering up in Juneau

JEDC along with the Juneau Community Foundation have officially launched an effort to become the EV capital of the U.S. hoping to surpass Portland, Oregon for the most public charging stations per capita. A sustainable community grant along with local funds will be used purchase several charging stations to be installed around the city. The Renewable Energy Cluster and JEDC estimate there to be about a dozen electric cars currently driving in Juneau, most of them charging at home. Though most EVs can drive to the end of the road and back on a single charge, public stations will make it easier to stay out and about. To get the latest updates on this effort, "like" JEDC on Facebook. Or for more information contact [email protected]

Funding for this effort was provided by a grant from The Funders Growth Network and matched locally by Juneau Hydropower, The Leighty Foundation, AEL&P, Stanley Ford and the Juneau Community Foundation.

Brewing up biofuels with Juneau's waste oils

General Biodiesel from Seattle has recently expanded its operation to Juneau and will be collecting waste cooking oil from many area businesses. The oil will be shipped back to Seattle to be processed in their plant and used primarily for vehicle fuel. This is a welcome business for Juneau, creating jobs, keeping this oil out of Juneau's waste stream and saving the city money in disposal costs.

JEDC was instrumental in introducing General Biodeisel to the Juneau market. Earlier this year JEDC Staff visited business incubators in Seattle with former Washington State Senator and Innovation Summit speaker, Jim Kastama.

To get your business involved contact General Biodiesel .

Economic Indicator

Rents increase while vacancy rates hold steady

Juneau's median 2013 rent of $1,100, based on all unit types, has increased by 3 percent from 2012 rates, according to the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, which tracks rental costs and vacancy rates annually through a survey conducted by the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development. However, this increase follows a decrease in rental rates between 2011 and 2012.

Read the full article and link to the data at jedc.org.

Willoughby District Development Meeting review

Willoughby District businesses and land owners came out in numbers to discuss area development plans for the district. The meeting drew over 50 participants, clearly showing community interest in the future of the District and the opportunities it presents. Creating a shared vision amongst stakeholders in the area gives development a better chance of meeting community needs and creating a compelling district.

PRESENTERS INCLUDED:

Brian Holst, JEDC Executive Director - Overview of Downtown Revitalization project
Greg Chaney & Hal Hart, CBJ Community Development - CBJ Willoughby District Plan
James Bibb, Northwind Architects - Aspirations for the Willoughby District

WILLOUGHBY DEVELOPMENT UPDATES FROM:

Ruth Kostik, Perseverance Theatre - Willoughby Arts Complex vision
Linda Thibodeau, Division of Libraries, Archives & Museums - SLAM Project update
Paul Voelckrs, MRV Architects - 917 Glacier Avenue development success
Grady Saunders, Heritage Coffee - Corporate office expansion
Mark Graham, Foodland - Expansion plans

Find out more about Willoughby District and Downtown Revitalization efforts at JEDC here. Or read the minutes from the Willoughby District Develop Meeting here.

The Saturday Thing

The Saturday Thing is back from summer break. Our first sessions of the fall have filled up in a flash so register online now to save your kid a space.

Each week kids have the freedom to make, create & invent in our STEM AK workshop. There is no charge for the session but we ask that kids bring their creativity! Instruction, tools and supplies are included in this open learning environment focusing on education in Science, Technology, and Engineering & Math (STEM).

The Saturday Thing is looking for a new space and needs your help. To keep the program alive we are seeking approximately 1000 square feet of donated or low rent space. Contact Margaret O'Neal here or 523-2326 .

Saturday Thing

JEDC Board of Directors Openings

The Juneau Economic Development Council annually has openings on its Board of Directors. JEDC Board members are recommended to the Assembly by the current JEDC Board and then appointed by the CBJ Assembly based upon their experience and expertise in fields relating to economic development, including but not limited to large and small business, entrepreneurship, natural resource development, tourism, banking and finance, engineering and construction, and government.

Interested parties should contact JEDC Executive Director, Brian Holst here or at 523-2333. You will need to complete an application form and we request that you also submit a brief letter of qualification or interest. Applications can be sent to the City Clerk or to JEDC here.

JEDC Around Town

From Facebook.....

September 13 | The deadline for the Path to Prosperity competition is Monday! 12 Finalists will join in a Business Boot Camp in Juneau to help develop their business plan, enhance their entrepreneurial skills and expand their network.

September 12 | The Renewable Energy Cluster meets today at AEL&P. A lot has happened since the Innovation Summit in February. Sign up for our newsletter to hear all the latest -or- if your business or interest is in Renewable Energy, consider joining in.

August 29 | Packed house at the Willoughby District meeting tonight. Thanks to CBJ, Northwind Architects, MRV Architects, Heritage Coffee, Foodland, The Alaska State Museum and Perseverance Theatre for presenting plans and to all who showed interest in this promising district!

Get up to date JEDC news - join us on Facebook!