Celebrating 25 years AEDC
Anchorage Economic Development Corporation
1987 - 2012
Special publication of
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• We have TRIPLED our dedicated rental fleet size on The Slope, based out of our new Prudhoe Bay Rental facility. • We have assembled the MOST EXPERIENCED local staff: Gary Montague Prudhoe Bay Branch Manager (Rotating) 34 years industry experience
Jim Hollowood Prudhoe Bay Rental Coordinator (Rotating) 27 years industry experience
John Luick Prudhoe Bay Rental Coordinator (Rotating) 6 years management experience
• We have increased our RENTAL FLEET SUPPORT with 2 dedicated Prudhoe Bay Rental Store technicians. • We provide true one-stop shopping featuring the BROADEST RENTAL PRODUCT LINE on The Slope. As well as our N C The Cat Rental Store rental products, larger Cat heavy equipment rentals (through our
N C Machinery division) and larger generator and air compressor rentals (through our N C Power Systems division) are ALL COORDINATED FROM OUR PRUDHOE BAY FACILITY. All three of our divisions have significant fleet on The Slope, so the new bottom-line is that none of our competitors can touch the breadth of our total rental line: • Cat heavy equipment • Ground heaters • Air heaters
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Prudhoe Bay Direct Line:
907-659-9600 Other Alaska Inquiries:
800-478-7000
AIrpOrT pHOTO: © Ken GrAHAM /ACCenTALASKA.COM
A relationship with history. Alaska Airlines and Anchorage have grown up together. Anchorage was still just a tiny railroad town when our very first plane started flying between Merrill Field and Bristol Bay 80 years ago. Today, that plane has been replaced with a fleet of more than 100, carrying more passengers and cargo between Alaska, Hawaii and the Lower 48 than any other airline – and Anchorage has become a thriving, vibrant city. Alaska Airlines and Alaska Air Cargo congratulate AEDC on 25 years of building a stronger, brighter future for the city that gave us our start.
TM
I
THE #1 ON-TIME AIRLINE IN NORTH AMERICA* *2010, 2011 FLIGHTSTATS.COM.
I
Message from the President
T
his year is an exciting year for the Anchorage Economic Development Corp. as we celebrate our 25th Anniversary in 2012. Exactly 25 years ago, AEDC was created by the Municipality of Anchorage to encourage growth and diversity in the Anchorage economy and to increase the standard of living of Anchorage residents. Over the past quarter century, the organization has accomplished many feats and goals but has also encountered challenges along the way – many of these still being the same challenges we faced 25 years ago. We have grown dramatically as an organization over the years and currently have over 200 investor companies. As we look back on our history, AEDC has been an instrumental organization helping to collaborate on projects throughout the city, such as the FedEx air cargo hub, Alyeska Resort, Buy Alaska Program, Anchorage Big Wild Life and most recently Anchorage Live. Work. Play., and the 49th State Angel Fund. As you read through the publication, you will find a complete timeline of AEDC highlights, projects and accomplishments over the years along with articles focusing on the past, present and future of AEDC and the Anchorage economy. There is also a section dedicated specifically for the Anchorage Live. Work. Play. initiative, with information about how the grassroots initiative came about and what the future holds for the vision of making Anchorage the #1 city in America to live, work, and play by 2025. This publication gives a great overview of what AEDC has accomplished over the past 25 years, what’s currently happening in the Anchorage economy and what the future holds for the next 25 years. We hope you enjoy this publication as much as we do! The Board and Staff of AEDC would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Alaska Journal of Commerce for their collaboration and help on this exciting project. Sincerely,
Bill Popp President & CEO AEDC
6 AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation
1987 - 2012
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1987 - 2012
AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation 7
Past page 25
Present page 34
Future page 41
Location, location, location...........................................9 Building a stronger Anchorage................................ 13 Then and Now: Jim Barnett...................................... 14 AEDC & Alyeska - A Lasting Partnership.......... 15 Then and Now: Mary K. Hughes............................ 24 Anchorage has come a long way........................... 25 Then and Now: Tennys B. Owens.......................... 29 Anchorage economy envy of the nation........... 34 Then and Now: James Gorski................................. 40 Anchorage's future....................................................... 41 Then and Now: William Faulkner.......................... 46 Striving to make Anchorage the #1 city............ 47 The Birth of an Enduring Brand............................. 50 Board of Directors........................................................ 52 AEDC Members............................................................. 54 Contact Us........................................................................ 56
Cover Photo ©2012 Kevin G. Smith / AlaskaStock.com
1987
AEDC Formed: At the request of Mayor Tony Knowles, the Anchorage Assembly approves the creation of AEDC on June 2.
AEDC Board of Directors Appointed: On June 30, Mayor Knowles appoints AEDC’s first board of directors.
8 AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation
1987 - 2012
AEDC First Board Meeting: On July 16, AEDC holds its first board of directors meeting at the Anchorage Daily News.
AEDC President & CEO Appointed: Scott Hawkins appointed as first President and CEO of AEDC.
Location, location, location
Why FedEx moved to Anchorage
I
n 1988 FedEx began to consider opening an international cargo sorting and handling facility in either Anchorage, Fairbanks or Portland, Ore. Just like buying a house or shopping for a new retail location, it was all about location for FedEx, but on a much larger scale. Just hours from Asia, Europe and the Lower 48, Anchorage was considered an ideal location for the Memphis, Tenn., based shipping company’s next international hub. In the end, it came down to more than just location. A little help from the Alaska Legislature and the Anchorage See FedEx, Page 12
1988
AEDC Chair Elected: Jerry Grilly elected as first Board Chair of AEDC.
FedEx: AEDC and State of Alaska partner to develop and implement strategy to attract FedEx and other air cargo suppliers to ANC. 1987 - 2012
Northerm Windows: AEDC conducts research to assist Northerm Windows in the relocation of their manufacturing facility from Whitehorse.
AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation 9
9yea0rs ago,
we opened
a small ALASKA BUSINESS
And 25 years ago AEDC began helping Alaska businesses large and small. Since 1987, AEDC has promoted Anchorage’s business advantages to the nation and the world. First National’s support, strong from the beginning, continues today with our involvment on the AEDC board of directors. Congratulations to the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation on 25 years of service to our city and state.
John Hoyt First National Bank Alaska Senior Vice President AEDC Board Member
FNBAlaska.com kpb architects salutes
Anchorage Economic Development Corporation
on its 25th Anniversary We support their on-going mission of providing industry expertise and economic resources to both large corporations and growing companies interested in locating or expanding their business in Anchorage, Alaska. Congratulations to AEDC President/ CEO Bill Popp and the many staff, volunteers and members who help make Anchorage the community where we want to LIVE.WORK. and PLAY. Shaping Tomorrow Today™
kpbarchitects.com kpb President Mike Prozeralik, AEDC Board Member, Chair of the LIVE.WORK.PLAY. Initiative
10 AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation
1987 - 2012
A PROUD PAST A BRIGHT FUTURE Shell’s history in Alaska spans nearly 50 years as one of the most prominent explorers in Alaska’s frontier basins. Now we’re preparing for the next 50 years with plans to explore off Alaska’s northern coast in 2012. Offshore exploration and production in Alaska could generate an annual average of 54,000 jobs and $145 billion in payroll nationwide. Through safe and responsible development,we can provide needed energy for America and create jobs. Find out more at www.shell.us/alaska
Healthy Community, Healthy Economy
Orthopedic Physicians Anchorage proudly supports AEDC and all organizations working hard to keep our community — and economy — healthy and strong.
OPAnchorage.com
• 3801 Lake Otis Parkway, Suite 300 • Phone: 907.562.2277 Fax: 907.563.3460
1987 - 2012
AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation 11
ANC is one of the five busiest cargo airports in the world.
FedEx: Continued from Page Economic Development Corp. helped seal the deal. In order for FedEx to build their $10 million hub, some preliminary work had to be done to the ground soil at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. The state contributed $1.8 million to assist with preliminary soil work and the AEDC gave $450,000 for preliminary construction work as well as another $50,000 to reduce the cost of job training for FedEx. Both the state of Alaska and AEDC agreed that the funds would be quickly recouped in property taxes paid by FedEx and by the increased commerce FedEx would bring into the region. As it turns out, the bet paid off. Originally, FedEx committed to employing 100 people in Anchorage. Scott Hawkins, president of the AEDC in 1988, said FedEx predicted they would grow to employ 500 people in five years. “As it turns out, FedEx created well over 1,000 jobs in five years,” Hawkins said. Dale Shaw, FedEx’s managing director in Alaska, said FedEx now
1989
AEDC Chair Elected: Wilson Hughes elected as Board Chair of AEDC.
9
employs 1,500 people in Anchorage and another 100 statewide. The Anchorage hub is now the second busiest for the company, surpassed only by the Memphis headquarters. The shipping company moves an average of 68,000 mail pieces and 1.5 million pounds of freight per day, Shaw said. It lands about 20 planes per day in Anchorage. With a booming population in Asia and a continued demand for goods, FedEx’s location in Anchorage proved to be an extremely strategic move. The Anchorage location currently handles about 70 percent of the company’s Asia Pacific traffic to and from the US. AEDC and FedEx continue to maintain a close relationship even 25 years later. Shaw serves on the AEDC board of directors and said that FedEx remains a big supporter of what AEDC brings to the table when it comes to making Anchorage a good place to do business. “We’re lucky to have an organization like AEDC,” Shaw said. “We’re big supporters of what they offer to the region.”
The FedEx facility is capable of sorting up to 15,000 packages an hour and employs 1,500 people in Anchorage.
AEDC Transitions from Public to Private Organization: In January, AEDC transitions from a public to private non-profit membership organization.
12 AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation
1987 - 2012
1990
AEDC Chair Elected: Ron Duncan elected as Board Chair of AEDC.
Building a stronger Anchorage with Tennys Owens
W
hen Tennys Owens joined the Anchorage Economic Development Corp. as a founding member in 1987, the economic climate in the country didn’t look too different from today. The United States was in a recession and Anchorage was right there with the rest of the country. People were out of work and the overall economy in the city was dismal. Now, 25 years later, while the rest of the U.S. is struggling through another, and possibly more severe downturn, Anchorage can boast that it is more recession resilient and that business is good. Owens is the president and owner of Artique Ltd., a gallery in downtown Anchorage that showcases Alaska artists. When Artique opened in 1971, Owens committed to representing the gamut of mediums and creating a gathering place for the art community in the region. ‘The community was thirsting for something like this. Artists would come in and just sit on the floor with a brown bag lunch and talk,” See Building, Page 21
FedEx: FedEx’s project expanding air cargo hub service to Anchorage Project is finished and service at the new facility begins.
Alyeska Resort : AEDC receives $3.8 million from the State Legislature to be reimbursed to Seibu Alaska Inc. for infrastructure improvement costs.
Buy Alaska: AEDC approves a $25,000 initial budget for the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce’s “Buy Alaska” program.
1987 - 2012
AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation 13
Jim Barnett When you were chair/board member, what was the driving issues/challenges/opportunities affecting the city/state economy at the time? How was AEDC involved or affected? After I was first elected to the Assembly in 1987, I helped found AEDC with then-Mayor Tony Knowles and local business leaders. We appropriated considerable Municipal/ utility funds to create AEDC to address the difficult financial times then being experienced in Anchorage. We were suffering from the fallout of low oil prices and sought to diversify Anchorage’s economy using tax incentives, Municipal land and other advocacy efforts. What were key initiatives/projects you worked on or supported with AEDC while you were chair/board member? After founding AEDC, hiring Scott Hawkins as our CEO and securing the appointment of key business leaders to the first board, our initiatives were working with then-Gov. Steve Cowper to use tax incentives to encourage locating the FedEx and UPS package handling hubs at the airport and to support the expansion of Alyeska Resort in Girdwood on Municipal lands. What were big developments or milestones that took place while you were chair/board member? We were pleased to have early successes with the establishment of the FedEx and UPS package handling hubs at Anchorage International Airport and the construction of
1991
2012
the Hotel Alyeska in Girdwood. In your opinion, what do you think the city/state economy will look like in the next 25 years? Elected officials and other Alaska decisionmakers need to do their best to maintain oil revenues but necessarily they should also work to continue to diversify the Alaska economy, focusing on our strengths of fishing, tourism and mining. Anchorage will always have a place as Alaska’s economic hub as the corporate business center and for services and shopping, but it should find other strengths for economic activity at the airport and on Municipal lands. What would you like to see AEDC focus on in the future and why? It should also take an active role in statewide economic issues like oil, fishing, tourism and mining — as these all have a considerable impact on the local economy. Anchorage has half of the state’s population and is home to most of its elected officials, so it should continue to have important influence. Additional Comments: It is a difficult balance between advocating for the creation of new jobs and, at the same time, avoiding appearances of supporting new businesses at the cost of existing ones. I encourage AEDC to continue to work hard for new economic activity with heightened legislative advocacy.
AEDC Chair Elected: Ron Duncan reelected as Board Chair of AEDC.
14 AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation
Year(s) as chair/board member: Vice chair and board member from inception in 1987 until April 1993. Title & company when you were chair/board member: Anchorage Assembly, South Anchorage Current title & company: Self-employed attorney
Buy Alaska: AEDC helps launch Buy Alaska program in March.
1992 1987 - 2012
AEDC Chair Elected: Tennys Owens elected as Board Chair of AEDC.
AEDC & Alyeska – A Lasting Partnership Story on page 18
© Ken Graham Photography.com
Ship Creek Redevelopment: The Anchorage Assembly grants AEDC the power to negotiate a contract with LoPatin and Company of Southfield, MI. The project is est. to create 350 jobs and $250 million in new investments.
1993
AEDC Chair Elected: Michael Stone elected as Board Chair of AEDC. 1987 - 2012
Alyeska Resort: Construction of the Alyeska Prince Hotel is complete in June. AEDC transfers the $3.8 million trust to Seibu Inc., as defined by the preliminary appropriations. AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation 15
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16 AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation
1987 - 2012
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1987 - 2012
•
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AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation 17
AEDC partnership – and some very deep pockets – bring luxury hotel in woods
O
n the southern edge of Anchorage, at the head of Glacier Valley, sits a world-class resort National Geographic rates as one of the top 25 ski communities in the world. The centerpiece of the resort is an eight-story, 304-room, four-diamond hotel and 60-passenger tram that may well owe their existence to an
By Lana Johnson
See Alyeska, Page 19
© Ken Graham Photography.com
1993
Air Passenger Service Incentive: AEDC and Korean Air announce a deal to bring four weekly flights from Seoul to Anchorage. The service adds roughly $77 million into the Anchorage economy over the next three years, creating around 600 jobs.
Buy Alaska: The Buy Alaska committee reports $5.5 million for in-state purchase agreements since the program’s inception in 1990, exceeding goals by $2.2 million. The Buyer/Seller Network enrollment exceeds expectations by 300%.
continued
18 AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation
1987 - 2012
Alyeska: Continued from Page
19
innovative Memorandum of Understanding, or MOU, between Seibu, then one of the world’s largest leisure conglomerates, and the Anchorage Economic Development Corp. The MOU enabled the state of Alaska to leverage a small infrastructure investment into a $200 million, four-season destination resort that provides jobs for more than 300 Alaskans. Like so many tales in Alaska, the story of the Alyeska hotel and tram started with big dreams that were soon tempered by harsh reality. In 1980, thenresort owner Alaska Airlines asked Chris von Imhof, Alyeska’s general manager, to find a buyer. Japan was
on an international buying spree so von Imhof headed to Tokyo armed with a little sales brochure that an Alaska Airlines employee had translated into Japanese. Von Imhof got a meeting with Seibu, which led to a site visit, which led to Seibu buying Alyeska for $6.5 million. That led to Seibu owner Yoshiaki Tsutsumi, then the richest man in the world, to personally picking the site for the new tram and hotel and involving himself with the smallest detail. “He once kept a Japan Airlines jet waiting while he redrew the circular driveway at the hotel’s entrance,” von Imhof recalls. It was all heady stuff until oil prices crashed, Anchorage lost its bid for the 1994 Winter See Alyeska, Page 21
Seibu Inc. owner, Yoshiaki Tsutsumi, the richest man in the world at the time, personally chose the location for the new tram and hotel.
© Ken Graham Photography.com
1994
AEDC Chair Elected: Mary Hughes elected as Board Chair of AEDC.
Buy Alaska: Kiewit Construction, Anchorage Sand and Gravel, Providence Hospital, Era Aviation, Alaska Railroad, and Walmart sign-on to participate in the Buy Alaska program. AEDC annual donations to Buy Alaska reach $50,000. 1987 - 2012
AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation 19
© Ken Graham Photography.com
© Ken Graham Photography.com
1995
AEDC Chair Elected: Max Lowe elected as Board Chair of AEDC.
AEDC President & CEO Appointed: Patricia DeMarco appointed as President and CEO of AEDC.
20 AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation
1987 - 2012
Anchorage Seafood Center (ASC): AEDC staff appointed to Anchorage Industry Seafood Task Force to address problems with seafood industry, notably inadequate infrastructure. Recommendations call for AEDC and MOA to help with finding financing.
Alyeska: Continued from Page
21
Olympics and direct flights between Japan and Anchorage fell casualty to the end of the Cold War. Locally, Seibu encountered increasingly expensive problems trying to get its 128-room, six-story hotel permitted. By the mid-1980s, Seibu was so frustrated — and the economic forecast had so changed — that it withdrew its hotel construction application and instead proposed a 50-room addition to the Nugget Inn, next door to where the Sitzmark sits today. When technical problems axed the Nugget expansion, Seibu went back to the drawing board and eventually came back with a new hotel design with 307 rooms, a fitness center, restaurants, shops and event space. There the project stuttered until the AEDC stepped in, led by former Assemblyman Jim Barnett, who was an original member of AEDC’s board. “We had just formed AEDC so we determined that AEDC could kick start the project after we identified expenditures that would help the resort take the steps necessary to build the hotel,” Barnett said. “Seibu was having a hard time understanding why they were having to build the infrastructure when in other locations, the local government was excited to see Seibu build a Prince Hotel or ski area,” recalls Larry Daniels, who was Alyeska’s general manager at the time. The deal that eventually came together had Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility buy and upgrade the water systems that serviced the resort and the nearby Cherrier King and Cherrier subdivisions. “Concerns about adverse health effects
Building: Continued from Page Owens said. “Anchorage was a town that was just beginning to grow. It was a frontier town and we were committed to growing with it.” Today, the gallery continues to live up to that commitment and has a strong online presence as well. Purveyors of the arts can see Owens’ collection of art on the Artique website (www.artiqueltd.com) and even buy pieces online, making Alaska art available across the globe. In 1993, Owens served as
1996
Alyeska Prince Hotel and Tramway groundbreaking ceremony on September 20, 1991.
resulting from water being piped to our homes by the original water system weighed heavily on the minds of subdivision residents,” recalled Tom Yeager, who still lives in the valley. “Installation of the new water system eliminated those health concerns and improved the value of our homes.” AEDC and Seibu signed an MOU that provided that Seibu would build a 300-plus-room hotel, along with up-mountain improvements, if AEDC produced the money necessary to buy and upgrade the utilities, and the municipality provided some property tax relief.
13
the chairman of the AEDC board. Building on the corporation’s hard work in the1980s to replace the loss of retail jobs and focus on attracting new construction to the region, Owens worked diligently as chair to create jobs in Anchorage. In her first year, AEDC committed to creating 1,350 new direct jobs by 1997. By creating 270 direct jobs per year, Owens and then AEDC president, Scott Hawkins, were successful. “Scott felt strongly that the
AEDC Chair Elected: Michael Brady elected as Board Chair of AEDC.
The legislature appropriated the money in 1990. “AEDC was the honest broker and holder of the funds and the agreement was enough to convince Tsutsumi to go ahead with resort development as it showed community support for the project,” Daniels said. It also cemented a relationship between Alyeska and AEDC that continues today.” The Hotel Alyeska, then called the Alyeska Prince, opened in August 1994, a monument to the force of a partnership between the AEDC and a man with very deep pockets.
improvement of jobs would be driven by the construction and retail sectors,” Owens said. “He proved to be correct and that holds true today. We have strong industry in Anchorage that provide jobs for our residents and make us even more recession resistant.” As chairman, Owens grew the number of AEDC private sector investors, worked to attract large national retail chain stores and saw a number of large construction projects
take place in the region, including the Alaska Native Medical Center and the Alyeska Prince Hotel. The fact that Anchorage continues to weather this recession and not repeat history gives Owens hope for the next 25 years in Anchorage. “In my book, I think Anchorage is the No. 1 place in the U.S. to live, work and play,” Owens said. “And I know Anchorage will continue to be a dynamic, prosperous city of the future.”
Anchorage Seafood Center (ASC): AEDC, MOA, and the Anchorage Mayor help secure funding for Alaska Industrial Development & Export Authority (AIDEA) for the Anchorage Seafood Center due to recommendations and economic development proposals compiled by the three entities.
1987 - 2012
AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation 21
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Shop Alaska www.shopalaska.com 22 AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation
1987 - 2012
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1987 - 2012
AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation 23
Mary K. Hughes When you were chair/board member, what was the driving issues/challenges/opportunities affecting the city/state economy at the time? How was AEDC involved or affected? AEDC began its civic life as a task force under then-Mayor Tony Knowles. It was a newlyestablished, free-standing corporation in 1989 when I joined the board of directors. The board and President Scott Hawkins were focused on the details of self-sustainment, as well as the marketing of Anchorage as a business destination. What were key initiatives/projects you worked on or supported with AEDC while you were chair/board member? Both FedEx and UPS opened Anchorage operations during those years. Both were very important to the growth of the Anchorage International Airport and Anchorage. Discussions with both continued regarding other opportunities. Yearly visits were
1994
important and, even after I became Anchorage’s Municipal Attorney, I accompanied Mayor Mystrom and a group of business leaders to Louisville and Memphis to visit with FedEx and UPS executives. What developments/projects/initiatives have you seen since your involvement with AEDC that you are happy to see accomplished in the organization or city/state? The support of the Municipality of Anchorage and the Alaskan business community is vital to sustain the mission of AEDC. We have been fortunate to have political leadership in our mayors and assembly members who have continued to commit the Municipality’s financial resources and Alaskan business leaders who have given of their time, money and talent to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of AEDC.
2012
Year(s) as chair/board member: 1989-1994; 1995-present ex-officio Title & company when you were chair/board member: Partner, Hughes, Thorsness, Gantz, Powell & Brundin Current title & company: Regent, University of Alaska Board of Regents
1997
AEDC Chair Elected: Ernest Hall elected as Board Chair of AEDC.
Anchorage Seafood Center: With the guidance of AEDC, ASC is granted tax abatements in accordance with the Municipality’s Economic Development Program.
24 AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation
1987 - 2012
1998
AEDC Chair Elected: John Shipe elected as Board Chair of AEDC.
Anchorage has come a long way since tent city days By Tim Bradner
Alaska Journal of Commerce
T
here was a time when Alaska had thriving, busy cities. Anchorage was not one of them. In fact, Anchorage didn’t exist. Those were the Gold Rush days of the 1890s and 1900s. Juneau was well-established and modern for its time, and had just installed one of the nation’s first telephone systems. Fairbanks was booming with local mining. Nenana, now a sleepy little town on the Parks Highway, was a bustling riverboat town nipping at Fairbanks’ heels as to which was bigger, and wealthier. The famed Iditarod Trail came nowhere near where Anchorage is today. The trail started in Seward, crossed See Past, Page 26
Buy Alaska: Buy Alaska program funnels over $15 million into the Alaskan economy and creates over 330 jobs and 4,397 businesses participate in the Buy Alaska program at this time.
New Business Incentive Program: Senate Bill 159, supported by AEDC, is approved by the Alaska State Legislature.
1987 - 2012
Top of the World Cargo Summit: AEDC develops and markets the Top of the World Cargo Summit, held in Anchorage, with the purpose of attracting air cargo, freight forwarding, and logistics industry executives and facilitate networking and educational opportunities for intra-industry development. AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation 25
Past: Continued from Page
25
the mountains to Turnagain Arm and cut over Crow Pass to Eagle River, and then on to the head of Knik Arm and the gold fields at Iditarod to the northwest. There were people living in the area, the original Alaska Native residents. It was a fateful engineer’s decision that resulted in Anchorage as we know it today. Congress had authorized the construction of a government-owned railroad from Seward to Fairbanks. Several private companies had attempted to finance and build the railroad and some even started construction in Seward. Eventually all the private efforts failed. The government recognized the strategic importance of a reliable transportation link to Alaska’s Interior, to the goldfields and Yukon River valley via Nenana, and stepped in to do the project. The Alaskan Engineering Commission was formed by the government and Edward Mears, the AEC Commissioner, was sent to Alaska. Mears designated the Ship Creek flats, near what is now the Port of Anchorage, as a staging point for equipment and supplies at a mid-point of the railroad route from Seward and Fairbanks. It isn’t known why Mears made the decision to use the Ship Creek flats because there was no infrastructure or community existing at the time, but the likely reason was the navigation challenge with tides in Knik Arm for ships to reach the
1999
AEDC Chair Elected: Melvin Nichols elected as Board Chair of AEDC.
other logical unloading point at Knik, near where Wasilla is now. Ship Creek offered a better “anchorage” than Knik, and the name stuck. In any event, Mears arrived at Ship Creek in April 1915 and within weeks a tent city had sprung up with thousands of people looking for jobs. The railroad was under construction for seven years, until its completion in 1923, and provided a temporary, construction-based
AEDC President & CEO Appointed: Larry Crawford appointed as President and CEO of AEDC.
26 AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation
1987 - 2012
economy. Meanwhile, the tent city rapidly acquired the trappings of a town, with stores, bakeries, a chamber of commerce, a Women’s Club, churches and, of course, saloons. The government recognized its responsibility for the community early on and didn’t leave the new town to grow willy-nilly. In 1915, lots 50 feet by 140 feet were auctioned off, the first lot going for $825. Within two days, 655 lots were sold. See Past, Page 27
Fresh and Live Seafood Reports: AEDC and Department of Economic Development, publish Fresh and Live Seafood Reports for Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
Past: Continued from Page
26
By 1917, there was a recognizable downtown, with streets and stores. Anchorage was incorporated as a city in November 1920. Leopold David was the first mayor, but Col. Otto Ohlson, the Swedish-born general manager for the Alaska Railroad for two decades, was the real boss of the town. Ohlson kept a tight grip on the community’s economic and political affairs, which irritated many early residents. The railroad sponsored the surveys and organization of downtown Anchorage in the tidy grid of streets and square blocks that still exists today, and rows of small, neat houses were built along I Street and L Street as home for railroad managers and employees. Many of those are still occupied today, giving downtown Anchorage its feel of
2000
order and history. The town quickly grew and assumed importance as a link to the Interior even though the port of Seward, as the beginning point for the railroad, was the gateway for freight and passengers arriving on steamships. A mark of things to come came in 1924 when Noel Wien, who helped pioneer Alaska aviation and later founded Wien Alaska Airlines, made the first passenger flight (with one passenger) from what is now Anchorage’s park strip to Fairbanks. Anchorage merchants sensed the future importance of aviation, and promoted the city as a base for Wien and other early fliers. War boom The city continued to grow through the 1920s and 1930s and
the state’s mining industry, which continued to prosper, helped buffer the effects of the nation’s depression in the 1930s. It was World War II that really established the city, however and things really expanded when the Japanese invaded two Aleutian Islands and bombed Dutch Harbor. Troops poured in to support the military operation to retake the Aleutians, and what is now Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, until recently Elemenforf Air Force Base and Fort Richardson, was established. The Alaska Highway was constructed and the Army built, then abandoned, the port of Whittier as an alterative to Seward, which was considered more exposed to enemy action. Alaska’s importance on the front line of the Cold War came into sharper focus with the Korean War,
and with the military as an economic anchor Anchorage’s future was secure by the 1950s. Meanwhile, oil companies were exploring the state, attracted by the favorable geology of the Cook Inlet region and even the North Slope. In 1957, Richfield Oil made its historic discovery of the Swanson River oil field on the Kenai Peninsula, which helped convince Congress Alaska had the natural resources to support itself. Statehood for Alaska came in 1959. The oil discovery ushered in an era of intense exploration and ultimately the development of the Cook Inlet oil and gas fields and large petroleum-based manufacturing plants near Kenai. While the City of Kenai was the primary support community for this, Anchorage, See Past, Page 28
Military Logistics Research: AEDC and Mat-Su officials, complete a study to determine if Anchorage should work to become a military logistics hub. The partners produce and distribute more than 700 CDs , “The Anchorage Advantage,” containing economic information on Anchorage.
1987 - 2012
AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation 27
Past: Continued from Page
27
being larger, provided the commercial and financial support. Oil companies were meanwhile drilling exploration wells on the North Slope. The Good Friday Quake Bad things can happen, but sometimes there’s a silver lining. The Good Friday Earthquake in March 1964 caused loss of life and devastated Valdez, Seward and Kodiak and caused damage in Anchorage, but the city recovered and the reconstruction of damaged neighborhoods helped the economy and led to strict building standards, making Anchorage a safer community. Meanwhile, the construction of oil platforms in Cook Inlet helped diversify the regional economy. The discovery of oil on the North Slope in 1969 was to assure the future for the state and Anchorage, by now Alaska’s major city. The new oil discoveries were the largest ever in North America and even though the fields were hundred of miles north, Anchorage was to become a major support center for construction of the Trans Alaska Pipeline System and the oilfields. No one could have imagined the immense wealth that would suddenly flow to the state of Alaska from the oil fields, however. In late spring 1978, a year after oil production began on the slope, the Legislature finished its business in Juneau, approving a hefty state budget based on anticipated new oil revenues, and went home. They returned in January 1979, and discovered more than $1 billion See Past, Page 42
2001
AEDC Chair Elected: James Gorski elected as Board Chair of AEDC.
Annual Membership Luncheon: AEDC hosts the 2001 Annual Membership Luncheon in July featuring Ken Thompson, President, Pacific Rim Leadership Development.
28 AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation
1987 - 2012
Tennys B. Owens When you were chair/board member, what was the driving issues/challenges/opportunities affecting the city/state economy at the time? How was AEDC involved or affected? I was one of the founding members of AEDC in 1987 and the incoming chairman in 1993. During the first five years, the most important issues in Anchorage as well as the state all had to do with the economic recovery from the deep recession of 1986-1988. Huge focus was on replacing the loss of retail jobs during the downturn back to the total number of jobs existing in Anchorage in 1985. Opportunities existing during this period centered around taking note of the existing positive elements and use to Anchorage’s benefit our affluent yet youthful demographics, high paying jobs in government and the oil industry, unusually low tax burden and of course the Permanent Fund Dividend. AEDC was fast surfacing as an economic business leader statewide and the state needed leadership along with the efforts of the Governor and the Mayors. Certainly some of AEDC’s goals were to create special task forces, strengthen relationships with other government entities and inviting more of the business community to get involved with AEDC. What were key initiatives/projects you worked on or supported with AEDC while you were chair/board member? A key initiative in 1993 was for the creation of 1,350 direct jobs in AEDC’s second five-year business plan. It was an aggressive plan coming out of a major recession, but the first five years
2002
AEDC Chair Elected: Gene O’Hara elected as Board Chair of AEDC.
1993
of AEDC gave proof that it was possible. The main goals set in the 1993-1997 second five year plan were: • Be material or instrumental in creating at least 270 direct jobs per year for a total of 1,350 jobs by the end of 1997. These numbers do not include the 189 indirect jobs that will be created and numerous construction jobs as a result of AEDC projects. • Make a substantial contribution to replacing the business income that Anchorage’s trade and service firms are projected to lose as a result of declining crude oil production in Alaska and other adverse economic trends. • Through its ongoing, successful cumulative efforts over time, gradually reduce the volatility of the Anchorage economy. • AEDC also looks forward to adding to its growing list of 130 private sector investors. Scott Hawkins, AEDC President in 1993, felt strongly that the improvement in jobs would be driven by the construction and retail sectors. He proved to be correct. There were several positive indicators to back up his optimism. In 1992, construction had begun on a new aircraft maintenance hangar at Anchorage International Airport and initial plans were announced for a second much larger hangar as well. The Seibu Alaska Inc. of Japan had moved into full structural construction of a major hotel and resort project in Girdwood. Economic numbers showed falling bankruptcies, better employment numbers and stronger retail results later in the
2012
Year(s) as chair/board member: Founding member, 1987; chair, 1993 Title & company when you were chair/board member: President/Owner, Artique Ltd. Current title & company: President/Owner, Artique Ltd.
See Owens, Page 33
Economic Forecast Luncheon: AEDC hosts 2002 Economic Forecast Luncheon in January featuring George Wuerch, Mayor of Anchorage. 1987 - 2012
Vision Anchorage: AEDC and Vision Anchorage develop an economic development plan for the Anchorage area.
AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation 29
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30 AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation
1987 - 2012
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1987 - 2012
AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation 31
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1987 - 2012
Owens: Continued from Page
29
year. The arrival of 1,000 new Air Force personnel and their families in 1992 also had noticeable impacts in certain areas of town and in markets for other types of housing. What were big developments or milestones that took place while you were chair/board member? Anchorage population was forecast to exceed the previous high of approximately 248,000 people; Ft. Richardson escaped Base closure; and large national retail chain stores chose Anchorage as a new location for new stores. AEDC completed an extensive study of the retail expansion issue to answer major concerns by existing retail businesses. Based on AEDC’s economic modeling, it appeared that Anchorage was capable of supporting significant new increase in retail employment. AEDC’s interpretation of the results were that Anchorage may be capable of supporting between 1,000 and 2,700 new retail jobs given the current economy. Retail and construction led the way in 1993 with construction being the strongest sector. *Alyeska Prince Hotel: a $70 million project was at its peak construction *Federal Express aircraft maintenance hangar: contract $14 million *Alaska Native Health Hospital: $92 million contract let and was soon to be in structural construction *Providence Hospital: $50 million in construction work programmed over 3 years beginning in 1993 *Military Hospital at Elmendorf: beginning of initial earth work
2003
AEDC Chair Elected: Kathleen Porterfield elected as Chair of the AEDC Board.
* City Hall renovation: $12 million completion in 1993 * New retail construction: $100 million under way and largely completed; 1.3 million square feet of new retail space was programmed to be built in 1993. What developments/projects/initiatives have you seen since your involvement with AEDC that you are happy to see accomplished in the organization or city/state? There are so many participants to report on so many things. I am happy with progress! What are key things you have seen change in AEDC as an organization over the past 25 years? The projects keep changing but the basic goals seem to stay the same and that is a good thing. AEDC has grown substantially through the years in depth and breadth. There are many more businesses participating and investing than ever before. Consequently the budget has grown accordingly. Seemingly we have succeeded in better educating the business public, the municipality and the state as to the importance of a good economic development organization for Anchorage growth and development. In your opinion, what do you think the city/ state economy will look like in the next 25 years? Certainly the Number ONE place in the U.S. to Live, Work and Play and hopefully a dynamic, prosperous city of the future. Additional Comments: In 1987, Mayor Tony Knowles was the guiding
Economic Forecast Luncheon: AEDC hosts 2003 Economic Forecast Luncheon featuring Jeff Thredgold, Thredgold Economic Associates and Scott Goldsmith, ISER, UAA. 1987 - 2012
principal in the formation of AEDC. Anchorage was coming out of a major economic downturn and ways needed to be explored and acted upon to help restore our economy. The Anchorage Chamber of Commerce realized the need as well and recommended creation of the AEDC to be the vehicle to pursue and act upon Anchorage’s opportunities. The AEDC was formed purposely as a public-private partnership because of the critical importance of all factors working together toward one common goal, which was sound economic development. My predecessors, Jerry Grilly (1988-89), Wilson Hughes (1989-90) and Ron Duncan (1990-92) brought AEDC from ground zero to impressive, impacting results in five short years. Under their leadership, the AEDC was material or instrumental in creating 1,510 direct jobs in the first five years of operation. From the very beginning until today, I have continued to believe that Anchorage has the potential to become a leader among cities. Anchorage’s global access offers unique and exciting opportunities for us to explore, develop and excel in areas not available to other U.S. cities. Anchorage’s differences from other U.S. cities are in many ways its strengths, strengths that create niche opportunities for economic development. Identifying these niches and pursuing them is challenging, but it is critical to our collective success. I hope AEDC will always continue to focus on increased community teamwork and participation. The stronger more diversified economy will benefit us all in the long run.
Investor Luncheon: AEDC hosts 2003 Investor Luncheon in July featuring Rob DeRocker, Executive Vice President of DCI and April Mason, Vice President of DCI.
AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation 33
Anchorage economy envy of the nation for jobs, wages By Jonathan Grass
A
nchorage is recovering nicely from recent economic dips. Statistics indicate the job numbers are on their way back up this year. State economist Neal Fried said Anchorage is, “very much the envy of the nation,” with record employment while other locations are still way behind their previous highs in most indicators. “Basically, the story is that Anchorage is doing very well and, of course, relative to the nation, extremely well,” he said. Fried said that employment started growing again immediately after a dip in 2009, recouping all its losses in 2011. The 2012 forecast from the Anchorage Economic Development Corp. is consistent with this, stating 2011 had 1,700 more jobs than the previous year. In 2012, jobs are expected to increase again by 1,000 to 1,500, according
Alaska Journal of Commerce
2004
AEDC Chair Elected: Larry Cash elected as Board Chair of AEDC.
See Present, Page 35
Economic Forecast Luncheon: AEDC hosts 2004 Economic Forecast Luncheon in January featuring Jeff Thredgold, President of Thredgold Economic Associates and Scott Goldsmith, Professor of Economics, ISER, UAA.
34 AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation
1987 - 2012
AEDC President & CEO Appointed: Robert Poe appointed as President and CEO of AEDC.
ANCHORAGE
Economic Indicators 34
ANCHORAGE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
10.8 % 1987
4.9 %
2000
6.1% 2011
296,197
started with Anchorage in 2011 and 2012. Apple, Aeropostale and Teavana have opened in local malls. Olive Garden has opened one Anchorage location and is already planning a second. Other brands to look forward to include ANCHORAGE POPULATION Verizon and AutoZone. Some like Buffalo Wild Wings and Sport Clips have already set up shop. Charley’s Grilled Subs will also build its first nonmilitary location in Alaska at the Dimond Center. Leisure and hospitality also look good. Better than expected visitor growth in 2011 indicates that jobs will continue to grow this year. Princess Cruises plans to bring in an additional 50,000
260,283
to these sources. This keeps up the annual average growth rate of 1 percent. AEDC President and CEO Bill Popp said that steady employment in the year so far is exceeding expectations. “Overall, Anchorage is continuing to see good economic signs for the future,” he said. “We continue to show good resilience in terms of economic activity.” Unemployment is also on the mend. The 2011 average monthly unemployment rate was 6.1 percent. While it is a decrease, this still does not go back to pre-recession levels. AEDC Chair Greg Pearce said that while neither Anchorage nor Alaska as a whole has gone by unaffected by the recent economic downturn, there is a gradual recovery here that many other states are striving for. He said there is growth but it can be limited. “There’s more opportunity here,” he said. Some industries in Anchorage will do better than others. Professional services and retail trade are each expected to increase this year. Many retailers are reporting less employee turnover and increased investments in store improvements or even new stores. For example, a new Walgreens is expected to open on Minnesota Drive this year. A number of stores have also broken into the Alaska market and
227,974
Present: Continued from Page
passengers. Visit Anchorage and hotels expected bookings to fill up. Although cruise visitors are still below their peak from 2008, they are still on the rise. Anchorage got a 16 percent visitor increase from these passengers in 2011. Fried said that most leisure and hospitality business still comes from local consumption. Restaurants make up the largest share of this industry, followed by accommodations and entertainment. Popp noted that there’s additional lodging being built in the A Street and C Street corridor. Fried said the biggest growth was still in health care, which accounted for more than a third of Anchorage’s job growth over the last decade. The industry could grow by 800 jobs this year, as it did last year. Some new medical construction will even come online this year, such as new buildings for the Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center and Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. “Health care continues to be phenomenal,” said Popp. High oil prices have all but solidified stability for those jobs. More independent exploration and possible major offshore exploration by Shell are expected to maintain employment. AEDC reports See Present, Page 38
Federal Cool Supply Chain Demonstration Project 1987and2000 Grant: AEDC is awarded a $150,000 grant to help finance develop 2011 a global logistics facility in Anchorage. The funding was acquired through an Economic Development Initiative-Special Purpose grant administered by the US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development.
1987 - 2012
Sources: Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, U.S. Census, Alaska Multiple Listing Service, Municipality of Anchorage
AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation 35
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36 AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation
1987 - 2012
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Northwest Arctic Borough Village Public Safety Officers (VPSOʼs) are dedicated concerned residents living within the Northwest Arctic Borough who assist their villages with all aspects of public safety. VPSOs do not carry firearms, although they are trained with nonlethal weapons, such as pepper spray, tazers and expandable batons. VPSOʼs are generally the first to respond to calls for help from community members; hence their motto:
“First Responders - Last Frontier” If you are interested in assisting your village with all aspects of public safety, then you should apply to become a “First Responder in the Last Frontier.” The Northwest Arctic Borough (NAB) is the employer of VPSOʼs in the Borough, we offer competitive benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Retirement, and Life Insurance.
http://www.nwabor.org/otherforms.html The Northwest Arctic Borough is an equal opportunity employer. The Northwest Arctic Borough is a drug and smoke free workplace. Annual drug testing is required for this position. 1987 - 2012
AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation 37
Present: Continued from Page
SINGLE FAMILY HOUSING (AVE. SALE PRICE)
1991*
$247,780
$186,301 2000
2000
$322,048
1991*
$204,538
$126,258
Monetary Values - Real 2011
$322,048
Monetary Values - Nominal
2011
2011
*Earliest data available
2000
$73,004
1990* 1990*
$73,876
$43,946
Monetary Values - Real 2011
$55,546
$74,708
Monetary Values - Nominal
$75,194
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME
2000
2011
2011
*Earliest data available
2005
AEDC Chair Elected: Edward Lamb elected as Board Chair of AEDC.
1987
$483.9 2000
2000
$433.0
1987
$149.9
$80.5
Monetary Values - Real 2011
$433.0
Monetary Values - Nominal
$643.7
BUILDING PERMIT VALUES (MILLIONS)
2011
2011
Economic Forecast Luncheon: AEDC hosts 2005 Economic Forecast Luncheon in January featuring Ernesto Sirolli, Founder & CEO of Sirolli Institute.
38 AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation
1987 - 2012
35
that 200 additional oil and gas jobs could be in store in 2012. Its forecast states that although high, oil prices remain uncertain as North Slope production declines. Not every industry will rise this year. Construction is going down, as it has since 2005. AEDC forecasts another 150 construction jobs will be lost this year. Fried’s report states that while commercial and residential construction remains the city’s weakest industry link, public construction could still be strong with highway and road work plus good projects in the capital budget. However, there are concerns that the Army Corps of Engineers is facing speculative construction funding cuts. Popp and Pearce said this is offset by strong numbers in the state capital budget. Pearce said increased budget numbers add to federal stimulus money that have built business within the state. Anchorage is Alaska’s hub and so anything that affects the state affects the city. Popp said that construction may be in decline, but that decline is slowing. There are a number of large projects under way for the year. Popp said some new buildings are also being built on spec, which he says is a good indication of how companies view the local business market. Class A and class B vacancy rates are also down a bit but holding steady. “All of these are symptoms of a healthy economy,” Popp said. A few major projects for the city include the new University of Alaska Anchorage sports arena, the new Dankor Building and the Three Cedars Office Building. Industry growth seems to correlate with population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Anchorage Municipality in 2010 was 291,826, which is a 12.1 percent growth since 2000. This places it third in Alaska for population growth in that time period. The MatanuskaSusitna Borough grew by 50 percent and the Fairbanks North Star Borough went up almost 18 percent. In comparison, the U.S. Census Bureau reports the national percentage growth during that time was 9.7 percent. The Census Bureau also reports the average median household income for Anchorage was $73,004 between 2006 and 2010. This is almost 10 percent more than Alaska’s median household income and 40 percent more than the national average. The median family income for 2010 was $85,785. Per capita income for 2010 was $34,678. The State of Alaska reports good numbers for Anchorage, too. According to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the average annual earnings were $51,411 as opposed to $48,844 for the state as a whole. “We believe we are trending right on target for most of those indicators,” Popp said. As for housing, there were 113,032 housing units between 2006 and 2010 with a 61.7 percent homeownership See Present, Page 39
Business Recruitment Campaign: AEDC launches “Mix a Little Business with Pleasure” campaign to target business people traveling to Anchorage for recreation and persuade them to investigate business opportunities in Alaska.
Economic Indicators ANCHORAGE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
10.8 %
ANCHORAGE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
10.8 %
1987
4.9 %
1987
4.9 %
2000
6.1%
2000
6.1%
2011
2011
296,197
260,283
227,974
rate in 2010. This was slightly below both Alaska and the U.S. rates. Anchorage has done well on the business side. The Census Bureau’s latest figures from 2009 state the city held a bit less than half of the state’s private nonfarm establishments and more than half of the private nonfarm employment. There were a total of 26,726 firms in Anchorage in 2007. Anchorage also held 53 percent of the state’s building permits in 2010. Anchorage has an extremely high amount of broadband usage with 97 percent of homes that have access to 3 megabytes per second or more. This compares to 77 percent of all Alaskan homes with these Internet speeds and 67 percent nationally, according to Amy Culhane, former AEDC business and economic development assistant director. These numbers only indicate these homes have 1987 access to 2000 such speeds and not the number that are actually online. Eight-eight percent of Alaskan businesses use computers. In 2010, the average Alaskan broadband price per month was $57.14 as compared to $41.18 for the national average. Anchorage’s reputation as a good place to live is spreading out. Publications like Men’s Health Magazine, Business Week, Livability.com and Yahoo! Finance among others have ranked it in various top 10 lists.
ANCHORAGE POPULATION
227,974
38
260,283
Present: Continued from Page
296,197
ANCHORAGE POPULATION
2011 1987
2000
2011
Sources: Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, U.S. Census, Alaska Multiple Listing Service, Municipality of Anchorage
Dena’ina Convention Center Project: AEDC partners with Anchorage Civic and Convention Center – Yes! to campaign for a new civic and convention center.
Sources: Alask Workforce De Alaska Multipl of Anchorage
Foreign Trade Project: AEDC organizes and conducts trade mission to China, hosts Thailand delegation that is interested in increasing trade with Alaska and also hosts Chinese press. 1987 - 2012
AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation 39
James Gorski When you were chair/board member, what was the driving issues/challenges/opportunities affecting the city/state economy at the time? How was AEDC involved or affected? During the time I was most actively involved with AEDC, the focus of AEDC’s energies was in improving the Anchorage economic climate. It was our view at the time that AEDC was an integral partner with the Municipality in developing economic opportunities for our community. In the mid to late 1990s, a lot of our effort focused on the Anchorage International Airport. It was recognized that the airport was a critical economic engine of the community and needed to be developed as such. AEDC was involved in assisting the airport and our community by demonstrating that Anchorage was a logical hub for international business, logistics and air transportation. What were the key initiatives/projects you worked on or supported with AEDC while you were chair/board member? Generally, efforts were made to reach out to the national and international markets with publications to raise Anchorage’s location and profile as a favorable “global” economic site. The common mantra, then as now, was that Anchorage was within eight hours of 80 percent of the industrialized world. With the opening up of air space in the former Soviet Union, air cargo became the life blood for the airport’s development as international passenger service and stop-overs were substantially reduced. What were big developments or milestones that took place while you were
2006
AEDC Chair Elected: John Parrot elected as Board Chair of AEDC.
chair/board member? One of the critical “revelations” of economic development is that it is often a series of small steps that ultimately, and hopefully, bear fruit. During my tenure, perhaps one of the biggest developments that we felt worthy of pursuing was collaborative marketing efforts with the Anchorage Chamber and other similar organizations; i.e., that we were all partner agencies with common goals and not necessarily competitive. One of the offshoots of that energy was a study group known as Vision Anchorage which attempted to take the best of a number of community-wide stakeholder organizations (including AEDC, the Anchorage and Eagle River Chambers, Anchorage School District, the University of Alaska and others) to put forth a vision for Anchorage to be pursued in the future. It was a major step in planting the seed of continuing cooperative endeavors, which, in my view, has slowly but surely taken root in our community. What are key things you have seen change in AEDC as an organization over the past 25 years? One of the things that appears to me as an observer is that AEDC is taking more of an active role in the statewide economic health as compared to limiting its focus on Anchorage. This is perhaps a good thing, but at the end of the day the Municipality of Anchorage needs to have an economic champion to seek business investment and assist in the creation of business
2001
2012
Year(s) as chair/board member: Active board member beginning in 1994, chair, 2001 Current title & company: Managing member, Hughes Gorski Seedorf Odsen & Tervooren LLC
See Gorski, Page 43
Economic Forecast Luncheon: AEDC hosts 2006 Economic Forecast Luncheon in January featuring keynote speaker Robert Reich, former U.S. Secretary of Labor.
40 AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation
1987 - 2012
Investor Luncheon: AEDC hosts 2006 Investor Appreciation Luncheon with three top US logistics consultants: James Stock, Michael Berzon and Thomas Freese.
Anchorage’s future will be what we make of it By Tim Bradner
Alaska Journal of Commerce
W
hat does Anchorage’s future look like? Largely, it will be what we make of it. We certainly have good tools to work with. It’s always hard to make predictions, and most people simply think of some version of the present, extrapolated.
Fire Island will be a welcome source of electricity for Chugach Electric Association starting in 2012 with Alaska’s first utility-scale wind farm expected to generate 48,500 megawatt hours of power annually. The $65 million project is being constructed by Cook Inlet Region Inc.
Federal Cool Supply Chain Project : AEDC awards $150,000 in matching-funds grant to Commodity Forwarders Inc. (CFI) to assist with financing the development of cold storage facilities at ANC.
See Future, Page 44
Alaska Workforce Development Conference: AEDC hosts a conference bringing together various organizations to address the critical shortage of qualified workers in Alaska. 1987 - 2012
2007
AEDC Chair Elected: Sophie Minich elected as Board Chair of AEDC.
AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation 41
Past: Continued from Page
28
dollars of unanticipated oil revenues in the treasury, surplus to what had been budgeted a few months before. The spending spree that was set off had fateful consequences for the state, and Anchorage. Alaska was suddenly propelled into a era of huge oil wealth — billions of dollars in revenues — that previously only oil-rich Middle East sheikhs had enjoyed. There were a lot of benefits. Construction boomed around the state, including Anchorage, social service networks expanded, and job-seekers flooded in, many bringing families. Many came to stay, and Anchorage grew fast. Businesses got wealthy, banks did well and real estate development expanded fast.
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42 AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation
www.mcc-cpa.com
1987 - 2012
Oil shock, then disaster It suddenly ended. In 1986 oil prices crashed and the state government, without having set aside cash reserves as a safety net, had no choice but to quickly cut a billion dollars in the state capital budget. Suddenly, most of the construction stopped. Workers left. Banks failed and were purchased and merged. A third of the jobs in Southcentral Alaska, most them based one way or the other on the oil revenue boom, were lost. It was a sharp and painful regional recession, and Anchorage was at the epicenter. Ironically oil again came to the rescue, but in a different way. In 1989 the Exxon Valdez hit Bligh Reef in Prince William Sound and spilled 11 million gallons of crude oil into the sound. Exxon Corp, owner of the ship, quickly mobilized a massive cleanup operation that put hundreds of millions of dollars in purchases and payroll into the regional economy. Anchorage’s economy had been on a slow recovery since the 1986 oil price crash, but the infusion of money from the cleanup accelerated the recovery. As with the Good Friday Earthquake of 1964, disasters do have their silver linings. Oil prices, and state construction spending, were also on a slow recovery, which also helped. By 1991 Anchorage’s economy was on a solid recovery and a steady growth of jobs in diversified industries began that continued almost through two decades. Decades of growth The last 25 years have been good for Anchorage. The city landed new international cargo hubs for its airport, Ted Stevens International Airport, operated by Federal Express and United Parcel Service, creating thousands of jobs. The growth of international air cargo shipping, prompted by just-in-time inventory delivery by manufacturers in Asia to customers in North America, brought about a good business in fuel supply and aviation support work as the cargo carriers began stopping in Anchorage to refuel. Health care began long-term growth as See Past, Page 43
Past: Continued from Page
42
hospitals and other health care providers began expanding facilities and services. Alaskans used to routinely travel to the Lower 48 states for advanced medical care, but many procedures can now be done closer to home. The filling-in of office buildings and facilities to support regional company headquarters continued with construction of new, multistory office buildings in the city’s mid-down commercial corridor. Having modern, new commercial buildings is important for major companies wishing to base headquarters and senior management staffs in Anchorage. Finally, Alaska Native corporations made major investments in new buildings in Anchorage. Cook Inlet Region, Inc., which is based in Anchorage, had built its modern building on C Street years ago, but in recent years Arctic Slope Regional Corp., Chugach Alaska Corp., Bristol Bay Native Corporation, the Aleut Corporation and other Native development companies have invested in new commercial buildings, either as corporate headquarters or for use by subsidiaries. The sharp national recession that began in 2008 had its effects in Alaska and while those were muted because of the strength of state oil revenues and a strong set of diversified industries, there was still a minor reduction in jobs. It was nothing like what other states have experienced and by 2010 the gradual growth in employment had resumed.
Gorski : Continued from Page
MOVING FORWARD With respect for the land, sea and our people
Aleut Corporation congratulates the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation for 25 years of reporting the ever-changing economic and industry trends in rural and urban Alaska.
4000 Old Seward Hwy, Suite 300 Anchorage, AK 99503 907.561.4300 www.aleutcorp.com
40
opportunity to the greatest extent possible within the Municipality. In your opinion, what do you think the city/state economy will look like in the next 25 years? If only I had such a crystal ball! I do believe, however, that the state’s economic fortunes are at a tipping point with no credible plan in place to deal with declining revenues. Many have, for years, decried the need for the state to diversify its economy and essentially that is what Anchorage has attempted to do with respect to the development of the airport as a logistics and transportation hub. Alaska has had the good fortune, unlike many of the lower 48 states, of budget surpluses and money in the bank. The use of the Permanent Fund, sometime in the future, for something other than simply doling out money to residents of the state, is a hard subject that will need to be addressed. Hopefully, as the need becomes apparent to continue with the diversification of the economy, a prudent electorate will come to realize that there may be some need to invade the permanent fund in an effort to spur the diversification necessary to allow Alaska to continue on its course as a great place to live, work and play.
Alaska’s largest, home-grown employee benefit firm. Our president, Lon Wilson, shares AEDC’s anniversary as he began his career in employee benefits 25 years ago. “A lot has changed over this time and it couldn’t have happened without a growing economy in Anchorage and the State.”
Congratulations AEDC! Lon Wilson, President of The Wilson Agency Past Chair of AEDC 1987 - 2012
907.277.1616 • www. thewilsonagency.com 3000 A Street, Suite 400, Anchorage, AK 99503 AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation 43
Future: Continued from Page
41
That’s not unreasonable, actually, because if someone in 1985 or 1990 were somehow transported in time to 2012, the city would certainly be familiar, although there would be more office buildings in the city’s midtown, major streets would be wider, there would be more homes on the city’s “Hillside” residential area, and there would be more people. Think ahead 25 years. If we had to guess, it would be that Anchorage would have more people, more buildings, streets that are wider, and more buildings. Is there anything to make us think otherwise? Any reason, for example, that the economy may crash and that Anchorage would lose population? There are certainly some downbeat scenarios. One is that the state’s oilfueled economy will contract because the current decline in production will not be reversed. This is quite possible because of the current political impasse that has developed over state oil and gas taxes. If the state Legislature can’t get consensus on this, and do something about it, new development for oil will continue to slow and the production decline will steepen. A natural gas pipeline will be unlikely too, because unless the oil tax problem is fixed the natural gas tax can’t be fixed. The two are produced together and the state taxes are
2007
AEDC President & CEO Appointed: Bill Popp appointed as President and CEO of AEDC.
obviously linked. But if one is an optimist, and believes a solution will be found, the North Slope can continue to be a production area and the infrastructure will be there to support offshore Outer Continental Shelf production. The city’s role as a commercial support center will also strengthen if some of the several large mines now being planned move into construction and production. Large projects like the Donlin Gold gold mine on the Kuskokwim River or the Pebble copper/gold project near Iliamna will be tremendous job engines for small communities in those regions if those mines are built. However, businesses in Anchorage will provide many of the support services, and many who work at the mines, particularly in management, will live in Anchorage. The rapidly growing health care industry will continue to expand as more specialized services are developed and more Alaskans stay near home for care. The state’s population is also aging, which means more demand for health care as well as longterm senior care. Air transportation will continue to be important. Unless the national economy goes into a very long-term slump, tourists will continue
Investor Luncheon w/ Ted Fishman: AEDC hosts Investor Luncheon featuring keynote speaker Ted Fishman, author of China, Inc. to more than 450 attendees.
continued
44 AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation
1987 - 2012
See Future, Page 45
Anchorage Big Wild Life™: AEDC, MOA, and ACVB unveil Anchorage Big Wild Life™ logo, city branding effort meant to encapsulate what makes Anchorage unique.
Future: Continued from Page
44
to come to Alaska with most travelling by air for at least part of their journey. International air cargo will continue to be important, with air freighters flying between North America and Asia stopping here to refuel. A lot of this is “gas and go” traffic but the planes
Alaska Film Production Incentive Program: AEDC endorses and advocates for incentives legislation that would attract filmmakers to Alaska.
do crew changes, which creates good business for local hotels and restaurants. The calculus behind this mini-industry is that even though the planes are capable of flying nonstop to their destinations right over Alaska, it’s more profitable for them to carry as much cargo payload as possible and less fuel, stopping to refuel in Anchorage. There has always been potential for more “value added” cargo activity related to the gas-andgo, such as cargo switching between planes (now done on a limited basis) or even more hubs like those operated now by FedEx and United Parcel Service, and in Anchorage can promote itself the right way, possibly offering incentives, this kind of development is possible. Tourism will always be important, although it can’t be taken for granted. Alaska faces stiff competition from other visitor destinations including other U.S. states. The good news is that state officials now recognize this and are funding an Alaska marketing program. Let’s not discount one of Alaska’s oldest industries, seafood. As long as Alaska’s fisheries are well managed they will be sustained, and the world will continue to need protein. There are more seafood-related businesses in Anchorage than is commonly understood, and the failure of one high-profile fish processing plant a few years ago doesn’t mean that other ventures, better managed, may not someday succeed. The success of Copper River Seafoods’ new plant and retail center in Anchorage shows
there are possibilities. Also, there are now more commercial fishermen living in Anchorage than any other Alaska community. Finally, things will happen that we can’t even imagine. Who would have thought two decades ago that a small financial trust industry, based on innovative state laws that make trust services administered from Alaska more advantageous to clients, would exist and thrive? Basically, this serves to strengthen and diversify Anchorage’s financial services industry. The same can be said for film production. Who could have believed that Alaska could become a place where major motion pictures are made? A sharply-drawn state tax credit program has helped this, and Alaska firms that provide support services, including hotels and services, are the beneficiaries. Finally, the continued growth and development of Alaska’s Native corporations will help shape the future. Many of these firms are billion-dollar-plus enterprises doing business worldwide, and bringing profits home. If the opportunities are available, these firms prefer to invest in Alaska to keep their money closer to home. Having a large pool of private investment capital available is a crucial asset for Alaska, and Anchorage. In the end, the future will be molded by the inventiveness and creativity of Alaska’s people, who mostly live in Anchorage, of course. This is why maintaining a good education system is crucial, and a good economy to create the opportunities to keep young people here.
Anchorage Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS): AEDC publishes the Anchorage CEDS, a necessary requirement of Economic Development Organizations wishing to apply for regional planning and investment assistance under the US EDA’s Public Works or Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs.
1987 - 2012
AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation 45
William Faulkner What were the key initiatives/projects you worked on or supported with AEDC while you were chair/board member? Former Mayor Tony Knowles was working on the concept of economic development agency when he left office. The project then fell to the Assembly for completion. I visited several agencies in the Northwest to see how they functioned. This was helpful with our enabling ordinances and I helped steer them through the assembly. I was on the initial board. What were big developments or milestones that took place while you were chair/board member? The first major milestone/project that AEDC helped secure was the Federal Express operation at the Anchorage International
1990's
Airport. It was a team effort with many other agencies, but AEDC was very helpful during the process. In your opinion, what do you think the city/state economy will look like in the next 25 years? The natural resource industries are our mainstay, of course, but we are fortunate to have many other “Economic Engines” in Anchorage, the University of Alaska Anchorage is certainly one of these. I’d like to see more emphasis on projects that could come from ideas generated in the science and engineering departments. It would be like a business incubator or sorts — creating new businesses and their resultant jobs in technology, etc.
2012
Year(s) as chair/board member: I was on the board from inception until the early ‘90s. Current title & company: Optometrist, Dr. William Faulkner
2008
AEDC Chair Elected: Brian Nerland elected as Board Chair of AEDC.
AEDC Performance Tracking: AEDC establishes performance measurement tracking on a quarterly basis.
46 AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation
1987 - 2012
Chinese Prospecting Venture: AEDC organizes a business prospecting venture to China with local business executives.
Economic Forecast w/ Richard Karlgaard: AEDC hosts 2008 Economic Forecast Luncheon to over 900 attendees feat. keynote speaker Richard Karlgaard, publisher of Forbes.
Striving to make Anchorage the #1 city in America to Live. Work. Play. by 2025 By Mike Prozeralik
I
Chair, Live.Work.Play.
n 2010, a small group of business leaders and AEDC board members came together to evaluate AEDC’s vision and goals for the organization. It had been almost seven years since the organization last met to talk about AEDC’s strategic plan and was meant to look beyond the organization’s current vision and goals to establish a connection to the community. The group asked questions such as why would a business move here and what things set Anchorage apart from the rest of the country. We needed a vision not just for AEDC but a vision for Anchorage – a way to unite what people are doing to improve our city. At the end of the day, a new vision statement and five See Live.Work.Play., Page 48
Rungis Express: AEDC facilitates multi-million dollar purchase of Alaskan seafood with Rungis Express to be exported and served around the world.
Anchorage Prospector: AEDC launches Anchorage Prospector website to provide free access to economic information.
Investor Luncheon w/ Joel Makower: AEDC hosts 2008 Investor Luncheon in July featuring keynote speaker Joel Makower, author of Strategies for the Green Economy. 1987 - 2012
Alaska Film Production Incentive Program: Senate Bill 230, endorsed by AEDC, is approved by the Alaska Legislature.
AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation 47
Meaghan Gould of AEDC with the Love. Work. Play. mural on display at the Loussac Library this spring. The mural was created at the "For the Love of Anchorage" workshop in February.
Live.Work.Play.: Continued from Page
47
goals were established: By 2025, Anchorage will be the #1 city in America to live, work, and play. • We will diversify the Anchorage economy to be less dependent on oil, gas and government spending • We will secure investments in physical infrastructure and community re-development • We will be a strong advocate for high quality health care, education and workforce development • We will promote the development of affordable, long-term energy supplies • We will seek to maintain and improve Anchorage’s world-class recreational opportunities and quality of life. After the AEDC Board of Directors approved this new vision, the Live. Work. Play. (LWP) steering committee was formed and I was selected as Chairman of the committee. The committee was tasked with evaluating and developing a plan to determine what the vision meant for AEDC and Anchorage. We knew that the success of this effort would require community involvement and input. In 2011, the Live. Work. Play. steering committee formed three separate committees with one focusing on Live., one on Work. and the other on Play. This diverse group of community members included: Live Lynn Henderson, Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska, Co-Chair Paula Pawlowski, PTA/Bridge Builders, Co-Chair Michele Brown, United Way of Anchorage Jeff Judd, Cook Inlet Housing Authority Scott Jungwirth, Providence
2009
AEDC Chair Elected: Dennis Mitchell elected as Board Chair of AEDC.
Stuart Bannan, Anchorage Community Land Trust Ann Brooks, Facilitator Work Bob Heinrick, Conoco-Phillips, Co-Chair Tony Izzo. Tmi Consulting, Co-Chair Michael Hurst, Orso Tyler Arnold, Tyler Systems Annette Skibinski, Carlile Transportation Systems Eric Bushnell, Chugiak-Eagle River Chamber of Commerce/Realtor Eric Britten, Facilitator See Live.Work.Play., Page 49
Economic Forecast w/ Todd Buchholz: AEDC hosts 2009 Economic Forecast Luncheon in January featuring keynote speaker Todd Buchholz, former White House Director of Economic Policy to over 700 attendees.
48 AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation
1987 - 2012
How does Anchorage measure up? Recent rankings for Anchorage and Alaska
Play Beth Nordland, Anchorage Parks Foundation, Co-Chair Stuart Osgood, DOWL-HKM, Co-Chair Jason Hodges, Anchorage Concert Association Jon Dyson, Glacier Pilots Melissa Saunders, Alaska Native Heritage Center Raquel Edelen, Captain Cook Hotel Nancy Habour, Performing Arts Center Dwayne Adams, USKH Gwen Kennedy, Facilitator Lisa Gravel, Facilitator Each committee developed a set of indicators that they felt best described the types of things that their group was focused on. For Live, this
Alaska Film Production Incentive Program: Film Tax Incentive law comes into effect in June.
included neighborhoods, education, healthcare, diversity and connections. For Work, it included economy, business and jobs. For Play, it was arts and culture, entertainment and recreation. To better assist the committees and provide them with more information, a survey was conducted in the community to get input from Anchorage residents about the city. In the spring of 2011, the survey asked two simple but profound questions – Why do you live here? Why would you leave? Using the information from the surveys and the committee’s set of indicators, the three committees developed a narrative describing what the city of Anchorage would aspire to be in the year 2025. The committees asked themselves, what type of city do we want Anchorage to be in 2025? After the narrative was complete, the committees had to decide on how to rank Anchorage. The committees used the narrative to help decide on thirty three quantitative metrics to rank Anchorage against the largest cities in the other 49 states as well as the District of Columbia. The metrics range from graduation rate, to cost of living, to acres of parkland. In the fall of 2011, with the help of the McDowell Group, the evaluations of the metrics were complete and we found that Anchorage ranked #10 in Live., #1 in Work. and #9 in Play. Not too bad of a way to start out, but to reach #1 in each of the three areas and to maintain that position,
Investor Luncheon w/ Thomas Stewart: AEDC hosts 2009 Investor Luncheon in July featuring keynote speaker Thomas Stewart, CMO of Booz & Co. and Former Editor Managing Director Harvard Business Review to over 550 attendees. 1987 - 2012
See Live.Work.Play., Page 55
Federal Cool Supply Chain Demonstration Project Grant: Commodity Forwarders Inc. completes project of adding 1300 sq. ft. of freezer space, installing refrigerated docking facilities, and purchasing necessary capital investments. AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation 49
The Birth of an W Enduring Brand
By Lincoln Garrick hen Anchorage Economic Development Corp. was tasked by their board with making Anchorage the #1 city in America to live, work and play by 2025, they came to Solstice Advertising for ideas. The Live. Work. Play. (LWP) initiative needed an identity – something bold, attractive and flexible enough to endure the next 14 years. To get a sense for how the brand would be used, Solstice sought out what kind of actions might stem from the initiative, as well as what values were likely to be highlighted as part of the community involvement
2010
AEDC Chair Elected: Lon Wilson elected as Board Chair of AEDC.
See Brand, Page 51
Economic Forecast w/ Stephen Dubner: AEDC hosts 2010 Economic Forecast Luncheon in January to over 1300 attendees featuring keynote speaker Stephen Dubner, an award-winning author, journalist and TV personality and co-author of the international bestseller “FREAKONOMICS” and “SUPERFREAKANOMICS”.
50 AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation
1987 - 2012
Wordles used for creating the Live. Work. Play. logo
Brand: Continued from Page
50
process. This information wasn’t yet available, however, since LWP was in the early stages of development. The solution Solstice proposed to develop the brand while the details were still forming was to create a mini-simulation of the community involvement process using a crowdsourcing method. We gathered several articles ranking cities around the U.S. according to their live, work and play appeal. Drawing on a program called Wordle, we scraped the articles’ text and created word clouds for each of the three value sets. By removing common non-descriptive language, we were left with
a visual representation of universal community values based on how often words occurred in the text. With this insight, we created three microthemes for AEDC. Each emphasized core values and was flexible enough to be used in a variety of applications. The option AEDC chose speaks for itself. We are excited about the new brand and logo and expect to be seeing it around the city a lot more as the effort develops. If you’re looking for market insight and want to make your organization shine, give Solstice Advertising a call. This is the stuff we live for.
Live. Work. Play.: AEDC Board of Directors adopts the Live. Work. Play. (LWP) vision: By 2025, Anchorage will be the #1 city in America to live, work and play.
Anchorage First: Anchorage First campaign is launched to encourage people to spend their dollars locally instead of online.
1987 - 2012
Investor Luncheon w/ Joel Kotkin: AEDC hosts 2010 Investor Luncheon in July featuring keynote speaker Joel Kotkin, author of The Next Hundred Million to over 750 attendees.
AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation 51
Board of Directors Chair
Vice Chair
Greg Pearce
Joseph Everhart
Vice President & General Manager, Commericals Services, GCI
Voting Members
Senior Vice President of Alaska Commercial Banking, Wells Fargo Bank N.A.
Alaska Airlines Marilyn Romano, Regional Vice President Alaska Communications Michael Todd, SVP, Technology Services Alaska Railroad Corporation Dale Wade, Vice President, Business Development Alaska USA Federal Credit Union David Hamilton, Executive Director, Business & Commercial Services Birch Horton Bittner & Cherot Suzanne Cherot, Shareholder and Attorney BP Exploration Tom Pennington, Chief Financial Officer Carpenters Local 1281 Scott Hansen, Business Manager CH2M Hill Terry Bailey, Vice President-Upstream Market Sector Chugach Alaska Corporation Sheri Buretta, Chief Executive Officer CIRI Sophie Minich, Chief Operating Officer ConocoPhillips Bob Heinrich, Vice President/Finance DOWL HKM Stewart Osgood, President ExxonMobil Dale Pittman, Alaska Production Manager
2011
AEDC Chair Elected: Chris Brown elected as Board Chair of AEDC.
FedEx Express Dale Shaw, Managing Director First National Bank Alaska John Hoyt, Deposit, Consumer Credit & Card Services Director Hotel Captain Cook Raquel Edelen, Vice President of Operations kpb architects Michael Prozeralik, President Lynden Inc. Dennis Mitchell, Vice President/Alaska Region Mikunda, Cottrell & Co. James Hasle, President & Managing Director Northern Air Cargo Mark Liland, Director of Sales Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska Lynn Henderson, Director of Sales, Alaska Market Princess Tours Bruce Bustamante, Vice President/Community & Public Affairs Professional Growth Systems William Dann, President Providence Alaska Medical Center Kirsten Schultz, Director for Communications & Marketing The Wilson Agency, LLC Lon Wilson, President Totem Ocean Trailer Express, Inc. George Lowery, Alaska Director Walsh Sheppard Jack Sheppard, President & COO
Economic Forecast w/ Peter Sheahan: AEDC hosts 2011 Economic Forecast Luncheon in January featuring keynote speaker Peter Sheahan, author of Fl!P to over 1400 attendees.
52 AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation
1987 - 2012
Outlook Luncheon w/ Kurt Andersen: AEDC hosts 2011 Investor Luncheon in July to over 1000 attendees featuring keynote speaker Kurt Andersen, author of Reset.
Secretary/Treasurer
Immediate Past Chair
Timothy Vig
Chris Brown
President, USKH
Ex Officio-Appointed by the Board
Alaska Industrial Development & Export Authority Chris Anderson, Deputy Director Alaska Pacific University Don Bantz, President Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Sandra Heffern, Vice Chair Anchorage Downtown Partnership, Ltd. Chris Schutte, Executive Director Anchorage School District Jim Browder, Superintendent Anchorage Water & Wastewater Utility Andrew Eker, Board Member Artique, Ltd. Tennys Owens, President Bond, Stephens & Johnson, Inc Chris Stephens, Associate Broker Chugiak-Eagle River Chamber of Commerce Susan Gorski, Executive Director Past Chair Mary Hughes, Past AEDC Chair KeyBank Brian Nerland, District President
Site Selector Trip: AEDC hosts first site selector familiarization trip in October with national site selection consultants.
Live. Work. Play.: The LWP logo and metrics are released at AEDC’s Annual Board Meeting. Anchorage ranks #10 in Live., #1 in Work., and #9 in Play.
Director of Business Planning Management, AT&T Alaska
Municipal Light and Power James Posey, General Manager RIM Architects Larry Cash, President CEO State of Alaska, DCCED Wanetta Ayers, Director-Division of Economic Development Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport John Parrott, Airport Manager UAA-College of Business and Public Policy Elisha ''Bear'' Baker, Dean Visit Anchorage Julie Saupe, President &CEO
Ex-Officio Members - Legislators Senator Johnny Ellis Senator Lesil McGuire Representative Lindsey Holmes Representative Craig Johnson
Ex-Officio Members - Municipality
Mayor Dan Sullivan Assembly Member Chris Birch Assembly Member Ernie Hall Director, Office of Management & Budget Cheryl Frasca
Airport Roundtables: AEDC hosts four roundtable discussions on behalf of ANC focusing on community opinions of the airport and future development. The information is compiled to make the Airport Roundtable Report. 1987 - 2012
AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation 53
AEDC Members DIAMOND $20,000 +
Alaska USA Federal Credit Union Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility BP Exploration ConocoPhillips ExxonMobil Production Company GCI McDowell Group, Inc. Morris Alaska/ Alaska Journal of Commerce Municipal Light &Power Municipality of Anchorage Port of Anchorage Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska Professional Growth Systems Solid Waste Services Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport Walsh Sheppard PLATINUM $10,000 - $19,999
Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc. Alaska Integrated Media Alaska Airlines, Inc. Anchorage Community Development Authority Anchorage Media Group AT&T Alaska Coastal Television Broadcasting DOWL HKM Flint Hills Resources Alaska, LLC Hotel Captain Cook The Chariot Group Totem Ocean Trailer Express, Inc. Wells Fargo Bank N.A.
SILVER $2,500 - $4,999
Alaska Aerospace Corporation Alaska Heart Institute Alaska National Insurance Company Alaska Native Business & Resource Directory Anchorage Daily News Artique, Ltd. BiNW Brews Brothers, LLC Carlile Transportation Systems Coffman Engineers Inc. Cook Inlet Housing Authority Dowland Bach Corporation Eklutna, Inc. IBM Michael Baker Jr., Inc.
GOLD $5,000 - $9,999 Alaska Channel Alaska Dispatch Alaska Interstate Construction Alaska Railroad Corporation Alaska Regional Council of Carpenters
2012
AEDC Chair Elected: Greg Pearce elected as Board Chair of AEDC.
Alaska Regional Hospital Aleut Corporation Anchorage Fracture and Orthopedic Clinic Anchorage Opera Architects Alaska Birch Horton Bittner & Cherot Calista Corporation CH2M Hill Chugach Alaska Corporation Chugach Electric Association CIRI Clear Channel Radio Denali Alaskan Federal Credit Union DenaliTek Incorporated Enstar Natural Gas Company Era Alaska FedEx Express First National Bank Alaska Grant Thorton LLP IMIG Audio/ Video KeyBank kpb architects Lynden Inc. Northern Lights Media dba KTUU Northrim Bank Orthopedic Physicians Anchorage Princess Tours Providence Alaska Medical Center R&M Consultants Shell Exploration & Production Solstice Advertising Swissport The Wilson Agency, LLC Thompson and Company USKH Inc.
FedEx: ANC is named one of the five busiest cargo airports in the world. The FedEx facility is capable of sorting up to 15,000 packages/hour and employs more than 1,350 people
and Today
54 AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation
1987 - 2012
Anchorage Prospector: AEDC’s AnchorageProspector.com lists 1000 businesses, 637 building locations, and 171 developable sites in 69 different communities in the Southcentral area.
Mikunda, Cottrell & Co. Millrock Resources, Inc. Morrison Auto Group NANA Development Corporation Northern Air Cargo Odom Corporation Pebble Limited Partnership Penco Properties Porcaro Communications Inc. RIM Architects Roger Hickel Contracting Inc. Tesoro Alaska Company The Alaska Center for the Performing Arts The Alaska Club The Tatitlek Corporation University of Phoenix Verizon Wireless
BRONZE $500 - $2,499 3M 3rd Rail Technology Adams and Associates ADSB Technologies Advancial AeroMetric AK Supply Inc Alaska AFL-CIO Alaska Airlines Magazine Alaska Cargoport, LLC Alaska Distillery Alaska Executive Search Alaska Growth Capital Alaska Magazine
Alaska Pension Services, Ltd. Alaska Rubber and Supply Inc. Alaska Sales and Service Alaska SeaLife Center Alaska Small Business Development Center Alaskan Energy Resources Alyeska Resort Anchorage Community Land Trust Anchorage Concert Association Anchorage Downtown Partnership, Ltd. Anchorage Fueling & Service Company Anchorage Marriott Downtown Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center Anchorage Public Library Arctic Wire Rope & Supply, Inc. Beacon Occupational Health and Safety Services, Inc. Bettisworth North Architects and Planners, Inc. Bond, Stephens & Johnson, Inc Bradley Reid + Associates Inc. Bristol Bay Native Corporation Cange and Chambers Carr Gottstein Properties Chenega Corporation Chugiak-Eagle River Chamber of Commerce City Electric Inc. Cloud49 Commodity Forwarders, Inc. Copper River Seafoods Cornerstone Construction Co., Inc. Cornerstone Credit Services Creative Light & Sound Credit Union 1 CRW Engineering Group LLC Crystal Glacier Water Davis Constructors & Engineers, Inc. DeWitt, Gordon
Live.Work.Play.: Continued from Page there is some work to do. To kick off our LWP initiative, we held our first community event in February, “For the LOVE of Anchorage” sponsored by kpb architects and DOWL-HKM. Renowned author and speaker Peter Kageyama, author of “For the LOVE of Cities” was our facilitator focusing on how to make Anchorage a more lovable city. The event was a tremendous success and we are still hearing from participants on how inspiring and motivational it was. During the workshop a number of ideas were created by the participants that are now taking root and will soon become part of the fabric of our city. So what’s next for Live. Work. Play.? During the first quarter of this year, the LWP
ENI Petroleum Evergreen Films Excel Construction F.R. Bell & Associates, Inc. Frampton and Opinsky, LLC GA Digital Photos Golder Associates Inc. HDR Alaska, Inc. Hilton Anchorage Holmes Weddle & Barcott PC Horizon Lines Alaska Hot Wire LLC Hughes Gorski Seedorf Odsen & Tervooren, LLC Imex, Ltd. Dba Dynamic Properties International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 302 Irwin Development Group, LLC Jermain, Dunnagan & Owens PC JetBlue Airways JL Properties, Inc Ken Brady Construction Kiewit Building Group Knik Arm Bridge & Toll Authority KPMG Kumin and Associates Linford of Alaska, Inc. Marriott Anchorage Downtown Marsh & McLennan Agency Matanuska Electric Association Matanuska Telephone Association Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union Merrill Lynch Millenium Alaskan Hotel Anchorage Mind Matters Research, LLC Motznik Information Services MSI Communications NCP Design/Build Ltd.
NeighborWorks Anchorage North Pole Economic Development Corporation Northcoast Mechanical Northern Economics, Inc. PangoMedia, Inc. Parker, Smith & Feek, Inc. PCL Construction Services, Inc. Pedro Bay Corporation Pfeffer Development Group, LLC PIP Printing Prudential Jack White Vista Real Estate PTP Management, Inc. RE/MAX Properties, Inc. Rise Alaska, LLC Scott Balice Strategies, LLC Sequestered Solutions Alaska Sockeye Business Solutions Southcentral Alaska Council of Building & Construction Specialty Products, Inc. Spenard Builders Supply Swan Employer Services The Anchor The Foraker Group The Nerland Agency, Inc. Tunista Construction, LLC UAA-College of Business and Public Policy URS Corporation US Travel Visit Anchorage Weatherholt and Associates, LLC Weston Solutions
49
steering committee met to develop the next steps for the LWP initiative. The plan consists of two parts: the Live. Work. Play. Initiative Development Model and a set of quarterly milestones from now to the end of the year. The LWP Initiative Development Model establishes “what” we are trying to create, “why” we are doing this, the big picture strategic plan of how to achieve our goal, performance measures and the commitments of each member. This plan will be the road map for us to continue to move this grass roots initiative forward to reach our goal. The LWP steering committee will begin to engage our sister organizations, community groups and members. Each committee will identify the partners that may or may not
Economic Forecast Luncheon w/ Steve Forbes: AEDC hosts the 2012 Economic Forecast Luncheon featuring keynote speaker Steve Forbes, Chairman of Forbes Media to a record crowd of 1500 attendees.
already be working on specific aspects or components of the metrics and with their help, work with them to determine how we can support and promote their efforts and move our metrics forward. Over the course of the next seven months, the LWP steering committee members will be reaching out to those businesses, sister organizations and community agencies and groups to discuss ways to partner and align forces to help achieve the goal at hand of making Anchorage the #1 city in America to Live. Work. and Play. by 2025. You too can help make Anchorage #1! Tell us your ideas and what you think of the initiative at www.Facebook.com/AnchorageLWP.
For the Love of Anchorage: AEDC hosts the “For the Love of Anchorage” workshop featuring Peter Kagyama, author of “For the Love of Cities”. 1987 - 2012
Site Selector Trip: AEDC hosts second site selector familiarization trip in February with national site selection consultants.
AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation 55
Contact Us Anchorage Economic Development Corporation 510 L Street, Suite 603, Anchorage, AK 99501 Ph: (907) 258-3700 • Fax: (907) 258-6646 www.AEDCweb.com
www.facebook.com/AEDCweb
www.twitter.com/AEDC
President & CEO
Bill Popp
bpopp@aedcweb.com.
Business and Economic Development Director
Development Director
Ruth Glenn
Jon Bittner
rglenn@aedcweb.com
jbittner@aedcweb.com Business and Economic Development Assistant Director
Communications Director
Emily Bolling
Will Kyzer
ebolling@aedcweb.com
wkyzer@aedcweb.com Research Coordinator
Executive Assistant
James Starzec
Meaghan Gould
jstarzec@aedcweb.com
2012
Resource Extraction 10Year Projection: In April, AEDC releases the 2012 Resource Extraction Report.
mgould@aedcweb.com
49th State Angel Fund: MOA and AEDC partner to host first Angel Fund Forum event.
continued
56 AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation
1987 - 2012
Outlook Luncheon w/ Robert Reich: AEDC hosts the 2012 Outlook Luncheon in July featuring keynote speaker Robert Reich, author of Aftershock.
AEDC Celebrates 25 Years: AEDC celebrates 25th Anniversary in 2012!
INDUSTRIAL CONTROL PANEL FABRICATION
• UL508A Industrial Control Panels • UL698 Explosion Proof Industrial Control Panels • UL50 Electrical Enclosures, Type 3R & Type 4X, Custom Sizes Made To Order
• UL696 Marking and Labeling Systems • Instrumentation Panels • PLC Cabinets • Custom Electrical Control Systems • Weathertight Enclosures • In-house Design and Engineering
Dowland-Bach Corporation 6130 Tuttle Place, Anchorage, AK 99507 Phone: (907) 562-5818 Fax: (907) 562-5816 www.dowlandbach.com
1987 - 2012
Made in Alaska
AEDC Anchorage Economic Development Corporation 57
Advancing Business Since 1915
The Anchorage Chamber is proud to have AEDC as our partner. Together, we have advanced business in Anchorage for !
25 years
1016 West Sixth Avenue, Suite 303 • Anchorage, AK 99501 • (907) 272-2401 info@anchoragechamber.org • Anchoragechamber.org
portmackenzie.com
Heavy
Lifting at Port MacKenzie
220 tons 3.4 miles of continuous cable
May 2012: three vessels tied up at Port MacKenzie and offloaded high value cargo, including two spools of cable worth $5.4 million for the Fire Island Wind Project.
Port Mac—the solution for heavy weight, high value logistics
25
Congratulations AEDC on 25 years.
Just like you, we are proud to have played a defining role in advancing the interests of Anchorage and its businesses. From the beginning of BHBC, over 41 years ago, we have been privileged to serve our community’s expanding and diverse legal needs and share Anchorage’s unique history. We look forward to the next 25 years.
Alaska Native Corporations • Appellate Practice • Aviation Accidents • Banking and Commercial Transactions • Complex Civil Litigation Construction Law • Employee Benefits Administration • Environmental Law • Government and Agency Relations • Health Care • Labor and Employment Law • Land Use • Mergers and Acquisitions • Municipal Law • Natural Resources and Energy • Personal Injury • Products Liability Public Finance and Bonding • Public Utility and Regulatory Law • Real Estate and Public Housing • Telecommunications and Technology
Birch Bittner & Cherot Development | 1127 West Seventh Avenue Alaska 99501 | 907.276.1550 | birchhorton.com 60 Horton AEDC Anchorage Economic Corporation 1987 - Anchorage, 2012