Business Climate Survey
We are asking all business leaders in Southeast Alaska to take the business climate and COVID-19 impacts survey.

This survey tracks the Southeast Alaska business climate as well as COVID-19 impacts to your business. The survey takes 5 minutes to complete. The survey data will be used for planning purposes and to assist policy makers as they develop economic relief policies and programs. It is open to all regional businesses, including the self-employed.

Are you a business owner or operator in Southeast Alaska? If so, this survey is for you! 
Southeast Conference Recent Publications
Southeast Alaska Solid Waste Authority and Southeast Conference are evaluating alternatives to decrease and control the costs of handling, processing, shipping, and disposing of municipal solid waste.
The impact of COVID-19 on the Southeast Alaska tourism sector has been nothing short of
devastating. Download a copy of the study detailing Economic Impacts Associated with the Loss of Tourism in Southeast Alaska in 2020.
The Southeast Alaska Regional Mapping Document was released last month, detailing the key strategies that regional business leaders are planning to implement in order to respond to the COVID-19 economic crisis. Download the full copy of the report.
Southeast Conference on the National Stage
Thanks to Governor Dunleavy for sending the State of Alaska’s Impacts to Alaska from 2020/2021 Cruise Ship Season Cancellation report to the White House, detailing the economic impacts and attributing a $3 billion gross state product loss each year the cruise season does not take place. He quoted data collected by Southeast Conference multiple times in this document to illustrate the economic impacts of a cancelled tourism season to the state.
CEDS 101 Webinar
Southeast Conference has been hard at work with an eye on Regional Resiliency! Our very own, Meilani Schijvens presented during a recent National Association of Development Organizations CEDS, Recovery, and Resilience Webinar Series. Watch the entire video presentation below:
 Federal Stimulus Dollars
The Biden Administration created a list of infrastructure needs in Alaska as part of their state-by-state list of national needs as they build the case for passage of the American Jobs Plan legislation. Southeast Conference is working within the region to insure that every dollar possible heads our way. If you have a project that fits in one of these categories - and the Southeast Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, let us know.
The American Rescue Plan Act provides additional relief for the nation’s small businesses and hard-hit industries for programs the SBA is currently administering and adds new efforts, including:
  • $7.25 billion additional for the Paycheck Protection Program, including to expand eligibility to additional nonprofits and digital news services
  • Additional funds are allocated for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, and now allows businesses to apply for both a PPP loan after Dec. 27, 2020, and the SVOG
  • $15 billion additional for Targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance (EIDL) payments, including NEW $5 billion for Supplemental Targeted EIDL Advance payments for those hardest hit
  • $28.6 billion for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund for industry-focused grants  
  • $100 million to establish a Community Navigator pilot program; grants will go to eligible organizations supporting efforts to improve access to COVID–19 pandemic assistance programs and resources. 
Other Relief Programs Available for Businesses
There are many financial resources and programs available to Alaskans through the Small Business Administration, The SBA connects business owners with partner lending organizations, investors, disaster assistance, surety bonds, and grants. In addition to the SBA, there are other organizations and programs offering financial assistance in the form of loans and grants.
AK Manufacturing Extension Partnership Survey
The Alaska MEP exists to serve Alaskan manufacturers by equipping them with the tools and resources necessary to improve the quality, productivity and competitiveness of their operations. Currently, MEP is conducting short surveys of Alaskan manufactures to better understand their needs. If you are interested in participating, please contact Payton Roberts at paroberts2@alaska.edu or (907) 888-7222. The survey is being conducted via phone or zoom.
Save The Date for SEC's Annual Meeting in Haines
While our virtual conference was a huge success, we can't wait to see everyone in person again!

Be sure to save the date, September 14-16, 2021! Planning has already begun for SEC's 2021 Annual Meeting in Haines.

You won't want to miss this event as we rally around our theme of Southeast Strong!
Upcoming Committee Calendar
Be Part of the Solution!
Our membership makes up the base of the SEC Committees. Stay informed and weigh-in on the issues facing the industries that matter the most to you! Become a member of Southeast Conference and join the conversation! Contact info@seconference.org to learn more or visit https://www.seconference.org/membership/ All meetings take place via Zoom.
April

Energy- April 20th, 3pm
May

Timber- May 4th, 2pm

Visitors Industry- May 6th, 3pm

Transportation - May 18th, 2pm