Alaska Business Monthly articles from November 2003

Alaska Business Monthly archives from November 2003

Our 20th year.(From the Publisher)
November 1, 2003... In this issue, we preview two new, regular features that will appear in Alaska Business Monthly as it notes its 20th year of publication in 2004. We hope you'll enjoy reading the new columns and that each may be of help to managers of business...

Alaska exports on rise.(Economy)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... The total value of Alaska's exports had surged by 13 percent in the first half of 2003, compared to a 1 percent decline for the same period last year, according to figures released by the governor's office. "Double-digit export growth is...

Anchorage consumer prices up in 2003.(Economy)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Consumer prices in the Anchorage metropolitan area advanced 1.3 percent in the first half of 2003, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor. Increases in transportation and housing led the advance in the...

Correction.(Economy)(Correction Notice)
November 1, 2003... The article titled "River Highwaymen: The Marine Transporters to Bush Alaska," in the October 2003 issue, had several unintended errors. The caption incorrectly identified the docking facility as Seward and stated that the barge pictured was...

AMC Engineers behind Dimond and Houston schools.(Construction)(Dimond High School)(Houston, Alaska)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... The new $54 million Dimond High School provides a better way for students to learn and feel comfortable on campus and will hold up to 1,600 students, according to AMC Engineers who was behind the project. AMC delivered extensive mechanical...

Economy gets cruise line boost.(Tourism)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Alaska's economy received more than $546 million in wages and income, and more than 16,400 jobs were generated by the cruise industry in 2002, according to an annual study by Business Research and Economic Advisors. Commissioned by the...

UAA LitSite attracts the eyes of Washington D.C.(Education)(University of Alaska Anchorage)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... The University of Alaska Anchorage's LitSite Alaska has attracted the attention of First Lady Laura Bush. In a formal greeting from the White House that will be posted on the site, Bush calls LitSite Alaska "an outstanding Web community for...

APRN launches new statewide program.(Communications)(Alaska Public Radio Network)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... The first new statewide radio program in almost 10 years recently premiered on public radio stations across the state. Alaska Public Radio Network launched a program called AK. AK is not your typical program, according to APRN. The...

Alaska Chip Co. joins market.(Manufacturing)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Alaska Chip Co. is now offering kettle-style gourmet potato chips at Carts Safeway stores, known as Matanuska Thunder Chips and Denali Grizzly Chips, which have a hickory barbecue flavor. Ralph and Darcy Carney formed the company this year...

Senator Stevens honors Carl Brady Sr.(Transportation)(Ted Stevens)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, recently honored Carl Brady Sr. and dedicated one of Brady's Bell 47B helicopters at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. The Bell 47B is one of Brady's original helicopters and is identical to the first...

Oil field drilling operations in Alaska: new technology allows for creative drilling from Cook Inlet to the North Slope.
November 1, 2003... When most people think of the oil and gas industry, a drill rig springs to mind. A modern drilling rig can be an immense structure, its mast typically rising 130 feet in the air. With all of its equipment, it can weigh as much as 2,000 tons, or...

One-on-one with Jo Heckman: Denali State Bank: she's the first female bank president in the history of Alaska.(Interview)(Interview)
November 1, 2003... Fairbanks-based Denali State Bank is considered by many to be the maverick of Alaska banking. The company was founded in 1986 when other banks were shutting down, and it has remained locally owned even though much of its competition is...

Doney Advertising.(Right Moves)(hired Kimberley Hase as account manager)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Doney Advertising Agency recently hired Kimberley Hase as account manager. She will assist with placement, marketing, promotions and production for the Anchorage, Palmer and Wasilla areas. Doney Advertising Agency is a full-service statewide...

Goodfellow Bros. Inc.(Right Moves)(Alaska manager, Ben Northey, received professional designation of certified professional constructor from the American Institute of Constructors)
November 1, 2003... Goodfellow Bros. Inc.'s Alaska manager, Ben Northey, has received the professional designation of certified professional constructor from the American Institute of Constructors. Northey, a 20-year veteran of the industry, has a bachelor of...

First Alaskans Institute.(Right Moves)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Greta L. Goto was named director of the First Alaskans Institute's Alaska Native Policy Center. Born in Fairbanks and raised in Dillingham, Goto came to the institute in January 2003, from the Bristol Bay Campus, University of Alaska. Goto...

Enstar Natural Gas Co.(Right Moves)(named Jane Lee public affairs representative)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Enstar Natural Gas Co. named Jane Lee as public affairs representative for the company. She will continue to serve as a business development representative, a position she has held for the past two years. As public affairs representative, Lee...

Providence Imaging Center.(Right Moves)(named Maurice J. Coyle, M.D. as chief medical officer)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Maurice J. Coyle, M.D., has come out of retirement to join Providence Imaging Center as chief medical officer. In his new role, Coyle will oversee physician relations, strategic planning and customer service. Coyle's longtime history with...

Alaska Air Group.(Right Moves)(Glenn S. Johnson elected vice president of finance at Alaska Airlines, Andrea L."Andy" Schneider elected senior vice president of customer services at Horizon Air)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Glenn S. Johnson was elected vice president of finance at Alaska Airlines and Andrea L."Andy" Schneider was elected senior vice president of customer services at Horizon Air. Johnson, 44, most recently senior vice president of customer services...

Crowley Maritime Corp.(Right Moves)(Todd Busch, director of sales for company's Ship Assist and Escort Services business unit, was awarded the 2002 Thomas Crowley Trophy)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Todd Busch, director of sales for Crowley's Ship Assist and Escort Services business unit, was awarded the 2002 Thomas Crowley Trophy, Crowley Maritime Corp.'s highest honor, at coremonies held recently in Anchorage. Tom Crowley Jr.,...

The Inn at Whittier.(Right Moves)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Tim Jackson joined The Inn at Whittier as general manager. With more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Jackson most recently served as restaurant manager for Seven Glaciers Restaurant at the Alyeska Prince Resort in...

University of Alaska Fairbanks.(Right Moves)(Susan Henrichs named to the newly created post of dean of the graduate school and vice provost for instructional affairs)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Susan Henrichs, professor with the University of Alaska Fairbanks Institute of Marine Science, was named to the newly created post of dean of the graduate school and vice provost for instructional affairs. Henrichs will provide an...

Tryck Nyman Hayes Inc.(Right Moves)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Shawn Snisarenko rejoined Tryck Nyman Hayes Inc. as senior civil engineer. Snisarenko has more than 13 years of experience in designing, managing and coordinating civil/transportation engineering projects. He holds a master's degree in...

Kumin Associates Inc.(Right Moves)(announces new staff members)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Kumin Associates Inc. recently announced the following staff additions: Marina Komkov was hired as an intern architect. Originally from Russia, Komkov completed her undergraduate degree in Haifa, Israel, and graduate studies in Vancouver,...

Nabors Alaska Drilling.(Right Moves)(named Chuck Sullivan vice president of finance)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Nabors Alaska Drilling announced that Alaska oil and gas industry veteran Chuck Sullivan was named vice president of finance for the Anchorage-based drilling company. In his new post, Sullivan will report to Napors' President Jim Denney....

Rodney P. Kinney Associates.(Right Moves)(Autumn Sellars, E.I.T., joined staff as a civil engineer in training)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Autumn Sellars, E.I.T., joined Rodney P. Kinney Associates Inc. as a civil engineer in training. Sellars studied civil engineering at New Mexico State University and received her bachelor of science degree in civil engineering in May 2002....

Anchorage Chamber of Commerce.(Right Moves)(announces appointments of Susan Holm and Robyn Horner)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Susan Holm recently accepted the position of administrative assistant at the Anchorage COC. Holm was information specialist for the Anchorage Chamber and in her new position acts as executive assistant to the president, secretary to the board...

High-ed hotels: Alaska style: from Bush Alaska to the state's largest city, there are plenty of top-notch hotels and lodges to select from.
November 1, 2003... For those of us who call Alaska home, we know that just like Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz," we're not in Kansas anymore. Sure, Alaska's major cities may-at first glance-be indecipherable from other small cities or large towns in the Lower 48,...

Calendar of events.(Calendar)
November 1, 2003... ANCHORAGE 6 Starting a Business Seminar Covers the essentials in small-business start up, including information access, legal aspects, business insurance, bookkeeping, marketing and finance options. Meet and learn from community...

Sitka's seventh cetacean celebration: experts discuss marine life at annual Whalefest.(Alaska This Month)
November 1, 2003... While the autumn waters around Sitka teem with food and life, some special visitors are stopping over before they move on to find warmer tropical waters in the south. These visitors, humpback whales, are the stars of the 7th Annual Sitka...

The humpback whale.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Humpback whales are baleen whales that migrate seasonally to feed in the productive temperate waters of Alaska. Instead of teeth, baleen whales have a row of 400 fringed comb like plates lined on each side of their upper jaw. When a whale takes...

Managing the Gen X/Y employee.(ABM Quarterly Feature)
November 1, 2003... If you heard a male employee say "Yo, dude!" to a female employee, you'd think the comment (check your choice): [] Inappropriate, [] Insulting, [] Affectionate. Please complete the following sentences: *...

Transportation in extreme environments: by air, by ground, by rail, by boat-goods and people get to where they are going, despite extreme temperatures.
November 1, 2003... Alaska is known for its extremes, especially when it comes to weather. On a normal day, the weather can go from mild to menacing in the blink of an eye. Each winter day, a majority of Alaska men and women in the transportation industry...

The role of ethics in business and what students should know about it: digest of the proceedings: UAA-ABM executive forum UAA campus, Sept. 11, 2003.(University of Alaska Anchorage)
November 1, 2003... Thomas R. Case Dean College of Business & Public Policy University of Alaska Anchorage "The concept of an executive forum came from the first meeting of the College of Business & Public Policy Business Policy Advisory Council. The 40...

A job for every Alaskan: it's important to develop closer linkages between economic and work force development.
November 1, 2003... During my four trips to Alaska as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, I have repeatedly said that President Bush's plan for economic growth focuses on these priorities: jobs, jobs, jobs. The president's economic-growth...

Mining industry poised for further expansion.
November 1, 2003... The gold price continues to improve and this is providing a new level of optimism. Exploration companies and their investors have renewed confidence in long-term price stability, and the result is that investment dollars have continued their...

Usibelli Coal Mine: celebrating 60 years in Alaska: this operation near Healy is the 'poster child' of environmentally friendly mining.
November 1, 2003... Usibelli Coal Mine, a year-round operation that is located within the Alaska Range near Healy, has been in business since 1943. It's a close-knit operation with a family feel to it. "We have about 75 employees right now," said Bill Brophy,...

Rock Creek: gold at Nome: NovaGold hopes to start construction on this hardrock gold development in two years.(Norwest Corp.)(Novagold Resources Inc.)
November 1, 2003... NovaGold Resources Inc. made headlines within the minerals industry a year ago, with the company's announcement of a new resource at the remote Donlin Creek gold deposit in Southwest Alaska. The recently formed junior exploration company...

Natural gas: A boost to Red Dog and Donlin Creek: lack of cheap power is a hindrance to Alaska mines, but there are solutions.
November 1, 2003... Alaska is rich in mineral and energy resources, but poor in energy infrastructure--a combination that stands as a barrier to economic growth in general and, more specifically, to development of the state's mining industry. The idea behind...

Klebs: keeping Alaskans safe and warm since 1986.(Business Profile)(Klebs Heating & Air)
November 1, 2003... Commercial contractors and residential clientele who insist on flawless heating, ventilation and air conditioning services, plus a variety of related work, will want to know about KLEBS quality customer care. "Quality customer care is not...

Roads to riches: there is a lot of wealth to be gained from mines around the state, but developers need the infrastructure to get minerals to market.
November 1, 2003... Building roads in Alaska encourages mining development by making exploration, development and production more financially feasible. Although Alaska has worldclass mineral deposits, the road systems to these resources rival the Third World. In...

10 steps to integrity.(Book Review)
November 1, 2003... "The Integrity Advantage" by Adrian Gostik and Dana Telford Gibbs Smith Publisher Layton, Utah 2003, 107 pages, $18.95. Authors Adrian Gostik and Dana Telford believe that unintended consequences are the slippery slope to illegal actions in...

Fairbanks sees great growth in construction: the state's second-largest city is experiencing growth in construction, especially in retail and military projects.
November 1, 2003... Workers with Tilly & Company general contractors work on the roof of a new mini-mall under construction on the site of the M&O Schucks Auto Supply store on the Old Steese Highway in Fairbanks. The mall, with nearly all of its space already...

Fire and ice: Chena Hot Springs Resort's new ice hotel: guests will sleep on beds of ice and drink from ice glasses.
November 1, 2003... Only a man of enormous vision could hatch an idea the magnitude of Bernie Karl's latest. A graying, hale fellow with no shortage of ideas--or words--at his disposal, Karl and his wife, Connie, bought Chena Hot Springs Resort five years...

Port MacKenzie development: moving forward at a fast pace: goals are being met and much work lies on the horizon.(Matanuska-Susitna Borough)(Alaska)
November 1, 2003... The Matanuska-Susitna Borough is making significant progress in the development of Port MacKenzie. The borough is focusing on five main goals to develop the port: installing utilities, constructing a deep-draft dock, making road improvements,...

Cordova's proposed port: a controversial project: will this development benefit an economically depressed community?($18 million project)
November 1, 2003... In August 2003, United States Interior Secretary Gale Norton announced that the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs is issuing requests for an environmental impact study on a public-works project near Cordova. The $18 million project calls...

Commuter rail service shows promise: Valley residents can sip coffee and read the paper, while enjoying a pleasant commute to Anchorage.
November 1, 2003... A commuter rail service between Anchorage and the Matanuska-Susitna Valley has been discussed for years. But, detractors said, Alaskans won't ride the train, they like their cars too much. It would be too costly and bad for the environment,...

Long-distance service in Alaska: providers offer telecommunication packages to businesses that are competitive and tailored to each company.
November 1, 2003... Not to overstate the obvious, but we live in a big state. It is a remarkably long distance to and from just about everywhere in Alaska. In state, out of state, out of country. It's a long distance. That is especially so when making a phone...

Trade: exports contribute greatly to economy: the Pacific Rim, especially Asian markets, is the primary destination for Alaska's export shipments.(large domestic markets for manufacturing, high-tech, agricultural sectors)
November 1, 2003... Alaska is one of the most trade-oriented states in America. While many states enjoy sizable domestic markets for their manufacturing, high-tech or agricultural industries, Alaska is dependent on the export of its natural resources to overseas...

Is your Web site accessible by people with disabilities? Here's a checklist of things to do to ensure your Web site is available to all.
November 1, 2003... Imagine yourself sitting at your computer, eyes closed, and no mouse to use for navigation. You see no graphic images or text with the familiar underline denoting a link. Information is transferred to you via "screen reader" technology, which...

Focusing on your business: focus groups help businesses plan for the future.
November 1, 2003... Eight men and women sat around the table, sometimes griping, sometimes complimenting. They were aware that everything they did was being recorded through the microphones that sat on the table and by a camera they couldn't see. They were even...

Alaska trends for November.(economic indicators)(Illustration)
November 1, 2003... ALASKA TRENDS FOR NOVEMBER Indicator Units GENERAL Personal Income -- Alaska Millions of $ Personal Income -- United States Billions of $ (SAAR)...