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Jacobson appointed economic development director

Joe Jacobson Appointed Economic Development Director

(Juneau, AK) – Joe Jacobson begins his new role as Division of Economic Development Director on August 1. He will be based in Juneau.

"Joe's marketing experience as the International Program Director for the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) as well as his past experience in tourism and business development will serve the division well," said Commissioner Susan Bell.

The Division of Economic Development offers marketing, financing, business assistance, and development programs for a wide array of industries including fisheries, tourism, minerals, forest products, and film.

In his work with ASMI, Jacobson directed overseas seafood marketing efforts across 21 countries. His experience with ASMI began in 2008 as the Asia Coordinator. Prior to that, Jacobson was with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service's Office of Agricultural Affairs in Beijing from 2006 through 2007. A former small business owner, he has worked in seafood, agriculture, tourism marketing, as well as business development.

A graduate of Alaska Pacific University, he completed his M.A. in International Relations at the City College of New York, focusing on frontier economic development.

The mission of the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED) is to promote a healthy economy, strong communities, and protect consumers in Alaska. The 58-person Division of Economic Development works closely with the private sector and other DCCED agencies including the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, and the Alaska Railroad.

Division of Economic Development press release

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