SEC's 2022 Annual Meeting
Registration is Now Open!
We are busy making arrangements for our 2022 Southeast Conference Annual Meeting to be held in Ketchikan this September 13-15, 2022! Regional business and community leaders will gather to develop an action plan for our economy as we rally around the theme, "Charting the Course Forward." We are lining up a fantastic roster of speakers that you won't want to miss!

Southeast Conference Sponsors make our Annual Meeting possible. There is still plenty of time – and lots of opportunities – to become a sponsor of Southeast Conference’s 2021 Annual Meeting! Find out more!
Business Climate Survey Results
Each year Southeast Conference conducts a regional business climate survey in order to track Southeast Alaska business confidence. Here are some top findings:

1) Southeast Alaska has the best business climate since 2017: Nearly two-thirds (62%) of regional business leaders currently have a positive view of the Southeast Alaska business climate, the highest positivity rating since 2017.
2) The economic outlook is even better: Half of respondents expect their prospects to be better or much better over the next year.
3) Businesses are hiring: More than a quarter (29%) of regional businesses are in hiring mode and expect to add employees over the next twelve months.
4) Housing is the region’s #1 economic problem: Business leaders identified housing as the top need to advance economic growth in the region.
5) Our top business barriers and benefits have generally remained the same over time: Similar to 2015 and 2010, the region’s quality of life, recreation, culture, and arts are the top business benefits to the region; while high freight costs, lack of housing, and overall high cost of living remain the region’s top business barriers.
Innovation Norway Low Emissions Ferry Tour
Over the past few weeks, there has been a lot of discussion and movement toward modernizing the ferry system in Alaska. Southeast Conference joined an Alaska delegation, along with with ferry professionals from San Francisco and British Columbia on a trip to Norway to meet with leaders of Norway’s zero emission vessel ecosystem. The Innovation Norway event met with regulators, battery manufacturers, ship builders, marine architects, charger manufacturers, engine manufacturers and more, traveling from Haugesund to Bergen to Oslo to Trondheim. The overarching theme of collaboration shared by all the speakers. More to come on this important topic as the Alaska team continues to meet, sharing resources and discussing next steps.
Alaska’s EV Infrastructure Implementation Plan
Southeast Conference appreciates the lead role AEA is taking as the State's Energy Office to bring federal resources into our region and state to support the buildout of Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure. Our energy committee is working with AEA to pursue avenues to accelerate the deployment of EV infrastructure in the region - especially for communities that currently have no public chargers available. Comments on the NEVI plan can be emailed to electricvehicles@akenergyauthority.org or complete the online form here. The comment period is open until Friday, July 29, 2022, at 5 p.m. Please copy Southeast Conference on any comments sent to AEA so we can incorporate those requests into a regional citation plan.
2022 Top 40 Under 40
Each year, the Alaska Journal of Commerce and the Anchorage Daily News recognize 40 young Alaskan professionals who have set themselves apart in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. This year's Top Forty Under 40 includes Southeast Conference members Alaska State Representative Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins and President and CEO of the Alaska State Hospital and Nursing Home Assoication, Jared Kosin, as well as two others from Southeast: Edith Johnson, Our Town Catering in Sitka,and Laura McDonnell, Caribou Crossing in Juneau, Congratulations to all the 2022 recipients!
Become a SEC Board Member
Any Southeast Conference member in good standing may declare their interest in a seat on the Southeast Conference Board of Directors. Interested parties must submit a letter of intent to the Board of Directors no later than August 15th to run for the available seat. The letter must contain: a statement of the candidate's interest to run, full name, residential address, phone number and signature. Email communication is acceptable. Send email communications to  info@seconference.org  
 All nominees will be reviewed by the SEC Nominating Committee and then approved by the entire SEC Board of Directors before being presented to the membership for consideration.

Four open seats (3 year terms):
  • (2) Northern Public
  • (2) Southern Private
Calling all UAS Supporters!
Since 1992, Southeast Conference has partnered with UAS to offer a scholarship program that supports residents of the region. Scholarship funds have been raised through an auction that is generously supported by individuals and businesses throughout Southeast and conducted each year at the Annual Membership Meeting. We are actively seeking auction items. If you are able to contribute, please let us know. Thank you in advance for helping make this event a success!
Community & Business of the Year Nominations
Are you aware of a business or community in the region that did something amazing over this last year? Tell us about it! Simply fill out the appropriate nomination form (linked below) and tells us why you think they deserve recognition. Community of the Year and Business of the Year awards will be given out during the banquet at Southeast Conference's upcoming Annual Meeting. Nominations must be received no later then August 31, 2022.
Be Part of the Solution!
Our membership makes up the base of the SEC Committees. Stay informed and weigh-in on the issues facing the industries that matter the most to you! Become a member of Southeast Conference and join the conversation! We are about to kick off our FY22 membership campaign so be on the lookout for your membership renewal coming soon! If you are not a member, contact info@seconference.org to learn more or visit https://www.seconference.org/membership/