Candidates for the Southeast Conference board of directors introduced themselves Tuesday morning. Photo/Angela Denning
A few hundred people are gathering in the community gym to discuss how the region is doing economically and what the future looks like.
The group’s key issues are transportation, energy, the marine industry, timber, mining, and food security.
To start the meeting off, the local boy scouts troop presented the flag. The national anthem and Alaska flag song were sung. Then attendees were welcomed by Southeast Conference President, Garry White.
“We’re here to discuss economic development and how we can better the quality of life for all of us here in Southeast Alaska,” White said. “You know, I consider having a quality of life, you know, having a good job, having an affordable place to live, having infrastructure, having healthcare, all these things is what Southeast Conference tries to bring to all the residents of Southeast.
White said he hoped the conference would better the region’s situation.
Petersburg Vice Mayor Cindi Lagoudakis welcomed the crowd by highlighting some of the town’s remarkable events and residents.
“We hope that while you are here you will take some time to soak up some of our colorful, local history and enjoy a few of the amenities that make Petersburg a great place to live,” Lagoudakis said.
The Southeast Conference was incorporated in 1958. It’s governed by a 13-member board of directors.
The annual meeting will be held in Petersburg through Thursday.
