For the second year in a row, business leaders from Alaska descended on Washington DC to provide elected officials with an overview of Alaska’s key industries and insight in to how they impact America’s economy.
On April 29th and 30th, more than 100 Alaskans, representing Alaska Native, commercial fishing, construction, cruise lines, forestry, mining, oil and gas, sport fishing, tourism, and trucking organizations, shared how Alaska’s business and resource industries can be the key to America’s prosperity for decades to come.
The mission statement developed by the 16 organizations that joined together to organize the AK on the Hill event is simple: Alaska’s Resources & Industries — America’s Future: Bringing Alaska’s unique business voice to the nation’s capital to advocate for a healthy Alaska economy and a secure future for America.
Key Messages included:
- Unified Voice for Alaska: We are a coalition of sixteen statewide organizations, representing a cross-section of Alaska’s economic engines—resource industries, Indigenous leaders, and private-sector businesses—standing together to advocate for a secure and prosperous future.
- National Relevance: Alaska’s prosperity is America’s opportunity. As outlined in President Trump’s Executive Order, Alaska’s strategic development is essential to advancing our national and economic security.
- Economic Impact and Opportunity:
- Diverse and Resilient Economy: Alaska’s economy spans critical industries—commercial and sport fishing, oil and gas, mining, forestry, tourism, construction, transportation, and more. Each contributes to local communities and national supply chains.
- Workforce and Innovation: We are not just resource-rich—we are knowledge-rich. Alaskans bring deep expertise and innovative practices in operating in remote, extreme environments. We are building jobs and local capacity.
- Indigenous Stewardship: Alaska Native leaders bring generations of stewardship, sustainable development knowledge, and a deep understanding of balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.
Several other Senators and Representatives joined Alaska’s congressional delegation to speak to the group about their efforts on behalf of Alaska. The event concluded with an Alaska night reception featuring seafood and beverages provided by Alaskan businesses.
