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Juneau Economic Development Council NEWS | January 2023

2023 Innovation Summit

The Early Bird Rate is LIVE until February 17th! 

Register now and save!

The Innovation Summit is Alaska’s premier innovation conference, gathering hundreds of entrepreneurs, industry leaders, policymakers, and academics all focused on shaping our economic future. The Summit hosts a diverse array of talks, performances, and experiences designed to foster relationships and inspire new perspectives. A venue for you to learn from experts, as well as each other.

 

This year we will explore the role of Purpose in business. We will revisit Shared Value and, as always, celebrate innovation occurring in Alaska. Attendees will learn how businesses and organizations can thrive by utilizing purpose-driven actions and shared value across industries to build a better Alaska.

Register for the 2023 Innovation Summit

Keynote Speaker Highlight: Stephen Trimble

Stephen Trimble is a determined businessperson from Anchorage, Alaska, and the founder and CEO of Arctic Solar Ventures Corporation. With his experience in renewable energy and business, Stephen has built up a successful and rapidly expanding mission-driven solar energy company that supplies solar-powered products and services to homes and businesses connected to the power grid in Alaska. He is well-versed in the unique obstacles and opportunities of life and work in Alaska and has made Arctic Solar Ventures Corporation a pioneer in the solar energy sector. Stephen is devoted to providing clean and dependable energy solutions for the state and is passionate about forming a sustainable future for Alaska.


“Here at Arctic Solar Ventures, we’re committed to not just doing good business, but doing good for Alaskans. We’re also committed to being an ethical, transparent, and environmental company. That’s why it means so much to us to be a Certified B Corp.”


Recently, Arctic Solar Ventures was named a Best for The World company. "We are proud to be an Alaska company joining the top tier of Certified B-Corps worldwide. We were recognized in both the Changemakers and Environment categories. Best For the World recognition is administered by B Lab, the global nonprofit that certifies and supports B-Corporations." Other companies named to the 2019 Best for The World lists include Patagonia, Beautycounter, Dr. Bronner’s, TOMS, and more.


What is a B-Corp?


A B Corp company must meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability, balancing profit, and purpose. B Corp Certification doesn’t just evaluate a product or service. The certification assesses the overall positive impact of the company that stands behind those products and services.


Learn More: Arctic Solar Ventures

2023 Innovation Summit Opportunities

Present an Innovation Short!


Don't miss this opportunity to share your innovative project, work, or idea! Sign up today to present an Innovation Short at the Innovation Summit. These are 10-minute presentations focused on original ideas, like a Ted Talk.


Presenters gain experience speaking publicly on their chosen topic while growing their network and creating buzz. Shorts may involve a deck of slides or a short video. The deadline to apply is February 20, 2023.

Innovation Short Application

Pitch your Business or Startup!


Join fellow innovators and hear from up-and-coming Alaskan entrepreneurs. Pitch Contestants will have 5-6 minutes to pitch their business plan in front of attendees who will crowdfund a cash prize for the winner to take home at the end of the session.

 

Previous Pitch Contest competitors include Amalga Distillery, Attently, Renewable Energy Alaska Project, Coppa, The Sawmill Farm, Tundra Tonics, Salty Lady Seafood Co., Discovelo, and Kartorium.

Pitch Contest Application

Sponsor the Innovation Summit!


PROMOTE your business, EXCHANGE information, and BUILD relationships!

 

Sponsors play an integral role in igniting discovery, making new connections and contributing directly to the Innovation Summit community across all sectors.

 

Each sponsorship package can be tailored to your organization with impactful benefits that enhance your exposure throughout the event.

Sponsorship Toolkit

Alaska Airlines Flight Discount


When you register, you'll receive a special discount code for your Alaska Airlines itinerary to Juneau.

 

JEDC thanks Alaska Airlines for their continued support in building Alaska’s capacity to innovate!

Travel & Accommodations

JEDC Platinum Investors

Alaska Angel Conference

 Calling all entrepreneurs and investors!

(No investing experience necessary)


Alaska Angel Conference Office Hours (Wednesdays)

Have questions about the Alaska Angel Conference? Want to learn more about it as an entrepreneur or new investor (hint: it's for both)? Drop by our virtual office hours every Wednesday until the conference kicks off!


When: Wednesdays @11:00AM

- Where: online via zoom


Get your tickets here.


Trends in Esg and Impact Investing

Every investor has their own investment strategy and expectation of returns. During this event, Jennie Morawetz, Partner at Kirkland & Ellis, will discuss an increasingly popular consideration when investing: Impact.

 

-When: February 1 @12:30pm-1:30pm

-Where: Online via Zoom


Get your tickets here.


The deadline to apply for the 2023 Alaska Angel Conference is Friday, February 10th.

Apply Today

The Local Frequency Spotlight

Nugget Alaskan Outfitter

 

"Nugget Alaskan Outfitter has been locally owned and operated since 1974 when Bill and Donna Flint opened it as the Nugget Department Store. It was the first store in the Nugget Mall. The Nugget Department Store carried men’s, women's and children's clothing, as well as housewares.


In 1987 Lamonts entered the local market, all departments were closed out except the men’s department which wheeled down the hallway and opened a few days later as The Nugget Men’s store. We had men’s dress wear and workwear. 


Over the years, finding our niche in the market we incarnated an outdoor-oriented shop with goods for a variety of outdoor sports and activities and renamed as The Nugget Alaskan Outfitter or as most people know us as NAO. 

 

First, we carry a large selection of Xtratufs for men, women and kids. If you haven’t checked out the assortment of them there are many new style and colors, they’re not your dad brown boots anymore.

New brands that we have are Sofft shoes. Sofft shoes are stylish and comfortable. 

Free Range Equipment are beautiful scenic bags. Designed by a handful of different artists. We carry all styles of their Canvas bags: their Canvas Phanny, Canvas Tote, Canvas Duffle and Canvas Pack. Come in and check out the beautiful bags.


Indyeva Outdoor clothing is super cute and stylish and warm. 😊 The pullover vests are perfect for keeping you warm on your activities from leaving the yoga studio to running errands and walking your four-legged best friend. 

 

Look for Spring merchandise coming in soon. 

 

We all love our fur family. We sell Ruffwear and Olly Dog for leashes, collars and toys. And we have AlaSkins dog treats made with Alaskan salmon and halibut in Kenai, Alaska

 

We carry Hydrascape infinity stickers that look so cool on your water bottle or car. 

Gretchen Leggett is an artist and muralist in Bellingham, Washington She just designed a Hydrascape sticker for Alaska of Denali. If you haven’t seen the infinity stickers yet stop in and check them out. You will want one of places you have visited or places on your list.

 

Need a gift idea?! We now carry more greeting cards. And items from Sherpa US, Good & Well, Teaspressa and Alaska Glacial Essentials from Cordova, Alaska. Jewlery from Alaskan artists: Good Earth Designs, Beyond Ocean, Tristan Berkey Designs

And Stickers and greeting cards from local Alaska artists: Decaffeinated Designs, Meet Me In Alaska, Alaskan Accents and Corso Graphics. 

 

Did you make a New Year’s resolution for being more active? We have a large selection of shoes for road running, trail running, hiking and walking that will help get you out the door. 

 

We have winter gear/sportswear and select winter shoes on sale. 

 

Thank you for shopping local we appreciate your business. ❤"


-NAO Team


When you use the Local Frequency app at NAO you get:


  • 3% in app cash back when you pay with Credit, Debit, or Cash
  • 5% in app cash back when you pay with the Local Frequency App


Download the app today and start earning cash back at your favorite local businesses. Good for you and local businesses!

See how The Local Frequency can work with your business, create loyalty, and change customer behavior!

Watch the Videos

SURVEY: Housing for Non-Local Seasonal Workers

Visitor Products Cluster Working Group


The Visitor Products Cluster Working Group (VPCWG) is working on seven “Action Initiatives”, each led by a private-sector business leader, to inform their work going forward, including seasonal workforce housing. The lack of available and affordable housing in Juneau remains a significant barrier for workforce recruitment. Help us understand better how businesses are supporting the housing needs Non-Local Seasonal Workers and what demand might exist for purpose-built housing for Non-Local Seasonal Workers.


The VPCWG meets monthly. Our December meeting was hosted in Ketchikan by Visit Ketchikan--Thanks to Patti and her team! Our January meeting will be hosted in Sitka on January 25 by the Greater Sitka Chamber of Commerce and Visit Sitka--thanks to Rachel and Laurie. If you want to get involved, contact Robyn.

If you are a tourism operator or a business that employs workers that come to your community in Southeast Alaska and they require housing, please consider completing the survey below.

Take the Survey

JEDC Gold Investors

Investor of the Month: SEARHC

Learn More About SEARHC

The JEDC Investor Program offers comprehensive and consistent marketing. By joining the JEDC Investor Program, your organization will be recognized on all JEDC presentations, collateral materials, websites, and monthly newsletters.


Investment levels range from $650 to $10,000+ with increasing benefits.


Best of all, your investment supports economic development programming!

Invest in JEDC

Investor of the Month:

SEARHC

Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska.


SEARHC'S purpose and mission:


"Alaska Native People working in partnership to provide the best healthcare for our communities. Partnering with our communities to promote a healthy balance of mind, body, and spirit."


We thank SEARHC for their generous support of JEDC!


Follow SEARHC here:

Facebook  Twitter  YouTube  LinkedIn  Instagram

Did you miss JEDC's feature on Action Line this month?


Listen at the link below. 


Hear from JEDC's Executive Director Brian Holst and ABAK's Director of Operations Liz Barlow. Listen as they talk about the Visitor Cluster Working Group.

Listen Here

FIRST in Alaska

Over the past month, teams across Alaska have been participating in their local FIRST robotics qualifiers. In December Juneau held a FIRST Lego League Tournament and a FIRST Tech Challenge qualifier for Southeast teams. At the FLL Tournament, Juneau Robot Jamboree, Skagway's team, Spark Sharks, took home the champions trophy. At the FTC Tournament, The Prickles from Skagway won the highest award, the Inspire Award. 

 

These past couple weekends the Alaska Robot Rendezvous FLL State Championship was held in Anchorage. where 37 teams participated including four teams from Juneau. The FTC State Championship was also held where 25 teams competed including four teams from Thunder Mountain High School and one from Juneau Douglas High School!


From these championship tournaments, Gadget Girls from IDEA Homeschool in Fairbanks is the FLL State Champion for the second year in a row and will represent Alaska at the Razorback Open Invitational in Arkansas.


Hungry Robots from IDEA Homeschool in Fairbanks and Banana Botz from Teeland Middle School in Wasilla will attend the WPI FLL Open in Massachusetts. 


FIRST Tech Challenge teams Lightbotics of IDEA Homeschool in Fairbanks and Scrap Metal of West High School in Anchorage will be representing Alaska at the FIRST Championship in Houston. 

Pick. Click. Give.


Want to support our Alaskan FIRST and STEM programs? Remember to choose Alaska Development Corporation when you Pick. Click. Give. this year!

Donate When You Shop

JEDC encourages shopping local and supporting our local charities through Local Change. However, when you can't find something local make sure you make the most out of it!


Did you know Fred Meyer will donate to a charity of your choice when you shop with them? Did you also know that you can support STEM education through FIRST Robotics and STEM Summer Camps?


Choose Alaska Development Corporation and support our wonderful Juneau programs!

Fred Meyer offers a Community Rewards program. When you shop with your Fred Meyer's reward card they will donate to a non-profit or charity of your choice! To support STEM and FIRST Robotics, including our STEM Summer Camp programs, make sure you choose Alaska Development Corportation for your donations.


How to opt in:

  • Head to fredmeyer.com
  • Sign In
  • Click on "My Account"
  • Click on "My Community Rewards"
  • Search "Alaska Development Corporation"
  • Click "Enroll"


Your purchases well help donate to our wonderful Juneau programs.

Opt in Today

Local Change is a feature in the Local Frequency app that allows users to opt in to round up their Local Frequency purchases to donate to a non-profit of their choice.


How to opt in:

  • Download the Local Frequency app.
  • Go to "More"
  • Click on "Setup Local Change"
  • Choose "Alaska Development Program" or a local non-profit of your choice.
  • Choose a round up amount.
  • Start Local Change


Your purchases well help donate to our wonderful Juneau programs.

Opt in Today

JEDC Silver Investors

Marketing Matters Series

We are excited to announce out Spring Workshop Series is on its way. Our upcoming workshops include:

 

·   Graphic & Web Design Workshop: March 24th-25th

·   Photography Workshop: April 20th-22nd

·   Social Media Workshop: May 24th-26th

 

We look forward to providing experiences that can benefit our local businesses and professionals. 

 

Help the Marketing Matters team identify who you would be excited to learn from in our upcoming bootcamps coming this spring! 

Marketing Matters Survey

JEDC Loan Programs

Child Care Loan Program

Creating more childcare capacity in Juneau by assisting new or existing

childcare providers to access, improve or expand the physical infrastructure needed to deliver a quality childcare program to more families.

More Details

Southeast Alaska Revolving Loan Fund

If you have a project that will create or retain jobs in Southeast Alaska, Juneau Economic Development Council could be the lender you've been looking for.

More Details

BOARD OF DIRECTORS


Garrett Schoenberger, Chair

Dr. Karen Carey, Vice Chair

Jake Carpenter, Treasurer

Melissa Kookesh, Secretary

Aaron Morrison

Marc Guevarra

Alexander Kotlarov

Jill Weitz

Raymond Paddock III

Mayor Beth Weldon

Carole Triem, CBJ Assembly Liaison

JEDC's FIVE AREAS OF FOCUS


  • Help Make Juneau a Great (Capital) City
  • Strengthen Key Regional Industries
  • Develop Talent
  • Promote Entrepreneurship & Small Business Development
  • Deliver Economic Services



We invite you to invest in Juneau by becoming a JEDC Investor. Show your support of the work done to advance Juneau and Southeast Alaska's economy.

 

Supporting JEDC impacts the long-term economic success of Alaska's Capital City while creating a business climate that bolsters your business or organization.

Learn more about the JEDC Investor Program

We welcome your feedback

If you find JEDC News to be of interest and value, please forward the newsletter to your friends and colleagues. 

 

Brian Holst

Executive Director

Juneau Economic Development Council

Thank you for subscribing to the JEDC News!

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