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AEDC | 7
our industries.” Ex-
amples of such in-
dustries which have
experienced expan-
sion in Anchor-
age over the recent
years are the res-
taurant and retail
industry, especially
since the city has
one of the highest
per capita spend-
ing in the United
States.
Besides
the
unique industries
of Anchorage, the
diverse population
of the city is anoth-
er one of its most
attractive features.
Ninety-one differ-
ent languages are
spoken in Anchor-
age schools. The city is also rated high on
tolerance indexes, including Richard Flor-
ida’s Creative Vitality index and amongst
other national rankings, hence promoting a
welcoming community environment. Along
with diversity comes the city’s vibrant arts
and culture scene. As Popp highlights, “we
are very open to different paths of the arts
such as Broadway shows, innovative art pre-
sentations and a music scene which is grow-
ing leaps and bounds. Our setting provides
the fabric that young professionals are look-
ing for in terms of a community that they
want to plant their roots in and prosper in
both professionally and personally.”
CHALLENGES YET TO
CONQUER
Anchorage however faces a few challenges
ahead. There is still a lack of available work-
force needed to support the increasing eco-
nomic growth of the city. According to the
Business Confidence Index Survey carried
out annually by AEDC, the number one
barrier for businesses to grow is the lack of
professional skilled labor. At number four is
the lack of semi-skilled labor and at number
six is the poor quality of entry level work-
force. Nevertheless with training initiatives
in place and other programs carried out by
organizations such as AEDC, Popp is hope-
fully that the tides will turn. “The quality of