JEDC News, August 2019

Call for volunteer presenters and teachers!

Once again, JEDC is helping to introduce economics principles to Juneau students through the nationally recognized Junior Achievement program. Junior Achievement trains professionals from the community to deliver a series of five 30-40 minute lessons to elementary and middle school students. The lessons are filled with hands-on experimental learning activities and discussion that focuses on three pillars of managing money, building a business, and being ready for the work force.

Click on the link below if you are a teacher interested in having JA lessons taught in your classroom OR if you are interested in volunteering in a classroom. If you have any questions about the overall program, training, or scheduling, please contact Robyn.

Alaska Committee promotes the Capital City

JEDC Executive Director, Brian Holst, communicated our commitment to being the best Capital City for Alaska at the Tanana State Fair! The booth in Fairbanks was part of the Alaska Committee's outreach efforts and is on display at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer now.

Did you know that the Alaska Committee is responsible for initiating Gavel-to-Gavel public television coverage of the Alaska State Legislature, working in concert with Alaska Airlines to initiate constituent airfare discounts, and a variety of infrastructure and advocacy projects to make Juneau a better capital city? Click here to learn more about the Alaska Committee or find us at the state fair and take a #ChooseJuneau selfie!

FIRST Rise Season Kicks Off Across Alaska

FIRST RISE 2020 powered by Star Wars: Force for Change

Worried about the problems facing our communities, state, and beyond? Looking for ways to support these kids that will inherit these problems? Did you know that 98% of FIRST participants report gains in problem solving skills? This year, FIRST teams from across Alaska will look at issues related to building sustainable communities. Learn more about the program and check out this year's event calendar on the FIRST in Alaska website.

Help make this amazing program available to more kids! If you are interested in becoming a coach or a mentor, please contact Becca at [email protected].

FIRST activities in Alaska are coordinated by the JEDC with statewide funding from BP,

Alaska Airlines, GCI, and ConocoPhillips and local support from DIPAC and Coeur Alaska.

Deadline Approaching for the Arctic Innovation Competition

Have a great idea? September 20 is the last day to submit your entry for this year's Arctic Innovation Competition - Alaska's original idea contest hosted by the UAF School of Management. The competition is open to all ages with 3 divisions serving 12 and under, 13-17, and 18 and older with $30K in prizes across the 3 divisions. Last year's winners included technology to increase the lift and flight-time capability of drones, an ergonomically-designed paint roller handle, and a polar smartphone case to warm and protect your phone in the cold. JEDC is proud to be a founding partner of the AIC, and we can't wait to see what 2019's applications include!

Color Run Fun in Downtown Juneau

Over 100 runners showed up to celebrate Downtown Juneau with a sunny Sunday run last week as part of the 2nd Annual Downtown Business Association Color Run. With support from the JDHS Cross Country team, runners completed a 1.8 mile course through downtown running through multiple color splash stations along the way. Everyone finished with a hot dog cook out in Cope Park with music by DJ Manu. Juneau is a family friendly Capital City!

JEDC Receives Funds from CBJ to Support Childcare

The JEDC received $150,000 from CBJ to create a loan product to support the creation and expansion of more child-care in Juneau. There are approximately 2400 Pre-K children in Juneau with about 1300 who participate in a child care program. There are nearly 500 who do not receive child care services due to cost, quality or availability issues. The revolving loan fund to be operated by JEDC is one of the short-term initiatives suggested by the Assembly Child Care Task Force.

Juneau's Traded Economy is Growing

Juneau's traded industries, mining, manufacturing, and tourism bring revenue to the community from outside. Juneau's non-traded service sector grows and shrinks with the need for services and retail goods for its population. While a small decline in number of residents in the last two years has put downward pressure on retail and other service jobs and Juneau's government sector has lost jobs, Juneau's traded industries have expanded as a percent of total jobs, helping to keep our economy stable despite the government and non-traded sector declines.

Juneau's Non-Traded, Traded, Government and Total Average Monthly Employment

Source: Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages. Note: Jobs count is for wage and salary jobs, including full and part-time, temporary or permanent, for all employers. Government sector employment is exclusive of active duty Coast Guard employment.

Former JEDC Executive Director Charles Northwip passes

Charlie Northrip died unexpectedly August 15, 2019. He was born March 12, 1940 in Daytona Beach, Florida.

After earning his Ph.D. in mass communications and management, Charlie continued his first successful career. By 1992, he had directed the state's Educational Broadcasting Commission, coordinated Alaska's first satellite experiments, managed and grew KTOO public radio and TV in Juneau, and directed the Public Broadcasting Commission. The Alaska Broadcasters Hall of Fame recognized Charlie's pioneering Alaska telecommunications career when it inducted him in 1986.

In his second ca reer Northrip served as executive director of the Juneau Economic Development Council from 1993 to 1999. UAS honored Charlie Northrim with an Honorary Doctorate of Laws in 2013.

You would also find Charlie participating in Juneau's weekly folk-dancing gatherings or deeply engaged in the Juneau Symphony and Juneau Lyric Opera Association. He directed church choirs and never missed conducting and playing his snare drum with Juneau's legendary all-volunteer marching band.

Click here to view the full obituary.

The JEDC team sends our condolences to the Northrip family.

Join the JEDC team as a Program Officer/Researcher

The position of Program Officer/Researcher executes programs/activities of the organization as well as engages in research related to economic development. JEDC is a mission driven organization with a talented staff and engaged Board of Directors.

This is a permanent, full-time exempt position, located at JEDC's offices at 612 West Willoughby Ave., Juneau Alaska.

See for full description

Become a JEDC Investor

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

By supporting JEDC you are supporting the long-term economic success of Alaska's capital city, and creating a business climate that in turn supports your business or organization.

To learn more about our investor program, please visit www.JEDC.org/investors or send an email to Robyn.