TOP 49 ALASKAN-OWNED COMPANIES RANKED BY GROSS REVENUE
OCTOBER 2019
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CONTENTS OCTOBER 2019 | VOLUME 35 | NUMBER 10 | AKBIZMAG.COM
FE AT UR E S 10 E DUCATION
114 OIL AND GAS Oil Season
Staying a Step Ahead Why continuing education is a smart investment
The industry prepares for winter drilling
By Vanessa Orr
By Amy Newman
16 GOVERNMENT Calling All Civilians
JBER, Eielson recruiting for hundreds of job openings—no enlistment necessary By Brad Joyal
24 INSURANCE Safe Travels
Insurance provides peace of mind for vacationers By Tracy Barbour
32 MEDIA AND ARTS
Lights, Camera, Actionables Digital video marketing evolves from novel to necessary By Arie Henry
38 FINANCE
Breaking Boundaries A celebration of Alaska-grown, top-earning companies By Tracy Barbour
106 TRANSPORTATION
Getting Goods Around the Globe The ins and outs of international imports and exports By Vanessa Orr
ABOUT THE COVER TOP 49 ALASKAN-OWNED COMPANIES RANKED BY GROSS REVENUE October 2019
122 ENGINEERING
All Hands on Deck Naval architecture and marine engineering require communication and collaboration
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s the Top 49 Alaskan-owned companies ranked by gross revenue! Which, actually, wouldn’t look much like a bird or a plane at all. Certainly they fly in some circumstances, but their facilities are generally grounded and their employees are people-shaped… but we digress. A Top 49er is actually easy to spot—just look for companies that are committed to quality, pillars in the community, and radiating success. We simply cannot use enough exclamation points to describe how over the moon (in a stolen rocket, launched from our underground lair) we are to celebrate the daring escapades of our 2019 Top 49ers!
By Brad Joyal
Cover Art by Monica Sterchi-Lowman
DEPARTMENTS 8 FROM THE EDITOR
132 EVENTS CALENDAR
136 BUSINESS EVENTS
140 R IGHT MOVES
130 OFF THE CUFF
134 EAT, SHOP, PLAY, STAY
138 INSIDE ALASKA BUSINESS
142 ALASKA TRENDS
4 | October 2019
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
ALASKA & BEYOND,
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CONTENTS OCTOBER 2019 | VOLUME 35 | NUMBER 10 | AKBIZMAG.COM
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION 94
Choggiung Makes a Striking 49er Debut A new CEO and a significant acquisition lead to positive momentum
98
Tyonek Native Corporation— Defined by Quality, Dedicated People CEO Leo Barlow helps lead the company to “unprecedented, rapid growth”
102
A Family Affair Watterson Construction: thriving in Alaska since 1981
44
Epic Earnings Decades of Top 49er history By Tasha Anderson
6 | October 2019
52
90
Directory of 2019 Top 49ers
Heroism Abounds
The 2019 Top 49ers Unmasked
Meanwhile in Corporateville…
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
VOLUME 35, #10 Published by Alaska Business Publishing Co. Anchorage, Alaska
EDITORIAL STAFF Managing Editor
Kathryn Mackenzie 257-2907 editor@akbizmag.com Associate/Web Editor
Tasha Anderson 257-2902 tanderson@akbizmag.com Digital and Social Media Specialist
Arie Henry 257-2906 ahenry@akbizmag.com Art Director
Monica SterchiLowman 257-2916 monica@akbizmag.com Art Production
Linda Shogren 257-2912 production@akbizmag.com Photo Contributor
Judy Patrick
BUSINESS STAFF President
Billie Martin VP & General Manager
Jason Martin 257-2905 jason@akbizmag.com VP Sales & Marketing
Charles Bell 257-2909 cbell@akbizmag.com Senior Account Manager
Janis J. Plume 257-2917 janis@akbizmag.com Advertising Account Manager
Christine Merki 257-2911 cmerki@akbizmag.com Accounting Manager
Ana Lavagnino 257-2901 accounts@akbizmag.com Customer Service Representative
Emily Olsen 257-2914 emily@akbizmag.com 501 W. Northern Lights Boulevard,Suite 100 Anchorage, Alaska 99503-2577 Toll Free: 1-800-770-4373 (907) 276-4373 www.akbizmag.com Press releases: press@akbizmag.com
ALASKA BUSINESS PUBLISHING CO., INC. 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; © 2019 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. AKBusinessMonth AKBusinessMonth alaska-business-monthly
8 | October 2019
FROM
THE
EDITOR
Teamwork—It’s a Thing I
’ve been an editor for more than twenty years. I’ve edited just about everything one can imagine (seriously) and never have I been as excited about a magazine issue as I am about this issue of Alaska Business. It’s not just because it contains our annual Top 49ers special section or because, as a group, the Top 49ers reported more than $17 billion in 2018 revenue (which is the highest group total in Top 49ers history), or even that I’m in love with this year’s theme: Meanwhile in Corporateville… It’s the amount of teamwork that went into this issue that has me saying, “Zoinks!” Every person at Alaska Business contributed to this issue in one way or another. Each year the entire team comes up with some good, some terrible, some hilarious ideas for our Top 49ers theme; after we rip them apart and poke fun at each other, we eventually get serious and vote on our favorite. This year we chose to lighten the economic mood by celebrating the companies on the list with a popart, comic-book-style theme. In an impressive (some may say heroic) showing, our brand new Art Director Majestic Monica took the idea, worked fearlessly into the night, and brought the team’s idea to life. Meanwhile, in the rest of Alaska Business-ville, EverExcellent Emily spent months surveying and collecting data for this year’s rankings, which in and of itself is a task that makes my editor-senses tingle, but that isn’t all. She also examined every single October issue of Alaska Business to create a trove of historical data that includes all the tidbits of Top 49ers information since the first list was published in 1985. This is an invaluable archive of information that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world, and one the Talented Mistress Tasha has already used to write a stunning historic review of the Alaska Business Top 49ers. This undertaking was difficult to say the least (that’s a lot of data to distill), and I’m pretty sure I heard her mumbling, “Tasha SMASH!” a few times, but she still managed to turn some thirty-four-years-worth of data into a concise, informative, entertaining article that every 49er, past and present, will enjoy. The Top 49ers are successful for a host of reasons: smart business decisions, excellent products, responsible resource development… but none of that would be possible without teamwork. Employees are the heart of every business and at Alaska Business, that heart is full. We are all so proud of the 35th edition of the Top 49ers rankings. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to this issue including the companies that filled out the survey and the entire team here at Alaska Business, each of whom can proudly echo Wolverine by saying, “I’m the best there is at what I do.”
Kathryn Mackenzie Managing Editor, Alaska Business
The Top 49ers are successful for a host of reasons: smart business decisions, excellent products, responsible resource development... but none of that would be possible without teamwork.
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
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E D U C AT I O N
Blythe Campbell educates HR professionals on effective communication strategies at a presentation provided by the Anchorage Society for Human Resource Management. ASHRM
Staying a Step I Ahead Why continuing education is a smart investment By Vanessa Orr 10 | October 2019
n many industries, continuing education is a must in order to keep up with the latest rules and regulations and technological advancements. But finding the time and the money to send employees to these classes isn’t always a priority for businesses that are already stretched thin. “For employers and employees, taking time out of a busy day is a burden; these days, everyone is doing more with less,” explains Anchorage Society for Human Resource Management (ASHRM) President Patty Hickok, who also serves as the membership and workforce readiness director for the Alaska SHRM State Council. “But businesses and individuals need to look at the time and cost spent on continuing education as an investment. In the human resources field, or in any field, things are changing so rapidly that employees must continue lifelong learning or get left behind. In today’s job market, the
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only constant is change.”
Continuing Ed Opportunities In the past, companies might have been willing to send employees outside Alaska for specialized training, but with businesses tightening their belts, it has become more common for them to look for this type of training in-state. ASHRM offers a variety of training opportunities for human resources professionals, managers, or other employees with HR responsibilities, as well as the community at-large. These include monthly meetings and in-person trainings held by the Anchorage chapter that can last anywhere from one hour to half or full days. “On the state level, we also offer a complimentary webinar approximately one time a month that enables us to reach out to our community who may not be able to attend in person because of geography,” says Hickok, adding that some of the presentations cover the same material, or have the same speaker, as the in-person meetings. “One of our challenges is providing education and opportunities to all of our members in Alaska, and my biggest reward, personally, is to hear from those
“Because we’re in-state, we can help businesses where they are right now; we can meet their needs today. Their staff does not have to leave for a week of
in smaller communities outside of Fairbanks, Juneau, and Anchorage who have never before had the opportunity to participate in these classes.” Topics cover the full cycle of human resources, including recruiting and onboarding, retention, engagement, employee relations, terminations, employee law, negotiation, metrics, earthquake preparedness, and more. “You name it, we do it,” says Hickok. “We focus on the issues that businesses deal with on a day-to-day basis.” The trainings are open to any
company or industry and are not limited to human resource professionals. “They are useful for anyone who manages people,” says Hickok, giving the example of a plant product manager who needs to be aware of HR policies as well as government regulations. “We recently did a very targeted training for federal contractors and had about seventy people with sixty different employers represented,” she adds. “The organizations that participate in our trainings run the gamut from small businesses where the office manager is
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training and come back and get buried by their workload.”
To join our team contact ASAA at 907-563-3723, or email: contactus@asaa.org
Christi Bell, Executive Director UAA Business Enterprise Institute
www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
October 2019 | 11
Educational sessions, provided by the Anchorage Society for Human Resource Management, are geared toward all levels of experience. ASHRM
also the human resources person to an organization with 10,000 employees.” While the University of Alaska is currently evaluating the continuation of individual professional development classes as a result of its reorganization, it still offers customized training for ongoing clients and corporations in all sectors of Alaska industry. “What typically happens is that an organization recognizes a need and comes to us for help,” says Christi Bell, executive director of the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) Business Enterprise Institute. “For example, they may have a younger supervisor or a team experiencing conflict and seek out training. Increasingly, millennials are being asked to supervise an older generation, and they don’t always feel equipped. We provide supervisory training, communications training, personality profile training, and workshops on holding challenging conversations, among other topics.” UAA may deliver a two- to four-hour class, followed by the next phase of training a week or even a month later. “This gives participants a chance to test their new skills and have conversations outside the training room,” Bell explains. UAA’s courses are customized and can be carried out over the course of a few 12 | October 2019
weeks or months. “Because we’re in-state, we can help businesses where they are right now; we can meet their needs today,” says Bell. “Their staff does not have to leave for a week of training and come back and get buried by their workload. Studies have also shown that retention from that type of training is very low.” UAA is also able to help with specific issues that companies face by offering customized training. “For example, we recently worked with an oil and gas company that used to have a whole marketing team. With the drop in the economy, that department was laid off, and now the company needs their engineers to become marketers,” Bell says. “This requires more than just engineers understanding sales; in order
for them to be successful, they need to understand key conversational styles and personalities. The company can’t just say, ‘Here’s how we market and brand, now go and be productive.’” UAA provided a ten-week class that met every Friday in a lunch-and-learn environment to help the company’s engineers adjust to their new roles. Black Fox Strategy also offers customized training for clients to help management teams and boards rebalance their approach to mission, growth, and survival, as well as provides a strategy boot camp to help employers and employees zero in on the skills they need. In April 2020, the company is sponsoring Alaska Strategy Week, a threeday professional development conference that is the first of its kind in Alaska.
“Because every organization is different, each training is different, but what stays the same and resonates is the focus on mission, growth, and survival.” Erin Sedor, Founder, Black Fox Strategy
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
“As part of our customized training, I work with management teams and boards to help them understand and integrate risk and strategy,” says Erin Sedor, founder of Black Fox Strategy. “These concepts are often considered separately within organizations, with strategy disconnected from operational risk in particular. “Because every organization is different, each training is different, but what stays the same and resonates is the focus on mission, growth, and survival,” she continues. “I’m not married to any specific tools; what we use must fit the organization. But we start with a balanced approach to these three concepts; otherwise, the client is sitting on a two-legged stool.” Sedor began her company to fill a void in the market for risk strategy consulting expertise. She expanded her services to include the Essential Strategy Series & Bootcamp based on long-held frustrations that this particular type of training was not available in Alaska and knowing that employees and companies needed a more concise way to learn the concepts they needed. “It’s epidemic in business to take people who are very good at what they do and throw them into management,” she explains. “But management requires a completely different skill set, and while some may succeed by their own wits, many others will burn out or fail. They need to have a broader sense of what it takes to function in that position; if you don’t understand how you impact the rest of the organization and how to interact, the job is so much more difficult.” According to Sedor, the value of bootcamp is that it takes concepts out of academia and gives participants the actionable components they need. “There are so many frameworks and theories, but we throw about 80 percent of those out the window,” she explains. “We boil it down to the 20 percent of crucial elements people need to build a foundation of strategy, risk management, and resilience. We identify their stumbling blocks and show them how to overcome them and get back on track.” Black Fox’s last bootcamp attracted a wide range of participants from functional managers and executive assistants to general managers and CEOs of $100 million corporations. “The beauty in the way we present is that people from www.akbizmag.com
all industries, as well as nonprofits, for-profits, and government, can benefit,” says Sedor. “We’re all about ROI and fixing problems to create efficiencies.”
How Employers and Employees Benefit While there are many benefits to continuing education, some of them might not be so obvious. From an employer’s standpoint, it certainly makes sense to have a well-educated workforce, but it can also help keep them out of trouble. “New regulations come and go, and
Alaska Business
if an employee is not educated and up to speed, it puts their company at risk because it could be out of compliance with new regulations,” says Hickok. “One case can break an entire company, and it doesn’t matter if mistakes were made out of ignorance or negligence.” She adds, “Employers may think, ‘Why spend $32 to send an employee to take a class every month?’ But you have to invest in your people to keep them up to speed with current information.” Providing continuing education can also be used as an incentive when looking for new employees or trying to
October 2019 | 13
Employment law updates, provided by the Anchorage Society for Human Resource Management, are of high interest to attendees. ASHRM
keep current ones. “The younger generation realizes that this training is critical, and they want to be a part of a firm that understands its importance,” says Bell. “So some employers use this as part of their employee benefits package trying to attract new talent or as a retention strategy to keep the employees they have.” The information that employees gain can not only help them advance in their jobs but transfers if they want to go somewhere else. At times, it can also help to differentiate them
as job candidates, as it shows their potential and willingness to advance to leadership positions. “Another benefit that is often overlooked is the ability to build a network,” says Hickok. “In Alaska, 50 percent of the organizations represented in the state’s SHRM are small businesses, and they may only have one or two people in HR, and no legal counsel. They have to figure things out by themselves, and it helps to be able to call someone you met at these events in a similar industry and talk things out.”
Smart Learning All of the training classes in the world won’t make much of a difference if those who attend don’t retain the information they’re given. For this reason, it’s important for those who offer classes, and those who take them, to understand the best ways to learn. “For participants, I think the number one most important thing to do is to be engaged; ask questions and network with others,” says Hickok. “I’ve been doing this for the last fifteen years, and it doesn’t matter how many trainings
“Management requires a completely different skill set, and while some may succeed by their own wits, many others will burn out or fail. They need to have a broader sense of what it takes to function in that position; if you don’t understand how you impact the rest of the organization and how to interact, the job is so much more difficult.” Erin Sedor, Founder, Black Fox Strategy
14 | October 2019
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
Keynote speaker Jon Petz photobombs the crowd during his standing ovation at the Alaska State HR Conference. ASHRM
or conferences I go to, I always find a benefit. Maybe you learn that what you’re doing is right, and you can feel good that you’re not missing anything, or sometimes the facilitator may bring up points you never thought of.” For employers, it’s also important to find the right fit when considering where to send employees. “Sometimes, those out-of-state, intensive weeklong trainings can be difficult,” says Bell. “I don’t believe that adults learn by watching a talking head or when information is shot at them through a fire hose. Adults take in information through a variety of channels, including role playing, hearing from a variety of voices, video, social media, and pictures; so you want to use a variety of speakers and mediums to get folks involved and bounce between lectures and applied conversations.” No matter how employees, employers, or board members learn, it’s important that they are provided with lifelong learning opportunities in order to better fill their roles. “In this 21st-century knowledge economy, lifelong learning is not optional any longer,” says Bell. “It’s much easier to retain your talent than to attract new talent, and dynamic firms, both in Alaska and globally, must be willing and able to pivot when needed and have a team right there in line.” “It used to be that a college degree was a ticket to success, and while it is still necessary, more and more companies are encouraging training specific to industry needs,” she adds. “It’s becoming more and more important to retool your skills, even if you have a four-year degree. You don’t want to become obsolete.” www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
October 2019 | 15
GOVERNMENT
Calling All Civilians JBER, Eielson recruiting for hundreds of job openings— no elistment necessary By Brad Joyal
16 | October 2019
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
A
laska’s military bases are looking to make new hires at a rapid pace. Between Joint Base ElmendorfRichardson’s (JBER) influx of nonappropriated funds (NAF) jobs and Civilian Personnel openings and Eielson Air Force Base’s available jobs tied to the new F-35 beddown, there are hundreds of military jobs available throughout the state. And many of them don’t require any affiliation with the military. In July, JBER’s public affairs office issued a news release in which human resource directors estimated there are roughly 330 positions to fill between its NAF jobs—which are positions that don’t require approval from Congress— and additional openings in the Civilian Personnel office. 18 | October 2019
Although the open positions at JBER involve working on the base, the bulk of them are entry-level positions that welcome civilians even if they have little knowledge about military operations.
So Many Open Positions? It’s not that civilians are leaving their military jobs in droves; the industry is simply growing at a swift pace throughout the state. Meghan Govin, who serves as JBER’s human resources director for NAF jobs, describes the hiring boom as a necessary move to keep up with the base’s growing population. “The base has just gotten to be a big population,” Govin says. “With our population on the base growing in regards to having to serve more military,
it has increased some of our positions— our childcare positions and more at the lodging facility. When it comes to our seasonal positions, those [openings] are to just make sure we have enough bodies on hand to take care of everything. We have the golf course in the summer, and during the winter we have our Hillberg ski resort, so it can get a little bit crazy.” The Eielson Air Force Base Regional Growth Plan, commissioned by the Fairbanks North Star Borough last fall, concluded that 532 new housing units would be needed by 2022 around North Pole to accommodate the growth and demand coming from F-35 families. The F-35s are bringing additional civilian positions to Eielson, so the base has also been working to trim its vacancy rate
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“We have been working with our Air Force Talent Acquisition team, local radio spots, a multitude of job seminars across the borough, a job opportunity video, UAF Careers Day, job fairs, and employing consideration for recruiting and relocation incentives. All of this has made a significant difference—we have cut our vacancies in half.” Howard Rixie, Chief of the Civilian Personnel Flight, 354th Force Support Squadron
by filling various openings over the past decade. “While bedding down the F-35s and its additional 108 civilian positions is special in its own right, Eielson has been experiencing nearly a 25 percent vacancy rate of its roughly 400 civilian billets for over a decade,” says Howard Rixie, chief of the civilian personnel flight, 354th Force Support Squadron. “With the coming of the F-35s and other human capital initiatives across the Air Force, there have been some doors to special hiring authorities opening up.” Rixie says that one way Eielson has started to reduce its vacancies has been a “full-court press in marketing” job opportunities over the past nine months. “We have been working with our Air Force Talent Acquisition team, local radio spots, a multitude of job seminars across the borough, a job opportunity video, UAF Careers Day, job fairs, and employing consideration for recruiting and relocation incentives,” he says. “All of this has made a significant difference— we have cut our vacancies in half. We will continue to push hard to fill our vacancies all the way through 2021.” Govin says an uptick in hires at JBER during the summer months isn’t unusual. “It’s pretty common,” she says. “I’m not sure if it’s because we had a really nice summer this year, but there were more
days to do things like golfing and other outdoors stuff and so we needed the extra bodies. We always have those positions, but some of them are going to depend on the weather a little bit as for how in dire need we’ll actually be.”
How the Hiring Process Works When it comes to working on a military base, it’s important to note there are various classifications pertaining to job titles. Federal government positions are classified by occupational series, grade or pay level, and pay plan. Many of the white collar jobs are commonly classified under the General Schedule (GS). Those jobs are salaried positions and are graded based upon experience level. For example, a job with a GS-1 grade typically means the job requires little experience or limited education. Positions that require a bachelor’s degree and no experience are often graded between GS-5 and GS-7. Govin says the majority of NAF openings require very little education or experience. In addition to not needing approval from Congress, NAF jobs are typically lower paying because the money to pay NAF employees is generated by the base. “The funds that we intake from people visiting and using our facilities is what pays everybody,” Govin says. “The federal
positions come from Congress, and that money is mandated. That’s also why our jobs don’t pay very high, but they’re still comparable to what is made off base. It’s not going to be a huge difference in pay if you’re a GS employee and you work at the childcare center compared to a NAF position working at the childcare center.” Although the prospect of working on a military base might be intimidating to some, the hiring process is remarkably similar to applying for a civilian job that isn’t associated with the military. Govin says that interested applicants with little knowledge about JBER—or the military in general—should still consider applying. “When it comes to qualifications, you don’t have to have any insight into how things work on the installation or anything like that,” she says.
What Jobs Are Available? As of September, Rixie said Eielson had more than sixty vacancies. He anticipates another fifty-six positions opening soon, of which thirty-six will be F-35-related. The number of job openings at JBER are far greater; an online search of civilian jobs at JBER displays more than 250 openings. The majority of Alaska openings on NAFJobs.org are entry-level positions that serve various purposes.
“While we are casting a net worldwide, many outsiders normally have to be enticed to move to the Arctic, so a majority of applicants originate from Alaska.” Howard Rixie, Chief of the Civilian Personnel Flight, 354th Force Support Squadron
20 | October 2019
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
There is a NAF opening at Eielson for an aquatics director that pays $16.92 per hour, the same hourly rate as the lead recreation aid (lifeguard) position the base is looking to fill. The caterer position at Eielson’s Yukon Club also pays $16.92 per hour, while the club’s bartender position pays $15.07 per hour. JBER has open laborer positions for lodging and at the Moose Run Golf Course, both of which pay $12.07 per hour. One of the highest paying NAF openings is for an information technology specialist, which pays between $22 and $30 per hour depending on experience. Despite higher pay, “generally speaking, the positions which typically are the hardest to fill are the professional and highly technical positions,” Rixie
says. “Engineers, IT, pilot, ground controllers, and air traffic control.” Laborer positions are generally easier to fill, Govin says, because the qualifications aren’t as expansive as higher-paying, more technical opportunities. “The qualifications really depend on whatever the position is,” she says. “For childcare positions, all you have to have is a high school diploma. For some of our laborer positions, you don’t have to have any experience at all. Some positions require working with tools, and a ton of positions require very basic experience. But then we have other positions like an IT professional and with that, you have to have a little bit more knowledge. But for the most part, our
positions are entry-level positions.”
Good Jobs for a Stronger Economy As is the case with many employers throughout Alaska, military bases will look in and out of Alaska when searching for qualified applicants. But like employers in other industries have undoubtedly discovered, finding employees willing to relocate to Alaska isn’t always the easiest undertaking. “While we are casting a net worldwide, many outsiders normally have to be enticed to move to the Arctic, so a majority of applicants originate from Alaska,” Rixie says. Govin says many of the applicants she sees already have some sort of connection to the base. “We get people
“With the coming of the F-35s and other human capital initiatives across the Air Force, there have been some doors to special hiring authorities opening up.” Howard Rixie, Chief of the Civilian Personnel Flight, 354th Force Support Squadron
40th Annual
ALASKA RESOURCES CONFERENCE
November 20-21, 2019 // Dena’ina Center // Anchorage
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Alaska Business
October 2019 | 21
“The federal positions come from Congress, and that money is mandated. That’s also why our jobs don’t pay very high, but they’re still comparable to what is made off base. It’s not going to be a huge difference in pay
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and you work at the childcare center compared to a NAF position working at the childcare center.”
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22 | October 2019
if you’re a GS employee
Meghan Govin, HR Director for NAF jobs, JBER
from Palmer and some from around the Girdwood area,” she says. “Some people hear about us through other people who work on the base and they might be locals and want to work with their friends.” Another job-related trend at JBER is civilians who have relationships with active military members and want to stay close to a family member or spouse. “Some of the people that are applying are military affiliated,” Govin continues. “Either their spouse is in the military or sometimes there are family members that come with a
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member of the military.” Regardless of the reason job hunters might be interested in working at an Alaska military base, it’s not always a simple transition for civilians with little knowledge about the state. “Transitioning to Eielson has always been a challenge in contrast to the continental United States,” Rixie explains. “It’s customary to worry about a new house, schools, winterizing vehicles, acclimating to an Arctic desert, and adjusting to a higher cost of living.” Rixie also notes that civilian employees without a military affiliation are often more motivated to establish roots in the community and contribute more to the Alaska economy. “Every airman, both military and civilian, contributes to the Alaska economy,” he says. “Our civilian pay totals over $35 million a year. Civilian employees not tied to a military spouse are more inclined to make more permanent roots in the community— for example, by buying a home versus renting.” While the impact the civilian hiring boom will have on Alaska’s economy hasn’t yet been quantified, the F-35related jobs certainly present a rosy outlook, especially for the construction industry. In FY2019, US Army Corps of Engineers spending in Alaska will total about $640 million, a $90 million increase compared to FY2018. Contractors and construction workers involved with F-35 projects aren’t the only ones giving the economy a boost: an estimated 3,500 airmen and contractors—and their families—are expected to join the base. That influx of people will have a massive impact on the communities surrounding Eielson. Civilian military workers also have a significant impact on the state’s economy. A laborer job on a military base is similar in scope of work and pay to a laborer job outside the military umbrella, but Rixie is quick to point out that positions on a military have the added benefit of serving a larger mission. “It’s important to note that every civilian vacancy impacts our military readiness, so every vacancy is crucial,” Rixie says. www.akbizmag.com
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October 2019 | 23
INSUR ANCE
LifeMed Alaska helicopter. LifeMed Alaska
Safe Travels
Insurance provides peace of mind for vacationers By Tracy Barbour
W
hether it’s for a weekend getaway, exhilarating cruise, or extended adventure to Alaska, travel insurance can help vacationers protect their trip investment. Travel insurance can cover a myriad of potential calamities, from lost luggage and travel interruption/cancellation to health emergencies and even accidental death. There are a multitude of real-life situations in which vacation insurance becomes crucial. For example, if someone loses a piece of luggage containing important medications, travel insurance coverage assists with finding the bag or even filling an emergency prescription. Or say an extended family has been planning a big, annual reunion for months. But right before the event, a key family member gets too sick to go, 24 | October 2019
and everyone decides to cancel. Travel insurance helps people get reimbursed for non-refundable deposits, prepayments, and other covered expenses.
Importance of Travel Insurance The significance of travel insurance coverage cannot be overstated. At least not to Steve Judd, president of Alaska Tour & Travel. The tour company offers vacation packages, adventures, hotels, tours, Alaska cruises, and Alaska Railroad and bus trips in Seward, Anchorage, Denali Park, Talkeetna, and Fairbanks. “We recommend to all our guests traveling in Alaska on multi-day packages that they purchase travel insurance,” Judd says. Alaska is such a large state, he says, and its weather can have a significant
impact on transportation, whether it be the Alaska Railroad or highways. And this makes travel insurance coverage in Alaska especially important for vacationers. Often, though, it is not in Alaska that travel insurance is beneficial, but instead it’s to cover delays en route to Alaska. Airlines regularly have delays in the Lower 48, resulting in passengers arriving late. It’s advantageous for visitors to have travel insurance to help cover the costs of catching up to their itinerary or, in some cases, cover the cost of the items missed due to arrival delays. “Because tourism in Alaska is so seasonal, we often find that tour operators and lodges are not very lenient on last-minute cancellations, so having travel insurance can ease the cost of any last-minute, unforeseen changes to your
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“Comprehensive plans offer a great range of coverages and benefits without travelers having to pick and choose benefits they may ‘think’ they need.” LifeMed Alaska ambulances.
Scott Adamski, Head of US Field Sales, AIG Travel
LifeMed Alaska
travel plans,” Judd says. Alaska Tour & Travel promotes a Cruise, Tour and Travel policy to its clients. According to the company’s website, the policy includes coverage for: • trip cost cancellation and interruption • $50,000 medical expense • $1,000,000 emergency medical transportation • $1,000 lost, damaged, or stolen baggage or travel documents • $1,000 trip delay • $200 baggage delay • 24-hour emergency hotline The company typically recommends Travel Guard insurance from AIG Travel. Alaska Tour & Travel clients can contact AIG Travel directly to purchase a travel protection plan. Scott Adamski, head of US field sales with AIG Travel, is a strong advocate of vacation insurance. “Planning a trip to Alaska, or any part of the world, is filled with great adventure, cultural experiences, and memories,” says Adamski, who is based in Point Stevens, Wisconsin. “Unfortunately, challenges may occur before or during the trip. Protection and peace of mind are what a travel insurance product may offer to the traveler.”
Plan Options AIG Travel offers a suite of travel insurance products to meet the needs of all types of travelers. In general, its products include benefits such as trip cancellation and interruption coverage, accident/sickness/medical expense, 26 | October 2019
emergency evacuation and repatriation, baggage loss or delay, trip delay, missed connection, and other optional coverages. In addition, the company’s plans all include the AIG Travel 24/7 assistance center, which offers access to AIG doctors and nurses as well as more than 600,000 medical professionals around the globe. So what type of insurance coverage is most critical for Alaska-bound travelers? It depends on the clients and their specific travel itineraries. A basic insurance plan can be an economical option for people who are traveling on a tight budget yet want coverage in case they have an unforeseen emergency. However, AIG Travel has found that most clients prefer a more comprehensive package of benefits to provide broad protection while they travel, Adamski says. For example, trip cancellation and interruption is important if a trip is cancelled or interrupted due to covered weather challenges or a covered medical issue prior to departure. On the other hand, medical expense and evacuation may be important to other travelers. However, comprehensive travel insurance can cover a broad spectrum of scenarios. “With a comprehensive plan of benefits, AIG Travel has developed travel insurance packages to accommodate these potential challenges under one policy,” Adamski says. Travelers tend to appreciate the simplicity a comprehensive plan offers. “Comprehensive plans offer a great range of coverages and benefits without
travelers having to pick and choose benefits they may ‘think’ they need,” he explains. Travelers can also add features to their plan for an extra cost. Add-ons include accidental death benefits for flight only and rental car collision coverage. However, all AIG Travel plans include a 24-hour emergency travel assistance hotline for help with emergency medical requests, flight or hotel re-bookings, and pre-trip information, among other things. In terms of the cost, travel insurance rates vary based on a number of factors. AIG Travel insurance plan costs depend on the policy and the options that best meet the needs of the client, Adamski says. He adds: “We offer several plans with varying levels of benefits and coverages. In addition, the age of the traveler, trip cost, and resident state are factors in determining rate.”
Emergency Medical Coverage Vacation insurance comes in very handy for those travelers who experience unexpected illnesses or injuries and those who need medical transportation or undergo any other medical emergencies when they’re far from home. This is especially true for vacationers who have a higher risk of suffering from a health issue while traveling (such as the elderly or those with chronic illnesses). The type of medical problem and whether a suitable hospital is even available are also deciding factors that can make vacation insurance a musthave for anyone visiting Alaska, according
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LifeMed Alaska’s King Air, Learjet, and Caravan aircraft. LifeMed Alaska
to LifeMed Alaska Chief Operating Officer Steve Heyano. LifeMed Alaska is a ground and air ambulance service with base locations in Anchorage, Bethel, Dutch Harbor, Fairbanks, Juneau, Palmer, and Soldotna. The company has skilled medical crews and a fleet of Learjets, turboprops, and helicopters to assist people with medical emergencies. Most people don’t anticipate needing emergency medical care or medical evacuation services while vacationing. And the probability of either of these scenarios happening is even more likely in Alaska because Alaska does not have a
Level 1 trauma center or certain specialty services, plus many towns in the remote parts of the state are not connected by a road system. So there’s a greater chance that Alaska residents and visitors would need to be medically evacuated to a suitable facility in Seattle if they experience a serious medical emergency. Medical transportation can cost thousands of dollars per trip, depending on the distance the patient must be transported, according to Heyano. Emergency medical insurance coverage can serve as secondary coverage to fill gaps that may be left by the patient’s
primary health insurance. However, when assisting patients with a medical emergency, cost is not the immediate issue for LifeMed Alaska—it’s saving lives. “We focus on safely transporting seriously ill or injured patients while providing lifesaving medical care,” Heyano says. After LifeMed Alaska provides services, the company bills the patient’s primary insurance within 24 hours of transport. The patient is then responsible for paying his or her portion of the cost for the service. LifeMed Alaska offers a $49-per-year Family Membership program that anyone can purchase
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Alaska does not have a Level 1 trauma center or certain specialty services, plus many towns in the remote parts of the state are not connected by the road system. So there’s a greater chance that Alaska residents and visitors would need to be medically evacuated to a suitable facility in Seattle if they experience a serious medical emergency. to cover out-of-pocket expenses for medically-necessary air or ground transport provided by the company. “LifeMed Alaska works directly with your insurance company and accepts their reimbursement as payment in full for our members,” Heyano says. Its Family Membership program essentially covers the “patient responsibility,” or patient co-pay, for medical transportation services. But what happens with vacationers who need these services but do not have the membership program or insurance? LifeMed Alaska offers financial assistance
and charity plans that can help ease that financial burden.
Air Travel Inclement weather and other adverse circumstances can cause flights to get delayed or canceled, which makes flight insurance vital for those traveling by air. Personal situations including illness, traffic accidents, job loss, court orders and other disruptions can also impede travel plans. That’s why Alaska Airlines prominently promotes travel insurance on its website, stating, “Whether you’ve already booked your flight or
your trip is still in the planning stages, consider travel insurance to protect you if the unexpected happens.” Insurance from Alaska Airlines’ preferred provider, Allianz Global Assistance, can compensate travelers if they have to cancel their flight or need help with certain unforeseen expenses. Allianz Global Assistance USA—a consumer specialty insurance and assistance company with operation centers in thirty-five countries—offers a broad portfolio of travel insurance products and services. Whether for business or pleasure, cruise or tour,
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international or domestic—its products are sold through the world’s largest airlines and travel suppliers. Travelers have several options for purchasing insurance for an Alaska Airlines flight. They can choose insurance while buying tickets or add coverage after purchasing tickets. Either way, travel insurance coverage from Allianz Global Assistance can include protection for trip cancellation/ interruption, emergency medical transportation, emergency medical/ dental, lost/stolen/delayed baggage, travel delays, missed connections, and rental car damage. Allianz Global Assistance’s most affordable coverage is the OneTrip Cancellation Plus Plan, which includes trip cancellation and trip interruption
“Because tourism in Alaska is so seasonal, we often find that
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coverage, as well as travel delay coverage and 24-hour assistance services. Travelers who are more concerned about being prepared for a medical emergency might want to spring for a higher-coverage plan such as OneTrip Basic, Prime, Premier, or Medical Emergency. These single-trip plans include emergency medical and dental benefits as well as emergency medical transportation benefits. The OneTrip Basic Plan, for example, includes emergency medical benefits up to $10,000 and emergency medical transportation benefits up to $50,000. The next step up is the OneTrip Prime Plan, which offers emergency medical and dental benefits up to $25,000 and emergency medical transportation benefits up to $500,000. And the OneTrip Emergency Medical Plan is a comprehensive and flexible option. It includes up to $100,000 in emergency medical benefits ($50,000 for accidents and $50,000 for illness) and up to $250,000 in emergency medical transportation benefits. For frequent travelers, an annual travel insurance plan can be a valuable moneyand time-saver. Allianz offers a number of annual multi-trip plans, all of which include collision/loss damage insurance for rental cars. For example, AllTrips Basic includes post-departure benefits like emergency medical benefits and baggage theft/loss coverage, but not trip cancellation. AllTrips Prime provides post-departure benefits, plus up to $2,000 in trip interruption/cancellation coverage. And AllTrips Executive offers a diversity of benefits such as business equipment coverage and up to $50,000 in emergency medical benefits. When choosing travel insurance, experts say it’s important to keep in mind that the most convenient time to purchase insurance is right after making travel arrangements. This helps ensure that the selected coverage plan stays within the traveler’s allotted budget. It also keeps the traveler from forgetting to obtain coverage before the trip begins. Also, each travel insurance package provides a different degree of protection based on the most common travel concerns. No matter what type of insurance a traveler chooses, the ultimate goal is peace of mind, so visitors to Alaska or any other dream destination can truly enjoy their vacation. www.akbizmag.com
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Alaska Business
October 2019 | 31
MEDIA & ARTS
A camera drone takes to the air during a Yuit video shoot in June at JAXPORT in Jacksonville, Florida. Yuit Communications
32 | October 2019
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Lights, Camera, Actionables Digital video marketing evolves from novel to necessary
M
arketing brains know the “age of digital content” is now and has been going strong for a number of years. Digital content marketing has evolved from novel to necessary for startups and billion-dollar corporations alike. In fact, a common adage in the field is the phrase “content is king.” If that’s the case, video content is undoubtedly the supreme ruler of the land. Cisco’s Visual Networking Index projects consumer video traffic to comprise 82 percent of all online traffic by 2021. Marketing tech company Unruly calculates that about 18 percent of internet users share videos on social networks at least once a week and that 61 percent of American Facebook users share video advertisements specifically. Alaska’s marketers are leveraging the capabilities of digital platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, Hulu, and even their own companies’ websites to create more robust brand strategies through the use of targeted, compelling video placements. This business pursuit involves a balance of creative storytelling and technical savvy that distinguishes digital video marketing from its traditional media counterpart, the classic television advertisement.
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Setting the Scene Most marketing professionals tend to agree that even if traditional television spots are part of the overall marketing budget, digital platforms must be addressed as well. Earlier this year, Vox reported that in 2019 advertisers as a whole will spend approximately $20 billion more on digital advertising platforms like social media and Google than traditional mediums like television and radio. The increasing trend of cordcutting (a trend that doesn’t seem to be dying anytime soon) only serves to
further underscore the importance of digital platforms. “Ten years ago, a company was progressive if it had a website and a Facebook page, and it posted [on Facebook] once a week. Now, if that’s all you have, you’re going to get left behind,” says Ingrid Klinkhart, partner and senior account strategist at Anchorage-based Yuit Communications. “You’ve got to consistently engage on a variety of platforms to stay relevant, and those depend on who your audience is and what type of service or product
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you’re promoting.” An incentive to actively engage on social media is the amount of information a business can glean from its target audience. The proprietary analytics provided by each platform offer valuable insights on gender, age, and other characteristics of fans and followers—Facebook and Instagram can even reveal what time of day those fans are actively using the platforms. That goes a long way toward developing digital advertising tactics.
Results at the Touch of a ‘Play’ Button By leveraging digital video platforms, identifying who engages with a brand (and how) becomes much clearer. A TV commercial can’t measure what someone does after seeing an ad—on the other hand, digital video campaigns placed on Facebook, for instance, yield a wealth of actionable data that more precisely gauges an ad’s effectiveness. Marketers can learn how much traffic is generated to a website, the age, gender, and location of whomever they’ve reached, even the campaign’s average cost per click. “For digital marketers, ROI has always been a hot topic,” says Kerry Youngren, senior digital marketing strategist at MTA. “That is the case now more than ever. With the growth of online marketing platforms and all of the analytics you can get, people want to know, ‘How much money did I make off of that video?’” And creative material can be changed at the drop of a hat. “The ability to be able to react quickly to your market, to your demographic, to be able to put a video out there and say ‘Oh, that didn’t work,’ and immediately launch the next one [is advantageous],” says Ryan Horn, marketing manager at Upper One Studios, a full service creative production company. “It’s no longer quarterly reports or annual reports that you build marketing strategies around. Now, it’s weekly reports or even daily reports that you can flex to.” Cameras are becoming more of a commodity thanks to technology like smart phones. Video production is now feasible even within the smallest marketing budgets. “I think that the days of massive crews and extraordinarily expensive production are coming to an end as the tools are getting
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commoditized,” says Tyler Williams, owner of Mammoth Marketing in Fairbanks. “If you hop on YouTube, you can find single-man operations who can rival Hollywood videos because of their skill. I think it’s going to become more and more of a skill game of how to stand out.” Videos can address a broad spectrum of objectives, from transparent brand storytelling to product demonstrations. With multiple videos and multiple platforms, businesses can accomplish multiple objectives. For example, MTA employs a variety of online videos that highlight employment benefits, promote specific products and services, and document the company’s involvement in the Mat-Su community. Not every business can outsource video production to a creative agency, but there are advantages to such a relationship. Upper One and MTA have forged a dynamic in which MTA’s in-house marketing team develops its objectives, identifies the right audiences, and has a comprehensive understanding of its brand identity. In turn, Upper One is tapped for the creative execution of MTA’s videos. According to the companies, the relationship allows both camps to invest more time and energy into their respective skill sets. Another advantage of producing a high volume of videos is the ability to leverage A/B testing, a vital tool in precision marketing. Many platforms allow the ability to develop multiple ads that are similar but contain one or two changes. For instance, the same video can be tested between two different audiences, two different videos can be tested on the same audience, and so on. The amount of data gathered from A/B testing in turn dictates the next steps taken by a marketing team.
“Ten years ago, a company was progressive if it had a website and a Facebook page, and it posted [on Facebook] once a week. Now, if that’s all you have, you’re going to get left behind.” Ingrid Klinkhart, Partner/Senior Account Strategist, Yuit Communications AlaskaBusiness_2019.pdf
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A Plot Twist Not every story can be adequately told in thirty seconds to a minute. Longer format videos are popular in these cases, and plenty of digital platforms can accommodate. Then there are specific vehicles such as Snapchat and Instagram Stories, which allow specifically for only ten seconds of video. On one hand, creators are freed from time constraints. On the other, a more versatile, creative skill set www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
October 2019 | 35
“It’s no longer quarterly reports or annual reports that you build marketing strategies around. Now, it’s weekly reports or even daily reports that you can flex to.” Ryan Horn, Marketing Manager Upper One Studios
is required to make the most out of the allotted time. Digital video advertising isn’t as simple as uploading material that would otherwise have been used for a TV spot—marketers can’t command the attention of users in the same way. All it takes is a simple scroll for a video that misses the mark to be forgotten. “On Facebook and Instagram and most feed-based platforms you end up with what I like to call ‘flick-time,’ where you’re just going to scroll up once you get bored of that video,” says Williams. “So it’s this careful balance of having to explain what you’re trying to communicate as well as hook the viewer so they don’t go beyond your video quite so fast. That’s a really delicate dance and some people are better at it than others.” The opportunity to increase the production rate of videos also comes with a caveat on creativity, he adds. “The tricky balance is when you do more [videos] faster, you lose the creativity because you have to execute, but I think there is a balance in there somewhere.”
Behind the Scenes Advanced technology has made video production far more efficient. Studios have more material in their archives to use in the future thanks to software and hardware that allow for easy storage and the ability to find it much quicker and more efficiently than ever before. Over years of shooting for clients, Channel Films has accumulated a massive amount of footage that not only had use for a specific project at the time of filming but also had use for another video a client needed later on— sometimes years later. “Overshooting” has become an added value because of how much content can be stored in archives. “I’d say we have half a petabyte of data at this point,” says Bob Kaufman, co-founder and co-owner of Channel Films. “We’ve gotten to the point now where we can shoot whatever we want and know we can find that stuff. You wouldn’t have done that in the old days because there was just no way to manage or find that much footage. I would say the idea of accumulating a lot of footage is practical now, where it wasn’t as practical in the past.” Emma Sheffer, creative director at Channel Films, adds that in order 36 | October 2019
for archiving to be effective in future projects, video crews need to understand the contextual potential of their shots not be revisited “From a filmmaking standpoint, you [need to] know what is going to be useful and that it’s going to be good clips that could be used in the future—not just random, long takes.” From a technical standpoint, she also notes the significant impact that technological changes have on video quality, given that a team’s shots may not be revisited for a year or even three years. So even if the shots are still great compositionally, things like resolution quality may cause the footage to be deemed out of date. “Not all 4K is created equal,” she says. “We really have had to think about what the technology of the future is—what color spaces are the most useful and the most malleable, how we’re going to compress our footage to be useful five years from now—and that longevity is tricky. It takes a lot of tech-heads on our team to really make predictions. We’re always figuring out better systems to make this more streamlined and efficient and useful to our client.”
What Next? The future of video marketing is in the execution and presentation of the material itself. Virtual reality, augmented reality, and interactive video are types of creative that—though thus far have not been leveraged in the majority of Alaska’s brand strategies as a whole—have been used by national and global brands to enhance engagement and consumer experience. The quick rate at which technology advances allows these types of ambitious projects to become feasible for companies of all sizes. But creativity remains the constant necessary element in the future of video marketing. The ability to not only tell a story but a story that instantly captivates an online viewer is a crucial “x-factor” in creating and producing a successful video. “People like stories, and that’s why they love video,” muses Klinkhart. “Video creates an emotional connection with its audience like no other medium. Grab them at the beginning, in that first five seconds, and tell them why they should be interested in your brand. You can do
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“On Facebook and Instagram and most feed-based platforms you end up with what I like to call ‘flick-time,’ where you’re just going to scroll up once you get bored of that video. So it’s this careful balance of having to explain what you’re trying to communicate as well as hook the viewer so they don’t go beyond your video quite so fast.” Tyler Williams, Owner, Mammoth Marketing
that with video. You can grab at those heartstrings, you can make them laugh or make them cry. “Everybody should be [using video]. I see the results and it works.”
www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
October 2019 | 37
FINANCE
Breaking Boundaries A celebration of Alaska-grown, top-earning companies By Tracy Barbour
S
ome of Alaska’s most ambitious start-ups are now among the topearning companies in the state. The following are examples of top-producing entities that originated in Alaska and have expanded beyond its borders to serve a broad base of customers.
Alaska USA Alaska USA Federal Credit Union is one of the longest-standing home-grown entities in Alaska. It was established on December 6, 1948, when fifteen civil service personnel gathered in Anchorage’s Alaska Air Depot pooled their savings—and their conviction in one another—to form a member-owned credit union. “This decision was made in order to provide financial services to the personnel who had been recently transferred to Alaska,” says Senior Vice President of Corporate Relations Dan McCue. “Members began extending credit to one another while volunteering their time to operate the credit union.” Today, Alaska USA still builds upon the strength of its members. Now in its seventieth year of business, it continues to bring the not-for-profit, financial service cooperative model to families and businesses in Alaska, Arizona, California, and Washington through seventy-four branches serving roughly 670,000 members, according to McCue. The credit union operates thirty-one branches in Alaska, eight in Arizona, seven in California, and twenty-eight in 38 | October 2019
Washington. It has 1,264 employees in Alaska, 275 in Arizona, 67 in California, and 241 in Washington. As a not-for-profit entity, Alaska USA doesn’t look at revenue as a sustainable operating indicator. McCue says: “Our membership has steadily grown over our seventy-year history... The individual and commercial loan portfolio has also drastically increased, reaching well over $6 billion this year. And the largest indicator of sustainability and positive business practices is our value transfer to members based on higher rates on deposits, decreased loan rates, and decreased fees compared to those of competing banking institutions. In 2018 we provided a $198 per member benefit.” Alaska USA also supports a variety of charitable organizations and nonprofit entities such as the Armed Services YMCA, The Financial Reality Foundation, and Special Olympics Alaska. Through corporate giving and community support programs, Alaska USA contributed nearly $750,000 to nonprofit organizations in more than fifty distinct communities in 2018. And its employees in each of the communities in which it operates volunteered more than 1,500 hours in support of various organizations last year. “A healthy business economy starts with a healthy community,” McCue says.
Carlile Transportation Systems Carlile Transportation Systems has
experienced tremendous growth and expansion beyond Alaska due to its unwavering commitment to safety, reliability, and service, according to Tom Hendrix, vice president of oil and gas for Carlile. Anchorage is home to Carlile’s main terminal and corporate headquarters with additional terminals located in Prudhoe Bay, Fairbanks, Seward, Kenai, and Kodiak. Outside Alaska Carlile operates terminals in Houston, Texas; Lakeville, Minnesota; Tacoma, Washington; and Edmonton, Alberta. Today, the company has approximately 320 employees in Alaska and 120 outside the state. While Alaska is immense geographically, its business community is small, making trusted relationships critical, says Hendrix. He adds: “Being removed from the rest of the country, Alaskans have a well-known cando attitude, and they band together when facing challenges. In the Alaska trucking industry, even the toughest of competitors are often friends when facing tough times or providing support to communities.” Founded in 1980 by brothers Harry and John McDonald, Carlile has evolved significantly over the years. “Because intrastate trucking was regulated at the time, the brothers purchased an operating authority which allowed Carlile to take advantage of fixed rate tariffs,” Hendrix explains. “In 1984,
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“Our membership has steadily grown over our seventy-year history... The individual and commercial loan portfolio has also drastically increased, reaching well over $6 billion this year. And, the largest indicator of sustainability and positive business practices is our value transfer to members based on higher rates on deposits, decreased loan rates, and decreased fees compared to those of competing banking institutions. In 2018 we provided a $198 per member benefit.� Dan McCue Senior Vice President Corporate Relations Alaska USA FCU
www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
October 2019 | 39
“The [2013] Saltchuk acquisition of Carlile provided new capital to improve operations and modernize the company’s fleet of vehicles and equipment, allowing for reduced repair and maintenance costs and improved operating efficiency… Saltchuk also brought innovation and best practices to Carlile in the areas of finance, safety, legal, continuous improvement, and leadership.” Tom Hendrix, Vice President of Oil & Gas, Carlile
however, the industry was deregulated, and Carlile was challenged to continue establishing itself by competing with numerous startups in a highly competitive market. Nearly forty years later, Carlile is one of Alaska’s largest trucking and logistics providers.” However, the company’s mission to provide safe, reliable, and quality trucking and logistics services remains the same. The scope, services, and reach
of Carlile’s operations has increased substantially as the company has grown with Alaska’s key industries and overall economy. Initially the company served the agricultural sector, transporting milk, fertilizers, and even barley. Later, Carlile landed a contract to move urea (used to melt ice) from Nikiski to airports in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Cordova, and other communities. Less-than-load (LTL) services began as well between
Anchorage and Fairbanks, with freight sometimes peddled directly out of transport vans. In 2013, Carlile was acquired by Saltchuk, a privately-held company based in Seattle. Saltchuk owns a number of transportation companies, including TOTE Maritime, Foss Maritime, Northern Air Cargo, Delta Western, Cook Inlet Tug & Barge, Cook Inlet Energy, and Northern
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Energy Solutions. “The Saltchuk acquisition of Carlile provided new capital to improve operations and modernize the company’s fleet of vehicles and equipment, allowing for reduced repair and maintenance costs and improved operating efficiency,” Hendrix says. Carlile’s success is also inextricably connected to its commitment to its customers and employees as well as the communities it serves. The company contributes substantially to various nonprofit organizations and community causes, including the Boys & Girls Club, American Heart Association, Food Bank of Alaska, Special Olympics, Challenge Alaska, Mountain View Elementary, Catholic Social Services, and Covenant House. Hendrix advises new and struggling business owners to focus on their vision and values—and work hard. He adds: “Developing and following a solid business plan that can adapt to changing markets and industries will allow you to realize new opportunities. Plan your work and work your plan.”
“While GCI has been fortunate to weather the state’s economic uncertainty over the past few years, [becoming GCI Liberty] put us in an even better position to compete, innovate, and serve our customers… Decisions about investment and product offerings are still made in Alaska.” Paul Landes, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Consumer Services, GCI
GCI GCI is the epitome of a born-andraised Alaska company, according to Paul Landes, senior vice president and general manager of GCI consumer services. The company’s co-founder, Ron Duncan, moved to Alaska in the 1970s and lived in the basement of the Santa Claus House in North Pole. Back then he had to wait as long as ten minutes just to get a dial tone to make a phone call—and a long-
distance call cost $1 per minute. “In 1979, Duncan partnered with Bob Walp—who had previously worked for NASA and was literally a rocket scientist—to form GCI, which was launched from a small Bootleggers Cove apartment with the idea of bringing competition to Alaska’s long-distance market,” Landes says. “In the forty years since, GCI has continued growing and expanding throughout the state, staying at the forefront of
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October 2019 | 41
“Northrim’s mission is to be Alaska’s most trusted financial institution, with a vision to be Alaska’s premier bank and employer of choice.” Joe Schierhorn, Chairman/President/CEO, Northrim Bank
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42 | October 2019
the technological curve and adding television, internet, and mobile service.” Much has changed in GCI’s forty-year history. The business has grown from having 2 employees to approximately 2,000 full-time employees, most of them living and working in Alaska. Currently, the company delivers service to more than 240 communities. And for fiscal year 2018, its total revenue was $875,290,000. In March 2018, GCI became part of Liberty Ventures Group, which is based out of Colorado. Though its ownership may have changed, GCI’s senior management remains intact and it remains an Alaska-operated company, Landes says. “Our senior leadership team remains the same and all of the company’s leaders continue to live in Alaska,” he says. “Decisions about investment and product offerings are still made in Alaska.” He adds, “While GCI has been fortunate to weather the state’s economic uncertainty over the past few years, the transaction put us in an even better position to compete, innovate, and serve our customers.” GCI’s success is, in large part, due to its commitment to invest, innovate, and serve all Alaskans. The company has a track record of going where its competitors are either unwilling, or unable, to go, Landes says. He explains: “Take our TERRA network as an example. GCI invested $300 million to build a rural network stretching 3,300 miles to deliver reliable connectivity to 45,000 Alaskans in eighty-four rural communities… More than 80 percent of Alaskans have access to 1 GIG internet speeds. That’s well ahead of most places in the Lower 48.” This past June GCI announced a massive initiative to deliver 5G in Anchorage by the end of next year, which would make Anchorage among the first cities in the world to be covered by 5G service. “We are not only among
the industry leaders in Alaska, but in the world,” Landes says. The company is also heavily committed to the communities it serves. Over the past five years, GCI donated more than $10 million in cash, products, scholarships, and grants to Alaska organizations. In addition, GCI gives its employees sixteen hours of paid time off to volunteer at a nonprofit of their choice. “In 2018, we even set a new record, with more than 660 employees contributing nearly 8,200 volunteer hours,” he says.
Northrim Bank When Northrim Bank opened its doors in December of 1990, it was an opportune time. The Alaska recession of the late 1980s was subsiding, and the bank’s founders believed there was a need for a strong, local financial institution that focused on customer service. “Northrim was able to grow quickly as a result of this focus on the customer,” says Chairman, President, and CEO Joe Schierhorn, who is also a charter employee. Northrim’s focus has been the same since day one. What originated as a small bank located in a trailer is now a statewide institution with sixteen branches and $1.5 billion in assets. In 2018, Northrim BanCorp’s annual revenue was $93.4 million. The growth of Northrim Bank, according to Schierhorn, can be attributed to the dedication of its employees and their focus on customer service. “Northrim’s mission is to be Alaska’s most trusted financial institution, with a vision to be Alaska’s premier bank and employer of choice,” he says. A publicly-traded company since its inception, Northrim Bank has made strategic acquisitions that helped fuel its steady expansion. In 1998, Northrim was a founding investor in Residential Mortgage. In 1999, it acquired eight Bank of America branches in Anchorage,
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Eagle River, and Wasilla, growing from 142 to 235 employees. In 2007, Northrim added Alaska First Bank and Trust, which had two branches located in Anchorage. In 2014, Northrim acquired Alaska Pacific Bank, which was headquartered in Juneau and had five branches located in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka. And in 2014, Northrim obtained the remaining portion of Residential Mortgage, which is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of the bank. Currently, Northrim operates sixteen Alaska branch locations in Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla, Soldotna, Fairbanks, Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan. Outside Alaska, Northrim has one division and one affiliate with locations in Washington: Northrim Funding Services and Pacific Portfolio Consulting. The bank can also provide mortgage loans in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Washington, and Wisconsin through its Residential Mortgage arm. Today, the bank has 423 employees in Alaska and 7 in Washington, including those of Residential Mortgage. People, Schierhorn says, are Northrim’s greatest strength. “Our vision to be Alaska’s premier bank and employer of choice reminds us that we can provide benefits to our employees that will bring the best and brightest and make them want to stay with Northrim as they grow.” Northrim is actively engaged in each community in which it operates. The bank supports local programs that provide services for low-income individuals and families; provides community and economic development; and promotes higher education. Northrim supports organizations that include University of Alaska, NeighborWorks Alaska, Junior Achievement of Alaska, the Food Bank of Alaska, local chambers of commerce, and local economic development councils. It is also a sponsor of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Schierhorn’s sage advice to business owners: It’s important to have a strong relationship with their banker. This will help the business owner navigate any rough waters and help provide solutions to issues that arise throughout the life of a business. www.akbizmag.com
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October 2019 | 43
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
Epic Earnings
Alaska Business has been publishing a Top 49ers list since 1985, our first year of operation, though at the time the list was branded as “The New 49ers.” Cover design by Judy Clark Hartwig
Decades of Top 49er history By Tasha Anderson General Manager Jason Martin crashed his way into my office about a fortnight ago, frothing at the mouth and waving a sheaf of printed spreadsheets. “Anderson!” he spluttered, slamming his hammy fists on my desk, knocking pens and crusty coffee cups onto the floor. “What in tarnation is going on here?” 44 | October 2019
Wiping some spittle off my face, I took a quick peek at the papers still crushed in his grasp, praying to catch a glance of a word or a number I could extrapolate into an answer that might send him packing. “Top 49ers” and “1998” flashed in my view, and I quickly stifled a sigh of relief. “Of course, Mr. Martin,” I said,
sweet as grandma’s cookies. “That’s historic Top 49ers data.” “Obviously!” he bellowed, turning red in the face and testing the tensile strength of his necktie. “Why’s it in the vault?” Well, because you put it in the vault, I thought. “I have no idea, sir,” I said.
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TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
Judith Fuerst Griffin wrote in her introduction to the special section: “Thanks to all who’ve helped us identify and recognize the successful miners of the 49th State’s commerce and natural resources. The new 49er companies—their owners, managers, and employees—are precious as gold to the state’s economy.” Today gathering information from the Top 49ers is a huge undertaking on the part of our Customer Service Representative (and survey extraordinaire) Emily Olsen, who manages our primarily online data collection; but in 1991 then-Assistant Editor Clifford Gerhart “tracked new leads and formerly listed companies via mail, telephone, and fax, as well as through independent research,” according to Griffin. Starting with the first directory, the information published included the company name, headquarters city, revenue, number of Alaska employees, subsidiaries, and business activities, and in 1985 we also ranked the Top 49ers by Alaska employees. In that very first edition, the number one spot was filled by Carr-Gottstein Co., which reported revenue of $355 million and 2,250 employees, also making it the company with the largest number of employees. As a comparison, that same year the forty-ninth Top 49er was Alaska United Drilling, which reported $22 million in revenue and listed 134 employees. In 1985, 16 percent of the Top 49ers were Alaska Native Corporations, and at the time they were all regional corporations. Highest on the list was Sealaska, which landed in the number 2 spot that year. In total in our first year, Until 1999, the list was branded as “The New 49ers” or “The Alaskan 49ers.” The first use of today’s branding, the Top 49ers reported “Top 49ers,” appeared in the editorial content of the 1999 special section and on the cover in 2000. revenue of nearly $3 billion and 18,999 Alaska Cover design by Brian Dixon; Photography by Clark James Mishler employees. Since 1985, Alaska
“Use it!” he choked out, throwing the pages in my face and lumbering away from my desk. So, here’s some historic Top 49ers data. Alaska Business launched the Top 49ers special section in 1985, the same year we published our first issue. ThenPublisher Robert Dixon described the first cohort of Top 49ers as “the private players who have put everything on the line, defied the economic oddsmakers with all-star performance on a field where opportunity is said to be fading. They’re the forty-nine largest Alaskan-owned and Alaska-based companies, and they’ve achieved their victories largely without the backing of multinational corporations or big government… It’s a long way from Northern Lights Boulevard to Wall Street, but The New 49ers have proven themselves all-star material in anyone’s league by winning consistently on the toughest playing field of all.” From 1985 to 1990, the theme actually stayed the same year over year: The New 49ers. In 1991, we developed “Prospecting for the Top 49; Finding Alaska Gold” as the first theme that would change annually thereafter. Then-Editor
46 | October 2019
Though not shown on the cover, the first Top 49ers theme, “Prospecting for the Top 49: Finding Alaskan Gold,” appeared in 1991 in the editorial content of the special section. Cover design by Connie Hameedi
Business has featured 201 unique Top 49ers. From 1985 through 2005, companies were asked only for their number of Alaska employees, and in that time frame the total number of Alaska employees reported was 449,806. Starting in 2006, Alaska Business required and published the number of worldwide employees and Alaskan employees. From 2006 through this year, the Top 49ers reported a total of 327,827 Alaskan employees and 940,116 (including Alaska) worldwide employees. So through the history of the Top 49ers, these companies have reported a total of 1.4 million employees. In 2019, as a group, the Top 49ers reported north of $17 billion in 2018 revenue, which is the highest group total in Top 49ers history. Total combined revenue for all of the Top 49ers has never dropped below $2 billion and it surpassed $11 billion in 2007. Not adjusting for inflation, since 1985 the Top 49ers have reported massive total revenue of $488 trillion, which, if adjusted for inflation, would be… even more. (This kind of math is complicated; I’m an editor.) [General Manager’s Note: Nice excuse, Anderson. Pure laziness!] Several of the 2019 Top 49ers made their debut on the first Top 49ers list in 1985: Anchorage Chrysler Dodge, Calista Corporation, Doyon, Bristol Bay Native Corporation, Seekins Ford Lincoln, Usibelli Coal Mine (UCM), Arctic
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TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC), NANA, and First National Bank Alaska (FNBA). The last four—UCM, ASRC, NANA, and FNBA—have been ranked as a Top 49er every single year. UCM has moved up and down the rankings throughout the years, hitting its top rank in 1989 at number 18; however, the company’s highest reported revenue was $112 million in 2013. In a 1996 profile about UMC, freelance writer Julie Stricker reported that production at the time was 1.5 million tons per year. Last year UCM celebrated its 75th anniversary, stating “Much has changed over the decades, but the pioneering spirit of Emil Usibelli [UCM’s founder] still guides the company today. We look forward to producing affordable energy, while protecting the quality of environment, for many decades to come.” ASRC originally landed in the Top 49ers at rank 13 in 1985, reporting just under $55 million in revenue and a total of 400 employees. ASRC moved steadily up the ranks year over year until 1995, when it hit the number 1 slot—from which it hasn’t moved—reporting $466 million. That was an 83 percent jump from 1994, when the company was ranked number 2 and reported $255 million in revenue. In a 2000 profile on ASRC, then-President Jacob Adams pledged that ASRC would reach $1 billion in sales by the end of the year, and sure enough in 2001 the company reported just more
than $1 billion in revenue in 2000. NANA hit the billion dollar milestone in in 2008, reporting $1.2 billion in revenue for the 2009 Top 49ers list, which landed them at number 3. When the company entered the Top 49ers in 1985, it was at number 28 with $32 million in revenue. NANA has been ranked at number 2 or 3 for more than a decade, with peak revenue reported in 2012 and 2013 at $1.8 billion. NANA’s largest jump in revenue was reported in 2000: the company’s 1998 revenue of $65 million more than doubled to $135 million in 1999. In a 1988 profile of FNBA, thenPresident D.H. Cuddy said: “The bank’s responsibility is to serve the community in which it’s located to the limit of its capital, deposits, and personnel.” He echoed this statement in a profile that ran in October 2001, when he said, “Our first responsibility is to our depositors. Our next responsibility is to serve the communities in which we are located. And thirdly, we look after the employees of the bank.” FNBA joined the Top 49ers in 1985 with reported revenue of just under $76 million, ranked at number 9. Throughout the bank’s history on the Top 49ers list, its workforce has always been 100 percent Alaskan. Many other companies have made
In 1986 then-Staff Writer Judith Fuerst wrote: “Today’s Top 49ers don’t rely on picks, axes, and sluices. Their tools are wit, marketing skills, and financial management.” Cover design by Judy Clark; Illustration by Jarrett Holderby
a splash on the Top 49ers list, though for some it was a relatively short lived stay. Twenty-six Top 49ers made one appearance in the rankings without a repeat performance, including several from the original list: Alaska Commercial Co., Alaska Pacific Bancorp, D&A Supermarkets, Lease Kissee Construction Co., Wein Air Alaska, and Yukon Office Supply. The 1985 introduction to the special section notes that Alaska Pacific Bancorp, Yukon Office Supply, and Wein Air Alaska were all acquired by outside
FNBA joined the Top 49ers in 1985 with reported revenue of just under $76 million, ranked at number 9. In a 1988 profile of FNBA, then-President D.H. Cuddy said: “The bank’s responsibility is to serve the community in which it’s located to the limit The 1988 October cover was actually illustrated by Gary Skeen, the magazine’s then-art director.
of its capital, deposits, and personnel.”
Cover design by Gary Skeen
48 | October 2019
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
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TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
The historic Top 49er that’s been operating in Alaska the longest is Alaska Electric Light & Power, which serves approximately 17,500 people in Juneau; the utility (today ineligible as it’s owned by Lower 48-based Avista) was established in Alaska in 1893 and was listed The theme for the 1993 Top 49ers was “New Horizons”; the cover features an image by Rex Melton, courtesy of the Alaska Division of Tourism, of a storm over Denali.
as a Top 49er in 1987 and 1988.
Cover design by Brian Dixon
companies in 1995, making them ineligible for later rankings. Other notable one-time Top 49ers are Brice Inc. in 1991, Allen & Peterson in 2000, The Alaska Club in 2002, Denali State Bank in 2004, Fairbanks Memorial Hospital in 2006, and PND in 2016. (There are three newcomers in 2019 that technically fit this bill, but we expect to see more of them in the future, so we anticipate they won’t fit these criteria for long.) The historic Top 49er that’s been operating in Alaska the longest is Alaska Electric Light & Power, which serves approximately 17,500 people in
Juneau; the utility (today ineligible as it’s owned by Lower 48-based Avista) was established in Alaska in 1893 and was listed as a Top 49er in 1987 and 1988. While most long-term Top 49ers move up and down in the rankings, several made huge leaps up the list. Harbor Enterprises, Klukwan, and Chugach Alaska all jumped up 22 spots in the ranks in 1987, 1987, and 1988, respectively. But in 2011 CIRI jumped 24 spots; in 2009 Cape Fox Corporation jumped 27 spots; and in 2000 Unit Company jumped an amazing 28 spots up the list. In 1999 Unit Company reported $16 million in revenue and ranked number 48, but
in 2000 the company’s revenue grew by 236 percent to $54 million and the company ranked at number 20. Afognak Native Corporation is also unique; premiering in 2006, Afognak reported $522 million in revenue and snagged the number 7 spot on the list in its first year as a Top 49er, making it the corporation that debuted with the highest revenue on a Top 49ers list. Alaska Native corporations have always comprised a significant portion of the Top 49ers rankings; as mentioned, in 1985, 16 percent of the Top 49ers were Alaska Native corporations, all regional corporations. The first village
In October 2007, the late Vern McCorkle wrote a Letter from the Publisher in which he said: “It is often easier to make a profit (frequently a one-shot deal) than earn a profit, which requires ethical integrity and top-rate goods and services for established clients and customers over a period of time… If there ever was a time when businessmen and women needed to step up to the plate, as people often say, and make a difference for Alaska, this is surely that time.” 50 | October 2019
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TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
corporation made the list the next year in 1986, with Klukwan, the village corporation for Haines, joining the ranks at number 32 with reported revenue of $28 million. In 1988, Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation, the village corporation for Utqiaġvik, reported revenue of just under $26 million landing it at number 31. But the next village corporation didn’t join the Top 49ers list until eight years later in 1996, when Goldbelt, an urban corporation based in Juneau, came onto the scene at number 35 with $25 million in revenue. Alaska Native corporation participation has continued to rise over the years. In 1990 the number of Native corporations was 20 percent of the total list; 20 percent in 1995; 20 percent in 2000; 31 percent in 2005; 45 percent in 2010; 40 percent in 2015; and almost 50 percent this year. All twelve of the regional corporations have been Top 49ers since 2009 when Bering Straits Native Corporation joined the list, and more and more village corporations are making their way into the ranks year after year. It’s an amazing boon to Alaska, as these corporations are passionate about building economic opportunities throughout the state. In October 2007, the late Vern McCorkle wrote a Letter from the Publisher in which he said: “It is often easier to make a profit (frequently a one-shot deal) than earn a profit, which requires ethical integrity and top-rate goods and services for established clients and customers over a period of time… Making a profit at any cost, costs too much… If there ever was a time when businessmen and women needed to step up to the plate, as people often say, and make a difference for Alaska, this is surely that time.” There are, shockingly, still some numbers in our Top 49ers data vault that haven’t made it onto this page [General Manager’s Note: Pathetic! Get them all on here, ASAP, Anderson!], but those that are represented paint a clear picture of Alaska’s homegrown companies that are meeting McCorkle’s expectations, working their capes off with courage and integrity to earn the revenue that creates jobs, pays benefits to employees, and builds communities.
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October 2019 | 51
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
The 2019 Top 49ers
The 2019 Alaska Business Top 49ers rankings are official, ironclad, etched in stone, locked in—and not a minute too soon as we can’t wait to take a closer look at the Last Frontier’s top earning, Alaskan-owned companies. Topping the list (and there’s no need to sit down for this, it’s not surprising) is Arctic Slope Regional Corporation; what may knock you out of your easy chair (if you did sit) is that the company increased its revenue by a whopping 23 percent year over year, reporting a skyscraping $3.4 billion in revenue for 2018. In fact, the top eight of the Top 49ers
1
all managed (very possibly with the aid of grappling hooks and anti-gravity boots) to hold onto their rankings this year from last year. Altogether the Top 49ers (through a shuffling of manila envelopes, coded knocks, and the endless whoosh of a network of pneumatic tubes) reported $17.2 billion in revenue for 2018, almost $2 billion more than the year previous. In addition to the good ol’ gang, there are two new, mysterious figures on the scene for 2019: Choggiung, the village corporation for Dillingham, leapt and bounded onto the list, landing at
number 33, while Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group catapulted onto the list at number 49. Whatever master plans our Top 49ers may have, it’s clear they’re doing what they do best: leading communities, building jobs from scratch, bustin’ bank vaults (with the huge volumes of money they’re making, naturally), and topping charts. For now, we’ve decrypted their data in the following pages for your perusing pleasure. To our Top 49ers: Congrats—and we’re sure we’ll be seeing you again soon.
A r c t ic S lo p e R e g io n a l C o r p o r a t io n
Rex A. Rock Sr. President/CEO HQ: Utqiaġvik Established: 1972 Employees: 15,000 Worldwide, 23% in Alaska
Recent events: In 2018, ASRC subsidiaries acquired four new companies: F.D. Thomas, Inc.; Brad Cole Construction; Mavo Systems; and Hudspeth & Associates, Inc. Since the start of 2019, ASRC subsidiaries acquired National Environmental Group; Niles Construction Services; and K2 Industrial Services.
907-852-8633 • asrc.com ASRCExternalAffairs@asrc.com linkedin.com/company/ arcticsloperegionalcorporation
52 | October 2019
Services: ASRC has six major business segments: government contract services, petroleum refining and marketing, energy support services, industrial services, construction, and resource development.
5 Year Review
‘18
$3,396,783,000
‘17
$2,697,862,000
‘16
$2,371,164,000
‘15
$2,515,377,000
‘14 $2,663,540,000
The story so far...
Change in revenue 26% No change in rank
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
2
B r is t o l B a y N a t iv e C o r p o r a t io n
Jason Metrokin President/CEO HQ: Anchorage Established: 1972 Employees: 4,020 Worldwide, 40% in Alaska
Recent events: BBNC added two Pilatus PC-12 airplanes to Katmai Air,which provides high-end fishing and bear viewing to visitors from around the world. Also, Bristol Alliance Fuels entered into a lease with Delta Western, extending our petroleum sales footprint in Bristol Bay to include Naknek and Dillingham. 907-278-3602 • bbnc.net • info@bbnc.net facebook.com/BristolBayNativeCorporation linkedin.com/company/bristol-bay-nativecorporation
Services: Industrial services, construction, government services, tourism, and natural resources.
a n a N
Wayne Westlake President/CEO HQ: Kotzebue Established: 1972 Employees: 13,147 Worldwide, 32% in Alaska
5 Year Review
‘18
$1,689,014,000
‘17
$1,659,345,000
‘16
$1,525,181,000
‘15
$1,512,022,000
‘14
$1,736,084,000
The story so far... Change in revenue 2% No change in rank
3
Recent events: 5 Year Review
‘18 $1,501,302,000 ‘17 $1,354,000,000 ‘16 $1,300,000,000 ‘15 $1,600,000,000 ‘14 $1,600,000,000
The story so far... Change in revenue No change in rank 54 | October 2019
11%
NANA experienced substantial bottom-line financial improvements in FY18 over the previous year, positioning the corporation for growth as we protect shareholder assets, optimize business performance and invest in our businesses, people and communities. Services: NANA and our family of companies are leaders in mining and resource development, engineering and construction, food and facilities management, camp services, security, logistics, and federal contracting services.
907-442-3301 • nana.com news@nana.com facebook.com/nanaregionalcorporation twitter.com/NANACorporation linkedin.com/company/nanadevelopment-corporation
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
4
Ly n d e n Recent events:
We have now served all seven continents after supporting a recent research mission in Antarctica. Our barge service has expanded in the Arctic region to include the North Slope villages. The Lynden companies are repeat winners of Logistics Management’s Quest for Quality Awards.
907-245-1544 • lynden.com information@lynden.com facebook.com/LyndenInc twitter.com/LyndenInc linkedin.com/company/lynden-incorporated
Gabriel Kompkoff President/CEO HQ: Anchorage Established: 1972 Employees: 5,700 Worldwide, 18% in Alaska
Jim Jansen Chairman HQ: Anchorage Established: 1954 Employees: 2,658 Worldwide, 37% in Alaska
Services: Lynden is a family of transportation companies with capabilities including truckload and less-thantruckload services, scheduled and charter barges, scheduled and charter cargo aircraft, worldwide freight forwarding, heavy haul and oversize services, intermodal bulk chemical hauls, and multi-modal logistics.
5 Year Review
‘18 $1,050,000,000 ‘17
$950,000,000
‘16
$925,000,000
‘15
$975,000,000
‘14 $1,000,000,000
The story so far...
Change in revenue 11% No change in rank
a k s a l A Chugach n o i t a r Co r po
5
Recent events: 5 Year Review
‘18 $949,000,000 ‘17 $920,000,000 ‘16 $842,000,000 ‘15 $758,000,000 ‘14 $626,000,000
The story so far... Change in revenue No change in rank 56 | October 2019
3%
Congress’ passage of the Chugach Lands Study Act in 2019 is a significant milestone for the corporation, which opens the door for a potential land exchange opportunity. This was planned for by our original founders when they selected parcels of land with the intent to exchange at a future date. Services: Chugach provides opportunities to its shareholders through a portfolio of operating businesses, investments, and land and resource development projects.
907-563-8868 • chugach.com communications@chugach.com facebook.com/chugachalaskacorporation linkedin.com/company/chugach
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
STRENGTHENING
Alaska
Through hard work and determination, Arctic Slope Regional Corporation has grown into the largest Alaskan-owned and operated company – employing thousands of Alaskans while providing lasting benefits to our shareholders, opportunities for our communities and helping to power the state’s economy. We are proud of the contributions we’ve made to Alaska, and look forward to continued growth and success as one of Alaska’s leading businesses.
asrc.com
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
6
Ch en ega n o i t a r o p Co r
Charles W. Totemoff President/CEO HQ: Anchorage Established: 1974 Employees: 5,850 Worldwide, 5% in Alaska
Recent events: During FY18, a total of twentythree shareholders, spouses, and descendants were awarded scholarships totaling more than $224,000.
907-277-5706 • chenega.com info@chenega.com
Greg Hambright President/CEO HQ: Kodiak Established: 1977 Employees: 4,546 Worldwide, 3% in Alaska
Services: Government services includes military, intelligence, and operations support, security, environmental, healthcare, facilities, and professional services. Commercial services includes communications contracting, home healthcare services, technology contracting, and food service industry.
5 Year Review
‘18
$830,000,000
‘17
$876,000,000
‘16
$927,000,000
‘15
$882,000,000
‘14
$885,000,000
The story so far... Change in revenue 5% No change in rank
7
e v i t a N k A fog n a n o i t a r Co r po Recent events:
5 Year Review
‘18 $643,686,000 ‘17 $608,104,000 ‘16 $474,271,000 ‘15 $457,569,000 ‘14 $505,346,000
The story so far... Change in revenue No change in rank 58 | October 2019
6%
On June 27, 2019, Afognak Native Corporation hosted the 4th Annual Afognak Youth Charity Golf Tournament at the Anchorage Golf Course, raising a new record of more than $60,000 for Native Villages of Afognak and Port Lions youth. Services: Afognak Native Corporation, Alutiiq, and their subsidiaries offer exceptional government and commercial services worldwide in leasing; construction; timber; engineering; security; logistics, operations, and maintenance; professional and administrative services; oilfield; and youth services.
907-486-6014 afognak.com • alutiiq.com
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
OUR STRENGTH Netiye’ means ‘our strength’ in Ahtna Athabaskan
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
8
Ca lista n o i t a r o p r Co
Andrew Guy President/CEO HQ: Anchorage Established: 1972 Employees: 3,000 Worldwide, 27% in Alaska
Recent events: Calista subsidiary Yulista Tactical Services began NASA contracts to support all of NASA’s fixed-wing fleet at Ellington Field, El Paso Forward Operating Location, and Langley Research Center.
907-275-2800 • calistacorp.com calista@calistacorp.com facebook.com/CalistaCorporation twitter.com/CalistaCorp linkedin.com/company/CalistaCorporation
t e l n I k Coo c n I , n o Regi
Sophie Minich President/CEO HQ: Anchorage Established: 1972 Employees: 80 Worldwide, 100% in Alaska
5 Year Review
‘17 $439,349,000 ‘16 $289,048,000 ‘15 $222,810,000 ‘14 $304,421,000
The story so far...
60 | October 2019
‘18
$575,474,000
‘17
$480,200,000
‘16
$492,200,000
‘15
$460,100,000
‘14
$401,900,000
The story so far...
Change in revenue 20% No change in rank
9
Recent events:
‘18 $513,881,000
Change in revenue Up 1 in rank
Services: Oil field services; civil, vertical and heavy construction; defense contracting; heavy equipment sales, rental, service; real estate; environmental remediation and services; marine transportation; telecommunications services.
5 Year Review
17%
CIRI continues to manage a diverse portfolio of investments in Alaska and beyond. CIRI is a corporation rooted in the heritage and culture of our shareholders, working toward a future where Native people thrive. Services: Government services, real estate, energy and infrastructure, natural resources, private equities and investment securities, and oilfield services.
907-274-8638 • CIRI.com info@CIRI.com facebook.com/CIRInews linkedin.com/company/137182
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
carlile.biz | 800.478.1853 | customerservice@carlile.biz
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
10
U k p e aġ v i k Iñ u piat n o i t a r o p r o C
Delbert Rexford President/CEO HQ: Utqiaġvik Established: 1973 Employees: 4,498 Worldwide, 12% in Alaska
Recent events: Remarkable turnaround with significant increase in profitability and return on equity as a result of corporate and operational restructuring. Now with a strong financial position, UIC is exploring expansion into other business sectors.
907-852-4460 • uicalaska.com uic.corporatemarketing@uicalaska.com
5 Year Review
Services: Government contracting, construction, engineering, regulatory consulting, information technology, marine transportation, logistics, oil and gas, industrial support, and manufacturing.
$461,190,653
‘17
$470,425,629
‘16
$424,300,000
‘15
$424,426,000
‘14
$356,781,000
The story so far... Change in revenue 2% Down 1 in rank
a k s a l Sea
Anthony Mallott President/CEO HQ: Juneau Established: 1972 Employees: 345 Worldwide, 16% in Alaska
‘18
11
Recent events: 5 Year Review
‘18 $429,333,000 ‘17 $293,400,000 ‘16 $145,500,000 ‘15 $109,440,000 ‘14 $121,540,000
The story so far... Change in revenue Up 1 in rank 62 | October 2019
46%
2018 was another record financial year as core businesses continued to grow and admin costs remained flat. Sealaska’s seafood businesses nearly doubled operating EBITDA, in large part due to strong sales. Natural resources operating EBITDA increased fourfold as a result of the carbon project. Services: Sealaska has three major groups. Services: a full-service company with global reach in water and energy management, construction, data management, and analytics; Natural Resources: a balanced approach to achieve sustainable growth and long-term benefit for land management and economic development; and Foods.
907-586-1512 • sealaska.com corpcomm@sealaska.com facebook.com/sealaskacorporation twitter.com/Sealaska linkedin.com/company/sealaska-corporation
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
Gail R. Schubert President/CEO HQ: Utqiaġvik Established: 1972 Employees: 1,560 Worldwide, 27% in Alaska
Recent events:
BSNC doubled scholarship funding for undergraduate, graduate, and vocational Bering Straits Foundation student recipients. Students are encouraged to fully utilize scholarships from the Foundation to obtain an education or training that will benefit our Region, Alaska and Our People. Services: BSNC wholly owns twentyfive subsidiary companies that provide services to both commercial and government clients in the following primary lines of business: professional services, base operations and logistics support services, hardware retail and wholesale distribution, construction.
907-563-3788 • beringstraits.com info@beringstraits.com facebook.com/GoBSNC
24/7
5 Year Review
‘18
$415,000,000
‘17
$357,900,000
‘16
$326,000,000
‘15
$304,404,000
‘14
$229,482,000
The story so far...
Change in revenue 16% Down 1 in rank
5000 Spenard Rd, Anchorage, AK 99517
SHUTTLE
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907-222-4002 • ALASKAPARK.COM CONNECTING THROUGH ANCHORAGE? Stay at the Coast Inn at Lake Hood, the closest hotel to the airport. 907-243-2233 coasthotels.com
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with a 3-day stay Offer expires 12/31/19
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www.akbizmag.com
VISIT THE GALAPAGOS OF THE NORTH! Enjoy a guided tour of St. Paul Island, a wilderness paradise in the Bering Sea. 877- 424-5637 stpaulislandtour.com
License Plate #
Name Email
Alaska Business
October 2019 | 63
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
12
Bering e v i t a N s t i a Str n o i t a r o p r o C
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
13
D oyo n, Li m ite d
Aaron Schutt President/CEO HQ: Fairbanks Established: 1972 Employees: 1,009 Worldwide, 69% in Alaska
Recent events:
Doyon Drilling Rig 26 (extended reach drilling rig) will begin drilling operations in April 2020. Rig 26 will be the largest land based rig in North America, with the capability for directional drilling to a depth of 33,000 feet, and capacity to develop resources within a 125 square mile area.
888-478-4755 • doyon.com communications@doyon.com facebook.com/doyonlimited twitter.com/doyonlimited linkedin.com/company/68337
Michelle Anderson President HQ: Glennallen Established: 1972 Employees: 1,101 Worldwide, 27% in Alaska
‘18 $284,400,000 ‘17 $238,000,000 ‘16 $217,700,000 ‘15 $188,400,000 ‘14 $185,000,000
The story so far...
64 | October 2019
20%
‘18
$310,643,000
‘17
$290,548,000
‘16
$305,412,000
‘15
$378,288,768
‘14
$362,816,481
The story so far... Change in revenue 7% No change in rank
. c n I , Ahtna
5 Year Review
Change in revenue Up 2 in rank
Services: Doyon Drilling, Doyon Tourism, Doyon/ARAMARK JV, Doyon Government Group, Arctic Information Technology, Inc., designDATA, Doyon Associated, Doyon Anvil, Doyon Utilities, Doyon Remote Facilities and Services, Northern Laundry, Doyon Facilities.
5 Year Review
14
Recent events: We had a record financial year in 2018 and were able to make our first non-taxable shareholder dividend distribution from the Ahtna Hwt-anene (People’s) Trust. Services: Ahtna’s principle activities include construction, engineering, environmental, facilities management, surveying, security, military training, janitorial, healthcare and medical records management, government contracting, land management and resource development, and oil and gas pipeline services.
907-822-3476 • ahtna-inc.com news@ahtna.net facebook.com/Ahtna.Inc twitter.com/ahtnainc linkedin.com/company/ahtna-inc.
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
Recent events: Koniag expanded our youth scholarship program doubling our investment in this area. Koniag awarded more than 100 youth scholarships this year, allowing children and teens to attend athletic, cultural and artistic camps.
907-486-2530 • koniag.com facebook.com/KoniagInc
www.akbizmag.com
Services: Koniag’s business sectors include: information technology services, government contracting services, energy and water, tourism, natural resource development, and real estate.
Alaska Business
5 Year Review
‘18
$267,415,000
‘17
$270,769,000
‘16
$251,588,000
‘15
$267,460,000
‘14
$211,493,000
The story so far... Change in revenue 1% Down 1 in rank
October 2019 | 65
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
15
g a i n o K
Ron Unger CEO HQ: Kodiak Established: 1972 Employees: 1,110 Worldwide, 8% in Alaska
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
16
A leut n o i t a r o p r Co
Thomas Mack President/CEO HQ: Anchorage Established: 1972 Employees: 902 Worldwide, 13% in Alaska
Recent events: ARS International won Small Business of the Year from Consolidated Nuclear Security. ARS International is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Aleut Corporation.
907-561-4300 • aleutcorp.com info@aleutcorp.com
Services: Federal contracting; O&M; instrumentation for oil and gas industry; mechanical contracting; radiological laboratory analysis, field testing, land remediation; commercial and residential real estate; fuel sales and storage; oil well testing services; information technology; and construction services.
G o l d b e l t,
McHugh Pierre Interim President/CEO HQ: Juneau Established: 1974 Employees: 1,500 Worldwide, 17% in Alaska
d e t a r o Inco r p
5 Year Review
‘18
$252,293,053
‘17
$211,837,206
‘16
$171,655,823
‘15
$137,942,098
‘14
$120,307,293
The story so far...
Change in revenue 19% Up 3 in rank
17
Recent events: 5 Year Review
‘18
$228,728,336
‘17
$229,389,285
‘16
$236,747,520
‘15
$220,276,480
‘14
$169,063,557
The story so far... Change in revenue No change in rank 66 | October 2019
0.3%
Over $228 million in revenue in 2018; continued record-setting revenue at the Mount Roberts Tramway; landed the opportunity to bid on an IDIQ contract with a maximum ceiling of $6.1 billion; new Alaska-built marine vessel for Goldbelt Transportation; looking toward future developments in Alaska. Services: Goldbelt, Inc. is an Alaska Native Corporation, serving as the urban corporation for the Juneau area and is the largest private land holder in the City and Borough of Juneau and Petersburg Borough.
907-790-4990 • Goldbelt.com info@goldbelt.com facebook.com/Goldbelt.
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
Hugh Patkotak Sr. President/CEO HQ: Wainwright Established: 1973 Employees: 888 Worldwide, 14% in Alaska
Recent events:
Olgoonik may have its roots in a small Arctic village in Alaska, but to date we have successfully completed government and commercial contracting projects on every continent (except Antarctica). In 2019, we increased our capacity for remote overland transport and legacy well remediation in Alaska.
907-562-8728 • olgoonik.com
Services: Worldwide government and commercial contracting in construction, logistics, remote overland transport, security, environmental and engineering services.
5 Year Review
‘18
$228,500,000
‘17
$260,200,000
‘16
$241,800,000
‘15
$260,600,000
‘14
$231,900,000
The story so far...
Change in revenue 12% Down 3 in rank
Engineering Results for Alaskan Communities Since 1979 Energy Efficiency Industrial Hygiene Engineering Design Environmental Remediation Hazardous Materials Management
Regulatory Compliance Support Certified Inspection Services HSE Program Development Contingency Planning Tank Inspections
FAIRBANKS ANCHORAGE JUNEAU JUNEAU FAIRBANKS ANCHORAGE 907-452-5688 907-222-2445 907-586-6813 907-452-5688 907-222-2445 907-586-6813
Learn more at www.nortechengr.com www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
October 2019 | 67
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
18
O lg o o n i k n o i t a r o p r Co
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
19
s r a e B e e r Th A las ka
David A. Weisz President/CEO HQ: Wasilla Established: 1980 Employees: 715 Worldwide, 92% in Alaska
Recent events: Opened a new convenience store with fuel station in Palmer. Expanding and upgrading our original grocery store in Tok, including adding a package store (beer, wine, and spirits). Building a new grocery store in Big Lake that will include an Ace Hardware store.
907-357-4311 • threebearsalaska.com
Services: Retail grocery, general merchandise, sporting goods (hunting, fishing and camping), pharmacies, package stores (beer, wine and spirits), fuel stations, hardware, and motel.
c i r t c e l E Chugach n o i t a i c o s As
Lee Thibert CEO HQ: Anchorage Established: 1948 Employees: 300 Worldwide, 100% in Alaska
5 Year Review
‘18 $202,253,000 ‘17 $224,689,000 ‘16 $197,747,579 ‘15 $216,421,152 ‘14 $281,318,513
5 Year Review
‘18
$212,185,435
‘17
$187,029,540
‘16
$173,169,699
‘15
$175,279,992
‘14
$161,254,283
The story so far...
Change in revenue 13% Up 1 in rank
20
Recent events: Chugach Electric is in the process of acquiring Municipal Light & Power. The Regulatory Commission of Alaska has final approval of the sale, and a decision is expected by mid-November 2019. Services: We are a memberowned electric cooperative.
The story so far... Change in revenue Down 2 in rank 68 | October 2019
10% 907-563-7494 • chugachelectric.com
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
Ed Gohr CEO HQ: Anchorage Established: 2007 Employees: 850 Worldwide, 29% in Alaska
Recent events:
“In the mood to celebrate,” Delta Constructors continues to invest in Alaska’s future. We opened a 45,000-square-foot fabrication shop in Anchorage. We also added 150 new employees, to a peak of 850. Most importantly, we have maintained world class safety performance during this growth.
907-561-4300 • aleutcorp.com info@aleutcorp.com
907-771-5800 • deltaconstructors.net
Services: Delta is a general contractor providing construction management, direct hire construction, fabrication, commissioning, and maintenance services in Alaska, North Dakota, Texas, and New Mexico to the O&G Industry. Our commitment to safety, quality, costs, and schedule performance defines our mission.
S E S S E IN S U B A K L S A A I L T A N E G N T O P HELPI R I E H a.com HT lask REAC a p i p 584 3 4 7 2 (907)
www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
5 Year Review
‘18
$175,772,000
‘17
$81,550,000
‘16
$121,228,363
‘15
$179,492,000
‘14
$166,419,000
The story so far...
Change in revenue 116% Up 14 in rank
in t n i r P or l o C l l Fu pying & Co il a M t c Dire g n i r e d r O Online e Signag & w o h S Tradet Marketing Even
g
October 2019 | 69
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
21 Co ns t r u cto r s D e lt a
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
22
l a n o i t a N t s r Fi Ban k A las ka
Betsy Lawer Board Chair/CEO HQ: Anchorage Established: 1922 Employees: 654 Worldwide, 100% in Alaska
Recent events:
Alaska Business readers voted First National “Best of Alaska Business” in the Best Place to Work category for the fourth year in a row and American Banker named the bank one of the “Best Banks to Work For” in the United States. First National won the Alaska Chamber Large Business of the Year Award in 2018.
907-777-4362 • FNBAlaska.com customer.service@FNBAlaska.com
Anastasia Hoffman President/CEO HQ: Bethel Established: 1973 Employees: 120 Worldwide, 42% in Alaska
Services: Friendly, knowledgeable Alaskans offering the convenience, service, and value of a full range of deposit, lending, and wealth management services, as well as online and mobile banking. With branches in eighteen communities and assets of more than $3.7 billion, we believe in Alaska and have since 1922.
e v i t a N l e h Bet n o i t a r o p r Co
5 Year Review
‘18
$164,818,000
‘17
$152,325,000
‘16
$150,499,000
‘15
$142,215,000
‘14
$132,305,000
The story so far... Change in revenue 8% Down 1 in rank
23
Recent events: 5 Year Review
‘18 $153,715,435 ‘17 $99,197,518
Bethel Native Corporation completed its highest revenue earning year on record grossing more than $150 million in revenues, a more than 50 percent increase from the prior year.
‘16 $71,771,183 ‘15 $54,275,351 ‘14 $33,096,622
The story so far... Change in revenue Up 6 in rank 70 | October 2019
55%
Services: Bethel Native Corporation generates income and cash flow through four primary sources: contracting revenues earned by active business; operating companies managed through its wholly owned subsidiaries; income from investments; rental income and appreciation from investment properties. 907-543-2124 • bethelservices.com krose@bncak.com
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
Tony Izzo CEO HQ: Palmer Established: 1941 Employees: 205 Worldwide, 100% in Alaska
Recent events:
5 Year Review
Chosen as “Person of the Year” for The Frontiersman for 2018 and recognized nationally for excellence in the November 30 earthquake response. Services: Electric utilitygeneration, transmission, and distribution.
‘18
$148,639,243
‘17
$148,701,932
‘16
$137,279,126
‘15
$142,549,343
‘14
$116,570,742
The story so far...
907-761-9300 • mea.coop meacontact@mea.coop facebook.com/matanuska.electric twitter.com/meacoop
Change in revenue 0.04% Down 2 in rank
Safe and responsible construction services in Alaska for over 40 years • Road construction • Site reclamation • Airport construction • Underground utilities • Site development • Erosion protection • Riverbank restoration
2975 Van Horn Road, Fairbanks (907) 452-5617 • (800) 440-8924
www.grtnw.com www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
October 2019 | 71
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
24
c i r t c e l E a k s u M ata n Associatio n
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
25
e v i t a N k e n o y T Co r po r atio n
Leo Barlow CEO HQ: Anchorage Established: 1973 Employees: 1,150 Worldwide, 3% in Alaska
Recent events:
Tyonek WorldWide Services, a subsidiary of Tyonek Services Group and Tyonek Native Corporation, has been awarded a contract to support the Army Contracting CommandRedstone Arsenal Logistics Support Facility Management Activity (LSFMA) with a total value of up to $2.4 billion.
907-272-0707 • tyonek.com sdeemer@tyonek.com facebook.com/tyoneknativecorporation linkedin.com/company/tyonek-native-corp
Ta n a d g u s ix C o r p o r a t io n
Ron Philemonoff CEO HQ: Anchorage Established: 1973 Employees: 623 Worldwide, 17% in Alaska
5 Year Review
‘18 $139,252,000 ‘17 $111,700,000 ‘16 $122,200,000 ‘15 $139,500,000 ‘14 -
The story so far... Change in revenue Up 1 in rank 72 | October 2019
Services: Tyonek Native Corporation is the parent company to a variety of subsidiary businesses including defense manufacturing and engineering, aircraft maintenance, information technology services, and construction. The company owns over 200,000 acres of land, primarily on the west side of the Cook Inlet.
25%
5 Year Review
‘18
$144,600,000
‘17
$78,000,000
‘16
$89,000,000
‘15
$101,000,000
‘14
$120,000,000
The story so far...
Change in revenue 85% Up 12 in rank
26
Recent events:
More than $90 million in new contracts awarded in the 4th quarter of 2018. Services: Remote site logistics, fiber and cable, munitions response. Hotel, restaurant, airport parking service. Remote power utilities, wind, and alternative energy. New construction and building renovation. O&M for power generation systems worldwide. Military and civilian switchgears. Marine fuel.
907-278-2312 • tanadgusix.com info@tanadgusix.com facebook.com/TanadgusixCorporation
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
Dave Cruz President HQ: Palmer Established: 1981 Employees: 218 Worldwide, 100% in Alaska
Recent events: Successfully contracted a Construction Manager/General Contractor contract with the DOT. Services: Resource development, heavy civil construction, and marine services.
5 Year Review
‘18
$137,401,439
‘17
$120,000,000
‘16
$183,717,140
‘15
$213,518,131
‘14
$191,860,803
The story so far...
Change in revenue 15% Down 2 in rank
907-746-3144
When experience meets ingenuity, you get The Solutions Company • Safe, cost effective solutions to the most challenging projects • From the Arctic to the Gulf Coast • Full facility removal, asbestos, remediation, waste management, demolition and site work
Central Environmental Inc.
We have the solutions for your project, please give us a call.
CEI I The Solutions Company
Locations: Anchorage I Fairbanks I Las Vegas I Los Angeles 888-876-0125 I www.cei-alaska.com I #centralenvironmentalinc www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
October 2019 | 73
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
27
s e i n a p m o C Cruz A las ka
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
28
Sitnas u ak N ati v e Co r po r atio n
Barbara Amarok Board of Directors Chair HQ: Nome Established: 1973 Employees: 1,600 Worldwide, 6% in Alaska
Recent events: Expanded product line with new waterproof parkas (coats) with hoods for the US Army and Air Force in 2019.
907-387-1200 • snc.org communications@snc.org facebook.com/Sitnasuak twitter.com/SitnasuakNC linkedin.com/company/sitnasuak-nativecorporation
Services: Sitnasuak has four subsidiaries in diverse business activities. Quality products and services include tactical apparel for military and public safety service men and women, cybersecurity, fuel distribution, retail store sales, title and escrow services, and property rentals and development.
Davis Constr uctors & Enginee rs
Luke Blomfield President/CEO HQ: Anchorage Established: 1976 Employees: 129 Worldwide, 100% in Alaska
5 Year Review
‘18
$133,494,517
‘17
$134,138,330
‘16
$130,210,466
‘15
$116,912,297
‘14
$88,128,089
The story so far...
Change in revenue 0.5% Down 5 in rank
29
Recent events: 5 Year Review
‘18
$128,512,733
‘17
$120,084,328
‘16
$65,497,161
‘15
$108,023,675
‘14
$136,117,019
The story so far... Change in revenue Down 5 in rank 74 | October 2019
7%
In 2019, past President Greg Romack took on a new role as Chairman of the Board. ASKW-davis completed the 1st and 3rd floors of the 185,000-squarefoot Dr. Paul John Calricaraq Healthcare Project. The 2nd floor follows in November with renovations at the existing hospital ongoing through early 2021. Services: Davis Constructors has completed more than 450 projects totaling more than $2.5 billion. More than forty years of experience in design/build, design assist, CMGC, in addition to general contracting services. Davis delivers projects from southeast Alaska, the Aleutians, Kodiak, and north of the Arctic Circle.
907-562-2336 • davisconstructors.com admin@davisconstructors.com linkedin.com/company/davis-constructors-&engineers-inc.
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
Recent events:
MTA’s recently-launched whollyowned subsidiary MTA Fiber Holdings is responsible for AlCan ONE, the first all-terrestrial fiber route connecting Alaska with the contiguous United States and beyond. This project will increase access to high-speed internet and support business and job growth.
907-745-3211 • mtasolutions.com facebook.com/MTAsolutionsAK twitter.com/mtasolutions linkedin.com/company/mtasolutions
Services: MTA, an Alaskan-owned technology and communications company, delivers broadband, managed WiFi, voice, streaming TV, data center, IT services, and digital marketing to tens of thousands of Alaskan consumers and businesses.
5 Year Review
‘18
$108,400,000
‘17
$116,648,000
‘16
$100,000,000
‘15
$99,200,000
‘14
$97,100,000
The story so far... Change in revenue 7% Down 4 in rank
COMPANIES
MARINE LLC
ENERGY SERVICES LLC A CIRI COMPANY
A CIRI COMPANY
BUILDING ALASKA FOR MORE THAN
38 years CONTRUCTION, INC
Experts in Resource Development and Heavy Civil Construction Cruz Construction | Alaska Interstate Construction Original www.akbizmag.com
Option 1 Alaska Business
Option 2 October 2019 | 75
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
30 M T A
Michael Burke CEO HQ: Palmer Established: 1953 Employees: 431 Worldwide, 99% in Alaska
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
31
n o i t c u r t s n o C Machine ry l a i r t s u d n I
Ken Gerondale President/CEO HQ: Anchorage Established: 1985 Employees: 105 Worldwide, 100% in Alaska
Services: Construction and mining equipment dealer offering sales, rentals, parts, and service. Major lines include Volvo, Hitachi, Linkbelt cranes, Atlas Copco, Epiroc drills.
5 Year Review
‘18
$105,000,000
‘17
$98,500,000
‘16
$98,000,000
‘15
$105,000,000
‘14
$127,000,000
The story so far... Change in revenue 7% No change in rank
907-563-3822 • cmiak.com
c i r t c e l E r e m o H Associatio n
Bradley Janorschke General Manager HQ: Homer Established: 1945 Employees: 140 Worldwide, 100% in Alaska
32
Recent events: 5 Year Review
‘18
$97,000,000
‘17
$99,000,000
‘16
$95,000,000
‘15
$97,000,000
‘14
$92,000,000
The story so far... Change in revenue Down 2 in rank 76 | October 2019
2%
In an effort to increase the annual output of the Bradley Lake Hydro Plant, the Battle Creek Project started its first season of construction in 2018. This project would divert runoff from the Battle Creek Glacier into Bradley Lake increasing its annual output by 10 percent for the next eighty years. Services: Homer Electric Association is a Touchstone Energy Cooperative, serving the lower Kenai Peninsula to safely provide reliable electricity to our members and our community through superior customer service and innovative energy solutions at fair and reasonable prices.
907-235-8551 • homerelectric.com facebook.com/homerelectricassociation twitter.com/HomerElectric
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
Cameron Poindexter President/CEO HQ: Dillingham Established: 1972 Employees: 325 Worldwide, 34% in Alaska
Recent events: Sought and received approval from shareholders to start an ANCSA Settlement Trust and seeded; acquired controlling interest in Bristol Alliance of Companies. Services: Commercial real estate and hospitality; commercial and government services—federal contracting; construction, environmental, information technology, facilities services, engineering.
5 Year Review
‘18
$95,700,000
‘17
-
‘16
-
‘15
-
‘14
-
The story so far...
Change in revenue NA NA in rank
907-842-5218 • choggiung.com contact@choggiung.com
resourceful solutions KEEPING NATURAL RESOURCES CLIENTS ON THE CUTTING EDGE OF MARKET TRENDS AND AHEAD OF THEIR COMPETITION.
Dorsey & Whitney’s Energy & Natural Resources attorneys assist clients with a wide range of oil & gas matters, providing timely and effective counsel to companies engaged in upstream, midstream, or downstream operations. Dorsey provides comprehensive representation, helping clients with everything from transactions and financing to litigation, regulatory, and environmental compliance.
TOP RANKED
LAW FIRM IN ALASKA
11 PRACTICE AREAS
Corporate Law, Commercial Litigation, Real Estate, Employment Law, and others
U.S. News–Best Lawyers 2019 (Woodward White, Inc.)
LEADING
ENVIRONMENT, NATURAL RESOURCES & REGULATED INDUSTRIES PRACTICE Chambers USA 2019
dorsey.com/anchorage © 2019 Dorsey & Whitney LLP www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
October 2019 | 77
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
33
g n u i g Chog
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
34
e l l i v l Co
Dave Pfeifer President/CEO HQ: Prudhoe Bay Established: 1981 Employees: 200 Worldwide, 100% in Alaska
Recent events:
In anticipation of the increased fuel needs for the 2020 season, we started a barge program in 2018 to give ourselves time to perfect our process. Although we completed a record haul without incident, we engineered and fabricated equipment that will make future operations safer and more efficient.
907-659-3198 • colvilleinc.com info@colvilleinc.com linkedin.com/company/colville-inc
Services: Colville Fuel and Transport: 4M gallon tank farm and fully integrated chain of supply; Solid Waste Management: a public utility service; Brooks Range Supply: industrial parts and supplies; Brooks Camp: Prudhoe Bay lodging; Colville Aviation: parking, fueling, and deicing; Ben’s Towing: heavy duty.
n o s r e t Wat . o C n o i t c u r t s n o C
Jim Watterson President HQ: Anchorage Established: 1981 Employees: 105 Worldwide, 100% in Alaska
5 Year Review
‘18
$88,647,382
‘17
$87,479,056
‘16
$96,299,358
‘15
$132,986,277
‘14
$125,690,815
The story so far... Change in revenue 1% No change in rank
35
Recent events: 5 Year Review
‘18
$85,500,000
‘17
$41,000,000
‘16
$52,000,000
‘15
$104,000,000
‘14
$88,000,000
The story so far... Change in revenue Up 13 in rank 78 | October 2019
109%
Watterson has been selected to construct five projects in preparation for the deployment of F-35 jets to Alaska. These projects are being constructed both directly by Watterson Construction, and with our small business protégée, Callahan Construction. Services: Commercial general contractor. Specializing in preconstruction services, best value, design-build, and construction manager/general contractor projects.
907-563-7441 • wattersonconstruction.com info@wccak.com
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
Joseph E. Usibelli Jr. President/CEO HQ: Fairbanks Established: 1943 Employees: 172 Worldwide, 100% in Alaska
Recent events:
On April 10, 2019, employees at the mine worked 798 consecutive days without a lost time accident, setting a new record for safety at the mine. As of July 29, the safety record was at 909 days. Their safety program “Everyday Safety- At Work. At Home. At Play.” helps make safety priority number one. Services: Currently the only operational coal mine in Alaska, UCM is supported by the most modern mining equipment and state-of-the-art engineering. Today, UCM supplies affordable, reliable and ultra-low sulfur coal to the five power plants located in Interior Alaska.
907-452-2625 • usibelli.com info@usibelli.com facebook.com/UsibelliCoalMine twitter.com/Usibelli
5 Year Review
‘18
$81,000,000
‘17
$79,000,000
‘16
$80,000,000
‘15
$86,000,000
‘14
$97,000,000
The story so far... Change in revenue 3% No change in rank
At home in the Arctic Construction Logistics Overland Transportation Remote Oilfield Support Remediation
Wainwright, AK Anchorage, AK Annandale, VA www.olgoonik.com
www.akbizmag.com
907.562.8728
Alaska Business
October 2019 | 79
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
36
Us i b elli Coa l M i n e
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
37
A n c h o r a g e C h rys le r Dodge Cente r
Corey Meyers President HQ: Anchorage Established: 1963 Employees: 96 Worldwide, 100% in Alaska
Services: Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram sales and service.
5 Year Review
‘18
$77,738,867
‘17
$90,546,881
‘16
$79,853,962
‘15
$89,313,811
‘14
$97,752,543
The story so far...
Change in revenue 14% Down 5 in rank
907-276-1331
m i w k o k s u K Th e n o i t a r o p r o C
Sam Boyle Interim President/CEO HQ: Anchorage Established: 1977 Employees: 175 Worldwide, 10% in Alaska
38
Recent events: 5 Year Review
‘18
$74,267,227
‘17
$104,276,146
‘16
$88,719,545
‘15
$86,423,567
‘14
$73,122,018
The story so far... Change in revenue Down 10 in rank 80 | October 2019
29%
The Kuskokwim Corporation (TKC) has been heavily focused on improving the quality of life for our Shareholders. TKC is actively working on creative solutions to Rural problems and we are partnering with organizations across the state to better serve our people throughout Alaska and across the country. Services: Government contracts related to heavy civil construction, aviation, and IO&T services; real estate rental; energy efficient lighting solutions; helicopter maintenance, repair, and overhaul services; Part 145 repair station; Part 135 air charter; and environmental restoration and compliance services.
907-243-2944 • kuskokwim.com info@kuskokwim.com facebook.com/TheKuskokwimCorp
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
Chris Luchtefeld CEO HQ: Ketchikan Established: 1973 Employees: 820 Worldwide, 25% in Alaska
Recent events:
This year Cape Fox Corporation is completing a two-year, $3 million, exterior and interior renovation of the Cape Fox Lodge in Ketchikan, Alaska. The renovation is expanding our conference facilities, renovating the Heen Kahidi restaurant, and redecorating all seventy-two rooms in the lodge.
907-225-5163 • capefoxcorp.com info@capefoxcorp.com facebook.com/Cape-Fox-Corporation linkedin.com/company/cape-fox-corporation
Services: Cape Fox’s portfolio includes commercial businesses specializing in Alaska lodging, restaurants, and tourism and federal government contracting businesses with capabilities in professional staffing, systems engineering, medical services, IT, communications, acquisition, HR, and construction.
5 Year Review
‘18
$68,500,055
‘17
$60,632,693
‘16
$63,532,532
‘15
$65,471,442
‘14
-
The story so far...
Change in revenue 13% Up 3 in rank
MEETINGS WITH A VIEW An unforgettable meeting experience overlooking the busiest seaplane base in the world. Over 6,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. Contact us today at +1 907.266.2206
THE LAKEFRONT ANCHORAGE 4800 Spenard Road, Anchorage, AK 99517 | USA Tel. +1 907.243.2300 Fax +1 907.243.8815 anchorage.us@millenniumhotels.com | www.millenniumhotels.com www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
October 2019 | 81
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
39
Cape Fox Co r po r atio n
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
40
Ta t o n d u
k
a b d s r e t Outfit
o g r a C r i E v e r ts A
Robert Everts CEO/Owner HQ: Fairbanks Established: 1978 Employees: 359 Worldwide, 91% in Alaska
Recent events:
Everts Air Cargo purchased a Level D MD-80 Simulator from American Airlines in Dallas, Texas and moved it to Fairbanks, AK, where it will be re-certified by the FAA. This move demonstrates the continued dedication Rob Everts has to Alaska and commercial aviation in the state. Services: Everts Air Cargo provides scheduled and charter (domestic and international) air freight services using MD80, DC-9, DC-6 and C-46 aircraft. Everts Air Alaska provides passenger, freight, and charter service out of Fairbanks using Pilatus and Caravan aircraft.
907-450-2300 • EvertsAir.com info@EvertsAir.com
Credit Union 1
James Wileman President/CEO HQ: Anchorage Established: 1952 Employees: 397 Worldwide, 96% in Alaska
5 Year Review
‘18
$67,700,000
‘17
$63,800,000
‘16
$54,135,000
‘15
$57,140,000
‘14
$53,150,000
The story so far... Change in revenue 6% Up 1 in rank
41
Recent events: 5 Year Review
‘18
$66,501,606
‘17
$65,811,947
‘16
$64,618,093
‘15
$60,879,254
‘14
$58,634,026
The story so far... Change in revenue Down 2 in rank 82 | October 2019
1%
In 2018, CU1 fundraised and donated more than $264,000 back to Alaskan communities, and employees volunteered more than 6,000 hours for Alaskan non-profit organizations. Services: As a not-for-profit credit union that serves over 84,000 Alaskans, Credit Union 1 is proud to help foster thriving, happy communities by always putting people first. Our credit union calls this homegrown passion #CU1LUV (Lead Change, Uplift Others, Value People), and it inspires everything we do.
907-339-9485 • cu1.org membermail@cu1.org facebook.com/CreditUnion twitter.com/oneforallalaska linkedin.com/company/creditunion1
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
Justin Charon CEO HQ: Anchorage Established: 2009 Employees: 80 Worldwide, 100% in Alaska
Recent events:
5 Year Review
Expanded marine fleet in 2018. Services: Fuel and freight.
‘18
$64,000,000
‘17
$54,500,000
‘16
$55,000,000
‘15
$63,000,000
‘14
$69,000,000
The story so far...
Change in revenue 17% Up 4 in rank
907-278-6700 • vitus-energy.com sales@vitusmarine.com
At NANA, we advance responsible mineral development and economic opportunity to improve the lives of our people. Our Iñupiaq values of hard work, cooperation and commitment guide our partnerships and principles, and our business operations benefit from knowledge passed down over 10,000 years.
Together, let’s develop Alaska’s potential. NANA.com www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
October 2019 | 83
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
42
y g r e n E s u Vit
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
43
ld e i f l i O n e v o h l s e e c Ud i v r e S m e t s y S
Jim Udelhoven CEO HQ: Anchorage Established: 1970 Employees: 329 Worldwide, 92% in Alaska
Recent events: NWA Mud Plant-subcontractor to Fairweather; Kenai Airportsubcontractor to Blaze; Missile 4 Utilidor-subcontractor to Neeser. Services: Construction, fabrication, maintenance, professional services, FCO/QA/QC.
5 Year Review
‘18
$60,694,110
‘17
$65,016,912
‘16
$97,181,224
‘15
$148,746,045
‘14
$198,377,193
The story so far... Change in revenue 7% Down 3 in rank
907-344-1577 • udelhoven.com jfronteras@udelhoven.com
t a e r G t s e w h t r o N
John Minder President/CEO HQ: Fairbanks Established: 1976 Employees: 220 Worldwide, 100% in Alaska
5 Year Review
‘18
$58,000,000
‘17
-
‘16
-
‘15
$60,800,000
‘14
-
44
Recent events: Locally owned and operated for more than forty years, headquartered out of Fairbanks. Services: Heavy highway road construction, road and airport construction, site development, utility construction, petroleum industry construction.
The story so far... Change in revenue NA NA in rank 84 | October 2019
907-452-5617 • grtnw.com info@grtnw.com
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
Ralph Seekins President HQ: Fairbanks Established: 1977 Employees: 100 Worldwide, 100% in Alaska
Recent events: Now operating Seekins Quick Lane repair military facilities at both Eielson AFB and Ft. Wainwright. Services: New and used automobile sales, parts, service and body shop repairs.
‘18
$56,288,865
‘17
$58,946,067
‘16
$52,554,917
‘15
$69,690,934
‘14
$68,469,689
The story so far...
907-459-4000 • seekins.com sales@seekins.com facebook.com/SeekinsFordLincoln twitter.com/SeekinsFordLinc
www.akbizmag.com
5 Year Review
Change in revenue 5% Down 2 in rank
Alaska Business
October 2019 | 85
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
45
d r o F s n i k e e S n l o c Li n
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
46
l e k c i H r e Rog g n i t c a r t n Co Recent events: Roger Hickel Contracting was recently awarded the taxiway F and V reconstruction at Anchorage International Airport. Another event of note was providing repairs to twentynine Anchorage schools after the November 30 earthquake.
907-279-1400 • rogerhickelcontracting.com contact@rhcak.com
Services: General contractor specializing in commercial and industrial construction, both vertical and civil.
Mike Shaw President HQ: Anchorage Established: 1995 Employees: 50 Worldwide, 100% in Alaska
5 Year Review
‘18
$56,254,997
‘17
$69,514,855
‘16
$53,447,999
‘15
$50,787,881
‘14
$65,585,188
The story so far...
Change in revenue 19% Down 8 in rank
GET INVOLVED WITH JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT! Junior Achievement’s purpose is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. If you would like to volunteer, request a program, or volunteer with JA, please reach out to the JA near you!
Learn more at alaska.ja.org
CELEBRATE the Annual Alaska Business Hall of Fame Laureates
Jason Metrokin, Hall of Fame laureate with David Paoli, JA student.
SAVE THE DATE! Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center Thursday, January 23, 2020 5:30 p.m. Reception
2020 Honorees
Van Hale & Jack Amon, Marx Bros. Cafe Dave Lawer, FNBA April & Pat Reilly, Rain Proof Roofing Aaron Schutt, Doyon Limited
AlaskaBusiness
Call Flora Teo at 907-344-0101 to reserve a table or go to alaska.ja.org for more information 86 | October 2019
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
R e n t a ls
Jerry Sadler Owner/President HQ: Fairbanks Established: 1986 Employees: 105 Worldwide, 100% in Alaska
5 Year Review
‘18 $55,900,000
Recent events:
Upgrading Anchorage location grounds/signage.
‘17 $55,100,000 ‘16 $54,361,000 ‘15 $75,624,000 ‘14 $63,212,586
The story so far... Change in revenue Down 2 in rank
www.akbizmag.com
Services: Largest heavy equipment rental company in Alaska, working primarily with industrial and construction companies. Full line dealer for John Deere Construction & Forestry as well as many top tier manufacturers for other types of construction products.
1%
907-456-2000 • airportequipmentrentals.com aerinc4@alaska.net
Alaska Business
October 2019 | 87
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
47
t n e m p i u q E Airport
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
48
e g a l l i V a k s a Al c i r t c e El e v i t a r Coo p e
Meera Kohler President/CEO HQ: Anchorage Established: 1967 Employees: 125 Worldwide, 100% in Alaska
5 Year Review
Recent events:
‘18
$52,400,000
Installed 900 kilowatt wind turbines in St. Mary’s and in Bethel.
‘17
$46,500,000
‘16
$49,500,000
‘15
$58,600,000
‘14
-
Services: Provide electricity to fifty-eight rural Alaska communities.
The story so far...
907-561-1818 • avec.org mkohler@avec.org
88 | October 2019
Change in revenue 13% Down 1 in rank
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
5 Year Review
‘18
$34,840,420
‘17
-
‘16
-
‘15
-
‘14
-
49
Recent events:
Raised more than $150,000 for Habit for Humanity Services: Real Estate Services.
The story so far...
Change in revenue NA NA in rank
907-360-3474 • captmatt@kw.com
“It takes more than a couple years to understand this place.” People who know, know BDO.SM
BDO is Alaska’s largest accounting and advisory firm—and one of its oldest. Our Anchorage-based professionals provide deep personal attention to clients in a wide range of industries—including many Alaska Native Corporations and 20 of Alaska’s “Top 49ers”—as well as the resources of one of the largest professional services organizations in the world. Kevin Van Nortwick, Tax Office Managing Partner 907-770-2221 / kvannortwick@bdo.com
Joy Merriner, Audit Office Managing Partner 907-770-2257 / jmerriner@bdo.com
BDO USA, LLP, 3601 C Street, Suite 600, Anchorage, AK 99503 Accountants and Advisors
www.bdo.com
© 2019 BDO USA, LLP. All rights reserved.
www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
October 2019 | 89
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
Matt Dimmick Owner HQ: Anchorage Established: 2006 Employees: 14 Worldwide, 100% in Alaska
Kelle r Wi lliams R e a lty A l a s k a Grou p
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
Meanwhile in Corporateville… Heroism Abounds
90 | October 2019
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
W
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
hat is a heroic trait? It depends on who you ask. Ask a teenager and the answer will more than likely be x-ray vision or flying. Ask a fully-grown adult and the answer will still more than likely be x-ray vision or flying. But in a more broad (and realitybased) sense, the definition of a hero is one who goes above and beyond the norm to help others. This certainly holds true among the 2019 Top 49ers— they made the list because of their ability to garner revenue in even the toughest of financial environments, but their true power and value lies in their super-sized philanthropic abilities. When we asked each of the Top 49ers to reveal their most heroic traits, their answers formed a profound tapestry of pride, tradition, and preservation. And what’s more heroic than establishing an enduring legacy of empowerment, giving, and cultural pride that can be passed from generation to generation? Here we present the Top 49ers’—unmasked.
Alaska Business: What is your company’s most heroic trait? Arctic Slope Regional Corporation: Iñupiaq know hard work at a cultural level. In our faces, you can see the strength, determination, and inventiveness that flows from the very roots of our Iñupiaq culture. ASRC combines this with disciplined business practices to deliver high levels of performance and returns. Bristol Bay Native Corporation: Continuously providing meaningful employment, educational, and financial benefits to our growing shareholder base year after year; our commitment to land stewardship and ensuring the world’s largest wild sockeye fishery in Bristol Bay remains for future generations. NANA: Iñupiat Iļitqusiat is that which makes us who we are. Our traditional values are the foundation of NANA. We embody these values in our words and actions.
Doyon operates more than a dozen for-profit companies driving hundreds of jobs in Alaska and beyond. Oil Field Services | Government Contracting Natural Resource Development | Tourism
LEADER In All We Do www.doyon.com
Lynden: We are always ready to respond to a logistics challenge! www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
October 2019 | 91
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
Chugach: Chugach’s five core behaviors reflect our most heroic traits: we do things the right way, we create meaningful value, we empower people, we build community, we leave things better than we found them. Afognak: Courageous stewardship— Our early leaders showed courageous stewardship by making the disciplined decision to save timber dividends to fund future business ventures, which afforded our start in government contracting. Today, our leaders and workforce steward our success with an eye toward future sustainability. Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation: The ability to remain objective, strategic, and overcome adversity. Sealaska: Investing with Native Values. We are a Native institution owned by 22,000 shareholders. Over the past six years we have worked together as a team to refocus our business strategy to better reflect traditional ideals and values to secure a better future for shareholders and communities. Bering Straits Native Corporation: We strive to empower our people as leaders in the development and protection of the Arctic region. Ahtna: Our values of respect, unity, safety, quality, and integrity allow us to act with intention even during challenging times to fulfill our company mission: Wise stewardship of Ahtna lands and responsible economic growth for future generations of Ahtna people. Goldbelt: Building a brighter future for our shareholders— the leaders of tomorrow. Olgoonik: We always come through when we’re needed. 92 | October 2019
Three Bears Alaska: What we give back to our communities by employing fellow Alaskans and through charity work by both the company and our employees in support of the military, veterans, first responders, and children in need. Chugach Electric: We provide reliable, affordable power for more than 68,000 Alaskans. First National Bank Alaska: Since 1922, First National Bank Alaska has believed in Alaska, demonstrating an unswerving and genuine interest in the success of Alaskans. Perhaps that belief shows itself most notably in our support of the communities we serve. Through contributions of time and treasure, the bank has always sought to make The Great Land a better place than it was yesterday. For nearly a century, that commitment to Alaska has been an essential part of who we are and what we do.
Island with the expertise to compete head-to-head in modern industry and still retain our identity. Sitnasuak: Manufacture of tactical products, gear, and uniforms to support our US military— proudly made in America. Davis Constructors & Engineers: In 2019, Davis held the Third Annual Anchorage Barefoot Mile, raising awareness and more than $196,000 to fight human trafficking. Since 2017, Team Davis has raised $620,000 in support of the cause. Construction Machinery Industrial: Donating and supporting to Alaska Native groups, as well as local schools and churches. Colville: We look to the future and innovate solutions that deliver value to our employees and our customers. Choggiung: Our values.
Bethel Native Corporation: Perseverance in this tough Alaska economy. Matanuska Electric Association: MEA’s most heroic trait is truly being a member-first cooperative. Whether it’s our courageous lineman working through a winter storm or a 7.0 earthquake to safely and quickly restore power; our clearing crews downing more than 3,000 spruce bark beetle kill trees to reduce outages and hazards; providing outage communications 24/7; or the kind, friendly voice on the line when you call, MEA employees always put our members first. Our commitment to providing safe and reliable power ensures stronger, connected communities today and tomorrow. Tanadgusix Corporation: Blending the culture of the Aleuts of St. Paul
Usibelli: Usibelli Coal Mine restores every acre of disturbed land back to natural habitat. We started doing this in 1970, years before the law required it. Our goal is to leave Alaska as we found it—wild and beautiful. In 2019, the land reclamation crew at Usibelli Coal Mine planted 27,000 trees by hand on more than 200 acres of coal mining land. The Kuskokwim Corporation: TKC and its board of directors are unafraid to go above and beyond what ANCSA requires of Native Corporations to improve the lives of our shareholders. TKC’s subsidiary operations are doing well nationwide, bringing in profits for dividends and operations. This allows TKC’s Alaska staff to focus on projects like rural stores to help lower the cost of living for shareholders and creative energy and housing solutions. The bravery to “cut a path to a better future”
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
for TKC shareholders is The Kuskokwim Corporation’s most heroic trait. Cape Fox Corporation: Our willingness to support the Southeast Alaska community, our shareholders, and employees in times of need. Credit Union 1: Loans save lives at Credit Union 1! CU1’s Uplifting Others Fund helps individuals whose shelter, food, or health is at risk and is supported by donations on behalf of members who finance loans with us. For every consumer loan financed we donate $5, and for every real estate loan we donate $10. Vitus Energy: Resolve. Udelhoven Oilfield System Services: Integrity. Great Northwest: Quality work, effectiveness, and safety on all work sites. Roger Hickel Contracting: Heroic traits run deep in Roger Hickel Contracting’s team. We all sprang to action after the November 30 earthquake and were able to get twenty-nine Anchorage schools back up and running in ten days! Alaska Village Electric Cooperative: Our field technicians hop around the state in the worst of weather conditions to keep the lights on— particularly harrowing when you’re
• • • • • • • • •
NEPA Compliance Environmental Compliance and Management Environmental Investigation and Remediation Public Involvement and Outreach Project Permitting and Baseline Studies Environmental and Community Planning Program Management and Quality Control Emergency Management Planning Climate Adaptation Planning
dodging storms and flying roofs! Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group: Fundraisers for many causes. www.akbizmag.com
VISIT US AT OUR NEW ADDRESS:
3900 C Street, Suite 403 | Anchorage, AK 99503 | Office: 907.562.3366 Alaska Business
October 2019 | 93
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
Choggiung Makes a Striking 49er Debut A new CEO and a significant acquisition lead to positive momentum
ŠArie Henry | Alaska Business
T
his year is the debut of Top 49er Choggiung Limited, the ANCSA village corporation for Dillingham.
94 | October 2019
The corporation reported 2018 revenue of more than $95 million, propelling it to number thirty-five in the rankings. The last
two years for Choggiung have been full of positive changes, including the addition of a new CEO, a significant acquisition,
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
Positioning for Growth Cameron Poindexter joined Choggiung in July of 2017 as the company’s president and CEO. He’s a Choggiung shareholder who was born and raised in Homer and Anchor Point, where his parents owned a small business, “so I gained interest in business just from the very start, working and living in an entrepreneurial family,” he says. Poindexter’s upbringing led to his decision to study business, and he earned his undergraduate degree in business management from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and MBA from the University of Alaska Anchorage. After college Poindexter interned with a Bristol Bay Native Corporation (BBNC) subsidiary based in San Antonio, Texas, before moving back to Alaska and working at First National Bank Alaska, where he had the opportunity tto interact with D.H. Cuddy and manage the bank’s Bethel Branch. From there he transitioned to a position at BBNC working with that corporation’s chief operating officer to assist with oversight of its operating subsidiary companies. During his employment at both BBNC and First National Bank Alaska, Poindexter served as a Choggiung board member; however, he resigned from the board when he took on a new position at BBNC to start up the Bristol Bay Development Fund, as he felt there may be a conflict of interest or a perception of one. But when the CEO position opened up at Choggiung, its board chair contacted Poindexter, asking him to apply. He was ultimately selected for the role. “I knew through my interview process that the board of directors was interested in growing. One of the first directives from the board was to make sure [Choggiung] was prepared and structured for growth.”
Barge & Truck Services I 907-278-6706 I vitus-energy.com
COMMITTED TO ALASKA’S GROWTH. ANYWHERE, ANYTIME. From the Aleutians to the North Slope, no project is too big or small for our subsidiaries.
The Acquisition While Poindexter and the board were in the midst of focusing on growth opportunities, BBNC approached them with an incredible opportunity to invest in the Bristol Alliance of Companies, a group of ten companies that provide construction, environmental, and professional services. Poindexter explains, “It ended up actually being a www.akbizmag.com
CONSTRUCTION • ENERGY • ENGINEERING • ENVIRONMENTAL • EQUIPMENT FEDERAL CONTRACTING • NATURAL RESOURCES • TRANSPORTATION
Calista Corporation • 907.275.2800
Alaska Business
October 2019 | 95
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
and positive movement throughout its business holdings.
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
competition between multiple villages in Bristol Bay; BBNC offered this opportunity to a lot of villages and in the end selected Choggiung to be the sole investor and business partner in Bristol Industries [the holding company that wholly owns the Bristol Alliance of Companies].” Not only is Choggiung the only investing partner, it is now the majority owner of the Bristol Alliance of Companies, while BBNC maintains a minority share. The acquisition and partnership is groundbreaking in several ways. “I don’t know of any other regional corporation working with a village corporation like BBNC is working with theirs,” Poindexter says. “I want to give an enormous amount of credit to Bristol Bay Native Corporation and their vision for lifting other organizations in its own region… it’s something I don’t think we’ve seen amongst Alaska Native corporations.” In addition, many of the companies in the group are part of the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) program, “so this required significant effort for getting approval from the SBA to transfer the ownership interest—we are the very first to acquire controlling interest in already operating assets participating in the 8(a) program from another Alaska Native corporation… truly it is the first of its kind,” Poindexter says. At the time the acquisition was announced, BBNC President and CEO Jason Metrokin said in a statement, “We are confident the Bristol Alliance of Companies have a bright future ahead under Choggiung’s leadership. BBNC looks forward to continuing our work to identify unique economic development opportunities in Bristol Bay.” The sale closed in August 2018, about one year after Poindexter joined the company: “It has been a whirlwind,” he says. “This acquisition opportunity sort of stretched the minds of everybody in the organization because in FY2017 our revenue was about $8.4 million, and so it took a lot of imagination for us to wrap our heads around going from being an $8 million company to a $100 million company overnight.”
A Broad Portfolio 96 | October 2019
Since the acquisition, Choggiung has continued to gain momentum. The corporation now has contracts with the federal government in several states, including one with the US Marine Corps, which Poindexter says is the first sole-source contract that Choggiung secured. “It’s interesting for us because it has ties to village life, and the board is excited about it because they can relate to the work,” he says. The contract was initially to repair and maintain ATVs and grew to include motorcycle maintenance and repair and now Humvee radiation maintenance and repair.
“It took a lot of imagination for us to wrap our heads around going from being an $8 million company to a $100 million company overnight.” Cameron Poindexter, President/CEO Choggiung
Last year was also a good year for Choggiung’s wholly-owned Inland Empire Fire Protection, which is located in Spokane, Washington, and provides fire protection services. “That company had a significant number of large projects, and it had never had contracts of that size before, and so it exceeded all of the revenue expectations that we had for that year and remains a strong performer in our portfolio.” Before the acquisition, a significant line of revenue for Choggiung was
commercial real estate, primarily assets in Dillingham (which also saw an increase in revenue last year); its major tenants include state and federal government entities. Locally, the company also owns a hotel (the only traditional hotel in Dillingham) and a diner, and those operations remain important as they provide job opportunities in the region for the corporation’s shareholders. Choggiung has a management agreement with BBNC in the region for a gravel resource located close to the village corporation’s headquarters. Choggiung has the surface rights to the area, but BBNC, as the regional corporation, has rights to the subsurface assets, which includes mining operations. “So we manage the resource for them and share in the royalty sales from that,” Poindexter explains. So even with its sights set on a bigger picture, Choggiung also remains laserfocused on home. “As I’ve discussed the future with our leadership and board members, Dillingham is our home and we want to remain invested there, and it’s important to do a good job for our community… and we remain centralized in Dillingham. In fact, I’m the only parent company employee that lives and works in Anchorage.” A significant acquisition of a wellrespected group of companies and the high performance of Choggiung’s existing subsidiaries and partnerships has clearly built optimism among the company’s management team and board. “The board feels confident, almost invincible,” Poindexter says. “But it will take a couple of years for our cash flow to catch up and for us to continue to build our financial strength—[the acquisition] wasn’t given to us for free.”
The Courage to Find Success However, the acquisition has allowed the board of directors to open discussions—for the very first time in the corporation’s history—to implement a dividend policy to pay predictable and ever increasing dividends to its shareholders. “That means we always have to grow,” Poindexter says, “but that is a commitment that we’ve made to our shareholders.” Choggiung was
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able to pay out its first dividend in 2018 under the new dividend policy, and another, larger dividend was distributed earlier this year, meaning that to-date that commitment is being met. Courage is one of the corporation’s core values, and Poindexter is quick to point out the courage it took on the part of the board and the company’s shareholders to take such a significant step, though he wasn’t surprised to find that courage among his people. “We’re in a remote area and our people have the ability to adapt in a very quick form to be able to take advantage of the opportunity in front of them. So if your hydraulic pump breaks on your boat, there might not be a service provider to fix that for you, and our people have developed the adaptability and skill set to be able to repair and overcome any sort of challenge. It’s that grit, that determination, that quick thinking that is ingrained in our people’s culture and is carried on through the people in our corporate office and executive team.” In fact, every member of Choggiung’s corporate executive team is a shareholder. “So we all have a very similar value set in terms of care for the corporation and interest in doing the very best job that we possibly can do,” he says. Poindexter joined the company at a unique moment in its history and is undoubtedly a key factor in the positive direction Choggiung is moving. “I have to give a lot of credit to the team, because when I came in it was probably like whiplash for everybody,” he says. “It was a totally different set of expectations and vision of the future. But—and I have no idea why or how— the crew I inherited were all craving some sort of change and were excited to be able to go down a path of faster growth. There was a hunger for that type of change; though now, two years later, they’re probably exhausted,” he laughs. “I’m ready for a more relaxed pace, but I think the momentum is just going to keep picking up.” Poindexter continues, “Our organization wants to inspire our employees, our shareholders, and our customers with our vision, which is very simple: it’s to grow, preserve, and give without boundaries.”
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
Tyonek Native Corporation— Defined by Quality, Dedicated People CEO Leo Barlow helps lead the company to “unprecedented, rapid growth”
Tyonek Services Group employees perform maintenance on an aircraft at the company’s hangar facility in Mississippi.
L
ast year was one of outstanding growth for Tyonek Native Corporation (TNC), which saw its revenue increase 85 percent from 2017, reporting 2018 revenue of more than $144 million. This boosted TNC up twelve spots in our Top 49ers ranks, landing them at number 25. “We’ve had pretty unprecedented, rapid growth,” says CEO Leo Barlow. “We’ve been fortunate and successfully bid a number of contracts with the US government, and in some cases we’re a preferred provider for a number of our customers.” Barlow stepped into his role as CEO in 2016, and at the same time a new management team took the reins at TNC. “Frankly speaking, the company had strayed from its core business of government defense contracting into more commercial activity. So we brought it back together and refocused our strategies on what we were successful at, reaffirming our relationships with the
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©Ginger Zolynsky
US government and defense contracting personnel,” Barlow says.
Core Business Over those three years, the company has grown from employing approximately 300 people to now providing jobs for about 1,200 employees. TNC has operations in fifteen states, including three TNCowned facilities in Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia, of which the latter two are manufacturing facilities, and TNC subsidiaries operate three of the four naval fleet warfare readiness centers in the United States. The TNC manufacturing group of subsidiaries has more than 150 active programs that support thirty different customers and brings in more than $75 million in annual revenue, with 30 percent of its contracts spanning multiple years. The group has more than $260 million in revenue backlog, providing avionics
and aircraft electrical assemblies and kits, engineering design, US Army and US Air Force ground equipment, and complex systems integration. The corporation’s services group supports more than twenty clients, bringing in $88 million in annual revenue. The majority (90 percent) of the group’s projects are multi-year contracts performing aircraft maintenance and modification, engineering design and kitting, aircraft hangar work and foreign military support, and cyber operations and training. In May, Tyonek WorldWide Services secured an IDIQ, five-year contract to support the Army Contracting Command-Redstone Arsenal Logistics Support Facility Management Activity, with a total potential value of up to $2.5 billion. According to the corporation, “[Tyonek WorldWide Services] will provide design, complex engineering, system integration, precision manufacturing,
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aircraft modification, and testing for aviation systems owned or supported by the Program Executive Office Aviation and Aviation and Missile Command.” Barlow gives credit for this building success to a supportive and focused board of directors and the TNC team: “It’s all about quality, dedicated people, and we’re very much involved in making sure we have a progressive and healthy workforce.” With headquarters in Anchorage and operations ranging from Washington to Florida, communication is important. “The wonders of modern technology are great, and we couldn’t do our jobs without it,” Barlow says. Also, members of the TNC team travel regularly to and from Alaska and the Lower 48. “It is logistically a long haul from here to Alabama, but it’s critical. A large part of our core team resides in Alabama: our chief financial officer is down there as well as various subsidiary and other operating presidents and vice presidents.” While a period of significant growth is beneficial, long-term sustainability for the company is critical. “We’ve got a lot riding right now on the government contracting sector, so as we move forward and we level out our growth, we’ll strategize what different types of industries or businesses we may want to become involved in,” Barlow says. “We want to see a lot more emphasis on more operations within the state. Number one, our headquarters is here; and two, our shareholders are always looking for local employment opportunities.” Barlow sees potential to take the company’s experience with defense construction in the Lower 48 to develop opportunities for that kind of work in Alaska. Another area he finds interesting is expanding local tourism, perhaps through hotel development or related activities, building on operations TNC already has in the industry.
The People, the Land Wherever TNC’s business activities may take its employees, the company’s focus is already firmly rooted in Alaska. TNC is the ANCSA corporation for the Village of Tyonek (located approximately forty miles directly southwest of Anchorage) that is the home of approximately 160 of the corporation’s roughly 938 shareholders—another 400 live in the Anchorage and Kenai areas, www.akbizmag.com
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and the rest live outside of Alaska. TNC formed the Tebughna Foundation (“Tebughna,” the name for the people from the village, translates as “the Beach People”) in 2007 to manage the distribution of community and cultural donations the corporation makes. In addition to the Tebughna Foundation, TNC also directly funds shareholder health and outreach programs. Just a few of the programs funded by the corporation include life insurance premiums, picnics, higher education scholarships and grants, an apprenticeship program, bear guard training for shareholders, and a Tyonek Community Garden, which is available to all Tyonek residents. In addition, in 2008 TNC created the TNC Distribution Trust, which was approved by shareholders in 2009. “It was timely for us to revisit [the trust], so we rewrote it and restructured it based on new tax law [Tax Cuts and Jobs Act] that came into effect in 2017.” Barlow says at the company’s annual meeting held in May, shareholders voted in favor of adopting the changes to the trust. “We’re in the process now of structuring that and choosing investment advisors, which hopefully will lead to a trust that lasts well into the future to provide distributions and other benefits to our shareholders.” One of the benefits of the trust is that funds from it can be distributed tax-free to shareholders. Feedback from shareholders on a variety of issues and policies is important, so this year TNC transitioned what was once an annual shareholder survey to an ongoing, living survey to gather information. “We had a massive kickoff and everybody got a copy of the survey to complete, but we posted it on our shareholder website and we constantly remind our shareholders to please check it out. We change the questions every now and again, so it’s an ongoing survey… continuous feedback is what we want.” Several recent questions on the shareholder survey are about TNC lands, which include more than 190,000 acres in Moquawkie, Iniskin, Tuxedni, the Talkeetna mountains, and the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. The corporation’s land mission is to “successfully manage and protect Tyonek land to maintain its sustainability to TNC, its shareholders, descendants,
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on our lands.”
At the Helm Barlow actually joined TNC as the lands manager, though he has a long history working in Alaska and for Alaska Native corporations. Barlow grew up in Southeast in a commercial fishing family. After graduating from college he worked for the state for some time before joining Sealaska, of which he’s a shareholder. He worked his way up the ranks and was Sealaska’s CEO for about five years before changing careers to enter the finance industry. After ten years working for National
Alaska Business
Cooperative Bank as an Alaska liaison, he decided to retire. “Well, about two years into that I got tired of watching trees grow and needed something to do every day,” Barlow laughs. “I’m not one of those who can just putter around and do hobbies.” He then took a position as the CEO of the Seldovia Native Association, which is the village corporation for Seldovia. After about half a decade, he transitioned to TNC as the lands manager. “I wanted something less stressful than a CEO job, but it found me again,” he smiles. “So here I am, and I’m very happy to be here. It’s a great company to work for.”
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and beneficiaries.” TNC has several significant projects regarding its land. One is a cleanup project in Iniskin, located on the west side of Cook Inlet. Oil and gas development took place in the area in the ‘50s. “There were actually some very high-powered individuals who invested over there. Walt Disney visited. They started exploration way before statehood and left a lot of debris behind.” This included hundreds of barrels full of lubricants for drilling wells. “Some of the lubricant is olive oil,” Barlow explains. “They’re all over the place out there, and the bears love it. They break into those things and roll around.” The barrels are an issue, as are other pieces of debris and equipment that were left behind. “There are congressional initiatives now being introduced to seek cleanup funds to clean some of it up,” he says, as much of the contamination on lands owned by many ANCSA corporations took place before the lands were under their stewardship. TNC is also looking at a carbon sequestration program. “As we speak, we are taking a forest inventory of certain areas where we are considering entering into a carbon sequestration program with [program developer] Finite Carbon,” Barlow says. While the program requires a 100-year commitment, puts certain limits on commercial harvests, and mandates harvest updates and regular field inventories, it does not limit all commercial activity, will not affect subsistence and gathering activities, promotes a healthy forest, and allows idle lands to produce a profit. “The hundred-year contract is critical because it’s a heavy decision for a board of directors to make a decision committing the company for a hundred years, but it is good land management practice,” Barlow says. TNC is moving forward with the program, and Barlow anticipates the initiative will be finalized in a year or two. Other ongoing land programs include enhancing salmon spawning areas, moose habitat work, and culvert replacements and repairs. “Both fish and moose are critical to the subsistence and the well-being of our people—it’s how our culture started, and so we focus on good management practices
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
A Family Affair Watterson Construction: thriving in Alaska since 1981
On March 29, Eielson broke ground for the F-35A Lightning II flight simulator facility, which marked the beginning of improvements to the base’s infrastructure in order to house the new aircraft. Bill Watterson, then-president of Watterson Construction, is on the right. ©Airman Eric M. Fisher | US Air Force
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ill and Helga Watterson founded Watterson Construction in Anchorage in 1981. Sixteen years later in 1997, Watterson Construction debuted as an Alaska Business Top 49er, reporting revenue of nearly $27 million in 1996. With the exception of 1998, Watterson Construction has been a Top 49er every year since. While the company has moved up and down the list, Watterson Construction has consistently found itself in the ranks of Alaska’s top earning, Alaskan-owned businesses. This year Watterson Construction is once again climbing up, jumping 13 places to the number 35 spot, reporting more than $85 million in 2018 revenue. That’s more than double the revenue the company reported for 2017, much of which can be attributed to federal spending on construction in the Interior. Watterson Construction is one of the many companies that have secured contracts related to the F-35 beddown at Eielson Air Force Base. In 2017 Watterson Construction was awarded the contract to construct the 30,000-square-foot F-35 Lightning II flight simulator at Eielson. Breaking ground in March 2017 “mark[ed] the beginning of improvements to the base’s infrastructure to house the new aircraft,” according to a release from Eielson. Construction was completed in 2018 on the facility that contains six Lockheed Martin simulator pods and will be the primary pilot training center for the F-35 aircraft on the base. According to President Jim Watterson, the company has five ongoing projects, including two that were awarded to 102 | October 2019
a joint venture between Watterson Construction and Callahan Construction Company, an 8(a) general contractor operating out of North Pole. Those include a $7.8 million design-bid-build project to construct six earth-covered magazines and a $19.1 million project to build a consolidated munitions administration facility at Eielson. In Anchorage, Watterson Construction is working on a multi-family housing development located at 9th Avenue and P Street; a project at Southcentral Foundation’s primary care facility; and Span Alaska’s new 54,000-square-foot freight terminal.
Minor and Major Changes It’s routine for projects to come and go for a general contractor, and Watterson says he and the board are examining projects and options for next year, including potentially looking at new market spaces. But the company already experienced a significant change this year when Bill Watterson stepped down from his position as president in July, though he continues to work at the company; Jim Watterson took over the role, but from his point of view, it’s a relatively minor transition. “I’m taking over more of the administrative stuff that Bill is shedding off, but it’s been Bill and I for a long time, so in terms of everyday things it’s just not very different,” Watterson says. Their partnership extends back to 1989, when Jim Watterson began working for Watterson Construction while still living in Beaverton, Oregon. For many years he worked long distance
and commuted, moving to Alaska thirteen years ago. Today the company is owned by the Wattersons as well as several employee shareholders, but to Watterson the company is rooted in family. “We like to think we have a family-owned company, and our employees are part of our family—they may not have the same last name, although some of them do,” he says smiling and nodding at Ryan Watterson, the general contractor’s preconstruction and development manager. But whether there’s a literal family connection or not, Watterson Construction invests in its employees and Watterson considers employee retention to be “one of the keys to our success.” He elaborates, “We have a lot of long-term employees; we have craft workers that haven’t worked for any other employer for more than twenty years.” In fact, over the last few years—which haven’t been easy on the construction industry as state and privately funded projects have been put on hold or cancelled outright—Watterson Construction has been able to maintain its core group of employees. “It’s a credit to the core staff that they all got in and did whatever was necessary to help us reduce costs or maintain cost and stay viable,” he explains. “If our superintendents aren’t running a project, they will generally go to work on another project as a carpenter,” Watterson says, and that flexibility benefits all parties involved. “We work based on trust and encourage our employees to be the
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best that they can be and take on more responsibilities all the time.” To that end, one of Watterson’s upcoming projects is to find and train his replacement in the next ten years or so.
Quality and More Quality No matter who takes on the president role in the future, Watterson Construction’s commitment to its clients won’t change. “We provide quality, safe construction on time and within budget,” Watterson says. “We also have an excellent safety record. We haven’t had a lost-time accident in more than twelve years,” he adds, which is a value to clients in both peace of mind and in actual dollars, as an impressive safety record reduces the company’s workers’ compensation rates. Watterson is particularly proud of two of the company’s projects: “Southcentral Foundation is considered by many to be the finest Class A office building in Anchorage, and we’re very proud of the Kendall facility.” And Watterson Construction is quite hands-on in certain aspects of construction. Watterson explains that general contractors choose which services to provide in-house and which to subcontract out. Watterson Construction performs more work in-house than many other general contractors generally would, such as all carpentry, certain kinds of siding work, installing metal roofs, and a few other select jobs. That kind of quality work requires quality employees, and one way Watterson Construction helps build and maintain a skilled Alaskan workforce is through its membership in the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Alaska Chapter. “In fact, my brother [Bill] was the moving force that got ABC Alaska Chapter moving, and we still support them. They have, we think, a very good apprenticeship program that we utilize,” Watterson says. ABC of Alaska’s Apprenticeship and Craft Training Program offers apprenticeships in carpentry, electrical, HVAC, insulating, laborer, pipe-fitting, plumbing, sheet metal, and sprinkler fitting. Watterson Construction generally has a few apprentices who are in the fourto five-year, 8,000-hour apprenticeship program, which includes academic and hands-on training. www.akbizmag.com
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“We like to keep our apprentices,” Watterson says, once they graduate from the program. “We have one gentleman that went through the program who competed at the national [ABC Craft Championships] and did very well. He’s also a certified welder and a certified operator for Alaska Cranes’ big crane, so he’s very talented. He works for us as a foreman on one of our projects in Anchorage now.” Another employee who went through the apprenticeship program has now been with Watterson Construction for more than twelve years. And the company’s investment in people goes beyond the industry. “Watterson Construction is a pretty big supporter of Special Olympics Alaska because Bill and I have a personal family connection—and I can tell you, in the 1950s when our cousin was growing up who has Down syndrome, it was not the same as it is today—so Special Olympics is a big plus for Alaskans with challenges,” Watterson says. Many of the company’s employees volunteer at the organization, and Watterson Construction is a regular sponsor.
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The Big Picture But corporate giving by any company in any industry depends on a healthy economy. Watterson sees the Port of Alaska as a vital part of the state’s economy, and one that’s in dire need of funding for a modernization project to address failing infrastructure as well as expand port facilities to better accommodate Alaska’s major marine shippers. He also thinks Alaska needs to think outside its natural-resource shaped box: “To have a viable economy we need to diversify from an extraction-based economy, and one of the things to do that is trying to develop some other industries.” Alaska has felt the pain of relying too heavily on one industry for several years, now. Many viewed 2019 as a turning point in Alaska’s recession, though some of that optimism was shaken as Alaska’s governing body spent the spring and most of the summer crafting an atmosphere of indecision instead of a budget. It’s a routine discussion about Alaska’s largest industries: the potential is there, people are willing, but uncertainty at the state level gets in the way. “The Legislature has to figure out how to
not have a budget fight every year and how they’re going to fund government,” Watterson says. “We haven’t [historically] done a lot of state work, but private industry is reluctant to invest when there’s such uncertainty in the budget or if the Legislature is going to decide to put an unreasonable tax on business.” After all, there’s enough change going on in the corporate world without added external uncertainty. “It’s been almost forty-nine years since I started working on my first real construction project, and things have changed a lot,” Watterson says. One example of a changing work/ life balance is decidedly Alaskan: time off for hunting. “If a carpenter told the superintendent he was going to take a week off to go moose hunting at the end of August, he would have been told to take his tools and don’t come back. But you have to accommodate those things now.” Watterson also uses the example of a female employee working from home—after taking maternity leave—to accommodate both her work obligations and her commitments to her family. “Our employees have changed a lot; their lifestyle has changed and the industry has had to change with it.”
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
2018 Rank Revenue 2018
2017 Rank Revenue 2017
2016 Rank Revenue 2016
2015 Rank Revenue 2015
2014 Revenue
Afognak Native Corporation
7
$643,686,000
7
$608,104,000
8
$474,271,000
8
$457,569,000
7
$505,346,000
Ahtna, Inc.
14
$284,400,000
16
$238,000,000
16
$217,700,000
18
$188,400,000
18
$185,000,000
Airport Equipment Rentals
47
$55,900,000
45
$55,100,000
44
$54,361,000
39
$75,624,000
44
$63,212,586
Alaska Village Electric Cooperative
48
$52,400,000
47
$46,500,000
49
$49,500,000
-
Aleut Corporation
16
$252,293,053
19
$211,837,206
20
$171,655,823
28
Anchorage Chrysler Dodge Center
37
$77,738,867
32
$90,546,881
36
$79,853,962
30
Arctic Slope Regional Corporation
1
$3,396,783,000
Bering Straits Native Corporation
12
Bethel Native Corporation
23
Bristol Bay Native Corporation
2
Calista Corporation
8
Cape Fox Corporation
-
-
$137,942,098
28
$89,313,811
30
$120,307,293 $97,752,543
1
$2,697,862,000
1
$2,371,164,000
$415,000,000
11
$153,715,435
29
$357,900,000
10
$99,197,518
37
$1,689,014,000 $575,474,000
2
$1,659,345,000
2
$1,525,181,000
3
8
$480,200,000
7
$492,200,000
7
39
$68,500,055
42
Chenega Corporation
6
$830,000,000
$60,632,693
41
$63,532,532
-
-
-
-
$876,000,000
4
$927,000,000
5
$882,000,000
5
$885,000,000
Choggiung Ltd.
33
$95,700,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Chugach Alaska Corporation
5
$949,000,000
5
$920,000,000
6
$842,000,000
6
$758,000,000
6
$626,000,000
Chugach Electric Association
20
$202,253,000
18
$224,689,000
17
$197,747,579
16
$216,421,152
13
$281,318,513
Colville
34
$98,699,990
34
$87,479,056
31
$96,299,358
25
$132,986,277
26
$125,690,815
Construction Machinery Industrial
31
$105,000,000
31
$98,500,000
29
$98,000,000
30
$105,000,000
25
$127,000,000
Cook Inlet Region, Inc.
9
$513,881,000
10
$439,349,000
12
$289,048,000
14
$222,810,000
11
$304,421,000
Credit Union 1
41
$66,501,606
39
$65,811,947
39
$64,618,093
42
$60,879,254
46
$58,634,026
6
1
$2,515,377,000
1
$2,663,540,000
$326,000,000
11
$304,404,000
12
$229,482,000
$71,771,183
45
$54,275,351
-
-
$1,512,022,000
2
$1,736,084,000
$460,100,000
8
$401,900,000
Cruz Companies Alaska
27
$137,401,439
25
$120,000,000
18
$183,717,140
17
$213,518,131
17
$191,860,803
Davis Constructors & Engineers
29
$128,512,733
24
$120,084,328
38
$65,497,161
28
$108,023,675
22
$136,117,019
Delta Constructors
21
$175,772,000
35
$81,550,000
27
$121,228,363
19
$179,492,000
-
-
Doyon, Limited
13
$310,643,000
13
$290,548,000
11
$305,412,000
10
$378,288,768
9
$362,816,481
First National Bank Alaska
22
$164,818,000
21
$152,325,000
21
$150,499,000
23
$142,215,000
23
$132,305,000
Goldbelt, Incorporated
17
$228,728,336
17
$229,389,285
15
$236,747,520
15
$220,276,480
19
$169,063,557
Great Northwest
44
$58,000,000
-
-
43
$60,800,000
-
$95,000,000
34
$97,000,000
34
$99,000,000
-
Homer Electric Association
32
$97,000,000
30
Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group
49
$34,840,420
-
Koniag
15
$267,415,000
14
$270,769,000
13
$251,588,000
12
$267,460,000
15
$211,493,000
$1,050,000,000
4
$950,000,000
5
$925,000,000
4
$975,000,000
4
$1,000,000,000
-
32
-
-
-
-
-
-
$92,000,000 -
Lynden
4
Matanuska Electric Association
24
$148,639,243
22
$148,701,932
23
$137,279,126
22
$142,549,343
29
$116,570,742
MTA
30
$108,400,000
26
$116,648,000
28
$100,000,000
33
$99,200,000
31
$97,100,000
NANA
3
$1,501,302,000
3
$1,354,000,000
3
$1,300,000,000
2
$1,600,000,000
3
$1,600,000,000
Olgoonik Corporation
18
$228,500,000
15
$260,200,000
14
$241,800,000
13
$260,600,000
14
$231,900,000
Roger Hickel Contracting
46
$56,254,997
38
$69,514,855
46
$53,447,999
47
$50,787,881
42
$65,585,188
Sealaska
11
$429,333,000
12
$293,400,000
22
$145,500,000
27
$109,440,000
27
$121,540,000
Seekins Ford Lincoln
45
$56,288,865
43
$58,946,067
47
$52,554,917
40
$69,690,934
41
$68,469,689
Sitnasuak Native Corporation
28
$133,494,517
23
$134,138,330
24
$130,210,466
26
$116,912,297
35
$88,128,089
Tanadgusix Corporation
26
$139,252,000
27
$111,700,000
26
$122,200,000
-
Tatonduk Outfitters dba Everts Air Cargo
40
$67,700,000
41
$63,800,000
45
$54,135,000
44
$57,140,000
48
$53,150,000
The Kuskokwim Corporation
38
$74,267,227
28
$104,276,146
34
$88,719,545
37
$86,423,567
39
$73,122,018
$173,169,699
20
$175,279,992
21
$161,254,283
-
32
$101,000,000
-
Three Bears Alaska
19
$212,185,435
20
$187,029,540
19
Tyonek Native Corporation
25
$144,600,000
37
$78,000,000
-
Udelhoven Oilfield System Services
43
$60,694,110
40
$65,016,912
30
Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation
10
$461,190,653
9
-
-
-
-
$97,181,224
21
$148,746,045
16
$198,377,193
$470,425,629
9
$424,300,000
9
$424,426,000
10
$356,781,000
Usibelli Coal Mine
36
$81,000,000
36
$79,000,000
35
$80,000,000
38
$86,000,000
32
$97,000,000
Vitus Energy
42
$64,000,000
46
$54,500,000
43
$55,000,000
41
$63,000,000
40
$69,000,000
Watterson Construction Co.
35
$85,500,000
48
$41,000,000
48
$52,000,000
31
$104,000,000
36
$88,000,000
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Alaska Business
October 2019 | 105
ALPHABETICAL LISTING, 5-YEAR RANK & REVENUE OF CORPORATEVILLE’S TOP 49ERS
Rank 2019
TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION
Company
T R A N S P O R TAT I O N
Getting Goods Around the Globe The ins and outs of international imports and exports By Vanessa Orr 106 | October 2019
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
International shipper TransGroup Global has more than ninety offices worldwide. TransGroup Global Logistics
“There are only a couple of airlines that directly serve Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, which means that goods have to be routed through Seattle and then transferred via Alaska Airlines or put on a barge.” Beau Rogers, International Key Account Manager TransGroup Global Logistics
108 | October 2019
T
o succeed in the global marketplace, companies that offer international shipping services must contend with a variety of challenges, ranging from the type of transportation available and finding direct service routes to a changing—and often confusing— political climate. Whether importing or exporting goods, international shipping companies possess extreme flexibility in order to succeed in an ever-shifting marketplace.
Import and Export Markets According to the US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), international imports to Alaska are driven by refined fuels, followed by machinery and industrial equipment. In 2017, manufactured commodities made up roughly 86 percent of all imports to the state. Beau Rogers, international key account manager for TransGroup Global Logistics, says that most of the products that his company imports from other countries include items used by the maritime industry (cranes,
winches, and cable) and by the mining industry (mining dredges and loaders). “We also import materials for the cruise line industry, including ship spares and perishables,” he adds. TransGroup Global Logistics is a midsized to large freight forwarder with more than ninety offices and an agent database of 150-plus offices worldwide. “Asia is a big market for us on the import side, with Europe coming in second, followed by the Scandinavian countries,” he says of products that make their way into Alaska as well as to destinations in the Lower 48. “We ship everything from nonhazardous chemicals to and from Asia, Europe, and South America that kill bacteria and help oxygenate water for marine life to heavy machinery parts and ship spares. One of our larger customers sends rental gear to various cruise lines in the Arctic and to South America, as well.” In 2018, Alaska shipped $4.8 billion worth of goods around the globe, making it the nation’s 40th largest exporter by state. According to the World’s Top 10 Exports website, while
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TransGroup Global Logistics imports many materials for the cruise line industry, including ship spares, like this cruise ship propeller that weighs approximately 30,000 pounds. TransGroup Global Logistics
“One of Alaska’s most exported products is seafood, and Lynden moves salmon, halibut, crab, and other seafood to locations around the world. The mining and energy industries also have important international shipping components.” Dennis Mitchell, Senior Vice President International, Lynden International
110 | October 2019
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
this reflects a 3.4 percent drop in value from 2017, overall, export value has increased 3.3 percent since 2015. The BEA reports that exported products represent approximately 8.7 percent of the state’s total economic output, worth $54.9 billion. The most exported products by dollar amount in 2018 included $1.2 billion in zinc ores, concentrates; $416 million in frozen fish meat; $356 million in lead ores, concentrates; $322 million in miscellaneous frozen fish; $316 million in frozen Alaska pollock fillets; $203 million in frozen cod; $159 million in frozen Pacific salmon; and $157 million in miscellaneous petroleum oils. Lynden—one of the state’s most dynamic shipping and logistics organizations—offers services that include scheduled and chartered air freighters, domestic and international forwarding and customs services, and multi-modal logistics. “One of Alaska’s most exported products is seafood, and Lynden moves salmon, halibut, crab, and other seafood to locations around the world,” says Dennis Mitchell, senior vice president at Lynden International. “The mining and energy industries also have important international shipping components.”
Flexibility Is Key While the majority of cargo comes into Alaska by ship, smaller volumes of goods may come as air cargo or by truck. According to Rogers, this can depend on the size and weight of the freight and whether they are FCL (full container loads) or LCL (less than container loads). “We also offer breakbulk and roll on/roll off shipping if the cargo is too large for a standard flat rack container and for a lot of larger shipments, and we also have the ability to charter a full aircraft,” he says. Lynden also utilizes all modes of transportation for international shipments. “Some items are shipped directly into or out of Alaska, and others are routed through points in the Lower 48,” says Mitchell, adding that Lynden is able to utilize its diverse capabilities to do whatever is needed for the customer. “For example, we could coordinate oversized modules to travel from Europe to Houston by ship, move them from Houston to Seattle by truck, from www.akbizmag.com
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Seattle to Anchorage by barge, and then again by truck to their final destination in Prudhoe Bay.” One of the biggest problems facing international shippers is being able to find a direct route for goods to travel. “There are only a couple of airlines that directly serve Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, which means that goods have to be routed through Seattle and then transferred via Alaska Airlines or put on a barge,” says Rogers, adding that TransGroup Global runs a consolidated container weekly from Seattle to Anchorage. “Because there isn’t very much direct routing into Alaska, we have to transfer goods through Vancouver, Prince Rupert, or Seattle, which makes it more complex,” he continues. “I recently attended a seminar in Anchorage by the president of Ted Stevens Airport that focused on how to bring more cargo carriers into the airport to offer more direct lanes; that would really be an advantage.” Another challenge facing international shippers is the fact that the current political climate—and President Donald Trump’s tariffs—is creating a lot of
TransGroup Global ships a variety of goods, from nonhazardous chemicals to machinery. TransGroup Global Logistics
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112 | October 2019
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confusion in the industry. “There have been a lot of changes, so we’ve had a number of customers come to us asking about alternatives or solutions to shipping directly to the United States,” says Rogers. “A lot of them don’t know if their products are affected so they reach out to us. “I have an extensive background on the US customs side, so even if I don’t immediately know what products are affected, I can work directly with our team of brokers to find out. Some of them also send us direct updates of what products the tariffs will affect,” says Rogers of navigating the tariff situation. One of the advantages to shipping items through Alaska-based companies is that they often have more routing options than shippers in the Lower 48. “Because we are located where we are, we can route freight into Canada and then bring it across,” says Rogers, adding that TransGroup Global is seeing an increase in cross-border clearances. “It doesn’t necessarily change the country of origin, or altogether avoid additional duties, but it does give us additional routing options. It’s a big bonus being
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located where we are geographically.” As a result of the tariffs, Rogers says that the company has noticed a change in the way importers do business. “The volume of shipments per month has decreased, but customers are bringing in larger orders,” he explains. “Prior to the additional tariffs, companies would often break up shipments and bring in three or four shipments a month. Now they may only bring in one to two shipments a month, but each holds an increased amount of product. This consolidation helps save them money on shipping costs and any potential additional tariffs.” He gives the example of a client who imports infrared saunas to the West Coast. “Once the tariff was implemented, he went from paying a 2.6 percent duty to a 2.6 percent duty plus an additional 25 percent tariff on most of his items and 10 percent on other items,” says Rogers. “So he’s looking at a 27 to 30 percent duty rate increase based on the product.” He adds that a number of importers are now looking outside of China for their manufacturing needs. “Some of our customers are exploring options in
Alaska Business
India, Korea, and Vietnam, so that they won’t get hit with the tariffs,” he explains. In addition to offering shipping and tariff advice, TransGroup Global tries to make it easy for customers to ship or receive orders from overseas. “Our web apps are top-notch; clients can just log into the app on their phones to track shipments or to submit quote requests,” he says, adding that TransGroup has inhouse ocean contracts and also works directly with airlines to negotiate rates to increase its buying power. To stay up to date on the latest shipping regulations, the company’s employees take recurrent TSA training once a year, as well as HAZMAT training every two years on the aviation side and every three years on the ocean side. “Shipping internationally seems like a very daunting task, but in reality, it’s not,” Rogers says. “ As a full-service 3PL [thirdparty logistics] provider, we work with businesses to streamline costs and to get their freight where it needs to go.”
October 2019 | 113
OIL AND GAS
Rig No. 1 at BlueCrest Energy’s Cosmopolitan Unit in Cook Inlet. BlueCrest Energy
114 | October 2019
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
Oil Season
The industry prepares for winter drilling By Amy Newman
F
all is well underway, and with it signs that Alaska’s oil and gas industry is busy preparing for the 2019-2020 winter drilling season. Available project details indicate a winter season that expands upon last season’s successes, continued exploration in the Nanushuk Formation, and the design and implementation of new technologies to help companies better identify potential prospects and guide future exploration.
Project Timelines “These days companies are looking really at January [as a start date] so they can ensure the ice infrastructure will be in place,” says Graham Smith, permitting section chief with the Alaska Division of Oil and Gas. “The flood
of permits, meetings, and planning sessions these days is happening more in the September/October timeframe, although we’re starting to see some applications come in August.” Smith says that while the Division historically likes to know what projects are in the pipeline, they encourage companies to hold off on submitting permit applications until all the details are finalized. “These projects can go through many different iterations, and in the past we’ve dedicated staff time and resources to processing permit applications only to have the company come back and say, ‘Plans changed, now this is what we’re actually going to do,’” Smith explains. “When it comes to the permitting
aspect, we ask that they come in when they’re actually ready to roll.” Anchorage Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Bill Popp says the short-term outlook for drilling this winter looks promising, even though the state won’t see an immediate financial benefit. “I think we’ve got some things to be optimistic about in terms of increased activity, but it’s going to be awhile before that impact has any impact on the state treasury,” he says. Even without official permits in the pipeline yet, Smith anticipates “several projects to be undertaken by ConocoPhillips, BP, and Hilcorp intended to maintain and upgrade North Slope facilities,” as well
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October 2019 | 115
BlueCrest crew work the rig at its Cosmopolitan Unit in Cook Inlet. BlueCrest Energy
116 | October 2019
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
as projects from geophysical exploration companies.
Oil Search Alaska Oil Search’s winter program includes maintenance and development projects in the Nanushuk field, part of the Pikka Unit Development Oil Search acquired in 2018, along with satellite fields within the Nanushuk and Alpine Fairways and the Horseshoe discovery. The project is located roughly seven miles northeast of Nuiqsut and fifty-two miles west of Deadhorse, according to documents filed with the Division over the summer. “They are definitely in execution mode,” Smith says. “They’ve recently submitted a plan of operations, which will include a processing facility, pipelines, roads, and other facilities and infrastructure. So that’s a pretty exciting project that’s going to get started this winter.” Prepacking and construction of ice roads and pads, placement of temporary construction camps, and construction of roads and pads is expected to begin November 1,
“This fall we’ll be drilling another appraisal well in the Narwhal trend from an existing drill site at Alpine to follow up on the promising results of this past winter.” Natalie Lowman, Director of Communications, ConocoPhillips
according to filed documents, with an estimated 80 to 100 miles of ice roads scheduled to be built during the 20192020 winter season. The roads will be wide enough to accommodate twoway traffic, drill rig access, and other traffic, with a 12-inch average thickness. In terms of drilling projects, Oil Search spokesperson Amy Burnett says the company is planning a tworig program, but as of August had yet to finalize the number of wells or the rig locations. Oil Search told Resource Development Council members in June that the company invested heavily in its 2018-2019 winter drilling program
and will continue to invest in Alaska.
ConocoPhillips ConocoPhillips anticipates another exploration and appraisal program for the 2019-2020 winter season, according to Director of Communications Natalie Lowman. While program budgets and hiring numbers have yet to be confirmed, she says the company plans to continue last year’s appraisals and explore new prospects as well. “We’ll continue to appraise the Willow discovery and will also plan to explore the Harpoon prospect south of the Willow discovery,” Lowman says. “In
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October 2019 | 117
addition, this fall we’ll be drilling another appraisal well in the Narwhal trend from an existing drill site at Alpine to follow up on the promising results of this past winter.” During its second-quarter earnings call on July 30, Executive Vice President and COO Matt Fox said ConocoPhillips is “going to have quite another aggressive appraisal and exploration season,” with details expected to be released next month. Echoing Lowman’s comments, he said the company’s winter plans will build off successes from current prospects. “The results we’ve seen in Willow and
Narwhal are both very encouraging,” Fox said. “So, we’ve really taken the opportunity to extend some of the appraisal from our existing drill sites at Alpine. For example, we’ve decided to do an extended well test on a horizon appraisal well that we’ve drilled into the Narwhal trend. The results of that well are very encouraging.” Testing will help the oil company understand long-term deliverability, while an offset injection well drilled into the producer will also help ConocoPhillips collect more information on the Narwhal trend, he added.
Alaska’s Oil & Gas Consultants
Drilling in Willow is focused on understanding the extent of the prospect so that ConocoPhillips can fully size the facilities, added Michael Hatfield, president of ConocoPhillips Alaska. Current plans also call for drilling several wells in Harpoon. ConocoPhillips plans to spend roughly half of a $200 million capital budget increase to conduct additional scope in its appraisal program, including a longterm test of the Putu horizontal appraisal well, the additional Narwhal appraisal well, and additional long-lead items for the 2020 exploration and appraisal season, Fox said.
BlueCrest Energy BlueCrest Energy is working to complete development on a trident fishbone it will use to explore the company’s largest reservoirs in the Cosmopolitan Unit in Cook Inlet, near Anchor Point, President and CEO Benjamin Johnson says. “We pretty much have the design done and once we get all of this finished, we’ll apply for [the permit],” he says. “Our hope is to spud this well sometime this winter. I’d like to do it in the November/ December time frame, but it may be January or February.” The technology expands upon BlueCrest’s vertical fishbone wells, which allows the company to drill three miles out under Cook Inlet from onshore pads and will give BlueCrest increased access to the reservoir. “We’re going to triple it out of one well,”
Geoscience
“I think we’ve got some things to be optimistic about in terms of increased activity, but it’s going to be awhile before that impact has any impact on the state
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Johnson says. “This trident well gives the same number of vertical wells through the oil formation as twelve wells if they were drilled from onshore straight down. It’s very economical.” The reservoir’s vertical depth is approximately 7,000 feet, with the well itself having a total measured depth of approximately 37,000 to 38,000 feet when the ribs of the fishbone are added to the rest of the well, Johnson says. Exact employment figures aren’t finalized, but Johnson says BlueCrest typically hires 150 to 180 contractors.
annual decrease the industry has seen since it began trimming the workforce in 2014; preliminary data for 2019 projects year over year gains of 100 to 200 jobs. While the increase in the number of jobs isn’t steep, it is an upward trend, which is good news for Alaska. The industry’s optimism has been bolstered further by North Slope crude oil trading at a premium to Brent crude for the majority of 2019, which may be in part attributed to contaminated oil from Russia and sanctions against Iran. Competitive prices, innovations
for developing legacy fields, and several new discoveries all allow the companies operating on the Slope to justify investment in Alaska projects and infrastructure. “Smart policy should encourage new oil production from all fields in Alaska, which puts more oil in the pipeline,” Alaska Oil and Gas Association President and CEO Kara Moriarty stated in response to a proposed ballot measure to increase oil taxes. “More oil means more revenue for the state, and that’s the best longterm approach to helping the state’s fiscal problems.”
Accumulate Energy Alaska Accumulate Energy Alaska plans to drill Charlie #1, an exploration and test oil well, as part of a multi-year program, according to an application the company filed with the Division in August. The proposed well is approximately twenty-nine miles west of the Franklin Bluffs Pad, with access via a tundra winter ice road at Mile Post 386.7 off the Dalton Highway. The primary drilling objective is to test and evaluate the Seabee Formation, which is currently in production near the Kuparuk River Unit, for oil. Winter operations include construction and maintenance of thirty-four miles of ice roads along the Main TWR and Charlie TWR Spur, two ice pads—one drill, one staging—and potentially an airstrip.
Doing More with Less Until project scope and budgets are submitted, both Smith and Popp say determining the number of jobs winter programs will create is little more than guess work. Decreases in the workforce following the oil price bust caused companies to perform a “long overdue efficiency workover of their supply chains, their workforce, and their methodologies,” Popp explains. When prices started to slowly rise, the efficiencies companies had implemented remained, not only to stay competitive and viable but because the industry simply learned to adapt. Overall, jobs in the oil and gas sector fell for the fourth straight year, down 4.4 percent in 2018 for a loss of 100 jobs, according to the AEDC’s three-year outlook released in July. But these losses were the smallest www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
October 2019 | 119
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Southeast Alaska marine facilities constructed by designbuilder TURNAGAIN MARINE opening in 2020.
ICY STRAIT POINT BERTH II Opening May 2020 Huna Totem Corporation privately owns this cruise ship facility in Hoonah. The second berth at Icy Strait Point will be capable of hosting the largest ships visiting Alaska and expand capacity to meet the needs of the rapidly growing cruise ship industry. Turnagain Marine provided concept development, engineering, environmental permitting and construction under a single design-build contract.
WARD COVE DOCK Opening Early Summer 2020 The Ward Cove Dock Group is renovating the former Ketchikan Pulp Mill facility into a brand-new cruise ship destination. The destination will accommodate two large cruise ships using a floating double berth. Turnagain Marine’s design-build team is in the permitting and design stage. Offsite fabricators have started building major structural elements, including the 500‘ x 70’ floating dock section being manufactured by Transpac Marinas. Turnagain Marine anticipates starting construction this winter.
CRESCENT HARBOR REPLACEMENT Opening Spring 2020 The City and Borough of Sitka selected Turnagain Marine to be the Progressive Design-Builder of the Crescent Harbor Replacement float system. Turnagain Marine teamed with Transpac Marinas and R&M Consultants to design and replace existing harbor facilities.
Jensen Maritime/Crowley
ENGINEERING
All Hands on Deck Naval architecture and marine engineering require communication and collaboration By Brad Joyal
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Alaska Business
October 2019 | 123
“Boats are all computer cut nowadays, and that process of taking a 3D shape and our drawings and turning it into pieces to cut is called lofting… Lofting is a fairly detailed process, and it’s not something you can rush. Say you’re doing a new fishing vessel, you really need six to eight months of design time and two to three months of lofting before you can give it to the shipyard.” Pat Eberhardt, Owner/Principal Engineer Coastwise Corporation
124 | October 2019
I
t’s easy to marvel at the size and scope of the large marine vessels that pull into port in Glacier Bay, Juneau, Ketchikan, or Sitka. Between their size, design, and stature, the sight of some of the vessels can take a person’s breath away. Vessels of this scale are typically used for decades, but every vessel, including cargo ships, barges, fishing boats, container ships, and bulk carriers, was first ignited in a moment by an idea—a vision that somebody once dreamed would become reality. The process of turning a project from an idea to actuality is time consuming, stressful, and exciting; it’s also invariably costly. Undertaking the process of engineering and building a marine vessel requires input from a vast range of people with specific areas of expertise, but it all starts when a prospective owner approaches an architect or engineer with the hope of turning a dream into a tangible blueprint. Because every owner has different operational needs and mission requirements, designers must be versatile and flexible. “Naval architects and marine engineers are really kind of like Jackof-all-trades,” says Pat Eberhardt, owner and principal engineer of Coastwise Corporation. “It takes reasonable knowledge of many different subjects to put a vessel together.”
have to not only capture the product, but they have to process the fish and store them at very cold temperatures. They have to have their crews on board; they have to feed those crews and have safety equipment for them.” Waterhouse describes fishing vessels as among the most challenging to design because of their mission requirements, but that isn’t to say passenger ferries and major cruise ships are a breeze. “Ferry boats are challenging because it’s all about the main deck on a ferry,” Waterhouse says. “You have to find room for cars and for people to get on and off. You also have to find room for elevators and ventilation and exhaust piping. All of that makes the main deck the puzzle that needs to be solved.” In order to fulfill a vessel’s needs, the first step for architects and engineers is to understand the precise objectives their customers hope to achieve. “Initially, the process is really focused on setting the requirements, whatever the mission might be, whether that’s carrying fuel or fishing,” says Jay Edgar, vice president of Crowley Marine’s engineering services, which includes Seattle-based Jensen Maritime. “There’s usually a fair amount of effort taking the owner’s ideas of what the vessel needs to do and how it needs to perform. Often times, that’s sitting down with the owner and helping them understand what they’re looking for and turning that into boat terms.”
Understanding Mission Requirements
Designing Vessels
In most cases, vessel owners will approach a naval architect with an idea. They can envision the finished vessel at sea, but the vessel’s look and shape are open to interpretation. Although customers might be unaware of how the finished vessel will look, they always know what they need their vessel to accomplish. Mission requirements vary depending on the industry in which the vessel will be used, and, like with all design-work, some ideas are much more difficult to execute than others. “A big modern factory trawler is one of the most complex vessels,” explains John Waterhouse, who is the principal engineer and serves as the concept engineer for Elliott Bay Design Group. “They’re so expensive because they have to do so many different things. They
Long before a vessel is built at a shipyard, a team of architects and engineers must first create a design that includes all of the specifications the ship builders will use. The process of designing a vessel starts with regulations that differ for each industry. For fishing vessels, the fishing authorization act requires all drawings to be stamped by a professional engineer. “These are regulations that mandate the amount of engineering in a new vessel,” Eberhardt says. There are different tiers of regulations based on a vessel’s purpose; the largest tier includes large passenger ferries and the smallest tier accounts for small passenger vessels. According to Eberhardt, all of those passenger vessels need to be reviewed by the US Coast
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Guard. The Coast Guard’s inspection includes mechanical electric systems and the vessel’s stability. Because the review process can be extensive, Eberhardt says it’s unusual for people to break into the industry without prior vessel building knowledge. “These projects come fairly scrutinized, so when a new owner shows up, they have usually been in the business long enough or have their own experience and know what’s been working,” he says. In addition to sketching design plans, there’s an intermediate step called lofting that takes place before a shipyard gets involved in the building process. “Boats are all computer cut nowadays, and that process of taking a 3D shape and our drawings and turning it into pieces to cut is called lofting,” Eberhardt says. “Many of the big firms in Seattle can do that in-house—and we can do it in-house, too—but for our small projects it’s really more efficient to have subcontractors do the lofting work. Lofting is a fairly detailed process, and it’s not something you can rush. Say you’re doing a new fishing vessel, you really need six to eight months of design time and two to three months of lofting before you can give it to the shipyard. The shipyard would probably then want a year and a half to finish that vessel comfortably.” Every design and engineering firm has its own process that it hands over to a shipyard. For Waterhouse and Elliott Bay Design Group, an emphasis is placed on the communication needed to help ship builders turn their plans into a completed vessel. “We’ll typically produce what we call plans, specifications, and estimates,” Waterhouse says. “The plans are the drawings of the boat, and a specification
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This environmentally friendly longliner, named the Northern Leader and owned by fishing company Alaskan Leader Fisheries, received design services to include the complete marine-engineering services for the vessel, from the concept design phase all the way through production, engineering, and 3D modeling.
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October 2019 | 125
“There’re ships coming to Alaska now that even four years ago were never contemplated to come to our market. The infrastructure has to take cruise ships that are 30 to 40 percent larger than what has been coming up here traditionally.” Jason Davis, President Turnagain Marine Construction
is a written description of the things that don’t appear on a plan. An estimate is the calculations that go behind and back up the plans and the specifications. The package of those three things goes out to a shipyard, and we serve as an intermediary of the vessel operator and what their new vessel is supposed to do, as well as the product that comes out through a construction process.”
Overseeing the Build Once an engineering firm passes off its plans to a shipyard, the builders at the shipyard generally take over the responsibilities of transforming the design into a finished vessel. Under certain circumstances, however, the engineering firm will be present at the shipyard to ensure the plans are being carried out to the customer’s specifications. It’s not unusual for Crowley Marine to have a team present at the shipyard. Crowley’s team isn’t actually physically building the vessel, but it’ll be there to make sure proper testing and inspections are being completed. “Our team isn’t necessarily doing the inspections, but they’re making sure the inspections are being done,” Edgar says. “They’re witnessing testing. During the course of construction, things come up and our team would help the owner assess the changes and help negotiate pricing as change orders come up. Once the vessel is completed, our team would help on the test and trials and make sure the vessel is doing what it’s supposed to do.” Edgar describes these shipyard services as “an opportunity for Crowley to step up and help the owner get through the build process.”
Cost Commitment People are rightfully wary about buying a boat—whether it’s a small raft
to float down a river or a luxurious cruise ship capable of transporting thousands of customers, owning and maintaining a boat is often an expensive commitment. Just the process of building a new vessel can range from tens of thousands to tens of millions of dollars. “New vessels are expensive,” Eberhardt says. “Even a small passenger vessel—just a little 40-foot charter vessel in Homer—people could put $400,000, $500,000, or $600,000 into those.” Because of the costs involved, it’s unusual for people to decide they want to try their hand building and owning a commercial vessel. “There are a few people who might put that sort of money into it just to try charter fishing, but most of the people who want to build a new vessel know what they’re up for,” Eberhardt adds. Waterhouse notes that a designer can expect to earn between 3 to 5 percent of the total costs an owner will put into building a new vessel. Edgar adds that the total engineering process equates to about 10 percent of a total contract price, though that 10 percent can be split between designers, architects, and engineers. Even though the cost of building and maintaining a vessel can be daunting, the good news is ships tend to stay around for decades. “If you’re dealing with a small aluminum work boat, that might only have about a twenty-year life depending on how hard it’s being used,” Waterhouse says. “I’d say forty to fifty years is what we’re seeing out of the fishing fleet. The Alaska Marine Highway System is looking at sixty years or so for their vessels, simply because they put significant investments into the boat at its midlife, but also because it’s hard for the state to come up with new money to build new vessels. They want to get as much out of them as they can.”
A 65-foot aluminum displacement landing craft. Coastwise Corporation
126 | October 2019
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“As an engineering firm, 60 percent of our income is probably associated with new constructions and 40 percent from projects to maintain or modify an existing vessel.” John Waterhouse Principal/Concept Engineer Elliott Bay Design Group
Eberhardt describes a vessel’s potential shelf life as “an interesting and complicated question,” but recognizes it really comes down to materials. While an aluminum vessel may only last a couple of decades, Eberhardt says it’s not uncommon for steel vessels to last for thirty, forty, or even fifty years. In order for vessels to last for decades, it’s important that owners maintain upkeep and modifications over the years. Vessel maintenance is a significant portion of the business. “As an engineering firm, 60 percent of our income is probably associated with new constructions and 40 percent from projects to maintain or modify an existing vessel,” Waterhouse says.
The Industry’s Future As the years go by, cruise ships continue to get bigger and more extravagant. That poses challenges for both the engineers tasked with designing the vessels and the construction companies that design and build docking facilities. Throughout the United States, shipyards are much rarer than they once were, which can make it difficult for customers to find the resources and services they need.
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“We don’t have a lot of good vendors,” Eberhardt says. “Right now, you can’t go get a good passenger vessel, I don’t think, for spring delivery because you’re too late. Even if there was a small enough vessel you could get built in nine to twelve months, the good yards are already booked. It’s not going to happen, I don’t care how much money you have. When you’re in an industry and you can’t necessarily guarantee your vendors can provide the parts on time, it makes forecasting costs difficult.” The future is also murky for docking facilities and the communities that house them. “The challenge in Alaska is you come into a place like Ketchikan, and you have three cruise ships in harbor, each of which are carrying 3,000 passengers,” Waterhouse says. “Suddenly the town is overrun. How do the ports in Southeast Alaska both accommodate the larger ships and provide the passengers with a meaningful experience in their part of Alaska?” Jason Davis, president of Turnagain Marine Construction, is working to solve the question Waterhouse and others are asking. “There’re ships coming to Alaska now that even four years ago were never contemplated to come to our market,” Davis says. “The infrastructure has to upgrade to be able to take cruise ships that are 30 to 40 percent larger than what has been coming up here traditionally.” Turnagain Marine is currently in the process of designing a second cruise ship facility at Icy Strait Point. It also was awarded a contract to double cruise ship facility in Ward Cove near Ketchikan. The Icy Strait Point project, in particular, is benefitting the Huna Totem Corporation and the residents of the Hoonah area. Davis hopes the Ward Cove project will help rejuvenate the old mill property and create economic opportunities in the Ketchikan Gateway Borough, in addition to easing congestion in the downtown area. Although Davis notes that the new facility construction process isn’t a challenge, the fact that Turnagain Marine is entering new territory can be a tricky endeavor. “It’s not the actual construction that’s difficult, it’s that most of these are already developed waterfronts,” he
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“Ferry boats are
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AT A GLANCE What book is on your nightstand? I have a copy of the The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien. I actually reread that story quite often. What movie do you recommend to everyone? I recently saw Green Book and thought it was well acted and well written. Of course, I am a big Marvel fan and have seen all the movies. I was a comic book fan as a kid and like how they have recreated the look and feel of the old printed comics. What’s the first thing you do after work? I have a pretty long day and like to spend it with my wife as much as I can to keep some work/life balance. If you couldn’t live in Alaska, where would you live? I like Hawaii, but my wife does not like living on an island (even though Alaska is one). I guess Eastern Washington would be a second choice given its four distinct seasons. If you could domesticate a wild animal what animal would it be? Probably kind of dangerous, but I have always liked lynx.
130 | October 2019
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
OFF THE CUFF
Michael Burke M
ichael Burke was named the CEO at MTA
Burke: I have always loved the sciences and wanted at one time to be a marine biologist.
in September 2015 and brings with him
more than thirty-five years of experience with telecommunications and technology matters. He has worked in senior management for a diverse number of companies, including the Anchorage Telephone Utility, TelAlaska, and Alaska Fiber Star/ WCI Cable. In addition, prior to MTA, Burke ran his own management/utility consulting company for fourteen years, where he worked on a number of regulatory and strategic projects and also served as an expert witness before regulatory agencies in Alaska, California, and Hawaii. Burke has a BA in
AB: What is your favorite way to get exercise? Burke: Hiking or walking in the outdoors. AB: Dead or alive, who would you like to see perform live in concert? Burke: The Eagles. AB: What is your greatest extravagance? Burke: I am pretty simple and drive a car that is fourteen years old, so buying a new vehicle. AB: What’s your best and worst attribute? Burke: I would say my best attribute is my patience. My worst might be trying to take on too many things at once.
accounting from Seattle University and is a CPA in the State of Alaska. [Editor’s Note: Sending a Hulksized thank you to BOSCO’s for supporting our super-secret mission to capture Michael Burke’s image at your command center.] Alaska Business: What do you do in your free time? Michael Burke: I enjoy fishing and hiking, just enjoying the Alaska outdoors. Snorkeling in Hawaii in the winter is also fun.
Images ©Kerry Tasker
AB: Is there a skill or talent you’ve always wanted to learn or are learning? Burke: I wish I could paint or draw better. It has fascinated me how people can put an image down on canvas. AB: What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done? Burke: Walked five feet in front of a brown bear while out fishing in rural Alaska. AB: What’s your go to comfort food? Burke: Mac and cheese. AB: Other than your current career, if you were a kid today, what would your dream job be?
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October 2019 | 131
EAT
SHOP ANCHORAGE
OCT Make It Alaskan 4-6 Festival This festival features more than 120 booths showcasing arts, crafts, food products, jewelry, produce, and homegrown products from artisans ranging from Utqiaġvik to Ketchikan. Entry to the festival at Dena’ina Center is free to the public. makeitalaskanfestival.com
OCT Summerland 10-11 So much more than a ghost story, this spooky and riveting drama is about William H. Mumler, a Victorian-era spirit photographer who captures haunting images of the dead from the world beyond the veil—or is he a fraud? cyranos.org OCT Zoo Boo 31 Put on a costume and visit the Alaska Zoo to celebrate
PLAY
STAY
Halloween. There will be spooky trail decorations, event staff in costumes, and trick-or-treat stations throughout zoo grounds. The fun gets underway at 4 p.m. and runs until 8 p.m. Dress warm and carry a flash light to help light the way around the zoo while visiting the animals in this nocturnal setting. alaskazoo.org
EAGLE RIVER OCT 2019 Eagle River 4 Brewfest Sample a variety of Alaska beers, including selections from Arkose Brewery, Broken Tooth Brewing, Denali Brewing, Double Shovel Cider, Glacier BrewHouse, Midnight Sun Brewing, Odd Man Rush, Resolution Brewing, and 49th State Brewing. Complimentary appetizers and non-alcoholic drinks will also be served. Proceeds benefit the Eagle
EVENTS CALENDAR wood, cane, and synthetic fibers. fairbanksfiberfestival.com
River Boys & Girls Club. eagleriverbrewfest.com
OCT Arctic 19 Innovation
FAIRBANKS
Competition
OCT Art in the 5 Autumn Held at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge, this festival celebrates arts and crafts in the Interior, this year featuring the designs of Beadwitched, Desert Dogs Designs, Raven Moon Studios, Threads of Fancy, Whalebone Watercolors, and Wheelhouse Pottery. artintheautumn.com
OCT Fairbanks Fiber 12-13 Festival The festival includes workshops, demos, and goods from fiber artists and farmers with an emphasis on items made or produced in Alaska, including wool, qiviut, alpaca, mohair, angora, silk, cotton, bamboo,
The UAF Arctic Innovation Competition (AIC) is Alaska’s original idea contest launched in 2009. AIC is run by the UAF School of Management and currently awards almost $30,000 in cash prizes to winners in three divisions: AIC Main, AIC Jr., and AIC Cub. Finalists are invited to present at the Wedgewood Resort at the Final Competition on October 19 to compete for first, second, third, and fourth places. arcticinno.com
OCT 24 City Sampler Fairbanks Resource Agency (FRA) hosts City Sampler, a “delightful and delicious” evening offering an
AVISALASKA.COM/VIP
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Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
EAT
SHOP
array of Fairbanks’ finest food from local restaurants and caterers, as well as live music and door prizes. It’s the organization’s premier fundraising event; proceeds help FRA achieve its mission to support Alaskans with disabilities, including the growing senior population with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia and other frail and disabling conditions. City Sampler is held in the Westmark Gold Room. fra-alaska.org
OCT Go Winter! Expo 26-27 This event focuses on winter: how to get through it safely and sanely while having some fun. This year will include the Interior Alaska Gun show, as well as indoor and outdoor activities, food, and information about winterization, home care, and travel ideas, all at the Carlson Center. fairbanksevents.com/go-winter-expo/
PLAY
EVENTS CALENDAR
STAY
OCT Halloween at the 31 Museum of the
North Costumed superheroes, zombies, and scary monsters of all kinds are invited to see bones and bugs, bats and birds in the museum’s research labs and explore the galleries at the Alaska Museum of the North. Admission is free. uaf. edu/museum/
PALMER OCT OxToberfest 5 The Alaska Farmland Trust and the Musk Ox Farm present the 5th Annual OxToberfest Farm-to-Table Feast, Brew Fest, and Polka Bash, a joint fundraiser is for the two Alaska nonprofits. Feast on brats made with Alaska Grown locally sourced meat, Palmer cabbage in the sauerkraut, Mat-Su grown potatoes in the German potato salad and chips,
Alaska grown mustard, and even local wheat in the buns. The music features a twelve-piece lederhosen-clad brass oompah band. oxtoberfest.brownpapertickets. com
PETERSBURG OCT Octoberfest 1-31 Celebration Petersburg celebrates Octoberfest throughout the month with concerts; gallery walks; Beat the Odds, a race against cancer; Octoberfest Artshare, an arts and crafts fair featuring handmade items by artists and crafters around the state; the Rain Country Quilters Quilt Show; and other events and activities. petersburg.org
SITKA OCT Alaska Day 12-20 Festival This festival commemorates the transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States at Sitka in October 1867. The Alaska Day ball is on Tuesday, and other events include special lectures, exhibits, and displays; receptions, luncheons, and food sales; interpretive programs at museums and parks; and races and games. alaskadayfestival.org
SKAGWAY OCT Fall Festival 18-20 Fall Festival is a celebration of art, music, and life in the North that includes art and craft classes, zombie walks, fund raisers, burger feeds, a cribbage tournament, and other activities. skagway.com
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ALASKA’S LARGEST! October 2019 | 133
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HAUNTED HOTELS
Transcendental Travels F
or many travelers amenities play a pivotal part when picking the perfect hotel—for some a stunning view is requisite, for others a giant, garden tub to soak their cares away is imperative, and then there are those who want something a little more… ethereal. For adventurers in pursuit of a spooky experience, we present
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Alaska’s most haunted hotels (reportedly).
Anchorage Historic Anchorage Hotel Over the years guests at “one of the most haunted hotels in Alaska” report seeing the ghosts of children, a woman who died and appears in her wedding dress, and Anchorage’s first Chief of Police, Jack Sturgus, who
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was shot and killed near the hotel in 1921 and is said to be seeking justice for this still unsolved crime. For those in search of a ghostly experience, make sure to request room 215 or 217, both reported to be the most active with spirits. historicanchoragehotel.com
particular the last stall on the left, is the spiritual hotspot at the Hotel Captain Cook. The story goes that the young woman who took her life in the bathroom is so angry and caused such a ruckus and feelings of unease among visitors and staff over the years that hotel management
Hotel Captain Cook
eventually decided to solve
The women’s bathroom, in
the problem by bolting the
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stall door shut. It remains
Skagway
bolted shut today, though
The Golden North Hotel
whether the spirit is contained
It is said that the Golden
inside is up for debate.
North Hotel is home to two
captaincook.com
spirits who regularly make their presence known to both
Inlet Tower Hotel & Suites The Inlet Tower Hotel & Suites is home to two spirits, according to some paranormal-seeking patrons. Visitors are reportedly treated to the sounds of laughter as the ghost of a little girl runs and plays on the hotel’s ground floor. Others report having seen the spirit of a repair man who was killed in an elevator accident still hanging out in the elevator, just riding up and down… up and down… up and down. While there are no official reports of either death, the
guests and staff members. Mary was a guest at the Golden North Hotel who succumbed to pneumonia in room 23 while awaiting the return of her gold-prospecting fiancé. Mary died before being reunited with her love and is said to remain in the room to this today, causing guests to wake feeling as if they’re choking. Visitors to room 14 may see the hotel’s second spirit, which often manifests as an “orb of light” just before dawn.
Inlet Hotel is a regular haunt
Seward
for ghost aficionados.
Van Gilder Hotel This historic hotel is
inlettower.com
www.akbizmag.com
HAUNTED HOTELS
reportedly home to the ghost of Fannie GuthrieBaehm. Exactly when and where Fannie died is unclear with some saying she was murdered in room 201 in 1947, while others report she still haunts room 209 after dying there in the ‘50s. Ghost hunters all seem to agree that the Van Gilder Hotel is one of the state’s most haunted hotels, with multiple reports of objects being moved, windows inexplicably being opened or closed, and some guests even being woken up to the building shaking. Whether staying in room 201 or 209, visitors who come across a young lady with long blonde hair in a blue dress might just be encountering the apparition that is Fannie. vangilderseward.com
Copper Center Tonsina River Lodge
Alaska Business
Like many ghosts before him, Charlie’s exact cause of death is a mystery, but by all reports, he’s a playful ghost who “brings a sense of peace and gentleness” to the lodge. Stories about Charlie’s death vary widely, but they all end with him dying in room 18. It’s said he was wanted for murder and finally shot by police; that he committed suicide after being spurned by his beloved; or, and perhaps most believably, he found work as a cabin boy during the depression and lived happily at the lodge until he died after many years of peace and happiness. He was reportedly buried on a hill behind the lodge and sticks around his favorite place to this day. The only way to know for sure? Visit Tonsina River Lodge and see if Charlie comes by to say hi. tonsinariverlodge.com
October 2019 | 135
BUSINESS EVENTS OCTOBER
“A Time for Renewal.” alaskarpa.org
OCTOBER 2
Alaska State of Reform Health Policy Conference Dena’ina Center, Anchorage: The conference is about challenging current thought processes about healthcare and discovering innovation outside of individual silos, bringing together policy makers, health insurance leaders, and hospital system and provider executives. stateofreform.com
OCTOBER 11-12
All Alaska Pediatric Symposium Hotel Captain Cook, Anchorage: The All Alaska Pediatric Partnership supports and links healthcare services between government, healthcare entities, social services, and payers for children and families. a2p2.org
in common general business interests in the timber industry of Alaska. akforest.org
NOVEMBER
OCTOBER 25-27
Palmer High School: The purpose of the Alaska Association of Student Government is to provide leadership training, communication, and a student voice of issues at the local, state, and national levels. aasg.org
Alaska Cross Content Conference Anchorage: The mission of the Alaska State Literacy Association is to empower educators, inspire students, and encourage leaders with the resources they need to make literacy accessible for all. akliteracy.org
OCTOBER 4-12
OCTOBER 17-19
OCTOBER 26-28
Anchorage Design Week
AFN
Alaska Principals’ Conference
Anchorage Museum: This nineday event includes keynotes and talks, workshops, and weekend socials covering everything from architecture to fashion, furniture, food, and more. anchoragedesignweek.org OCTOBER 7-10
ATIA Annual Convention & Trade Show Centennial Hall, Juneau: The Alaska Travel Industry Association is the leading nonprofit trade organization for the state’s tourism industry. The theme for this year’s conference is “Legend of Alaska.” alaskatia.org OCTOBER 8-10
Alaska Recreation & Park Association Conference Pike’s Waterfront Lodge, Fairbanks: The focus of the conference is threefold: opportunities for continuing education and the exchange of best practices, the chance to network with other peers, and to recognize accomplishments through the ARPA Awards Ceremony. This year’s theme is 136 | October 2019
Fairbanks: The Alaska Federation of Natives Convention is the largest representative annual gathering in the United States of any Native peoples. Delegates are elected on a population formula of one representative per twenty-five Native residents in the area, and delegate participation rates at the annual convention typically exceed 95 percent. nativefederation.org OCTOBER 17-20
All-Alaska Medical Conference The Lakefront Anchorage: A continuing medical education conference organized by the Alaska Academy of Physicians Assistants, providing up to twenty-five CMEs. akapa.org OCTOBER 23-25
Alaska Forest Association Annual Convention The Landing Hotel, Ketchikan: The Alaska Forest Association can be characterized as a high profile industry trade association. Its members hold
Hilton Anchorage Hotel: Keynote presenters at this year’s conference are Tom Murray and Lissa Pijanowski. alaskaacsa.org/information/ calendar-of-events/
NOVEMBER 1-3
AASG Fall Conference
NOVEMBER 3-9
Alaska Miners Association Conference Dena’ina Center, Anchorage: The fall convention includes technical sessions, short courses, a trade show, and networking opportunities. alaskaminers.org NOVEMBER 6-9
OCTOBER 28-30
Alaska Chamber Fall Forum
AGC of Alaska Annual Conference
Hotel Alyeska, Girdwood: Open to the public, the Alaska Chamber’s Annual Conference is the state’s premier business conference. The conference draws 200 to 225 attendees and features keynote speakers, panel discussions, and breakout sessions on issues of statewide concern to Alaska business. alaskachamber.com
Hotel Captain Cook, Anchorage: The mission of AGC of Alaska is to advocate for their members and the Alaska construction industry; to provide educational opportunities for their members; and to make the public aware of their members’ skills, responsibility, and integrity. agcak.org
OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 3
NOVEMBER 7-10
Sitka WhaleFest
AASB Annual Conference
Sitka: Presented by the Sitka Sound Science Center, WhaleFest is a science festival that celebrates marine life. The core of the festival is a unique science symposium blending local knowledge and scientific inquiry concerning the rich marine environment of our northern oceans. sitkawhalefest.org
Anchorage: The mission of the Association of Alaska School Boards is to advocate for children and youth by assisting school boards in providing quality public education, focused on student achievement, through effective local governance. aasb.org
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
MEETINGS PAY
IN ANCHORAGE
THE MEETING: 2020 Annual Conference National Troopers Coalition August 16-19, 2020 200 delegates Estimated Economic Impact: $231,744
S
ince 1977, the National Troopers Coalition has represented statewide law enforcement officers. State troopers and highway patrol from across the nation will convene in Anchorage, Alaska next year. Two Alaskans made attracting the meeting to Anchorage their beat. Charisse Millett and Ashlea Layman at the Public Safety Employees Association office in Anchorage made the case to hold the meeting in Anchorage. Anchorage gets the business, and one of the nation’s premier groups for law enforcement professionals gets a venue with everything they need.
ARE YOU A MEMBER OF AN ASSOCIATION? CONTACT VISIT ANCHORAGE TO BRING YOUR GROUP TO TOWN: MEETINGS@ANCHORAGE.NET | 907.257.2343
INSIDE ALASKA BUSINESS BP | Hilcorp BP has agreed to sell its entire business in Alaska to Hilcorp Alaska. Under the terms of the agreement, Hilcorp will purchase all of BP’s interests in the state for a total consideration of $5.6 billion. The sale will include BP’s entire upstream and midstream business in the state, including BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc., that owns all of BP’s upstream oil and gas interests in Alaska, and BP Pipelines (Alaska) Inc.’s interest in the Trans Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS). Subject to state and federal regulatory approval, the transaction is expected to be completed in 2020. Approximately 1,600 employees are currently associated with BP’s Alaska business and BP is committed to providing clarity about their future as soon as possible as part of the transition process with Hilcorp. Hilcorp has been operating in Alaska since 2012 and is today the largest private oil and gas operator in the state, currently operating more than 75,000 barrels of oil equivalent a day gross production. bp.com/us | hilcorp.com
Anchorage Fracture & Orthopedic Clinic Anchorage Fracture & Orthopedic Clinic has opened a new Eagle River clinic. In addition to specialized bone, joint, and muscle care and consultation, this new location also offers orthopedic urgent care; onsite X-ray imaging; and physical therapy. afoc.com
MOA Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz unveiled the city’s largest solar project to date, the installation of 216 solar panels on top of the Egan Center in Anchorage. With an expected lifespan of thirty years, this project is expected to save $21,000 in electricity costs in the first year and nearly $700,000 during its lifetime. 138 | October 2019
This $200,000 project was paid for out of the Convention Center Capital Reserve Fund, a pool of money reserved for capital improvements from the Convention Center Room Tax Fund. This is the largest rooftop solar array in Alaska. The expected payback on the project is about seven years. muni.org
ORPC The Igiugig Village Council and ORPC celebrated the launch of ORPC’s commercial RivGen Power System, a sustainable solution now available to remote river communities in Alaska and worldwide. ORPC’s first commercial device is a 40 kW power system that will provide up to one-half of the Igiugig community’s electricity needs annually and will reduce the use of expensive and environmentally risky diesel fuel. Plans are underway for installation of a second RivGen device in conjunction with smart microgrid electronics and energy storage. When completed, the system will reduce diesel usage by 90 percent. The Igiugig Village Council is the first tribal entity in the United States to be issued a FERC hydrokinetic pilot project license. orpc.co
Vigor Global investment firm The Carlyle Group and private equity firm Stellex Capital Management announced a definitive agreement to acquire and merge Vigor Industrial, an infrastructure, defense, and maritime services company based in Portland, Oregon, and MHI Holdings, a ship repair, maintenance, and other ship husbandry services company based in Norfolk, Virginia. The combined company will create a bicoastal leader in critical ship repair services and commercial and defense-related fabrication services. Key customers include
the US Navy, US Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, Boeing, cruise lines, fishing fleets, barges and ferry services for local and state governments, and other key commercial and defense customers. vigor.net | carlyle.com stellexcapital.com
APD The Anchorage Police Department began operating out of its new headquarters located at 716 West Fourth Avenue in late August. The former location on Elmore will be closed to the public. The front counter, operated by the records staff, is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. muni.org
Crowley Crowley Fuels has signed construction contracts to build a 55,000-barrel, articulated tug-barge (ATB) that is specifically designed to serve the Western Alaska market with delivery of clean fuel products. The 410-foot ATB will have enhanced performance features for the demanding river and sea conditions of Western Alaska, an area that depends on safe and reliable marine delivery services during the short open-water season. The ATB design was completed by Crowley Maritime subsidiary Jensen Maritime, a Seattle-based naval architecture and marine engineering firm. It’s expected to be delivered in January 2021. crowleyfuels.com
UAF The University of Alaska Fairbanks has received a five-year, $19.6 million National Institutes of Health grant to build capacity and increase diversity of students in biomedical research. The new grant builds interdisciplinary collaborations following a One Health approach, which investigates the health of people, animals, and their shared environment in Alaska. uaf.edu
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
| October 2018 www.akbizmag.com 139
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com Business October 2019 | 139
RIGHT MOVES Ahtna Ahtna announced several employee changes within its subsidiaries, including hires, promotions, and new certifications. Rachael Wasson, an Ahtna shareholder, has been promoted to Procurement Specialist with Ahtna Environmental, Inc. Her responsibilities include Wasson preparing subcontracts and subcontract change orders. Chad Faverty has been promoted to Contracts Administrator with Ahtna Environmental, Inc. His responsibilities include setting up subcontractor Faverty documents for projects, tracking subcontractor documents, and providing assistance to the rest of the procurement staff. Melissa Taylor has been promoted by Ahtna Global to the position of Project Assistant I. Taylor completes documentation to establish accounts, Taylor processes field timecards, and purchase orders. Rachel Thompson, CF APMP, has achieved Foundation Certification through the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP). Thompson APMP certification is the global standard for developing and demonstrating proposal management competency. Ahtna Environmental, Inc. added Environmental Engineer Baley Lenhart to its team. Lenhart is experienced with structural design including highend residential, log and timber-frame
designs, and steel and concrete construction. He is experienced at overseeing environmental investigations, remediation and removal actions, field Lenhart surveys, and contaminated site sampling and monitoring. He has a bachelor’s in architectural engineering from the University of Wyoming. Ahtna Environmental, Inc. also added Site Superintendent Mitchell Webber to its team. Webber has more than thirtythree years of experience Webber overseeing all phases of multi-million-dollar construction projects. He has supervised and coordinated all aspects of construction including project specific safety plans, schedule generation, schedule maintenance, contract initiation, and execution. Ahtna Shareholder Rodney Lengele has been hired as a Remote Sensing Specialist for Ahtna Solutions. Lengele interned last summer Lengele with Ahtna’s Corporate Communications Department and with Ahtna Engineering Services in the construction field, gaining valuable hands-on experience.
Access Alaska Access Alaska selected Eric L. Gurley as its new Executive Director. Gurley will lead the state’s largest independent living center, providing assistance to Gurley individuals who experience a disability and elder Alaskans to live
independently in the community of their choice. Gurley has more than twenty-five years of experience working with organizations assisting individuals living with a disability.
PND Isaac Stark, EIT, has joined PND’s Juneau office as a Staff Engineer. Stark recently graduated from the University of Utah with a master Stark of science in civil and environmental engineering, with a focus in structural design and analysis. He earned his bachelor’s degree there as well. Taylor Mortensen, EIT, graduated from Montana State University with a bachelor of science in civil engineering. He previously interned at SECON Mortensen Construction in Juneau and Houser Engineering in Bozeman, Montana, where he performed civil engineering design and inspection for mountainous environments. His main interests are in hydraulic, hydrologic, and coastal engineering.
Cornerstone Cornerstone General Contractors welcomed Justin McVaney to its Cost Estimating team. McVaney brings more than eighteen years of experience McVaney in construction and will be responsible for supporting Cornerstone’s estimating operations and leveraging data analytics in estimating and contract performance.
RIGHT MOVES IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY NORTHERN AIR CARGO
Real Alaskans. Real cargo. 140 | October 2019
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Cha
In addition, he is supporting the team in regular evaluation and optimization of competitive bidding on future projects.
KPMG Alex Rasskazov has joined KPMG as a new Tax Managing Director in the firm’s Anchorage office. He will focus on providing federal and Rasskazov state tax consulting and compliance services to Alaska entities, including Alaska Native corporations, other commercial businesses, and family office operations. Rasskazov has nearly twenty years of industry experience, primarily in tax.
past five years at R&M, Horazdovsky has gained a wide variety of experience working on transportation, waterfront, and construction administration projects Horazdovsky as a part of R&M’s surface transportation team. R&M’s newest PLS, David Brock, successfully passed the required exams for licensure, including the National Council of Examiners for Engineering Brock and Surveying Professional Surveying Examination and Alaska Land Surveying Examination. Since joining the R&M team in 2012, Brock has worked as an instrument person, field surveyor, and party chief.
Upper One Studios Northrim Bank
Hannah Lain joined Upper One Studios as a Marketing Strategist. She will be helping develop creative content strategies for Upper One Studios Lain and their clients. Lain has a BSBA in marketing management and economics from the University of Arkansas and is pursuing a master of public administration from Arkansas State University.
R&M Consultants R&M Consultants’ Taryn Oleson recently earned her AICP. The AICP certification is the only nationwide, independent verification of planner’s qualifications. Oleson Oleson has been with R&M since 2014 and specializes in land use, transportation, and community planning. Joe Horazdovsky is R&M’s latest staff member to receive a professional engineering license, gaining his Alaska license in civil engineering. Over the
Northrim Bank is proud to announce new hires and the promotion of a variety of employees throughout the bank. Paula Duracinski, promoted to Facilities Manager, has been with Northrim Bank for more than nineteen years. The majority of her time has Duracinski been in the Facilities department. She holds a bachelor of arts in English from the University of Hawaii. Mark Edwards, promoted to EVP, Chief Credit Officer, and Bank Economist, has been with Northrim Bank since 2007. Prior to that, he was the director of Edwards the Office of Economic Development for the State of Alaska and economist for the Department of Revenue. Edwards has a bachelor of arts in economics from the University of Virginia and a master’s degree from Thunderbird Graduate School of International Management. Jaime Kissner joins Northrim as VP,
Commercial Loan Officer with fifteen years of experience in the financial industry, including three years in retail management, Kissner ten years in commercial lending, and two years as a licensed financial advisor. He holds bachelor of science from Northwestern State University, as well as Series 7 and 66 security licenses. James Larson, Special Credits Officer, comes to Northrim Bank with six years of experience in the financial industry. He has worked at institutions in Alaska and Larson Nevada. Larson attended the University of Alaska Anchorage. Stephanie Love, promoted to Marketing & Sales Manager, has been with Northrim Bank and Residential Mortgage for the past three years and Love has more than fifteen years of experience in the financial industry. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine. Andy Ray, promoted to Facilities Maintenance Manager, has been with Northrim Bank for more than four years. Prior to his work at Northrim, he has Ray held management positions in construction and customer service. Ray holds a master of science in project management from UAA. Mhay Sy, promoted to Loan Servicing and Special Credits Manager, has been with Northrim for thirteen years and has twenty-one years of experience in the Sy financial industry. She holds a bachelor of arts and is a graduate of Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington.
Chainsaws. Replacement blades. Wood stoves. Whatever you need, we deliver. Connect with us / 800.727.2141 / www.nac.aero /
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Alaska Business
October 2019 | 141
ALASKA TRENDS
#1
#49
Arctic Slope Regional Corporation
Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group
2019
$3.4 billion, 3,400 employees
$35 million, 14 employees
Arctic Slope Regional Corporation
Alcan Electrical & Engineering
2009
HIGHEST INCREASE IN RANK IN ONE YEAR: In 1999 Unit Company reported $16 million in revenue. In 2000 the company’s revenue
grew by 236% to $54 million.
$51 million, 178 employees
$2.3 billion, 3,500 employees
16% in 1985 20% in 1990
1999
McKinley Capital Management Inc.
$888 million, 5,162 employees
$14 million, 55 employees
Gaston & Associates
Carr-Gottstein Foods Co. Inc. $384 million, 2,380 employees
1989
$14 million, 40 employees tied with
Underwater Construction $14 million, 100 employees
20% in 1995 20% in 2000 TOTAL EMPLOYEES FOR ALL YEARS The Top 49ers have reported a total of 1.4 million employees for all years * each circle is 14,000 employees
Arctic Slope Regional Corporation
31% in 2005 45% in 2010 40% in 2015 50% in 2019
RATIO OF NATIVE TO NON-NATIVE CORPORATIONS
*Financial data has not been adjusted for INFLATION.
ALASKA TRENDS IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY AMERICAN MARINE/PENCO
AMERICAN MARINE • Marine Construction/Dredging • Subsea Cable Installation & Maintenance • Commercial Diving • Platform & Pipeline Construction, Installation, Repair & Decommissioning
ANCHORAGE OFFICE (907) 562-5420
• Underwater Certified Welding • Marine Salvage
DEADHORSE OFFICE (907) 659-9010
www.amarinecorp.com 142 | October 2019
• NDT Services
Alas ka I C alifornia I Hawaii
• ROV Services • Vessel Support Services
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
ANS Crude Oil Production 9/30/2019
01/01/2014 05/01/2011 09/01/2008 01/01/2006
TOTAL NUMBER OF
UNIQUE 49ERS
Since 1985, Alaska Business has featured 201 unique Top 49ers.
ANS Production barrel per day 492,145 Sep. 30, 2019
05/01/2003 09/01/2000
0
400,000
800,000
1,200,000
SOURCE: Alaska Department of Revenue Tax Division
ANS West Coast Crude Oil Prices 9/30/2019
09/01/2012
09/01/2008
The 49er in operation
the longest is
AL ASK A
ELECTRIC
LIGHT &POWER established in 1893 & listed as a Top 49er
in 1987 and 1988.
FRESHMAN 49ER WITH
HIGHEST REVENUE:
AFOGNAK
NATIVE
CORPORATION premiered in 2006 with
09/01/2000 $0
$20
$40
$60
$80 $100 $120 $140 $160
SOURCE: Alaska Department of Revenue Tax Division
Statewide Employment Figures 01/1976-07/2019 Seasonally Adjusted 8/01/2019
$522 million
01/01/2010
in revenue, coming in at number 7.
05/01/2004
Labor Force 350,708 Aug. 2019 Employment 328,894 Aug. 2019 Unemployment 6.2% Aug. 2019
09/01/1998
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
ANS West Coast $ per barrel $61.61 Sep. 30, 2019
09/01/2004
01/01/1993 05/01/1987 09/01/1981 01/01/1976 0
100,000
200,000
300,000
400,000
SOURCE: Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Research & Analysis Section
PENCO • Environmental Response, Containment • Site Support Technicians, Maintenance • Waste Management, Environmental Monitoring • Tank Cleaning, Inspection • Petroleum Facility Maintenance & Repair • Logistics Support • 24-Hour Response www.akbizmag.com
ANCHORAGE OFFICE (907) 562-5420 DEADHORSE OFFICE (907) 659-9010
A la ska I Ca lifornia I Hawaii Alaska Business
www.penco.org
www.penco.org October 2019 | 143
ARCTIC SLOPE
REGIONAL CORPORATION:
2019: RANKED #1 $3.4 BILLION WITH 3,400 EMPLOYEES 1985: RANKED #13 $55 MILLION WITH 400 EMPLOYEES
FIRST NATIONAL BANK ALASKA 2019: $165 million in revenue Ranked #22 654 employees 1985: $77 million in revenue Ranked #9 750 employees
NANA USIBELLI COAL MINE
More than doubled its revenue with roughly the same number of employees. 2019: Ranked #36 with $81 million in revenue and 172 employees 1985: Ranked #41 with $26 million in revenue and 124 employees
144 | October 2019
2019: RANKED #3 $1.5 BILLION IN REVENUE, 4,148 EMPLOYEES 1985: RANKED #28 $32 MILLION IN REVENUE, 400 EMPLOYEES
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
CALISTA CORPORATION
$243 BILLION
2019: RANKED #8 $575 MILLION IN REVENUE, 800 EMPLOYEES
Since 1985 the Top 49ers reported total revenue of
1985: RANKED #18 $47 MILLION IN REVENUE, 450 EMPLOYEES
$243 BILLION
BRISTOL BAY SEEKINS FORD LINCOLN
Doubled its revenue with fewer employees.
NATIVE CORPORATION
2019: RANKED
#2
$1.7 BILLION IN REVENUE, 1,590 EMPLOYEES
2019: Ranked #45 with $56 million in revenue and 100 employees
1985: RANKED
1985: Ranked #48 with $24 million in revenue and 93 employees
$30 MILLION IN REVENUE, 275 EMPLOYEES
www.akbizmag.com
#31
Alaska Business
October 2019 | 145
ADVERTISERS INDEX 673rd Force Support Squadron................40 jber.jb.mil AECOM.................................. 93 aecom.com Afognak Leasing LLC.......... 115 alutiiq.com Ahtna Inc............................... 59 ahtna.net Airframes Alaska................... 93 airframesalaska.com Alaska Air Cargo - Alaska Airlines.................................... 9 alaskaair.com Alaska Energy Services LLC........................ 119 alaskaenergyservices.com Alaska Executive Search (AES)..........................40 akexec.com Alaska Mergers & Acquisitions LLC................... 41 akmergersandacquisitions.com Alaska Miners Association.... 34 alaskaminers.org Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium.........................148 anthc.org Alaska Pacific University....... 13 alaskapacific.edu Alaska Process Industry Careers Consortium........... 111 appic.org Alaska Railroad Real Estate Division.............. 51 alaskarailroad.com/real-estate Alaska School Activities Association............ 11 asaa.org Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA)................. 87 alaskatia.org Alaska USA Federal Credit Union......................... 28 alaskausa.org ALSCO................................. 101 alsco.com Altman Rogers & Co............. 30 altrogco.com American Marine / Penco.......................... 142,143 amarinecorp.com Anchorage Chrysler Dodge................................. 133 anchoragechryslercenter.com Arctic Information Technology........................... 27 arcticit.com Arctic Office Products.......... 85 arcticoffice.com Arctic Slope Regional Corp. (ASRC)................................... 57 asrc.com AT&T...................................... 17 att.com
Avis Rent-A-Car.................. 132 avisalaska.com BDO....................................... 89 bdo.com Bering Straits Native Corp.... 53 beringstraits.com Bristol Bay Native Corp....... 147 bbnc.net BSI Commercial Real Estate..........................100 bsialaska.com Calista Corp.......................... 95 calistacorp.com Canadian National Railway................................ 109 https://www.cn.ca/en/ Carlile Transportation Systems................................. 61 carlile.biz Central Environmental Inc. (CEI)....................................... 73 cei-alaska.com Choggiung Limited............... 99 choggiung.com Chugach Alaska Corp........... 88 chugach.com Colville Inc.......................... 129 colvilleinc.com Conrad-Houston Insurance Agency.................................. 33 chialaska.com Construction Machinery Industrial................................. 2 cmiak.com Cornerstone Advisors........... 25 buildbeyond.com Cruz Companies................... 75 cruzconstruct.com Delta Constructors............. 116 deltaconstructors.net Denali - A Division of Nuvision Credit Union....................... 128 denalifcu.org Diamond Airport Parking..... 99 diamondairportparking.com Dorsey & Whitney LLP.......... 77 dorsey.com Doyon Limited...................... 91 doyon.com Equake Systems.................... 31 equakesystems.com First National Bank Alaska...... 5 fnbalaska.com Foss Maritime...................... 125 foss.com Fountainhead Hotels.......... 103 fdialaska.com Great Northwest Inc............. 71 grtnw.com Great Originals Inc................ 30 greatoriginals.com Island Air Express................ 134 islandairx.com JEFFCO Inc........................... 39 jeffcogrounds.com
Junior Achievement of Alaska................................ 86 juniorachievement.org/web/ja-alaska/ Kloosterboer Dutch Harbor...................... 111 kloosterboer.com Landye Bennett Blumstein LLP....................... 39 lbblawyers.com Lynden Inc............................ 49 lynden.com Mechanical Contractors of Fairbanks.............................104 mcfairbanks.com MICROCOM.......................... 33 microcom.tv MTA....................................... 47 mta-telco.com NANA Regional Corp............ 83 nana.com NCB....................................... 31 ncb.coop Nenana Heating Services Inc........................... 81 nenanahaetingservices.net New Horizons Telecom Inc.......................... 35 nhtiusa.com Nortech Environmental & Engineering....................... 67 nortechengr.com Northern Air Cargo..... 140,141 nac.aero Northrim Bank...................... 23 northrim.com Odyssey Logistics & Technology Corp................ 107 odysseylogistics.com Olgoonik Corp...................... 79 olgoonik.com Orion Marine Group........... 117 orionmarinegroup.com Pacific Pile & Marine........... 139 pacificpile.com Parker Smith & Feek.............. 55 psfinc.com Personnel Plus.................... 135 perplus.com Petro 49.................................. 7 petromarineservices.com Petrotechnical Resources Alaska (PRA)........................ 118 petroak.com PIP Marketing Signs Print...... 69 pip.com PND Engineers Inc.............. 125 pndengineers.com Resource Development Council.................................. 21 akrdc.org Roger Hickel Contracting Inc..................... 65 rhcak.com Samson Tug & Barge............ 41 samsontug.com
Scan Office........................... 37 scanhome.com Seatac Marine Service........ 112 seatacmarine.com Sitnasuak Native Corp.......... 97 snc.org Span Alaska Transportation LLC................. 3 spanalaska.com Stallone’s............................. 134 stallonesmenswear.com Stellar Designs Inc.............. 135 stellar-designs.com T. Rowe Price........................ 19 uacollegesavings.com Tanana Chiefs Conference Inc............... 42,43 tananachiefs.org TDX Power............................ 63 tdxpower.com Technipress......................... 129 tpress.net The Eyak Corp.....................100 eyakcorp.com The Lakefront Anchorage............................ 81 millenniumhotels.com/en/anchorage/ the-lakefront-anchorage The Megan Room Conference & Events Center.................... 51 themeganroom.com TOTE Maritime Alaska........... 45 totemaritime.com Transgroup Corp................. 113 transgroup.com Turnagain Marine Construction................120,121 turnagain.build United Way of Anchorage.... 22 liveunitedanchorage.org University of Washington Foster School of Business.... 15 foster.uw.edu Visit Anchorage................... 137 anchorage.net Vitus Energy.......................... 95 Vitus-energy.com Watterson Construction..... 103 wccak.com West-Mark Service Center.... 97 west-mark.com Westmark Hotels HAP Alaska............................ 37 westmarkhotels.com Wostmann & Associates Inc..43 wostmann.com Yukon Equipment Inc......... 127 yukoneq.com
