Mark Allred  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Program Assistant: 

Adison Smith This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Economic Development Program at the Commission

In many rural areas of our state a subsistence economy continues to thrive.  This economy is supported by a modest cash economy.  In order for small communities to remain vibrant and viable continued efforts must be made at strengthening both economies. 

Alaska Marketplace Competition Extended

The Denali Commission funded the Alaska Marketplace for its year 3 program.  The Commission provided operational funding; the monies awarded to individuals came from private organizations.   The Alaska Marketplace has expanded this year’s competition and is accepting applications until January 15th 2009.  Please visit their website for more information.  www.alaskamarketplace.org

2008 Alaska Marketplace Winners Part 1

A Cut Above Quilting ~ Barbara Ramos ~ Bethel

Kvichak Organic Produce ~ Alex Anna Salmon ~ Igiugig

Porcupine River Timber ~ Dacho Alexander ~ Fort Yukon

The Meyers' Farm: Farming on the Tundra ~ Tim Meyers ~ Bethel

Forest Firewood ~ Mark Leary ~ Bethel

C Side Lumber ~ Fred Sagoonick ~ Shaktoolik

From Shellfish Subsistence to Sustainable Farming ~ Marie Bader ~ Homer

Cup'ik Dance Songs of the Tundra ~ Dr. John F. Pingayak ~ Chevak

The Dugout ~ Louise Walcott ~ Nome

Southeast Alaska Livestock Production & Processing ~ Clint Daniels ~ Sitka

Tundra Woodworks ~ Patrick Hall ~ Chevak

Peoples' Choice Awards

Best Display ~ A Cut Above Quilting ~ Barbara Ramos ~ Bethel

Most Innovative ~ Birch Water ~ Martin Kelly ~ Pilot Station

Best Example of Culture & Traditional Values ~ Yupik Arts ~ Cecilia Frenzle, Delta Junction

Advisory Meeting

Our last Advisory Committee Meeting of 2008 was held on November 6th.  The advisors will be taking a small break and are not scheduled to meet again until March 2009. 

Entrepreneurial Web Portal

The Denali Commission Economic Development program has awarded the Alaska Entrepreneurial Consortium $450,000 for the creation of a web portal that will be available to all Alaskans with a focus on the following three areas;

to provide small business owners and entrepreneurs with easy access to technical assistance resources across the state; to promote the services of technical assistance providers through a collaborative marketing umbrella; and to identify service gaps and augment local technical assistance resources as necessary.

This award is being managed by the University of Alaska’s Center for Economic Development.  Continue to watch our program update section as this project rolls out and is set to be ‘live’ in 2009.