\nThe SBDC works with and collects data on thousands of businesses across Alaska. This presentation will go over some of the trends that we are seeing both statewide and in Anchorage as well as discuss industries that are seeing growth and a general overview of entrepreneurs and small business owners outlook on the Alaska economy. This will help your members better understand what'\;s happening in the states economy\, what the future holds in terms of growth or reduction in economic activity and jobs and will be an interesting insight into Alaskan business in general.
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Jon Bittner serves as the Executive Director of the Alaska Small Business Development Center\, overseeing 16 staff located in eight centers statewide. The Alaska SBDC provides business advising and training services to roughly 5\,000 small businesses and entrepreneurs in over 100 communities across the state. \; The Alaska SBDC also manages the Alaska Lemonade Day program which teaches K-12 students \; \;Jon&rsquo\;s focus is on developing new programs and revenue sources that will allow the organization to expand its services to the entire state with a particular focus on the rural and remote communities in Alaska.\n \;
\nPreviously\, Jon served as the Deputy Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Commerce\, Community and Economic Development overseeing the Division of Economic Development\, the Division of Banking and Securities and the Alcohol and Marijuana Control Boards. \; He also served on the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority\, the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute and the Alaska Energy Authority Boards.
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\nJon spent several years with the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation as the Business and Economic Development Director and later as Vice President. While there he focused on building Alaska&rsquo\;s entrepreneurial and innovation community by creating the Alaska Hackathon\, the Anchorage Mini-Maker Faire\, the Pitch on a Train Competition and the statewide Alaska Entrepreneurship Week among other events.
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\nA fifth-generation Alaskan\, Jon graduated from the University of Alaska Anchorage with a degree in Geology in 2008. He has received the Young Economic Development Professional of the Year award from the International Economic Development Council\, the Top 40 Under 40 award from Development Councilors International\, the Top 40 Under 40 from the Alaska Journal of Commerce and other recognition for his work in economic development and community building in Alaska. \; He serves on the Board of Anchorage Downtown Rotary as Treasurer and on the Anchorage Library Advisory Board.
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