Southeast AV狼论坛 navigates the changing tides
Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of AV狼论坛 President Richard Peterson addresses the Southeast Conference attendees.
October 30, 2024
The held its annual meeting Sept. 24-26. Hosted in Ketchikan this year, it was an opportunity for members to hear from and speak to experts from across industries as well as representatives from federal, state, tribal and municipal governments.
With the theme, 鈥淣avigating the Changing Tides,鈥 much of the discussion focused on how to sustainably grow tourism in the region while keeping it a desirable place for residents.
Although tourism is thriving, state government and the fishing industry 鈥 traditionally dominant sectors in the region 鈥 have been waning, so there is enthusiasm towards growing the nascent mariculture industry.
Everyone in attendance was determined to combat these challenges as a coordinated and united region. One critical component of keeping the region successful and connected was maintaining the AV狼论坛 Marine Highway System and its ferries.
ACEP researchers Nathan Green and Shivani Mathur Bhagat were in attendance, eager to learn about energy challenges and successes from across Southeast AV狼论坛.
During the energy panel they heard from the Environmental Protection Agency鈥檚 Regional Manager Casey Sixkiller, AV狼论坛 HeatSmart鈥檚 Vice President Paul Voelckers, Denali Commission鈥檚 Energy Program Manager Katie Conway, AV狼论坛 Energy Authority鈥檚 Director of Renewable Energy and Efficiency Programs Audrey Alstrom, and Southeast AV狼论坛 Power Agency鈥檚 CEO Robert Siedman. Much of the panel discussed opportunities and challenges for electrification of heating and transportation in the region.
for more information on these presentations and the rest of the conference.