2009 Alaska State Chamber of Commerce Convention
Land's End at Homer, Alaska
An overview of major themes is below. Ann Reid, the Greater Seattle Chamber's staff lead for the Alaska Committee, attended the conference. Her full notes are available here for your reference.
Opening Breakfast
Hosted by the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce
Ann Reid from the Seattle Chamber discussed two sectors that the Chamber is focusing on during the next year: global health and clean energy. Scott Pattison from the Port of Seattle told attendees about new cruising developments between Seattle and Alaska.
Governor's View
Governor Sean Parnell
Governor Parnell highlighted key policy concerns, including the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Leasing Plan, which is very important to Alaska. He also gave his perspective on national issues, including healthcare and the weak economy.
The Legacy Plan
Mark Davis, Deputy Commissioner, Alaska State Dept. of Commerce & Economic Development
The Legacy Plan is a statewide strategic economic development plan tht seeks to promote a healthy busines climate and private sector growth. The plan was developed under former Governor Palin, and continues today. Coverage of discussions about the plan at the conference is available here.
The Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline
Tony Palmer, TransCanada
Dave Calvin, Denali - The Alaska Gas Pipeline
Harold Heinze, Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority
A new development in the construction of the gas pipeline is the upcoming "Open Season," scheduled for May through July 2010, which will offer a chance for dialogue between prospective pipeline builders and the owners of the gas. The representatives from TransCanada and Denali, which is a joint venture of BP and Conoco Phillips, discussed their strategies for Open Season.
Harold Heinze noted that the ANGDA will be the customer for the pipeline contract, and offered some insight into consumer needs, including gas storage during the summer, and possible shortages in Cook Inlet this winter.
AKSourceLink
AKSourceLink is a community referral network that launched earlier this year to offer more resources to small and emerging business owners. More infomation on the program is available here
Washington Business Week
Ann Ringstad, University of Alaska - Fairbanks
Washington Business Week is an intensive one-week program for high school students held on university campuses across Washington state. The program brings in business leaders from a variety of sectors to advise the students on steps they can take to become leaders inpersonally and professionally. Ann noted the success of Washington's program, and announced that the first Alaska Business Week will take place next summer.
Voices of the local Chambers in Alaska
Chamber representatives from Homer, Soldanta, Bethel, Sitka, Fairbanks, Juneau, Palmer, Seward, Ketchikan and Kodiak discussed actions their organizations have taken to make a difference in the past year.
Political Advocacy Forum: Educate, Engage, Empower
Greg Casey, President & CEO, BIPAC
The Business Industry Political Action Committee (BIPAC) seeks to increase the influence of business in policy. Greg noted that as the influence of political parties on individuals decreases, employers have begun filling some of the void as a source of reliable policy information. One example he gave was the Alaska Prosperity Project, an organization that includes individual companies and business organizations among its members.
Live Video Teleconference with Alaska's Federal Delegation
U.S. Senators Mark Begich and Lisa Murkowski, Congressman Don Young
Congress is concentrating on healthcare and financial regulatory reform at present, but alternative energy and climate change is also one a key federal issues. Sen. Murkowski emphasized that Alaska should take advantage of alternative energy and move beyond political arguments for not exploring broader uses of clean energy. Rep. Young agreed that the state should diversify its energy sources, and advocated a move to hydropower.
The delegation also touched on the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the future of which remains to be seen, especially as the balance of power among regulatory agencies, including the EPA, shifts.