MINUTES -- Second Meeting, March 17, 2000
Commonwealth North U.R. US Study Group
Economic Survival and Development Subcommittee
Vicki Otte and Jon Kumin, co-chairs
4
th Floor, CIRI Building, 7 am

Purpose:These minutes are intended to reflect highlights of the meeting. They are not a
comprehensive record. The intent is to inform people who were unable to attend as to the
essential elements of the meeting. Should any participant have corrections or
clarifications, please forward them to Jon Kumin or Vicki Otte. The agenda is in
standard print -- minutes have been added in italics.

Goals for this meeting:

a) Work on understanding the current Alaskan
economy
b) Plan upcoming work

Guest:

Neal Fried, economist, Alaska Dept. of Labor

1.Introductions / sign-in:The following were present in person:
Neal Fried, speaker, plus the following:
Jon KuminVicki OtteDuane Heyman, staff
Hart HodgesTim WeipkingDick Barnes
Katelyn MarkleyPat BurdenNancy King
Also present by teleconference were Bob Poe and Grant Hunter

2.Review Meeting Times / Location:(Revert to Wed. or stay with Fridays?)
The decision was made to stay with Friday, 7am, 4thfloor CIRI Building. This avoids
conflicts with the Preamble group on Wed. and appears to work for the bulk of the
committee members.

3.Coming Events:a) Mayors meeting on March 21
b) Rural visits
c) Kotzebue Arctic Economic Development Conf. 4/18&19
Plans are firming up for some of these events. The mayors meeting is confirmed for 4
pm, March 21, at city hall. Vicki handed out an announcement for a forum on the Urban
- Rural Split, to be held by Alaska Common Ground on April 29 from 9:30 am to 12:30
at UAA's Wendy Williamson Auditorium. There is an economic series program on
March 21 at 7am at the Captain Cook.

4.

Discussion Points:Neal Fried will present a brief overview of the Alaskan
economy, as it currently operates. His focus is on today, not on how it might be
improved. Economic development potential will be the focus of upcoming
sessions, after we have refined our understanding of the current situation.
Suggested questions to him include: (in no order of importance)