By Rob Stapleton
Alaska Journal of Commerce

Buy Alaska plans to launch on Alaska Day a Web site that aims to better connect business with consumers who want to spend their dollars on Alaskan goods and services.

GeoNorth, an Alaskan-owned Internet, GIS and database developer, created the new look, which had a budget of $50,000.

The site, along with a new logo, is set to launch Oct. 18, and will offer information on local businesses, contact information and customer feedback. It will also feature a search engine that can find specific items or seek services by region. Users may also access a map to filter down locations.

Buy Alaska's mission is to keep money in the state by encouraging Alaskans buy locally generated goods and services.

According to Buy Alaska statistics, Alaskans spend more than $11 billion on Outside sales, much of that in catalog purchases.

“I know that in Sitka, locals are deluged with mail order catalogs. Those orders go to Outside businesses that could have stayed right in Alaska communities if the buyer had access and knew where to get the items,” said Jason Dineen, director of the Alaska Small Business Development Center.

“If we could capture 10 percent of that, steer it back into the state, it would sure improve Alaskan based business,” said Stella Josephine, director of Buy Alaska.

The new site gives small-business owners a chance to have a Web presence. New businesses listed on the Buy Alaska site will be highlighted on the home page.

“We have 7,300 businesses signed up now. We are targeting for 10, 000 by the launch date,” Josephine said.

Businesses that are already registered with Buy Alaska will be rolled over into the new site. These members may update their information online beginning Sept. 18.

On the Web: www.buyalaska.com.

Rob Stapleton can be reached at rob.stapleton@alaskajournal.com.