Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation | 5
“Here in Alaska, keep in mind, that we have
700,000 people living among 570,000 square
miles, that amounts to a little bit more than
one person per square mile … and more than
half of the state’s entire population lives ei-
ther in Anchorage or Fairbanks,” explains
Dodson. As Fairbanks is a hub for 43 other,
smaller communities, Dodson’s office addi-
tionally works with (and for) entrepreneurs
in these areas, helping them better under-
stand how to do business in rural Alaska.
While the population numbers alone pose
opportunities for a diverse mix of retailers
looking to connect with a captive audience
of consumers, Dodson says the diversity of
land also sets Fairbanks apart from other ar-
eas. “From islands to federal land and native
lands, the mix poses unique economic chal-
lenges and unique opportunities,” says Dod-
son.
ENERGIZED EXCELLENCE
Challenges and opportunities both play out
in efforts to capitalize on the region’s great-
est assets; which as Dodson affirms, “From
timber and fish to minerals and oil … we’re
rich with resources.”
To his point, consider the area known as
