In Alaska, the success of a business isn’t just about hard work—it’s about having the right partners who understand the unique challenges of living, working, and operating in this state. One such partner is the Alaska Oil and Gas Association (AOGA), a leader in advocating for responsible energy development. GCI and AOGA, both deeply rooted in Alaska, have long been committed to supporting local industries that form the backbone of the state’s economy. GCI recognizes the importance of partnering with organizations, like AOGA, that have built a foundation here, from the ground up.
Building AOGA
Founded in 1966, AOGA has been called the voice of Alaska’s oil and gas industry for nearly six decades. AOGA is a business advocacy organization that works with companies, government agencies, and communities to advance responsible oil and gas development in the state, advocate for the industry, and help Alaskans understand the industry and its importance to the state and economy.
AOGA started because, like any industry, leaders realized individual companies may compete, but all have issues in common that would be better served by speaking with one voice. “We brought together the various competing companies that explore for oil, produce oil, transport oil, or refine oil, and in the common ground we all share is where we have a united front,” shared President and CEO Kara Moriarty. “AOGA is the voice for these companies and creates an environment where that common ground is found.”
Building invaluable, local partnerships
“We’ve been using GCI as our internet provider for as long as I can remember at AOGA,” said Moriarty.
Like many small businesses, AOGA began as a vision — an organization committed to uniting Alaska’s oil and gas companies under a common goal. Today, it stands as a powerful voice in the industry. By staying connected AOGA can continue to grow and meet with industry leaders, policymakers, and the public.
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“We can’t function without the internet,” said Moriarty. “It’s just the way of life. It’s how we communicate with our board members, our committees, our public. Our social media channels are where we communicate to the public about the benefits of the oil and gas industry and it’s how we advocate. No business in Alaska, including ours, could function without fast, reliable, consistent internet.”
In a state as vast and challenging as Alaska, connectivity is crucial. GCI’s robust infrastructure helps AOGA’s operations remain seamless, even in the most remote regions. “Without internet, we don’t function. It’s just that simple. One thing I’ve loved about GCI is whenever we’ve had an issue or some type of outage, they are very responsive, always take our phone calls, and problems get fixed almost immediately.”
AOGA recently hosted its annual conference with more than 500 attendees. “We’ve enjoyed a really strong partnership and appreciate GCI’s support since we started the conference eight years ago. We’ve had a charging station and docking station at the conference for people to power up their phones as they’re at the conference.” To take this partnership even further, GCI now powers the conference’s mobile app to streamline the guest experience.
“A couple of years ago, we also partnered with GCI to create a mobile app specifically for the conference. So, the agenda is there, the speaker bios are there, and the speaker pictures are there. It’s how the audience of 500 plus people can ask questions to the panel or a speaker. It allows us to recognize our sponsors and those who are in the exhibit hall while also saving us money by not having to print a program that just gets thrown away at the end of the two days. It’s just another way of using technology to enhance the quality experience that the conference can provide.”
Building Alaska’s future
As AOGA continues to advocate for and adapt with the oil and gas industry, GCI provides the tools needed to stay connected, informed, and effective. With support from GCI AOGA stays connected and that the state remains a leader in energy development.