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Juneau Economic Development Council NEWS | September 2023

Juneau Local Elections, Vote Now through October 3

The 2023 municipal Election Day is on Tuesday, Oct. 3. Vote centers open 7 AM -8 PM


The Juneau Economic Development Council encourages everyone to exercise their right to vote. We believe that by participating in the democratic process, each individual can have a direct impact on shaping the future of our community. Every voice counts, and by casting your ballot, you are actively contributing to the development and success of our vibrant community. Together, let's make a difference and ensure that Juneau continues to flourish. Vote October 3rd and let your voice be heard!

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JEDC Board Openings

The Juneau Economic Development Council (JEDC) has openings on its Board of Directors. JEDC Board members are recommended to the CBJ Assembly by the current JEDC Board and then appointed by the CBJ Assembly based upon their experience and expertise in fields relating to economic development, including but not limited to large and small business, entrepreneurship, mining, oceans products, tourism, research, banking and finance, engineering and construction, and government.

There are currently three (3) seats open on the JEDC Board of Directors:


  • One (1) Environmental seat specifically representing a non-profit environmental organization; and
  • Two (2) At-Large seats based upon experience and expertise in fields relating to economic development, including but not limited to large and small business, entrepreneurship, natural resource development, tourism, banking and finance, engineering and construction, and government.



Interested parties should send of letter of interest addressed to the JEDC Board of Directors through Brian Holst, [email protected], or call for more information at 907-523-2333. Candidates should plan on participating in interviews with current members of the JEDC Board.

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Juneau's EV Round Up & Car Show

Join us this Saturday for the 10th Annual Juneau EV Round Up & Car Show!


See the latest and greatest EV's Electric Trucks, SUV's and Ebikes...including Electric dirt bikes. E-Ligntnings, Rivians, Volvo Recharge, Subaru Solterra's, VW ID4, Fisker Ocean One (if it can make the barge out of Seattle in time), and other new models to be showcased to the Juneau Public.


Family fun event. Come see and learn about new EV's and local charging options.


Juneau has over 800 Electric Vehicles and boasts a network of free charging stations. Come see the new EV trucks and vehicles and learn how driving an EV in Juneau saves you money while helping your community.

Southeast Regional Eldercare Coalition

JOB OPENINGS


Apply Today

The Senior Regional Eldercare Coalition (SREC) is made of eldercare providers from across Southeast Alaska who have joined together to problem solve mutual issues, share information, and be a collaborative catalyst for change in the realm of eldercare services to support older adults in maintaining their independence at home for as long as possible.


We would like to extend an invitation to those who are interested to join us for our monthly meeting. It will provide an excellent opportunity to meet others providing services to elders, exchange ideas, and collaborate on initiatives. Meetings are held the first Friday of each month at 8:30 AM. Contact Tonya below for more details.


Contact Us

JEDC Platinum Investors

Investor of the Month: Hansen Gress

Follow Hansen Gress here:

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JEDC Investor Program


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:

Hansen Gress


"Since 1995, we have been providing IT Solutions for small businesses. Hansen Gress is changing how businesses approach technology.


We think IT support should be better, and we are building a support product that raises the bar every year. Our clients have learned to set their sights high, but most other small businesses are still settling for less.


Hansen Gress clients enjoy being able to raise their expectations for performance year-after-year. Customers have learned that Hansen Gress will deliver. We have identified the following as key components to success: providing help right when you need it, truly reliable systems, honest and professional staff, zero data loss, and a well-engineered service that just keeps expanding.


Expect Better."

Learn More About Hansen Gress

Local Frequency Merchant Highlight: Forno Rosso

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"Our pizzas are made using the highest quality ingredients. After living and working in Italy we formed a strong appreciation for Italian living and eating. This grew into a dream of sharing our love and passion for making pizza into a business we could share with others.


We are a mobile supplier of Neapolitan-style pizza and other fine foods.  We use a Valoriani wood-fired oven imported from Italy and mounted onto a custom built trailer. It usually takes about an hour to get the oven up to temperature with seasoned alder found locally. Cooking time for a pizza averages about 8 minutes."

Exclusive in app Local Frequency offers at Forno Rosso


  • 1% in app cash back when you pay Credit, Debit, or Cash
  • 5% in app cash back when you pay using your in app Local Dollars
  • Spend up to $100 Local Dollars cumulatively and earn $10 back
  • Buy 8 pizzas, get one free!

The Local Frequency: The Local Directory

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Are you a business owner? Check out your free listing in the app and visit our website to upgrade your listing today! Did we miss your business? Submit a free listing on our website below.


Download the Local Frequency app today! Have questions?

Website
Contact Us

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

For the Business

FIRST in Alaska

FIRST in Alaska


This year's theme is FIRST® IN SHOW presented by Qualcomm. FIRST students will be exploring the integration of STEM and the Arts.


FIRST LEGO League MASTERPIECE season began August 1. See the new Masterpiece game material HERE.


The FIRST Tech Challenge CENTERSTAGE

presented by Raytheon Technologies, kickoff was held September 9. See the game HERE.


Students who are interested in playing should contact their schools and let them know that they would like to be on a team.


Adults who are interested in becoming coaches or helping out can contact Alyson at [email protected] for more info.

JEDC Gold Investors

Affordable Connectivity Program

Did you know that there is a federal program that subsidizes access to broadband? The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) aims to bridge the digital divide and provide affordable internet services to those who need it the most. 


Want help paying for your monthly internet bill? Eligibility for the program typically depends on factors such as income level, participation in certain assistance programs, or being a student. Find out if you are eligible through a quick online questionnaire.


If you qualify, you may be eligible for a $30 per month discount off your internet bill. Visit the link below to see if you qualify!

Visit ACP's Website

Juneau Indicators: Population By Age

According to the State of Alaska, Department of Labor Population Estimate, in 2022, Juneau's total population stood at 32,202 residents. This figure reflects a marginal decrease of -0.11% compared to 2021.


Breaking down the demographics, we find that individuals aged 60 and over comprise 23.2% of our population, showcasing the importance of catering to the needs of our senior citizens. Furthermore, the age group of 40-59 years accounts for 26.5% of our residents, while those in the 20-39 years bracket make up 27.3%.

 

Juneau is a dynamic city with a diverse mix of age groups, contributing to its vibrant community.

JEDC Silver Investors

Innovators Hall of Fame

JEDC is pleased to join the Alaska State Committee for Research (SCoR) in encouraging nominations for the Alaska Innovators Hall of Fame! SCoR created the Alaska Innovators Hall of Fame in 2014 to celebrate and honor outstanding individuals and inventions that put Alaska on the map as leaders in innovation and to contribute to Alaska’s growing culture of ingenuity.


SCoR invites nominations of outstanding innovators or innovations from Alaskan communities and villages who have made achievements which have impacted quality of life, economic development, the environment, and/or the welfare of the people of Alaska and the globe. SCoR and the University of Alaska are committed to establishing equal educational opportunity and encourage nominations of minority and underrepresented individuals.


Nominations must be submitted no later than December 31, 2023. Nominees must have been an Alaska resident for at least one year or have made a significant demonstration of the innovation’s links to Alaska or have conducted research work in Alaska. Nominees who are selected by SCoR will be members of the class of 2024 and will be inducted at the Innovation Summit held on February 27-29, 2024 in Juneau!

Nominate an Alaska Innovator Today!

Team Member Spotlight

Alyson Cooper


Program Officer

FIRST and STEM

Meet the Team

Alyson comes to us as a long-time FIRST robotics volunteer, leaving her role on the Girl Scouts of Alaska staff to run the FIRST program in Alaska while continuing to volunteer for Girl Scouts and coach their two Juneau FIRST LEGO League teams. Alyson graduated from Chugiak High School and earned a BS in Geology and her Navy commission at The University of Texas at Austin, then served on ships in a wide variety of jobs including as Navigator of an ammunition ship during Operation Desert Storm. Eventually Commander Cooper ended up in Juneau doing logistics work and retired here, and after living in all four corners of the U.S., she has no intention of ever leaving Juneau.



Besides FIRST robotics and Girl Scouts--which she has pulled her (also retired Navy) husband and two UAA-attending daughters fully into as well--Alyson and her husband run a small local business. Alyson plays percussion for the Juneau Symphony, Taku Winds, her church, and anyone nearby when she starts absent-mindedly drumming on available objects. And yes, the rumors are true, she does have a LEGO table suspended from her living room ceiling.

Donate When You Shop

JEDC encourages shopping locally and supporting local charities through the Local Change feature of the Local Frequency app.


Did you know Fred Meyer will donate to a charity of your choice when you shop with them?


Did you also know you can support STEM education in Juneau through the Alaska Development Corporation, a 501c3 Charity affiliated with JEDC? Choose Alaska Development Corporation via Fred Meyers or Local Frequency (or even your PFD via Pick Click Give) 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 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

Chancellor Aparna Palmer, Vice-Chair

Aaron Morrison, Treasurer

Melissa Kookesh, Secretary

Jake Carpenter

Trenton English

Marc Guevarra

Alexander Kotlarov

Raymond Paddock III

Jill Weitz

Mayor Beth Weldon

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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