A crowd at a music festival

Sundown festival organizers say event can boost Anchorage economy, grow music scene

Festival organizers say it’s drawing a bigger crowd each year and can provide a significant boost to the local economy.
a tidal generator

A Juneau inventor wants to bring ocean energy to your outlets

Tidal power could be an alternative to burning fossil fuels like diesel and natural gas, which is driving human-caused climate change.
tourists

Klawock hopes for an economic boost as it welcomes cruise ships for the first time

The ceremony was the result of 18 months of planning by tribal leaders, who are hoping to revive the town’s flagging economy with tourism.
Stikine River

New report questions business model of British Columbia gold mines

The report says mines are allowing day traders and Canadian taxpayers to assume most of the financial risk, while a much smaller group of shareholders reaps the rewards.
Two cars side by side getting a touchless car wash.

Car wash companies expand in Anchorage amid national boom  

According to Bloomberg, there are about 60,000 car washes in the country, and some forecasts show that number could double by 2030.
King Cove

King Cove braces for salmon season with no seafood processor amid historic price slump

Less than 2 months before salmon season, King Cove's seafood processor announced it will cease operations.
pig fat sitting in jars

This farm is the only Grade “A” goat dairy in Alaska

“I kind of joked that I started a Grade “A” dairy with a “C” team,” said Kelli Foreman who runs Kodiak's Heritage Farm and Ranch.
A man smiling with glasses

New development center will connect Alaska businesses with AI tools

The Alaska Small Business Development Center has a new resource center aimed at familiarizing businesses with AI tools. 
a smiling woman in an apron holds a baby reaching for doughs on a kitchen counter

Home bakers in Alaska find sweet success on Instagram

A growing group of Alaska home bakers can legally sell their goods, thanks to the state's cottage food laws.
a square building with a large black chimney with a sign that reads "Trident Seafoods"

3 seafood processors announce closures, selloffs following historic price collapse for Alaska fishing industry

Three major seafood processors in Alaska have announced plans to sell off their plants or temporarily close for the upcoming fishing seasons. Trident, Peter Pan Seafood Company and most recently OBI Seafoods – just last month – have all cited turbulent market conditions for their decisions.
A woman in a white dress shirt gives a presentation

Workforce woes? Invest in Anchorage’s quality of life, experts say

Anchorage’s economy has lots of positive signs and job growth ahead, but not enough people for its anticipated job openings.
A woman stands by a door

Reality TV crews bring economic boost to Petersburg, but many locals wonder if it’s worth it

In 2023, three reality TV shows and a documentary were shot in the remote Southeast town, a small windfall for many local businesses.
A woman smiles as she hands a brown bag to a customer

No longer a ‘bagel desert,’ new business is among several bringing bagels back to Anchorage

Wooden Spoons Alaska recently started selling New York-style bagels. Like her competitors in town, the owner often can't keep up with demand.
a harbor full of docked boats on a cloudy day

Alaska’s harbors grapple with rusty pilings and rising costs

The climbing price of docking a boat in harbors across the state has Alaskans questioning their future on the water.
Two people in jackets stand at the window of a food truck that reads "Devil's Hideaway"

Juneau’s Mendenhall Valley has a new year-round food truck park

Many Juneau restaurants rely on summer tourists, which can leave fewer options for locals in the winter.
Crowds of people walk past food trucks and vendors along a city street on a summer afternoon.

Alaska tourism industry expecting another strong year, led by cruise passengers

An Alaska tourism industry advocate expects last year’s record-breaking cruise passenger numbers to repeat in 2024.
the inside of a restaurant, with patrons sitting at tables

Fewer restaurant workers translates to lower profits for seafood processors

Worker shortages are driving restaurants to serve fewer tables. Some seafood processors say that’s hurting their bottom line.
Various Giftshops in downtown Anchorage

Anchorage small businesses see a strong holiday season, despite winter storm challenges

An industry advocate sees encouraging signs from holiday shopping, but says local businesses are still recovering from November’s snow storm closures.
several colorful posters with dollar figures hang on a large bulletin board

Ripping open the world of pull-tabs, Alaska’s most popular form of charitable gaming

All legal gaming in Alaska benefits nonprofits, and the most popular form, pull-tabs, is played at more than 1,000 locations statewide.
A cannabis plant grows indoors.

Alaska hemp producers sue state, saying new ban on products is illegal

Alaska recently banned hemp products with intoxicating THC. The hemp industry says its products are protected under federal law.