Alaska Economic Report

Alaska Public Media

Alaska Economic Report is a weekly look at the trends, policies and issues that impact your wallet in Alaska. From local businesses, to fiscal policy to big industries like fishing, tourism and oil & gas, we cover the high-stakes economic issues that matter to Alaskans all over the state. read less

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King Cove plans for post-Peter Pan seafood processing

King Cove plans for post-Peter Pan seafood processing

King Cove is worried about the future after its seafood processor announced earlier this month that it will cease operations. The plant is the economic engine of the community on the Alaska Peninsula.

Episodes

King Cove plans for post-Peter Pan seafood processing

King Cove plans for post-Peter Pan seafood processing

King Cove is worried about the future after its seafood processor announced earlier this month that it will cease operations. The plant is the economic engine of the community on the Alaska Peninsula.

Popular superhero movies fuel lucrative hobby for comic collectors

Popular superhero movies fuel lucrative hobby for comic collectors

That rise in comic-based movies has contributed to a thriving collectibles market. There are a few ways a comic could be considered valuable.

What happened to Juneau's fast food resturants?

What happened to Juneau's fast food resturants?

Wendy's, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Taco Time, Burger King and Baskin Robbins all came and went by the mid-90s. KTOO's Clarise Larson finds out why.

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

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

The micro dairy at Heritage Farm and Ranch in Kodiak follows strict regulations surrounding the production, processing, and distribution of her products.

Anchorage airport officials hope incentive program will encourage airlines to test new routes

Anchorage airport officials hope incentive program will encourage airlines to test new routes

Three airlines are adding new routes this summer. Alaska, Delta and United Airlines will begin nonstop service to New York City, Detroit, San Diego and Washington D.C. Airports this summer.

New development center will connect small businesses with AI tools

New development center will connect small businesses with AI tools

Jon Bittner is the director of the Alaska Small Business Development Center started the center. He started the center for many reasons.

Home bakers in Alaska find sweet success on Instagram

Home bakers in Alaska find sweet success on Instagram

Cottage bakers operate under a decade old state law that allows Alaskans to sell baked goods from their own kitchen. It caps their annual income at $25,000.

Breweries are trying to level the playing field with live entertainment

Breweries are trying to level the playing field with live entertainment

Alaskans have plenty of options when going out for a drink. However, state laws restrict breweries and wineries more than their counterparts. Three breweries are fighting it with a lawsuit.

Alaska's biggest geothermal project goes up in smoke

Alaska's biggest geothermal project goes up in smoke

KUCB reporter Theo Greenly discusses the future of the Makushin Geothermal Project in Unalaska after city "pulls the plug."

Alaska lawmakers suggest systemic fixes to backlogged food stamp program

Alaska lawmakers suggest systemic fixes to backlogged food stamp program

Alaska Beacon reporter Claire Stremple discusses proposed processing and eligibility changes to the program, also known as SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

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

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

Kirsten Dobroth, is the Alaska reporter for Undercurrent News. She's been following this historic downturn.

A new warehouse in Anchorage could impact businesses statewide

A new warehouse in Anchorage could impact businesses statewide

The Costco Business Center opened in Anchorage in early February. More than 70% of merchandise is different than a warehouse and caters to businesses around the state.

Businesses are struggling to retain and attract working-aged adults despite a growing economy

Businesses are struggling to retain and attract working-aged adults despite a growing economy

Experts say the trends in state and national demographics mean labor shortages will only intensify in the years ahead. Officials say the community has to be deliberate about investing in Anchorage.

Petersburg businesses boost from film crews, but not everyone is happy to see their backyard on TV

Petersburg businesses boost from film crews, but not everyone is happy to see their backyard on TV

This isn’t the first time Petersburg residents have tangled with film crews. Business owners around town say the film crews gave them a surprisingly profitable winter season.

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

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.

Alaska’s harbors grapple with rusty pilings and rising costs

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.

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

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

An industry advocate expects last year’s record-breaking cruise numbers to repeat in 2024, saying winter tourism is going well and air travel may increase.

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

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.

Fishermen and community leaders react to Trident announcement to sell a third of its Alaska plants

Fishermen and community leaders react to Trident announcement to sell a third of its Alaska plants

Trident Seafoods shocked fleets when it announced last week it would sell plants in Kodiak, Petersburg, Ketchikan, and False Pass.

Fewer restaurant workers translates to lower profits for seafood processors

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.