Alliance Members and Friends: Let me be the first to welcome you, on a very special year, to our flagship conference and trade show: the 40th Meet Alaska! I overhead our CEO Rebecca Logan say something last week that really made me reflect: “Our organization is 45 years old, and we represent the service and support companies in the resource industry.” I thought about The Alliance — 45 years in existence, and four decades of Meet Alaska. I try to imagine Joe Mathis when he was Board President, in The Alliance’s second year. Those were hard times filled with tough people, who were building the industry we know and love today. They did things every day that had never been done before, all on their own. The oil companies had a Houston office to call for help, but most of the service companies did not. Joe was an ambitious young man with a great vision: Alaska’s support contractors needed to lock arms and take care of each other, and the resource development industry itself. And look at where we are! Decades of new energy and minerals production in the most remote places on earth, setting the world standard for responsible resource development for the benefit of all Alaskans. In 2024, our industry is still the key economic driver for the Alaskan economy, which enjoys the proceeds of a $77 billion sovereign wealth fund that we built. The Alliance is one of the most respected trade associations in Alaska’s industry, with publications and social media reaching tens of thousands of people. As I think about how we will navigate the next 40 years of the rapidly changing resource development landscape in our great state, I realize that I am about the same age that Joe was in those days … but I feel I am standing on the shoulders of giants. And we have much to be optimistic about. It sounds like the first Meet Alaska was a lot of fun, the kind of fun we aren’t allowed to have anymore! But don’t worry — we’ve got a great lineup for this year’s rendition of Alaska’s coolest resource development conference. We’re going to hear about projects, technologies, opportunities and challenges — all looking forward to the next 40 years of our industry. Our members and sponsors are going to put their capabilities on proud display, to remind us how Alaskans do resource development right. Most importantly, we’ll celebrate the unique flavor of the industry in our state. It wouldn’t be Meet Alaska if it weren’t fun, and unlike anywhere else. On another note, some of The Alliance board members and staff just returned from Juneau, reminding our legislators that a stable business environment is critical to investment in Alaskan industry. We hit especially hard on workforce development this year because we know our members are having a hard time hiring. We also pushed for common-sense solutions to the looming Cook Inlet gas crisis, which will surely affect us all if mishandled. Legislators were both welcoming and optimistic, but they don’t pretend to have all the answers. They need to hear from their constituents who understand the energy industry, and I encourage you to reach out to yours. Once again, welcome to Meet Alaska. Let’s toast the next 40 years of resource development, and build the future together, just like Joe Mathis did. Have an excellent day! Welcome to Meet Alaska, as we celebrate with all of you Message From Liam Zsolt, Board of Directors President Linking Alaska’s Resources to Alaska’s People 4 2024 Meet Alaska Conference & Trade Show
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