Unalaska is home to the country's northernmost deep-water port and sits at the crossroads of North America, Asia and the Arctic. With our strategic location and infrastructure, our city offers unique opportunities for business and industry. Sharing that value is the intent of the Unalaska City Council's recently approved communication plan.
While many people don't realize it, communication plays a critical role in the success of every industry. Think of tourism -- Alaska is known as a top travel destination, and every year our state attracts millions of visitors who come for adventures, wilderness and scenic beauty. Why is Alaska such a popular and well-known destination? Many Alaskans work very hard to make it so. We share Alaska's story; we show what makes us different; we provide information to help people plan trips; and when they arrive, we take care of them.
The success of our fisheries also relies on communication. It doesn't matter how good your seafood is if the rest of the world doesn't realize it's wild, sustainable and delicious. The same can be said of oil and gas, and any other industry.
Outreach matters, and it's no different for the city of Unalaska. Our goal is to share critical information about local infrastructure and resources. Unalaska's International Port of Dutch Harbor is protected and remains ice-free year round. Our city boasts abundant warehouses, yard storage, container/cargo services, and a full time local labor force, all of which make Unalaska an ideal spot for oil and gas staging as well as operations support. With evolving Arctic policies, this information could make a difference for the future of our state. We want to make sure policy makers, business leaders and regular folks are informed about Unalaska's resources.
While it's true that "Deadliest Catch" has increased a general awareness of Unalaska/Dutch Harbor, our communication focus has never been on addressing the show's perceived image but instead on creating new opportunities for our community and, in doing so, for our state.
Unalaska is rich with history. The Aleut people have inhabited Unalaska Island for thousands of years and their deep traditions and culture continue to help define our identity. During World War II, our harbors and lands were home to Fort Mears and Fort Schwatka. Now we offer world-class facilities in a strategic international shipping location and are the No. 1 commercial seafood port in the United States. Yet, even many Alaskans aren't aware of our resources, much less the U.S. and international businesses that are looking at Arctic development in Alaska. It's time to spread the word.
As mayor of Unalaska, I am proud to call this place home. I've raised my family here and have worked with countless others to make our community the best place possible. Most Alaskans never make it out to the remote Aleutian Islands but those who do never forget the natural beauty and industriousness of our small city. From the back lawn of Unalaska's City Hall, I can see mountains rising above the colorful roofs of businesses and homes, and the vessels that harvest from one of the world's most successful fisheries. Business owners large and small are running their operations, kids are excelling in our National Award-winning school district, container ships are being loaded and our creative, hardworking, friendly residents are making it all work.
Unalaska is a great place to live and do business. Big things are happening, and we're excited to share our story.
Shirley Marquardt is the mayor of Unalaska. She has lived in the community since 1980 and has worked in fishing, logistics and transportation.
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