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]
MTA Finds New CFO at Providence
Rebecca “Becky” Rudd has been named as MTA’s new CFO and is working alongside retiring CFO Laurie Browning to support a smooth transition.
Third CEO in Three Years for Alaska Communications
Alaska Communications hired Courtland Madock as CEO and president, effective September 1, while her predecessor Paul Fenaroli aids in the transition.
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September 2026
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!
What happens when a city with fewer than 300 residents becomes a major freight and tourism hub, despite being accessible only by boat, plane, or a one-lane highway/railroad tunnel managed on a strict schedule?
If you’re in the City of Whittier, you get busy. The city has two separate transportation planning efforts underway, including a safety action plan under the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All initiative, which focuses on improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and emergency responders. The second is Whittier Moves, the city’s transportation master plan, which serves as the long-term roadmap for growth.