Have you seen the website www.Alaskaseconomy.org? The site has been advertised in the newspaper and I recently saw the site published in the First National Bank of Alaskas’ newsletter.
Are we standing at the Crossroad?
The front page of the site, called the “index” page, appropriately says:
”Alaska’s businesses and households are only as strong as the economy that supports them. Like the three-legged stool, it takes all three legs to support and sustain our economy. For 20 years now, Alaska’s prosperous and growing economy has enabled us to successfully operate private businesses. In today’s uncertain times, it is essential that each Alaskan learn, understand and actively support our economy—the “three-legged stool”—and what it will take to keep it strong.”
In “The Alaska Journal of Commerce“, February 3 editorial, “Oil Industry is changing, but it may not be for the better,” the Journal notes that Alaska “now has fewer standing rigs than any other oil producing state, that we now produce less oil than any other oil producing state, and that exploration in Alaska is coming to a halt.
Tellingly, in a recent survey of international oil executives, Alaska ranked close to the bottom of states to invest in, surpassed only by California and Colorado as least-desirable.
In short, the Journal sees a change taking place in the Alaska oil industry, but it’s the change of decline. And while global demand is down in these recessionary times, other oil producing states and nations are taking advantage of the shake-up to reposition themselves. According to the Journal editorial staff, our state leadership seems to lack a sense of urgency, however, which puts Alaska’s future at stake.”
We need to get some of things fixed! Feel free to share these comments, website and the Journal links to everyone you know!
