Here’s How Alaskans—Businesses and Consumers—Are Coping with COVID
Across the state, businesses and consumers are stepping up to keep the economy moving along in the face of coronavirus. Below, we’ve compiled a few tidbits from our own resources (social media, news updates, and more) and information found from other sources.
On social media, we asked Alaskans how they’re supporting the local business community. Here’s what they said:
“I am working on getting multiple episodes out a week to keep putting the word out about Alaskan food and beverage makers and letting people know they are still open.”
—@49thmealpodcast [Instagram]
“We are ordering take out a couple times a week and plan to buy gift certificates for future purchases. 😊”
—@michelleblackwell58 [Instagram]
“Getting take out a couple nights a week and delivering groceries to folks I know in the food industry who were laid off.”
—@broker99516 [Instagram]
“Ordering books through my local bookstore instead of Amazon”
—@savellsun [Instagram]
“Offering free services to clients and any business needing some online support to move their business online. (in limited amounts) of course.”
—Bianca Frank Design [LinkedIn]
2020 Fair Canceled for First Time Since World War II
The cancellation is due to the continuing uncertainty regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bidding Open in Alaska’s First-ever Online Oil and Gas Lease Sale
The Department of Natural Resources is embracing new technology to conduct online oil and gas lease auctions and sales, starting with this spring’s Cook Inlet and Alaska Peninsula Areawide sales.
Current Issue
May 2020
Alaska organizations are keeping things positive on their own social media:
Several MTA employees participated in #TheGreatAmericanTakeout today, supporting their favorite local restaurants impacted by COVID-19 mandates.
— MTA Alaska (@MTASolutions) March 24, 2020
What are your favorite AK restaurants they can consider for future orders? 🍕🍔🥗#AlaskaBornandStayed #SupportLocal #TakeoutTuesday pic.twitter.com/0Jqm4wok49
We may have closed our lobby to walk-in traffic, but we still offer many ways to pay, including the HEA app, over the phone, by mail, online, automatic payments and our convenient & secure drop boxes in Homer & Kenai. We're here to help you - 800-478-8551. #HEA pic.twitter.com/ThzwthiR1s
— Homer Electric (@HomerElectric) March 21, 2020
LISTEN: AEDC President/CEO Bill Popp joins KFQD to talk about Alaska business during the COVID-19 outbreak
And don’t forget: you can lend your support just by taking the #BOAB2020 survey!
In This Issue
Alaska’s Giving Pipeline
May 2020
Few large foundations support “the general good” or social service projects in Alaska, so the Last Frontier has a pretty thin philanthropic layer, according to United Way of Anchorage Vice President Cassandra Stalzer. However, the oil and gas industry has a history of stepping in and filling the gaps in Alaska communities by providing money and volunteers for myriad charitable efforts in the state.