Happy 4th of July!
Registration is Now Open
We are busy making arrangements for our in person 2021 Southeast Conference Annual Meeting to be held in Haines this September 14-16, 2021! Regional business and community leaders will gather to develop an action plan for our economy as it emerges from the dark days of the pandemic and other disasters. We are lining up a fantastic roster of speakers that you won't want to miss! Join us in Haines as we rally around our theme, "Southeast Strong"! 

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 2021 Annual Meeting! Find out more!
Business Climate Survey Results and Community Breakouts
The Southeast Alaska Business Climate Survey invited Southeast Alaska owners and top managers to respond to 19 questions regarding revenue, risk of closure, relief funding needs, economic outlook, and job projections. The web-based survey was administered electronically from April 9th through April 23rd. A total of 440 regional business leaders participated in the survey. The findings have been compiled into reports published on Southeast Conference's website. These results are presented both regionally and broken out by the communities of Skagway, Haines, Juneau, Sitka, Wrangell, Petersburg, and Ketchikan.
POW Biomass Tour
Southeast Conference joined representatives from the Forest Service, AEA, REAP, and SISD on a 3-day Biomass tour of Prince of Wales Island. Participants were able to view installed biomass systems across the island as well as brick-making facilities (thanks to Viking Lumber). This trip also included “detour” focusing on mariculture projects and opportunities.
SEC Awarded COVID-Safe Travel Grant
Southeast Conference, joined Spruce Root as well as other Southeast communities and organizations in bringing over $3 million to the region through the State's Department of Commerce (DCRA) COVID-Safe Travel Grant. The purpose of this grant is to rapid-market Alaska as a COVID-Safe destination for the summer of 2021. An added benefit of this grant is to capture photos and videos that will be useful for regional marketing campaigns in years to come. Efforts are being coordinated with the region grant recipients. Southeast Conference is working with SATC to create a regional campaign, along with special focus for Petersburg, Wrangell, Gustavus, and Skagway as these communities did not receive funding.
Resource Round-Up
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021 is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill. The Alaska ARPA website provides an extensive summary of resources relevant to Alaskans, tracking funds coming in as well as grant opportunities. It is a collaborative effort to serve as a clearinghouse of information that can be used by recipients and other and potential beneficiaries.
The Technology Research and Development Center of Alaska (TREND) has a central mission to assist Alaska’s small businesses and entrepreneurs in commercializing their technology and assist Alaska businesses to compete and win federal research and development grants. TREND will award SBIR Phase 0 grants of up to $10,000 to the top four applicants. TREND also offers proposal writing assistance to develop SBIR grant applications.
2021 Top 40 Under 40
Each year, the Alaska Journal of Commerce and the Anchorage Daily News recognize 40 young Alaskan professionals who have set themselves apart in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. This year's Top Forty Under 40 includes Southeast Conference board member KC Hostetler with AK Airlines, APA's Deputy Director Michael Rovito, and two others from Southeast: Juneau District Attorney, Angie Kemp and Senior Specialist for the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Assault, Christina Love. Congratulations to all the 2021 recipients!
Long-Range Transportation Plan & Freight Plan
SEC Executive Director Robert Venables is a member of the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities' planning committee for the Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan and Freight Plan. Please participate in a short survey and virtual public meeting as part of the process. Transportation plays a vital role in every Alaskan’s day-to-day activities and our regional economy.
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! We are about to kick off our FY22 membership campaign so be on the lookout for your membership renewal coming soon! If you are not a member, contact info@seconference.org to learn more or visit https://www.seconference.org/membership/