Alaska Business Monthly articles from October 2003

Alaska Business Monthly archives from October 2003

Correction.(Correction Notice)
October 1, 2003... In an article titled "Bypass Mail," which appeared in our September 2003 issue, Everts Air Cargo was referred to as Air Cargo Express. Air Cargo Express used to be the name of the company. It has been Everts Air Cargo for about two years.

Top Guns of Alaska Business.(From the Publisher)(introduction to Alaska company rankings)
October 1, 2003... This is the 19th annual ranking of the very best Alaskan-owned, Alaskan-operated companies, based on gross revenue figures and other data supplied by the companies themselves, and where possible to do, supplemented by independent research. ...

New insurance company fills small-business needs.(Insurance)(John Alden Life Insurance Co.)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... John Alden Life Insurance Co., a Fortis Health company, is offering its small-group health insurance products to companies in Alaska. Alden and Fortis Health said they are committed to competitive health insurance marketplaces and will keep...

SBS' new millwork operational.(General)(Spenard Builders Supply)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Spenard Builders Supply recently announced its new millwork production facility in Kenai is fully operational. The SBS facility, consisting of two buildings and more than 20,000 square feet, is the latest improvement for the foremost millwork...

New lodging crops up in Whittier.(Tourism)(The Inn at Whittier)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... At the mouth of the harbor in Whittier stands Alaska's newest luxury lodging and dining establishment. As you leave the darkness of the Whittier tunnel, you will almost immediately view Whittier's newest landmark--The Inn at Whittier. The...

ACVB opens center in Eagle River.(Tourism)(Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau North Anchorage Visitor Information Center)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau North Anchorage Visitor Information Center recently opened at the Eagle River Microtel Inn & Suites. The North Anchorage VIC is staffed by volunteers Monday through Friday. Eventually it will be...

Inlet Tower enters final rejuvenation.(Tourism)(Inlet Tower and Suites, Anchorage, Alaska)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... The 14-story Inlet Tower and Suites, located in Anchorage at 1200 L St., is getting a $5 million makeover that has restored its 1950s-era style and splendor. The building that dominated Anchorage's skyline when it was built in 1953 was...

Wrangell artist's work honored.(Transportation)(Brenda Schwartz )(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Wrangell artist Brenda Schwartz recently unveiled her latest work, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Alaska Marine Highway, at a celebration at the Wrangell ferry terminal. The work features the past, present and future of the ferry...

Interview with Mike Felix, AT&T Alascom: nearly two years as president/CEO, this leader has a vision for his company and is making strides in accomplishing his goals.(Interview)(Interview)
October 1, 2003... When Mike Felix took the helm of Anchorage-based AT&T Alascom early last year, his goal was simple: to re-establish the company as the leading telecommunications player in Alaska. Felix knew, however, the task was easier said than done. ...

529 plans offer benefits for college savers: the University of Alaska College Savings Plan is a 529 plan that delivers a full spectrum of exceptional benefits--whether your child chooses to attend a UA campus or almost any other college, university or technical school in the United States.
October 1, 2003... When your friends complain about how much college costs, believe them. In case they haven't mentioned it, a year of college costs about as much as a new car these days, a very nice car if we're talking about many of the colleges attended...

Oil and gas construction services companies: they are the little-known companies on the oil fields, but the producers couldn't do their jobs without them.(Industry Overview)
October 1, 2003... We've all heard of the big oil producers like British Petroleum and ConocoPhillips. But what some don't realize is that producers don't do it alone. To do their jobs well, big oil calls on the bit players. Alaska's oil field construction...

October 2003 calendar of events.(Calendar)
October 1, 2003... ANCHORAGE 1-2 Information Technology and Business Expo Held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Egan Civic & Convention Center. Call Sourdough Productions, 277-7469. 3-5 Make it Alaskan Festival This is the oldest and largest event...

AFN holds 38th Annual Convention in Anchorage: this year's convention is scheduled from Oct. 20-25, with the 19th Annual Elders and Youth Conference running from Oct. 20-22.(Alaska This Month)(Alaska Federation of Natives)
October 1, 2003... The Alaska Federation of Natives will hold its annual convention at the William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center in Anchorage this month, with a special focus on education and cultural self-determination. "The AFN Annual Convention is the...

Human resources on the balance sheet: you must look beyond current accounting standards and look at how organizations build corporate value in today's business environment.
October 1, 2003... What is the chance we will get caught? Suppose this question was being asked by a couple of 4 year olds sneaking cookies from the cookie jar. What would your reaction be? Would you have a different reaction if I told you this was a couple of...

Providing occupational safety pays: paying attention to safety regulations allows for lower turnover, higher productivity and less stress on the job.
October 1, 2003... Keeping employees safe is not only the law, but also it makes practical business sense. Employees will be happier and the cost of doing business may decrease. "Having a safe workplace adds a lot of value to a business," said Richard...

Remote health care in the Aleutians: treating patients in this rural area has its problems.
October 1, 2003... On the Aleutian Chain, as anywhere else, there are needs and expectations for modern medical care. While Alaska Natives have Community Health Aide Program clinics to see to routine services, non-Natives also have their needs. In Unalaska, there...

Tunista, Inc.(Business Profile)
October 1, 2003... Tunista, Inc., a subsidiary of the Calista Corporation, was certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as an 8(a) ANC Contractor in Oct 1999. Corporate headquarters are located in Anchorage. A separate dba contracts...

Alaska Business Monthly presents: Alaska's 2003 Top 49ers: sharpshooters of Alaska Business.
October 1, 2003... The Alaska 49ers, an Anchorage-based, single-action shooting club, is as devoted to the Old West as Alaska Business Monthly's "Top 49ers" are to Alaska business. While the Alaska 49ers dress the part of shoot-em-up cowboys and gun-totin'...

Matanuska Telephone Association Inc.(Top Guns * Alaska's Top 49ers)
October 1, 2003... 2003 Top 49er Ranking: 15 Position Last Year: N/A 2002 Revenue: $75 million Number of Employees: 300 How does one judge what makes a company successful? In most cases, it means a look at the bottom line-at the profits the...

Carlile Transportation Systems.(Top Guns * Alaska's Top 49ers)
October 1, 2003... 2003 Top 49er Ranking: 25 Position Last Year: 18 2002 Revenue: $58 million Number of Employees: 455 Carlile Transportation Systems, headquartered in Anchorage, enables Alaska to be a dynamic player in major segments of...

Udelhoven Oilfield System Services Inc.(Top Guns * Alaska's Top 49ers)
October 1, 2003... 2003 Top 49er Ranking: 21 Position Last Year: 19 2002 Revenue: $61.2 million Number of Employees: 400 In 1970 there was Udelhoven, just Udelhoven. Today there is Udelhoven plus 400. What happened? An entrepreneurial, James...

Ukpeagvik Inupiat Corp.(Top Guns * Alaska's Top 49ers)
October 1, 2003... 2003 Top 49er Ranking: 11 Position Last Year: 15 2002 Revenues: $117.72 million Number of Employees: 400 When Ukpeagvik Inupiat Corp. was formed in 1973, little did the people of Barrow know that 30 years later, it would be...

River Highwaymen: the marine transporters to Bush Alaska: those who transport goods to the Bush hustle all summer to provide a lifeline to rural residents.
October 1, 2003... There's no rest for those in the marine transportation industry during the summer months--no vacations and few days off. It's tiresome, difficult and dangerous work. But without them, tens of thousands of rural Alaskans wouldn't have the...

Anchorage: a winter tourism destination: Alaska's largest city has a lot to offer winter guests, and tourism agencies are working hard to market it.
October 1, 2003... Let's face it. Alaska was built on sheer moxie. Whether it was the gold, oil or simply the call of the wild that lured people north, it was the dream of the future that made them stay. Despite formidable obstacles (weather, location, logistics,...

WiFi: a new network alternative: hop onto that laptop and enjoy Internet connection free of charge.(wireless fidelity)
October 1, 2003... Computer networking over wireless frequencies is blowing over Alaska airspace. WiFi, or wireless fidelity, is changing the way many communicate over the Internet. Whether it involves checking daily news reports, reading e-mails, receiving...

New York Life Insurance.(Right Moves)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Catherine J. Yabes was hired by the Alaska general office of New York Life Insurance Co. as an agent for the company. Yabes has resided in Alaska for the past 13 years. She lives in Anchorage with her husband, Michael, and her son, Caleb. New...

CH2M Hill.(Right Moves)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... CH2M Hill--an employee-owned, global engineering, design, environmental, construction and operations firm--announced the addition of several staff members in its Anchorage office. Bud Alto, a registered Alaska professional engineer, joined the...

Alaska Air Group.(Right Moves)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... John F. Kelly, 58, the chairman of Alaska Air Group (ALK:NYSE), officially retired recently at the conclusion of the company's annual shareholders' meeting. Kelly's successor is William S. Ayer, 48, president and chief executive officer of...

Bradley Reid + Associates Inc.(Right Moves)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Bradley Reid + Associates Inc. has changed its name from Bradley/Reid Communications Inc. to reflect the contributions of Debbie Reinwand, vice president/public relations and Daryl Hoflich, vice president/creative director. The company also...

Alaska Native Medical Center.(Right Moves)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Alaska Native Medical Center recently was awarded the highest honor for outstanding nursing services, offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, an arm of the American Nurses Association, the nation's largest nurses group. ANCC gave...

Anchorage Chamber of Commerce.(Right Moves)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... The current chairman of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce board of directors will continue as chairman through 2003-2004. George Vakalis was voted in unanimously by members of the board of directors during a special election held recently. The...

Credit Union 1.(Right Moves)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Three employees have recently been promoted to management positions at Credit Union 1: Shane Gustin as South Anchorage Branch manager, Bernita Horn as Main Branch manager, and Nicole Gardepe as Member Service Center manager. As branch managers,...

Security Aviation Inc.(Right Moves)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... The new president of Security Aviation Inc. is Joe Kapper. Kapper, an Alaska Native, and his wife, Jackie, spent 18 years in the San Francisco area running a design flooring business. Upon returning to Alaska in 1997, Kapper has managed...

Alaska Native Heritage Center.(Right Moves)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... The Alaska Native Heritage Center board of directors announced that Jonathon Ross, a Dena'ina Athabascan, was named president/CEO of the center. Previously, Ross worked as vice president for Southcentral Foundation, the Native-owned and...

Mercury Data Group Inc.(Right Moves)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Mercury Data Group Inc. recently announced additions to its Anchorage team: Jim Henry joined MDGI as a client services manager. With more than 17 years of experience in the information technology field, and a recent focus on client relationship...

The business Web: does your business really need a Web site? Here are some things to consider before you get online.
October 1, 2003... Robby MacDonell and Brian Dixon are among the generation of people who have spent much of their lives online. Today's children don't flip through an encyclopedia to look up the history of Silicon Valley; they do a Google search. They can find...

Red alder: new markets for this hearty tree: red alder is starting to get respect.
October 1, 2003... Alaska, of all places, should appreciate a true pioneer like the red alder. The deciduous hardwood tree thrives in exposed mineral soil and is the first tree to take root in places where the ground has been scoured down to rock, a foothold too...

Forest certification: a management tool for Alaska? How can consumers be sure their wood products come from a properly managed forest?
October 1, 2003... Six years ago, Catherine Mater, a leading U.S. timber-industry engineering and market researcher, told her forest-products clients that forest certification was probably just a "flash in the pan" that would soon fade. "Boy was I wrong," she...

Alaska and the Federal Reserve Bank: bringing Alaska's issues to the Federal Reserve through an Alaskan board member.
October 1, 2003... I carry a map to all Federal Reserve Bank meetings. The map depicts the size of Alaska compared to the rest of the United States--to scale. It brings an Alaska perspective to the table for national monetary policymaking and often educates...

Back for more: professionals return to school: they are not your traditional students. They go nights and weekends and work a full-time job, too.
October 1, 2003... When I returned to the university for graduate studies at 35, it was with an entirely different intent than the last visit 14 years ago, when my bachelor's degree mirrored the job market and advisors' promises of financial independence. This...

Nonprofit nobel: Dennis McMillian: in more than a decade of service to Alaska nonprofits, McMillian has taken the next step.(Foraker Group)
October 1, 2003... Dennis McMillian sinks into the chair in the lobby outside his cramped offices, a cup of tea in hand, tie slightly askew. He looks tired and a little drawn, but his eyes possess a certain intensity, an energy that you see only in a select few....

Child care + quality = happy employees: good, affordable child care is essential to the work force, but Alaskans have a hard time finding an opening.
October 1, 2003... When Stephanie Gould accepted a job in Anchorage, she made a special trip from her home in Fairbanks to look at day care facilities for her daughter, now 2 years old. She came to town in March 2002 and visited several places. She found...

Is 8(a) for me? An outline of this SBA program, designed for small, disadvantaged businesses.
October 1, 2003... What's all the hoopla surrounding the 8(a) program? Why should I care? To begin, the federal government spends $200 billion annually for private-sector goods and services. The 8(a) program is the Small Business Administration's...

ISO: a Quality Management System: increase efficiency and the bottom line.
October 1, 2003... Too often considered an intangible, efficiency may seem difficult to measure and cumbersome to track. In companies of all sizes--from start ups to multi-nationals--it's lost in the heat of meeting a deadline, satisfying a client, pushing one...

Alaska trends for October.(Illustration)
October 1, 2003... ALASKA TRENDS FOR OCTOBER Indicator Units Period GENERAL Personal Income--Alaska Millions of $ 1stQ03 Personal Income--United States Billions of $ (SAAR) ...