SEC Member Milestones
Congratulations to Icy Strait Point!
Congratulations for receiving the prestigious International Tourism "Port of the Year" award for the Icy Strait Cruise Ship Port over the other top 3 finalists (Port of Dover, United Kingdom, and St. Petersburg, Russia). The award goes to a port, port authority, or cruise terminal operator that has shown significant improvements to its handling facilities or its cruise industry infrastructure. (The fiscal impact is estimated to be $6.8 million each year to the local economy). In the past two years, Icy Strait Point set visitor and tax contribution records for Hoonah. It also doubled its capacity with a second large cruise ship dock, expanded port area and constructed Alaska's first high-speed gondola system.
Congratulations to AP&T!
This week Secretary Purdue and our Delegation announced grants to expand high-speed internet access to remote areas in Southeast, and the Aleutians and Southwest Alaska.  This fiber optic “pipeline” will significantly expand economic opportunities. Alaska Power & Telephone Company (AP&T) is to receive a $21,545,167 grant award through USDA Rural Utility Service’s ReConnect grant program for the “SEALink” broadband project. AP&T will provide over $7m in matching funds. Funds will be used to construct local networks which will provide high-speed broadband to all premises in Kasaan and Coffman Cove, and to develop and install an estimated 214-mile fiber optic cable between Prince of Wales Island, Petersburg, and Juneau. While grant-funded activities will focus on providing high speed broadband service in Kasaan and Coffman Cove, SEALink will support increased fiber optic-based broadband build-out and higher speeds across Prince of Wales Island.
Economic Impacts of the Cancelled Cruise Season
Earlier this fall, Federal Maritime Commissioner Sola visited Alaska and compiled a report on the economic impact of the cancelled Alaska cruise season. The report examined broader aspects of the economy, as well as direct impacts on tourism businesses and communities. The report was released today and can be found in the press release link below. It provides good information on the impacts of the loss of our season.
September's Executive Director's Report
There's never a dull moment at Southeast Conference! Each month, Executive Director, Robert Venables, reports to the SEC Board of Directors on the latest news in the region. This month's highlights include an update on Alaska CARES and the AMHS Reshaping Group, Southeast Disaster Declarations, and the exciting short-term addition, Katherine Bell, an Alaska Fellows to our team,
SEC Welcomes a new Board President
Southeast Conference is pleased to welcome Markos Scheer in the role as Board President. Scheer has been a member of Southeast Conference for many years, serving on the board of directors for the last several years. Graduating from Ketchikan high school, Scheer went to law school and practiced maritime law for 20 years. He now has returned to his roots, operating a kelp and oyster farm in Southeast Alaska. Kelp and oyster farming provide new opportunities for sustainable, environmentally friendly and renewable industries supporting economic growth for coastal Alaskans. Markos has been a board member of the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation since 2007 and of the Northwest Fisheries Association.
Markos Scheer,
SE Conference Board President
2020-21 New SEC Members
Welcome to new Southeast Conference members! If you or your organization is interested in joining, please visit our website or contact the office: [email protected]
Upcoming Committee Meetings
Be Part of the Solution!
Stay informed and weigh-in on the issues facing the industries that matter the most to you! Join the conversation at the next Southeast Conference Committee meeting! All meetings take place via Zoom.
October

Energy - October 28

Transportation - October 29
November

Timber - November 4

Mining - November 10
If you would like to join these stellar organizations, contact Southeast Conference ([email protected]) or visit our website .