Commentary By Katrina Hoffman
For The Cordova Times
The Prince William Sound Science Center would like to thank Cordova for helping make the 17th Alaska Bird Conference a great success.
Every other year, this science conference is convened in an Alaskan community, and this year we were pleased to host it at the Cordova Center from Dec. 6-8. The conference draws participation from both the public and private sector and includes scientists and students who are engaged in researching Alaska’s bird life and their habitats. A planning committee comprised of people from several organizations in Cordova and beyond spent months making arrangements to ensure the meeting was a success.
As usual, Cordova was a great host to its 100-plus guests. The Cordova Center is an excellent facility for a professional meeting and Cordova Center staff provided the best hospitality. The Pioneer Igloo next door served as a comfortable and intriguing lunch venue. Seven Cordova businesses supported our catering needs, serving fantastic meals to conference attendees. The Cordova Chamber of Commerce was a valuable partner in making all the preparations necessary to support 100 guests in town. Native Village of Eyak Tribal Council Chairman Darrel Olsen and Mayor Clay Koplin both offered an introductory welcome. Local artists donated their artwork for conference materials. Students from Cordova High School proved themselves to be curious and engaged in their scheduled conversations with researchers.
At the end of the week, spirits were high. Scientists from various universities, agencies, and non-profits were asking when they could have a meeting in Cordova again. Innkeepers have stopped me in town to say how terrific their guests were, and how nice it was to have lodging venues fully booked in one of the darkest months of the year that is often less busy. And if the abundance of Copper River fleece apparel worn by attendees was evidence of economic activity, it’s safe to say that hosting science meetings in Cordova rings cash registers all over town. It didn’t hurt that the Heney Range wore a beautiful skirt of snow, Sheridan Lake was ripe for skating, and the alpenglow put on a show all week.
Thanks for supporting the 2016 Alaska Bird Conference, Cordova. It was a winter season slam-dunk.
Katrina Hoffman is the president and chief executive officer of the Prince William Sound Science Center
