A Letter from the Editor and Publisher

The days of fur trappers and gold prospectors defining Alaskan commerce may be behind us, but we are still all searching for some of that elusive glimmer. The sparkle of success. The shine of greatness. Or maybe just a way to pay the rent while doing work we enjoy.

“The modern day gold rush: Small business owners in the 49^th state.” Our slogan captures the spirit of Alaska’s modern pioneers: Entrepreneurs.

Alaskans are proud. From “Alaska Grown” T-shirts to “Made in Alaska” merchandise seals we share a common enthusiasm for the Last Frontier. Because of that, Alaskans are also selective about the companies that represent us. It takes grit and ingenuity to run a successful business up here.

We see it everywhere we go. In local shops and boutiques, non-chain restaurants and specialty food markets, art galleries and community markets, and specialty services. People sharing their individual skills and trying to find a market for their talents and ideas.

Here at Entrepreneur Alaska we want to spotlight the creative, inventive and pioneering spirits in Alaska. We hope to showcase great Alaska businesses and perhaps even inspire other would-be entrepreneurs.

There’s a reason they call it the Great North.

Now that you know a little about what we’re trying to do here, we want to share about ourselves.

Let me tell you about Meghan (via Annette):

Meghan McCausland is the mastermind behind this project.

When Meghan asked me to coffee one Sunday, I had a hunch it wasn’t the usual friendly chat. She had the twinkle in her eye of an idea that was about to catch. So I wasn’t a bit surprised when she told me she wanted to start something new. And I have to admit I was pretty stoked and honored to collaborate with my longtime friend on Entrepreneur Alaska.

Meghan is clever, compassionate and careful. These are traits that make her an excellent observer and reporter. But it is her master wordsmith skills that I truly admire. With her wielding a pen and slinging an English degree, there’s no story that can’t be told with truth, elegance and a great lead. Her bylines have appeared in publications across Alaska and the Northwest including Alaska Business Monthly, Alaska Visitor’s Guide, Alaska Pulse, Seattle Bicycle Paper and more. She has worked for the Anchorage Daily News and volunteered for F Magazine.

I am excited to collaborate with Meghan to tell the stories of small business in Alaska.

Now here’s a bit about Annette (via Meghan):

Annette Potter inspires creativity. Her designs have graced the pages of many magazines and newspapers, improving the appearance of even the most dry news story. Melding photography, design and journalism, she is a bundle of colors and ideas nicely edited in AP Style.

I proposed the idea of Entrepreneur Alaska to her knowing that she would not only bring to the table her expertise, but also a zest for all things artsy and a proven skill as an editor. She has started her own small business in the form of Kern This Studio, a design and photography business, and therefore shares my same interest in entrepreneurship in Alaska.

We hope you enjoy the stories of trial and triumph we share here as much as we do.

This entry was posted on October 3, 2011 at 7:30 am and is filed under From the Editors. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.