Howe named Extension small business development specialist

Submitted by Amy Simpson
Phone: (907) 474-6363
11/29/06

Fairbanks, Alaska--The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service has named Coral Howe its new small business development specialist.

Howe, who has more than 25 years of experience in business development, is responsible for providing outreach education to promote the development of cottage-based and small businesses in Alaska communities. She will also assist Extension faculty and staff develop and circulate educational materials related to the creation and support of small business. Howe’s position is full time and is funded through the Extension Small Business Development Project.

"The Small Business Development Project aims to improve and develop profitability for businesses, especially in rural areas, by working with individuals, groups and communities," Extension Director Tony Nakazawa said. "With Howe on board, we now have the program and resources to successfully achieve this goal."

The concept of the project--made possible through a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service--is to provide individuals with information about producing Alaska products or services. Howe says the project is dedicated to helping individuals interested in Alaska wild berry and other food-related products, but advice is available to any individual with a business idea and the desire to be successful.

Before accepting her position with Extension, Howe worked as the marketing and community outreach coordinator for the UAF Large Animal Research Station. She has also operated small businesses in rural communities for most of her professional career and currently owns and runs a small business in Fairbanks.

Howe received a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a minor in business marketing in May 2000. She is currently a candidate in the UAF masters of education program and hopes to focus on informal and community education.

Born and raised in Alaska, Howe and her husband George have three children, ages 24, 19 and 16.

"I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with fellow Alaskans to help them develop success in their own businesses," Howe said. "I enjoy discovering and working with small industries that offer special-niche products, showcasing the unique qualities of Alaska’s communities."

Howe began her new position Oct. 9 and carries out her duties from the Extension Tanana District Office in Fairbanks.

CONTACT: Coral Howe. small business development specialist, at (907) 474-1512 or coral.howe@uaf.edu. Health, home and family development agent Roxie Rodgers Dinstel at (907) 474-2426 or fnrrd@uaf.edu.

ON THE WEB: www.uaf.edu/ces