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Economic Development and Advocacy for Southwest Alaska
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January 2013
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Greetings!
We have a few more updates for you on SWAMC's 2013 Economic Summit and Annual Membership Meeting, being held February 20th - 22nd in downtown Anchorage. The agenda is still evolving as we accomodate the busy schedules of a number of our speakers. However, the program is getting stronger with each change, so we look forward to a great event. SEE THE LATEST AGENDA HERE. This email will highlight a few items that you can read about in more detail below. They include:
- A description of the Fisheries and Seafood activity on Friday, Feb. 22
- A change in the banquet program: US Congressman Don Young
- A reminder that sponsorship opportunities are still available
- A plea to our SWAMC members to send us any policy resolutions BEFORE the meeting
- A reminder to book a room at the Hotel Captain Cook ASAP!
- And oh yes: Register if you haven't already done so!
Early registration ends on February 8th, so act now before the price of entry increases. We will continue to send out more updates, so stay tuned. Future news will feature a final agenda of the Energy Workshop, opening seats on the SWAMC Board of Directors, spotlights on some of our speakers, and more. Thanks for reading, and see you next month.  |
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Fisheries Discussion Friday, February 22th 
* Community-Processor Panel
* Fisheries Seafood and Maritime Panel
Clusters are geographically concentrated networks of interdependent firms and research institutions, sharing continuous knowledge exchange in related industries. In this, the theory goes, linkages and working alliances improve collective competitiveness. Alaska's Fisheries Cluster is one of the most developed clusters of economic activity in the State, although there is room for further integration. Our conference will bring together strategic organizations from many facets of the fishing 'cluster': Borough and City Mayors from Kodiak, Bristol Bay, Aleutians East and Unalaska; processors to include Trident, Unisea, Silver Bay Seafoods & Pacific Seafoods; and Research and Industry Collaboratives to include the University of Alaska, CDQs, Ports & Harbors, Fish Harvesters, Processors & Fisheries Management. All of these participants will share knowledge and insights on the afternoon of February 22nd.
Productivity gains are possible within the industry, although high-level planning and coordination may achieve additional benefits. SWAMC is uniquely positioned to investigate these opportunities through its regional development lens and work with our partners to help form public policy, facilitate private sector initiatives or public-private partnerships and strategic resource allocations. Maximizing capital requires new technology commercialization, for both existing firms and new entrepreneurs. Fledgling businesses need support to launch new partnerships, which will open up opportunities for existing firms and strengthen Alaska's Fisheries Cluster. Policy should strive to move basic research closer to commercialization, support applied research and focus training on private sector needs.
Strategic policy can play a role in long-term development strategies by: educating and training next generation leadership; conducting applied research critical to industrial innovation; transferring new technology and processes to businesses; conducting policy analysis to inform decision-makers; supporting small business development and creating platforms for networking and information exchange. All of this will come into play when our combined fisheries panels examine the interactions of strategic actors in our regional economy.
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BANQUET CHANGE: Congressman Don Young to Address SWAMC
 We are pleased to announce that US Representative Don Young will be the banquet speaker on Friday night, February 22nd. The Congressman will address attendees on a variety of Federal issues affecting the Southwest region, but his hope is to have a good dialogue with SWAMC attendees about the things affecting their families, businesses, schools, and pocketbooks.
Alaska Lieutenant Governor Mead Treadwell was previously scheduled to headline the banquet, but he had some conflicts with State business. Instead, LG Treadwell will now give the Opening Remarks to conference attendees and also participate on a panel regarding SW shipping and Arctic support opportunities. We are fortunate that each of these statesmen are joining us! |
Sponsors Make Our World Go Round 
Sponsorship opportunities for the 2013 conference still remain. If you would like to support the event, you can do that online or just contact our office with questions and further details. We are happy to talk with you about opportunities to support the conference. Sponsorships not only help us defray some of the event costs, they more importantly demonstrate your commitment to economic development and regional progress in Southwest Alaska. This area has enormous potential for its residents and the state of Alaska, so we hope you will consider sponsoring this key event for the region. Your organization will be recognized in all electronic and printed material regarding the conference, including company name and logo on the official banner (dependent upon contribution). You can even receive some complimentary registration and banquet spots. Call us for more details!
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Have a Resolution for Consideration? Submit it Early...PLEASE!
 With the newest Legislature gavelling in and Congress back in action (ideally), it is time to think about some of the issues that affect the communities and businesses in our region. SWAMC's Annual Membership Meeting will take place at 10 AM on February 22nd. If you or your organization has a burning policy issue that you'd like to see put before the membership, send us a resolution and we can include it in the packet. Previous resolutions have focused on fisheries marketing & research funding, bypass mail, renewable energy and energy efficiency programs, low interest loans for new permits, and other important economic development topics. Only issues of region wide or broader significance will be considered, and must be sponsored by a SWAMC member. Please submit any resolutions to our office prior to the conference. We can't stress it enough how easier that makes our job, and how much smoother the conference flows when resolutions are submitted early! You can read more about the resolution process here.
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Stay at the Hotel Captain Cook for $99/Night: But Do it Soon!
 The 2013 Conference will be held as usual at the Hotel Captain Cook in downtown Anchorage. The hotel offers SWAMC guests an affordable rate of $99/night for the duration of the conference. Just use the code SWAMC13 in the group code section to receive the discount. Take note, however, as of today the hotel is no longer holding the room block, so book soon to still get the group rate. Additionally, those who register for the conference and stay at the hotel receive a $30 discount off registration fees. What a deal! |
Interested in Having an Exhibitor Booth? 
Exhibitor booths offer businesses large and small, governmental agencies, and other organizations a chance to "show their stuff" at the SWAMC Conference. Having a booth is a good marketing opportunity if your entity is offering new products or services, wants to become more familiar with Southwest communities, or if you just want to keep your name out in front of the region's constituents. If you are interested in having a booth, fill out this form and send to our office via email or fax to 888.356.1206. Just show up early on February 21st to set up, around 7.30 AM. Alternatively, you can always become a sponsor if you are looking for additional ways to market your company or organization to SWAMC's members. Contact our office for more details. |
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Thanks to These 2013 Conference Sponsors!
Skipper
PenAir Federal Reserve Bank of SF
First Mate
Pebble Limited Partnership
Deck MasterThe Aleut Corp. City of King Cove City of Unalaska Wells Fargo Deck Hand AIDEA Alaska Scallop Association APICDA Crowley Petroleum City of Kodiak Kodiak Island Borough Coffee Break Aleutians East Borough Aleutians Housing Authority Boyd, Chandler, Falconer Bristol Bay Borough City of Adak Northern Economics Nushagak Elec. Cooperative
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Flying in for the Conference?
Use these partner airlines!
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SWAMC Board of DirectorsShirley Marquardt, Pres.
Alice Ruby Glen Gardner
Joe Sullivan Kathleen Totemoff Lamar Cotten Layton Lockett Louise Stutes
Patrick Jordan Paul Gronholdt Trevor Brown
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SWAMC Staff Andy Varner
Executive Director
Erik O'Brien Economist; Development Specialist Cameron Dean STEM Education Coordinator / VISTA |
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| Upcoming Events & Dates to Remember | |
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As always...
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Thanks for your support of SWAMC. Please don't hesitate to share your thoughts, ideas, concerns and events. For previous newsletters, click the link below.
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