Kenai, Seward, Homer, Soldotna: growing bigger and better in every way.

• Author: Bohi, Heidi
• Position: TOWNS IN TRANSITION

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The core communities along the Kenai Peninsula--Homer, Kenai, Soldotna and Seward--represent a stretch of Alaska that is known worldwide for both recreational opportunities and economic clout benefiting their individual towns and the entire state. Fishing, tourism, oil, transportation, construction, retail, mining, government and the arts keep these communities pulsing, while at the same time, each works to maintain its unique and always quirky small-town charm. Like four sisters, each is different, but loveable in their own way: Together, the four towns define a region unlike any place else in the world.

SEWARD

According to the Seward Chamber of Commerce, Conference and Visitors Bureau, "Alaska starts here." While it is not the only community in Alaska that lays claim to that slogan, if this jewel of the Kenai Peninsula continues to invest in its community and economic potential with the same level of commitment it does today, soon it can say "Alaska is here."

Also known as the "Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park," one of Seward's leading industries remains tourism. Located just 126 miles south of Anchorage off the Seward Highway--one of 12 Alaska Scenic Byways--visitors can easily reach the community by rail, bus, air or cruise ship. In addition to courting independent international and domestic travelers and group tours, the chamber also is increasing efforts to attract the professional meeting and small convention market, hoping to attract events such as annual conferences, weddings and board meetings for groups ranging between 100 and 500 attendees.

To a large extent, says Laura Cloward, the chamber's executive director, developing this market is contingent on completing the new Mary Lowell Center, a multi-agency facility downtown. Originally set to open in 2010, the project--a partnership between the U.S. Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service and the City of Seward--is awaiting funding that is dependent on federal appropriations. The cost is estimated to be 14 million to $17 million and construction will take about two years.

"The center will re-energize downtown, encouraging more growth and development, prompting renovation and revitalization of land and properties that currently sit dormant, but have great potential," Cloward says. The project also includes a multi-agency visitor center that would replace the current Park Service and Forest Service facilities.

Besides the tourism and meeting markets, Cloward says Chamber priorities include promoting the Seward harbor as the northernmost ice-free port in Alaska and a viable alternative to Anchorage; encouraging long-term planners to consider the community's transportation (road, rail and marine) infrastructure when planning future projects; supporting growth of its educational institutions that include the Alaska Vocational Technical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks Seward Marine Center, Kenai Peninsula Community College and Resurrection Bay Extension Site; and, advocating local policies that support the growth of small businesses.

"Alaska starts here" reflects both the visitor industry's and the chamber's belief that anything an individual wants to do in Alaska can be found in the Seward area.

Seward is the seventh most-lucrative fisheries port in the United States. In 2004, almost $50 million worth of fish and shellfish passed through this town of 3,106 residents, according to the National Marine Fisheries Service.

A major addition to the boat harbor completed last year will continue to facilitate that industry and encourage other businesses to move to Seward or expand existing operations, along with allowing the harbor to handle more private and commercial traffic, such as coal exporting, which will more than double in the next year, says Seward Mayor Clark Corbridge. He adds that the only limitation is how quickly the city can complete the...