By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer
From seafood to tourism to health care, the future of the Sitka economy will be front and center at the “State of the Sitka Economy” 2 p.m. Thursday at Harrigan Centennial Hall.
Sitka Economic Development Association Director Garry White said this SEDA-sponsored event has been well-attended in the past, and he’s hoping for a lively discussion Thursday with broad participation from industry leaders and other members of the community.
The meeting is open to the public, with COVID precautions in place in the building.
The Zoom link is available at sitka.net to all who want to participate remotely or watch the live reports from consultants.
The event will be recorded, and a written report will be available at a later time, White said.
White said today that Jim Calvin, a senior consultant from the McKinley Research Group (formerly the McDowell Group) will talk about baseline economic indicators, and the repercussions of COVID on the local economy.
Also presenting in person will be Robert Venables, executive director of the Southeast Conference, who will talk about the regionwide “resiliency plan to rebuild the economy.”
In the past, the event has featured representatives from various industries – seafood, tourism, government, health care, forest products, education, nonprofits – providing annual updates on their respective industries.
But this year, due to COVID precautions, guest speakers will provide the updates.
“There’s plenty of time for citizens to ask questions,” White said. “I’m sure the big question will be how COVID has hurt our economy. We will also hear about how we’re coming out of it as well.”
He said the program should be interesting, and helpful to business leaders and community members who need the information to make decisions on future investments.
