LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR'S REPORT

Lt. Governor Loren Leman
Juneau, AK
Aug. 7, 2003

INTERNATIONAL FLAVOR:
I met with trade officials from Taiwan on July 25 to discuss mutual economic opportunities for Alaska and their nation. Taiwan is one of Alaska’s most important trading partners, buying mostly fish. In the next few weeks I will be meeting with the Korean Ambassador to the United States and other officials from that country during the Korea-Pacific States Joint Conference in Anchorage (details below), and also with the President of Iceland when he visits Alaska in mid-August.

SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR IN MY HOMETOWN:
Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton’s recent visit to Alaska included a stop on Saturday, August 2 at the Ninilchik Fairgrounds in honor of the National Wildlife Refuge System Centennial. We toured the wildlife exhibits, visited with neighbors and learned more about the refuge system. For Secretary Norton and me it was also a good opportunity to discuss Alaska’s commitment to responsible, balanced resource development. Like most Alaskans, she believes careful environmental planning and the application of advanced technologies can help Alaska reach its goals in energy development.

SUPER SOUTHEAST SWING:
As this Report goes out I’m in the middle of a four-day trip through Southeast Alaska, including stops in Juneau, Ketchikan, Saxman, Craig, Klawock, Hydaburg, and Metlakatla. I have enjoyed the opportunity to talk to the Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce and many individual Alaskans. This afternoon I’m attending the Metlakatla Founder’s Day celebrations and will speak at the Founder’s Day dinner which begins this evening at 6:00 pm at the Metlakatla Town Hall. I also will meet Josiah Milne, the young man from Metlakatla whose suggestion of Lituya for the name of Alaska’s next ferry won the competition held earlier this year.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Tomorrow I’ll be back in Anchorage (barring any unexpected travel delays) at the “Fore the City” Golf Classic at noon at the Anchorage Golf Course. This event, presented by ChangePoint, is a good example of how faith-based and community organizations can contribute to the public good. Proceeds from the event will go to the Downtown Soup Kitchen. On Saturday I’ll be judging the Mrs. Alaska pageant, which will take place at the Hotel Captain Cook starting at 6:00 pm. A taped broadcast of the pageant is scheduled on Alaska Superstation September 20. The Korea-Pacific States Joint Conference trade event will take place Monday, August 11, also at the Hotel Captain Cook. I will welcome the delegates at the morning session and look forward to meeting with the Republic of Korea’s Ambassador to the United States, Sung-Joo Han.

On Tuesday, August 12 the “Family Wellness Warriors Initiative Conference” will meet from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Egan Center, and among the participants will be Bobby Polito, President George W. Bush’s Director of the White House Office of Faith-based and Community Initiatives. Family Wellness Warriors is sponsored by the Southcentral Foundation. On Thursday, August 14 I'll be in Bethel and speak to the Chamber of Commerce at noon at the Pacifica Guest House.