Alaska Business Monthly articles from October 2005

Alaska Business Monthly archives from October 2005

Let's give some credit ... where it's due-to many of you!(relief for the victims of hurricanes)(Brief Article)(Column)
October 1, 2005... By the time this column has reached your hands, many of you, and uncounted hundreds of thousands, maybe more, will have given more than $1 billion to help victims of Hurricane Katrina and those charged with trying to rebuild what remains of one...

Millennium Alaska Hotel completes major renovations.(TOURISM)
October 1, 2005... Room attendant Vilma Rollins prepares one of the newly renovated rooms at the Millennium Alaska Hotel located on Spenard Road in Anchorage. The hotel recently completed a major renovation and remodeling project at a cost of $1.6 million. The...

Cellular one adds local PR firm.(MARKETING)
October 1, 2005... Cellular One has hired Anchorage-based public relations firm Marketing Solutions to help with media relations and community outreach. The cellular communications company said public and media inquires regarding Cellular One will be directed...

New convention center gets first booking.(TOURISM)
October 1, 2005... Ground hasn't been broken on Anchorage's new, expanded convention facilities yet it already has its first booking--the Aerospace Medical Association has booked its 2011 annual convention there. The national conference, which is the annual...

Murkowski signs overtime legislation.(GOVERNMENT)
October 1, 2005... Gov. Frank Murkowski signed legislation into law' recently establishing provisions for overtime compensation. Sponsored by Rep. Norman Rokeberg (R-Anchorage), House Bill 182 was drafted in an attempt to clarify the often-confusing regulations...

Frontier Flying merges with Cape Smythe.(Cape Smythe Air Service Inc.)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... Frontier Flying Service of Fairbanks has bought Cape Smythe Air Service after years of competition in the North Slope region. In partnership with the Arctic Slope Regional Corp. through Alaska Growth Capital, Frontier absorbed Cape Smythe's...

Credit Union 1 breaks ground in Eagle River.(FINANCE)
October 1, 2005... Credit Union 1 is breaking ground to build a new branch location in Eagle River on Business Boulevard, across from the post office. The new building will be more than 3,500 square feet, have a two-lane drive up and an exterior ATM. The credit...

A ticking clock: oil and gas prices rise as we await word on the gas line project.
October 1, 2005... "There is a battle royal brewing between the administration and the sitting legislature and all of the supporters of the Port Authority. It will be like a steel cage match that is going to be as exciting as anything you see on TV. I can see it...

Exploring Alaska's alternative energy: the state possesses vast sources of alternative energy in the forms of wind, geothermal, tidal, hydro and biofuels.
October 1, 2005... In a state best known for its oil reserves, it might be considered surprising that a number of different Alaska entities, including rural and urban utilities, consumer and conservation groups, Native corporations and both large and small...

Hot water: geothermal research at Chena Hot Springs Resort continues.
October 1, 2005... Well-known for the therapeutic and relaxing values of its hot water resource, Chena Hot Springs Resort is making its way to the leading edge of technology within the geothermal power production industry. Thanks to some state and federal...

October Calendar.(Calendar)
October 1, 2005... ANCHORAGE 1 Classic Concert Series The Anchorage Concert Chorus and the Alaska Chamber Singers join the Anchorage Symphony to perform Beethoven's Symphony No. 9. Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. For more information, phone...

Growing festival offers Alaska specialties: more than 10,000 visitors are expected along with about 240 vendor booths, offering quality Alaskan-made products in all price ranges.(Alaska This Month)
October 1, 2005... Alaska's small-business owners, specialty manufacturers and vendors can find the perfect match with buyers this month during the annual Make it Alaskan Festival 2005, a three-day event offering a chance for business owners to network and learn...

WPX has the solutions: via land, sea or air, WPX can meet all of your delivery needs.(Business Profile)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2005... WPX Delivery Solutions is a unique delivery company with roots in Alaska that extend back to 1975. That is when Dennis Dayley founded his company, which was called Mail Dispatch. Dayley specialized in time-exact deliveries for the National Bank...

Nuclear power plant would create cheaper energy for Galena.
October 1, 2005... The City of Galena is steadily advancing efforts to explore using nuclear power as a cheaper alternative that would cut its energy costs by more than two-thirds. In December, Galena's city council agreed to accept an offer by Japan's...

A new life for an old building: once condemned, the old MacKay building will again stand tall with a new name and makeover.
October 1, 2005... The McKinley Tower Apartments may not sound familiar to many long-time Anchorage residents, but most of them would know it by sight. Located downtown, at the intersection of Denali Street and East Fourth Avenue, that 14-story structure was...

Work after prison: hiring ex-inmates has its risks, but many make good, stable, hard-working employees and there are tax breaks to employers.
October 1, 2005... Presently, the Alaska Department of Corrections has custody of about 4,900 men and women--most of whom will some day be released to again live in free society. Very soon after prison doors close behind them, these ex-inmates will need a support...

Building Alaska: top 49 businesses boost economy.(ABM's Top 49ers: Building Alaska 2005)
October 1, 2005... When you think of Building Alaska, you may think of our quarterly construction special section, which describes in detail aspects of the construction industry--everything from a statewide roundup, to future projects, to the shortage of...

ABM's Top 49ers: Building Alaska 2005.(Illustration)
October 1, 2005... ABM's TOP 49ERS: BUILDING ALASKA 2005 TOP 49ERS BUSINESS LISTED ALPHABETICALLY 2005 TOP 2004 ...

Doyon Ltd.: Doyon, with a land entitlement of 12.5 million acres, is the largest private landowner in Alaska.
October 1, 2005... 2005 Top 49er Ranking: 9 Position Last Year: 12 2004 Revenues: $159.5 million Number of Employees: 1,062 With a jump in revenue of more than $105 million over the last year, Doyon Ltd. is reaping the benefits of a diversified...

Homer Electric Association Inc.: the electric utility serves most of the Kenai Peninsula from Sterling to Kachemak Bay, an area topping 3,000 square miles.
October 1, 2005... 2005 Top 49er Ranking: 32 Position Last Year: N/A 2004 Revenues: $53 million Number of Employees: 106 Homer Electric Association Inc. supplies power to a varied range of customers, from oil company plants at Nikiski to...

Celebrating Gerry Willard: sidebar: Home Electric Association Inc.: Seldovia power plant operator logs years of faithful service.(ABM's Top 49ers: Building Alaska 2005)
October 1, 2005... Gerry Willard, hired by Homer Electric Association Inc. in 1972, lived one block away from the Seldovia power plant he operated. He rigged up an alarm system to alert him of a power outage. The buzzer jolted him awake, and he hustled to make...

UAF.(J. Richard Williams joined University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Engineering and Mines)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... J. Richard Williams was named dean of the University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Engineering and Mines. Williams most recently served five years as dean of the College of Engineering at the United Arab Emirates University and has more than...

Frontier Law Group.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... Anchorage attorneys Chris Cyphers, Aileen Haviland and Monique Hegna have opened Frontier Law Group LLC, a full-service law firm located in the new Arctic Slope Regional Corp. building in Anchorage. The group specializes in providing Alaska...

IBEW Local Union 1547.(Right Moves)
October 1, 2005... Larry Bell, a journeyman wireman, IBEW business representative, and second-generation IBEW member, was elected business manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 1547 recently. Bell won in a run-off...

The Wilson Agency.(Right Moves)
October 1, 2005... Jennifer Bundy-Cobb was promoted to the position of vice president account management for The Wilson Agency. Bundy-Cobb has an associate degree from Katharine Gibbs and holds certified employee benefits specialist designation from the...

AIDEA.(John R. Winther joined Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... Gov. Frank H. Murkowski appointed John R. Winther of Petersburg to a second term on the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority. As a matter of statute, Winther also will serve on the Alaska Energy Authority board of directors. ...

Northrim Bank.(Right Moves)
October 1, 2005... Northrim Bank President and CEO Marc Langland announced that the board of directors has approved the promotion of Chief Financial Officer Joe Schierhorn to executive vice president. Schierhorn is responsible for the bank's financial...

Shaw Alaska Inc.(John Ingold appointed)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... John Ingold has joined Shaw Alaska Inc. as a senior environmental scientist. He has more than 18 years experience in science and engineering projects throughout Alaska for numerous federal, state, borough, commercial, private and nonprofit...

UAA.(Stephen E. Lindbeck joined University of Alaska Anchorage)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... Chancellor Elaine P. Maimon announced the appointment of Stephen E. Lindbeck as vice chancellor for university advancement at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Lindbeck has held leadership positions and various highly visible public...

Neeser Construction Inc.: in 2004, revenue climbed to $91 million, up from $65 million in 2003.(Company Profile)
October 1, 2005... 2005 Top 49er Ranking: 15 Position Last Year: 24 2004 Revenues: $91.3 million Number of Employees: 445 This spring, Neeser Construction Inc. will begin work on Anchorage's new 193,000-square-foot civic and convention center...

The Wilson Agency LLC: the Wilson Agency's roots date to 1964 when Donald Wilson began his career in the insurance industry in Anchorage.(ABM's Top 49ers: Building Alaska 2005)
October 1, 2005... 2005 Top 49er Ranking: 16 Position Last Year: 21 2004 Revenues: $87.7 million Number of Employees: 13 Beginning as a one-man show 40 years ago, The Wilson Agency LLC has weathered the ups and downs of the insurance industry...

Emerging Industry in Alaska's Boreal Forests: a hurting timber industry takes on a new edge.
October 1, 2005... The condition of Alaska's timber industry today brings to mind the classic Dickens opening line about the best and the worst of times. The industry in Southeast has suffered a precipitous and tragic crash, brought on by the anti-development...

Having a Mac attack? Byte into an Apple! Two decades ago the Mac was born, and even though it has lost popularity, it still has a strong following.
October 1, 2005... It was just "20 years ago today," or so (21, actually) that Apple taught the world of computers, computer operators, techies and operating systems how to play. There's a saying in the Macintosh world that goes something like this: "It's a Mac;...

Corporation leaders direct growing businesses: executives confront challenges, project visions for future.
October 1, 2005... Today's Native leaders face a myriad of issues critical to the future of their corporations and their people. Several of those issues revolve around the businesses they have targeted to bring income to their shareholders and around the...

Alaska cargo hubs growing industry: earlier this summer, and for the second year in a row, the industry publication, Air Cargo World, ranked Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport in fourth place worldwide for its volume of cargo handling, behind Memphis (home of shipping giant FedEx), Hong Kong and Tokyo.
October 1, 2005... Fueled by the recent air-cargo-transfer law favorable to Alaska and a continued prominence in global cargo rankings, the 49th state continues to enjoy a player position in the world transportation arena. And it's a position that continues to...

Alaska hospitals refine patient safety methods: national standards set guidelines for quality health care.
October 1, 2005... Many newspaper and magazine headlines reflect Americans' growing concern with the complex U.S. health care system. The second annual Health Grades Patient Safety in American Hospitals Study finds that 1.18 million patient safety incidents...

Internet security requires vigilance against viruses, spam: new laws aim to protect computer users.(VIRUS ALERT!!!)
October 1, 2005... There is much talk today about the security of information, the availability of information, access to that information, the vulnerability of information and the vulnerability of the electronic media to infections or viruses. Add to this...

Bluetooth moves ahead: Bluetooth is the code name for a wireless technology that enables data connections between electronic devices such as desktop computers, wireless phones, electronic organizers and printers in the 2.4 GHz range.
October 1, 2005... Good old Bluetooth: It's the hot topic in regard to personal area networks (PANs). Though it goes into a sort of technology-remission every so often, it is still out there and has a loyal following. Attention is once again being focused in its...

Interview with Jim Kohler: Alaska General Manager Cellular One.(Interview)
October 1, 2005... Bluetooth technology can change the way we use machines. Here are some ways Bluetooth can work for you. ABM: What is Bluetooth? Kohler: Bluetooth lets all your wireless devises talk to each other. Simply put, Bluetooth is a short-range...

The Juneau attraction: enjoy fine arts, good food, fantastic hiking trails and beautiful scenery.
October 1, 2005... It may seem small compared to its southern sisters, but Alaska's capital city weighs in as the largest capital in the nation--if you're counting square miles. But if you want to get particular, most of Juneau's 3,248 square miles is comprised...

Alaska's rich and glamorous: Alaska has its share of high-end homes, mainly in the Anchorage Bowl area.
October 1, 2005... Throughout Alaska, large homes are popping up with grand price tags. An executive home is defined by its location, its surroundings and its square footage. Yet Alaska executive homes are in the city as well as the rustic woods. ...

Jumbo loans for high-end buyers: a Jumbo Loan is a conventional loan that exceeds conforming loan limits.
October 1, 2005... Conventional loans may be conforming and non-conforming. Conforming loans have terms and conditions that follow the guidelines set forth by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These two stockholder owned corporations purchase mortgage loans complying...

State, federal fisheries legislation could land changes in Alaska: fishermen, lawmakers promote state, regional interests.
October 1, 2005... The years 2005 and 2006 are likely to be banner years for fisheries legislation--in Congress and in the Alaska Legislature. The long-term implications to Alaska will be substantial. The Alaska business community should pay special attention to...

The Corporate Growth Challenge: "Corporate Growth Challenge," a partnership between the Challenger Learning Center of Alaska and Anchorage's The Growth Company Inc., recently started offering high-caliber team and leadership training in a unique space lab setting.
October 1, 2005... Linda starts most days in attack mode. When she sees a problem, she focuses on blame--and never hers. Jason considers himself a prize employee--and he is--though his arrogance gets in the way. Together, with six others, they make up a team--one...

Low-cost, quality used children's wear and equipment? Now that's a fairy tale come true.
October 1, 2005... Once Upon a Time... Lynn and Dennis Blum were frustrated at the cost of dressing their three growing boys. So they decided to recycle their clothes and give fellow parents a break. Voila! The first Once Upon a Child store opened in Perrysburg,...

Unemployment rate in Alaska.(Alaska Trends for October 2005)
October 1, 2005... 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. Alaska's unemployment rate considerably decreased over the last...