Alaska’s International Trade Community Gathers for 21^st Annual Event

Alaska’s international trade community gathered on May 27, 2008 to celebrate another successful year of exporting to overseas markets. Presented by the Export Council of Alaska and World Trade Center Alaska, the 21^st Annual Export Alaska Luncheon was conducted at the Egan Civic and Convention Center in downtown Anchorage and drew an audience of nearly 400 business and government leaders. Highlights of the event included Alaska Governor Sarah Palin’s presentation of the newly launched Governor’s North Star Awards for International Excellence and a key note address by United States Senator Ted Stevens that focused on trade and energy. The Governor’s awards were expanded this year to provide recognition for excellence not only in exporting but also in fields such as international education, foreign direct investment, and transportation, among others. In addition, the Export Council of Alaska presented five students with education scholarships to help them pursue an international career.