UAF showcased at Fairbanks economic development conference

Submitted by Sonja Bickford
Phone: 455-2013
05/20/05

The 2005 Economic Development Conference & Summit will take place Thursday and Friday, June 2-3, 2005, at Pioneer Park Exhibit Hall on Airport and Peger Road in Fairbanks. A keynote luncheon will be featured daily.

This year’s theme, Accelerating the Potential of the Fairbanks North Star Borough Economy, is timely considering the start of the tourist season and possible Federal recommendations pertaining to military bases. The purpose of the two-day conference & summit is to expose the community to the nuts & bolts of marketing a business and the tools necessary to succeed in a constantly evolving economic environment. It will also demonstrate how UAF has research and resources available to entrepreneurs wanting to become part of "intelli-structure"? that leads the world in the information-industry and how that can be applied right here in the Interior.

"It is with insight and innovation the economic ebb against Fairbanks can be redirected to create a continuous flow of economic growth, said FEDC President and CEO, Charlie Walker.

Economic growth isn’t necessarily physical growth, but it is definitely the growth of wealth. Fairbanks is the technology capital of Alaska.

"There are opportunities looming here in Fairbanks, in particular with UAF," said Walker. "It’s here for the taking. There are excellent examples of local businesses thriving and breaking ground by utilizing our local research, resources and industry. It’s not just technology and science. All industry needs some form of technological support to accelerate its economy. This conference will provide people with an overview to seek greater success for themselves and the Borough’s long-term economic stability."?

The two-day conference continues to grow in dynamic content, notable speakers and special guests including: University of Alaska President Mark Hamilton; UAF Chancellor Steve Jones, UAF School of Management Dean Wayne Marr; appearances by Mayors Jim Whitaker, Steve Thompson and Jeff Jacobson; State Representatives John Coghill and Jay Ramras; local business owner Bernie Karl of Chena Hot Springs Resort; Stuart Abrahamson, Defense & Intelligence Business, Tessra; Ron Shimazu, Defense Microelectronics Activity; a leading economist from the Alaska Department of Labor and many other notable speakers with expert perspectives on marketing, business, research and funding.

The conference is hosted by the Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation.

To receive the latest up-to-date information, registration forms and to sign up for e-mail updates, visit www.investfairbanks.com/ call FEDC at 907/452-2185 or write fedc@alaska.com or contact Sonja Bickford at 907/455-2013 or s.bickford@uaf.edu.

Registration opened Friday, May 20, 2005.