Governor Mike Dunleavy has been appointed as the inaugural Arctic Chair for the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies, formalizing a unique partnership between the State of Alaska and the Department of War’s newest Regional Center. This agreement will advance collaboration on Arctic security, defense, and regional priorities, recognizing Alaska's indispensable position as America’s only Arctic state. Governor Dunleavy will serve for the remainder of his term, with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) ensuring all future Alaska governors will also hold this position.
In economic news, the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development’s Made in Alaska program has partnered with Voyij.com. This collaboration creates a dedicated online marketplace to connect Alaska makers with customers across the state, country, and world, supporting small businesses, artists, and manufacturers. Additionally, Acting Attorney General Cori Mills announced a settlement with SAI Investments, LLC, doing business as “Miner’s Gems” in Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, over the sale of fake gold quartz falsely advertised as Alaskan. “These types of actions are not only bad for consumers who believe they are getting an authentic Alaskan product but it is also unfair to other businesses,” Mills said.
Further developments include the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) acquiring additional oil and gas leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge’s Coastal Plain (1002 Area), expanding its holdings in the federally designated development zone. The Alaska State Board of Education and Early Development also concluded its quarterly meeting, addressing professional development, public testimony, and various educational programs and appointments.