Regional Cluster Initiative Meeting

Regional Cluster Initiatives discussion will be held in Wrangell on April 12, 2012, 11:00am-2:00pm. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, in an effort to jump start the economy of Southeast Alaska, awarded a contract to Juneau Economic Development Council to prepare an asset map and strategic plan focusing on actions to strengthen key industry sectors. Part of the deliverable was for “an integrated plan for economic diversification to promote job creation for Southeast communities.”

“The Southeast Alaska Cluster Initiative is an economic development strategy for Southeast Alaska that puts a focus on initiatives to strengthen select industry sectors in the region. JEDC chose this Cluster Working Group (CWG) approach to regional economic development because it brings together the private sector with federal, state and local agencies, university faculty, trade association representatives and other stakeholders committed to addressing industry needs, concerns and opportunities on a partnership basis.”

There were 4 initial industry clusters – Visitor Products, Ocean Products, Forest Products, and Renewable Energy.

JEDC will be guiding discussions in Wrangell on the Visitor Products and Ocean Products issues and initiatives that have been proposed to date. One of the premises behind the cluster initiative is that businesses discuss, identify and set an action course to help alleviate constraints or issues that affect them from operating successfully.

Initiatives coming from the Regional Clusters Visitor Products Working group include:
1. Develop Land and Water Trails and Support Facilities
2. Increase Guided Access to Land
3. Promote Multi-Community and Regional Visitor Packages
4. Strengthen Accountability for Tongass Recreation Fees
5. Integrate Tourism Course with University of Alaska Southeast Existing Degree Program

Initiatives coming from the Regional Clusters Ocean Products Working group include:
1. Develop a Sea Otter Management Program in Southeast Alaska
2. Establish a Marine Industry Technology &Workforce Improvement Consortium
3. Ensure Southeast's Fishing Future through Targeted Education &Training
4. Increase Wild Salmon Production through Habitat Restoration
5. Include the Seafood Industry in USDA Programs (Regulatory Review)
6. Enhance Salmon Production
7. Study the Conversion of Fish Byproduct to Biogas & Fertilizer via Anaerobic Digestion
8. Further Develop Renewable Energy Production
9. Protect Long Term Assured Access to Fishery Resources for Both Current and Developing Fisheries
10. Develop Region-Wide Mariculture Zoning

I hope that Wrangell businesses will participate to provide the small community and rural voice to the conversation that thus far has happened mostly in Juneau. JEDC will be visiting Ketchikan this month prior to coming to Wrangell for our input.

PLEASE RSVP to Carol Rushmore 874-2381 if you know you will attend to make sure we have lunch available for you.