We are busy making arrangements for our 2023 Southeast Conference Annual Meeting to be held in Sitka this September 19-21, 2023! Regional business and community leaders will gather to develop an action plan for our economy as we rally around the theme, "Be the Compass. Lead the Way." We are lining up a fantastic roster of speakers that you won't want to miss!

Southeast Conference Sponsors make our Annual Meeting possible. There is still plenty of time – and lots of opportunities – to become a sponsor of Southeast Conference’s 2023 Annual Meeting! Find out more!

Each year Southeast Conference conducts a regional business climate survey in order to track Southeast Alaska business confidence. Here are some top findings:

Best Business Climate Ever: Nearly two-thirds (65%) of regional business leaders currently have a positive view of the Southeast Alaska business climate, the highest positivity rating since recording began in 2010.

Outlook is also Strong: 42% of regional business leaders say that their business or sector is on track for continued growth over the next year, making this the 2nd most positive outlook recorded.

Businesses are Hiring: 30% of regional businesses are in a hiring mode and expect to add employees over the next twelve months.

Housing and Childcare Shortages Create Workforce Shortages: Business leaders identified housing and childcare shortages as key culprits in workforce turnover, or workers not able to take job offers in the first place. “The biggest limitation to business growth is housing for employees.” Key factors resulting in attracting workers and long-term workforce retention include access to recreation, and staff originally from Alaska.

UAS Leadership Changes Hands

Outgoing UAS Chancellor, Dr. Karen Carey

Incoming UAS Chancellor Dr. Aparna Dileep-Nageswaran Palmer

Southeast Conference would like to extend a warm welcome to newly appointed UAS Chancellor, Aparna Dileep-Nageswaran Palmer, Ph.D. Dr. Palmer succeeds UAS Chancellor Karen Carey, who retired on June 30, 2023. To Dr. Carey, Southeast Conference would like to say thank you for all you've done for the University and region in your tenure as chancellor. To Dr. Palmer, congratulations and we look forward to collaborating with you to support activities that promote strong economies, healthy communities and a quality environment in Southeast Alaska.

Southeast Conference is seeking additional finance and administrative capacity as the organization grows and takes on additional projects supporting economic and community development efforts in Southeast Alaska. The Finance/HR Administrative Coordinator will support SEC’s Operations Team (Executive Director, Deputy Director, Chief Financial Officer, and Executive Assistant) by providing administrative support for finance, grant administration, human resources, and other related areas. This position will be open until filled. Letters of interest and resumes can be emailed to robert@seconference.org.

Southeast Conference has received Federal grant funding to purchase a small wood pellet mill and work with an operator to manage it. The mill will be installed in Ketchikan to establish a secure wood pellet supply for the Ketchikan Airport, the Federal Building downtown and other wholesale bulk customers. SEC is inviting proposals from a contractor to develop a biomass resource business plan for use by other Potential businesses interested in copying this model. The final work product will be used as a model to support future wood pellet mills developed in other communities. Proposals must be submitted to robert@seconference.org and biomass@seconference.org by Tuesday, August 1 at 5:00PM Alaska Time. 

Along with its partner organizations and sub-award recipients, the Alaska Mariculture Cluster has been hard at work accelerating a viable and sustainable mariculture industry for the long-term benefit of Alaska's economy, environment, and underserved communities. Visit the newly re-designed website to learn more and join the mailing list to stay informed on the latest RFP opportunities, project updates, and news!

 All nominees will be reviewed by the SEC Nominating Committee and then approved by the entire SEC Board of Directors before being presented to the membership for consideration.

Three open seats (3 year terms):

• (2) At Large
• (1) Northern Public

Are you aware of a business or community in the region that did something amazing over this last year? Tell us about it! Simply fill out the appropriate nomination form (linked below) and tells us why you think they deserve recognition. Community of the Year and Business of the Year awards will be given out during the banquet at Southeast Conference's upcoming Annual Meeting. Nominations must be received no later then August 31, 2023.

Be Part of the Solution!

Southeast Conference's FY24 membership invoices are on the way to a mailbox near you! If you are not yet a member, please consider joining Southeast Conference. 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 and your community! For more information, please contact  info@seconference.org or learn more at  https://www.seconference.org/membership/