Institute of the North

On May 8th - 10th I attended the Institute of the North's spring dialogue with many emerging leaders from around the State.   The conference was held at the Alyeska Resort in Girdwood.

A topic on the mind of everyone was discussion on passing the torch.   As the responsibilities of leadership moves to the younger generations are we taking measures to ensure that the handoff is successful?   What steps can be taken to mentor the generations to come?   These are great questions and I am glad that they are being addressed.   Many topics were covered including the challenges of high energy costs that Alaskans are facing.   The conference was well attended; it seemed to me to be a couple of hundred people.

Economic Development Program Direction

At our last advisory committee meeting the advisor reviewed the 68 Letters of Interest and eliminated 51 of them.   17 of the project ideas submitted looked to fit within the direction of the program and should have received letters asking them to submit more information at the detail of a request for proposal.

The advisors would like to focus on the following three areas;

1.           An overarching multi-year strategy for the program

2.           Funding of new entrepreneurs

3.           Step up funding for existing businesses

In the near future we will be working with our partners to finalize the programatic details