Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation | 15
that to the only 6,700 square-miles available
at Nellis AFB,” says Dodson. “The Air Force
simply can’t control the Northern Pacific Air
Bridge without Eielson Air Force Base.”
To add credence to that claim, the base is
also home to the 168th Air Refueling Wing,
a National Guard unit that transfers more
fuel than any other unit in the world, with
nearly 100% of it directed in support of real-
world, operational missions as opposed to
routine-training needs. Determinations in-
volving the 18th Aggressor Squadron have
yet to be made and as public hearings con-
tinue, trust that the Fairbanks EDC will join
with other community and business leaders
to advocate against proposals to relocate the
units or reduce good infrastructure to rub-
ble.
AN ARCTIC INVITATION
The Fairbanks EDC is active in a range of
other activities which is not only about at-
tracting new business to the area, but en-
hancing and advocating for opportunities
that benefit existing businesses. From the
staging of special workshops and forums to
the development of programs which include
such initiatives as Ak-Bush, a program that
serves to create a connection between the
North Star Borough and needs of residents
in the rural section of the interior. Through
the auspices of this program, businesses can
earn certification as “Bush-Friendly.” As a
regional center, the Fairbanks economy ben-
efits from trade linkages with Northern ru-
ral communities and villages who ultimately
contribute more than a quarter of a billion
dollars worth of economic boost to Fairbank
(not to mention hundreds of jobs).
In terms of the future, Dodson says the
EDC is continuing to explore opportunities
that will position Fairbanks as a future hub
of technology and international leader for
research and development. But whether it
is the mining of minerals, oil development,
manufacturing, retail, defense or some other
industry, Dodson says the opportunity for
business, much like the terrain in which he
operates, is vast and seemingly limitless. He
feels that with increased northern exposure,
there will be increased understanding of the
professional advantages that await in Fair-
banks, and to be sure, even in the coldest of
winter, business leaders who turn to the Fair-
banks EDC will find a wonderfully warm re-
ception.
