Alaska economy looking.

• Author: Harrington, Susan
• Position: Editorial

"We have built a solid foundation of opportunity here in Alaska," Governor Sean Parnell wrote for Alaska Business Monthly's annual Mid-Year Economic Outlook (Page 25). I can't help but agree that the opportunity is here and it's time to capitalize on it. There are kernels of wisdom in all the comments proffered for this special section and I'd like to share a few.

Engineer of the Year Colin Maynard, a Principal with BBFM Engineers Inc., shared that "the engineering industry outlook is for a pretty flat year." That may change, though. Institute of the North Executive Director Nils Andreason reminds us that "there is a significant amount of work being done to assess Alaska's strategic role as an Arctic state; infrastructure needs as they relate to safe, secure, and reliable operations; and approach to issues such as research, resource management, and response capacity."

AGC of Alaska Executive Director John MacKinnon tells us that "in spite of reductions in defense spending, the building construction side of the market continues strong, though still below capacity." We always have room to grow the economy.

AEDC President and CEO Bill Popp wrote, "Business and professional services, health care, oil and gas, and construction are the industry leaders that are pushing the Anchorage economy to new heights."

Those thoughts are echoed by Visit Anchorage President and CEO Julie Saupe as she explores in length how visitor industry efforts will "quite likely make 2013 the new high mark for Alaska tourism."

Not every sector will see increases, though.

Vice President and Senior Economist Marcus L. Hartley with the research and analysis firm Northern Economics gives a warning that "the increasing value of the dollar relative to other currencies, particularly the Japanese Yen, coupled with the recession in Europe, could mean lower revenues for Alaska's seafood exporters." This...