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Promoting Vibrant & Livable Communities in Southwest Alaska
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October 2014
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Greetings!
With fall upon us, planning for SWAMC's annual conference is in full swing! This year's conference will will held March 4-6, 2015 at the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage. Each of the three days will highlight a different topic that is key to our region.
- Day One: Energy and Infrastructure
- Day Two: Economic Development
- Day Three: Fisheries and Politics
In addition to the one, two, and three day registrations we offered last year, we will also be including a half day registration option this year. We encourage membership feedback as we plan our conference, so if you have something important to share please tell us about it.
Remember to renew your SWAMC membership, which comes with conference discounts and helps to build stronger communities in Southwest Alaska. The membership application can be found on SWAMC's website.
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Business Retention and Expansion
In September, SWAMC, Alaska government leaders, and other economic development practitioners will have a new tool to monitor business health and economic activity in their communities. The Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED) announced its plan to launch a statewide business retention and expansion (BRE) program, according to Joe Jacobson, Director of the Division of Economic Development.
BRE programs are a key resource and have an essential role in the overall economic development strategy and planning process by assisting communities to better understand local economies. This process allows communities to analyze key factors in their local economy and develop strategies to encourage growth and expansion of local business and ensure resources get where they are most needed for overall community well-being.
Research indicates the expansion of existing businesses, rather than the creation of new business ventures, has a greater impact on job creation and tax contributions. In the average U.S. community, statistics show 76 percent of new jobs and capital investment are derived from existing businesses. "Helping a business expand may involve assistance in securing financing to purchase new equipment, recruiting or training new workers, or addressing permitting or regulatory challenges." said Susan Bell, Commissioner of DCCED, "the BRE process helps businesses tackle these issues." When communities and business work toward mutually beneficial goals, everyone wins!
SWAMC staff recently traveled to King Salmon with representatives from the University of Alaska to explore ways this valuable new program can improve our region.
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Congressional Fisheries Debate in Kodiak
This past week Senate hopefuls, incumbent Senator Mark Begich and Dan Sullivan & House hopefuls, incumbent Representative Don Young and Forrest Dunbar debate issues most important to Southwest Alaskans.
If you missed any of the live action, you can listen to the whole recording here on KMXT Kodiak Public Radio.
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SWAMC Staff attend Alaska Rural Energy Conference
Rural energy is one of SWAMC's top priorities. Last week, SWAMC staff attended the Alaska Rural Energy Conference in Fairbanks. The conference was organized by the Alaska Energy Authority and the Alaska Center for Energy and Power to create a forum for energy stakeholders to share ideas and information with the goal of promoting economic development, environmental sustainability and energy security for Alaskans.
At SWAMC's 2014 annual meeting, our members voted rural energy as one of the top priorities.
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NOAA: Pollock Biomass up 60% in Bering Sea
The results of a new NOAA survey show a 60% increase in pollock biomass in the Bering Sea, according to a September 24 statement. While the increase is positive news, it will not likely mean a large quota increase for fishermen. The total allowable catch for groundfish is capped at 2 million metric tons annually, which would take an act of Congress to Change. Although, the pollock TAC could drift higher this year, most likely falling between 1.3 and 1.5 million metric tons. Regardless of the impact on total allowable catch, the survey result is a very positive indicator for the health of pollock populations. Only once since NOAA began the survey in 1982, has the total recorded pollock biomass been higher.
You can read more about the survey here.
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SWAMC is seeking a new STEM Coordinator VISTA
SWAMC is seeking to hire a new STEM Coordinator VISTA with a target start date of November 19, 2014. If you or anyone you know is a recent college grad with a passion for helping people and fighting poverty, we encourage you to apply.
The VISTA volunteer will focus efforts on existing training and educational partnerships to investigate the importance of STEM fields to our regional economy and also bring awareness to the good jobs available in local economies. The total project will focus on 3 primary objectives.
1) Partnering with Junior Achievement in Alaska to provide dedicated training which has been proven to improve student's classroom performance and completion of high school.
2) Facilitate Citizen/Student Scientists as they collect important baseline data and incorporate curriculum specific to Southwest Alaska communities.
3) Build on SWAMC's Broadband Strategy, with specific efforts towards establishing innovation centers through broadband connected anchor institutes to increase access to communication, hardware, software and business support for Regional Communities.
These efforts will provide community members with direction and flexibility for transforming new skills into community development projects and jobs. Travel to rural communities in Southwest Alaska will be a requirement.
To view more information about the position requirements and to apply, please visit
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Alaska Arctic Policy Commission Public Comment
The Alaska Arctic Policy Commission is seeking public input on its draft Implementation Plan. Arctic policy is important to all of Alaska, the entire United States, and international partners. The Commission strongly encourages residents throughout the state to participate in the public process.
Visit www.akarctic.com to download the draft Implementation Plan, find information about submitting written comments, and get the most up-to-date schedule for listening sessions being convened across the state.
The Implementation Plan contains recommendations that fall into four strategic lines of effort:
1) Addressing the response infrastructure gap in Alaska's Arctic;
2) Strengthening an Alaska Arctic science and research agenda;
3) Supporting healthy communities; and
4) Promoting economic development of Alaska's Arctic resources.
Recommendations on economic development are an area that needs further work and the Commission asks the interested public to submit suggestions for recommendations on this important topic. Commission discussion has generated several potential topics around which new recommendations could be formed: small business development, access to capital, onshore and offshore development, and fostering entrepreneurship.
The Public Comment Period is open from September 15 to November 15, 2014. Please submit written comments to [email protected] with the email subject: AAPC Public Comments - [individual or organization name]
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Interested in Supporting Southwest Alaska's Economy?
BECOME A SWAMC MEMBER TODAY!
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Our Special Thanks to SWAMC Members!
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Our Supporters
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Visit Southwest Alaska @ www.southwestalaska.com
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SWAMC Board of Directors
Alice Ruby, Pres.
Carol Austerman, Vice Pres.
Layton Lockett, Treasurer
Cynthia Berns
Dan Clarion Glen Gardner
Paul Gronholdt Shirley Marquardt Dan O'Hara Michelle Ravenmoon Joe Sullivan
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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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