Join Southeast Conference in Helping Haines!
There are many ways to show support and help displaced Haines residents - and many of you have done so already. The outpouring from the region and beyond has been amazing and inspirational. These are also very difficult times for the local businesses in Haines to stay open and employ the many friends and neighbors throughout this winter while recovering from overlapping disasters of the economy with no tourism and historically low fisheries and now the catastrophic natural disaster. Instead of sending physical donations, please consider donating instead to local businesses that can supply necessities and holiday gift items to displaced families. To facilitate donations to Haines’s businesses and to ensure that dollars are spent locally, the Haines Chamber will be extending its gift voucher program. Displaced residents that are currently receiving services will qualify to receive gift vouchers that can be used at all participating businesses. The program is designed for discretionary purchases but will be expanded to include groceries.
2020 SWOT Analysis Released
At Southeast Conference’s February 2020 Mid Session Summit, nearly 300 people representing small businesses, tribes, native corporations, municipalities and community organizations participated in two types on SWOT analyses: one for the region overall, and sector specific SWOTs within the Southeast Conference committee areas. Follow up work occurred between March through October
in Zoom meetings and through surveys to improve and prioritize the sector-specific SWOTs. This document is a summary of each of these Southeast Alaska SWOT analyses.

A SWOT analysis is an in-depth analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. These regional SWOT analyses identify the region’s competitive advantages along with internal or external factors that keep us from realizing our potential. It helps answer the question, “Where are we now?” by identifying critical internal and external factors that speak to the region’s unique assets that we can leverage to maximize the economic potential of Southeast Alaska.
Member Milestones
IPEC's new Gunnuk Creek Hydro Plant Online!
Congratulations to Kake and IPEC on the newly commissioned hydroelectric plant in Kake. This significantly reduces Kake's reliance on diesel generators for its electricity. This is another milestone for IPEC's implementation of their strategic energy plan for their five service areas, and another step forward for Kake in their quest for more affordable energy with a diversified renewable portfolio of solar, biomass heating and now hydro. Since the Gunnuk Creek hydro project was turned on in September, it has saved the community 2,500 gallons of diesel fuel. IPEC will still rely on diesel generators during dry times and as a backup source of electricity with a goal of displacing diesel consumption in half over time.
Alaska Tlingit Design to be on U.S. Postage Stamp
An Alaska Tlingit design by Juneau artist Rico Lanaat’-Worl was chosen by the USPS to be featured on a new postage stamp to be released next year. The design is titled “Raven Story” which is one of the popular legends that is part of Tlingit culture. Sealaska Heritage Institute plans a ceremony to honor the stamp, and its raven story, when it is released in 2021.
Mid-Session Summit is Right Around the Corner!
Southeast Conference looks forward to your participation during our Mid-Session Summit, February 9-11 via Zoom. While the Capitol is expected to be closed to the public, Southeast Conference is inviting legislative leaders to engage with us virtually to discuss policy issues and Resiliency in Southeast Alaska. To be able to offer this event at no cost to our members, SEC will look to sponsors to cover the cost. If you would like to be one of the sponsors for the Mid-Session Summit, please contact Robert Venables (robert@seconference.org). Stay tuned for more information coming soon!
Become a Member of Southeast Conference!
The mission of Southeast Conference is to undertake and support activities that promote strong economies, healthy communities and a quality environment in Southeast Alaska.
If you or your organization is interested in joining, please visit our website or contact the office: info@seconference.org
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.
January

Visitor's Industry
January 12, 2pm
Southeast Conference would like to wish
our members a Happy Holiday Season!
If you would like to join these stellar organizations, contact Southeast Conference (info@seconference.org) or visit our website .