Alaska Business January 2025

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT | INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT SERVICES | ECONOMIC OUTLOOK | FINNEX JANUARY 2025

First National's Lawer on community and corporate responsibility

BETSY LAWER Board Chair, CEO & President First National Bank Alaska

Seward Highway, AK

PROTECTING YOUR REPUTATION AND YOUR BOTTOM LINE. A thousand factors impact your bottom line every day. Some in your control, some well beyond it. One thing you have the power to choose is who you work with.

Our job is to keep you moving forward. Our machines are engineered with a “get it done” mentality and our After Sales Solutions are designed to keep you up and running.

The tougher your job gets, the easier it is to see we’re here when you need us most.

Alvin Ott Fairbanks Branch Mining Sales

Jay Ahrenholz Anchorage Branch Sales Rep.

hitachicm.us Seward Highway, AK

Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas Inc. IN THE WORLD Hitachi, the best in construction equipment technology

IN ALASKA CMI, the best sales and product support lineup

Anchorage, Alaska (907) 563-3822 Toll Free (800) 478-3822 Juneau, Alaska (907) 780-4030 Toll Free (888) 399-4030

IN YOUR CORNER The Winning Team www.cmiak.com

Fairbanks, Alaska (907) 931-8808 Ketchikan, Alaska (907) 247-2228

WORK AND PLAY IN REMOTE LOCATIONS

HIGH PERFORMANCE, STANDARD, AND MINI KITS AVAILABLE TODAY

(907) 264-3487

WWW.MICROCOM.TV

CONTENTS JANUARY 2025 | VOLUME 41 | NUMBER 1 | AKBIZMAG.COM

FE AT UR E S 10 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Alaska’s Economic Outlook Forecasting 2025

By Terri Marshall

Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consor tium Juneau

38 OIL & GAS

Dark Horse on the Homestretch

Mustang places Finnex among North Slope producers

By Dimitra Lavrakas

44 TELECOM & TECH Connectivity Lifelines

Supporting communications when emergencies strike

By Tracy Barbour

52 ENVIRONMENTAL Trash Is Cash

The vital support of waste hauling services

By Chuck Green and Scott Rhode

QUICK READS 80 THE FOCUSED MANAGER

86 THIS ALASKA BUSINESS

90 ALASKA TRENDS

84 INSIDE ALASKA BUSINESS

88 RIGHT MOVES

92 OFF THE CUFF

ABOUT THE COVER First National Bank Alaska Board Chair, CEO, and President Betsy Lawer graces the cover of our 40th anniversary issue, referencing (though not exactly recreating) our very first cover, which featured her father, Dan Cuddy, who was First National’s board chair and president at the time. Lawer is celebrating her own professional milestone: fifty years of working for the bank that she now leads. Father and daughter have a lot in common: a dedication to community, a passion for investing in employees, a policy of honesty and transparency—and they have both been inducted into the Junior Achievement Hall of Fame (in 1993 and 2007, respectively), which will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2028.

Photography by Amber Johnson

Alaska Business (ISSN 8756-4092) is published monthly by Alaska Business Publishing Co., Inc. 501 W. Northern Lights Boulevard, Suite 100, Anchorage, Alaska 99503-2577; Telephone: (907) 276-4373. © 2025 Alaska Business Publishing Co. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Alaska Business accepts no responsibility for unsolicited materials; they will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self addressed envelope. One-year subscription is $39.95 and includes twelve issues (print + digital) and the annual Power List. Single issues of the Power List are $15 each. Single issues of Alaska Business are $4.99 each; $5.99 for the July & October issues. Send subscription orders and address changes to circulation@akbizmag.com. To order back issues ($9.99 each including postage) visit simplecirc.com/back_issues/alaska-business.

4 | January 2025

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

BUILDING ALASKA TOGETHER First National understands the unique challenges of doing business in Alaska. Facing tight deadlines and remote locations, you need a bank that moves as quickly as you do — one that is responsive, reliable, and able to make decisions locally. Let’s work together to build Alaska’s future, one project at a time.

Shape Your Tomorrow

Explore how Drake Construction and First National Bank Alaska work together to build Alaska one community at a time.

FNBAlaska.com

MEMBER FDIC | NMLS #640297 | EQUAL HOUSING LENDER

CONTENTS JANUARY 2025 | VOLUME 41 | NUMBER 1 | AKBIZMAG.COM

SPECIAL SEC TION: JUNIOR ACHIE VEMENT 16 EMPOWERED YOUTH Junior Achievement

by Flora Teo

18 DECADES OF ACHIEVEMENT

Long-standing partnerships, lasting results

By Tasha Anderson

22 ALASKA BUSINESS HALL OF FAME 2025 Laureates prioritize service and relationships

By Scott Rhode

28 EDUCATOR AND VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Outstanding outreach with JA of Alaska

By Vanessa Orr

30 DRAWING A PATH HOME A Junior Achievement experience

By Alexis Asi

32 PLANNING AND SAVING A Junior Achievement experience

By Wyatt Barnes

34 ALUMNI ANECDOTES

Youth experiences, adult reflection Compiled by Flora Teo

SPECIAL SEC TION: INDUS TRIAL SUPP ORT SERVICES 58 THE DALTON HIGHWAY

The 50th anniversary of a unique haul road

By Joseph Jackson

62 ENDOPHYTE ASSISTED PHYTOREMEDIATION

Local plants and specialized bacteria restore contaminated soil

By Cuauhtemoc Landeros and Chris Cohu

68 LESS GROSS AND EMBARRASSING

A small legal change streamlines employment drug testing Intrins y x Environmental

By Amy Newman

6 | January 2025

72 HEAD TO TOE PROTECTION Safety equipment for work and play

By Terri Marshall

76 CLOTH ENCOUNTERS

Commercial laundries keep Alaska businesses springtime fresh

By Rachael Kvapil

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

Bering Straits Native Corporation is committed to

Safety for Our People The well-being of Our People, including our shareholders, descendants, employees, partners, subcontractors and clients, is our top priority. Our robust safety and health program adheres to the highest industry standards, ensuring the utmost protection of Our People.

Learn more: beringstraits.com/safety

FROM THE EDITOR

I

Volume 41, #1 EDITORIAL

t’s not meaningful, but it is a fun coincidence that Alaska Business Publishing Co. was

Managing Editor Tasha Anderson

organized as a company the year I was born, in 1984. It may shock you that I was not a

907-257-2907 tanderson@akbizmag.com

part of that initial process, but it’s true: it took me a few years to find my way here (after

Editor/Staff Writer Scott Rhode

learning to walk and read and various other life skills).

But the first issue of Alaska Business (then Alaska Business Monthly) was published in January 1985, which means this month marks our 40th anniversary of publishing. We’ve already started celebrating the occasion, referencing (though not replicating) our original cover: Betsy Lawer, First National Bank Alaska board chair, CEO, and president, struck a pose similar to her father, Dan Cuddy, who graced that inaugural 1985 cover when he was the bank's board chair and president. The articles tied to the cover also have a few similarities. The 1985 cover article focuses on how First National’s “conservative” approach to investing and issuing loans had led to financial success. In the cover article for this month’s issue, located in the Junior Achievement of Alaska special section, Betsy Lawer shares how her father’s leadership influenced her and many others at the bank. She continues his legacy of focusing on community and employees—and trusting that the money will follow. Thus far, the family’s

srhode@akbizmag.com

Associate Editor Rindi White rindi@akbizmag.com

Editorial Assistant Emily Olsen emily@akbizmag.com

PRODUCTION Art Director Monica Sterchi-Lowman 907-257-2916 design@akbizmag.com

Design & Art Production Fulvia Caldei Lowe production@akbizmag.com

Web Manager Patricia Morales

patricia@akbizmag.com

SALES

policy has proven to be profitable.

For the rest of 2025, we will have at least one 40th anniversary article per month, looking

VP Sales & Marketing Charles Bell

at what we’ve published in the past and how it ties to today. As much as Alaska has seen

907-257-2909 cbell@akbizmag.com

incredible change and growth, some issues and industries remain constant. Other headlines

Senior Account Manager Janis J. Plume

on our first issue reference bush aviation, mining, and an economic outlook; these topics and more that were important then are still filling our modern pages.

In this issue, we are excited to launch a new feature that was far beyond the realm of practicality in 1985: This Alaska Business, a video series featuring small Alaska businesses. To give ourselves a starting guideline, we defined “small business” by our own employee count: twelve or fewer. Once a month, located on the same page as Inside Alaska Business (which now has additional content) at the back of the magazine, you’ll find a brief introduction and a QR code linking to a video profiling a small Alaska business. While individually they are little, small businesses form the backbone of our economy, and their influence is huge. We know you’ll enjoy getting to know them better.

Not every feature this publication has launched has lasted forty years, but through your support, our flagship print magazine, Alaska Business, is still going strong. Thank you for sharing your insights as sources, thank you for taking opportunities to advertise, thank you for reading our articles and features, and thank you for sharing your copy of Alaska Business with others, giving them access to Alaska’s premier business coverage.

907-257-2917 janis@akbizmag.com

Senior Account Manager Christine Merki 907-257-2911 cmerki@akbizmag.com

Marketing Assistant Tiffany Whited 907-257-2910 tiffany@akbizmag.com

BUSINESS President Billie Martin VP & General Manager Jason Martin 907-257-2905 jason@akbizmag.com

Accounting Manager James Barnhill 907-257-2901 accounts@akbizmag.com

CONTACT Press releases:

press@akbizmag.com Postmaster: Send address changes to Alaska Business 501 W. Northern Lights Blvd. #100 Anchorage, AK 99503

Tasha Anderson Managing Editor, Alaska Business

AKBusinessMonth alaska-business-monthly AKBusinessMonth akbizmag

8 | January 2025

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

ECONOMIC DE VELOPMENT

Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consor tium Juneau

Alaska’s Economic Outlook

W

Forecasting 2025

By Terri Marshall hile no one can truly

their operating costs down. Current

We would rank probably in the top

predict the future, the

oil prices are at a level where new

third for job growth.”

Alaska Department of

projects can be economic.”

Revenue does its best. About a year

Volatility

in

tends

Stickel’s. “Things look pretty good

ago, the department’s Tax Division

to overwhelm all other factors

right now, partly because of oil prices.

prepared the Spring 2024 report

in

total

Oil production is starting to get a little

on income sources, a barometer of

economic output. “We try to be

more interesting,” Robinson said.

broad economic activity for Fiscal Year

careful when we talk about [Alaska’s

“There is something positive to see

2025 (FY2025) mainly based on crude

gross domestic product] because

here, too, about the size of Alaska’s

oil prices and production volume.

it can be misleading as a measure

economy and us relative to the

The report anticipated North Slope

of the size of our economy,” says

rest of the country.”

production of 467,600 barrels per day

another state economist named

in FY2024 and 476,800 barrels per day

Dan: the research chief at the Alaska

Oil Auguries, Mineral

in FY2025. Beyond FY2025, production

Department of Labor and Workforce

Crystal Gazing

is forecast to gradually increase to

Development, Dan Robinson.

measuring

oil the

prices

Robinson’s assessment aligned with

state’s

“The economy for our industries

At the annual conference of the

looks good,” confirms Rebecca Logan,

Beyond that news, the biggest

Resource Development Council for

CEO of the Alaska Support Industry

surprise for revenue forecasters is,

Alaska (RDC) in November, Robinson

Alliance. “With the continuing Willow

as always, oil prices driven by global

focused

data.

Project by ConocoPhillips [Alaska]

markets. “Obviously, the oil prices

“For most of the last decade, we

and the anticipated success of Santos’

are not what they were a couple of

have underperformed most other

Pikka project, people are super busy

years ago,” says Dan Stickel, chief

states. We have underperformed

on the North Slope; these industries

economist for the Department of

the US economy. But, interestingly,

are

Revenue. “However, the oil and gas

we’re not anymore,” Robinson said.

on Alaska’s economy.”

industry continues to be innovative in

“Things look quite good in terms

Stickel adds, “There has been some

utilizing new technologies in driving

of job growth right now for Alaska.

positive news that has come out of

641,100 barrels per day by FY2034.

10 | January 2025

on

employment

making

a

positive

impact

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

the oil and gas industry specifically.

to the International Energy [Agency]

other driver is federally funded

The Willow Project is proceeding,

to Standard & Poor’s are predicting

infrastructure projects.

which is good news. There is a lot of

that the demand for minerals is

activity happening on the North Slope

going to remain strong.”

“Good news is everywhere we look,”

this winter. A recent announcement

says

Telecom

proceeding and possibly has an

While the oil, gas, and mining

have

opportunity to come into production

sectors are largely credited with

even earlier than expected.” An

spurring the boom in construction

earlier start at Pikka could put

e m p l oy m e n t

that

Santos

new

indicated

unit

into

Pikka

is

O’Connor,

executive director of the Alaska

Infrastructure Indicators

from

Christine

in

Alaska,

the

Association

access

to

(ATA).

“We

resources

we

never expected to have.”

Some of those resources were received pre-pandemic from the

production

before the end of 2025.

Unlike

the

production

queue

in

the

of

new

oil

metaphorical

pipeline, mineral development is looking at a longer horizon. Karen Matthias, executive director of the industry group Alaska Metal Mines, doesn’t foresee any large mine openings in 2025. However, the opening of the Manh Choh gold mine in 2024 brought more optimism to the industry. “Manh Choh was the first new mine to open in Alaska in over a decade,” explains Matthias.

“We were very pleased to see that and would like to see more mines going into development.”

Come Together Your space for any occasion

Manh Choh poured its first gold bar on July 8, 2024, and is expected to remain in production for the next four or five years.

“We are bullish about mining in general because the world is increasingly recognizing how much we rely on minerals for everything we use and for the future,” says Matthias. “New technologies like electric vehicles, wind power, and

Events | Concerts | Conferences | Conventions Banquets | Meetings | Trade Shows | Weddings In-house Catering | Equipment Technology Anchorage Convention Centers

solar power all require minerals to produce energy. As demand for these increases, commodity prices rise. The mining industry depends on commodity prices. Every credible source from the World Bank [Group] www.akbizmag.com

907.263.2850 Anchorageconventioncenters.com ASM Global is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management – delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 350 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention, and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues.

Alaska Business

January 2025 | 11

US

Department

of

Agriculture

(USDA) Reconnect Loan and Grant Program. “Those funds will definitely

grants to likely be announced next

are better able to meet the needs of

fall,” says O’Connor.

Alaska’s communities.”

In November 2024, the Federal

Many

communities

still

have

play into the economic activity

Communications

that’s happening in 2025,” explains

announced

O’Connor. “We received $600 million

Alaska

in grants just from that one USDA

initiative designed to support the

Even with the sizable amount of

program. We have numerous projects

expansion and enhancement of

funds flowing into Alaska for these

underway, with most being in some

broadband service across Alaska.

important infrastructure projects,

form of engineering, permitting,

This new program aims support the

obstacles

pre-construction, or construction

development of broadband networks

headwinds that slow communities

now

funded through the Infrastructure

d ow n , ”

Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of

“Limiting factors include cost-share

The Tribal Broadband Connectivity

2021, ensuring that more Alaskans

requirements, limited workforce,

Program brings more good news

will have access to high-speed

and supply chain issues. The Build

for 2025. This $3 billion program is

internet in the years to come.

America Buy America Act [a section

and

extending

over

the

next two to four years.”

Commission

significant needs, Andreassen points

the

launch

of

the

out, but he’s optimistic about 2025

Connect

Fund,

a

new

thanks to IIJA funding.

remain. ex p l a i n s

“ There

are

A n d re a s s e n .

directed to tribal governments for

“It truly is a transitional time

of the IIJA], for instance, requires

broadband deployment on tribal

going from communities not being

that all iron, steel, manufactured

lands,

connected to a path for all to be

products, and construction materials

connected,” concludes O’Connor.

used in these federally funded

broadband

affordability,

digital inclusion, distance learning, and

telehealth.

“Many

tribal

When

it

comes

to

other

leaders have partnered with ATA

public

facilities,

members to build the necessary

local

governments

infrastructure,” says O’Connor.

infrastructure projects underway,

“ D oz e n s have

projects for infrastructure must be

of

produced in the United States, which

active

local governments have said add to project costs and timelines.”

A third big funding source will

including transportation, energy,

carry the positive economic outlook

water, and sewer,” notes Niles

beyond 2025. The Broadband Equity

Andreassen,

Access and Deployment Program is

of the Alaska Municipal League.

a $42.5 billion program nationwide

“My general sense is that federal

utilizing the benefits of federal

with a mandate to connect every

funding these past few years has

infrastructure funds lies in having

single American with broadband.

helped bolster local economies.

a sufficient workforce. “It’s one

“Alaska’s

With

thing to secure the funds, but

allocation

was

about

$1 billion, and we expect those

these

executive

funds

Human Resource Horoscopes

director

invested

in

infrastructure, local governments

Another

an

entirely

hurdle

different

to

fully

level

of

Labor demand in Alaska's healthcare sector keeps growing inexorably as the population ages.

Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consor tium Sitka

12 | January 2025

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

management to deliver projects and comply with all the federal requirements,” says Andreassen.

“Sometimes it feels like it’s two steps forward and one step back.”

A decrease in the state’s workingage population, forecast through 2050, is already pinching several industries. “Maintaining the workforce continues to be a challenge,” says Logan. “Companies are paying higher wages to get and keep people. One of the strategies companies are using is to find experienced people who are retired but who are willing to come back for a couple of years.”

Alaska’s healthcare industry is posting robust job projections, with labor demand outstripping supply.

“The need is really prevalent now,” explains Jared Kosin, CEO of the Alaska

Hospital

and

Healthcare

Association. “In hospitals alone, we have a 20 percent vacancy rate for nurses. Additionally, there is a lot of diversity in the types of

jobs

within

the

healthcare

industry. If you count turnover and growth, we need to hire 8,000 new healthcare workers each year.”

The demand points to the need to enlarge the labor pie. Kosin says, “We can’t meet that demand by pulling from other positions within our industry. If you fill one vacancy from another, you just create another vacancy.”

Higher salaries can sweeten the recruiting pitch, but they aren’t keeping up with housing prices, which continue to rise in Alaska as everywhere else. An unprecedented focus on housing solutions could fix

that

problem,

according

to

Bryan Butcher, CEO and executive www.akbizmag.com

Alaska Business

January 2025 | 13

Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center Matanuska Telecom A ssociation

Cordova Telecom Cooperative

Stimulus from federal infrastructure spending, especially for upgrades to broadband internet connections, continues to drive jobs in technology installation and operations.

Demographic

director of the Alaska Housing

economic

p ro j e c t i o n s

Divination

for Alaska’s healthcare industry

The same forecast from Robinson’s

continue to rise. “Many people

Finance Corporation.

“I met with Governor Dunleavy

Thus,

more last year on housing than I’ve

Research

and

Analysis

Section

don’t realize this, but by wages

met with all the other governors I’ve

shows a steady rise in the 45–65 age

paid out, healthcare is the largest

worked with put together,” Butcher

bracket after 2030. Yet the aging

industry in the state. We pay out

told the RDC conference. “We saw the

population has not yet alleviated

over $3 billion in direct wages and

legislature appropriate more money

housing availability.

account for 43,000 jobs within the

“Baby Boomers moving out of

state today,” Kosin says. “We also

the workforce are not necessarily

have extremely robust workforce

moving

houses…

projections. In the next ten years,

childcare, which is often a barrier to

but at some point, there will be

4,500 new jobs are projected for

employment. Kati Capozzi, president

a large freeing up of housing,”

Alaska’s healthcare industry—more

and CEO of the Alaska Chamber, told

Robinson explained at RDC.

than any other sector.”

for housing, more than we’ve seen in these ten to twelve years.”

Similar attention is being given to

out

of

their

the RDC conference, “It’s been a bit of

Given the projected population

an awakening in the last twenty-four

changes, the demand for healthcare

2024

months,” with respect to childcare.

workers will continue to grow over

position for 2025, even if those

childcare

the next ten years. Alaska’s current

glimmers are hard to see.

legislation ever in Alaska passed at,

population of residents aged 65

like, 11:56 p.m. on the last day of the

and older is 110,490. By 2035, that

disconnect in this state between

session,” Capozzi noted. “It added tax

population is expected to peak

the realities of the numbers, which

incentives for corporate-tax-paying

at 135,000, but it will be echoed

as Dan [Robinson] has pointed out

businesses in the state; it works a lot

by another rapid increase in the

are not ‘doom and gloom,’ and the

like the education tax credit.”

aging population, namely the large

‘doom and gloom’ atmosphere a lot

cohort of Millennials.

of us have,” Butcher told RDC. “It’s

“The

first

piece

of

The latest long-term projection of Alaska’s population shows the 0–19

Kosin

says,

“The

needs

will

Tr e n d s

“I

continue to grow, and we are

the

than 190,000 today to less than

focused

170,000 by 2050. Action on childcare

meet

could bend that trend.

this aging population.”

14 | January 2025

the

really

place

Alaska

feel

in

like

during a

good

there’s

a

really important that we understand

age bracket declining from more

on

put

in

difference

between

being

being

ready

to

optimistic, talking optimistically

healthcare

needs

of

about our state, and feeling like ‘oh, woe is me.’”

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

The First Choice to the Last Frontier Since 1978, Span Alaska has connected the world to all of Alaska with a weather-tested network of highway, vessel, barge, and air transportation.

At our West Coast Consolidation Center, we load your products into dedicated containers that transit directly to one of six service centers or air cargo facility for final-mile delivery. This eliminates extra rehandling and costly delays.

Benefit from: • Year-round weekly ocean transit in all conditions • LTL, FTL, Chill/Freeze, and Keep From Freezing Protection options • Specialized equipment for project, oversized, and hazardous material loads • Delivery throughout Alaska, from metro Anchorage to North Slope to remote villages in the Bush • Customized solutions for commercial and industrial sectors, including oil and gas, construction, F&B, and retail/tourism

www.spanalaska.com Consolidation Centers: Auburn WA • Chicago IL Alaska Service Centers: Anchorage • Fairbanks • Juneau • Kodiak • Soldotna • Wasilla

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT

This letter from Tom Otway, then-executive director of Junior Achivement of Alaska, opened the inaugural Junior Achiement of Alaska special section, printed in March 1987, and introduced the Alaska Business Hall of Fame.

Alaska Business Publishing Archives

16 | January 2025

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT

Empowered Youth

By Flora Teo, President, JA of Alaska

Independent studies reflect the value of Junior Achievement ( JA).

Students exposed to JA:

x Perform better academically, x Earn 20 percent higher incomes, x Are more likely to become entrepreneurs (143% more likely), x Enjoy higher graduation rates, x Feel more prepared to make career choices, and x Experience greater social mobility.

Perhaps more importantly, JA endeavors to help kids understand the connection between personal responsibility, hard work, perseverance, and success—lessons that have never been more relevant.

JA continues to innovate to continue our important work. We have expanded our suite of program offerings in Alaska, launching new virtual programs that ensure all students can tap into our invaluable resources, regardless of their location.

Just in the 2024–2025 school year alone, 20,000 students will benefit from our programs, and the demand continues to grow.

If you haven’t already done so, please support the Alaska Business Hall of Fame by buying a ticket or sponsoring a table for your company. The stories from the laureates are incredible, and you get to hear from students currently engaged with JA of Alaska about what JA has taught them. This is our largest event of the year—and a true celebration of business in Alaska.

The support from our community partners, donors, school districts, and volunteers has been instrumental in this journey. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for Alaska by ensuring the next generation is equipped with the skillset and the mindset to build a thriving future for our state.

www.akbizmag.com

Alaska Business

January 2025 | 17

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT

Decades of Achievement Long-standing partnerships, lasting results

By Tasha Anderson

I

n 1987 Alaska Business partnered with Junior

As an example, First National Bank Alaska (at the time

Achievement ( JA) of Alaska to launch the Alaska

named The First National Bank of Anchorage) has been

Business Hall of Fame, and the two organizations

an Alaska Business partner and JA of Alaska advocate since

have continued honoring inductees annually. The March

the beginning, placing an ad in the March 1987 issue

1987 issue of Alaska Business featured the first JA special

that stated, “We’re confident in Alaska… and Alaskans

section, which opened with a letter from then-JA of

are confident in us.” It featured an image of Dan Cuddy,

Alaska Executive Director Tom Otway, who explained

who at the time was the bank's board chair and president

the program’s origin: “The Alaska Business Hall of Fame

and was himself inducted into the Alaska Business Hall of

program grew out of the National Business Hall of Fame,

Fame six years later in 1993.

in which Junior Achievement and Fortune magazine

Two years previous, in 1985, Cuddy was featured on

recognize the outstanding contributions of business

the inaugural cover of Alaska Business, proudly framed

leaders nationwide to the vitality of the free enterprise

with the headline “First National’s Cuddy cashes in on

system… The Hall of Fame program recognizes the link

conservatism.” In that article, the magazine’s founder

between the education of today’s young people and

and first editor Paul Laird writes, “[Cuddy is] described by

the accomplishments of these pioneers in the growth of

friends and colleagues in the banking industry as being

Alaskan business. Alaska is assured continued business

conservative, honest, meticulous, and fair.”

growth as its youth, strengthened with economic

According to Cuddy’s daughter, Betsy Lawer, who

education and business role models, become tomorrow’s

today is First National’s board chair, CEO, and president,

pioneers of free enterprise.”

“Anyone in the bank who worked for my dad—if you ask

The

Alaska

longstanding

Business

Hall

partnerships

of of

Fame

celebrates

nonprofits,

media

organizations, and the business community working to educate and prepare our youth, strengthening our workforce and economy as they excel.

them ‘What did you learn from Dan?’—would sit up at attention and say: We don’t lie, cheat, or steal, and we don’t ask anybody else to.”

Cuddy’s integrity and dedication to community lives on today, but it didn’t start with him. Lawer says her

As Alaska Business looks back over forty years of

grandfather Warren Cuddy wrote the mission statement

publication, we are proud of our role in connecting

for the bank: Take care of your community, employees,

businesses and business leaders with nonprofits like JA of

customers, and shareholders. “Listed fourth on purpose

Alaska to the benefit of, well, just about everyone.

is shareholders,” Lawer explains, “because the strategy

18 | January 2025

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT

The first Junior Achievement of Alaska special section ended with this Alaska Business house ad; many of these advertisers continue to support both Alaska Business and Junior Achivement today.

Alaska Business Publishing Archives

www.akbizmag.com

Alaska Business

January 2025 | 19

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT An Alaska Business house ad published in our January 1987 issue, announcing the newly-formed Alaska Business Hall of Fame and inviting readers both to attend the first Alaska Business Hall of Fame event and to read the first Junior Achievement of Alaska special section, which in 1987 was published in March.

Alaska Business Publishing Archives

to providing a good return for shareholders is taking care of your

Lawer adds, “We don’t hire for jobs, we hire for careers.”

its support of JA of Alaska and the Alaska Business Hall of Fame,

community, your employees, and

Lawer celebrated a professional

communicating frankly and openly

your customers. It’s a generational

milestone in 2024: fifty years of

about its practices and policies. In the

philosophy,” Lawer says. It reinforces

working at First National. Looking

1985 cover story, Cuddy and then-

a statement from her father in 1985.

back over her career at the bank,

president of First National J.P. Pfeifer

“We don’t worry about the industry or

she’s particularly proud of accolades

gave clear explanations to Laird for

the competition. We figure if we look

First National has received from its

the bank’s investment decisions,

out for the needs of the community

employees, specifically that it has

lending policies, and even its decision,

and our employees, the return to

earned the top spot as “Best Place to

at the time, to not follow a national

stockholders will take care of itself,”

Work, 250+ Employees” in the Best

trend in offering IRA accounts. As

Dan Cuddy told Alaska Business.

of Alaska Business awards for nine

Laird wrote in the article, “That

far-reaching

years. “We’ve also earned national

decision raised some eyebrows in

positive effects of the program in

recognition [from American Banker],

the Alaskan banking community, too.

the careers of her employees. “There

and an independent, confidential

But Cuddy says he’s not particularly

are skills that our staff develop

poll of our employees found that

interested in what others think of the

as they participate as adults in

we are at the top of a short list of

way he runs his bank.”

Junior

the best banks to work for in the

Lawer

sees

the

Achievement

programs,”

she says. “One of the things that’s most meaningful to me is that

country,” Lawer says.

Lawer explains that today, First National has a good relationship with

of

Alaska Business and other media. “We

and

take pride in our organization and

levels: the skills youth will have

employees, First National has also

being transparent,” she says. “We

for their entire lives and what it

been

editorial

haven’t had a problem speaking to

contributes to the community.”

partner for Alaska Business beyond

the media because there’s nothing

[ JA]

is

successful

20 | January 2025

on

so

many

In

addition

supporting a

its

to

decades

community

long-standing

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

different from what we say and what

and economic education to Alaska

we do,” continuing that policy of

classrooms, building up Alaska’s

accomplished from behind a desk,

openness and honesty.

future entrepreneurs and workforce.

in the case of our young people,

Lawer was inducted into the Alaska

JA of Alaska President Flora Teo

there’s no substitute for spending

Business Hall of Fame in 2007, and

stated in late 2024 that the nonprofit

time in the classroom. Forge your

in a profile published that year (by

is on track to serve 20,000 Alaskan

own partnership with JA of Alaska

Tracy Barbour, who still writes for

students for the 2024–2025 school

and volunteer. As Martin says, “You

Alaska Business today), Lawer said,

year, a record for the organization

will empower tomorrow's business

“[The next generation is] going

that strives to promote economic

leaders and make a lasting, positive

to be the next key people in their

mobility for all Alaskans.

impact within our community.”

While

lots

of

work

can

be

state.” She also offered to young people this advice: “When one door appears to close, don’t focus on the fact that it’s closed because there are many doors open to you. Try them all. Be curious.”

She said in a late 2024 interview that her family’s long history of supporting JA is “simply because it does such an amazing thing in our community,” explaining that the skills youth learn in JA go

GUIDING ALASKA’S

F U T U R E T O G E T H E R

Just as the North Star guides travelers across Alaska’s vast landscapes, Junior Achievement of Alaska illuminates the path for our future leaders. Premier Alaska Tours congratulates Junior Achievement for inspiring Alaska’s youth to aim high, stay resilient, and navigate toward success.

Together, we’re helping them reach their brightest potential.

beyond business and finance to other skills and tools that will be useful to them throughout their professional and personal lives.

And for our part? As Alaska Business Publishing Co. General Manager Jason Martin says, “Junior Achievement is critical to young people's future financial success because

it

provides

literacy,

career

financial

readiness,

e n t re p re n e u r s h i p

skills.

and This

empowers Alaska's business leaders of tomorrow to make informed decisions

about

their

finances

Scan to work with us today!

and future careers. That's why Alaska

Business

Junior

Achievement

has

supported of

Alaska's

mission since 1987.”

While First National and Alaska Business work to support JA of Alaska, it’s JA that literally brings financial www.akbizmag.com

Alaska Business

January 2025 | 21

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT

families… the next leaders of our

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT

Alaska Business Hall of Fame 2025 Laureates prioritize service and relationships

By Scott Rhode

F

our Alaska business leaders

admits. Leary moved to Alaska

While contemplating her next

join the Alaska Business

immediately after college, seeking

move, Leary reflected on her time

Hall of Fame at the annual

business opportunities. She found

spent at the riverbank.

Junior Achievement ( JA) of Alaska

her place at Carlile when it was

celebration in January. Laureates

still a small company.

Linda Leary, Joe Schierhorn, Ralph

“I used to take clients out fishing a lot when I was at Carlile, and I never

“Eight guys were driving trucks all

really had anything comfortable to

(posthumously)

day, and I was answering the phones,

wear. Always wearing my husband’s

the late US Representative Don

invoicing, doing whatever to get

or my dad’s clothes, whatever fishing

Young form the class of 2025.

things going,” she recalls. Leary did

clothes were around. Wasn’t warm;

The hall of fame honors business

sales, too, as the company grew. She

didn’t fit right,” she says.

leaders

of

earned a master’s degree in supply

Alaska’s economic success and for

chain management from UAA and

brainstormed with female clients

commitment to JA programs.

was president of Carlile by the time

and hit upon the idea for Fishe

it was sold to Seattle-based transport

Wear. The “she” signifies fishing gear

conglomerate Saltchuk in 2013.

designed by and for women. Leary

Seekins,

and

for

their

support

Linda Leary

From

that

observation,

Leary

Fishing in the waters of Maine,

crafted products for herself and

where she grew up, led Linda Leary

other female anglers, from leggings

almost directly into her current career

and drybags to fishing tools and

selling specialty outdoor apparel—

Xtratuf boots, using high-quality

give or take a thirty-year detour

materials and vibrant prints.

through trucking and logistics. Apart

Leary

ex p l a i n s ,

“I

wanted

from her ventures at Fishe Wear,

something that was comfortable

Women’s Flyfishing, and Linda Leary

and that gives you confidence,

Consulting, she would’ve earned a

like

place in the Alaska Business Hall of

and wearing a suit.”

going

to

work

every

day

Fame for her role developing Carlile

Leary launched Fishe Wear in

Transportation into a major shipping

2015. “I had the benefit of so many

provider in the state.

“I

kind

of

transportation 22 | January 2025

fell

into

the

business,”

she

Linda Lear y Fishe Wear, Women's Fly fishing and Linda Lear y Consulting

years at Carlile, helping to build that company up,” she says. “Taking all of the mechanics of running

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

the sport she learned to love while

company, we were able to ramp up

growing up in Vacationland.

in about six months.”

Casting so many hooks in the water

Her experience in logistics helped with

coordinating

at once, so to speak, is business as

merchandise

usual for Leary. “I love marketing

manufactured out of state and

and selling, and I love growing

shipped

businesses, so it was a natural

to

retailers

in

Alaska

and nationwide. Leary was able

tendency to do that,” she says.

to adapt lessons learned in the trucking

industry,

even

Joe Schierhorn

though

the daily operations could not be

Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Joe

more different. She found that

Schierhorn grew up in Fairbanks,

the

where his engineer father managed

fundamental

strategies

for

success were similar.

In addition to designing and

a

road

construction

Schierhorn an

studied

out-of-state

company. accounting

selling apparel, Leary bought the

at

college

Women’s Flyfishing guide service

brought those skills home.

and

from its founder, Cecelia “Pudge”

“I always wanted to come back to

Kleinkauf, in 2017. Through both

Alaska with the thought that I’d get in

businesses, Leary paves the way

on the ground floor of a business,” he

for other women to participate in

says. What he didn’t realize was that

“I had the benefit of so many years at Carlile, helping to build that company up… Taking all of the mechanics of running a larger company into a smaller company, we were able to ramp up in about six months.”

Linda Leary

proudly supporting

www.akbizmag.com

Alaska Business

January 2025 | 23

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT

a larger company into a smaller

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT

the business he’d help start wouldn’t

working with customers, opening

have a floor at all. Not at first.

up accounts at other businesses

When Northrim Bank launched in

that provide us supplies,” he recalls.

1990, it operated from two trailers in

Schierhorn

the parking lot of the Sohio Building.

through college, but he always had

The concrete edifice in Midtown

his eye on a startup opportunity.

Anchorage now holds Northrim’s

Although

worked

he

construction

stepped

back

main offices, the nerve center for a

earlier this year from his roles as

statewide bank with more than 400

president and CEO of Northrim

employees in Alaska.

Bank, retaining the chairmanship of

Schierhorn

was

there

when

employees were in single digits. He

Joe Schierhorn Nor thrim Bank

got into banking in the ‘80s, just as

Kerr y Tasker

holding company Northrim BanCorp, Schierhorn can still cast his eye down from his office in the former Sohio

a statewide economic crash caused a

Building onto the parking lot where

dozen banks to fail. That decimation

Northrim started up.

cleared the way for fresh growth; one

of

Northrim’s

co-founders,

2001 Alaska Business Hall of Fame laureate Marc Langland, invited Schierhorn to join the ride.

“He said it was a great time to get into banking because you’re gonna learn a lot. Which I did in a very short period of time,” Schierhorn recalls.

He vividly remembers the Monday when Northrim first opened. “I came into the bank and had my best banker suit on, shoes polished, and ready to go. Marc said, ‘That’s

“That’s one of the reasons

Ralph Seekins

I wanted to get in on

Hall of Fame recognition is nothing

the ground floor of a

new for Ralph Seekins. In 2023, he

business: to try to create

Quarter

was so honored by the American Horse

Association,

an

organization for which he served a

an entity that would have life and go forward

term as president in 2018.

For most Alaskans, Seekins’ greater fame comes from selling horseless

and develop those

carriages. He appeared regularly on

relationships with people

TV commercials statewide for his

throughout Alaska.”

company was among the first cohort

great. Put together your hit list of

Joe Schierhorn

Seekins Ford Lincoln dealership. The of Alaska Business Top 49ers in 1985, ranked #48 with more than $23

customers you’re going to call—and, by the way, this guy in the basement

Some customers from the trailer

million in gross revenue (more than

needs some help.’ He was our head

days are still with Northrim today.

$70 million in today’s dollars). The

of IT at the time, and the help he

Schierhorn says, “That’s one of

dealership has done steady business

needed was moving furniture that

the reasons I wanted to get in on

over

morning,” Schierhorn says. “So my

the ground floor of a business: to

similar revenues for 2023.

first day on the job I spent without

try to create an entity that would

my suit coat, moving furniture.

have

and

dealership since 1977, when it

Got a little hot and sweaty; had to

develop those relationships with

was Jim Thompson Ford Sales. He

take a break to go to a chamber of

people throughout Alaska.”

began working there a few years

commerce meeting to start meeting

life

and

go

forward

Schierhorn learned the importance

the

long

term,

reporting

Seekins has owned the Fairbanks

earlier

as

sales

manager

after

of relationships while running his first

dipping his toes into the automotive

And, as Schierhorn recounts, he

business: painting houses during his

industry as a mechanic and sales

did indeed acquire Northrim’s first

first summer in high school. “It was

associate in Washington.

customer on opening day.

so much fun, creating that business,

customers that day.”

24 | January 2025

Seekins

studied

biology

and

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

chemistry

at

Wheaton

College

education in 2021 as chair of the University

of

Alaska

Board

sees strong

of

parallels between

Regents. That appointment was a return to public service after

public service

Seekins represented Fairbanks in the Alaska State Senate from 2003

and automobile

to 2006. Seekins also served on the

sales. Personal

City of Fairbanks Permanent Fund

relationships are

Review Board, the City of Fairbanks Transportation Governor ’s

Committee,

Economic

key to both.

the Ralph Seekins Seekins Ford Lincoln

Advisory

Committee on North Slope Natural Gas,

the

Alaska

Permanent

The horse connection arrived

Breeding, raising, training, and

Fund Board of Trustees, and the

through his daughters. Their request

showing horses led Seekins to

Fairbanks

for equine companionship resulted

join the American Quarter Horse

in Seekins Family Quarter Horses

Association, dedicated to preserving

public

starting in 1993. A few years later,

the breed and encouraging humane

generosity, Seekins and his family

the family offered their show horses

treatment of horses. Seekins served

operate

as mounts for children, adults, and

on association committees for years

military veterans with disabilities.

before becoming a director of the

North

Star

Borough

Economic Advisory Committee.

As

another the

form

of

Helping

Hooves

therapeutic riding service.

Free 877-868-3569 Phone 907-868MATERIAL FLOW Toll Fax

AND CONVEYOR SYSTEMS INC. 6112 Petersburg St. Anchorage, AK 99507

SALE ON MANY PRODUCTS

4725 USED/SURPLUS RACKING, CONVEYORS, CONV. BELTING, 907-868-4726 SHELVING, PLASTIC BINS,

Visit Our Website: www.materialflow.com

LIFTS, CASTERS & MUCH MORE.

Special On Self Dump Hoppers

Used and New

TEARDROP PALLET RACKS

SHELVING

IN-STOCK

IN-STOCK

IN-STOCK

MF5055 - $1,196 MF7555 - $1,335 MF10055 - $1,460 MF15055 - $1,669 MF20055 - $1,857

WIRE MESH Rivet DECKING HAND TRUCKS Shelving 58PMP Various PLATFORM TRUCKS Colors 24 x 48 $364 $179 Available 27 x 54 $429

100s of Hand Trucks IN-STOCK

30 x 60 $515 36 x 72 $655

Gravity Roller Conveyor IN-STOCK

Powered Conveyors

CPT2748E 4400 Lb. Cap. 27 x 48

IN-STOCK

IN-STOCK

$425 to $882 IN-STOCK

ALUMINUM DOCK BOARDS IN-STOCK

$1,495 to $1,915 $2,110 to $2,862 EDGE OF DOCK LEVELERS

INDUSTRIAL STEEL ROLLING LADDERS Capacity 350 lbs.

Top Step - 16¾ x 24"W Platform

ROUGH TERRAIN OUTDOOR TRUCK

$1,599 IN-STOCK

$369

Alaska Business

$2,346 to $5,379

Many Sizes Available

All Pricing F.O.B. Anchorage

Assembly Required

www.akbizmag.com

STEEL DOCK BOARDS

IN-STOCK

ALUMINUM DOCK PLATES

IN-STOCK

Height to Top Step

Wgt.

Price

MFRLC354 4 Step

40"

165

$598

MFRLC355 5 Step

50"

196

MFRLC356 6 Step

60"

229

MFRLC357 7 Step

70"

260

MFRLC358 8 Step

80"

293

Model No.

Steps

$752

$920

$995

$1,116

Assembly Required

January 2025 | 25

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT

[Ralph] Seekins

in Illinois. He returned to higher

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT

organization in 2006, elevated to

and funding for programs benefiting

director emeritus in 2016 and finally

Alaska and the nation. My vision

being elected its president.

remains the same: to provide citizens

“It’s a nice responsibility, and I’m

with the opportunity for a better

going to live up to that,” Seekins said

life not just for today but also for

upon his election. “It’s a good way

tomorrow and the future.”

for me to give back.”

Indeed,

Seekins

Young was re-elected in 2018 and sees

strong

once more in 2020. By then, he was

parallels between public service

the longest-serving Republican in

and automobile sales. Personal

the history of the US House (five

relationships are key to both.

Democrats have held longer terms, and Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa

Don Young Alaska Representive 1973–2022

Don Young

surpassed Young’s longevity among

For most of his time on Capitol Hill, Don Young stood alone as the only licensed mariner in the Congress.

Before entering public service, his trade was running a tugboat on the Yukon River, barging supplies from his adopted hometown of Fort Yukon.

Young was born and raised in California’s

Sacramento

Valley,

where he earned a teaching degree after enlisting in the US Army and serving in a tank battalion. Degree in hand, Young migrated in 1959 to

all Republicans in Congress last fall).

“My vision remains the same: to provide citizens with the opportunity for a better life not just for today but also for tomorrow and the future.”

When asked how long he would stay in office, Young would often answer, “As long as God or the voters let me.” The voters, it turned out, would not have the final say. Much like his predecessor, Young died on an airplane. On March 18, 2022, he lost consciousness on a flight to Seattle, on his way home to Alaska.

For his actions supporting the state’s economic development, Young is being inducted into the Alaska

the new state of Alaska and settled

Don Young

north of the Arctic Circle. While

Business Hall of Fame posthumously.

The same honor was bestowed

living in Fort Yukon, Young worked

enough to send him to Capitol Hill, by

in 2010 to former US Senator Ted

as a teacher while the river was

a margin smaller than 2,000 votes.

Stevens, shortly before his death

frozen during the winter.

On his 2018 campaign website,

that year. Another opportunity to

Political ambitions led Young to

Young recalled his 1973 election:

celebrate Young is coming up on

run for the Fort Yukon city council

“Just hours after being sworn in, I

June 9. By legislative proclamation in

in 1960, and he served one term as

found myself leading the historic

2023, that day is now Don Young Day,

mayor before being elected to the

battle in the House for the approval

encouraging Alaskans to celebrate

Alaska House of Representatives.

of the trans-Alaskan pipeline.” That

the late congressman’s birthday and

While serving in the Alaska Senate,

first session, Young’s colleagues

to honor his contributions.

Young lost his first bid for Congress

h o n o re d

against incumbent Representative

Congressman of the Year.

him

as

F re s h m a n

In 2018, Young wrote, “I have proudly passed more bills—a majority

Nick Begich Sr., who went missing in

Once he became the Congressman

with an Alaskan focus—into law than

a plane crash weeks before the 1972

for All Alaska, Young saw his role as

any other member of the House of

election. At a special election to fill

directing federal resources to help

Representatives, and I look forward

the vacancy, Young ran again and,

the 49th State catch up with the rest

to building upon these successes.”

although he received fewer votes

of the country. He wrote in 2018, “I

In his absence, the building is left for

than the previous fall, they were

will continue to champion legislation

Alaskans to continue.

26 | January 2025

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT

Congratulations to Northrim Bank Chairman Joe Schierhorn Alaska Business Hall of Fame Class of 2025

As a charter employee of Northrim, your 34 years of dedication to the Bank and providing opportunities to Alaskans through community banking have helped grow our state.

You’ve set the example for prioritizing Superior Customer First Service and building long-term relationships throughout the business community — inspiring all of us at the Bank.

We applaud your community impact and stewardship of Alaska's economy.

northrim.com | (907) 562-0062 www.akbizmag.com

Alaska Business

January 2025 | 27

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT

Educator and Volunteer of the Year Outstanding outreach with JA of Alaska

By Vanessa Orr

J

unior Achievement's ( JA) mission

In this new position, which she

helps to teach students the real-life

is to inspire and prepare young

started

supports

skills they will need after high school.

people to succeed in a global

twelve elementary schools and their

Fulp notes that, nationwide, there

economy—but they can’t do it alone.

principals and is responsible for

is a big divide over how prepared

It takes the efforts of a wide range

helping to coordinate elementary

students are, especially financially, as

of people, from corporate employees

school activities districtwide.

they enter adulthood.

July

12,

Fulp

and entrepreneurs to educators and

Though she wasn’t exposed to

“A lot of school districts have

volunteers to provide the kind of

JA as a child living in Kodiak (which

adopted career and life-readiness

education students need to excel in

didn’t have the program at the time),

pieces because students need those

today’s world. Each year, JA of Alaska

Fulp quickly became a supporter

skills,” she says. “Even if they get

recognizes the exceptional efforts of

while

Inlet

good jobs, they need to know how to

an educator and volunteer.

Region Incorporated volunteers who

manage their finances—and lives—in

came into her elementary school

order to move ahead.”

working

with

Cook

Educator of the Year

classrooms. “At first they were our

She

Dr. Clare Fulp, senior director

business partner, but later they

students

of elementary education for the

went from financially supporting JA’s

from these lessons, as they may

Anchorage School District’s central

initiatives in our schools to actively

feel empowered by what they learn

region, first became involved with

helping instill knowledge in our

to pursue the lives they hope to

JA as a teacher seventeen years ago.

students,” she says.

lead. “JA shows them how different

adds can

that

disadvantaged

especially

benefit

She later served as the principal

Because she was born and raised

careers can bring rewards in life and

at schools including Ravenwood

on an island, Fulp understands

how they can prosper,” she says.

Elementary, Chugach Optional, and

the importance of contributing to

“And having successful business

Mountain View Elementary, where

the community. “I think it takes

leaders in the classroom is a big

she

a village to support our schools,”

part of that delivery.”

advocated

bringing

the

JA

program to those schools.

she

says.

“And

see

business

when

students the

Educator of the Year

is very important to me, so I take

classroom, they remember it for the

Dr. Clare Fulp

any opportunity I can to support

rest of their lives.”

“The financial literacy piece of JA

Junior Achievement in the schools

partners

in

JA is important not only because

where I work,” she explains. “In my

it

new position as senior director of

introduce

elementary education, my impact

literacy and different career paths,

may be even greater.”

she believes, but also because it

28 | January 2025

provides

the

opportunity

students

to

to

financial

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

Fulp believes that part of the to the program is that it’s fun as

Erin Byrne

want to be excited to get up in the morning and go to work.”

Byrne has found volunteering to

well as educational.

be both fun and beneficial, and she

“Any time a school has a day where

especially appreciates hearing back

classrooms are filled with different

from the students she teaches.

people from all over Anchorage

“I wanted to find somewhere that I

sharing something different with

could provide a service by sharing my

students, the joy of learning is

knowledge and expertise with kids,

sparked,” she says. “It creates a kind

so JA was a great fit for me,” she says.

of buzz around the school and it’s

teaches, including personal finance,

“Also, the feedback from kids is really

a fun day for everybody. And our

budgeting, and the basics of handling

cool. I’ve gotten thank you cards, and

business partners get a break from

finances as an adult.

the teachers tell me that the kids ask

their daily routine to come and help the next generation.”

“For example, I teach 1st and 2nd graders what a loan is and

when Ms. Erin is coming back. They love the games we play.”

why adults get loans,” she says.

If she’s able to connect with

Volunteer of the Year

“These are concepts that they’ve

just one kid, Byrne considers the

Erin Byrne, the CFO at Delta

never learned about. I show kids

time well spent. “It makes me

Leasing, knows firsthand about

how people get paid; we used to

feel good to think that something

the importance of JA. As a Dimond

use paper checks or cash, but now

I’ve taught may help them down

High School student, she took

everything is online.”

the road,” she says.

a class at King Career Center

Byrne also appreciates that JA

Byrne also appreciates that her

(now King Tech High) focusing on

doesn’t push one path for everyone.

workplace is very supportive of her

entrepreneurship that included visits

“We talk about different examples

volunteering and that everyone

from JA professionals.

of people being entrepreneurs and

in her office wants to hear about

“We had a JA teacher come in

different jobs in the community. Kids

how

periodically, and it was a super fun

don’t have to have a college degree to

returns from school.

experience,” she says. “Once I was

be good members of the community;

“Most places are finding it hard to

an adult working in my career, my JA

there are all types of jobs for all

find employees now—for example,

teacher recruited me to help him one

types of people with all different

there are always job openings in the

day in the classroom, and I’ve tried to

interests,” she says.

accounting and finance world—so it

volunteer consistently since then.”

her

day

went

when

she

Byrne says that students talk about

makes sense to get kids involved now

Each school year, Byrne volunteers

what they’d like to be when they grow

in learning about the business world

in elementary or middle school

up, as well as what they currently like

and meeting actual business people

classrooms,

JA

to do. “If a child likes video games

in the classroom,” she says.

curriculum with students. “The main

or drawing on an iPad, we may talk

“I talk about what I do at my job

focus of JA is teaching kids financial

about how that translates into a

and the different jobs and industries

literacy, and I try to make it exciting,”

career path and how they can earn

in Alaska, hoping that when these

says Byrne, who notes that all

money from it,” Byrne says.

kids become young adults, they’ll

going

over

the

teaching materials are provided by

“It’s not all about money, however,”

have an idea of what they want to

the organization. “When it’s fun, it’s

she adds. “Because we spend so

do,” she adds. “Hopefully, they’ll want

easier to get the kids engaged.”

much time at work, it’s important to

to stay in Alaska and not leave and

Byrne notes that Alaska is the only

love what you do and work where you

never come back. And that starts with

state where there is no required

feel appreciated. Money is important,

introducing kids to these concepts in

curriculum

but at the end of the day, you

elementary school.”

providing

www.akbizmag.com

what

JA

Alaska Business

January 2025 | 29

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT

reason that students are so receptive

Volunteer of the Year

Alexis A si

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT

I

had Junior Achievement ( JA) during JA in a Day at Wendler Middle School. I had not had

JA before, and I didn’t know what to expect. My volunteer was Bree Brophy

Bieber

from

First

Rate

Financial. This was the first time an adult other than my mom had talked to me about money.

Our JA volunteer told us that every day they see people buying their dream homes and that we can have any type of house that we want to someday, but that it's really important to start saving money now and to pay attention to my credit score. They encouraged us to think about ways that we earn money and save money.

At home I don’t receive allowance for chores; that is just part of living in my mom’s house. In the future, I want to have a big house with a big room just for painting, a room for my mom that has a big closet, and a room for my sister. My mom said it is going to take some time before I need my own house, so to practice, she asked me to start saving money so I can buy some new art supplies.

I started thinking of other ways that I can make money, and my

Drawing a Path Home

A Junior Achievement experience

aunt told me that artists make the world a better place. I’ve always loved painting and drawing, and I thought I could make a comic book.

My aunt took me to the Anchorage Museum, where I saw the comic book exhibition, which was super fun!

Then I got very excited when I went to BOSCO’S and saw all the different types of superheroes and comics.

That summer, my mom enrolled

By Alexis Asi

me in the JA Biz Kids Camp, where I got to develop a pitch for a business

30 | January 2025

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

Altman Rogers ABM 1/3 Page Hor 4.63” wide x 4.84” tall 2-7-23

of other ways that

Smart. Efficient. Alaskan.

Smart. Efficient. Alaskan.

I can make money, and my aunt told me that artists make the world a better place. I’ve always loved painting and drawing, and I thought I could make

A c c o u n t i n g & P a y r o l l | R e m o t e C F O | M a n a g e m e n t Co n s u l t i n g A u d i t i n g, R e v i e w, Co m p i l a t i o n | Ta x Co n s u l t i n g & P r e p a r a t i o n

a comic book. and compete to win $100. JA and

Anchorage | Juneau | Soldotna AltRogCo.com | 907-274-2992

BOSCO’S inspired me to write my first comic book, and I hope that I can sell them this summer to earn more money. So far I calculated that it costs me about $0.50 to make a comic book, not including my time, and I think I can sell them for $1.50 each either at the Saturday Market or on Etsy. I already had five orders from other campers! I did not win the prize, but I am very happy for the camper who did. The camp counselors told us that there is no crying in business, so I tried my best to smile even if I was a little sad.

The Biz Kids Camp gave me a business to be excited about that I can own. I am excited about this idea, and I can’t wait to buy a big house.

I am very grateful to KeyBank for sponsoring JA in a Day at Wendler and also to Junior Achievement for coming to my school. www.akbizmag.com

Alaska Business

January 2025 | 31

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT

I started thinking

W yat t Barnes

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT

Planning M and Saving

y experience with Junior Achievement started in elementary school, where volunteers would come to my class and teach about finances—

all subjects that would help later in life. I learned about the difference between needs and wants, how to earn money, different kinds of money (debit, credit, checks, cash), and entrepreneurship. These were some of the most memorable days I had in elementary school, as they were not only fun and engaging but also something I knew I would be using in my adult life. It made me

A Junior Achievement experience

feel a little more grown up, or at least as grown up as a ten-year-old could be.

Fast forward a few years later. Nearing the end of middle school, I had an opportunity to use these skills that I had gained. In 2021, still amidst the overbearing pandemic

By Wyatt Barnes 32 | January 2025

when hanging out with friends wasn't as easy as it once Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

was, I wanted a computer. Not just higher end. What was the problem?

Well, computers cost money, and I didn't exactly have a lot of spare cash in 8th grade. I had already saved $200 from my birthday and Christmas from the previous year, but unfortunately that reached only one-sixth of the

I wanted a computer. Not just any computer, but one that was higher end.

What was the problem? Well, computers cost money, and I didn't exactly have a lot of spare cash in 8th grade.

total cost. The computer I wanted was a hefty $1,300. At a time when computer parts costs were rocketing due to shortages, it's fair to say that, even as someone who had never had a job, I knew that this was little more than pocket change.

Why Cramp Your Style?

STAY SPACIOUS!

Eventually, after a little bit of heartache, I realized that this was

Tired of tiny hotel

a little over my budget. To save on

rooms?

cash, I would need to buy all the parts for a computer and assemble it myself instead. Now I only needed $1,000, or about $800 more than what I already had.

Over the summer, I negotiated

Enjoy a full kitchen, separate bedroom, and a cozy living area at Sophie Station Suites - it’s like having your own apartment

with my parents a way to earn more

on the road!

money: by collecting rocks and

Book direct for the

getting paid per rock collected to

best rates, no hidden

help build the rock wall in front of

fees and flexible

our house. I also had to make some

corporate options.

sacrifices, such as selling many of my personal items, like games that I hadn't played in years. Eventually, after another birthday when my

Ask about our newly renovated suites!

parents had conveniently given me just enough money to afford my computer, I had reached my goal.

This sort of planning and saving was exactly what Junior Achievement

Don’t settle for less, reach out to our reservations team: 800-528-4916 or askus@fountainheadhotels.com FountainheadHotels.com

had taught me years earlier. Because of these essential skills that were laid down when I was young, I was able to better strive towards my goals as well as learn something

Locally-owned in Fairbanks, Alaska

new in the process. www.akbizmag.com

Alaska Business

January 2025 | 33

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT

any computer, but one that was

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT

Junior Achievement

Alumni Anecdotes Youth experiences, adult reflection

I

Compiled by Flora Teo am excited to share the remarkable impact that Junior Achievement ( JA) has had over its fifty-plus year history in Alaska, as told by alumni from the program. JA has consistently empowered young people in our community through proven programs on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and workforce readiness… and it works.

In their own words:

Mike Jipping

orders and how much money we

whole process was a blast! From

Beach Tribe Soda Works

would have to come up with up front.

brainstorming, financing, ordering,

I

We asked how soon we would need

and unloading the big truck, the

joined JA at Holland

to pay for the trees in full. We talked

goofy camaraderie that went into

Christian High School

a few of our parents into loaning us

handling the trees and prepping

in Holland, Michigan.

some money to get started. And after

them for the daylong rush was

It was the '80s, as a

we studied the logistics, we placed

worth the payoff. All the local

matter of fact. And I think JA was a

the order. We were all there to meet

families were geared up, bubbly, and

natural fit for me. It really fueled my

the semi in our high school parking

amped for the holidays.

ambitions going into college.

lot, and we proceeded to sell all those

JA

was

fun!

After a couple of JA meetings, a small group of us started our

Christmas trees for a hefty profit.

I participated in JA for the rest of high school, and I definitely attribute

I still recall writing the checks

some of my own confidence and drive

we

to pay for the trees and to pay

to the spark that JA kindled. I met a

brainstormed was to sell Christmas

back our parents. The hoots and

bunch of crazy friends, made some

trees. We researched tree farms and

hollers after announcing our profits

cool unforgettable memories, learned

talked to each farm about minimum

were hilarious. I was hooked! The

many of the basic fundamentals of

business.

The

34 | January 2025

first

project

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

I remember being surprised about

classroom, the kids have as much fun

money. We sold a bunch of widgets

how much latitude we were given,

as I remember having.

and school spirit items over the next

and I loved learning and being

few years and stayed current with

part of the entire process. Since

Beth Stuart

the local happenings. We learned

JA, I have started several personal

KPMG

that starting and running a business

endeavors and also been an owner

could be stressful and hard work,

in a couple of small businesses. The

during

but also, when you're having fun

experience with JA helped to shape

where a volunteer came

and working hard with a group of

a belief that, if I had an idea, I could

to my class and led a

people who share a common goal,

go out and try to execute it, no

business

business can be true joy.

matter how big or small.

Hands-on experience seeing how

I participated in JA high

school,

simulation.

adjustments to supply and pricing

After I graduated and “sold my shares” of our company, I received

Erin Byrne

impacted financial results taught

a nice check. Although I'm sure it

Delta Leasing

me core principles of economics and

wasn't much in the whole scheme

When I was a senior

of things, it wasn't nothing, and was

at Dimond High School,

More recently, as a JA volunteer, I

a great tip off into the real world. JA

we had the opportunity

can see when a student has an “aha”

is a great place to take risks, share

to

a

moment like I did in high school.

rewards, and learn about teamwork.

program at King Career

Understanding business and personal

I encourage kids to join their local

Center [now King Tech High School],

finance is more important today than

JA groups and try it out. I think

which offers a variety of courses that

ever. Thank you, JA, for bringing these

small businesses are the backbone

include a lot of hands-on experience.

concepts to Alaska’ youth.

of what makes this great country

The class I chose was focused on

of ours so amazing.

entrepreneurship. We started the day

Rick Whitbeck

operating the onsite coffee shop and

Power Performance Strategies

then headed to the classroom.

My JA story begins

Brian Walch Shiftfocus Coaching

participate

in

business that stand true today.

Regularly, a JA volunteer (George

and Consulting

my junior year of high

Mrs.

school, when I arrived

Chambers’ class. I think our project

in Alaska and needed

old

that semester was coming up

an after-school activity.

when JA came to my

with a business plan from start to

I joined “Dimensional Doormats,” a

school and presented

finish. He made it really fun, and

high-school-level JA company made

the

I remember everyone being really

up of students from across the

participate. I joined up and was

engaged and invested in everything,

Anchorage School District.

intrigued. We formed a group,

from what the business name would

Over the next fifteen weeks, we

and several ideas were presented

be to what the product was that we

completed an entire life cycle of

that

group

were going to market. Students,

a business: forming up, electing

chose to create and sell custom

high schoolers especially, can get

officers, capitalizing the company

embossed matchbooks. Imagine a

burned out on regular classes

through stock sales, choosing a

group of twelve year olds making

like pre-calculus and chemistry,

product, completing a marketing

matchbooks! I think all of our

so it is great to have alternative

plan, acquiring resources, turning

profits went up in smoke.

experiences available.

them into finished product (in this

Gates)

I think I was about twelve

years

opportunity

we

could

to

try.

Our

would

come

into

The experience was empowering.

As an adult, George encouraged

case, cedar slotted doormats with

Our team made decisions about the

me to get involved as a volunteer

Alaskan animal stencils), selling

products, production, and selling.

with JA. Hopefully, when I am in the

the product, and finally, liquidating

www.akbizmag.com

Alaska Business

January 2025 | 35

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT

business, and made a little bit of

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT

At JA Alaska Biz Kids Summer Camp, young entrepreneurs gain skills and encouragement toward developing a business idea. Each week-long session in June culminates with a pitch to a panel of "sharks."

Junior Achievement | Alaska Business Archives

the

company

and

paying

our

shareholders a rate of return.

Our

company

was

extremely

successful, turning an initial $2

After

out of college. In all, I spent nearly

training

and

first

aid

twenty-five years on the board and

preparation, the first Monday of

taught nearly 200 classroom kits to

camp arrived, and we were checking

kids from grades K–12.

in campers. I was assigned to work

investment into nearly $30 for

There's nothing like JA in the

each share. We were named not

nonprofit world. If you want to make

and unsure of what to expect. As

only the Alaska “Company of the

a difference in kids' lives, consider

counselors, we were tasked with

Year” but also finished in the top

a donation to the organization or

equipping our campers to design

five in the nation. We received

come out and teach a class. The kids

and plan their own business or

this

JA

will love you, you'll get to share your

product and preparing them to

Conference (NAJAC), held each year

stories and experiences with them,

pitch to local business leaders on

(at the time) at Indiana University in

and Alaska will be better off because

the last day of camp. I had prepared

Bloomington, Indiana. While there,

of your time, talents, and treasure.

myself for kids who would be

award

at

the

National

I got to engage with 2,000 other and

rub

graders,

nervous

Ashley Smith

financial lessons; instead, I was met

Student,

with eager, engaged leaders and

American University

creative minds ready to tackle some

shoulders

with business leaders including Lee

Access to financial

Iacocca and Donald Trump.

The next year, many of the same

3rd–5th

more interested in snack time than

students from across the Western Hemisphere

with

literacy

of the real-world challenges we face.

education

We had future party planners,

through JA of Alaska

a

selling Arctic-grade jumper cables

is

and

and safety kits. That company was

fortunate

even more successful, with an initial

every

and

Anchorage. By the end of the week,

$2 investment returning $43 at

middle school. With the help of

I was blown away by the potential

liquidation, resulting in a 3rd place

dedicated staff and volunteers,

of each camper and excited to

finish at NAJAC in the “Company

topics from personal finance to

meet the next group, all thanks

of the Year” contest (out of nearly

entrepreneurship were introduced

to the opportunities JA provided.

30,000 JA company programs from

and built upon each year.

Each week brought a new group

students

formed

“Jump

Start,”

something

Four

to

year

I

receive in

an

shop

aid-kit

team,

designer

aiming to help the homeless in

elementary

of students, just as impressive,

program in the classroom, I learned

showcasing a future generation

nothing else available to me in high

about

camp,

of inspiring Alaskans. JA has been

school. After graduating, it was

JA Biz Camp, and their need for

an integral part of my educational

easy to give back. During college, I

counselors. I saw this as a chance

and personal development, and

began volunteering in classrooms,

to be part of a new JA initiative and

JA Biz Camp reminded me of its

and

contribute to an organization that

potential to impact other young

had taught me so much.

Alaskans as well.

JA helped shape my future like

I

joined

the

statewide

JA

board of directors my first year 36 | January 2025

JA’s

after

even

soup

JA

across the world that year).

years

was

drive-thru

new

my

summer

last

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT

United Way of Anchorage is working with everyone to make sure families have what they need to succeed.

Unite with us to make a lasting impact.

LiveUnitedANC.org

www.akbizmag.com

United Way Alaska Business

United Way of Anchorage January 2025 | 37

wlfella | iStock

OIL & GAS

Dark Horse on the Homestretch Mustang places Finnex among North Slope producers

By Dimitra Lavrakas

I

n the race to be the newest North Slope unit to put

million barrels. That gives the project a production life of

oil into the Trans Alaska Pipeline System, Santos

up to thirty years. That life starts now.

and ConocoPhillips look like golden picks, with their

developments at Pikka and the Willow project in the Bear

Champing at the Bit

Tooth Unit, respectively. But they’ll have to take silver

“We have all necessary regulatory approvals to allow

and bronze to the Southern Miluveach Unit, starting

production,” says Bockmeulen.

With close attention to nearby fragile wetlands, the

production this winter.

The unit, situated between Pikka and ConocoPhillips’

project will use directional drilling. With the permanent

Kuparuk River Unit, is the site of the Mustang project.

pad in place and road access, Finnex will be able to work

Compared to the 80,000 barrel per day production

year-round, according to the company.

forecast from Pikka, Mustang is expected to be smaller,

Production has been more than a decade in coming. The

more on the scale of the Nuna project that ConocoPhillips

unit was originally formed by Brooks Range Petroleum

is adding to Kuparuk River.

Company, a subsidiary of Kansas-based Alaska Venture

“Mustang production may reach 10,000 to 15,000

Capital Group (AVCG). Briefly named “North Tarn” before

barrels a day when it is fully developed,” says Harry

it was approved as Southern Miluveach, the unit covers

Bockmeulen, COO of Finnex, a subsidiary formed by Texas-

8,960 acres. The unit is just the southeastern corner

based Thyssen Petroleum to develop its Alaska holdings.

of the area that Brooks Range Petroleum Company,

Proximity to the Alpine pipeline helped the economics of the Mustang project, even at relatively low projected

as operator and minority owner, had requested to be a much larger unit.

volume. Based on seismic surveys from 2008, recoverable

Over the winter of 2011 and 2012, the only exploration

reserves at Mustang were estimated at 10 million to 40

wells drilled on the North Slope were at Mustang. After

38 | January 2025

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

“Mustang production may reach 10,000 to 15,000 barrels a day when it is fully developed.”

Harry Bockmeulen COO Finnex

Dawn rises over the Mustang Southern Miluveach Unit connection to the Alpine Pipeline System, allowing ready access to market via the Kuparuk River Unit and Trans Alaska Pipeline System.

Finnex

O N E S O LU T I O N . O N E CO M PA N Y. HVAC • PLUMBING & HEATING • CONTROLS • SERVICE & MAINTENANCE • CERTIFIED AIR BALANCING • UV LIGHTING

WE’RE MORE THAN JUST ALASKA'S PREMIER METAL FABRICATION FACILITY

W W W. S H E E T M E TA L I N C . C O M

www.akbizmag.com

Alaska Business

January 2025 | 39

Map of the Mustang Road extending from the Kuparuk River Unit.

̶ Pipelines ̶ Roads

Gravel Pads

Finnex

Alaska Industrial Development and Expor t Authorit y

laying the groundwork, though,

members passed a resolution in

gave the Finnex plan of development

Brooks Range Petroleum Company

September 2023 stating that AIDEA’s

the go-ahead for a restart of Mustang.

is out of the picture.

best interests would be served by

In 2020, the Mustang field’s former

divesting the project. At that point,

Harnessed Together

majority owner, Caracol Petroleum of

Finnex swooped in and, within a

Finnex worked with Ennovate

Singapore, defaulted on a loan from

month, AIDEA put the Mustang field

Consultants

the Alaska Industrial Development

and its holding company back into

Alberta. “Ennovate has provided

and Export Authority (AIDEA). Finnex

private-sector ownership.

engineering, project/construction

out

of

C a l g a r y,

had hoped to acquire a majority

“Mustang Holding now has a

management, and procurement

stake in the project, but after AIDEA

96.17 percent working interest in

services to the Mustang Project

foreclosed on Caracol, Finnex decided

the Southern Miluveach Unit, as

since 2018, and we were involved

to step back until timing was better.

we acquired the Nabors’ interest

in the sale of the asset and the

AIDEA kept Mustang afloat with

earlier this year,” says Bockmeulen.

evolution from 2018 to where we

infusions of $72 million to develop its

“AVCG remains as our partner with

are now,” says Ennovate Managing

essential infrastructure. The Alaska

a minority interest.” Nabors Drilling

Director Khaled Saleh.

Department of Revenue also supplied

had been a minority owner, with

a $22.5 million bridge loan.

a 6.1 percent share.

In preparation for the project, Ennovate delivered multiple modules

Recognizing its difficulty in bringing

Before 2023 was over, the Alaska

for Mustang, including enclosed

the field online, however, AIDEA board

Department of Natural Resources

production and electrical modules

40 | January 2025

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

as well as structural platforms, such as pigging facilities (to clean pipelines) and a pipe rack bridge module fabricated in Big Lake,

Alaska Owned & Operated Since 1979

according to the company.

www.chialaska.com

“Ennovate continues to work with

info@chialaska.com

Finnex on the Mustang Project as it

ph: 907.276.7667

transitions through commissioning and

onto

the

next

phases

of

ATTORNEYS AT LAW A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION

We work as hard as you do to provide great service and insurance Proudly serving all of Alaska protection to our clients.

Your Business.

Let us show you how to control your Your Life. Your Team.

Insurance costs.

expansion and growth,” says Saleh.

Ennovate

helped

install

pipeline connecting the Mustang pad production facility to the

Estate & Trust Planning | Real Estate ConocoPhillips Kuparuk pipelines.

Proudly serving all of Alaska Business Planning & Transactions

The two six-inch pipelines, one

Tax Planning | Tax Exempt Entities

for crude oil and the other for

Civil Litigation

seawater, had to be delivered in

ra p i d

time.

The

Proudly serving all of Alaska

company

also constructed an iceProudly road for serving all of Alaska transportation of materials.

1127 W. 7TH AVENUE ANCHORAGE, ALASKA 907.334.5600 WWW.MBB.LAW

Ennovate partnered with Conam Construction Co. of Anchorage, and the company says the collaboration led to an excellent safety record and

PROVEN COLD WEATHER RELIABILITY

zero loss-time incidents.

“Conam are one of the most experienced construction firms in Alaska and on the North Slope, and they help deliver projects on-time and on-budget,” says Saleh.

Fairweather, a support services company acquired by Doyon, Limited in 2023, was another subcontractor for the project. “Fairweather was recently the lead contractor for two successful wells and is committed to supporting Finnex in developing

Lennon Crane is an industry leader in providing Tadano cranes and service for cold weather applications. Their Tadano machines are designed and built for challenging climates, and Lennon Crane can be your successful partner for increasing cold weather “uptime” and getting the job done.

Mustang safely, efficiently, and with respect for the environment,” says

D oy o n

Manager

Communications

Cheyenna

K.

Kuplack.

“Fairweather provided Finnex with engineering services, well design, and oversight of field operations, including logistics.” www.akbizmag.com

v

Sales

•

Alaska Business

Rentals

•

lennoncrane.com

360-863-0333

Parts

•

Service January 2025 | 41

Finnex outlined plans last August to add five acres of gravel to the southeast corner of the Mustang Pad. Finnex

Pad expansion enables drilling and production from a singular pad. With the permanent pad in place and road access, Finnex can work year-round.

Finnex

Down to the Wire

opportunity to build a company from

metering, and accommodations for

nothing to one operating four fields,

staff and contractors. Bockmeulen

has

on and offshore, and producing over

estimates there were more than thirty

made his lengthy career in oil

25,000 barrels of oil per day,” says

employees working on site.

production. “It’s been forty-plus

Bockmeulen. “It exposed me to a wide

years,” Bockmeulen says.

variety of experiences.”

Heading is

up

the

Bockmeulen,

operation who

When

he

visited

And with those experiences in

and then at Petrofac, an international

hand, he is bringing the multi-faceted

energy

“My

Mustang project to fruition, lending

He

experience with Petrofac was very

his expertise on processing, power

but

valuable in that they gave me the

generation, compression, storage,

done by target date.”

42 | January 2025

company.

site

in

early November, crews were busy

He worked for BP for twenty years service

the

24 hours a day to get Mustang ready for first oil. reports, there’s

“It’s

still

a

going lot

well, to

be

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

© ConocoPhillips Company. 2024. All rights reserved.

Committed to Alaska for more than 50 years.

We safely and reliably develop Alaska’s oil resources to produce meaningful economic benefits for Alaskans.

Cody, Petroleum Engineer

Learn more

TELECOM & TECH

44 | January 2025

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

Connectivity Lifelines Supporting communications when emergencies strike

By Tracy Barbour

F

or two weeks last August, Sitka’s internet went dark. A fiber optic cable on the floor of Salisbury Sound failed, and it took sixteen days to repair. A

survey by the Sitka Economic Development Association found that businesses reported losing transactions worth thousands of dollars each day. Nearly onethird of respondents said they switched from GCI to a satellite-based service because of the disruption. It was the second time in eight years that Sitka’s only broadband cable broke.

Satellite internet also received a boost last year when

communities along the Arctic Ocean lost their broadband connections. Sea ice scouring along the seabed cut Quintillion’s cable northwest of Prudhoe Bay. Until a repair vessel was able to splice the damage, the region’s data pipeline was severed for more than two months.

These are the types of emergencies that put telecommunications companies’ contingency plans to the test. “In both cases, we were able to restore internet service to our customers within a few days by deploying satellite solutions that leverage GEO and LEO stations,” says Tony Dodge, vice president of network planning at Alaska Communications. GEO refers to geostationary

Microcom

equatorial orbit, and LEO is the broader category of low-

www.akbizmag.com

Earth orbit, a region that has been packed in the last five years with more than 7,000 satellites launched by Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX. Alaska Business

January 2025 | 45

Like the early '90s proliferation of satellite TV hardware, consumers can have dishes installed to receive and transmit data. Last month, Starlink completed the first shell of its direct-to-cell constellation, composed of about 330 satellites.

Microcom

Pacific Dataport, an Anchoragebased satellite communications

connectivity

whenever

and

wherever it is needed.”

to stay mission ready,” says Elizabeth Songvilay,

director

of

external

provider, is a major Starlink vendor

A backup tool specifically for public

in Alaska. During the 2023 outage

safety agencies is AT&T’s FirstNet

on the North Slope, the company

Response Operations Group. The

supplied thousands of Starlink

team led by former first responders

communications

terminals to residents, businesses,

mobilized during the 2023 outage

in the wake of the Sitka cable

and

“Our

to prioritize critical services such as

break and, in October, a deadly

team worked diligently to get

hospitals, fire stations, dispatchers,

landslide in Ketchikan.

residents connected as quickly as

and air ambulances to ensure first

possible,” says Shawn Williams, vice

responders

communicate

Communications, and other providers

president of government affairs

with one another. “Thanks to these

play a crucial role in ensuring

and strategy. “Pacific Dataport is

efforts, first responders in towns like

connectivity during outages caused

committed

rural

Utqiaġvik, Wainwright, and Point

by

reliable

Hope had the dedicated connectivity

conditions, natural disasters, and

government

Alaskans

to by

offices.

supporting providing

46 | January 2025

could

and legislative affairs for AT&T in Hawai'i and Alaska.

AT&T also deployed emergency portable

units

AT&T, Pacific Dataport, Alaska

technical

failures,

weather

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

other disruptions. They employ a

Starlink hardware for maritime use is designed for the harsher environment at sea. Service is also more expensive, billed separately from land-based roaming, while promising faster speeds and network priority.

range of technologies to aid affected communities during emergencies.

At a Moment’s Notice

Microcom

Internet access is integral to living, according to Thomas Lochner, director of the Alaska Broadband Office (ABO). In its efforts to expand broadband access, the ABO is a strong advocate of redundancy. “As we look at the first step of getting the unserved broadband serviceable locations served, it’s always with the eye of how the ABO can encourage the applicants to build redundant and resilient infrastructure to prevent, as much as possible, the stranding of locations in an outage,” Lochner says.

The

primary

challenges

to

maintaining reliable internet in rural

www.akbizmag.com

Alaska Business

January 2025 | 47

The first live TV downlink in Alaska, the lunar landing in 1969, arrived at a then-new facility in the foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains. Owned since 2019

by Anchorage-based Microcom, Talkeetna Alaska Teleport is the gateway for Microcom's spinoff, Pacific Dataport, which has a partnership to provide services through Eutelsat OneWeb's orbital broadband network of 634 satellites.

Microcom

communities, Dodge says, are aged

in southeastern states affected by

of nearly 100 skilled employees, the

copper lines, the lack of reliable or

Hurricane Helene and Hurricane

company can efficiently tackle all

high-speed middle mile service, and

Milton until the end of 2024.

connectivity challenges, Williams

limited satellite alternatives. However,

Personal and business customers

says. He elaborates, “In Anchorage,

Alaska Communications is actively

can choose from a variety of Starlink

we keep terminals and installation

pursuing federal and state grants, as

service plans, generally available

supplies in our warehouse, so we're

well as participating in programs like

with unlimited data and no monthly

ready at a moment's notice.”

the Alaska Connect Fund, to bring

contracts.

fixed-rate

Its ability to distribute both Eutelsat

high-speed internet connectivity

and mobile plans for residential

OneWeb and Starlink services in

to

customers as well as maritime,

Alaska is a significant advantage, and

aviation,

plans.

the next phase is broadband from

partner in the Alaska FiberOptic

Customers can access Starlink’s

the Aurora 4A satellite, launched last

Project, a collaboration to transform

service with equipment that they

April to a geosynchronous slot above

connectivity across rural Alaska,

can purchase from the company’s

Bethel, exclusively to serve Alaska.

delivering

education,

website and authorized retailers

healthcare, economic opportunities,

like Microcom, Best Buy, or Home

orbit satellite solutions can greatly

and quality of life,” he says.

Depot. They can install the equipment

mitigate the impact of terrestrial

themselves—using

instructions

network

unreliable or completely unavailable,

listed

website—or

rapid deployment and connectivity

broadband via satellite has become

pay a third party like Microcom to

restoration,” Williams explains. “This

an alternative. In fact, that’s a key

perform the installation.

is particularly crucial for remote

unserved

communities.

Where

and

underserved

“ We’re

improved

connectivity

a

has

proud

been

on

There

and

are

business

Starlink’s

“The

utilization

outages

of

by

low-Earth-

providing

objective of Starlink, which “aims

Pacific Dataport partners closely

to enable anyone impacted by a

with its sister company Microcom to

on communication networks for

natural disaster to access internet

rapidly deploy space-based satellite

essential services.”

connectivity,” according to its website.

services throughout Alaska. Thanks

Putting that pledge into action,

to Microcom's strong statewide

infrastructure in place beforehand,

Starlink offered free internet service

installation capabilities and a team

providers can switch to satellite

48 | January 2025

communities

By

having

that

rely

heavily

agreements

and

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

networks almost instantly, minimizing

practice, enhancing overall network

together to troubleshoot any issues

downtime. “Unfortunately, not all

reliability for all Alaskans.”

and restore services as quickly

providers have such contingency

as possible,” he says.

plans in place, which can lead to

prolonged

outages

Prevention, Mitigation,

The more complex the network, the

Restoration

more reasons for internet outages—

affecting

largest

but there are just as many ways

c o m p a n y,

to approach restoration. “For MTA,

solutions

GCI has various measures in place

emergencies are considered network

into broader disaster preparedness

to ensure an efficient restoration

outages, and all network outages are

initiatives

enhance

of internet service in the event

considered emergencies no matter

telecommunications resilience across

of a disruption. Among the most

the scale—be it large or small,” says

Alaska. “For example, incorporating

important of these measures is

Gary Enloe, vice president of network

them into the state's Natural Hazard

making

network

redundancy

a

engineering planning and operations

Threat Assessment and Mitigation

priority

through

a

combination

for the Palmer-based cooperative.

Plan for the Alaska Broadband

of ringed network infrastructure

“Some are indeed more urgent than

Office's Broadband Equity, Access,

and

others, especially when emergency

and Deployment (BEAD) Program can

microwave, and satellite, according

promote proactive planning among

to Chris Burns, vice president of GCI

Outage prevention, mitigation,

providers, just as they do in the Lower

Network Operations. “Equally as

and restoration are always included

48,” Williams says. “This alignment

important is our dedicated team of

in the design, building, operations,

would encourage the adoption of

technicians and technical experts

and maintenance of MTA networks,

backup networks as a standard

throughout the state who work

Enloe says. Some key preventive

both

individuals

and

critical

backup would

Alaska’s

telecommunications

services,” Williams says.

Integrating

As

the

integration

of

fiber,

services are involved.”

Your Business Comes First!

Hometown Dealer Pricing!

Next Day Service * Loaners * Shuttle Extended Service Hours • Account Manager

Robbie Dixon 907-440-8725

rdixon@ accak.com

accak.com

“I’m at your service the minute you call.”

www.akbizmag.com

Alaska Business

January 2025 | 49

practices include strict equipment

designs its network with redundant

installation policies and procedures;

connectivity, which helps to ensure

keeping hardware and software

the rapid restoration.

up to date; following strict policies and

procedures

equipment

one portion of the network, traffic

additions, upgrades, and removals;

would be automatically rerouted

setting

to other portions of the network

up

monitoring;

for

“In the event of an outage on

proper and

alarms

having

and

vendor

support plans in place and a team dedicated to cybersecurity. MTA also designs as many redundancies into the network as economically and

to eliminate any service impact to

AT&T built FirstNet as a nationwide wireless communications platform for emergency response agencies.

customers,” Dodge explains. “For hard-to-reach communities where redundancy is limited, we leverage

AT&T

relationships with our carrier partners

physically feasible.

and alternative satellite providers

When outages occur, MTA has

to

restore

connections.

These

qualified staff available to respond,

are generally easily configurable

materials are on hand for network

solutions that take place within our

restoration, and technicians have

existing facilities.”

all the tools necessary. And in

As part of its contingency planning,

more isolated regions, MTA has

Alaska

agreements with other companies

established commercial relationships

to provide 24/7/365 “remote hands”

with a diverse mix of satellite and

to assist with recovery efforts and

wireless service providers so it can

minimize downtime or to begin

immediately

repairs while its own staff and

solutions to address prolonged

equipment are in transit.

“Depending on the type, size, and

complexity

of

a

network

Clear and timely updates are part of MTA's response during emergencies like the 2019 McKinley wildfire.

Communications

access

has

connectivity

outages to local communities. “We are

also

consistently

reviewing

MTA

alternative service providers and new

outage, we use a comprehensive

says. “The restoration timeframe was,

technology solutions to enhance our

e m e rg e n c y

plan,”

in reality, less than a day because

coverage options in the event of an

Enloe explains. “The plan is a

MTA needed to wait several hours for

outage,” Dodge says.

detailed set of instructions and

the fire to recede and the site to cool

AT&T maintains comprehensive

procedures that is usually used in

down before technicians could safely

contingency plans for providing

association with natural disasters or

enter the area to begin repairs.”

alternative

re s t o ra t i o n

extreme weather events.”

internet

options

in

Alaska to help both public safety

For instance, MTA rapidly executed

Investment in Alternatives

and commercial customers stay

a restoration plan in 2019 when

Severed undersea cables, as

connected

the McKinley wildfire destroyed

in Sitka or Utqiaġvik, are not

outages. Public safety agencies on

thousands of acres north of Willow

the

disruption.

FirstNet have access to a dedicated

and nearly 100 structures—including

Internet outages are usually the

fleet of deployable network assets

an MTA site. “After it was safe to enter

result of disruption of the middle

stationed

the site, MTA teams used our mobile

mile (backhaul) connection, says

across the state. “In Alaska, we

Switch-On-Wheels to configure new

Dodge, whether by damage to

have equipment such as satellite

electronics, replace burned sections

infrastructure, severe weather,

solutions and generators strategically

of cables, and restore services by

or power outages. So, in general,

positioned for deployment when

approximately within 24 hours,” Enloe

Alaska Communications plans and

needed,” says Songvilay.

50 | January 2025

usual

kind

of

during

in

several

p ro l o n g e d

locations

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

In

addition,

AT&T’s

Network

Disaster Recovery support team is prepared to deploy as needed to help restore commercial service to customers. Songvilay explains, “We can dispatch Satellite Cell on Light Trucks and Mini Compact Rapid Deployables to provide coverage in areas where terrestrial service is unavailable, and generators also play a vital role in keeping cell towers operational during power outages that may impact service.”

While FirstNet’s dedicated assets in Alaska primarily connect first responders, they also provide 911 service to commercial customers— even

if

their

cell

coverage

primary is

carrier ’s

unavailable.

“Our strategy aims to keep both public

safety

and

communications maintaining

commercial operational,

the

General | Commercial | Design Build | Construction Management 6591 A Street, Suite 300 | Anchorage, Alaska 99518 907.562.2336 | davisconstructors.com

essential

connections needed during critical times,” Songvilay says.

AT&T is invested in its networks and the people and local communities in Alaska, Songvilay says. Between 2019 and 2023, the company invested

UNMATCHED EXPERTISE.

nearly $250 million in its network infrastructure within the state. And it recently announced enhancements that have more than doubled network

WWW.COOKINLETTUG.COM

capacity in Southeast communities

EXCEPTIONAL FLEET.

like Juneau and Skagway.

“We look forward to many more projects ahead in Alaska, especially as we enter the next phase of FirstNet reinvestments,” Songvilay says. “With the input from public safety in Alaska

P ut We

S a fe ty

Fir

s t.

and investments from the FirstNet Authority, we will be expanding and enhancing coverage in the

Contact Us Today: Call: (907) 248-0179 Email: info@cookinlettug.com

state, focusing on tribal, territorial, and rural areas.” www.akbizmag.com

From Western Alaska rivers to the U.S. Arctic coastline, our vessels are ready to tackle your toughest transportation needs.

Alaska Business

January 2025 | 51

Alaska Depar tment of Commerce, Communit y, and Economic Development | Division of Communit y & Regional Af fairs

E N V I R O N M E N TA L

Trash Is Cash The vital support of waste hauling services

By Chuck Green and Scott Rhode

H

azardous

materials

removal jobs are booming.

for collecting debris, and hauling it

logistics from A to B; and we’ll dispose

away is somebody’s job.

of it. All in house.”

The Alaska Department of

Why the voyage to spud country?

Labor and Workforce Development

From A to B, C, and D

forecasts only one other occupation

One of Republic Services’ jobs is

landfill in Alaska. All of it must leave,

will increase more by 2032, namely

removing military waste from Eielson

regardless of who you are or who’s

“Extraction Workers” in the mining

Air Force Base. Every year, new

shipping it,” Scoresby says.

and oil and gas industries.

construction at the base involves

More specifically, all the landfills

Both occupations go hand in hand,

excavation of soil that might be

in Alaska are designated by the

according to John Scoresby, territory

tainted with jet fuel or firefighting

US

sales executive for Republic Services

chemicals. The soil can’t stay, so

Agency

in Anchorage. “Anytime you open a

Republic Services takes it away.

facilities

“There

is

no

hazardous

E n v i ro n m e n t a l (EPA)

as

under

waste

P ro t e c t i o n “Subtitle

the

D”

Resource

new mine, there’s a lot more demand

“We can ship it all the way from

Conservation and Recovery Act, the

for environmental work,” he observes,

Eielson to our Grandview landfill via

1976 federal law governing solid

noting the parallel growth with

rail, which is much lower cost than

waste disposal. Subtitle C facilities

North Slope activity too.

over-the-road trucking,” Scoresby

can accept hazardous waste, but

f o re c a s t

explains. That’s Grandview, Idaho—

Subtitle D landfills can’t.

backs up Scoresby’s guess. The

so the containers run from the

Military waste, like the loads

next

end of the Alaska Railroad tracks,

from Eielson, is not necessarily

up

hazardous,

The

by

occupational three

2032

highest-growth

are

technicians,

welders, and

jobs

geologic

underground

mining machine operators.

Increased

investment

in

the

and

around

Fairbanks,

and

but

Scoresby

says

down to the Don Young Port of

municipal landfills typically reject it.

Alaska to be shipped to another rail

“They can accept or deny whatever

terminal in the Lower 48.

they want. Their main stakeholders

extraction industries is also driving

“We have the full turnkey service,”

are residents of the borough or

a surge in construction—and there,

says Scoresby. “We provide the

the city,” he says. “They ’re quite

too, waste removal is an allied trade.

container that we own; we’ll load

picky about what they want to

Every construction site has a bin

the container; we’ll manage the

accept or not accept.”

52 | January 2025

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

Republic Services is fortunate, then,

petroleum-

high, and shipping waste out is next

to own its own landfills like the one in

contaminated soil to metal-bearing

to impossible with small budgets, and

Idaho. Scoresby says, “That’s unique

hazardous waste. Any sort of solid

the system for shipping in goods not

to us, to be vertically integrated that

waste could go into those roll-off

designed to go the other way.

way. Our employees in Fairbanks can

containers.” With a fleet of forty

In many cases, budgets may not

load that rail car, and we oversee

containers kept in the state, Republic

allow for the complete removal of

transportation all the way through.”

Services can equip job sites that

all waste in a single season, so as

might need dozens, without having to

a practical option, Huntman plans

ship more boxes from the Lower 48.

for phased removal. “Several of

Pitch In the Bin

with

anything

from

“Depending on the volume of

Handy as they are, they’re not

our larger backhaul projects span

waste and the project, for the most

as common as the 22-foot skips

over two or three years. Focusing

part, roll-off containers are the

or commercial dumpsters in the

on

most efficient way to get rid of large

Alaska Waste fleet. Scoresby notes,

allows communities to plan for

amounts of waste,” according to

“It’s kind of unique. There’s only a

subsequent collections as time and

Brad Kilger, division sales manager

handful of folks that are transporting

funding permit,” he says.

at Alaska Waste. “They can hold

hazardous waste in those 20-foot

up to 40 cubic yards of waste,

open-top containers.”

‘low-hanging

fruit’

initially

The short summer season—only 151 days—requires careful planning.

or eight tons max. They’re what

That said, waste hauling customers

you typically see for demolition

come in all sizes. Scoresby says, “It

priorities,

projects

and

could be a home that has a diesel

hunting, city or tribal projects, and

they also work well for cleanouts of

spill in his backyard from his heating

recreation. Hiring a dedicated crew

garages or full houses.”

oil tank, or it could be ConocoPhillips

can expedite waste management

Alaska Waste runs the largest fleet

or any of these big oil companies

projects. Huntman says, “The barge

of garbage trucks in the state. When

on the North Slope that need

schedule is crucial; if you miss it,

businesses, schools, or homes have

hazardous waste disposal.”

waste will be stuck until the next

and

construction,

dumpsters outside, Alaska Waste is

Communities

have

numerous

as

subsistence

such

season.” Smaller regional barges

most often picking them up. From

Long Backhaul

often have more flexible schedules,

Ketchikan to Nome to Unalaska and

Communities far from rail or

which can be advantageous for

every major community in between,

roads have different waste hauling

backhaul projects, although extreme

the company offers residential,

challenges. Either they dispose of

weather can complicate matters.

commercial,

construction

waste locally forever, or they send

Aviation is another option for

services. The latter type of customer

it away using the same logistics

more valuable waste streams, such

would be contracting a hook-lift

pathways that brings material in. That

as recyclable materials. Alaskans

container or the larger roll-off

method is known as backhaul, and

for Litter Prevention and Recycling

container, 22 feet long and 8 feet

it’s the specialty of Delta Backhaul

(ALPAR) has coordinated the Flying

wide. They come in varying heights,

Company in Anchorage.

Cans program to reclaim aluminum

and

with the tallest holding 40 cubic feet.

Doug Huntman, owner of Delta

By contrast, Republic Services

Backhaul Company, says his company

that are off the road system. Laurel

helped

Andrews,

specializes

in

20-foot

open-top

remove

approximately

from

rural

Alaska

communities

community

outreach

containers. “If you have a very large

3.2 million pounds of material

coordinator at Alaska Waste, says

quantity of solid waste that needs

for recycling and offsite disposal

communities might be interested

out-of-state disposal, typically the

in 2023. He calls the challenge of

in contacting ALPAR. Depending on

most cost-effective solution is loading

waste management in rural Alaska

the community, ALPAR might have

it into 20-foot open-top containers,”

“significant.” The costs associated

applicable programs or insights that

Scoresby says. “They could be filled

with importing goods are already

could be beneficial.

www.akbizmag.com

Alaska Business

January 2025 | 53

The Backhaul Alaska program visited the unlined dump in the Western Alaska village of Hooper Bay last August and inventoried three 20-foot containers of electronics waste, one container of household hazardous waste, one of lead acid batteries, and one of fluorescent light bulbs.

Alaska Depar tment of Commerce, Communit y, and Economic Development | Division of Communit y & Regional Af fairs

Handle with Care

“You can only grow the garbage

Meantime, hazardous waste can

business so far,” Scoresby says, “so

increasingly entering the waste

ratchet up the stakes. Andrews

they branched into the environmental

stream, abiding by strict protocols

suggests

solutions

for safe packaging is paramount,

that

anyone

hauling

large amounts of waste would benefit from checking regulations about are

the

materials

disposing

hazardous

that

they

space,

specifically

with hazardous waste.”

properly, these batteries can pose

waste are enforced in the state

significant fire hazards, so proper training for your crew on identifying

for

instance,

by

waste

has

different

household

DEC.

Rules

cover

items

that,

common at

the

end of their useful lives, become

disposal. Contacting local landfills

hazards

or

unless handled properly.

Department

of

batteries

Regulations aimed at hazardous

of;

Alaska

lithium-ion

Huntman points out. “If not handled

regulations and considerations for the

With

to

the

and

packaging

such

materials

is critical,” he says.

environment

Ultimate Destiny

Environmental Conservation (DEC)

These include pesticides; some

Some materials aren’t covered

Solid Waste Program, she notes, “is a

aerosol cans; mercury-containing

by the rules, exactly. Scoresby

great place to start.”

devices like thermostats and switches;

says, “There’s a gray area in non-

electric lamps with fluorescent,

hazardous waste sometimes. There is

still

sodium vapor, mercury vapor, or

a large amount of waste that is non-

prevalent in older construction.

high-intensity discharge bulbs; and

hazardous but will not be accepted by

Furthermore, “the larger landfills in

batteries containing lithium, nickel-

any of the landfills in Alaska.”

the state have EPA regulations they

cadmium,

must comply with [when it comes to]

and lead-acid. Some other types

operates

the handling of all materials.”

of batteries—such as alkaline and

facility at Moose Creek, not far from

Kilger says asbestos and other hazardous

materials

are

mercury,

silver-oxide,

For that reason, Republic Services a

thermal

desorption

materials

and

carbon zinc cells, in which mercury

the front gate of Eielson Air Force

services

are

wasn’t included in the manufacturing

Base. Heating up contaminated soil

Republic

process—might not be classified as

releases petroleum or perfluoroalkyl

Services added the business line to

hazardous waste and, consequently,

and

its core concern of curbside pickup

wouldn’t fall under the rule. That said,

which are disposed of separately in

and residential dumpster rental;

with an eye on responsible practice,

an afterburner unit while the clean

it’s one of the largest trash pickup

rather than being sent to a landfill,

dirt is hauled away.

providers in the country, next to

those batteries should be gathered

For liquid waste, Republic Services

Waste Management, Inc.

and transported to recycling facilities.

has a water treatment facility in

Hazardous environmental Scoresby ’s

bailiwick.

54 | January 2025

polyfluoroalkyl

substances,

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

Anchorage. “No Subtitle D landfill can take liquids,” Scoresby says.

“If you spill some diesel in the local pond, you can’t take that water to the municipal landfill. But you have to take it somewhere; i t ’s

contaminated.

T h a t ’s

a

service we provide.”

Local

processing

is

generally

a preferred option, according to Huntman. For example, clean used oil can be burned in used-oil furnaces for energy recovery. Although the initial investment may seem high, it often pays for itself within a few seasons. Municipal solid waste, like household garbage, can be buried or burned for volume reduction, but it’s crucial to research state laws and local ordinances regarding burning regulations.

In the United States, construction and demolition waste makes up 25 percent to 40 percent of the waste disposed of in the country, according to DEC. Fortunately, it’s handled fairly easily at municipal landfills or at private facilities, such as the C&D Waste Monofill in Palmer operated

by Alaska Demolition.

Waste hauling and disposal is an essential part of completing construction jobs in Alaska, putting away what’s torn down even as something new is built up.

“Most folks who live in Alaska enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, and

we

help

maintain

that,”

Scoresby says. “Every project we have is taking contaminated waste of some kind and making sure

Operating more than a dozen for-profit companies, Doyon, Limited is a distinct driver of hundreds of jobs in Alaska.

Join our team at doyon.com.

it ends up in the right place, not contaminating the environment somewhere. I would say that’s something to be proud of.” www.akbizmag.com

Alaska Business

January 2025 | 55

INDUSTRY SUPPORT

I

INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT SERVICES ndustrial activity stands on a solid foundation of

for workers entering occupations that involve heavy

support services. As a literal example, the engineered

machinery operation. Drug testing need not be an

roadbed of the Dalton Highway bears the weight of

obstacle, though, as new rules streamline the process.

the transport fleet that feeds, fuels, and facilitates North

Once hired, team members don uniforms supplied

Slope activity. Upon the soil grow poplar trees, which

and maintained by commercial laundry services,

become a tool for environmental remediation when

capped off (in some cases) by helmets supplied by

inoculated with endophytic bacteria.

safety equipment dealers.

Scientists aren’t just cleaning up at the end of the industrial life cycle; laboratories are at the threshold 56 | January 2025

Support

services

w ra p

a ro u n d

industrial

workers from toe to top.

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

THE MOST POWERFUL CTL EVER.

studiodr | iStock

*

The new fully-loaded CASE TV620B comes standard with an industry-leading package of features. Experience peak performance with best-in-class lift/ bucket breakout force, impressive auxiliary hydraulic power that can handle heavy-duty attachments, outstanding rated operating capacity (ROC), and greater connectivity than ever. Call Yukon Equipment or visit CaseCE.com/TV620B to learn how this powerhouse will help you perform like a rock star on every jobsite.

ALASKA

ANCHORAGE

FAIRBANKS

WASILLA

2020 East Third Avenue Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-277-1541 Email: info@yukoneq.com

3511 International Street Fairbanks, AK 99701 Phone: 907-457-1541 Email: info@yukoneq.com

7857 West Parks Highway Wasilla, AK 99623 Phone: 907-376-1541 Email: info@yukoneq.com

www.yukoneq.com *Based on competitive published specs available, CASE TV620B has greatest breakout lift force, breakout bucket force, and track length on the ground. ©2023 Yukon Equipment. All rights reserved. CASE is a trademark registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates.

www.akbizmag.com

Alaska Business

January 2025 | 57

INDUSTRY SUPPORT

PROUD SUBSIDIARY OF CALISTA CORPORATION

troutnut | iStock

INDUSTRY SUPPORT

The Dalton Highway The 50th anniversary of a unique haul road

By Joseph Jackson

B

ringing the first barrels of

After five years, Alyeska Pipeline

became the best solution for moving

North Slope crude oil to

Service

transferred

North Slope oil. Even amidst the

market in the ‘70s required

ownership of the haul road to the

excitement of discovering oil in the

the construction of not one but two

State of Alaska, and it was named

‘60s, developers were faced with the

economic lifelines. The flashiest,

for North Slope oil prospector James

conundrum of getting the product to

glinting where sunlight reflects from

W. Dalton. It remained an industry-

market. Several solutions—in varying

its steel curves, is the Trans Alaska

only road until 1981, when the

degrees of expense and feasibility—

Pipeline System (TAPS). But building

public was allowed to drive from its

were proposed, including a fleet of

TAPS and the facilities to bring oil to

junction with the Elliott Highway near

colossal twelve-engine aircraft from

the surface at Prudhoe Bay required

Livengood, north of Fairbanks, as far

Boeing, to be nicknamed the “Flying

414 miles of cross-country road first.

as milepost 211 north of Wiseman.

Pipelines”; an extension of the Alaska

Construction of the haul road

Not until 1994 was the entire length

Railroad; and a line of submarine oil

began in 1969, but delays in TAPS

of the Dalton Highway opened to

tankers, envisioned gliding beneath

construction meant that work didn’t

the public, and even today it’s not a

the Arctic ice cap. An ice-breaking

resume until 1974. The remaining

trip undertaken lightly.

tanker, SS Manhattan, was tested in

390 miles of road were completed

“ The

Company

road

continues

to

be

in a five-month flurry. Pipeline

challenging,” says John Perrault,

construction soon followed, and

spokesman

the activity of truckers hauling

1969 but deemed too risky.

Even as SS Manhattan made its journey

through

Department of Transportation and

Passage,

an

equipment up the road was nearly

Public Facilities (DOT&PF) Northern

was selected as a safer and more

constant.

Region. “But not nearly to the

efficient solution.

Teamsters

reportedly

could make between $7,000 and

for

the

Alaska

extent it was in 1974.”

$10,000 per month (between $40,000

Today, Highway

TAPS

the

Northwest

overland

and

remain

pipeline

the

in

a

Dalton kind

of

and $65,000 today) if they were

Pipeline Parallel

willing to brave the nascent road’s

While the road is challenging,

places along the haul road, this

it is also an essential part of what

relationship is plainly evident as

dangerous conditions.

58 | January 2025

industrial

symbiosis.

In

most

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

the pipeline wiggles just a stone’s

to Perrault. The Dalton remains

throw from the roadway.

one of just two highways in North

ultimate getaway can spot wildlife

According to Alyeska Pipeline

America that dip a toe in the Arctic

roaming along the Dalton Highway

Service Company, an average of

Ocean, although driving through

corridor, including musk

470,000 barrels of oil flowed through

Prudhoe Bay oil fields to Oliktok Point

wolves, peregrine falcons, and

the pipeline daily in the summer

is restricted. The other highway, an

more. One of the state’s most

months of 2024. Volume is down

extension of the Dempster Highway

accessible

from a bit more than half a million

in Yukon Territory to Tuktoyaktuk

the Porcupine Herd, makes

barrels per day in 2019, and the peak

in

way across the North Slope each

of 2 million barrels per day in 1988

was completed in 2017.

Mackenzie

River

delta,

looking

caribou

for

the

oxen,

populations, its

summer and fall, so the highway

is a distant memory.

However, the flow along the haul road, northward and southward, is increasing. DOT&PF reports that the Milepost 339 traffic monitoring station counted average annual daily

Innovative, cost effective housing with all the comforts of home

traffic of 210 in 2023. This station, located on the north side of the

Air Systems Deliver Fresh Air to Each Room!

Brooks Range, saw average annual daily traffic of 120 in 2022 and just 80 in 2021. Freight transportation companies like Alaska West Express, Lynden, Carlile Transportation, 49th Freight, Span Alaska Transportation, Black Gold Express, and others regularly run the road.

Truckers

endure

drastically

changing conditions depending on the season. Springtime features rapid snow melt and ground thawing, and breakup season ushers in a summer of potholes and mud.

Fall brings colder weather, and by winter, blowing snow and ice are the orders of the day. Freight trucks are equipped with tire chains (sometimes used as frequently in the mud of summer as they are the frost of winter), road flares, spare tires and fluids, and spill containment kits,

while

drivers

carry

• Arctic tough • Turn-key set up • Rapid mobilization • Custom built • Easy to relocate

d your il u b s u et

L

extra

ility

ne

r fac a l u d o m xt

907-952-2067 877-929-9902

food and winter gear.

Much of the Dalton’s increased

www.MTHousing.net office@MTHousing.net

traffic is due to larger numbers of tourist travelers, as well, according www.akbizmag.com

Alaska Business

January 2025 | 59

INDUSTRY SUPPORT

the

Motorists

INDUSTRY SUPPORT

Delineators along the Dalton Highway from mile 394–397 help a gravel hauler locate the shoulder, where snow blows freely across the coastal plain approaching Prudhoe Bay. Alaska Depar tment of Transpor tation and Public Facilities

draws

appreciable

numbers

danger. One of DOT&PF’s primary

The two-phase closed thermosyphons

concerns is making the tough call

are vertical, sealed pipes that use

to close the road if conditions

evaporation and condensation to

Safe and Passable,

warrant, according to Perrault.

maintain

Every Day

DOT&PF maintains a remote weather

and prevent thaw settlement. The

Highway

maintenance

monitoring station in Atigun Pass

technology can be effectively adapted

requires DOT&PF to track a moving

to keep tabs on these conditions,

for road use—the only kicker, says

target. DOT&PF has an annual budget

and one of the department’s long-

Perrault, is their expense.

of $16.5 million to maintain the

term objectives is to install a

Dalton Highway: $10.5 million comes

second monitoring station.

of hunters, as well.

Dalton

ground

temperatures

Several projects are underway at varying stages along the highway

from state funding and the remaining

to improve its functionality and

$6 million is federally funded. The

The Long Haul

goal is to keep the road safe and

North of Atigun Pass, from Milepost

passable, thereby supplying the key

362 to 414, whiteout conditions can

guardrails, and culvert replacement.

North Slope fields with requisite

make the road impossible to see. In

In total, DOT&PF has invested

equipment and support.

2019, for this stretch of the highway,

$160 million in Dalton Highway

Mitigation efforts must adapt to

a project installed and tested road

maintenance north of Atigun Pass in

meet these seasonal needs. Daily

delineators—sturdy, vertical markers

the last five years alone. Estimates

maintenance activities for DOT&PF

planted on either side of the road to

put investments over the next

include filling potholes, road grading

mark its edges—which are a common

half-decade at $175 million for the

and/or snow plowing, and weather

antidote. Embankment construction

entire Dalton corridor.

monitoring. These occur along the

is another key long-term strategy for

For

entirety of the highway’s length.

managing thawing permafrost and

major

ensuring the road is strong enough

housed at any one of seven DOT&PF

to handle heavy traffic.

maintenance stations along the

H ow ev e r,

t h e re

a re

also

notoriously difficult parts of the highway

that

require

constant

safety, such as the reconstruction

The department is also exploring

regular

installation

maintenance

construction,

crews

of

and are

Dalton Highway. Each maintenance

to

camp ideally consists of two to four

crux of the Dalton Highway, Atigun

maintain the roadbed. More than

workers and is expected to cover

Pass has a steep grade, and in

100,000 of these innovative devices

between 60 and 70 miles of road. The

winter months is prone to extreme

are incorporated into TAPS to keep

remoteness of this duty makes the

wind,

permafrost beneath its pylons frozen.

jobs hard to fill, however. In 2023,

60 | January 2025

avalanche

thermosyphons

the

the

and

of

bridges,

vigilance. Commonly known as the

snowfall,

use

of

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

DOT&PF saw an additional $8 million

INDUSTRY SUPPORT

in its budget to address staffing shortages, particularly along the Dalton’s problem areas.

Against the Odds The 50th anniversary of the Dalton Highway is even more impressive considering what might have been but never was. During Wally Hickel's first term as governor, the state mapped a road corridor via Anaktuvuk Pass and undertook construction in the winter of 1968. Hickel boasted that he drove the tractor for the first six miles himself and then ordered his crew keep going until they hit Prudhoe Bay. Hickel’s gateway to the Arctic was

completed

in

March

1969.

However, the Hickel Highway soon failed due to poor engineering and intense permafrost thawing. The state

discontinued

and

abandoned

April—the

before

after

www.alaskamaterials.com ( 9 0 7 ) 2 9 0 - 8 0 3 1 o ffi c e ( 8 4 4 ) 4 7 9 - 0 7 6 3 t o l l fr e e

maintenance the

following

road

by

month.

Its

alignment, situated to the west of where TAPS and the Dalton Highway exist today, remains a bare scratch on the landscape.

It

is

a

testament

to

the

dedication and quality of Alaska’s engineers and contractors that the Dalton remains today.

Fifty years ago, it was unimaginable that the Dalton Highway would be opened to the public. That happened, of course, in 1994. Fifty years ago, it was downright absurd to think that sections of the road would be paved. As of now, more than 100 miles are asphalt. All improvements, past and future, to the Dalton highway share one thing.

As Perrault says, “Determination is

ALASKANS BUILDING ALASKA WWW.GREERTANK.COM

the main ingredient.” www.akbizmag.com

Alaska Business

January 2025 | 61

Intrins y x Environmental

INDUSTRY SUPPORT

Endophyte Assisted Phytoremediation Local plants and specialized bacteria restore contaminated soil

By Cuauhtemoc Landeros and Chris Cohu 62 | January 2025

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

E n v i ro n m e n t a l

transforming landscapes

is

contaminated

with

endophyte

assisted

phytoremediation

techniques.

By

creating

dense

stands of trees and grasses that are tirelessly working to decontaminate soil and water, endophyte assisted phytoremediation techniques can bring a contaminated site to life by increasing soil stabilization and water infiltration, improving soil fertility, and supporting the return of wildlife. This method brings together the power of plants and pollution-consuming

bacteria

to create living, self-sustaining systems

that

restore

soil

and

water quality naturally.

How? Endophyte bacteria that live inside plants break down pollutants and boost plant resilience in harsh, contaminated

environments.

These endophyte bacteria provide incredible advantages: they can digest a range of toxic substances and

help

plants

thrive

where

they’d otherwise struggle. Projects using these bacteria can target an extensive range of contaminants

footprint and economical cost sets

Vadose and groundwater

remediation within reach for all levels

sampling results indicate

system delivers clean soil, air, and

of stakeholders. The nature-based water while promoting ecosystem

that contaminant

health and biodiversity.

concentrations

Intrinsyx

Environmental

has

been working in Alaska since 2018,

have declined

and our process was analyzed and

dramatically since

approved by the Alaska Department

planting, and nearly 60

our initial results were examined,

of Environmental Conservation. After the project was expanded, and

percent to 70 percent

other departments like the Alaska

of the source zone

Department of Natural Resources

contaminant mass has

Transportation and Public Facilities

and

the

Alaska

Department

of

been removed. These

also support our process.

indicators led to the

be expensive and demands energy

Conventional

expansion of the original

remediation

can

needs that many communities cannot afford or supply. Our approach takes

planting area to the

advantage of solar powered systems

north, where storage

species, creating functional green

and local native tree and plant space for local communities.

tanks were formerly

Case Study: FAI Airport

located, to remediate

Our

more of the site.

process

individual

or

can

work

with

mixed-waste

using native plant species, making

contaminants. As an example, we

the approach adaptable to most

currently have a project at the

ecosystems or climates.

sequenced,

demonstrating

their

By

Dr. Sharon Doty, a University of

bacteria,

combining and

specific

fungi

International

Airport,

where the soil and groundwater

safety and effectiveness.

Natural Tools

Fairbanks

plants,

contain diesel, gasoline, benzene, and

to

1,2-dichloroethane at concentrations

assisted

exceeding 200 milligrams per liter.

tailored

Washington professor, developed

each

these highly adaptable endophyte

phytoremediation

systems

This site occupies roughly 3 acres and

bacteria. The bacteria are naturally

can succeed even in the most

previously contained warehouses,

occurring and were discovered in

contaminated areas where traditional

offices, six above-ground storage

trees growing on contaminated sites

p h y t o re m e d i a t i o n

fail.

tanks, a pump building, and a truck

where most plants were struggling

Given new capacities to completely

loading rack. Fuels were shipped and

to survive. The bacteria, which

degrade

in-situ,

received between 1974 and 1997

naturally evolved to digest various

this process solves remediation

using a rail loading rack. In 2015, the

contaminants, have been tested and

issues long term. A small carbon

above-ground infrastructure, above-

www.akbizmag.com

site,

endophyte

would

contaminants

Alaska Business

January 2025 | 63

INDUSTRY SUPPORT

I

ntrinsyx

INDUSTRY SUPPORT

Decades of intenstive use allowed fuel to seep into a 3-acre site at Fairbanks International Airport. Mechanical remediation systems were tried for years before a phytoremediation system was installed.

Intrins y x Environmental

ground storage tanks, and truck

Previous and ongoing treatments at

are acceptable. The main objective

loading rack were removed and a

this site have included an enhanced

was to reduce the 1,2-dichloroethane

pump-and-treat system was relocated

anaerobic bioremediation pilot in

source zone and help control off-

near the air sparge building.

2002, installation and operation of

site

a twenty-seven-well air sparging

objective

system,

and migration control of benzene,

The

site

is

River,

and

the

near

the

region

Chena

includes

and

a

pump-and-treat

migration. was

The the

secondary degradation

undeveloped forested land, low-

remediation

density residential properties, and

in 2010 (no longer active). In total,

compounds, light non-aqueous phase

light

thirty-nine

installed

liquid, gasoline-range organics, and

2018,

diesel-range organics.

industrial

properties.

The

system

constructed

wells

were

sparging.

In

primary contaminated area was built

for

on several feet of sand and gravel

additional ten bioventing wells were

fill before being paved. The native

installed in the rail loading rack to

soils beneath contain sediment

promote bioremediation.

air

an

toluene,

ethylbenzene,

xylene

Inoculated Poplars Our phytoremediation goals are

from the Tanana and Chena River

The remedial objective of this site

to degrade organic pollutants in the

Flood Plain and are mostly silt and

is to decrease the concentrations of

source zone and protect trees from

sandy silt present from 3 to 19 feet.

contaminants in the groundwater

phytotoxicity with our endophytes.

Groundwater in this region occurs

to acceptable levels based on State

We established tree roots in impacted

under unconfined and confined

of Alaska and US Environmental

groundwater to mitigate off-site

conditions, with the water table

Protection

regulations.

plume migration. Using tree roots and

averaging 5 to 12 feet below ground

Remediation of the site and the

microbial amendments, we were able

surface. Groundwater flow beneath

surrounding

will

to enhance rhizosphere breakdown

the site has low gradients.

continue until the concentration levels

of source zone contaminants. This

64 | January 2025

Agency

affected

area

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

endophyte assisted phytoremediation remediation

systems

that

were

expensive to operate.

Intrinsyx Environmental provided consulting services to design and install a twofold phytoremediation system. Phyto-1 was designed to reduce contaminant concentration in the source zone in the truck loading rack and old pumphouse. Phyto-2 was designed to provide a degradation barrier for contaminants upgradient in a plume under the adjacent road from spills at the rail loading rack.

Native balsam poplar trees (700) were planted across Phyto-1 and Phyto-2 and inoculated with endophytes.

Intrinsyx Environmental bored holes

Shortly after planting, poplar trees become hosts for bacteria that live within the root systems and chew up petroleum contaminants.

down to 8 feet through asphalt and vadose zone to plant the 12foot poles. Planting trees in bore

Intrins y x Environmental

SHIPYARD & DRYDOCK MARINE SERVICES

Commercial Diving Salvage & Emergency Response Vessel Charters & Marine Support Marine Construction

ResolveMarine.com www.akbizmag.com

991 Ballyhoo Road

1002 East F Street

Dutch Harbor, Alaska

Tacoma, Washington

+1.907.581.1400

Alaska Business

+1.253.302.4723

January 2025 | 65

INDUSTRY SUPPORT

process reduced the need for existing

INDUSTRY SUPPORT

An example of a landfarm, a remediation technique also called land treatment or land application. A thin layer of contaminated soil is spread on an area, where microbes do the work of degrading petroleum.

holes through the asphalt reduced

Intrins y x Environmental

the rail loading rack to determine

costs significantly. Trees were also planted in a landfarm containing excavated contaminated soil from if degradation could be accelerated compared to monitored natural attenuation methods.

Utilizing

balsam

poplar

trees

inoculated

with

bacterial

tree

endophytes allows for treatment of both the contaminated groundwater and soil. Poplar trees have high transpiration rates, thereby creating a cone of depression in the water table and supporting hydrological control while degrading the contaminants via rhizodegradation, phytodegradation, and biodegradation. This process allows for effective remediation of the contaminated groundwater in the root-zone and in the tree tissue.

66 | January 2025

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

naturally

declined

natural barrier and filtration system,

Northwest

poplar

the

dramatically since planting, and

soaking up contaminants and even

endophyte

microbe

a

nearly 60 percent to 70 percent of

sequestering

symbiotic relationship, bolstering

the source zone contaminant mass

revitalizing the soil. This dynamic,

the tree’s resilience against harmful

has been removed. These indicators

living remediation system provides

hydrocarbon contamination. The

led to the expansion of the original

extensive benefits to the environment

combined system of poplar trees and

planting area to the north, where

and community for the entire life

endophytes provides an effective

storage tanks were formerly located,

cycle of a project.

and

to remediate more of the site.

regenerative

in

Pacific

trees, forms

approach

to

concentrations

have

remediation that sequesters carbon

carbon,

all

while

Cuauhtemoc M. Landeros is a regenerative

and revitalizes the soil ecosystem that

Regenerative Remediation

soil

is quicker and more effective than

Positive

business

in

2023

development at Intrinsyx Environmental, a

expand

the

California-based biotechnology firm. Working

less expensive than traditional active

project’s footprint, and Intrinsyx

from Anchorage, he cross-pollinates his

remediation approaches.

Environmental

has

experience in thermophilic composting, soil

absorbed

broken

trees

inoculated

with

endophytes provided source zone

and

to

leads

led

poplar

client

and

monitored natural attenuation and

The installation of native balsam

the

re s u l t s

specialist

successfully down

a

food web microscopy, microbe collection,

range of contaminants through this

and native plant habitat development. Dr.

innovative, nature-based process.

Christopher Cohu is a leading scientist

contaminant reduction in the truck

This phytoremediation system isn’t

in the field of plant stress physiology,

loading rack and old pumphouse.

just effective, it’s also regenerative.

phytoremediation, photosynthesis and plant

Vadose and groundwater sampling

Native

productivity, and development of applied

results indicate that contaminant

endophytic

poplar

trees

partners

with

create

Anchorage Office 3230 C Street, Suite 202 Anchorage, AK 99503 907-563-5675 Phone: 907

CanAm Defender Limited (enclosed heated cab) Equipped With Custom 4-Season Water Haul Tank Package

their a

agronomic traits.

Fairbanks Office 330 Wendell Street, Suite B Fairbanks, AK 99701 Phone: 907-458-7747

Tok Office HC72 Box 850 Tok, AK 99780 Phone: 907-291-2339

SUMMIT’s Four-Season Customized Can-Am Defender

Multi-Function UTV ~ Engineered for Rural Needs

HIGHEST LOAD RATED STOCK UTV AVAILABLE CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:

2023-2024 Winter Testing at –40F Temperatures

• Rapid Response Fire Suppression • Rapid EMS Response • Water and / or Sewer Haul Tanks • ATV/UTV Haul Trailers • Road Dust Control • Solid Waste Collection 100% ALASKA BASED ~ OVER 25 YEARS IN BUSINESS

www.akbizmag.com

Alaska Business

January 2025 | 67

INDUSTRY SUPPORT

Found

Less Gross and Embarrassing

By Amy Newman

A

MedPhysicals Plus

INDUSTRY SUPPORT

A small legal change streamlines employment drug testing

laska employers with a

implement this sort of drug testing

“Unfortunately, oral fluid testing

drug and alcohol testing

and help them have protection

did not exist when the safe harbor

policy

one

under the existing law,” Rovito says.

law was passed, so it was never

more legally protected collection

“Support was widespread, and the

included in the law as a protected

method available. Last July, Governor

APA was happy to carry the bill

testing method,” Barrow Utilities

Mike

and push it forward. Overall, it’s a

and Electric Cooperative Inc. (BUECI)

win/win for Alaska.”

Human Resources Manager Taihya

now

Dunleavy

have

signed

Senate

Bill 196 (SB196), which amended Alaska’s employer drug and alcohol

Thomas testified at a March 8,

testing, or “safe harbor,” law to

Aligning with Industry

2024, Senate and Labor Commerce

include oral swab, or saliva, testing

Practice and Testing Tech

Committee hearing. The cooperative’s

alongside urine and breath testing

The Alaska legislature passed the

drug and alcohol testing policy

as permissible collection methods.

employer drug and alcohol testing

includes mandatory pre-hire, random,

The amendment went into effect

statutes, AS 23.10.600 - 23.10.699,

and for-cause testing.

on October 28, 2024.

in 1997. The law protects employers

Lab-based oral fluid drug testing

The Alaska Power Association

from actions for defamation, libel,

first emerged in the ‘00s; since then,

(APA), a statewide trade association

slander, damage to reputation, or

an increasing number of employers

representing

other damages related to a drug

in non-regulated industries have

utility companies, spearheaded the

testing

the

been utilizing the method. Drug

legislation, says Deputy Director

policy is in writing and employers

testing consulting company Current

Michael Rovito. Senators Click Bishop

inform employees of its existence;

Consulting

and Jesse Bjorkman worked together

testing is allowed for “any job-

nationwide survey in 2023 of drug

on the bill, which was ultimately

related purpose consistent with

testing professionals and found

sponsored by the entire Senate Labor

business necessity and the terms

that the number of drug testing

and Commerce Committee.

of the employer's policy.” When

providers that offered oral fluid

an

the statute was first adopted, urine

testing jumped from 39 percent

advantageous change that would

and breath testing were the only

in 2019 to 86 percent in 2023, a

help with our members who want to

protected collection methods.

154 percent increase.

“For

us,

we

68 | January 2025

Alaska's

saw

it

electric

as

program,

provided

Group

conducted

a

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

The

federal

Spit and Polish

MedPhysicals Plus. “Some companies

re g u l a t i o n s

under DOT do the instant oral

As

authorizing the use of oral swab

fluid test so they know whether to

was

testing.

Department

invest in a new hire and maybe start

“o ra l

of Health and Human Services

orientation while they wait for the lab-

collection method under Alaska

Substance

based urine test, which can take three

Statutes

to five days for results.”

23.10.630(b) and in the definition

Health

adopted The

US

Abuse

Services

a p p rov e d

Mental

Administration swab

go,

SB196

succinct—it

simply

added

fluid”

a

as

permissible

23.10.620(c)

and

of “sample” under AS 23.10.699(9).

testing

SB196, then, simply cured an

federal

inconsistency between Alaska law

The

employees in 2019; in 2023, the

and the realities of workplace drug

support

US Department of Transportation

and

programs,

organizations and chambers of

(DOT) approved the testing for

which Bjorkman pointed out in

commerce, and it passed with zero

federally

his sponsor statement.

pushback from legislators.

for

o ra l

and

amendments

non-regulated

regulated

industries,

alcohol

testing

bill

e n j oy e d among

w i d e s p re a d

A l a s k a’s

t ra d e

could

“This one went pretty quickly in

regulations is currently on hold.

already choose to collect an oral

terms of legislation,” Rovito says.

Still, some DOT-regulated industries

fluid sample instead of a urine

“It was filed at the beginning of the

utilize oral swab testing to make

or

the

2024 session, and it passed in the

conditional employment offers.

collection of oral fluid in this section

2024 session, so it was one of those

“We do [oral swab testing], and

of statute protects the employer

bills that went through at a pretty

there are non-federal clients that

from legal claims related to drug

good pace. We were pretty happy that

we have that do it,” says Jessica

or alcohol testing and subsequent

it passed unanimously in both the

Roley, director of operations for

employment actions,” he wrote.

Senate and the House.”

although implementation of those

“ While

an

breath

employer

sample,

adding

CLASS OF 2025 LAUREATES

LINDA LEARY

FISHE & LINDA LEARY CONSULTING

RALPH SEEKINS

SEEKINS FORD-LINCOLN, INC

JOE SCHIERHORN NORTHRIM BANK

CONGRESSMAN DON E. YOUNG

POSTHUMOUS RECOGNITION

Reserve seats at alaskabusinesshalloffame.com

Thursday, January 23, 2025 | Dena’ina Center, Anchorage, AK Dinner & Awards Ceremony www.akbizmag.com

Alaska Business

January 2025 | 69

INDUSTRY SUPPORT

also

re c e n t l y

government

INDUSTRY SUPPORT

Although the federal government

The results of an oral swab test may

workers that are not anywhere

approved oral swab testing for

also be more accurate, an important

near a facility, and that becomes a

regulated employees, roll out of

factor when employee and public

challenge. The male workers, all they

the testing is on hold pending the

safety is on the line.

have to do is turn around, but with

government’s creation of a testing

“Oral fluid samples… can detect

kit and accreditation of laboratories

the presence of drugs within a

to test the samples.

shorter detection window,” Alaska

BUECI’s

Telecom

Executive

with little warning, the company

lab accredited, it’s going to go

Director Christine O’Connor wrote

was left scrambling to find trained

quickly because everybody has been

in a February 23 letter supporting

testers; during COVID-19, she said,

waiting for it,” Roley says. “But we

the bill. “This means that oral

it was “essentially impossible” to get

don’t know when that is.”

fluid testing is better suited for

individual drug and alcohol testers

identifying individuals who may be

to travel to Barrow, leaving BUECI

Advantages of Oral

under the influence of drugs while

supervisors to collect, label, and ship

Swab Testing

on duty, thereby reducing the risk of

the urine samples out for testing.

“I believe that once they get a

The

most

obvious

advantage

of oral swab tests is the ease

Association

females, it gets harder.”

Thomas

testified

service

that,

when

provider

closed

“They did a great job and so did

workplace accidents and injuries.” has

our employees, but I’m sure you

practical advantages. Like other

can imagine how uncomfortable

“What we heard from our members

industries, drug testing providers

and awkward this was for everyone

is that, from a business standpoint,

face staffing challenges, and the

involved,” she told the committee.

oral fluid testing is just a lot quicker,

private nature of urine collection

“None of us signed up to be urine

a lot more secure, and a lot less

adds an extra layer; oral swab testing

collectors, but that’s what we had to

invasive,” Rovito says.

alleviates some of them.

do to meet our legal responsibilities

of collecting samples.

The secure nature of oral swab

Oral

swab

testing

also

“An observed collection has to

and maintain a safe workplace.”

testing makes cheating the test

have

collector,”

Oral swab testing will make it easier

nearly

Employees

Roley says. “Well, if you can imagine,

for rural employers like BUECI, she

provide urine samples in the privacy

especially with the employment

said, because “it is flexible enough

of a bathroom stall, out of the

shortage situation, that becomes

that it can be performed by a trained

collector’s sight. During an oral

a very, very, very hard feat to

collector in the field or even in

swab test, however, the employee

accomplish. Add to that gender

my office if needed.”

is in the presence of the collector

fluidity, then the employers and really

Thomas said BUECI was interested

for the entire time.

the industry is basically asking for

in amending its drug testing policy

a potential lawsuit.”

to allow for oral swab testing once

impossible.

“It’s a slighter chance of you

a

same-gender

cheating an oral test [compared to] a

it was added to Alaska’s safe harbor

urinalysis,” explains Vernesia Gordon,

Spitting Distance

law; she said the company would

a certified DOT specimen collector

The increased ease of finding

“switch to oral fluid testing across the

and breath-alcohol technician at

trained

collectors

is

especially

MedPhysicals Plus. “For one, you’re

beneficial for employers in rural

fully

going to check their mouth to make

communities,

regulated employees.

sure there’s nothing in it. Then you’re

no testing facility to collect a urine

going to give them eight ounces

sample is available.

particularly

when

board” once the federal government approves

the

method

for

Thomas said, “Not only will it be less gross and embarrassing

of water, and they have to wait

“In remote areas where there’s

ten minutes to actually do the oral

maybe no clinic, what happens

saliva

testing. Right there, you’d be able to

is, we need a bathroom,” Roley

also think it will end up being

see if they tried to cheat.”

explains. “Well, there are a lot of

significantly less expensive.”

70 | January 2025

for everyone involved to collect instead

of

urine,

we

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

INDUSTRY SUPPORT

OUR CAR, YOUR ADVENTURE

WWW.AVISALASKA.COM www.akbizmag.com

Alaska Business

January 2025 | 71

Bruce R Allen | iStock

INDUSTRY SUPPORT

Head to Toe Protection Safety equipment for work and play

By Terri Marshall

W

hen snow piles up on

doing in their professional lives or

in-car video, spotlights, beacons,

rooftops,

shoveling

private lives, safety suppliers have

grille lights, and more.

is a prudent choice

the equipment they need to stay safe

for the safety of the roof. For the

lights”

while getting the job done.

safety of the shoveler, there’s fall fall

protection

to

increase

visibility

of

wildlife on the roads. “The moose

Protection for Law

lights are a large, steady-burn

Enforcement

light typically installed on off-road

Founded in 1996, Alaska Safety

vehicles like Jeeps. But we put them

protection equipment.

“Our

The company also utilizes “moose

products

are all over the board,” says Clint VanNoy, president of Alaska Safety,

stocks

and

on law enforcement vehicles to

an industrial supplier with locations in

headwear, first aid supplies, eye and

help officers see moose and other

Anchorage and Wasilla. “We have roof

hearing protection, respirators, and

wildlife,” VanNoy explains.

anchoring systems, self-retracting

customization kits for emergency

Alaska Safety also sells personal

lifelines, and more. We also stock a

vehicles. Both the Anchorage and

protection equipment for public

variety of slip protection items for

Wasilla stores feature complete

safety officers. Respiratory protection

shoes, including ice cleats.”

installation

aids

Roof shoveling, with the proper gear,

need

not

be

any

more

dangerous than the next job. And there’s gear available to mitigate

a

protective

stocked

gloves

shops

along

inventory

of

with

vehicle

officers

ex p e r i e n c e s

facing

dangerous

including

drug

lighting, storage equipment, and

laboratory clean outs, perimeter

numerous safety goods.

control of hazardous material spill

A major part of Alaska Safety’s

the dangers of the next job, too.

business

out

rescue, preliminary investigations at

Personal safety equipment needs

turnkey police vehicles. To accomplish

suspicious sites, and riot response.

vary depending on the location and

this, the company equips the vehicles

Any of these situations can yield

the task, but whatever Alaskans are

with safety partitions, G3Vision

infectious or toxic gases and vapors.

72 | January 2025

includes

building

sites, first response emergency

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

For government, businesses, and

water purification tablet, whistle,

For travel on the water, the Alaska

magnesium

fishing

Department of Fish and Game

a variety of truck vaults for vehicle

kit, insect repellent, and a space

requires all boaters to have one US

organization. One example is the

blanket. Going beyond the basics,

Coast Guard-approved life jacket for

Captain LX, which features a magnum

Eagle Safety also offers customized

each person aboard. The life vest

height weapons drawer capable of

survival kits with optional accessory

must be in serviceable condition.

carrying scoped firearms side-by-

items including personal locator

Persons 13 years of age and younger

side, coupled with a five-drawer

beacons. Other products available

are required by law to wear a life

unit including a front-loading cubby

include

jacket at all times when in an open

for bulk items. Another favorite

aviation life vests.

is The Chief, which reigns as the most

popular

command

center

and features two extending file drawers, a fold-up map board, full-size weapons drawer, and two additional utility drawers.

Air and Water Travel

fire

aviation

starter,

life

rafts

and

boat or on the boat deck.

WINTER APPROVED

With small aircraft landing on short runways in remote areas, safety kits aren’t only an innovative idea, they’re mandatory. Alaska Statute 02.35.110 requires aircraft to be equipped with emergency rations and equipment measured to the number of passengers on each flight.

Eagle Enterprises Safety Solutions, in business since 1972 with locations in Anchorage and Homer, fabricates aviation survival kits to meet this requirement. “We custom design kits to the correct capacity for the aircraft, for example a two-person super cub requires a two-person capacity kit,” explains Eagle Enterprises sales and leasing manager Mike Murphy. “Our kits are created to meet the State of Alaska standards and include a mix of items someone may possibly need in a survival situation.”

Aviation safety kit contents include 3,600-calorie food rations, signal mirror, aerial flares, matches, head nets, tea light candles, nylon cord,

www.CraigTaylorEquipment.com

survival knife, survival axe, water bag, www.akbizmag.com

Alaska Business

January 2025 | 73

INDUSTRY SUPPORT

individuals, Alaska Safety provides

Hobbypix | iStock

INDUSTRY SUPPORT

400-, 1,600-, and 3,000-square-foot areas.” Powered by either four D-cell batteries or a 12 volt battery, the energizer can put out 9,500 volts at forty pulses per minute.

“We see a mix of customers for the bear fence kits,” says Murphy.

“Hunters often use them to protect their encampment or—if they get a kill—the fence keeps the bears away until they get a chance to transport it out. We’ve got some folks that have chickens or rabbits and need protection for their cages to keep predators out.”

Backcountry hikers sometimes pack the kits, too, for campsite defense.

“We include instructions with the fence and, of course, answer the

Eagle Enterprises offers options to

in outdoor pursuits. It’s equally

questions of our customers to make

meet this regulation, as well, such

important to thoroughly clean and

this reasonably easy to set up,” says

as the Lifesling3 Overboard Rescue

maintain safety equipment.

Murphy. “Recently we’ve had some

System. This flotation collar includes

Thus, in addition to providing a

customers inquire about kits that

twenty-one pounds of buoyancy. It

variety of safety equipment, Eagle

cover bigger areas. We’re working

can be towed to an overboard crew

Enterprises serves as a federally

with them on a custom installation.”

member or passenger rather than

approved

the individual having to swim to it.

inspection and service of inflatable

deterrence,

The system also can be used as a

lifesaving rafts and vests used

the Rumbler low-frequency siren,

lifting sling to help the individual get

for aviation and marine activities.

originally developed for police to

out of the water. For larger boats, the

Service centers can inspect and clean

clear traffic more effectively. “You

rescue system includes a longer 150-

immersion suits, flotation coats,

don’t hear the system as much as

foot retrieval line. Additional features

flotation coveralls, and transport

you feel it through a vibration,” says

include stainless D-rings that facilitate

suits. Additionally, Eagle Enterprises

VanNoy. “We sell them to customers

lifting the person out of the water,

specializes in cleaning garments

in Northern Alaska to help keep

two-inch-wide SOLAS reflecting tape

soiled during oil spill cleanups.

polar bears out of neighborhoods.

service

station

for

for increased visibility at night, and a

Bear Aware

rugged, UV-resistant fiberglass case, which includes graphics illustrating

One

of

Eagle

Enterprises’

For a different approach to bear Alaska

Safety

sells

The

bears

feel

the

vibrations,

and

they

don’t

like

them,

so

it keeps them away.”

the instructions for recovering a

specialties is bear protection. The

In a state where remote lands far

person in the water. The kit is Coast

company fabricates the Electro Bear

exceed populated areas, wildlife

Guard approved for both recreational

Guard Fence Kit in its Anchorage

roams

and commercial vessels.

facility. “The bear fence kits are

much more than a light dusting,

Purchasing appropriate equipment

one of our proprietary products,”

safety

is just one step in maintaining a

says Murphy. “We have them in

everyday life whether on the job or

safe environment on the job or

three different sizes that cover

enjoying time in nature.

74 | January 2025

freely,

and

equipment

snowfall is

part

is of

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

INDUSTRY SUPPORT

www.akbizmag.com

Alaska Business

January 2025 | 75

INDUSTRY SUPPORT

Cloth Encounters Commercial laundries keep Alaska businesses springtime fresh

By Rachael Kvapil

“W

ash,

rinse,

repeat”

doesn't

fully

Woodland’s spinoff The Laundry Group specializes in

capture the unsung support that

supporting healthcare providers statewide. This separate

commercial laundry and linen services

facility is geared toward meeting the standards and

provide to healthcare, hospitality, and other industries

regulations set for medical laundry by the US Occupational

around Alaska. These aren’t just laundromats. Large

Safety and Health Administration, the US Centers for

facilities like Snow White Linen can collect dirty linens,

Disease Control and Prevention, and the Healthcare

sort them for processing, and deliver clean, fresh

Laundry Accreditation Council. The Laundry Group

products in a timely manner.

services clinics of every size, hospitals, long-term care

“It's the difference between a construction worker with a

facilities, and dental offices. It also provides consulting

pickup truck and a toolbox versus a construction company

services to help design an on-premise facility from the

that builds skyscrapers,” says Scott Woodland, CEO and

ground up or optimize an existing one. The Laundry

owner of Snow White Linen Supply and The Laundry

Group walks customers through assessment, equipment

Group. “They both work in the construction industry but

selection and installation, and staff training and then

on different scales.”

follows up with ongoing support. Onsite laundry departments can also purchase

Shirts and Sheets

supplies and chemicals, including detergents,

Laundry is just one aspect of Snow White Linen's

bleaches, stain removers, and fabric softeners.

customizable services. In 2002, Snow White Linen

Big and Small

expanded into uniform and linen rental and cleaning supplies. Woodland's company maintains a diverse

“When I tell people I'm in the

inventory to support the food and beverage, automotive,

commercial laundry business,

facility maintenance, and related industries.

they

For instance, in many Alaska restaurants, the uniforms

often

will

look

the brochure and say,

worn by the chef and waitstaff and the napkins and

‘ I t 's

tablecloths are supplied by Snow White or its nationally

How hard can that

owned competitor, Alsco Uniforms. Hotels and lodges

be?’” says Woodland.

often use these rental services for towels, bedding,

at

just

Providing

l a u n d r y.

routine

and robes. Mats, mops, restroom items, and floor care

uniforms and linens to

supplies are available to facility services, and workwear

businesses around the

can be rented to industrial workers for safety purposes.

state requires a fleet of

The combination of what businesses can rent from a

trucks operating consistently.

uniform and linen company is endless.

Woodland

76 | January 2025

says

delivery

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

Trade Secrets

massage therapists, or cafes use

same time they collect linens for

Dondees’

washing

laundering. Since many items are

services

at

attainable

hesitant to reveal too many details of

fitted for individual employees or

price point than Snow White Linen

how his company works. He says the

personalized for their customers,

or The Laundry Group.

laundry and linen supply business

a

and

more

folding

Woodland

admits

that

he

is

is highly competitive, despite what

Snow White Linen and The Laundry

“If smaller businesses calculate

Group use a fully digitized system

the amount of time it takes to do the

to track every garment throughout

laundry themselves or the difficulty to

Only a handful of laundry facilities

its lifecycle. Woodland says that

meet sanitation standards, they'll find

like Dondees exist within the state,

letting

it's better to outsource,” he says.

leaving only Snow White Linen,

businesses

know

where

people might think.

garments are in the process helps them avoid unnecessary downtime.

Likewise, his companies use a paperless system to notify customers if a garment is missing or needs repair or replacement.

In addition to commercial-scale washers and dryers, Woodland also owns a laundry that fits somewhere between a laundromat and an industrial facility. Dondees Laundry in Anchorage offers laundry service pickup and delivery within the city. Woodland says many smaller businesses

like

chiropractors,

Let’s Explore doing business together.

Call on us to be your local home town printer!

www.akbizmag.com

teena137 | iStock

greatoriginals.com

907-561-8922 • 360 E. Int’l Airport Road • Anchorage Alaska Business

January 2025 | 77

INDUSTRY SUPPORT

trucks drop off clean items at the

INDUSTRY SUPPORT

Bedding in hospitals and inpatient clinics requires special handling per standards set by the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council.

Sergey Dolgikh| iStock

The Laundry Group, and Alsco

Laundry Group to achieve paperless

and equipment costs have doubled

to

markets.

invoicing, making it easier for their

within the last five years, and

In recent years, Woodland has

customers to schedule services

utilities are up by 60 percent, making

increasingly seen people attempt

and order products.

operations more expensive.

serve

larger

B2B

to enter the commercial laundering

Woodland says the cost of services

market by stealing ideas rather

his companies provide varies due

avoid

than innovating. He says many

to differing customer needs. How

to our customers,” he says. “It

entering this niche market don't

those services are priced individually

eventually reached a point where

understand the costs associated

is

we couldn't do that, and we were

with constructing and operating

Woodland says is best revealed

an industrial laundry.

when a potential customer submits a

“We've been doing this a long time

another

trade

secret,

which

years,

I

feel

like

these

costs

on

forced to raise prices.”

As for his current employees, for all that they do. He says their

A Tight Market

ourselves in Alaska,” says Woodland. the

passing

Woodland has a great appreciation

request for a quote.

and worked hard to differentiate “Over

“We have done everything to

efforts

A competitive market is only one

Alaska

businesses and industries moving.

that

commercial laundry services. The

White Linen and The Laundry Group

commercial laundries are efficient

widespread labor shortage in Alaska

are essential to the overall state

due to advancing technology in

has made filling positions with

economy, not just because they're

washers,

dryers,

and

customer

qualified workers harder. Woodland

Alaska businesses but because they

service

portal

technologies.

says this is his biggest challenge

support Alaska companies.

Compared to when he entered the

since his companies are moving

“I wish people understood just

business twenty-two years ago, he

products around the state. This led

how hard they are all working.

says machines have increased in

to a tighter logistic process to avoid

There isn't anybody working here

size, with the capacity to handle

running an empty truck.

that isn't earning their wages,” says

did

disclose

by

many

He says Alaska companies like Snow

Woodland

faced

so

larger

we've changed the game.”

challenge

keep

heavy loads and clean heavily soiled

Increasing operating costs are

Woodland. “Without our services,

items. Portal technologies have

reflected in the price charged to

many businesses would have a

allowed Snow White Linen and The

customers. Woodland says labor

harder time operating.”

78 | January 2025

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

INDUSTRY SUPPORT

www.akbizmag.com

Alaska Business

January 2025 | 79

THE FOCUSED MANAGER

J

ack was offered a management role after several

The remedy is for the pilot to trust the airplane’s

years as a star individual contributor. He loved

instruments. Inexperienced pilots have difficulty doing

the company and his work and was excited to

that when their bodies tell them something different.

lead a team of five.

Overcoming this hesitation requires practice, and

However, one year later, he received a poor performance review. He got feedback that he wasn’t following through on commitments, was missing deadlines, and wasn’t responding to important emails.

trainers encourage pilots to upgrade their skills to avoid these types of accidents.

Managers face the same problem. They step into a new role with more responsibility while using the same

He knew the feedback was accurate but felt defensive

systems they’ve always used. They end up working longer

because he was working harder than ever. He routinely

hours to meet demands, which decreases job satisfaction.

worked in the evening and even squeezed in a few hours

Their employees notice, team performance declines, and

on Saturday mornings. He had given up going to the gym

pressures mount. The manager’s personal life, health, and

and could tell his pants were getting tighter. He wondered

relationships also degrade.

if it was all worth it.

Eventually, they crash and burn.

Jack had entered the management death spiral.

If Jack wants a chance to succeed as a manager, he will

In flying, the death spiral is when an inexperienced

need to upgrade his personal productivity system.

pilot loses visual references and experiences spatial disorientation. The plane enters a banked descent, but the

What Is a Personal Productivity System?

pilot thinks the wings are straight and level. As the plane

I define a personal productivity system as the collection

accelerates, the pilot senses the descent and pulls back on

of habits, routines, and tools someone uses to manage

the stick. This causes the spiral to tighten, and the rate of

their work, their time, and their attention.

descent increases. This continues until the plane crashes

Most people think about their work processes as a set of

and kills the pilot.

discrete components. For example, an email and calendar

80 | January 2025

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

system, a daily task list, a ticketing

environment, this will include

will spend their time to create value

system, and a morning routine.

tools like Slack or Teams, client

for themselves, their teams, and

work systems, notifications from

the organization.

an integrated productivity system

other

systems,

Some items may be quick to

allows one to evaluate how the

and face-to-face meetings with

complete and ready to work on

tools work together, which habits

stakeholders.

immediately. However, many will

and routines need modification,

Managers must regularly review

benefit from refinement so that the

and what new strategies might

their

manager is clear on what needs to

increase their impact.

capture all inputs to their workload.

be done and the priority.

In the November 2024 issue of

Then they must decide where

Tasks should be refined so they

Alaska Business, I described three

those items live and consolidate

are

levels of personal systems.

the number of places they track

using decisive verbs will help.

x Level 1: There are established

information.

For example, “Decide on the next

routines to manage current duties,

x Organize: The Organize stage is

steps for the XYZ project” is more

but it isn’t scalable. If demands

about creating an organizational

powerful than “Review the XYZ

increase, effort must increase. Jack

structure and process for managing

project status.”

is stuck here.

everything captured. Only some

Tasks should also have clearly

x Level 2: The established routines

things captured are tasks, and

defined success and completion

can flex as demands change. The

many items will be discarded,

criteria. For instance, “Define

person can absorb added pressures

archived, or saved for reference. A

three actionable next steps for

and build new habits to accomplish

good organizational system makes

the XYZ project and email them

goals. Jack needs to get here if he

that process easy with structure

to the team by end of day to start

wants to succeed as a manager.

and habits.

implementation.”

x Level 3: The system creates margin

The structure will depend on

Other resources to help develop

and increases impact. Reaching this

personal preferences and the

useful refinement practices are

level will allow Jack to take on even

environment, but managers should

the Focus Funnel, a productivity

more responsibility.

keep things as simple as possible.

technique for channeling attention,

Following is a framework that busy

Then they can create a daily habit

and the Eisenhower Matrix, a

managers can use to create and level

of using a checklist to review their

simple grid to assign priorities

up their personal productivity system.

captured items. For example, my

based on what is important, urgent,

I call it the CORE System, which

daily review checklist contains

both, or neither.

stands for Capture, Organize, Refine,

my email, calendar, customer

Developing

and Execute. It provides a framework

relationship

practices is essential to effective

for organizing and upgrading the

LinkedIn, and task list.

management.

habits, routines, and tools necessary

Once the items are organized,

managers risk spending their

to be effective at work.

the manager has a list of tasks

energy working on low-priority,

x Capture: If something needs to get

or work items. Although they will

low-value tasks.

done, it must be known and visible.

be tempted to dive in and start

x Execute: Managers have constant

That is the first step in the system.

working, there’s another vital

interruptions

In the Capture stage, all inputs to

stage.

competing for their attention. It

the workload must be identified

x Refine: Items must be refined so

is hard for them to find time to

and consolidated into a streamlined

that the manager works on the

get work done. They must have

view.

right tasks at the right time. The

strategies to reduce distractions

Everyone has an email inbox,

Refine stage is where a manager

and improve focus, which is the

but

makes decisions about how they

Execute stage.

However, thinking about these as

in

today ’s

www.akbizmag.com

omnichannel

departmental

system

and

verify

they

management,

Alaska Business

actionable.

Writing

good

refinement

Without

and

them

them,

situations

January 2025 | 81

The CORE system

Here are some ideas for managers

that supports a healthy work/life

to build their execution systems.

balance and a successful career.

x Conduct a time study and audit

That’s what happened to Jack.

where time is spent. Reclaim time

He recognized his situation was

that isn’t spent on meaningful

deteriorating. Instead of continuing

work.

to work harder, he took a step back

x Use time blocking to allocate part

and evaluated his system. He started

identify areas to

of the day to deep work, part of

making incremental updates.

the day to regular tasks, and part

x He documented all of the inputs

improve, and create

of the day to managerial work.

to his workload. He reconfigured

x Employ methods like Eat the Frog,

notifications in two systems to flow

identifying the most important

through his email and is continuing

task likely to be postponed, to

to look for ways to consolidate.

overcome procrastination.

x He created a daily review checklist

x Try

that he uses every morning.

is a framework to evaluate the current state,

a cohesive strategy for personal productivity.

Managers can level up their system by consistently making small,

the

Pomodoro

breaking

work

Technique,

into

focused

x He is very deliberate about the

segments s e p a ra t e d by s h o r t

work he does. Before he starts

breaks, to manage distractions.

work, he ensures the task is clear and fits his priorities.

The Foundation for Success

x When he has tasks requiring

The CORE system is a framework

complete

to

evaluate

the

current

state,

incremental

identify areas to improve, and

improvements.

personal

create can

a

cohesive

strategy

productivity.

level

up

consistently

their

good

he

uses

the

Pomodoro technique.

Instead

of

entering

the

for

management death spiral, Jack has

Managers

created a system that is moving him

system

making

by

forward. He is more content and

small,

confident at work; others routinely

incremental improvements.

A

focus,

productivity

ask him about his techniques to system

stay balanced and still get so much

has four traits.

done. Jack is building a successful

x Reliable: Does the system work

career as a manager.

when things get hectic, demand increases,

82 | January 2025

or

unexpected

Brian Walch is an executive coach,

disruptions happen?

consultant, and speaker on leadership

x Structured: In a structured system,

development.

there are more opportunities to

uses his extensive

automate repetitive and low-value

experience

tasks.

people

x Simple: The simpler the system,

systems to provide

the easier it is to integrate with

tools and services

other systems.

to

x Accessible: If others can access the

managers

system, they can collaborate with it.

lead

themselves,

With this approach and direction, a

their

organizations.

manager can build a Level 3 system

shiftfocus.com.

He

in and

empower to their

teams,

Learn

more

and at

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

BE READY WHEN HER DREAMS TAKE OFF. Invest your PFD today.

No matter what sparks your child’s curiosity and imagination, we have a plan for it.

Use your savings at any eligible university, college, vocational school, apprenticeship, or even K–12 public, private, and religious schools.

Answer “Yes” to the Alaska 529 question on the PFD application to contribute half of a PFD into an Alaska 529 account, and you will be automatically entered to win a $25,OOO scholarship account.*

To learn more visit Alaska529plan.com ONE PLAN, MANY PATHS.

Go online to request a Plan Disclosure Document, which includes investment objectives, risks, fees, expenses, and other information. You should read the Plan Disclosure Document carefully before investing. Offered by the Education Trust of Alaska. T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc., Distributor/Underwriter.

*Certain restrictions apply; visit Alaska529plan.com for complete rules.

202411-4015172

INSIDE ALASKA BUSINESS 4T% Ranch

owns a smaller plant in Kodiak, and

acquired by Atlanta-based Gray

Days before the impending shutdown

President and CEO Frank Dulcich

Media, owner of Anchorage’s NBC

of the only US Department of

says the acquisition is an opportunity

affiliate, KTUU channel 2.

Agriculture-certified meat processing

to expand operations.

alaskapublic.org

plant in Southcentral, a Soldotna

pacificseafood.com

rancher came to the rescue. Ben

ConocoPhillips Alaska

Adams of 4T% Ranch committed to

Red Onion Saloon

buying Mt. McKinley Meat & Sausage

A former Klondike-era brothel turned

the North Slope’s most promising

in Palmer. The previous owner, a joint

pizza restaurant and bar in Skagway

new developments has revealed a

venture with a Delta Junction hog

entered a new era in October. Jan

new pool. ConocoPhillips applied to

farmer, announced last September

Wrentmore retired as owner of the

the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation

that they would take no more

Red Onion Saloon, handing the

Commission for a pilot enhanced

customers after November 1, citing

business over to Tracy LaBarge of

oil recovery project of the reservoir

the high cost of feed for livestock

Juneau, who also owns Tracy’s King

named Minke. The application notes

awaiting slaughter. Adams, who has

Crab Shack. Wrentmore was one of

that the significance of the Minke

amassed a herd of more than 250

the few women to own a Skagway bar

pool was overlooked despite wells

cattle since starting his ranch a few

when she opened Red Onion Saloon

drilled into the formation, on the

years ago, says he plans to alter the

in 1980. LaBarge has had her eye on

western edge of the Colville River

business by processing wild game

the venue since working in Skagway

unit, since the late ‘90s. The oil-in-

as well. He says the slaughterhouse

more than thirty years ago.

place estimate is up to 150 million

will help put his beef in front of more

redonion1898.com

barrels. ConocoPhillips plans to

customers at stores and restaurants, which can only accept meat from a

Alaska Public Media

The Nanushuk formation underlying

develop the pool from its CD5 site. alaska.conocophillips.com

certified processor. Alaska has only

The transmitter on a Midtown

two others: Delta Meat and Sausage

Anchorage tower that broadcasts

in Delta Junction and AK’s Midstate

KTVA on channel 11 is becoming

Alaska’s newest oil slope could be

Meats in North Pole.

part of Alaska Public Media. The

on the flats. Hilcorp Alaska is set to

nonprofit agreed to acquire the

explore this summer in the Yukon

license and equipment from Denali

Flats on land owned by Tihteet’ Aii,

Kodiak’s largest seafood processing

Media Anchorage Corporation, a

the village corporation for Birch

plant has a new owner. Trident

subsidiary of GCI, pending approval

Creek, south of Fort Yukon. Regional

Seafoods reached a deal in October

by the Federal Communications

corporation Doyon, Limited owns

to sell the Star of Kodiak plant to

Commission. Alaska Public Media

the subsurface rights. Hilcorp

Pacific Seafood. Seattle-based Trident

will continue to broadcast KAKM on

submitted a spill discharge plan for

announced a major restructuring

channel 7 from a tower at Goose

state approval, in advance of drilling

in December 2023 which included

Bay, north of Anchorage, while the

10 to 15 miles north of the village.

selling four plants in Alaska, or one-

added signal from Midtown will

The US Geological Survey estimated

third of its facilities in the state. The

extend coverage for viewers without

in 2004 that the region could hold

Kodiak sale was the last after Trident

cable or streaming connections. KTVA

up to 600 million barrels of oil,

unloaded seasonal facilities in False

has been carrying rerun network

but most of the land is protected

Pass, Petersburg, and Ketchikan.

Rewind TV since September 2021,

by the Yukon Flats National

Oregon-based Pacific Seafood already

a year after its CBS affiliation was

Wildlife Refuge, except for some

Pacific Seafood

84 | January 2025

Hilcorp | Doyon

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

GOLD & SILVER BULLION IS A GREAT INVESTMENT. Buy from an Experienced and Trusted Local Dealer.

Protect Yourself from Inflation and an Unstable Global Economy.

BUY : SELL : TRADE www.oxfordmetals.com 1.907.561.5237

■

■

ANCHORAGE FAIRBANKS

Alaska Native inholdings.

own Business of the Year award

facility would be located on the far

hilcorp.com | doyon.com

to Nicholai in April, nominated

side of Douglas Island, where the

her for further recognition at

Alaska Native urban corporation

the Alaska Federation of Natives

owns nearly 2,000 acres. Preliminary

The Alaska Federation of Natives

convention in October.

designs have two floating berths,

presented its Small Business of

blackbulltobacco.com

and visitors would be transported to

Blackbull Native Store

the Year award to Daphne Nicholai

Goldbelt

of Oscarville, owner of Blackbull

a recreated Tlingit village circa the 1800s. Goldbelt is also proposing

Native Store in Anchorage. The

Hours after the City and Borough

on-site employee housing, which

shop sells fry bread, fireweed

of Juneau finalized October election

could drive demand for a second

tea, berry pickers, and qaspeq

results that showed voters rejecting

bridge across Gastineau Channel. The

jackets among other hyper-local

“ship-free Saturdays,” Royal

developers anticipate having financial

merchandise. Nicholai started

Caribbean joined with Goldbelt, Inc.

estimates and concept designs by

the business by selling smokeless

to announce a new cruise port for

next spring, aiming for completion

tobacco, called iqmik, by mail order.

the capital city. Rather than further

for the 2027 cruise season.

Calista Corporation, which gave its

crowd Juneau’s waterfront, the new

goldbelt.com

Greatland Studios

THIS ALASKA BUSINESS

THIS ALASKA BUSINESS Alaska Scientific

From a building mostly occupied

salesman. “We have some advantage

researchers studying Arctic methane

by a carpet store, Alaska Scientific

here, in that we’re local and we have

with an eye toward understanding

has been supplying materials and

a warehouse with inventory readily

Saturn’s moon Titan.

equipment for environmental testing,

available.”

Part 26 of an ongoing video series.

medical exams, and cutting-edge research for thirty-five years.

Delicate handling is a specialty, and the team takes pride in supporting

Scan the QR code to watch

healthcare services in remote

the video featuring Alaska

corporations,” says founder and CEO

communities. Blood tests are a big

Scientific.

Del Salyer, who got his start as a

seller, yet Alaska Scientific also supplies

youtube.com/@alaskabusinessmagazine

“Our competition is all multinational

86 | January 2025

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

Delivering the supplies that keep flowing Providing seamless, best-in-class rail, over-the-road, and ocean-shipping service from around the world to your site.

Matson.com/Alaska

RIGHT MOVES Chugach Alaska Corporation

·

The board of Chugach

management from the Community

for three years. He also spent more than

College of the Air Force in Alabama

two decades with Crowley companies.

Alaska Corporation

and a bachelor’s degree in information

appointed Katherine Carlton

systems from Northeastern State

to Interim President, taking

University in Oklahoma. He also trained

over for Peter Andersen, who remains

with the FBI Chief Information Security

·

as COO. Carlton most recently served

Officer Academy.

Susan Bell as Vice President

Carlton

as Chugach’s Vice President of ANCSA

Huna Totem Corporation Huna Totem hired former

Commerce Commissioner

Bell

of Strategic Initiatives,

and Community Affairs. She continues

Bowhead Transport

helping oversee projects such as Aak’w

to lead the recently established Chugach

Bowhead Transport, part of Ukpeaġvik

Landing in Juneau and the Alaska Native

Regional Development and the newly

Iñupiat Corporation’s UIC Commercial

Tourism Network. The village corporation

formed nonprofit Chugach Tribal

Services division, named two new

for Hoonah also named her to a new

Services. Carlton holds a bachelor’s

members of its top leadership team.

·

degree in accounting from the University

Tourism Advisory Board. Originally

Clark Hill is promoted to

from Nome, Bell now lives in Juneau.

of Alaska and graduated from Alaska

Director of Marine Services.

She previously served as president

Pacific University’s Alaska Native

Hill previously served as

of McKinley Research Group and as

Bowhead Transport’s general

vice president of Goldbelt, Inc., and in

Executive Leadership Program and

Hill

Harvard Business School’s Advanced

manager. The new position expands

between she served in the administration

Management Program.

his responsibilities to cover Alaska and

of former Governor Sean Parnell.

Doyon, Limited

·

Smith

Pacific-wide business development to

Peak Trust Company

·

facilitate Bowhead Transport’s growth.

Aaron Smith joins the

Hill’s maritime experience was formed

leadership team of Doyon,

on the Mississippi River, Puget Sound,

Limited as Vice President

and in Alaska.

·

of Information Technology.

The Peak Trust Company

appointed Anchorage attorney Julie Wrigley as

To find a new General

Wrigley

Audit Committee Chair

Smith has more than twenty-four

Manager, the company

on the estate planning firm’s board

years of experience in technology and

hired an industry veteran.

of directors. She joined the board

Luther Bartholomew returns

in November 2023. A graduate of

cybersecurity leadership, starting in

Bar tholomew

the US Air Force Reserve and the Alaska

to the UIC family of companies from

Willamette University School of Law,

Air National Guard. Smith earned an

Vitus Energy. Prior to that he served as

Wrigley previously worked as an estate

associate degree in information systems

general manager of UIC Marine Services

planning lawyer for eighteen years

RIGHT MOVES IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY NORTHERN AIR CARGO

Committed to the Alaska Spirit 88 | January 2025

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

before transitioning to academia in 2017

Medical Center, Zink was a frequent

bachelor’s degree in zoology from State

at UAA. She recently received tenure as

guest on the show in 2020 and 2021

University of New York at Oswego and is

Associate Professor of Management and

when she was the State of Alaska’s chief

a Certified Community Bank Compliance

was appointed Interim Associate Dean at

medical officer during the COVID-19

Officer and Credit Union Compliance

the College of Business and Public Policy.

pandemic.

iHeartMedia

·

iHeartMedia promoted

·

·

Expert.

Since April 2024, the

Neddie Manabat is now Branch

rotation of hosts for Outdoor

Manager at Ketchikan Financial Center.

Explorer has included Amy

Manabat started at Alaska Pacific

Bushatz. The publisher

Bank in 2012, and Northrim acquired

Joe “Crash” Albrecht to

Bushat z

Senior Vice President of

of the Mat-Su Sentinel news website

that institution in 2014. Manabat

Programming for Alaska.

moved from Kentucky to Palmer, sight-

holds a bachelor’s degree in business

Overseeing six stations in Anchorage

unseen, to pursue an outdoor-focused

management from the University of the

and four in Fairbanks, Albrecht succeeds

lifestyle after her husband left US Army

Assumption in the Philippines.

Mark Murphy, who retired after more

active duty. After two decades in print

than thirty-five years in radio. Albrecht’s

journalism, she says “stepping into

gravelly, excitable delivery is heard on

public radio was a top goal.”

Albrecht

·

100.5 The Fox and News-Talk 650 KENI.

Added to the host

·

Michelle Rojas, with Northrim

since 2017, becomes Assistant Branch Manager at Ketchikan Financial Center.

With more than twelve years in banking,

He has been program director of those

rotation for Hometown,

Rojas holds a bachelor’s degree in

stations and Fox Sports affiliate KTZN-

Alaska is Kim Sherry, the

accounting from Fernandez College of

first Alaskan to appear as a

Arts and Technology in the Philippines.

·

AM (550 The Zone). Albrecht started

Sherr y

in radio at Ingstad Broadcasting in

contestant on The Great American Recipe

Anchorage, and he earned his nickname

on PBS. A fourth-generation Alaskan

August as Assistant Branch Manager,

early in his career due to an accident

who grew up in King Salmon, Sherry is

Float Pool. Boado has fourteen years of

with a company vehicle.

an artist of pet portraits and children's

experience in banking.

Alaska Public Media

books, and she owned a clothing business in Anchorage.

Alaska Public Media added three new

Northrim Bank

radio hosts to its weekly health, outdoor

·

recreation, and Alaska living programs.

Dr. Anne Zink joins

three other hosts in the

Zink

Northrim Bank welcomed some new

·

officers and managers.

·

Leigh Boado joined Northrim last

Constance Aguilar joined Northrim

in September as a Branch Manager in Anchorage. A lifelong Alaskan, Aguilar

·

has sixteen years in banking.

Rodney Isaloi started at Northrim

in September as a Branch Manager in

Jennifer Shaughnessy joined

Anchorage. He has been in banking

rotating lineup for Line One:

Northrim in July as AVP, Lending

for twelve years, ten of those in a

Your Health Connection. An

Compliance Manager. She has more than

supervisory role. He is licensed for life

twenty years in banking. She holds a

insurance and investment advising.

emergency physician at Mat-Su Regional

Northern Air Cargo is committed to getting your cargo where it needs to be, on time, so you can worry about what really matters.

For more information, please visit us at www.nac.aero. www.akbizmag.com

Alaska Business

January 2025 | 89

ALASKA TRENDS

B

ad news first: the number of reporters and journalists employed in Alaska is expected to shrink by 19 percent by 2032. Admittedly, this news hits more closely for the editorial team here at Alaska Business than for most readers, who can find more uplifting statistics in the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s

ten-year occupational forecast.

For instance, the report anticipates a 38 percent surge in oil and gas employment to 9,718 jobs by 2032, just 5 percent shy of the industry’s peak in 2019. Each year, the state will see approximately 2,210 new jobs due to growth, plus 37,000 annual openings from the regular churn of workers leaving positions.

The department’s Research and Analysis Section creates the ten-year projection every other year based on a quarterly census of employment and wages (in this case, 2022 was the most recent year with solid data). Estimates do not include self-employed workers, such as most fishermen, nor agricultural or private household workers. The projections involve a mixture of historical trends and current events as shaped by population data.

In December, the department looked beyond the 2032 horizon of occupations to the here-before-you-know-it year of 2050 for a long-term population projection in Alaska Economic Trends. For the first time, it indicates a decrease in the total number of Alaskans, from 737,000 in 2023 to 723,000 by mid-century. More significantly, the age composition will shift, with a much smaller number of children.

This month’s article “Alaska’s Economic Outlook: Forecasting 2025” by Terri Marshall looks forward twelve months. To help ring in the new year, this edition of Alaska Trends gazes into the deeper mists of time to illustrate the occupational projections for years to come.

SOURCE: “Alaska Industr y and Occupational Projec tions for 2022–2032,” Alaska Depar tment of Labor and Work force Development, Oc tober 2024

Pikka & Willow Dig Deep 16% Growth in Mining Gains will come from exploration intended to sustain existing mines or use current infrastructure, as currently operating mines are approaching their end-of-life phases.

As the Pikka & Willow projects are developed, oil & gas employment is expected to spike.

Employment after Pikka & Willow are completed is projected to reach 9,718 total jobs by 2032, which is 38% higher than in 2022.

Support Activities

Services Providing sector will provide the most new jobs.

Support jobs

Service Providers,

dominated in

which includes trade,

Natural Resources

transportation & utilities,

and Mining, so that

is projected to add the

sector is projected

most jobs by 2032 growing

to increase by 40%.

from 278,775 to 294,420.

40% Growth in

90 | January 2025

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

300K

2022 vs 2032 Industry Projections 1st quarter 2024 employment was 1.3% higher

200K

than the 1st quarter of 2019, showing Alaska is past the pandemic job recovery stage.

2 2022

2 2032

100K

Top 6 Growth Sectors

Total Government

Other Services

Leisure & Hospitality

Education & Health Services

Professional & Business Services

Financial Activities

Information

Services-Providing

Goods-Producing

0

6.9% Growth Across All Industries

Support Activities for Mining

40%

Oil and Gas

38%

22,097 new jobs are

Mining

29%

projected by 2032,

Natural Resources and Mining

25%

bringing the total to

Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation

21%

341,442 statewide.

Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction

18%

Building a Future Nonresidential construction is projected to grow by 14.9% through 2032.

Eyes Wide Shut The Information sector will be the

Specialty trade construction

hardest hit, with a 12% reduction in

is projected to grow by

employment by 2032, followed by the

8.6% through 2032.

Finance and Insurance sectors.

www.akbizmag.com

Alaska Business

January 2025 | 91

your nightstand?

Stranger in a Strange Land

by Robert A. Heinlein.

What charity or cause are you passionate about?

YoungLives. They support teen moms.

What’s the first thing you do when you get home after a long day at work?

Take my dog out. Missy Moo is her name. She’s a little Parson Russell Terrier.

What vacation spot is on your bucket list?

Ireland.

If you could domesticate a wild animal, what animal would it be?

A sea otter. They’re so cute.

Photos by Monica Whit t

What book is currently on

OFF THE CUFF

K

Jay Byam ar torium is a smal l team of sof tware

AB: Is there a skill you’re currently developing or have

developers work ing with novel

always wanted to learn?

technolog y, but it’s not a star tup. Now five

Byam: I’ve played guitar for many years, but I never

years old, it’s outgrown that phase.

actually learned… I can’t read music, so I’m on my way to

“We sti l l involve ourselves in the star tup ecosystem,” ex plains CEO Jay Byam, “but we’re a profitable company at this point. Not current ly raising money.”

motivating myself to actually learning.

AB: What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?

Byam: I swam across a lake [in the Matanuska Valley] thinking it’d be fine. Really cold water. I started cramping

Raised in Delta Junction, Byam earned a

up halfway, and I’m like, “I’m gonna die. This is the end.”

master’s degree in computer science at UAF.

That wasn’t daring; that was just stupid.

He coded games and consu lted for firms li ke

AB: What’s your favorite local restaurant?

A lyeska Pipeline Ser vice Company. He blended his digital graphics and data integration ex per tise to conceive of Kar torium’s f lagship product: a 3D digital twin platform. Uti lities and mines can use it to monitor physical assets with fewer visits to remote sites.

Byam says, “We benefited from star ting in A laska because our clients are ver y involved in A laska. There’s tons of heav y industr y, a lot of remote infrastr ucture.”

Byam continues to unofficial ly mentor other star tups involved in Launch A laska and gBETA, the programs that accelerated Kar torium. “I sti l l don’t see myself as an entrepreneur,”

Byam: Pad Thai Restaurant on College Road in Fairbanks.

AB: Dead or alive, who would you like to see perform live in concert?

Byam: I’m kind of basic. Coldplay.

AB: What’s your greatest extravagance?

Byam: It’s easiest for me to spend extravagant money on food. I love food. A nice steak, that’s worth money for sure.

AB: What’s your best attribute and worst attribute?

Byam: I would say I’m a conscientious

Byam says. “I real ly wanted to not make decisions based on what I was afraid to do. So when this oppor tunity came up, I was li ke, ‘I

person… I think it’s important to do what I say I’m gonna do.

have to do this.’”

Worst? I’m really bad

Alaska Business: What do you do in your free time?

at asking for help. I

Jay Byam: Hang out with my wife, play basketball… not

have trouble being truly

much more than that.

vulnerable with people.

www.akbizmag.com

Alaska Business

January 2025 | 93

ADVERTISERS INDEX Airport Equipment Rentals.......................95

Denali Commercial....................................79

Northrim Bank...........................................27

Alaska Dreams Inc..................................... 47

Doyon, Limited...........................................55

Oxford Assaying & Refining Inc...............85

Alaska Materials......................................... 61

First National Bank Alaska.......................... 5

Premier Alaska Tours................................ 21

Alaska Pacific University...........................55

Fountainhead Development....................33

airportequipmentrentals.com alaskadreamsinc.com alaskamaterials.com alaskapacific.edu

denalicommercial.com doyon.com

fnbalaska.com

fountainheadhotels.com

northrim.com

oxfordmetals.com

premieralaskatours.com

Resolve Marine..........................................65

resolvemarine.com

Altman, Rogers & Co................................. 31

Great Originals Inc....................................77

American Heart Association....................66

Greer Tank.................................................. 61

Anchorage Chrysler Dodge......................49

IMA Financial Group.................................... 9

Anchorage Convention Centers............... 11

Junior Achievement...................................69

Avis Rent-A-Car.......................................... 71

Lennon Crane & Equipment Company.... 41

Bering Straits Native Corp.......................... 7

Lynden........................................................96

ConocoPhillips Alaska...............................43

Manley Brautigam Bankston P.C.............. 41

Conrad-Houston Insurance Agency........ 41

Material Flow & Conveyor Systems, Inc.... 25

theplansroom.com

Construction Machinery Industrial........... 2

Matson Inc.................................................87

totemaritime.com

Cook Inlet Tug & Barge Inc....................... 51

MICROCOM.................................................. 3

Craig Taylor Equipment............................73

MT Housing Inc.......................................... 59

Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center.................................... 13

Davis Constructors & Engineers Inc....... 51

Northern Air Cargo............................. 88,89

Yukon Equipment Inc................................57

altrogco.com heart.org

accak.com

anchorageconventioncenters.com avisalaska.com

beringstraits.com

alaska.conocophillips.com chialaska.com cmiak.com

cookinlettug.com

craigtaylorequipment.com davisconstructors.com

greatoriginals.com greertank.com psfinc.com

ja-alaska.org

lennoncrane.com lynden.com

mb-lawyers.com

materialflow.com matson.com

microcom.tv

mthousing.net nac.aero

Sheet Metal Inc..........................................39 sheetmetalinc.com

Span Alaska Transportation LLC.............. 15 spanalaska.com

Stellar Designs Inc..................................... 31 stellar-designs.com

Summit Consulting Services....................67 scsalaska.com

T. Rowe Price..............................................83 alaska529plan.com

The Odom Corporation............................23 odomcorp.com

The Plans Room......................................... 13 TOTE Maritime Alaska LLC........................75 United Way of Anchorage.........................37 liveunitedanc.org

westmarkhotels.com yukoneq.com

Transform Like A Boss!

C

reating an effective ad is more than putting your logo and an image together. You want to captivate Alaska Business readers with your advertising. As we move into a new year, ask yourself: How can my ads connect with my audience?

Here’s the inside scoop: Harmony and Composition: The first thing to consider is having a balanced ad.

Every element must be cohesive, and the ad should not be cluttered. You control what readers see, so make sure to place components thoughtfully in the right place to be attractive and convey meaning.

Balance plus clarity equals cohesiveness.

Strive for a visual weight from the colors to the objects. Incorporate the design elements so the reader can easily identify where to focus.

Be Bold: The image or images you choose for your ad will become the focal point.

They need to be powerful enough to convince readers to lean in a little further, or take a deeper dive, if you will. This is why major companies invest in photoshoots for their magazine ad campaigns—the photo is IMPORTANT! Make sure that, at a glance, you effectively capture the reader’s interest.

Creative Execution: Find a way to present your message in a way that will spark reader curiosity. People are exposed to a lot of ads. Make yours pop!

Make It Timeless: Our magazine can be picked up in various locations—medical offices, business offices, the Chamber of Commerce, various trade shows, and other public places. This is why it pays off

–SP ON S OR E D

94 | January 2025

to have an ad with evergreen content and design, as readers will still be able to relate to the ad far beyond its original publication date. Stay true to your branding.

If you are ready to start your advertising campaign with Alaska Business, contact me!

Christine Merki has worked in Anchorage media for more than twenty years. Her sales and marketing skills help clients connect with their target audience and meet their annual goals.

She unapologetically lures clients in with her homemade raspberry jam and enjoys pickleball, hot yoga, and Pilates.

CHRISTINE MERKI

907-257-2911 | cmerki@akbizmag.com

CON T E N T –

Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com

John Deere 724P Loader When your material-handling application needs a heavy-duty lift, add a P-Tier Wheel Loader to your lineup.

Combining convenient front-end features with near-parallel lift, spacious operator stations including customizable ergonomic electrohydraulic (EH) controls, streamlined electrical and hydraulic routing, and innovative options, these versatile and productive mid-size models are designed to help you take your operation to the next level.

Anchorage 907.522.6466

The Rental Zone 907.474.2000

Fairbanks 907.456.2000

Kenai 907.335.5466

Delta Junction 907.895.9898

Prudhoe Bay 907.659.2000

airportequipmentrentals.com

We Keep Alaska Moving At Lynden, we know that what we carry is so much more than freight. We supply communities, keep projects on track, and help move the world’s most vital industries forward.

From mechanics and drivers, to customer service and support teams, we are proud of the people who do this hard work every day.

For more information, call us at 1-888-596-3361 or visit our website at lynden.com.