Alaska Business Monthly articles from November 2007

Alaska Business Monthly archives from November 2007

Clarification.(Correction notice)
November 1, 2007... In the September 2007 issue (page 29), we reported that David Chipperfield is an architect with the firm of Kumin Associates Inc. Based in London and Berlin, David Chipperfield Architects was selected from 38 world-renowned architects who...

Sometimes we get what we vote for.(From the Publisher)
November 1, 2007... ... and the converse is also true: "Sometimes we get what we don't vote for!" When Candidate A or Proposition 100 wins in a low-vote turnout, it might easily be misconstrued that everybody is satisfied with the status quo and therefore very few...

Alaska Airlines buys Anchorage-based tour company, Hawaiian vacations.(ACQUISITIONS)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Last month, ABM published a feature article regarding the connection between Alaska and Hawaii, with extensive references and coverage of Hawaiian Vacations Inc. Shortly after going to press, Alaska Airlines...

Colorado-based engineering firm becomes new VECO owner.(ACQUISITIONS )(CH2M Hill Companies Ltd. acquired VECO Corp.)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... CH2M HILL,--a global full-service engineering, construction and operations firm--announced in September that it acquired VECO. The former Anchorage-based VECO organization includes businesses specializing in program management, construction,...

GCI to build new Southeast Alaska fiber-optic cable.(COMMUNICATIONS)
November 1, 2007... Anchorage-based General Communication Inc. plans to build a new $30 million fiber-optic cable network in Southeast Alaska. The 754 miles of cable will connect Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, Angoon and Sitka to GCI's current fiber-optic cable...

UAA Mat-Su campus recycles carpet.(RECYCLING)
November 1, 2007... The University of Alaska Anchorage's Matanuska-Susitna campus plans to recycle 1,100 square yards of carpet removed from its facilities. The used carpet was to be shipped from Anchorage to a laboratory in the Lower 48 where it would be...

Financial Alaska adds accounting services.(FINANCES)
November 1, 2007... Financial Alaska of Anchorage has expanded its offerings by creating Financial Alaska Accounting LLC to provide accounting services. Joe Kashaverof serves as partner and controller of Financial Alaska Accounting. He previously worked as payroll...

First Alaskans Institute funds healthy community projects.(FUNDING)
November 1, 2007... First Alaskans Institute has awarded $500,000 to fund 18 projects promoting collaboration between community groups statewide. The projects aim is to plan and implement innovative and lasting programs that support healthy communities. The...

ML&P revs up new power-generating unit.(ENERGY)
November 1, 2007... Municipal Light & Power of Anchorage has added a new power-generating unit--the first such unit to come online since 1984. The new unit is more efficient, delivering more and cleaner energy for the same amount of fuel. The contractor on the...

National Science Foundation funds new UAF research vessel.(EDUCATION)
November 1, 2007... The University of Alaska Fairbanks has received initial funding from the National Science Foundation to build the Alaska Region Research Vessel, a 236-foot, $123 million icebreaking vessel. The vessel would support research in high latitudes....

Closing in: two big ad agencies compete with smaller entities that are after their market shares.
November 1, 2007... Everything is big in Alaska. So when market research revealed that local fast food customers were hungry for a Big Mac that was even bigger, The Nerland Agency--the advertising firm tasked with promoting the golden arches statewide--came up...

Sun never sets at solstice: advertising agency offers myriad of services.
November 1, 2007... "Thinking outside the box is passe... we fold the box into a plane and make it fly." Brooks Pleninger Creative Director Solstice Advertising [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Look up the word "solstice" in Webster's Dictionary and it reads:...

Rod Bradley: the man of advertising: he made Ds in high school, but handled million dollar business deals out of college.
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Rod Bradley is the proverbial ad man. He's got an every-two-week haircut and a year-round golf course tan. He's as comfortable elbowing up to a farmhouse dinner table as he is sashaying through a penthouse cocktail...

First National Bank Alaska celebrates 85 years of success: it has grown from a one-man operation to serving 17 communities throughout the state.
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When Winfield Ervin opened First National Bank of Anchorage in 1922, he did it because he said he had "faith in the future of Anchorage." Over the years, that faith grew to encompass all of Alaska, and the bank, now...

Making dollars and sense: unique real estate group comes to the aid of homebuyers and owners.
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] They don't collect any monthly membership club dues. They don't select an employee of the month, and they don't have any health insurance benefits. No, it's not a group of union cabinetmakers. Nor is it a local...

Ten steps to better management: know your employees and know yourself.
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] One of the top five reasons people leave organizations is because of the leadership, and this makes the effective management of employees of the "utmost importance" to companies, according to human resources...

Rapt by raptors: photographers, birders flock to Haines for bald eagle gathering.(Alaska This Month)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] In early winter, thousands of bald eagles congregate along a section of the Chilkat River just outside of Haines. The spot is unique--an underground reservoir warms the water to prevent freezing and permit...

November events calendar.(Calendar)
November 1, 2007... ANCHORAGE 3 Leahy This eight-member sibling act from Canada is a whirlwind triple threat of Celtic fiddle-driven music, dance and song, known for their electrifying step dancing and passionate, unforgettable performances. 7:30 p.m. at...

World Trade Center Alaska.
November 1, 2007... I am proud to serve as the chairman of the World Trade Center Alaska (WTCAK) board of directors during 2007, the organization's 20th anniversary year. It's an exciting time to be involved with the center as Alaska's international trade economy...

The Canada-Alaska connection: neighbors helping neighbors.(WORLD TRADE CENTER SPECIAL SECTION)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Alaska's relationship with its next-door neighbor, Canada, is one of the state's most important international partnerships. Approximately 1,500 miles of common border and many shared interests, including significant...

World of opportunities: terminal seen as a new link to business with the 49th State.(WORLD TRADE CENTER SPECIAL SECTION)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] There are grand openings, and then there are grand openings. In early September, the opening of the Prince Rupert (British Columbia) Fairview Container Terminal is creating a new high-speed, congestion-free trade...

Recent World Trade Center testimonials.
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dennis Mitchell, Regional Manager Alaska Lynden International "Lynden International has been a member of World Trade Center Alaska for 20 years. Our membership in this organization has been extremely...

Q&A: interview with Greg Wolf Executive Director World Trade Center Alaska.(WORLD TRADE CENTER SPECIAL SECTION)(Interview)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Greg Wolf is a seasoned veteran of Alaska's international trade business. Since 2002, he has served as the executive director of World Trade Center Alaska. He came to this post following nearly five years as the...

State of Alaska: office of the Governor Juneau.
November 1, 2007... October 2007 Dear Alaskans: We congratulate the board and staff of World Trade Center Alaska on their 20th anniversary. Alaskans have been first-rate at international trade for decades. To our friends in international markets,...

Marketing Solutions.(Right Moves)(promotion of Grant Johnston and Elizabeth Senaga )(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... Grant Johnston was promoted to vice president and creative director at Marketing Solutions, an advertising and public relations firm in Anchorage. In his new role, Johnston manages all design and creative strategies for client campaigns....

Weidner Investment Services.(Right Moves)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Maureen Chandler was hired as regional director in Alaska for Weidner Investment Services, a rental apartment management company with 30 properties. Chandler most recently managed more than 1,800 apartments for a...

Scan Home.(Right Moves)
November 1, 2007... Lisa Susich joined Scan Home as in-house advertising director. She now manages all design, media and creative strategies for Scan Home, Scan Office, Scan Bedroom and Scan Futon stores. She has nearly 18 years of experience in advertising and...

National Consumer Cooperative Bank.(Right Moves)
November 1, 2007... Anthony Alvarado joined National Consumer Cooperative Bank as vice president and business development officer in the bank's Anchorage office. He manages the Washington, D.C.-based bank's outreach to Alaska Native and Native American customers,...

Alaska Airlines.(Right Moves)
November 1, 2007... Seattle-based Alaska Airlines appointed Ben Minicucci to the position of staff vice president of customer service/operational support. Minicucci joined Alaska Airlines in 2004 and served as staff vice president of maintenance and engineering....

Emerald Consulting Group LLC.(Right Moves)
November 1, 2007... William Breighner was hired by Emerald Consulting Group LLC as senior vice president. He leads the company's new Washington, D.C., office, which serves new and existing commercial and federal East Coast clients. Emerald Consulting is part of...

State Government.(Right Moves)
November 1, 2007... Gov. Sarah Palin appointed Carl Bauman to the Kenai Superior Court. Bauman replaces the retiring Harold M. Brown. Bauman has practiced law for 33 years. He currently is a managing member of Hughes, Bauman, Pfiffner, Gorski & Seedorf LLC in...

Alaska Conservation Foundation.(Right Moves)
November 1, 2007... Ann Rothe joined the Alaska Conservation Foundation as program officer. Rothe's work will focus on oceans, mining and other issues. She is a wildlife biologist who has worked for the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Department...

Alaska USA Trust Co.(Right Moves)
November 1, 2007... Sterling Sears joined Alaska USA Trust Co. as trust and investment services officer. He is responsible for assisting clients develop customized investment plans. Sears previously worked for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

NC Machinery.(Right Moves)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Scott McDonnell was appointed rental coordinator at NC Machinery's The Cat Rental Store in Fairbanks. His career includes several years of experience in equipment rental.

Resource Data Inc.(Right Moves)(appointments)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... Nicholas St. Gabriel joined Resource Data Inc. as a programmer/analyst at the firm's Juneau office. St. Gabriel earned a master's degree in information systems and management from the University of Phoenix. His technical expertise is in JAVA,...

Alaska Process Industry Careers Consortium.(Right Moves)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Molly Merritt-Duren was hired as executive director for the Alaska Process Industry Careers Consortium. She has more than 20 years of experience in state, federal and nonprofit workforce development systems.

University of Alaska Anchorage.(Right Moves)
November 1, 2007... Rebakah Moras, a University of Alaska Anchorage graduate, received a U.S. Student Fulbright Award scholarship to travel to Germany to teach English as a foreign language. She is one of more than 1,300 U.S. citizens who will travel abroad as...

Arctic Structures.(Right Moves)(appointment of John Dittrich )(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... John Dittrich was chosen general manager for Arctic Structures, a modular building manufacturer and general contractor. He has worked in the Alaska construction industry for many years, including posts like chief financial officer at UIC...

FedEx Express.(Right Moves)
November 1, 2007... Scott Watts, a FedEx Express truck driver based in Anchorage, earned the title of national champion at the 2007 National Truck Driving Championships in Minneapolis in August. Watts won in the straight-truck class. He has earned three state...

ARECA Insurance Exchange.(Right Moves)
November 1, 2007... Brenda Mead was promoted to chief financial officer for ARECA Insurance Exchange, a member-owned company that serves 21 electric and telephone cooperatives in Alaska. Mead has served as an accountant with the organization for three years. She...

Alaska Power Association.(Right Moves)
November 1, 2007... Debra Canoy was hired as accountant for the Alaska Power Association. Canoy has more than 20 years of accounting experience, most recently with Mikunda Cottrell & Co. Inc., Certified Public Accountants and Consultants.

A pandemic could cripple Alaska economy: prepare in case of catastrophe.
November 1, 2007... It is predicted that we are due any day for the next pandemic influenza. Over the past 1,000 years, a pandemic has occurred every 10 to 50 years. The most recent pandemics to hit American soil killed more than 600,000 Americans in 1918, 1957...

North slope businesses benefit from new practice: idle-reduction technology makes sense, saves dollars.
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Some ideas just make sense. And some ideas add up to dollars and cents. Such is the case for idle-reduction technologies in use by more and more companies operating heavy equipment across Prudhoe Bay, according...

Natural gas system grows in Fairbanks: new customer on the North Slope?(BUILDING ALASKA)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For years, many Alaskans have hoped for a North Slope gas pipeline project, longing for the related economic boom and for the cheap fuel that could be available to the rest of the state. While North Slope...

A new creation: airport car rental garage first of its kind in the nation.(BUILDING ALASKA)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Once again, Alaskans lead the nation in building a better mousetrap. In this case, it's the new rental car center at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, and its inventors are the rental car agencies,...

Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center: 'bridge between cultures.'.(BUILDING ALASKA)
November 1, 2007... An extraordinary bridge between the public sector and private sector, Native and non-Native organizations, rural and urban cultures is under construction in downtown Fairbanks. When the 35,000-square-foot Morris Thompson Cultural and...

Winter construction: safety key for this hearty bunch of men and women who work outdoors.(BUILDING ALASKA)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Anyone will admit that it's no fun to be in subzero temperatures and nasty weather--especially when it involves working. But, in Alaska construction, sometimes there is no choice but to stand up to the elements to...

Crisis looms: Medicare coverage doesn't pay enough, doctors refuse service, and Medicare patients can't make up the difference even if they want to.
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When asked how many doctors offer their services to Medicare patients, Rita Hatch, Medicare Counseling Coordinator at the Older Persons Action Group in Anchorage, just shook her head and said, "It's a sad list. ...

Status of the mineral industry: 2007 continues growth pattern, with six large mines operating in Alaska.(SPECIAL SECTION: MINING ISSUE)
November 1, 2007... Worldwide coal and metal prices continue strong. These prices are the primary driving force for the mining industry everywhere, including Alaska. Alaska's six large and numerous small operating mines are benefiting from these prices, as are the...

Code red! Environmental challenges alarm mining industry.(SPECIAL SECTION: MINING ISSUE)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Three years ago, a Fairbanks-based environmental group appealed a water discharge permit issued by federal regulators to Teck Cominco, developer of the Pogo gold mine in Interior Alaska. The environmental...

Drilling Pebble: work continues into new year at aggressive pace.(SPECIAL SECTION: MINING ISSUE)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] While the public focus on the Pebble project has involved heated debate between environmental activists and pro-development advocates, exploration work on the Southwestern Alaska copper-gold-molybdenum deposit...

First gold pour by year-end: Rock Creek transforms NovaGold into producer status.(SPECIAL SECTION: MINING ISSUE)(Company overview)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Founded a decade ago by a geologist looking to continue working in Alaska and to exit the large corporate employment culture, NovaGold Resources is about to celebrate its 10th anniversary with a big splash--complete...

Mega-sized projects for NovaGold: construction starts at Galore, exploration continues at Ambler and Donlin.(SPECIAL SECTION: MINING ISSUE)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] While historically a small company, in its decade of exploring for gold and other valuable metals, NovaGold Resources takes on big projects--mineral resources measured in billions of pounds or millions of ounces. ...

2007 Mining directory.(SPECIAL SECTION: MINING ISSUE)(Directory)
November 1, 2007... Alaska Aggregate Products LLC Charles Bates, Gen. Mgr. 601 W. Fifth Ave., Suite 400 Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 278-7300 Fax: 278-7324 E-Mail: charles.bates@ak-gravel.com Web Site: www.ak-gravel.com Year Estab.:...

International Tower Hill hits early stage properties: questions still lurking for mining bonanza.(SPECIAL SECTION: MINING ISSUE)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Modern day gold prospector Jeff Pontius is building the "perfect storm" to discover Alaska's next major mineral deposit. As president of a well-funded junior exploration company that has hired experienced...

Heap leach adds life to Fort Knox: gold mine receives extension to 2019.(SPECIAL SECTION: MINING ISSUE)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Owners of Alaska's largest gold mine plan to incorporate a heap-leach operation and a pit expansion to the existing hard-rock operation, a capital investment designed to extend the Fort Knox mine life by at least...

Full metal fills plate in Alaska: great land 'elephant country,' full of promise.(SPECIAL SECTION: MINING ISSUE)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In addition to exploring on 14 different mineral properties in Alaska, Full Metal Minerals may be considered an unofficial "welcome wagon" for the state's mineral industry. "We're pretty proud of the fact that...

Freegold ventures advances Golden Summit: bulk-sampling project to yield geological information, gold.(SPECIAL SECTION: MINING ISSUE)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Steadily falling snow in late September and a quiet equipment yard at the Golden Summit project didn't dampen Michael Gross' enthusiasm. He's the vice president of exploration for Freegold Ventures and a moving force...

Alaska 2007: mining in review: a statewide look at Alaska's rich resource.(SPECIAL SECTION: MINING ISSUE)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Even though the year is not yet completed, it seems a safe bet to say that 2007 will go down in the books as one of the most exciting and productive years in Alaska mining history. Mineral exploration at Alaska mines...

Adding visibility to the freight process: investments in new technology make tracking, transporting freight more efficient.
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As technology continues to advance, so do the opportunities for different businesses, such as those in the freight industry, to use it to their advantage. In many cases, the development of Web-based systems have...

Alaska Native corporations launch variety of new businesses: from gravel pits to employment agencies, ANCs grow and prosper.(Company overview)
November 1, 2007... Alaska Native regional and village corporations engage in a wide variety of businesses to benefit their shareholders and the state. Some of their latest ventures involve a gravel pit, residential property development, an employment agency and...

Alaska's future energy source? The answer may be blowing in the wind.
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It's free. There's plenty of it. You can't see it. It's clean. And its supply is endless. It's the wind. Wind is simple air in motion. The uneven heating of the earth's surface causes it. Alaska has abundant...

Selling your company--removing the obstacles to success: don't be bullied. Get full value out of your business.
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In more than 25 years of advising selling middle-market owners, I have seen many changes in the acquisition market. Many of these changes have negatively impacted a U.S. seller's ability to obtain a premium price....

ANS crude oil spot price in 12 currencies: (Sep. 24, 2007).(Alaska Trends for November 2007)
November 1, 2007... Alaska Trends, an outline of significant statewide statistics, is provided by the University of Alaska Center for Economic Development and sponsored by American Fast Freight. [GRAPHIC OMITTED] Current crude oil prices are reaching...