Join us at the Innovation Summit, Alaska's premier innovation event! This year we will delve into the power of Scenario Thinking and discover effective tools and strategies for navigating the future. This dynamic event brings together forward-thinking entrepreneurs, business and industry experts, influential policymakers, researchers, and change agents from around Alaska and beyond.

What is Scenario Thinking, and why is it important now?

Scenario Thinking is a tool to envision and anticipate possible futures. This tool - often called Scenario Planning, Scenario Analysis, Strategic Foresight, etc. - has been used by corporations, nations, regions, and communities for decades, but it is not well-known or often used in Alaska.

The U.S. Coast Guard Evergreen team explains: "As humans, we have an innate inclination to imagine and predict what lies ahead. However, history has shown us that our predictions are not always accurate, as exemplified by our ongoing wait for hoverboards and flying cars promised by the movie Back to the Future II.

While it may be daunting to prepare for unpredictable or uncertain situations, it is imperative for us to proactively address the needs of the future. By doing so, we can shape our own destiny rather than being at the mercy of unforeseen circumstances."

Strategic Thinking helps us navigate the uncertain future by asking better questions.

Instead of asking what will happen, we need to ask:

• What changes might occur?
• What could these changes look like on the landscape?
• What alternatives to our understanding (and mental models) might exist?
• What actions might we suggest to improve or guide possible outcomes?

Join us and experience popular components of this national award-winning event like the Pitch Contest, Alaska Innovators Hall of Fame, Innovation Tours, Deep Dives, Innovation Shorts, and MORE!

JEDC Platinum Investors

Engage around original ideas and forward-thinking topics!

Don’t miss this opportunity to share your innovative project, work, or idea with Innovation Shorts, 10-minute presentations. Shorts offer conference attendees a glimpse into a host of topics that surround the larger conference theme. Each Short is just enough time to pique the attention of the audience.

We are seeking thirty (30) presenters to showcase their original ideas at the 2024 Innovation Summit! Shorts presenters gain experience speaking publicly on their chosen topic while growing their network and creating buzz. Presentations may involve a deck of slides or a short video.

DEADLINE to apply: February 16, 2024

PROMOTE your business!

EXCHANGE information!

BUILD relationships!

Each sponsorship package has impactful benefits that enhance your exposure throughout the Summit.

JEDC sincerely appreciates our sponsors for their dedication and contributions to the Innovation Summit. Sponsors play an integral role in igniting discovery, making new connections, and contributing directly to the Summit community across all sectors.

View our Sponsor Toolkit and sponsor the Summit today!

Contact us at media@jedc.org if you have questions.

Hear from aspiring Alaskan entrepreneurs!

Co-hosted with the Juneau Chamber of Commerce, the Alaska Airlines Pitch Contest brings together aspiring entrepreneurs who will pitch their business venture to a panel of experts, as well as the ultimate panel – Innovation Summit attendees! Pitch contestants will have 5-6 minutes to pitch their business plan in front of attendees who will crowdfund a cash prize for the winner to take home at the end of the Summit.

Entrepreneurs from Alaska and the Yukon are invited to apply to Pitch their business ideas.

Previous Pitch Contest competitors include: Amalga Distillery, Renewable Energy Alaska Project, Coppa, Tundra Tonics, Salty Lady Seafood Co., Kartorium, Sitkana, and more!

Brian Kleinhenz is the President and Owner of Terra Verde, Inc., a forestry consulting company that operates all over the Pacific Northwest offering services in forest inventory, professional consultation and carbon offset development. He serves as Secretary of the Society of American Foresters Juneau Chapter. He has also served as the Treasurer of the Southeast Alaska Soil and Water Conservation District and was a former Alaska Forest Association Board Member. Prior to his current career as an entrepreneur and small business owner, he was the Natural Resources Department Sealaska Corporation. His education includes a BS in Biology and Environmental Studies, Ohio Northern University (1997) and MS in Forestry, University of Eastern Finland (1999).

We would also like to extend a huge thank you to outgoing member Raymond Paddock III for his time and service on the JEDC Board of Directors!

IMPORTANT: VENUE CHANGE & VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The Alaska Robot Rendezvous - FIRST LEGO League Championship held Saturday, January 27th, has been moved to South High School. We are also in need of volunteers for the event. If you are available to help for some or all of the day, please reach out to Alyson at: acooper@jedc.org.

Join us as we cheer on our amazing Alaskan teams. Can't make it to the live event? Watch the live stream on our Youtube channel on Saturday from 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM! We look forward to seeing you this weekend!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Check out all of our amazing Alaska robotics teams participating in our FIRST Raffle. Join us in supporting FIRST in Alaska for a chance to win amazing prizes! Our mission is to inspire and empower young minds to become future science and technology leaders. Through engaging mentor-based programs, we help them develop essential skills in science, engineering, and technology, while fostering qualities like innovation, self-confidence, communication, and leadership.

If you'd like to connect with a local team selling tickets, please reach out to Alyson at acooper@jedc.org. To show your support for the FIRST in Alaska program or to help support the Team Travel Fund, you can purchase a $10 raffle ticket HERE.

• 1st Prize - Two (2) round trip tickets anywhere Alaska Airlines flies. 
• 2nd Prize - $2,000 scholarship fund from Alaska 529 to be given to a child (14 or younger) of your choice. 
• 3rd Prize - GCI Tech Bundle with an iPad Pro and Airpods. 

JEDC thanks the strong corporate sponsorship of Alaska Airlines, Alaska529, and GCI, as well as the many volunteers that allow this program to reach communities and schools throughout Alaska.

JEDC Gold Investors

Check out the 2023 edition of our Juneau and Southeast Alaska Economic Indicators Report exploring trends in employment and earnings, demographics, education, construction, business and industry, and more!

The recently released population estimates by the Alaska Department of Labor reveal the demographic changes happening in Southeast Alaska, with a gradual decline in population observed across the region. This decline carries various implications, including shifts in employment opportunities and the age distribution of the population. In Juneau, the decline is mostly do to there being significant out-migration that is not balanced out by natural increase (births), leading to a net loss. Policymakers and stakeholders must understand the factors behind this decline to address potential challenges and plan for future development in the region.

However, it's worth noting that population decline isn't always negative. It can present opportunities for communities to reassess their priorities, promote sustainable development, and enhance the quality of life for residents. Additionally, it can stimulate efforts to attract new residents and diversify the economy.

JEDC Silver Investors

The Senior Regional Eldercare Coalition (SREC) is made of eldercare providers from across Southeast Alaska who have joined together to problem solve mutual issues, share information, and be a collaborative catalyst for change in the realm of eldercare services to support older adults in maintaining their independence at home for as long as possible.

JOB OPENINGS

• Client Navigator
• Recruiter
• Training Coordinator

Eldercare Program Update

The Senior Regional Eldercare Coalition (SREC) is working hard on several projects.

They have continued in discussions with the University of Alaska Southeast to develop a Direct Support Professional (DSP) pilot project, which is expected to launch in June 2024 and provide valuable learning opportunities for students.

They also have been planning for an Eldercare Summit set to take place in Juneau in the fall of 2024

The SREC recently completed an update on the Charter documents and held elections for officers. We are pleased to announce that Erin Walker-Tolles and Sharyl Yeisley will continue to serve as Co-Chairs. Additionally, we welcome Sioux Douglas as our newly appointed secretary.

We would like to express our gratitude to Deb Craig for her valuable service and expertise as secretary.

JEDC encourages shopping locally and supporting local charities through the Local Change feature of the Local Frequency app.

Did you know Fred Meyer will donate to a charity of your choice when you shop with them?

Did you also know you can support STEM education in Juneau through the Alaska Development Corporation, a 501c3 Charity affiliated with JEDC? Choose Alaska Development Corporation via Fred Meyers or Local Frequency and support wonderful Juneau programs!

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