'Riding the wave' to business prosperity via Alaska State Chamber of Commerce.

• Author: Cutler, Debbie
• Position: From the Editor

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce s 50th annual state conference (Riding the Wave: Setting a Course for the Next 50 Years) in beautiful Homer, Alaska. The three-day conference was booked solid with speakers and activities, and I can't imagine that any of the 150 attendees left without gaining knowledge of businesses new and old, the tough issues facing Alaska, as well as promise of a bright future.

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"It was a great opportunity to network with business leaders from across the state," said Wayne Stevens, president/CEO of the State Chamber. "There were informative programs on issues of importance to the business community covering a wide variety and diversity of issues and challenges to business."

Those in attendance, many with trade show booths, were treated to speakers from the Seattle Chamber of Commerce, TransCanda, Denali--The Alaska Gas Pipeline, ANGDA and oh so much more. The governor was there, as were Native leaders, as were (via teleconference) the state's congressional delegation. Issues tackled included health care, Native 8(a) conflicts, early return to work for injured workers and much more.

It was an amazingly rich time.

Stevens said it not only benefited those in attendance, but also had a great economic impact on the Homer community. About $100,000 was spent by attendees for rooms, meals, incidentals, entertainment, etc. "All contribute to the community economy during a typically slow ... visitor season," Stevens said.

"And the benefit to attendees--the opportunity to take new information back to...