Doing Business in Sitka, Alaska

Alaska Ranks #1 among "Top 10 States for Growth & Innovation."

Alaska places in the top 10 in six of seven economic performance rankings, trailing only in adjusted family income. Its rapid gross state product increase propelled it to the top spot in this year's rankings. The state has seen job growth in the past decade in every industry super-sector, and is home to the high-value energy and natural resouces industries whose growth has fueled large gains in gross state product and productivity. Since 2002, Alaska has added more than 6,600 jobs in oil and gas extraction, metal ore mining, and related support activities, as well as another 3,800 in the seafood products industry and 1,700 in new management, science, and technical consulting." CLICK HERE to read more from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Report.

A Great Tax Climate for Business

Alaska has the lowest individual State and Local tax burden in the United States. There is no State income tax on individuals and no State sales tax. CLICK HERE to learn more about Alaska's Tax system.

CLICK HERE for more information on tax structure and business financing in Alaska.

Sitka

Sitka enjoys all the qualities of a small town lifestyle while also having the services and amenities of a much larger city, all within a compact area, including daily 737 jet service that provides reliable access to Seattle, Juneau and Anchorage.

Located on the Great Circle Trade Route of the Pacific Rim, Sitka is in a position to take advantage of back-haul cargo capacity from the Port of Prince Rupert to Asian markets.

Sitka Offers:

Communications

GigE bandwidth over fiber optic connections to the Lower 48.
Two telecommunication companies with full business packages.

Transportation

Minimal drive time to any location in Sitka! Don’t spend your life on the road.
Daily 737 jet service to Seattle and Anchorage.
Located on the Great Circle Route for easy access to Pacific Rim commerce.
Just 237 nautical miles from the Port of Prince Rupert.
Deep-water ocean access.

Financial Incentives

HUBZone qualified for Federal contracts
No State personal income tax
Low property tax of $6.00 per $1,000 (6 mills)
Alaska ranked 2nd in the United States for having the best business tax climate in FY2011. (Source: Tax Foundation - State Business Tax Climate Index)

Resources

Abundant, pure fresh water, including over nine billion gallons available annually for export.
Ranked as the 9th largest port in the U.S. for the value of seafood harvested (2009).
Second growth timber within the Tongass National Forest.
Over 30 acres of waterfront industrial property available for development.

Superb Quality of Life

Recognized as an Exceptional Place to Live, Work and Play

Named a “2010 Distinctive Destination” - National Trust for Historic Preservation

One of the “12 Great Places You’ve Never Heard Of”- Mother Earth News Aug/Sept 2006
Ranked as one of “North America's best places to learn, live, work, and play….”. Outside Magazine, Sept. 2003.
Recognized for community stewardship -National Geographic Traveler, 2008.

Temperate Rainforest Climate
Average rainfall: 84.15 inches                    Average snowfall: 39 inches
Average high temp: 62 F                            Average low temp: 30 F
Highest recorded temperature 89 F        Lowest recorded temperature 5 F

(Based on weather station data from July 1996 to December 2008)

The Biggest Small Town in America!

8,881 population (2010 US Census)
Land area 2874 square miles
Water area 1927 square miles

Assets Include:

Four banks and a credit union
Two hospitals, including 24 hour emergency care
Branch campus of the University of Alaska
20% Alaska Native population
State boarding school, Mt. Edgecumbe High School
Five City-owned boat harbors and three boat launch facilities
Outdoor recreational opportunities include an extensive, well-developed, accessible trail system.
Three public auditoriums that present a wide variety of live entertainment, including world class jazz, classical, folk, and popular musicians.
Two small movie theaters that show first run films.

Health and Safety:

Alaska State Trooper Academy
U.S. Coast Guard Airstation and U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Maple
Local Fire Department - ISO rating of 5
Active Fire, EMS, Dive volunteers = 71
Active Search & Rescue volunteers = 65
Local Police Department with 18 full-time police officers
Tsunami-ready community
Enhanced 911 emergency response system
"Safe" city ranking based on FBI Crime Statistics, on of the safest cities in Alaska

LINK to Resources for Doing Business in the City and Borough of Sitka

LINK to Resources for Doing Business in the State of Alaska