The head of the nonprofit that promotes Anchorage through its "Live. Work. Play." and "Big Wild Life" campaigns has renewed his contract for an additional three years.
Bill Popp, president and CEO of the Anchorage Economic Development Corp., has held his position since 2007. His tenure now extends through 2018.
"I'm excited and honored that the board would ask me to stick around. It's a nice commentary on the work I and this great team here have been doing," Popp said on Wednesday.
The development corporation is a private membership organization set up in 1987 and has 250 investors from industries throughout the state.
Popp is known for his upbeat views as the city's preeminent booster, but nonetheless sees some challenges ahead for Alaska's largest city, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.
For one, low oil prices could have an adverse effect on growth. And the high cost of housing is a significant barrier to further investment and to attracting greater numbers of talented workers. But Popp noted that so far investment, unemployment and overall economic activity in Anchorage have remained stable from last year.
Popp said he is excited for the International Economic Development Council's annual conference in October. He expects about 1,000 people from around the world to attend.
"It's the largest gathering of economic developers in the world," Popp said. "It will be a huge resource for our state in terms of connections, opportunities and knowledge exchange."