News From The Network - Winter 2009
AKSourceLink Workshops
From Toksook Bay to Tok
Since the website's official launch in September at the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce Conference & Trade Show, we have been taking AKSourceLink on the road with a series of introductory workshops across Alaska. Business owners attending the workshops have received the website with enthusiasm. Almost 90% say they will use it as a resource for their business, and more than 90% plan to tell others about AKSourceLink.
The schedule of workshops for 2010 is being developed, so check the website Calendar for future locations and dates.
A big thank you to our many partners who have organized workshops in their communities, including: Kawerak, Inc., Fairbanks North Star Borough, Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation, Fairbanks Collaborative, SBA, Alaska Small Business Development Center, Cordova Marine Advisory Program, Prince William Sound Economic Development District, Prince William Sound Community College, Lower Kuskokwim Economic Development District, Valdez Convention & Visitors Bureau, Nanakauyak Traditional Council, Copper Valley Development Association, and Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District.
Website Update
We have met and exceeded our goal of bringing more than 100 service providers into the network before the end of 2009, and continue to reach out to potential partners.
Since the end of August, almost 800 unique visitors have used the website from all over Alaska, as well as from the Lower 48, and even from Brazil, China, and Russia. More than three-quarters of visits come from direct traffic, with an average of seven new visitors daily.
Visitors conducting searches live in places ranging from Pilot Point to Point Hope, and Nuiqsut to Naknek. Services sought most frequently are in the categories of business planning, financial resources and assistance, and marketing.
AKSourceLink Wins National Award
Excellence in Partnership Development
On October 13, AKSourceLink received the Excellence in Partnership Development award from the University Economic Development Association at its 2009 summit in San Antonio, Texas. Although the website launched only recently, the program has been in development for almost two years, requiring the commitment and collaboration of many public and nonprofit partners from across the state.
AKSourceLink lead Linda Ketchum of the University of Alaska Center for Economic Development and partner Kathryn Dodge of Fairbanks North Star Borough competed with two other finalists, the University of South Florida and the University of Kentucky, to take the honor.
Welcome to the Network!
The latest Resource Partners to join the network are Bethel Chamber of Commerce, Chitina Chamber of Commerce, Chugiak-Eagle River Chamber of Commerce, Chugiak-Eagle River Women in Business Network, Cordova Chamber of Commerce, Cordova Electric Cooperative, Fairbanks North Star Borough Community Research Center, Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce, Greater Soldotna Chamber of Commerce, Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program Petersburg, Prince William Sound Community College Valdez Campus, The Northern Forum, and UAA Career Services Center.