Fisheries loan office folded into new state agency

The state Division of Investments, cited in the following press release from Gov. Sean Parnell, is heavily involved in making loans to Alaska fishermen for permits, quota shares, vessels and gear. The division also has made substantial loans for hatcheries.

Oct. 12, 2010

Governor signs order creating Division of Economic Development

JUNEAU — Gov. Sean Parnell today issued an administrative order to combine the Division of Investments and the Office of Economic Development into a new Division of Economic Development within the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development (DCCED).

The merger will reduce duplicative functions in state government while bringing department front-line staff and leadership together to focus on economic strategies. It will create a “one-stop shop” that can provide an existing or new Alaska business with financing, marketing and general assistance.

“This consolidation will aggressively re-assert the state’s leadership in creating a business-friendly climate necessary for responsible, sustainable development,” Parnell said. “By combining Investments and the Office of Economic Development, we will decrease red tape for the private sector.”

To help identify economic development opportunities and reduce barriers, DCCED also recently formed an Economic Advisory Council consisting of industry leaders from around the state.

“These changes help us better serve the business community and more effectively promote economic development in Alaska,” said DCCED Commissioner Susan Bell. “We look forward to partnering with the private sector in pursuit of a better future for Alaskans.”

The administrative order takes effect immediately. The new Division of Economic Development will be managed by Division Director Wanetta Ayers and will operate from state offices in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau.

Tough job available

I see the Western Alaska Community Development Association is looking for a new executive director.

WACDA is a congressionally sanctioned umbrella organization for Alaska's six Community Development Quota companies.

The CDQ companies hold exclusive rights to as much as 10 percent of the annual Bering Sea fish and crab catch, using the proceeds for the benefit of villages they companies represent.

The new executive director will take over for the departing Wanetta Ayers, who became WACDA's first chief in February of 2007.

Her replacement is sure to have a tough job. The six CDQ companies have never been known as a harmonious group.