JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT | INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT SERVICES | ECONOMIC OUTLOOK | FINNEX JANUARY 2025
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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
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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
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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.”
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Sales
•
Alaska Business
Rentals
•
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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.”
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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
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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
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nearly $250 million in its network infrastructure within the state. And it recently announced enhancements that have more than doubled network
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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
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state, focusing on tribal, territorial, and rural areas.” www.akbizmag.com
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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
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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
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Alaska Business
January 2025 | 57
INDUSTRY SUPPORT
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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
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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
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food and winter gear. Much of the Dalton’s increased
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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
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Alaska Business
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Alaska Business
January 2025 | 73
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individuals, Alaska Safety provides
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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
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INDUSTRY SUPPORT
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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,
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trucks drop off clean items at the
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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
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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
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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
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■
■
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
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