Alaska Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development

Alaska Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development Alaska is Open for Business! ALASKA IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS. Even today, large portions of Alaska remain untouched and unexplored.

The Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development’s Mission is to Promote a healthy economy, strong communities, and protect consumers in Alaska. Alaska’s abundant natural resources drive the state’s economy, with tremendous potential for further discovery. Although we’re the largest state by land (2.5 times the size of Texas), we’re the smallest by population, offering immens

e untapped potential. Anchorage, home to one of the top five airports in the world for cargo throughput, is only 9.5 hours from 90% of the industrialized world, and 2-3 days closer to Asia by water; making Alaska the ideal location for international business. Did you know that Alaska is ranked #5 in the nation for economic opportunity, according to US News Best States 2019? Alaska doesn’t only offer immense economic opportunities. The quality of life is extremely high, as there’s something for everyone! Alaska is ranked #3 in the nation for overall health and happiness, while being ranked #1 for physical well-being, #2 for financial well-being, and #2 for health care quality. The following divisions are housed within the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development: Division of Banking & Securities, Division of Community & Regional Affairs, Division of Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing, Division of Economic Development, and the Division of Insurance. For more information, please visit our website: https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/

Additionally, you can reach out to us via email: [email protected]

Manufacturer of the Year Spotlight: AK Mountain Dog Mountain Dog stands out as an innovative Made in Alaska business: th...
08/06/2026

Manufacturer of the Year Spotlight: AK Mountain Dog

Mountain Dog stands out as an innovative Made in Alaska business: they combine Alaska-made premium pet nutrition with smart, functional design.

Mountain Dog's Made in Alaska products include single-ingredient salmon treats, salmon mini training treats, and salmon topper, all produced without fillers or artificial additives.

Mountain Dog's MK‑9 Deployable Pack — inspired by working-dog and military needs — is a rugged, field-ready system that gives dog owners and handlers quick access to high-value salmon treats during training, hiking, deployments, and outdoor adventures. Compact, durable, and versatile, the MK‑9 Pack is an example of how Mountain Dog blends innovation in their products with real-world practicality. This unique combination sets them apart within Alaska's pet industry.

08/05/2026

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08/05/2026

If someone claiming to be law enforcement, a court, or a government agency is asking you to pay over the phone, through gift cards, or at a Bitcoin ATM... that's a scam.

Real agencies will never demand payment that way.

When in doubt, hang up. Look up the official number. Call back yourself.

The DCCED's Division of Banking and Securities is partnering with State of Alaska Department of Law to help Alaskans recognize and report crypto and payment scams before they cause harm.

Has this happened to you?
Share your story in the comments below.

Manufacturer of the Year Spotlight: AK Mountain Dog Since launching in 2022, Mountain Dog has transformed from a small s...
08/05/2026

Manufacturer of the Year Spotlight: AK Mountain Dog

Since launching in 2022, Mountain Dog has transformed from a small startup into a rapidly expanding Alaska manufacturer. Their freeze-dried salmon treats — including single-ingredient treats, mini training bites, and salmon toppers — are now sold in more than 125 retail locations statewide and nationwide. The company has also developed specialty products, including the MK-9 Deployable Pack, a rugged system that provides dog owners, trainers and working-dog handlers with quick access to salmon treats during training, travel and outdoor activities.

They continue to grow their product lines and production capacity, with strong demand from specialty retail, convenience stores, and direct-to-consumer customers. Mountain Dog even supports training incentives for Alaska’s military working dogs, helping replace fish oil with premium salmon treats rich in omega-3 and omega-6 nutrients.

“Small businesses are the backbone of America,” said Governor Dunleavy. “Mountain Dog is an example of what is happening in Alaska—businesses are growing and being created, capitalizing on what Alaska has to offer. There is a big market looking for a product like this, and to have it come from Alaska makes us all very proud.”

Manufacturer of the Year Spotlight: AK Mountain Dog Mountain Dog’s success is rooted in collaboration. They work closely...
08/03/2026

Manufacturer of the Year Spotlight: AK Mountain Dog

Mountain Dog’s success is rooted in collaboration. They work closely with Alaska seafood processors for high-quality salmon, partner with JKD Brands for branding solutions, and cross-promote sustainable zero-waste manufacturing with AlaSkins.

Their monthly giveaways highlight other Alaska-made and veteran-made products, helping expand visibility for fellow small businesses. They also collaborate with retailers, tourism businesses, pet stores, and manufacturers — and remain actively involved in the Alaska Manufacturing Association.

Mountain Dog strengthens the entire Alaska business community through partnership and shared purpose.

Manufacturer of the Year Spotlight: AK Mountain Dog's origin - A Story of ResilienceEach year, the Manufacturer of the Y...
07/31/2026

Manufacturer of the Year Spotlight: AK Mountain Dog's origin - A Story of Resilience

Each year, the Manufacturer of the Year award recognizes a Made in Alaska permit holder that demonstrates excellence in the following areas: overcoming obstacles, business growth, innovation, community leadership and collaboration with other Alaska businesses. Mountain Dog was chosen this year because they stood out in all of these categories. Over the coming days, we'll highlight how the business exemplified each of the qualities of a Made in Alaska Manufacturer of the Year.

Overcoming Obstacles: The Thompson family launched Mountain Dog after a serious illness ended Kevin Thompson’s aviation career. Rather than leave Alaska manufacturing to others, the Thompsons built a purpose-driven company around Alaska’s seafood resources, freeze-drying technology and opportunities to create value-added products within the state.

Manufacturing in Alaska isn’t easy. High shipping costs, supply chain limitations, and rural production hurdles would stop many businesses. But Mountain Dog committed fully to producing in Palmer using 100% wild-caught Alaska salmon, and today, their treats are sold in more than 125 Alaska and national retail locations.

“Economic development is not only about attracting major projects or outside investment. It is also about helping Alaskans turn good ideas into viable businesses, create jobs and build products that can compete in markets both inside and outside our state,” said DCCED Commissioner Julie Sande. “Mountain Dog stood out in every category through its resilience, growth, innovation, community leadership and commitment to working with other Alaska businesses.”

The Made in Alaska Program is proud to present AK Mountain Dog, our 2025 Manufacturer of the Year!Governor Mike Dunleavy...
07/30/2026

The Made in Alaska Program is proud to present AK Mountain Dog, our 2025 Manufacturer of the Year!

Governor Mike Dunleavy and Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Commissioner Julie Sande presented Mountain Dog with the 2025 Manufacturer of the Year award yesterday at the company’s Palmer manufacturing facility.

Founded by Army veteran Kevin Thompson and Hannah Thompson, Mountain Dog manufactures premium freeze-dried dog and cat treats in Palmer using 100% wild-caught Alaska salmon. Its product line includes single-ingredient salmon treats, mini training treats and salmon toppers made without fillers or artificial additives.

The annual Manufacturer of the Year award recognizes a Made in Alaska permit holder that demonstrates excellence in overcoming obstacles, business growth, innovation, community leadership and collaboration with other Alaska businesses.

Congratulations, Kevin, Hannah, and team! We're proud to have Mountain Dog in the Made in Alaska program and wish you continued success!

07/30/2026

📄 𝟱,𝟲𝟬𝟬 𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀. That's the size of AEA's Final Amendment Application recently submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for the Bradley Lake Expansion Project, illustrating the complexity of federal hydropower licensing.

The newly introduced 𝙃𝙮𝙙𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙇𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙛𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙖𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝘼𝙘𝙩 would improve regulatory certainty, focus requirements on project-related impacts, and help streamline the federal licensing process. For Bradley Lake, those reforms would help reduce costs, shorten timelines, and support investment in critical energy infrastructure while maintaining environmental review standards—benefiting the Bradley Lake Expansion Project and the facility's federal relicensing process, which is scheduled to begin in 2029 and conclude in 2035.

AEA supports efforts to streamline the hydropower licensing process and improve regulatory certainty. Alaska's energy future depends on an efficient and predictable licensing framework that allows hydropower projects to move forward.

To learn more about the legislation, visit: https://www.renewableenergyworld.com/hydro-power/can-this-senate-bill-make-hydropower-projects-more-affordable/

07/20/2026

JR Wilcox, CEO of Alyeschem, is a fifth-generation Alaskan whose roots run deep. From senior living facilities to a laundry company, oil and gas, and now a chemical company, JR has built his career by spotting gaps and filling them.

"It's very satisfying to go out there and solve a problem, know that things are better for it, and then move on and solve the next thing."

That's the Alaskan entrepreneurial spirit in action, and it's exactly why Alaska is the frontier of the future

Are you organized, adaptable and comfortable working through detailed rules and requirements? Put those skills to work f...
07/17/2026

Are you organized, adaptable and comfortable working through detailed rules and requirements? Put those skills to work for Alaska.

The Alcohol and Ma*****na Control Office is hiring multiple Licensing Examiner 2 positions in downtown Anchorage.

You’ll join a dedicated eight-person licensing examiner team working to administer Alaska’s alcohol and ma*****na licensing requirements and protect the health and safety of Alaskans.

The office is located in the Robert B. Atwood Building, offering spectacular views of Cook Inlet, free covered parking and a convenient location near the Delaney Park Strip.

This position may be a strong fit for someone who:
✅ Takes ownership of accurate, timely work
✅ Can understand and apply statutes, regulations and written instructions
✅ Communicates with courtesy, tact and empathy
✅ Adapts to changing priorities and multiple demands
✅ Works independently and follows assignments through to completion

Apply by July 27 at 5 p.m. on Workplace Alaska: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/alaska/jobs/5324061/licensing-examiner-2-multiple-pcns

Address

333 Willoughby Avenue 9th Floor
Juneau, AK
99801

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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