AEDC Announces Keynote Speaker Lisa D. Cook and Community Panel
August Luncheon Keynote Speaker and Community Panel Members Announced
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Anchorage, ALASKA
The Anchorage Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) is hosting the Economic Luncheon that will take place on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center in Anchorage, Alaska, USA. This annual luncheon serves as the premier event for business and community leaders to discuss the economic outlook for the local region and beyond. AEDC President & CEO Jon Bittner will present the latest economic data and survey results from the Anchorage Business Survey and other reports to give participants an overview of Anchorage’s economy and the city’s future.
KEYNOTE HIGHLIGHT
The Keynote address will be delivered by Lisa D. Cook, Governor of the Federal Reserve Board, who served as a senior economist on the Council of Economic Advisors and previously as the senior adviser on finance and development in the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of International Affairs. Drawing on over two decades of research in innovation and practical experience applying machine learning, she offers a deeply informed perspective on how artificial intelligence will reshape the economy.
COMMUNITY LEADER ROUNDTABLE
New this year, AEDC will also be facilitating a roundtable during the luncheon with some of Anchorage’s top business and community leaders. This discussion will revolve around recent and future investments these organizations have made in and around Anchorage as well as panelists’ perspectives on why they’re so bullish about the city’s future. Panelists will include Deb Bernini, CEO of Providence Alaska, Marilyn Romano, Regional VP of Alaska Airlines, Dr. Cheryl Siemers, Chancellor of UAA, and Curtis McQueen, Executive Director of the Alaska Native Village Corporation Association.
Tickets for the 2026 Anchorage Economic Luncheon are currently on sale. Given the high demand for this event, early registration is encouraged to ensure a seat. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit AEDCweb.com/tix
About Anchorage Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)
The mission of AEDC is to grow a prosperous, sustainable and diverse economy. AEDC has been in operation since 1987 as a private nonprofit corporation (IRS code 501(c)(6)). It exists to encourage economic growth and diversity in Anchorage, to promote a favorable business climate, and to raise Anchorage residents’ standard of living. Private contributions, municipal and state grants, and contracts provide funding for the corporation.
Media Contact:
Alicia Busick
abusick@aedcweb.com
Tel. 907-223-5522
https://aedcweb.com
