Why 175 Members Could Change Everything for Alaska's Manufacturers
- Lacey Ernandes
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
When you hear “Alaska manufacturing,” you might picture a few small shops scattered across the state, a handful of producers making do with what they’ve got. But that’s not even close to the full picture.
There are over 700 manufacturers in Alaska—closer to 800, if you count them all. And that number doesn’t even include their suppliers, vendors, or strategic partners: the printers, packaging providers, facility owners, compliance pros, and logistics experts that help make local production possible.
In short? Alaska’s manufacturing economy is much bigger—and much more important—than most people realize.
So why don’t we have a united voice?
The Power of 175
At Alaska Manufacturing Association, we’re building that voice. Slowly, intentionally, from the ground up.
But here’s the truth: until we reach around 175 active members—roughly 25% of Alaska’s manufacturers—we can’t effectively advocate for anyone.
We can’t show up in legislative spaces with real weight. We can’t push back on regulations that don’t make sense for small producers. We can’t get meetings that matter. We can’t open doors for state-level investment in food security, industrial growth, or rural infrastructure.
We need numbers. Not because we want to “look good”—but because real advocacy requires legitimacy.
No one listens to a single business. They barely listen to ten. But they pay attention when a quarter of an entire industry is unified and organized.
Why the Directory Comes First
Before we can lead anything statewide, we need a foundation. That starts with our Alaska Manufacturer & Supplier Directory.
This is more than a list. It’s our way of mapping the ecosystem. Of helping you find vendors across the state, building your supply chain locally, and proving that we don’t need to source everything from the Lower 48. It’s also a way for customers—especially wholesale buyers and institutional buyers—to find you.
And just as importantly? It’s our first step in building us. A community. A network. A future.
Why There’s a Fee (Yes, Even This Early On)
We get it. A lot of folks are used to free Facebook groups and well-funded nonprofits. But here’s the deal: We don’t have grants. We don’t have state funding. We’re not a nonprofit (yet), and we don’t know if we ever will be.
We’re a startup—just like you probably were. And we’re building this association the same way you built your business: late nights, honest conversations, and a ton of elbow grease.
That’s why there’s a fee. It’s not just about “paying to be listed.” It’s about contributing to the real work of building something for all of us. Your membership keeps the lights on—literally. It helps us host events, run the directory, design resources, and start building the visibility we all need.
You Want Support. We Want to Give It.
But we can’t do that unless enough of you decide this matters.
If you’ve ever said:
“There’s no support for small manufacturers here.”
“I wish there was a way to connect with other producers.”
“Why is compliance so hard to figure out?”
“I can’t find a co-packer or kitchen in-state.”
“We should be sourcing more locally.”
Then here’s the answer: This. This is how we change that.
Why Joining Now Actually Matters More
We know it’s easy to wait. To say “I’ll join when it’s bigger” or “when there’s more benefits.” But if everyone waits, nothing gets built.
Joining now gives you a seat at the table. Not later, when the train’s already moving and you’re trying to catch up. Now, while we’re still shaping the tracks.
Early members get to:
Influence our direction
Help design events and resources
Connect with other forward-thinking producers
Get visibility as part of the founding group
Be recognized as the ones who showed up before it was cool
We’re not asking for blind faith—we’re asking for shared vision. Because if even 1 out of 4 manufacturers says yes…everything changes.
Join the directory. Become a member. Help us build what we all wish existed.
📬 Have questions? Reach out.
Comments