SWAMC MEMBERSHIP

Your Investment in Southwest Alaska’s Economy and Communities

If you live, work, or do business in Southwest Alaska, a SWAMC membership is an investment in a strong economy and sustainable communities. Please join us as we work to create new economic opportunities and improve the quality of life in Southwest Alaska.

 

As a 501(c)4 nonprofit membership-based organization, SWAMC’s foundation of local contributions and support comes from Municipal Members such as boroughs and cities. Associate Members, comprised of for-profit businesses, tribal governments, and other regional organizations, strengthen and broaden SWAMC’s role as a public-private partnership.

SWAMC Membership spans each fiscal year: Membership for FY22 runs from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. Municipal Members’ dues are based on population. Associate Members’ dues are based on gross earnings or budget. See below for a complete membership investment fee schedule.

According to the IRS, “Contributions to civic leagues or other section 501(c)(4) organizations generally are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. They may be deductible as trade or business expenses, if ordinary and necessary in the conduct of the taxpayer’s business.”

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

The primary reason to invest in SWAMC is to express your interest, commitment, and support to ensure a vibrant, sustainable economy and strong, healthy communities in Southwest Alaska. SWAMC’s municipal and associate members vote on a variety of governance, advocacy, and program issues at regular membership meetings. Members use SWAMC as a forum for sharing information on issues critical to the region. SWAMC members also receive the following ongoing benefits:

  • Advocacy on Regional Issues: SWAMC provides a mechanism to speak as a unified voice on issues important to the region. Through resolutions and other advocacy strategies, SWAMC advances the positions that support its core mission and support the collective interests of its members. Recurring advocacy topics include transportation and telecommunications infrastructure development, value-added fisheries, small business development, energy, ferry access, and other economic development topics.
  • Regional Economic Planning: SWAMC publishes the Southwest Alaska Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and other research on the regional economy.
  • Digital Newsletter: Provides an update on regional issues, SWAMC activities and projects, and more. Members can submit stories for the newsletter or upcoming events to be showcased in the newsletter’s calendar section.
  • Economic Summit and Membership Meeting: This annual event serves as a forum for important economic and community development issues as well as organizational governance and membership business. Members receive discounted registration.
  • Elect Board Members: Board members are elected by members at the annual Membership Meeting based on sub-regional caucuses for the Aleutian/Pribilofs, Bristol Bay, and Kodiak. Two at-large associate seats are elected by an open vote of the members.
  • Serve on the Board of Directors: Members are eligible to run for an open Board seat at the annual Membership Meeting, provided they meet eligibility criteria.
  • Directory Listing: Current members are listed in our Membership Directory with a link to their website, if applicable.

MEMBERSHIP DUES SCHEDULE

MUNICIPAL

Population

<150
$50
annually
150 - 499
$130
annually
> 500
$0.65
per person annually
ASSOCIATE: FOR-PROFIT

Gross Revenue

<100K
$130
annually
100K - 499,999
$260
annually
500K - 999,999
$300
annually
> 1,000,000
$390
annually
ASSOCIATE: NON-PROFIT

Annual Budget

< 200k
$130
annually
200K - 499,999
$200
annually
500K - 999,999
$260
annually
> 1,000,000
$300
annually