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AK-WA Connection 2009: Trade grows with state’s economy
By Rose Ragsdale Alaska-Washington Connection
Welcome to the “The Alaska-Washington Connection — Weathering the Economic Storm.”
As Alaska celebrates its 50th year of statehood, Washington businesses still provide the state with crucial support, just as they have for the past 100 years.
This is the second year that Petroleum News has presented this publication, highlighting businesses that serve in this unique community. We feature companies that have survived economic hardships and now offer insights and advice for those struggling with present and future challenges.
Jackovich Industrial & Construction Supply, for example, embodies a spirit of service that abounds in the Alaska-Washington connection.
Transportation anchors The Puget Sound’s ports of Seattle and Tacoma, key anchors of commerce between Alaska and Washington, are taking the lead in the shipping sector’s recent drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Numerous Alaska and Washington transportation companies, like Lynden Transport and Foss Maritime, have joined in this environmentally responsible trend.
The Port of Tacoma considers Alaska one of its top 3 trade partners, reflecting more than $3.5 billion in annual trade.
The Port of Seattle also is a major hub for Alaska’s commercial fishing and cruise ship industries, supporting more than 200,000 jobs in the Puget Sound region and generating more than $12 billion in business revenue annually.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport also is the single-most important air gateway to Alaska, serving more than 31 million passengers every year.
Focus on innovation and service Whether serving Alaska communities directly or branching out to spur growth in mining, tourism and fishing, businesses in the Alaska-Washington trade form the backbone of interstate commerce in the far Pacific Northwest. Alaska Air Cargo, for example, recently launched a new quality-control program to ensure that Alaska seafood arrives as fresh as possible at Lower 48 destinations.
Various in-state businesses from Alaska Communications Systems to Alaska Railroad Corp. are growing and prospering by investing in ways to better serve Alaska’s growing population.
Washington-based businesses such as the owner of Embassy Suites and the law firm of Stoel Rives are taking steps to support Alaska resource development.
It is such diverse positive action that enables businesses across the spectrum to continue to succeed in making the Alaska-Washington connection.
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