“These forums will provide an opportunity for residents, business owners, and community leaders across the state to share ideas on creating jobs and economic opportunities, said USDA Rural Development State Director Jim Nordlund. “Government can help lay the groundwork for economic growth, but the best ideas for continued growth and job creation often come from local and community leaders,” said Farm Services Agency Executive Director Danny Consentein.
The schedule for Alaska is:
- Fairbanks, Jan. 14, 1:30 p.m. at the Alpine Lodge
- Kotzebue, Jan. 19, 9 a.m. at the Alaska Technical Center
- Juneau, Jan. 26, 1:30 p.m. at Centennial Hall
- Anchorage, Feb. 1, 1:30 p.m. at the Millennium Hotel
The forums will include business owners, residents, state and local officials, union members, non-profit organizations, community leaders, economists, and other interested parties. Participants will discuss steps that can be taken to grow the economy and put people to work. The primary focus will be on coming up with ideas to accelerate job growth in rural areas.
Topics to be discussed include:
- Creating jobs by building Alaska’s rural infrastructure, such as expanded broadband access to rural communities.
- Expanding Alaska’s agricultural production and building stronger local food systems.
- Creating jobs by lowering energy costs and developing new renewable energy project.
- Exploring economic opportunities as a result of climate change.
- Supporting jbo growth among small businesses.
- Preparing workers for twenty-first century jobs.
- Exploring ways to rejuvenate and promote local businesses.
Sen. Mark Begich will be attending the Fairbanks event. One of the featured speakers in Fairbanks is SNRAS Professor Milan Shipka who will be addressing the agricultural components surrounding the issues.
For more information call the USDA at 907-761-7705.
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