Alaska Business August 2018

PACIFIC NORTHWEST | ENVIRONMENTAL | FINANCE August 2018 Digital Edition

Matson Cultivates

August 2018

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Kirk Currey Equipment Sales Rep. Anchorage Branch

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Volvo A40G and A45G Artic Haulers; Fairbanks, Alaska

Anchorage, Alaska 907.563.3822 800.478.3822 Fairbanks, Alaska 907.455.9600 Juneau, Alaska 907.780.4030 888.399.4030 Ketchikan, Alaska 907.247.2228 877.847.2228

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August 2018 Digital Edition TAB LE OF CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS

FROM THE EDITOR EAT, SHOP, PLAY, STAY EVENTS CALENDAR BUSINESS EVENTS INSIDE ALASKA BUSINESS RIGHT MOVES ALASKA TRENDS AD INDEX

ABOUT THE COVER: Matson has been operating in Alaska since it acquired Horizon Lines’ Alaska assets in 2015; including that and the acquisition of Span Alaska, the transportation company has invested more than $650 million in people, equipment, and infrastructure in the 49th State over the last three years.

Starting with a route to and from Hawaii, Matson has been hauling cargo across the Pacific Ocean for more than 130 years. During that time, it has developed connections with industry partners, local nonprofits and organizations, and the people in the communities it serves, people who have been an integral part of Matson’s culture since its inception. While Matson is relatively new to the state, the Alaska Matson team’s commitment to getting the right goods to the right place at the right time is a long legacy the company is dedicated to continue.

7 88 89 90 91 94 96 98

Cover photos © Judy Patrick Photography | Compositing and design: David Geiger

ARTICLES TELECOM & TECH

TRANSPORTATION

8 | The Electronic Eye

12 | Under the Hood

Peace of mind at any time

By Tracy Barbour

Examining the business-auto dealership relationship

By Judy Mottl

FINANCE

16 | Executive Snapshot:

KeyBank’s Alaska Market President Lori McCaffrey

Guardian Security Systems

By Tracy Barbour

© Jeff Schultz

Pacific Northwest Special Section

20 TRANSPORTATION

20 | Islands to Islands Matson is 'just in time' from Hawaii to Kodiak and beyond

By Tasha Anderson

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MARKETING

26 | Avoid Amateur Advertising: Consult with the Experts Marketing options for startups

By Tracy Barbour

HEALTHCARE

32 | Alaska’s Traveling Patients Seeking specialized healthcare in the Pacific Northwest

By Dimitra Lavrakas

Alaska Business | August 2018 www.akbizmag.com

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9602AB

Thank you, Alaska!

Best of Alaska Business ABM

BEST

PLACE

to WORK

2016 .17.18

ABM

BEST

CORPORATE CITIZEN 2017. 2018

First National is honored and humbled the readers of Alaska Business magazine again chose First National as the Best of Alaska Business – Best Place to Work for the third year in a row, and Best Corporate Citizen for the last two years.

Our employees are the driving force behind this.

Each year we strive to be a little bit better, to improve the ways we can help Alaskans, their businesses, and our communities succeed.

This continued vote of confidence just reaffirms our commitment, and shows one Like us!

Follow us! reason why we believe in Alaska – because you believe in us.

NMLS# 640297

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August 2018 Digital Edition TA BLE OF CONTENTS

ARTICLES

Environmental Special Section

HEALTHCARE

36 | We All Have Skin in the Game

Dermatology in Alaska

By Judy Mottl

CONSTRUCTION

40 | The Port of Alaska Construction moves forward on aging dock facilities

By Julie Stricker

OIL & GAS

72 | Oil Search Expands from Broadens portfolio, builds Anchorage-based team

By Isaac Stone Simonelli

MINING

50 RENEWABLE ENERGY 46 | Islands of Power

Putting renewable energy sources in place

By Isaac Stone Simonelli

FUEL TANKS

50 | Haul Out or Clean Up Preventing fuel tank contamination

By Vanessa Orr

DIRECTORY

58 | The Alaska Business 2018 Environmental Services Directory

Julia Fleming | State of Alaska AML

Dena O’Dell | USACE

the Tropics to the Arctic

INDUSTRIAL RECYCLING 66 | Alaska’s

Unnatural Resources Recycled and reused materials in construction

By O’Hara Shipe

NONPROFITS

70 | Transforming Trash to Treasure

Alaska nonprofits divert ‘trash’ from landfills

By Vanessa Orr

80

80 | Mine Site Reclamation Renewing lost land

By O’Hara Shipe

ALASKA NATIVE Corporations and Federal Contracting

Diversity, dollars, and jobs attract ANCs to government sector

By Julie Stricker

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O’Hara Shipe

84 | Alaska Native

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Alaska Business | August 2018 www.akbizmag.com

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FROM THE EDITOR VOLUME 34, NUMBER 8 Published by Alaska Business Publishing Co. Anchorage, Alaska EDITORIAL STAFF Managing Editor Kathryn Mackenzie 257-2907 editor@akbizmag.com

Associate Editor Tasha Anderson 257-2902 tanderson@akbizmag.com Digital and Social Media Specialist Arie Henry 257-2906 ahenry@akbizmag.com Art Director David Geiger 257-2916 design@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 Advertising 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 (907) 276-4373 | Toll Free: 1-800-770-4373 Fax: (907) 279-2900 www.akbizmag.com Editorial email: editor@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; © 2018 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 $3.95 each; $4.95 for the October issue. Send subscription orders and address changes to circulation@akbizmag.com. To order back issues ($8.95 each including postage) visit www.akbizmag.com/store.

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We Are Not Alone

W

riting about business in Alaska is much easier than many might think because we are not as isolated as we seem.

This state is home to the world’s most important and dynamic industries, as well as innovative thinkers who continue to advance Alaska’s technological capabilities, connecting us with the rest of the world in a way never before possible.

Depending on where you are in the state you can communicate with anyone, anywhere, anytime—and more and more even your location becomes irrelevant as companies like Quintillion push forward projects like the subsea fiber optic cable system completed by the company earlier this year.

The entire state of Alaska may have the population of a large city in the Lower 48, but its global connections and relationships with partner industries provide the team at Alaska Business nearly endless industry topics to expound upon.

Take ocean shipping, truck, rail, and logistics company Matson, for example. Matson for the first time linked its northern Pacific network with its South Pacific operations in 2016 with the introduction of its South Pacific Express service between Honolulu, Samoa, and American Samoa, creating a contiguous network spanning the Pacific Ocean. The company began to expand to and through Alaska with the acquisition of Horizon Lines' assets in 2015 and Span Alaska in 2016. And that’s just the beginning of the company’s investments here over the past few years (even as the economy was crashing, Matson continued to invest millions of dollars into infrastructure projects, expansion efforts, and philanthropic work).

While Matson is busily connecting Alaska with Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest, the Port of Alaska is also connecting the state to essential hubs throughout the rest of the country, accepting cargo deliveries that keep the our stores stocked, fuel in our cars and homes, and the raw materials needed to further develop Alaska’s infrastructure. But for how long?

The Port of Alaska is in need of repairs that cannot be ignored, says Jim Jager, external affairs manager for the Port of Alaska.

Marine vessels account for 90 percent of all fuel and freight shipped to this state and half of the cargo that comes in is moved out of Anchorage by truck, plane, or barge. But the Port of Alaska is literally falling apart at the seams and, according to Jager, won’t last much more than another decade, and that’s if we don’t get hit by a big earthquake or some other natural disaster. By nearly every account, it’s time to revitalize the Port of Alaska.

Alaskans have the best of both worlds. We are easily able to find solace and solitude even in the middle of the state’s largest city, but we’re also deeply connected to the rest of the country and world.

Even the healthcare industry links us with the Outside as many patients travel to the Pacific Northwest to find specialty care that is not available here. And many of us are only able to afford such trips thanks to organizations such as Airlift Northwest, established by a consortium of Seattle hospitals with a mission of providing high-quality medical transportation for underserved areas in Alaska. Another option is Alaska Airlines, which provides Alaska Airlines Club 49 members with two tickets at a 30 percent discount annually to use any time with a four-day notice.

More often than not, when people describe Alaska, the words they use are beautiful, remote; pristine, wilderness; isolation; and rural living. And while Alaska is all of that and much more, it’s also not an island. In this issue we explore our connections with the Outside and how we make the most of our relationships with businesses and organizations in the Pacific Northwest, Hawaii, and the rest of the world.

—Kathryn Mackenzie Managing Editor, Alaska Business August 2018 | Alaska Business

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TELECOM & TECH

The Electronic Eye Peace of mind at any time

S

CIS Alaska

By Tracy Barbour

mall businesses are using video security and surveillance systems as an integral part of their efforts to protect their physical assets from theft, vandalism, and other threats. Video security cameras also help maintain a safe environment for employees, customers, and other visitors.

The longevity of many businesses relies heavily on the use of video security and surveillance equipment, according to Christopher Meador, the owner of Northern Security and Surveillance. Any assets that are not bolted down are subject to being stolen, he says, but video cameras can be a deterrent. “Cameras, basically, keep honest people honest and criminal people wondering if they will be caught,” he explains.

Steve Olson, ADT’s sales manager for Alaska, also sees video security and surveillance as a crucial part of operating a business. Alaska, like the rest of the country, is dealing with an opioid crisis, and police are no longer detaining people for minor crimes, says Olson, who is based in Tacoma, Washington. People respect law enforcement, but they realize they are often on their own when it comes to protecting their businesses and homes. And they depend on video security and surveillance to fill the void. He says, “They know they have to prove someone has done something versus making a complaint and waiting for the police to respond.”

Thomas Craig, director of sales and marketing at Cardoso Integrated Security (CIS) Alaska, has seen an increase in small businesses requesting surveillance for liability purposes. This can be for worker’s compensation claims, mitigating customer claims that a business damaged their property while in the business’ care, and even to prove to regulatory agencies that regulations are being followed. “It is now common for small businesses to have security surveillance systems as the technology has become affordable, and the ability to access your system anywhere Internet service is available provides many benefits,” Craig says. “This allows small business owners the peace of mind to enjoy life while knowing they are a click away from seeing what is going on.”

This was certainly the case with John Saffert of JPS Cars. The Eagle River auto dealer has had his share of security problems, from gas being siphoned from cars to vehicles being stolen. His location has been broken into several times, and six cars have 8

CIS Alaska team members.

been stolen in the past four years. But security became less of a problem once CIS Alaska installed a surveillance system with multiple cameras, motion detectors, and glass break alarms. “The cameras are nice for peace of mind because I can use the app on my phone to see what’s happening on the lot,” he says.

Video cameras are also a critical part of security at Michael’s Jewelers. The Anchorage jewelry store is constantly enhancing its security system and recently upgraded its cameras. “This allows me to be able to monitor my store from basically anywhere that I have a mobile device,” says Dave Robuck, who has owned and operated the store for thirty years.

Michael’s Jewelers uses multi-layered security to protect its assets, and a camera system is an important (and visible) component of that. “When the bad guy comes along, he will see if there is a security system,” Robuck explains. “And if there is, he will move on to another store. I would recommend to anybody who’s trying to have a business that you better have a really good security system.”

Security System Providers Companies such as CIS Alaska, ADT, Guardian Security Systems, and Northern Security and Surveillance provide a variety of video security and surveillance equipment that can be customized to fit the unique needs of small businesses. For example, CIS Alaska sells hardwired, networked security surveillance systems that record locally and can be accessed remotely via web-enabled devices.

It also offers wireless security surveillance systems that record to cloud-based storage and even stand-alone cameras with internal storage, as well as battery and solar power for remote locations. “There are a lot of options

with these security surveillance systems, and what we do is tailor a solution based on what you want to achieve with your security surveillance system and budget,” Craig says. “A lot of the time, the need for a security surveillance system is not planned. We understand these unexpected costs to a small business are difficult to account for, so we offer a monthly payment plan.”

CIS Alaska sells and installs the equipment as well as provides ongoing service plans including optional monitoring services. “That means instead of you being alerted when a camera triggers an event or having to employ staff to manage this, we will set up a protocol with the client on who we need to notify,” Craig says.

The typical video security and surveillance system used by small businesses includes cameras, a networked video recorder, hard drive, and Cat5e cable for computer networks.

Most businesses have Internet service, and CIS Alaska will connect the security surveillance system to the network for remote access via a router. In addition, many clients want the cameras openly and visibly displayed at their business, and CIS Alaska can use an HDMI or VGA cable to display all the cameras or one camera for live viewing.

Since all small businesses can benefit from security systems, CIS Alaska works with a variety of customers throughout Alaska.

Coffee shops, car dealerships, marijuana retail shops, restaurants, courier services, banks, professional offices, repair shops, and hair salons each need different types of cameras and security equipment specifically tailored to their business. For example, car dealerships utilize pan-tilt-zoom cameras that can auto track the entire lot. When any person or vehicle enters the lot, the camera automatically zooms in to get the best detail to identify a person or license plate. “We

Alaska Business | August 2018 www.akbizmag.com

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are able to program rules for business hours and alert via text or email when activity is detected,” Craig says. “This way break-ins can be stopped before they damage property.”

ADT sells business security alarms as well as different camera systems, including WiFi cameras. These wireless cameras offer limited recording capability but are useful for certain situations. They are mostly used for 24/7, live observation by owners or managers who want to see what’s going on in their business. WiFi cameras have to be tied into a burglary alarm, so ADT does not install them without a security system. However, using wireless cameras is a fairly inexpensive option for small businesses.

ADT also provides businesses with commercial closed-circuit television, generally encompassing a network video recorder (NVR) and 2-megapixel Internet Protocol (IP) cameras. “They can store three to four weeks of 24/7 live recording,” Olson says.

“We sell systems with anywhere from one camera up to sixteen to thirty-two cameras.”

Olson says today’s digital cameras are 400 percent to 500 percent more clear than the older digital video recorder and analog options. However, bandwidth determines the number of cameras a business can use. For the best viewing experience, ADT generally recommends that customers err on the side of operating fewer cameras than too many.

“The more cameras you have, it can slow your viewing experience down quite a bit—which can make a difference when you are viewing remote,” Olson explains.

He adds: “The most important factor with video is that you have to find a balance between the cost, resolution of the cameras, and the bandwidth of your Internet connection to be successful. Spending a lot of money on cameras doesn’t always guarantee you’re going to have the best results.”

ADT installs all of the products it sells, Olson says. If there is a technical issue with the cameras or if one of the components breaks down, everything is guaranteed. “If a camera goes out on the NVR, we replace it at no cost to the customer, generally,” he says.

Guardian Security Systems has been selling video security and surveillance equipment since 1974. It offers a wide variety of analog and IP solutions designed for Alaska's environment and the specific needs of its customers, says Danielle Bowman, who handles alarm operations. “We currently sell Hikvision,” Bowman says. “They are the number one camera manufacturer in the world and their product line is well suited for our clients.”

Customers of Guardian Security Systems range from home offices to small wholesale facilities, retail outlets, and professional offices. It also installs security and camera systems for residential customers. The vast majority of the systems the company sells are designed to monitor for burglary and theft activity. “Each of our camera systems is custom designed to meet the needs of each customer,” Bowman says. “Our 4-megapixel IP systems are an excellent cost-effective and robust system that many of our customers choose.” www.akbizmag.com

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While Guardian Security Systems sells and installs security systems, it does not provide video monitoring. However, it does have an Alaska-based central station that monitors residential and commercial intrusion and fire systems as well as environmental alarm monitoring.

Although Guardian installs the majority of the security systems it sells, customers can opt to handle the installation themselves.

But they should consult with an expert to ensure they choose the best equipment for their business. “There are many things that should be considered prior to purchasing equipment, and a professional can help with the equipment selection,” Bowman says.

Northern Security and Surveillance also sells video security and surveillance systems that use a NVR, IP cameras, data cabling, and a host of other options. The company works with an assortment of businesses, including hotels, liquor stores, restaurants, and assisted living facilities. Regardless of the client’s industry, the company provides a full and complete solution to meet their security needs.

When working with clients, Meador walks through the building being secured and determines precisely where their cameras should be. Then he custom designs the layout and connects the video network to a data network or a high-speed cable modem.

He also provides service after the sale. “We’re not only selling and installing; we’re there in support of the customer,” he says. “I offer a

one-year service warranty with all installations and a three- to ten-year warranty for the equipment itself.”

Customers can use the IP video network to place intrusion control lines to protect a particular area for a certain time period. Or they can leave notification alerts turned on 24/7 for ongoing surveillance. “If someone crosses the intrusion line within the scheduled period, the system will notify the user through an app on their phone,” Meador says. “Then they can take the appropriate action from there, whether it’s calling the police or calling a friend.”

Northern Security and Surveillance sells multiple high-resolution, high-quality equipment lines designed to produce remarkable results. For example, some camera options allow customers to “see” in the dark up to 1,500 feet. Daytime viewing is equally impressive. “During the daytime, you can zoom in on something forty times, and it’s still crystal clear,” Meador says. “You could see about a mile away. You could zoom into it, like you’re standing right there.”

Customers can also select different analytical software to use with their camera system. Options include vehicle tracking, facial recognition, people counting, and license plate recognition. Facial recognition, for instance, works like an electronic watch dog. Meador explains: “If someone comes into the building and does something, you can take a snapshot of his face and create a profile of him. If he comes back to the

building, the video network will automatically notify the application that the guy is back on the premises.”

Challenges of DIY Systems Customers on a tight budget may be tempted to try a DIY project with equipment purchased from a store. But security experts warn that this may not be the best route to take. The cabling sold with off-the-shelf security systems may not be long enough for the customer’s business environment, Meador says. And the cameras from big-box retailers generally come with a lower resolution, narrower viewing angles, less memory, and a shorter life span than professionally sold and installed systems.

“They may burn up in one or two years,” he says. “You don’t want to go through all the effort of installing the camera and everything else and have the system stop working.”

ADT’s Olson says do-it-yourself systems can be frustrating for small business owners.

As an alternative, they could hire someone who is tech-savvy to install and maintain their equipment, he says.

Craig of CIS Alaska is also familiar with the problems some businesses have using an out-of-the box security camera system.

“The common theme is that a business has installed residential-grade camera systems from Costco or Amazon and [experiences problems],” he says. “And when they try to pull an image, they find that it is useless or that it didn’t even record.”

It’s usually at this point that the company calls on CIS Alaska to provide a suitable system that they can depend on to work well in Alaska.

“We have unique environmental challenges to address, including below-freezing weather, white-out conditions, and low-light conditions for months,” Craig says. “We understand all these conditions and install cameras that will adjust to changing conditions throughout the seasons.”

Video security and surveillance are becoming more feasible for small businesses in Alaska and elsewhere. Advancements in hardware, technology, and integration have brought high-end camera systems to a place that they make sense for not only the small business owner but also the residential consumer, says Bowman of Guardian Security Systems. “As the technology continues to improve, ease of use of the systems and the costs of the high-end systems continue to come down,” she says.

“Customers that were unable to make an investment in video security now find it affordable and cost-effective. Pair that with continued enhanced technologies, realtime push notifications, and overall quality of the systems… This is an exciting time for video security.”

R

Tracy Barbour has been an Alaska Business contributor since 1999. As a former Alaskan, she is uniquely positioned to offer in-depth insight and enjoys writing about a variety of topics.

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Alaska Business | August 2018 www.akbizmag.com

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Because you run a business security is not an option.

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TRANSPORTATION

Under the Hood Aerial view of Anchorage Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Anchorage Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Examining the business-auto dealership relationship

O

By Judy Mottl

perating a commercial business, whether a construction or landscaping company, oil and gas production, or a tour company, often also requires operating a special fleet of vehicles to keep the business and employees moving.

Creating and maintaining a positive relationship with an auto dealership can be beneficial when it comes to keeping a commercial fleet up and running. The key for fleet buyers is choosing a dealership that can meet its needs, and the key for dealerships is to take the time needed to understand a commercial client’s needs.

“So, when you first start out meeting [a fleet buyer], you’re establishing what they expect from you as far as a sales rep; with time, that becomes a partnership as obviously I want them to grow, and I want my business to grow,” says Robbie Dixon, fleet manager at Anchorage Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM. The dealership partner, notes Dixon, must become extremely knowledgeable about a client’s needs when it comes to rigs—and that includes everything from vehicle specifications to features such as high-tech navigation. “[A relationship] makes it easy for all involved. It makes my job easier as I know what they are expecting me to deliver and it makes

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it easier for them as I have knowledge of what they need,” Dixon adds. “Each relationship or partnership is very different and unique and there is a responsibility to know their business.”

Making that happen typically involves the dealership partner spending time at a client’s offices and worksites.

“A lot of times a commercial client comes in and they don’t know what they need. By understanding what they need [a vehicle] for I can provide insight on what trucks can do and use my expertise when it comes to building a truck for them,” Dixon says.

Such expertise only comes with years spent on the job. While Dixon has been at Anchorage Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM for two years, he’s worked for Chrysler for a decade and been in the dealership business for seventeen years.

Benefits of a Dealership When it comes to commercial and business fleet purchases, auto dealerships offer a wide range of incentives and programs.

At Kendall Ford of Wasilla there are thirty current incentives, according to the company’s website. There are six, for example, for the 2018 Ford F-250, including a $1,000 cash back offer and a $500 Ford Credit Retail Bonus Customer Cash incentive. There are thirteen offers on the 2018 Ford F-350 as of mid-summer.

Anchorage Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM provides similar offers and programs. The dealership services three customer categories: retail, or individuals seeking a new car for the next few years; commercial, which is

“[A relationship] makes it easy for all involved. It makes my job easier as I know what they are expecting me to deliver and it makes it easier for them as I have knowledge of what they need.”

—Robbie Dixon Fleet Manager Anchorage Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM

small- to mid-size businesses needing just a few work rigs and possibly a corporate car; and the true fleet customer, a business needing dozens of fleet vehicles and typically purchasing anywhere from two vehicles to one hundred vehicles each year.

Rebate programs are a part of auto purchases for all three categories, but there are additional incentives for commercial and true fleet customers under Anchorage Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM’s BusinessLink program.

One is “first service bay open,” in which true fleet customers are provided a fast track to repair and service.

“When they come in we know they are a BusinessLink customer and we know that rig needs to be in and out of the shop quick as time spent in the shop is costing the client money.

So they get the first bay open,” explains Dixon.

The service department conducts a

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P UAA Offers Online Baccalaureate of Arts in Hospitality Administration Students can earn degrees without leaving Alaska

@Judy Patrick Photography

relationship management, and globalization and business environment. For the fall semester, the core hospitality courses include advanced hospitality administration, front desk operations, hospitality financial management, and hotel facilities and operations.

The HA program culminates with a paid, 600-hour Alaska internship to provide students with hands-on hotel and restaurant operations management.

This not only gives students the skills they need to develop a career in the hospitality, tourism, and foodservice industries, but it also provides formal training to prepare them to advance to middle- and upper-level management positions.

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ecently, University of Alaska Anchorage began offering a Baccalaureate of Arts in Hospitality Administration (BAHA) online, presenting an exciting opportunity for students and the state of Alaska.

The degree is a revamping of UAA’s Hospitality Restaurant Management (HRM) program, and it allows students to complete all of their education in Alaska.

Previously, students had to finalize the hospitality restaurant management piece of the program at University of Nevada Las Vegas and Northern Arizona University.

“I’m super excited about the online degree because it will help us keep our students in state,” says Naomi Everett, Interim Chair, Associate Professor, Culinary Arts Hospitality Administration. “We feel strongly this will tear down a large barrier for students who are pursuing this degree.”

The hospitality degree will also benefit Alaska as a whole. There is a shortage of workers to fill positions in the state’s

robust hospitality, tourism, and food service industries. And UAA’s program will ease the problem by educating more students—which will also reduce employers’ need to recruit outside Alaska. “UAA’s revamped program prepares graduates for fulfilling varied careers in an ever-expanding tourism/hospitality industry,” Everett says. “This is the only four-year degree program in the state that provides an education in foodservice, hospitality, and tourism administration.”

Coursework Supports Broad Application Under the HA program, students take general education requirements and core culinary classes on campus, followed by upper-division business and hospitality administration classes taught online. Their business classes can range from principles of managerial accounting and principles of marketing to human resource management, consumer behavior and

Program Generates Excitement So far the in-state HA program has garnered a significant amount of industry support and interest from students —especially students who were unable to leave Alaska to complete a hospitality administration degree. “I’ve had students walk in the door who are excited about getting back in school through the hospitality program,” Everett says.

Currently, UAA is in the process of installing new state-of-the-art kitchen equipment—thanks to Holland AmericaPrincess—to provide a better experience for its culinary arts and hospitality students. In the future, the university will continue to make enhancements and coursework adjustments to cater to the diverse population of students that it serves. “With the HA degree, we’re taking a lateral look at everything we teach,” Everett says. “We’re looking at putting more components in place to continue meeting our industry’s needs.”

For more informa�on about UAA’s in-state HA degree, contact Naomi Evere� at nevere�@alaska.edu or call (907) 786-4728.

– PA I D A D V E R T I S E M E N T –

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Anchorage Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Beautiful as the snow is, business owners can save time (in the bracing winter air) through a relationship with a car dealer that is familiar their vehicle needs.

diagnostic and a service plan is put into action. If a repair requires more than twentyfour hours, the customer is provided a rental.

Retail clients are typically provided with a small car, but true fleet clients may need a rig for the workday, so they are given access to trucks and vans.

“We can put them in a vehicle which is similar to the one getting serviced. That way they can continue to do the job even if the vehicle is in our shop,” says Dixon.

The dealership, he adds, also provides predetermined incentives and programs avail-

able to all small businesses. Larger volume fleets that operate twenty or more vehicles receive individualized volume discounts based on size of the fleet and how many rigs they replace each year.

Vehicle manufacturers also provide incentives. One, for example, is the Ram Truck “On-the-Job,” aimed at small businesses and which pays up to $1,000 of the business’ upfit costs. Upfitting is customizing a vehicle so that it is ready for service with all necessary components already installed. For example, a work van or truck may be upfitted by in-

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stalling ladder mounts and ladders, shelving units, or a bulkhead to separate the cab from the load-bed area.

“Additionally, right now, we offer a $500 discount on most Ram Commercial products like Ram ProMaster vans and Ram heavier trucks for small business customers. Larger high-volume fleet customers receive discounts based on purchasing volume and fleet size,” says Dixon.

A strong dealership relationship also works to save time for commercial clients.

The dealership can streamline the purchase process—in many cases a true fleet client doesn’t even need to visit the dealership.

“Time is one thing no one has enough of, and no one has the time to come in here and walk the lot, sit in my office, and negotiate. I will pick the rig, send photos, do paperwork, and deliver the car. That’s huge for a business and it’s one of the biggest things I strive to offer,” Dixon says, adding, “I tell a lot of them that if you’re in my office sitting with me I’m not selling another car, so time is valuable for both of us.”

The Tech Effect When it comes to commercial fleet transactions, Dixon is seeing a new trend play out— the impact of the Internet.

“Some [clients] are not as tech savvy, but others are extremely savvy, and people know what’s going on [with regard to fleet options and features] and are more educated than ever before,” he says. Still, many commercial fleet buyers aren’t aware of what the newest rigs can do.

“When it comes to building a truck, they’re not necessarily as savvy,” he says. That’s why Dixon’s first question to each customer is “What are you trying to do?”

“Each customer is different, and you can offer different ways to accomplish what they’re trying to do. We make recommendations based on their needs,” he says. “Some customers know exactly what they want as they have bought ten of a certain rig and want another one just like it. Others say they need to do x, y, z so we help figure out which rig will work best.”

Certain fleet vehicles may be used for transporting equipment or supplies and others may be specifically for getting personnel on- or offsite. Other companies may be looking for touring vehicles.

“The rig can be anything from a truck, van, or snowplow and everything in between, and then there are clients that need a mix,” says Dixon.

It’s the same scenario when it comes to vehicle features, which are constantly advancing.

“Technology is changing dramatically. Ten to fifteen years ago we didn’t have nearly the technology jammed in the rigs as today,” Dixon says, citing navigation, blind spot monitoring, airbags under the vehicle, and lane departure warnings as some new capabilities.

“I mean the cars are parking themselves now,” he laughs.

Some new technology is focused on vehicle safety, such as automatic emergency braking and blind spot monitoring, both of which are available on the new 2019 Ram 1500.

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“We are constantly learning every day, and it can be sensory overload. There is so much a vehicle does now, but if you don’t know it and don’t understand it, you can’t sell it, and—more importantly—you can’t explain it so that the customer can take advantage of it.”

—Robbie Dixon, Fleet Manager, Anchorage Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM

Another option is Ram Telematics which allows the business owner or fleet manager to track vehicle use in various ways—geolocation, driver habits, maintenance needs, and vehicle diagnostics.

Such technological progress presents its own challenges.

“You have to be an expert and be able to sell it to the customer as typically they get in a rig and don’t necessarily like [new tech] because they don’t understand it,” explains Dixon.

“We are constantly learning every day, and it can be sensory overload. There is so much a vehicle does now, but if you don’t know it and don’t understand it, you can’t sell it, and— more importantly—you can’t explain it so that the customer can take advantage of it.”

Smart Inventory Understanding what a fleet client needs while learning new technology are just part of the many details dealerships must take into account when serving fleet clients. Like all other

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industries in Alaska, auto sellers face unique operational challenges.

One of the biggest of those is climate, explains Dixon.

“On a personal level, who wants to come out to a dealership in January, when it’s five below zero and snowed a foot last night, to look at vehicles? The challenge for sales reps is to go out to the lot, find the vehicle, shovel it off, warm it up, and bring it up to the customer,” he says.

Keeping inventory in stock, from vehicles to parts, is another challenge posed by Alaska’s extreme weather and its impact on transport and delivery options.

“It’s definitely a huge factor. If I ordered a car today it could take six weeks to six months to get it, so having commercial fleet inventory on the ground is a challenge,” says Dixon.

“On the client’s end that’s a huge deal as they don’t have six months to be without a needed rig. In many cases they needed it yesterday. So, if you’re not on top of inventory every day you can fall behind very quick.”

Keeping vehicle parts stocked is a lesser challenge since many parts manufacturers work from warehouses that offer quick delivery to Alaska.

“We have a pretty good parts department here that keeps a lot of parts, and while it can be a challenge, we can overnight a part if we had to. It’s not as big of a hindrance,” says Dixon.

Purchasing Upswing Another industry trend, and one that is particularly encouraging given the current state of the economy, is an increase in rig purchases.

Anchorage Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, says Dixon, is seeing a “big push” and increased fleet orders.

That, he notes, bodes well for Alaska overall as rig sales growth trends to spur economic growth across other industries.

“That movement creates movement in every class below. If a company is investing in rigs that means they’re investing across the board and it trickles down the ladder,” he says.

“No doubt business has been a little slow [due to the state’s recession], but when it’s slow you get aggressive and think outside the box to sell the product. But I feel like things are starting to move in a positive direction.”

R Judy Mottl writes about important issues country-wide with an affinity for Alaska.

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FINANCE

ŠMatt Waliszek

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Executive Snapshot: KeyBank’s Alaska Market President Lori McCaffrey

By Tracy Barbour

L

ori McCaffrey is a multifaceted executive whose essence can be encapsulated in three key words: finance, family, and faith.

As KeyBank’s Market President in Alaska, McCaffrey has a long, accomplished banking career. She began working in banking in 1979 at Mellon Bank in her hometown of Pittsburgh and joined KeyBank in 1995 as a commercial lender. Being the daughter of a banker, one might say banking is in McCaffrey’s blood. From Pittsburgh, she moved to Montana and worked for a small community bank in Bozeman. She was later provided a unique opportunity to assist in the initial startup of a bank in Big Sky, Montana.

She was a member of its senior management team, assisting in the capital raise, charter applications, risk management infrastructure, and implementation of safe and sound manner of operations ensuring regulatory compliance.

In Alaska, McCaffrey’s industry expertise and leadership skills have continually propelled her forward, elevating her from the positions of senior lender, commercial banking team leader, and interim leader of Key’s Alaska private banking group. In 2015, she assumed the helm of KeyBank after her predecessor, Brian Nerland, retired. Today, the down-to-earth, results-focused McCaffrey successfully manages the commercial bank and provides market oversight of the Private Bank and Retail lines of business and its fifteen branches, nineteen ATMs, and 118 employees in Alaska.

Over the years, McCaffrey has garnered a string of honors for her fruitful efforts, including Key’s Chairman’s Award, Signature Circle, and Extraordinary Leadership Award.

In addition to being a consummate business leader, she is also an active community volunteer who supports a variety of causes.

McCaffrey recently spoke with Alaska Business about a range of topics, from banking to community service to her personal interests.

We welcome you to meet Lori McCaffrey: What attracted you to your current position as president of the Alaska market for KeyBank?

The opportunity to be a part of and lead a very engaged workforce and best in class talent while serving our clients’ needs. I can’t underscore enough the importance of a great team and having the privilege of working with such a talented and driven workforce.

The partnership and collaboration with so many at Key is invaluable and a differentiator in our success.

When you joined the bank more than twenty years ago, did you envision yourself becoming president of the Alaska market?

No, but my aspirations were long-term due www.akbizmag.com

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Valuing diversity and fostering inclusion must start at the top.

Achieving gender equality and addressing sexual harassment requires eliminating harmful practices both in the workplace and, as a society, on a global scale.

—Lori McCaffrey, Alaska Market President, KeyBank

to the culture and values of KeyBank. I was fortunate in that I had several leaders within Key who provided great mentorship and career path guidance. I have also been afforded mentorship with many influential leaders and business executives throughout Alaska. Our workforce in Alaska is extremely talented, diverse, and educated, and I have been privileged to be afforded personal insight from many business and community leaders with respect to their vast knowledge and experience, which continues to be an invaluable resource to me, both professionally and personally.

What do you find to be one of the most rewarding aspects of working as a commercial banking executive in Alaska?

It provides an opportunity to work with extremely talented and diverse people across our state. It has afforded me great personal and professional development. I have had the privilege of working with many clients as a trusted advisor helping them to realize their financial goals and grow their business.

Contributing to the overall financial wellness of the clients we serve and watching them thrive is extremely rewarding. While Alaska is geographically a very large state, it is small in so many ways, and that affords great outreach, including economic, education, healthcare, and corporate social responsibility programs, as well as outreach to the Alaska Native people, military, youth, and elder populations.

People often ask successful executives what keeps them up at night. But can you tell us what makes you excited to get out of bed in the morning?

Results that matter, whether they’re associated with improving our communities, employee engagement, performance management, empowering others, being impactful, or striving always to exceed expectations. Results do matter!

Also, what makes you sleep well at night?

Certainty in the workplace and market stability. Volatility can create fear and unpredictability. Unpredictability can be worrisome for many and impactful to business. The financial system is critical to the functioning of our economy. As a

financial institution, we must understand our role during times of change and uncertainty as it relates to our clients, their businesses, [and] our employees. Change adaptability is imperative, including steering change and responding to change.

What concerns you most about what is happening in the financial industry today?

Security and cyber risks, regulatory uncertainty, and talent management.

Security and cyber risk are concerning as attacks are becoming more frequent and widespread. Tactics, techniques, and methods continue to change at a rapid pace and higher levels of sophistication; as such, banks must continually invest heavily in systems, technology, and people. Regulatory uncertainty is concerning with respect to costs, implementation, and the required ongoing education of our workforce to ensure compliance. With respect to talent management, employee engagement must be a priority at all times to retain top performers within the industry and reduce turnover.

In terms of your community service, you have supported numerous organizations. Why do you feel it’s important to serve the community as an individual and as the head of KeyBank in Alaska?

The role we play in serving our community can be that much greater, simply because of the influence and additional outreach we are afforded as a leader within the community.

It provides a platform to empower others to take action as well as inspire others to contribute to a cause. It is also a great way to build relationships, visibility, and brand awareness. Our clients and employees consider corporate social responsibility to be very important. As a leader, it is important to create a culture of community involvement.

Next year, you will serve as the chairman for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women. What does it personally mean for you to be able to hold this position and to be involved with the American Heart Association?

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Time to sell your company?

to create awareness and motivate women to take action against heart disease. I am privileged to work with an incredible leadership team of women taking critical steps together to end heart disease and stroke. While so many women’s issues are front and center, it is disheartening to know that cardiovascular diseases still kill nearly one in every three women each year, claiming more lives than all forms of cancer combined.

You actively support empowering women through KeyBank’s Executive Women’s Network, Key4Women, and other initiatives.

As a female executive, what do you think is one of the most important things organizations can do to address gender equality and sexual harassment in the workplace?

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I am fortunate to work for a company that values and is committed to diversity in the workplace. Valuing diversity and fostering inclusion must start at the top. Achieving gender equality and addressing sexual harassment require eliminating harmful practices both in the workplace and, as a society, on a global scale. Understanding unconscious bias is important. Access to resources and opportunities must be afforded on an equal basis.

What advice would you give to young women who are entering the banking industry in Alaska or elsewhere?

The financial industry has a long history of attracting energetic and ambitious individuals. Understand that it is an industry that will always navigate change due to regulatory, economic, technological, and innovative business model changes.

But change can often provide rewarding opportunities. Working in the banking industry is meaningful and impactful, providing diverse and innovative career opportunities. For women in particular, it provides a voice in which creative thinking and differentiated views are valued and rewarded. Banking can provide professional training and development opportunities.

I would advise women in particular to be their own advocates. Always be an advocate for change, seek mentorship, and consider all opportunities.

On the personal side, where were you born and raised, and how different was this place from Alaska?

I was born and raised in Pittsburgh. It is very different from Alaska in population alone, with a metropolitan population of 2.3 million. It is very diverse in its ethnicities. Originally a steel, electronics, and manufacturing city, it has shifted to a region now of high technology, healthcare, finance, and education. I began my banking career in Pittsburgh, where my father was a bank executive. Of course, I have to mention that Pittsburgh boasts of great professional

sports and many championships, to which I continue in my loyalty as a life-long black and gold fan.

Aside from professional opportunity, what attracted you to Alaska?

I met my husband in Pittsburgh, and he had a love of the West and the outdoors. We moved to Montana shortly after we married.

After spending ten years in Montana, we both wanted to experience the outdoors in a grander way. We packed our belongings and traveled the Alaska Highway north to Anchorage—unemployed—for the adventure we knew Alaska would provide us. We were awestruck by the beauty, like everybody is, in Alaska. That was twenty-five years ago, and Alaska remains our home.

What hobbies do you enjoy doing with your family?

Our entire family shares a love of the outdoors. We all hunt, fish, and hike together as a family. We love to travel, and in our travels we always indulge in the local culture and foods. Our travel bucket list includes a family trip to Africa and the Holy Land. We love reading. We encouraged reading with our children at a young age and all share in that passion today.

Can you tell us something interesting, humorous, or surprising about yourself?

First and foremost, my faith is extremely important. And, very randomly and in no particular order, I love sports, cooking, music, jazz in particular, and the holidays— all of them. In our home, Christmas music begins in October and holiday decorations remain well into the New Year. Cooking and baking are traditions passed down in both our families. Growing up in Pittsburgh, sports were engrained in our culture. I grew up playing field hockey, swimming, and golfing. As a Steeler fan, my love of football is life-long.

Five years from now, what would you like to be doing with your life and where will you be doing this?

Work is in the plans, and I would love to be near my children. No doubt, we will continue with our outdoor adventures. I grew up in a golfing family and suspect that may become more a part of our life, as time permits, as our kids and extended family love the game. As to where... a required component of the plan includes a cabin on a lake somewhere in Alaska.

R

Tracy Barbour has been an Alaska Business contributor since 1999. As a former Alaskan, she is uniquely positioned to offer in-depth insight and enjoys writing about a variety of topics.

Alaska Business | August 2018 www.akbizmag.com

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SPECIAL SECTION

Pacific Northwest

The Matson Kodiak approaches the Matson terminal at the Port of Alaska. ©Jeff Schultz

Islands to Islands Matson is 'just in time' from Hawaii to Kodiak and beyond

A

By Tasha Anderson

little more than three years ago Matson acquired Horizon Lines’ Alaska assets for a total transaction value of $469 million, taking its first step into the Alaska marketplace. Kenny Gill, who had

20

worked for Horizon since 2004, stepped into his current role as Matson vice president, Alaska in 2015 (at the time of the acquisition). Since then, he says, it’s been “nothing short of fantastic. Culturally we’re a fit—a lot of the same types of people and values. What Matson has done is infused a sense of confidence in the team here.”

Gill continues, “People are rejuvenated; we’re getting opportunities to have merit increases and bonus opportunities… So we’re with a healthy company that has a long-term view, knows our industry, can relate to our

industry, and supports us tremendously.”

When Matson acquired Horizon, it hired every Alaska employee as well as those in terminal operations in Tacoma. Matson CEO Matt Cox explains that at the time of the acquisition Matson didn’t know many of the Horizon Lines’ staff on a personal level, but “we have been absolutely delighted by the quality of the employees in the state and in Tacoma. They share the exact same mindset that the rest of Matson has about servicing customers and doing whatever it takes to make sure that the cargo is delivered on-time and in good fashion.”

In addition to investing in personnel, Matson has made significant expenditures in Alaska since 2015. In August 2016 Matson

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ronmental compliance, and those have now been certified by the EPA as being effective in reducing emissions to operate within the Emission Control Area [or ECA Zone], where we spend most of our voyage back and forth.”

Investments and Infrastructure Even before the acquisition and in the midst of Horizon dealing with financial issues, customer service remained a priority to the Alaska team. “That never changes,” Gill says.

Now, as part of Matson, “whether we’re in Hawaii, Guam, China, or the South Pacific, [Matson] is very much customer focused; it’s why we exist.”

Alaska, like Hawaii (where Matson was founded), is a just-in-time market, meaning

August 2018 | Alaska Business

PACIFIC NORTHWEST SPECIAL SECTION | TRANSPORTATION

subsidiary Matson Logistics purchased Span Alaska Transportation for $197 million; in 2016 Matson supplied a crane valued at approximately $10 million to a public-private port project on Kodiak; and this year the company installed a new modern, automated gate system at its facility at the Port of Alaska.

Altogether, in addition to $600 million in acquisitions, Matson has spent approximately $50 million in the state on new equipment, equipment upgrades, and other investments, according to Cox: “We’ve leased additional land in Dutch Harbor; we’ve acquired a parcel of land near the port on Kodiak Island.

“On our D7 class vessels [which operate between Tacoma and Alaska], we installed emission scrubbers to meet required envi-

that while some shipped goods are luxuries, more are necessities, so being on time and keeping the consumer in mind is vital. “We bring the stuff that people need every day up to Alaska,” says Gill, referring to anything from groceries and household goods to automobiles and construction materials.

Gill is proud of his Alaska Matson team, both in the office and out on the docks, which has grown since the acquisition. “We’ve recently added some pretty stellar employees to the group.” He continues, “I will tell you, unequivocally, that six months of the year this is the easiest place to work on the dock because we have nineteen hours of daylight and sixtyfive degree weather. The other six months of the year it is the toughest conditions that I’ve ever seen in my life, and the credit goes to the longshoreman and all those people who work the docks to get those containers on and off our ships… people don’t realize our folks are out there working in nineteen hours of dark, cold wind, ice, and snow, ensuring that when people go to the grocery store in November or January everything’s on the shelf.”

Cox says that it’s not a part of Matson’s culture to be boastful, but he is proud of the company’s commitment and capabilities. “For three of the last four years we were named as the best ocean carrier in the world

by Logistics Magazine and Peerless Research Group [as part of the annual Quest for Quality Awards]. And so, while we’re local, we’re really good at organizing ourselves and our company to have our vessels arrive on-time, and we know in remote economies that’s what matters—you just can’t be days late.”

In Alaska, one of Matson’s smaller markets, the company has three vessels that make two calls to Anchorage, two calls to Kodiak, and one call to Dutch Harbor every week. In fact, Matson is the only transportation company of its size to make calls to Kodiak and Dutch Harbor. It also has regular barge service from Dutch Harbor to Akutan and trucks goods from Anchorage to Kenai, Homer, Seward, Valdez, Fairbanks, and Prudhoe Bay. “We service a bigger part of the state, and we’re proud of that,” Gill says.

How Matson partners with those communities is also unique. In 2016 the company supplied a $10 million, 340-foot electric crane as part of a $35 million public-private project to update and modernize unloading and loading capabilities at the Port of Kodiak.

The newer, larger crane can accommodate a new generation of wider container ships and is currently the largest crane in Alaska.

And even cooler, by utilizing flywheel technology, the crane both reduces the community’s consumption of diesel fuel and functions without being a major disruption to the City of Kodiak’s electric system.

Gill explains that as a container is raised off a ship, the crane uses electricity, but as a container is lowered, the crane generates electricity, which could have created massive spikes in Kodiak’s electric grid. However, the City of Kodiak, Kenai Electric Association, and Matson all partnered to install a flywheel system, whereby electricity is stored when a container is lowered and released when needed 21

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PACIFIC NORTHWEST SPECIAL SECTION | TRANSPORTATION

The Matson Tacoma arrives at the Matson terminal at Kodiak.

The tug is turning the vessel around 180 degrees to position it for departure from the dock. ©Jeff Schultz

without creating huge fluctuations on the rest of the electric system. “We worked hand-inhand with Darren Scott, president of Kodiak Electric Association, on flywheel technology to help manage the electricity created by the crane,” Gill says. “Partnering with cities [and] private industry is important to us, and it shows our commitment… and that was in 2016—that was right out of the gate.”

More recently, in December 2017, Matson completed at its Port of Alaska facility a new automated gate system, the first of its kind in the Last Frontier. The new gate system uses multiple, high-resolution cameras and advanced optical processing computers to collect real-time data on all arriving and departing containers.

“Before, drivers had to stop, check in manually, talk to a person at the gate, and take down information,” he says. Now—having “pre-advised” load details in advance of their arrival through mobile communication devices or tablets—drivers just drive through.

“We want to get them in as fast as we can and out as fast as we can,” Gill explains. “Not only does it allow quicker turn [around] times for our customers and move our assets quicker, there’s a green effect: trucks are not sitting idle.”

He adds that this project improved the customer experience without sacrificing any local positions. “We value our employees… we didn’t automate and fire people,” Gill emphasizes.

Community Contribution Matson has a policy of involvement beyond direct business investment. In the “Matson Giving 2017 Manifest” the company states, “Our communities and their needs are diverse, and so is our giving.” The company addresses this diversity by allocating funds to each of its service areas and allowing Matson 22

employees in that area, who know local needs and resources, to determine how the funds are spent.

The Alaska Community Giving Committee is comprised of nine Matson employees, including Gill and Lindsey Whitt, external affairs manager for Matson, who says for 2018 the committee has access to $350,000 in cash to help support local communities and nonprofits. That is a significant increase from the 2017 cash budget of $200,000; last year Matson contributed a total of $1 million in Alaska including in-kind donations, supporting sixty-eight organizations.

Gill says that the Committee tries to reach as many good causes as possible without spreading the money so thin it’s no longer effective. The group is specifically focused on sports teams, social issues, health issues, women’s issues, homelessness, military assistance, and environmental issues.

One of Matson’s in-kind donation part-

nerships is with Alaskans for Litter Prevention and Recycling. Gill says that Matson annually hauls 400 loads of recycled material out of Alaska free of charge, except for the wharfage across the dock.

Whitt adds, “[In May] we were in Talkeetna supporting the American Lung Association of Alaska; we also supported the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Out of the Darkness Anchorage Walk because we have personal stories involving that here at Matson; we supported Pink Martini with the Anchorage Concert Association; and we supported Walk MS: Anchorage 2018—and that’s just one weekend.”

Gill leads charitable giving and community interaction by example. He’s on the board of the American Heart Association in Anchorage and is closely involved in a partnership with Kaladi Brothers and Covenant House Alaska. “Covenant house is going to be training students to become baristas, The Matson Kodiak is unloaded at the Shanghai, China Matson terminal at Tacoma, Washington. ©Tim Rue

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recession, but at the end of the day, we knew it going in and the nature of our business is we make these really long-term investments… Three years later we’re more confident that our decision to invest in Alaska was the right one.”

He explains that before the 2015 acquisition of Horizon Lines, Matson had been taking a close look at Alaska as a possible market for expansion. “Matson has had a long interest in the Alaska business. At one point we had looked at whether or not Matson was going to start its own service to Alaska and determined that, given the size of the market, it wasn’t large enough to sustain a third ocean carrier—with Totem Ocean Express and Horizon Lines being the principal two. And so the economics didn’t really work.”

When Horizon Lines determined to sell itself rather than go through a large recapitalization process, Matson saw the opportunity it was waiting for.

Cox explains Matson was interested in entering Alaska, in part, because of similarities between Alaska and Hawaii, unlikely as that may seem to some. “There’s great affinity between our two states, being the forty-ninth and fiftieth states, and our congressional delegations for decades have been so close and remain close. But it’s the idea that the community depends on reliable ocean transportation to meet the basic daily functioning of the economy.”

Having operated in Hawaii for 136 years, Matson is acutely aware of how a late ship can affect the people who rely on it in a visceral way. “We love the story that’s told about us, which is instructive in a way: when the Matson ship was late, if you went to the grocery store to the dairy or milk counter, the manager would post a sign saying, ‘No fresh milk today; Matson’s ship was late.’ So it’s not sending container-loads of flat-screen TVs to some distribution center… people depend on your product, and you take it personally.”

©Jeff Schultz

The Matson Kodiak is unloaded at the Matson terminal at the Port of Alaska.

and then they’ll get jobs at Kaladi locations throughout the state,” Whitt says. Gill adds, “We’re looking to partner up with Kaladi Brothers on other projects in town. We help provide capital, they help provide training and capital, and then these young folks get jobs and a skillset they can use.”

Whitt says, “We’re shippers by day and we do that really well, but [since the acquisition] it’s the community piece that’s new… We love this part of our job.”

“Yes,” Gill agrees. “That we love.”

That love of community fits Matson’s culture like a glove. Cox says, “One of the things about the Hawaii culture is—and I know it’s the same in Alaska—we’re in a remote place and we all sort of need to depend on each other, right? And there are needs that are just all around us and our goal as a company, 24

everywhere, is to improve the communities in which we work and live.”

An Interest in Alaska Gill is highly enthusiastic about Matson’s approach since it has come to the 49th State: “They have infused money in people, in equipment… not only did they purchase an Alaska business but invested in it very heavily in three years, and it’s sent an incredible message to not only our customers but also our employees,” especially as that investment came at a time when many participants in Alaska’s economy were cutting back, slowing down, or pulling out.

In 2015 Alaska was still in the midst of an economy reacting to a dramatic crash in oil prices. Cox says, “It’s unfortunate for us that we acquired the company in the middle of a

The Hawaii/Alaska Connection Matson’s story starts in Hawaii in 1882 when Captain William Matson sailed a three-mast schooner to the Big Island—to the town of Hilo specifically—from San Francisco, carrying supplies for Hawaiian sugar plantations.

Having delivered those, he loaded up sugar and molasses to transport back to San Francisco, “and that began a run that this company has been making for the last 136 years, virtually unchanged except for growth,” says Matson Director of Corporate Communications Keoni Wagner.

Wagner says that Seattle has been on Matson’s trade route for about 100 years, and that the company branched out to Guam approximately 20 years ago. “Loads that started in the Pacific Northwest or in California would go through Honolulu and discharge most of the cargo there and then go on to Guam and discharge cargo there.” Not long after, Matson ships began to travel past Guam to China, “because leaving Guam they’d be mostly empty.” The mostly-empty ships were then ripe to be filled with goods coming out of China and directed to the United States.

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Kanaloa Class and will be 870 feet long and 114 feet wide with a deep draft of 38 feet.

The size of the new vessels has necessitated that Matson upgrade its infrastructure at the company’s hub in Honolulu: “The cranes need to be a little bit taller and have a longer reach to fully service these new vessels.”

Wagner says this is taking place at the same time that the state of Hawaii is undergoing its own harbor modernization program, in which Matson is participating with upgrades to its terminal there. “Between the new cranes we’re bringing in and improvements to older equipment, expansion of the footprint there at our terminal, and the new vessels, it’s close to $1 billion in investments,” he says.

Here and there, Matson has been busy.

“But it’s all good and exciting stuff,” Wagner

says. “And working with the Alaska team has been fantastic; they’re experienced, knowledgeable people that know that market really well. So Matson’s approach has been to step in with support, but largely it’s support and wanting to preserve what they’ve built there, which is a great operation.”

“We’re excited to be part of the state, and honestly, we look forward to a hundred years with the state,” Cox says.

Gill says, “We love what we do, and that’s the best way to end the conversation: we love what we do.”

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Tasha Anderson is the Associate Editor for Alaska Business.

PACIFIC NORTHWEST SPECIAL SECTION | TRANSPORTATION

It made sense to eye the Alaska market because the two states, upon closer inspection, are strikingly similar from a transportation standpoint. Alaska has in common with Hawaii, as Gill puts it, that shipping is mostly “the head haul, not the back haul.” In other words, they’re primarily import markets that rely on inbound cargo for everyday consumer goods. This directionality is termed “head haul” when inbound and “back haul” on return voyages. Matson does back haul fish headed to the Lower 48 out of Kodiak and Dutch Harbor. Back haul from Hawaii is also light: Hawaii exports produce and some fish, and Wagner says Matson transports automobiles and personal belongings when people move.

Both states are home to a significant military population, and “on Oahu, in particular Honolulu, there’s a fair amount of military cargo that we carry” in addition to moving military families, which also happens frequently in Alaska.

Hawaii and Alaska also share just-in-time markets “that rely on frequent deliveries of goods, everyday living stuff that is needed to stock the shelves.” Wagner explains that in both areas, consumer markets aren’t large enough to justify a large warehousing system “that much of the mainland relies on where things are delivered to big warehouses and stored for some period of time.” Instead, in Alaska and Hawaii products are often taken directly from the ship to a store shelf.

In Hawaii, Matson runs a hub-and-spoke operation; the mainliners dock in Honolulu and discharge goods, and the company transships those materials to smaller barges that make multiple deliveries weekly to neighboring islands, similar to how goods are distributed throughout Alaska by boat or, often as not, by plane.

“When we look at this trade [in Alaska], it looks an awful lot to us as something that is core to our DNA and what we do, and it has proven to be exactly what we expected,” Cox says. “We’ve got to get our vessels here on time and we’ve got to make sure that the cargo gets unloaded fast. So, we have equipment that is in good mechanical shape that is able to do this, and we have to organize our marine terminals in Tacoma to allow for receiving of cargo up until the last minute before sailing, which then would give store managers in Alaska up to the last minute to be able to order exactly what they need to replenish the trade. And the same is true in Hawaii.”

Hawaiian Investments Assets in the transportation industry, especially large vessels, are long-lived, so Wagner is excited about four new vessels currently under construction that will be deployed for transportation services to and from Hawaii.

The first will begin service in the fall with the remaining three coming online over the next two years. “All of the new vessels are going to be larger than anything else we’re sailing at the moment… and are going to be the biggest container ships ever built in the United States.”

Two of the vessels are what Matson is labeling www.akbizmag.com

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SPECIAL SECTION

Pacific Northwest

Avoid Amateur Advertising: Consult with the Experts

Marketing options for startups

By Tracy Barbour

I

f you’re on a health kick or simply enjoy drinking a refreshing glass of tea, Jesse Janes is hoping you’ll reach for his product: kombucha. Janes creates kombucha—a fermented tea thought to have originated in China—at his brewery in Anchorage. Janes’ brand of kombucha is crafted with a high-antioxidant 26

blend of black teas, fresh fruit, herbs, and vegetables. The lightly-effervescent, probiotic drink boasts beneficial compounds and a balance of sweet and tart.

Janes’ business, called Zip Kombucha, is actually in the process of regenerating itself.

The company, which originally began distributing tea in May of 2016, is emerging from a brief production hiatus. Now Zip Kombucha is refocusing its efforts on developing products based on local flavors and local interests.

And soon the business will open a new Anchorage location near Arctic Boulevard and

36th Avenue and begin selling its kombucha in a can. “I’m purchasing a canning line because people are very active in Alaska, and cans are good for an active lifestyle,” Janes says.

However, the successful reboot of Zip Kombucha depends on effective marketing.

And Janes is busy using different tactics to get people to notice his product, which goes by creative names like Blueberry Mary, Ginger Rogers, Mandy Mint, and Plain Jane.

His marketing plan employs everything from social media to cross marketing to free media publicity. “I rely heavily on social me-

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Brilliant Media Strategies

The tap room at Zip Kombucha, an Anchorage brewery that crafts probiotic iced tea.

Zip Kombucha

regenerating companies and has broad expertise to meet their marketing needs. When assisting clients, the agency first takes a look at the company’s objectives and what it is trying to accomplish, according to President and CEO Debbie Reinwand. “Sometimes we have to help them with those,” she says. “We find a lot of the time that their business goals are being intertwined closely with their marketing objective.”

Brilliant Media Strategies shows clients how they can put together a cost-effective marketing program to get the exposure they need for a successful start. A chief goal of any company is to generate revenue and that means different strategies for different business types. “For tourism, it’s butts in seats; for breweries, it’s more beer bottles off the shelves,” Reinwand says.

Reinwand—named 2018 Marketer of the

BUILD

BRAND

AWARENESS      dia because it’s inexpensive and cross marketing because it’s free and it benefits both parties,” he says.

Marketing for new or regenerating companies requires different techniques than for established businesses or even companies operating in a different market like the Pacific Northwest. Professional marketers can help new businesses successfully get out of the starting gate and navigate the marketing landscape during their initial years.

For instance, Brilliant Media Strategies has worked with a number of startup and www.akbizmag.com

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Brochures & Flyers

PACIFIC NORTHWEST SPECIAL SECTION | MARKETING

Debbie Reinwand, President and CEO, Brilliant Media Strategies

Rack Cards Vehicle Graphics Promo Products Direct Mail Services

www.pipalaska.com

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PACIFIC NORTHWEST SPECIAL SECTION | MARKETING

dio and newspaper ads and did not see a good enough return,” she says. “I can spend and be on the radio and not see much, whereas I can spend on Facebook posts and have a full studio the next day.”

Umbarger uses Facebook posts to promote upcoming classes and special events, often including photos and videos to pique people’s interest. Then she pays a minimal fee to have Facebook boost her posts for increased exposure. “Normally I will spend $20, and I can reach 1,800 to 2,800 people,” she says.

When she started her business in June 2015, Umbarger didn’t have a formal marketing plan. She took a class at the local Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC), did some informal market research, and then just kind of “winged it” until she could pinpoint what was working for her business.

Of course, marketing her new business was challenging at first, Umbarger says. In the beginning, it was difficult to know what to put out there, when to put it out there, and the best times to reach her target audience.

But with constant adjustments, she has been able to determine where her marketing dollars make the biggest impact.

Today, Just Add Paint is doing very well.

In fact, Umbarger is looking to expand in the next few months. “We’re hoping to move into a location that will double our size,” she says.

Zip Kombucha

Zip Kombucha owner Jesse Janes relies heavily on social media and cross marketing to advertise the company’s products.

Year by the Alaska Chapter of the Marketing Association (AMA)—has been working in marketing for more than twenty years. She understands that the money clients are trying to spend on marketing is very near and dear to them and that they are often torn over where to put their money. So her agency tailors a marketing program specifically for their needs and budget. “We analyze not just what will get them the best bang for their buck but what they are going to be comfortable with spending,” she says.

Marketing in Alaska There is a marked difference between launching and marketing a business in Alaska than in the Pacific Northwest, according to Reinwand, who has several clients with operations outside Alaska. For instance, there’s a much more finite, captive audience in Alaska. “If you are trying to hit pockets of folks you know are already inclined to look for your services or goods, you can target them so precisely,” she says.

Startups in Alaska can also strategically 28

target their audience without spending as much money as businesses in the Pacific Northwest. That’s because the cost of media in Alaska is much less expensive than other parts of the country. “We can do a run for a month in just about every publication in Alaska for about the same cost as publishing two ads in five publications somewhere else,” Reinwand says.

Likewise, Laurie Fagnani, president of MSI Communications, has noticed a difference in marketing tactics used in Alaska compared to other parts of the country. “We use digital and social much more than our Northwest counterparts,” she says.

In terms of marketing costs, direct mail is “very expensive” in Alaska. This could be attributed to the fact that everything in Alaska gets shipped up, and paper is expensive.

For Noelle Umbarger, social media has turned out to be one of the best marketing channels for her Wasilla business Just Add Paint. The paint-your-own-pottery studio is getting great results with Facebook. “When I first opened, I spent a bunch of money on ra-

Marketing for New Versus Established Businesses Professional marketers tend to use slightly different techniques for startup companies than for established businesses. The budget is often the starting point for making marketing decisions for startups. In Reinwand’s view, a soft introduction of any startup generally has to be through social, digital, and online channels. “You can generate so much interest and establish your differentiation in cost-effective fashion,” she says.

Reinwand also tries to repurpose client material whenever possible, and this often involves recycling video. She explains: “Video is king on social media and any place we want to get the video in front of eyeballs.

We look for ways we can multipurpose what we can do for the foundational program for them. For example, if we do three social media videos for them, we need to keep an eye on having additional footage so they can use it on TV.” Whether companies are just starting out or are fully established, Reinwand looks for ways to differentiate the business. All clients deserve the same type of critical thinking when it comes to determining how their services are going to be marketed. “We help them establish their place in the market, differentiate, and determine how to maximize their budget,” she says. “This is especially important with Alaska’s economy.”

It’s also important for startups to know that there are different types of agencies and that each one has a different area of expertise, Fagnani says. They may need a fullservice firm but may be able to only afford a graphics or digital-only firm. “There’s a lot of hand holding that goes along with a startup

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Areas Often Overlooked When it comes to marketing, there are some key areas that new business owners often overlook. For instance, sometimes they underestimate the amount of time and effort required to market their business. “New business owners tend to think they’re going to hit the ground running and a little bit of advertising or marketing will roll people to their doors immediately,” Williams says.

But that’s rarely the case. “For your audience to place trust in you, it can require time,” Williams says. “As time goes on, people will start seeking you out because you’ve been there.”

It can take five to ten interactions over a long period of time before people will trust a company, Williams says. And this is especially true for businesses that sell a service, as opposed to a product.

Fagnani says startups should not be afraid to measure results, and they should tie their advertising dollars to their sales. They should also consider capitalizing on media publicity. “Many startups inherently have a new product or service that improves on an existing product or service, and sometimes those products are newsworthy,” she says. “So using a [press release] to pitch stories can be an effective strategy in some cases.”

An area that Reinwand typically sees overlooked by new businesses is not starting their marketing soon enough. Business owners need to look at how they’re going to market from the beginning—when they’re choosing their logo. “You should have a growth plan in place when you start the business,” she says.

“If you have an in-house marketing person in place, it needs to be someone who has an established track record of success. One of the most critical roles with a startup is to get that message out there and to drive the traffic.”

Entrepreneurs can also consult with outside resources if they need marketing ideas.

Reinwand says: “It doesn’t cost anything to talk www.akbizmag.com

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Making Media Brilliant Brilliant Media Strategies celebrates 50 years

By Kathryn Mackenzie

I

t’s a year of full of celebrations for Brilliant Media Strategies. The Anchorage-based marketing and communications company is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary with twelve months of festive events including mixers, sponsorships, and fundraisers.

Brilliant Media’s story begins in 1968 when it became Alaska’s first advertising agency. The name has changed over the years, but the mission to “evoke a response—to stop people in their tracks and get them to think and respond,” remains the same.

“From the beginning, Rod Bradley and Con Murray emphasized customer service, and through our ownership iterations that commitment has never changed.

Client success is job one,” says Brilliant Media’s President and CEO Debra Reinwand. “Having a creative, forward thinking staff and turning them loose is important. We have staff-led brainstorming sessions to help address client issues and bring forward innovative and effective tools.”

Part of the reason Brilliant Media has weathered fifty successful years in business in Alaska is that the company operates as a problem solver. Its employees don’t just help clients create a positive brand or image but work to provide campaigns and creative materials that positively influence decisions that impact their clients’ ability to conduct business, says Reinwand.

Along with operating as their clients’ advocate, the team at Brilliant Media offers every customer— from multinational corporations to rural residents—innovative, effective marketing using the latest

to an agency. You can meet with three or four people in the industry and pick their brains.”

Business owners who view marketing as a means to an end—as a way to drive traffic—and who pay attention to the strength of their own services or products will be more successful, Reinwand says. “Marketing is not a one-size-fits-all situation,” she says. “It should be a priority of management to do it right. That means both sides need to be involved in the marketing program to ensure

technology and media platforms. As branding strategies evolve, so does Brilliant Media.

“We pledge to never stop learning.

We stay in tune with the evolution of media platforms so we can give our clients our best counsel on what will work for them,” says Reinwand, who has been with Brilliant Media for twenty years.

During that time the company has created award-winning marketing campaigns for nearly all of Alaska’s major industries including tourism, finance, natural resource development, and healthcare. With its client Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC), Brilliant Media received its second and third Emmy awards in 2017. The company received the awards for the 2017 ASRC marketing campaign and documentary True North, The Story of ASRC. Brilliant Media’s story continues with industry-leading clients including ConocoPhillips; Alaska Tourism, CIRI Tourism, and Alyeska Resort; Denali Federal Credit Union; and Providence Health and Services.

Big names and big businesses get recognition, but perhaps it’s the fact that Brilliant Media understands that a small budget does not dictate a small strategy that has helped keep the company in business for fifty years and will likely keep it in business for another fifty.

Brilliant Media Strategies is celebrating this momentous milestone all year long. To join in on the fun, keep an eye on its Facebook page at brilliantAK. To get an idea of the Brilliant Media vision visit brilliantak.com.

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PACIFIC NORTHWEST SPECIAL SECTION | MARKETING

because you have to explain the industry,” she says. “Making sure they have the right relationship in place is the first step.”

Helping clients understand the reality of the cost involved is another crucial component, Fagnani says. And this varies for every client and every type of product and every marketplace.

At Mammoth Marketing, the services used for startups are virtually the same as those for other business entities. But it’s the scale of the marketing and the amount of research involved with startups that differs, according to Tyler Williams, who owns the Fairbanks agency.

There’s always more research with new businesses, and Mammoth Marketing helps startups prioritize what elements to use so their marketing can be done more efficiently.

“Most startups already have their digital done, but if they don’t, we help them prioritize that,” Williams says. “It’s necessary— when today’s contact is largely through a digital medium—that you make sure that’s strong before you jump into broadcast and other advertising media.”

it’s going in the direction they want it to, whether it’s done in house or by an outside agency. It should be a team approach.”

Cost-Effective, DIY Tactics There are a plethora of cost-effective strategies that startups can implement on their own to promote their business. Reinwand says every company can have a strong social media presence—and not just on Facebook but also on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. August 2018 | Alaska Business

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PACIFIC NORTHWEST SPECIAL SECTION | MARKETING

However, social media can be time-consuming.

And once a company’s presence is established, the business needs to keep it active or people will forget it.

Traditional radio advertising is another cost-effective tool for startups. “If they’re having an anniversary, sale, or launching a new service, it doesn’t hurt to call a local radio station to have them come out and do a live remote,” Reinwand says. “It’s not as utilized as it should be, but it can produce bangup results.”

Fagnani also recommends social media as a feasible marketing tactic for new businesses. Everyone can learn social media, she says. Startups should audit their online presence, compare it with their competitors, and build a social media plan around where customers are likely to shop. “You want your ad to find your competitors online and force the consumer to make a decision between your product and theirs,” she says.

In addition, Fagnani says, business startups should, at the very least, make sure their search engine optimization plan is in place.

They also need to ensure their Google presence is accurate and up to date.

For Williams, one of the easiest and least expensive techniques new business owners can implement involves using a smartphone to leverage social networks. He explains: “If I were a start up, I would be utilizing my cell phone camera every chance I got to develop and talk to my potential audiences. People connect with video, faces, and passion, and

that’s something that startups usually have.

If you can put that on display for your potential audience, it can really build into momentum if you give it a chance.”

However, Williams generally advises startups to avoid going too broad with their marketing. They should try not to do everything and be consistent with whatever they choose to do. He says: “If I were starting out, I would focus on a website, Google, Facebook, or Instagram. And even that is a big load. They should focus on doing a few things well.”

But before business owners start marketing, they should first conduct market research to determine if they even have a viable product, Williams says. If they don’t, it can lead to frustration down the road. If they do research ahead of time, they can better foretell what the market will bear. This research doesn’t necessarily have to involve creating a full-blown, formal marketing plan. “There’s value in both anecdotal and formal research, but they need to be pulling whatever data they can get and looking long and hard at the expectations before they start putting money into their company,” he says.

Fagnani shared these marketing tips that can help new businesses: build an annual marketing plan, purchase media quarterly, and audit results monthly. And that’s what MSI Communications does for all of its clients.

Reinwand says entrepreneurs should make sure marketing is not an afterthought. She urges new business owners to consult with an independent marketing practitioner or an

agency to get their thoughts at least on a limited scope. “Bring people in early, people who can help you,” she says. “Then as you grow, if you don’t have the budget for internal counsel, you can use resources like the AMA.” The AMA Alaska Chapter offers seminars on a range of topics, and the discussions are not just for marketing professionals, says Reinwand, who is president-elect of the chapter. The seminars, which are open to the public, can be helpful for business people who want to enhance their knowledge.

Another unique resource for new business owners is the Where to Startup video series available on the Alaska Economic Development Corporation’s website. The videos feature experts sharing insight on topics such as branding and marketing, online marketing and social media, and web development. The branding and marketing video, for example, discusses strategy, tactics, choosing a name and brand, and other helpful advice for entrepreneurs.

In addition, the Alaska SBDC, along with its network of programs, provides low-cost business resources and services to entrepreneurs in Alaska.

R Tracy Barbour has been an Alaska Business contributor since 1999. As a former Alaskan, she is uniquely positioned to offer in-depth insight and enjoys writing about a variety of topics.

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SPECIAL SECTION

Pacific Northwest

Alaska’s Traveling Patients Seeking specialized healthcare in the Pacific Northwest

By Dimitra Lavrakas

H

ospitals in urban and rural areas, telemedicine, and rural clinics with modern technology where previously none existed have made 21st century healthcare more accessible for Alaskans than ever before. But Alaskans still may need to travel Outside for specialized treatment, and often those travels lead to the Pacific Northwest.

Why Travel Out of State?

While healthcare facilities would prefer to keep patients close to home, a lack of specialists 32

and sudden emergencies sometimes require specialized care.

“We encourage people to stay in-state when receiving care in case complications arise once they return home because follow up care can be provided close to home and patients’ support systems are here at home,” says Kjerstin Lastufka, communications director for Alaska Regional Hospital.

Riley Little, business development specialist with Guardian Flight, an emergency air transport for patients, agrees with Lastufka, saying that removing patients from their support system is a troubling trend.

“This has a huge impact because you’re taking patients away from their community, support network, etc.,” Little says.

Even so, Little understands there are numerous reasons patients might choose to go elsewhere for treatment.

“The reason we transport people from Alaska to the Pacific Northwest is for medical care and treatment that cannot be [provided] in Alaska,” Little says. “Examples include burns and some neurological and cardiac conditions.”

Margaret Brodie, director of Health Care Services for the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, concurs with Little.

“Medicaid recipients go to the Pacific Northwest to see specialists that do not exist in Alaska,” Brodie says. “We send them to the closest location of the type of specialist that can meet their needs. Approximately sixty recipients are sent to Seattle, Washington, each month.”

Brodie says there are no specific illnesses that cause Alaskans to go elsewhere for treatment.

“They are for specialists for whatever condition that the individual has. These special-

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Alaska’s most referred dermatology practice.

“Blood transfusions in flight have been proven to save lives and improve patient outcomes.

Within thirty-six hours of implementing our new program in Juneau, we helped stabilize a patient by providing a unit of plasma. This could very well have saved a life.”

—Dr. Richard B. Utarnachitt Medical Director, Airlift Northwest

ists do not exist in Alaska or certain specialists in the Pacific Northwest may be [a closer] provider than sending the recipient elsewhere within Alaska,” she says.

Brodie says a few examples of conditions that may cause Alaskans to travel out-of-state www.akbizmag.com

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PACIFIC NORTHWEST SPECIAL SECTION | HEALTHCARE

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PACIFIC NORTHWEST SPECIAL SECTION | HEALTHCARE

“Recent examples of patients transferred from Alaska to Seattle include a patient having a heart attack who required a cardiac catheterization, a pregnant woman in premature labor, a patient with a complex hip fracture, and a patient suffering from a lifethreatening sepsis infection.”

—Susan Gregg Director of Media Relations University of Washington Medicine

Dimitra Lavrakas

Alaska rural health services have advanced over the years. Utqiaġvik’s Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital boasts a state-of-the-art MRI—a first for the Alaska Arctic.

include transplants, typically heart or kidney; third degree or higher burns; pediatric or complicated neurologic conditions; pediatric or complicated cancers; pediatric and complicated cardiology conditions; internal medicine; or urology.

Susan Gregg, director of media relations for Harborview Medical Center at the University of Washington Medicine (UW Medicine), says patients from Alaska often travel to major centers in Seattle that offer specialized healthcare in neurosurgery, cardiac surgery, plastic surgery, transplantation, neonatology, cancer care, and many other complex medical and surgical interventions.

“Within Alaska, Airlift Northwest [an air ambulance service] primarily transports pa34

tients from rural areas or clinics to hospitals in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka,” Gregg says.

“The clinics provide initial stabilization and then transfer patients to the larger Alaska hospitals for additional specialty care.”

“Recent examples of patients transferred from Alaska to Seattle include a patient having a heart attack who required a cardiac catheterization, a pregnant woman in premature labor, a patient with a complex hip fracture, and a patient suffering from a lifethreatening sepsis infection,” Gregg says.

Getting from Here to There… Quickly UW Medicine is part of a consortium of Seattle-area hospitals that established Airlift Northwest with a mission to provide high-

quality air medical transportation for underserved areas.

The group learned from a painful experience.

Airlift Northwest was founded in 1982 in response to a tragic house fire in Sitka that claimed the lives of three children who were not able to receive timely care for their burns.

Dr. Michael Copass, at the time director of Emergency Services at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, appealed to area hospitals to join together to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future.

Airlift Northwest opened its Juneau base in 1994 and currently has a fixed-wing Learjet and a Pilatus PC-12 stationed there; two critical care nurses are on board every flight.

They not only provide care to airborne patients but also frequently join hospital teams to prepare patients for the return trip.

The nonprofit air ambulance service maintains a communications center to receive service requests and dispatch crews. The two critical care nurses in the flight crew are trained in advanced cardiac, trauma, and pediatric life support; flight nursing; and neonatal resuscitation. The level of medical expertise on Airlift Northwest crews is unique in the air medical industry and comparable to that found in a hospital intensive care unit.

In 2018, Airlift Northwest started carrying blood products at its Juneau base. These blood products are given to urgent-need patients to stabilize and keep them alive while en route to the most appropriate healthcare facility.

“Blood transfusions in flight have been proven to save lives and improve patient outcomes,” says Dr. Richard B. Utarnachitt, medical director, Airlift Northwest. “Within thirty-six hours of implementing our new program in Juneau, we helped stabilize a patient by providing a unit of plasma. This could very well have saved a life.”

Working closely with early responders in Alaska, the company provides seminars and training sessions for emergency first responders.

Airlift Northwest offers AirCare, a membership program that protects residents from

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Specialized Care Options “Pediatric and adult patients are often transported to Seattle for specialty care,” Gregg says. “Harborview Medical Center, which is part of UW Medicine, is the only Level I pediatric and adult trauma and burn center for the region, and UW Medical Center, which is also part of UW Medicine, is a premier hospital for organ transplants and specialty heart care. Seattle Children’s Hospital is often the destination for specialty pediatrics.”

“Physicians across Washington state, Alaska,

Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana regularly refer their patients who need inpatient or outpatient specialty care to Virginia Mason,” says Gale Robinette, director of media relations for Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle. “The medical center is recognized for quality and safety, and the medical staff is highly regarded for its expertise in diagnosing and treating cancer, heart disorders, neurological problems, orthopedic issues, and myriad other medical conditions.”

It also offers a rather unique specialty service—the Center for Hyperbaric Medicine at Virginia Mason is a multi-state referral center for individuals who are victims of carbon monoxide poisoning, scuba diving accidents, radiation injuries, and some types of diabetic wounds.

“Virginia Mason’s hyperbaric medicine program is the only one in Washington that is accredited by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society,” says Robinette.

The duration of time patients remain outside Alaska for treatment is up to their physician.

“Patient care is individualized and dependent on the nature of the patient’s medical condition and treatment,” says Gregg. “Some patients may be required to stay in Seattle throughout the course of their treatment while others may have the ability to travel back to their local community. For example, a cancer or organ transplant patient may start inpatient treatment in Seattle and go home for outpatient care.”

Follow Up Dr. Michael Todd, a bariatric surgeon in Anchorage, says he sometimes sends his patients out-of-state for care, for example a patient who had an unusual hernia.

“I sent them to OHSU [Oregon Health Sciences University],” Todd says. “I’m glad I have a choice. I send difficult bariatric cases, for instance if they have parts of the GI [gastrointestinal tract] missing, down to California—they’re master surgeons.”

But he generally does not like advising patients to travel for healthcare if he can help it, preferring that patients remain in close contact until they are well.

Plus, he says, he sees those clients in the grocery store and his children go to school with their children, making his post-operative care as important as the operation itself. “I like it, it keeps me honest,” he says.

Medical situations are as varied as the clients experiencing them, and for providers, knowing the patient’s outcome is welcome news.

“We don’t always see what happens to the patients after we dropped them off, but we always enjoy when they reach back out to us and tell us how they are doing,” says Guardian Flight’s Little.

R

Dimitra Lavrakas is the former editor of The Arctic Sounder, The Skagway News, and The Dutch Harbor Fisherman.

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the unexpected—and often expensive—cost of air transport during a medical emergency. For an annual fee, membership provides coverage for an entire household in Southeast Alaska.

The nonprofit also offers a three-consecutivemonth membership package for those vacationing in Southeast Alaska who are not residents but want to prepare for the unexpected, such as a medical emergency.

Guardian Flight also has a membership program called Apollo MT that offers annual memberships as well as a three-week vacation coverage option.

Another transportation option is Alaska Airlines, which offers Alaska Airlines Club 49 members two tickets at a 30 percent discount annually to use any time with a fourday notice, says Tim Thompson, manager of external affairs for Alaska Airlines. Membership in Alaska Airlines Club 49 is free but limited to Alaskan residents.

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HEALTHCARE Dermatology in Alaska

By Judy Mottl

A

ccording to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States— it’s estimated that more than 9,500 people in America are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, and, on average, one American dies of melanoma every hour. “In 2018, it is estimated that 9,320 deaths will be attributed to melanoma: 5,990 men and 3,330 women,” according to the organization.

Up to 50 million Americans are affected by acne, which the American Academy of Dermatology says is the most common skin condition in the United States. Other common skin ailments include atopic dermatitis (affecting nearly 28 million Americans of all ages), hair loss (80 million Americans), psoriasis (approximately 7.5 million Americans), and rosacea (16 million Americans).

Skin conditions run the gamut of being temporary and generally benign to life altering or threatening, and it is often difficult for the lay person to identify which is which.

Information is readily available to assist people that may have a concern about a skin condition or abnormality. For instance, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, “Skin cancer warning signs include changes in size, shape, or color of a mole or other skin lesion; the appearance of a new growth on the skin; or a sore that doesn’t heal.” However, the organization recommends that when people have questions or concerns about their skin they seek out a board-certified dermatologist.

Dermatologists in Alaska Dr. Peter Ehrnstrom is a dermatologic surgeon practicing at the Alaska Center for Dermatology. He says that his personal experience with melanoma led him to a career in dermatology: his father died of a melanoma, and six weeks later Ehrnstrom himself discovered his own melanoma, which was successfully treated. The difference in the two cases, he says, is that his was caught early and his father’s was detected late.

Born and raised in Michigan, Ehrnstrom graduated from the University of Michigan and then attended medical school at Weill Cornell Medical College. After an internship at the University of Pennsylvania and a residency in dermatology at Yale University, he joined “the Air Force, which paid for my undergraduate, brought me on active duty to Elmendorf, and I’ve stayed here since,” he says.

He is one of several dermatologists who provide services at the Alaska Center for Dermatology. He says the number and range of dermatological services offered by the Alaska Center for Dermatology sets it apart from other organizations in the state. “It’s the ability to do everything—having pediatric dermatology, dermatologic surgery, cosmetic 36

dermatology, all under one roof… If the patient is walking out and says, ‘Oh, by the way, what about this?' we’re able to provide what they’re looking for.”

The Alaska Center for Dermatology, located in Anchorage, has been operating for fifteen years and is currently the largest dermatology practice in Alaska.

Taking a different tack, Dr. Jayne Fortson established Fortson Dermatology & Skin Care Center in Anchorage nearly thirty years ago and is no stranger to a challenge.

While most medical practitioners move into their respective specialties after seven or eight years of school and residency requirements, Fortson completed two residencies and two fellowships after graduating from The Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in 1981.

Fortson, who grew up on Long Island, New York, knew long before college graduation that she wanted to work and live in Alaska.

It was just a matter of whether to work for an established practice or start her own.

During medical school Fortson considered various specialty fields, including surgery and radiology, but realized with the advice of a school advisor that she truly loves procedural medicine. “I was really taken by it,” says Fortson, who is the lone Alaska-based physician to be board certified in both dermatology and dermatopathology.

She initially interviewed with a dermatology group in Alaska and returned to the Lower 48 with plans to make the move. But a final phone interview with the group altered the plan, as the conversation revealed Fortson’s desire to be on her own. At the time, she recalls, Alaska was home to many solo medical practitioners.

“They [solo offices] were pretty popular.

Since then group practices have become much more common,” she says. One reason is that many newly-minted physicians may be burdened with loan debt and don’t have the financial means to launch a practice. Joining a group or clinic enterprise provides an opportunity to jump into the job while sharing practice costs, and it’s easier to make a job change.

“You walk in and start practicing on day one. Nurses are hired, equipment is in place, there is already the infrastructure for payment.

You just need to show up,” Fortson says.

Yet to Fortson working independently was much more of an allure than the benefits of joining a group. “I just decided I wanted to be my own person and that was really the question. Did I want to be alone or be part of a group? I decided at that point I really wanted to be independent.”

Finding and Keeping Staff Fortson says she knew from the get-go her chosen career path would present a slew of challenges—from attracting clients to recruiting and hiring staff. “I started out with a really small office and a staff of one, a nurse who also helped with everything from

scheduling appointments to office tasks. I knew nothing about business,” Fortson recalls.

Ehrnstrom identifies hiring qualified professionals as one of the most significant challenges any business in Alaska can face. “In any medical Jayne Fortson business, that includes professional staff, support staff, clerical, a lot of different arenas.” Alaska’s small population means, quite simply, that there are fewer people from whom to choose.

One approach is to always keep an eye out for appropriate personnel, he says. “I’m always open to any [qualified person] who is thinking about moving to Alaska, even if I don’t think I need them on staff right now. If I hear about someone who’s thinking about coming up, I’ll fly them up, sit down with them, and find out their goals. I just make sure that pool of people is always available to me—being open to that conversation when I don’t think I need them so when I do the opportunity is there.”

He says it is also important to be aware of consistent marketing efforts. “A lot of times in medicine you think about marketing as ‘how do you get the patients in,’ but you also market to people to get them to be a part of your team to support your brand.” That includes internal marketing so that patients who pass through are aware that jobs are available for qualified people with an interest and being open to conversations about those positions. “It’s marketing for the right people to come in and help support who we are at all times,” he explains.

Finding and retaining employees isn’t easy, agrees Fortson. Many potential employees are spouses of military personnel stationed in Alaska who are typically transferred within a few years or spouses of employees working for oil and gas operators, an industry that has experienced multiple rounds of layoffs in recent years.

“Petroleum companies bring families up here and two years later they move them out so it’s unlike other areas where people come and stay forever. And [Alaska] can be a difficult place to live,” says Fortson. “The economy is centered on oil and tourism, so, for example, when the price of oil fell the state took a deep hit, and that plays into hiring and retaining staff.”

The state’s labor shortage, says Fortson, means “there aren’t as many qualified people to choose from,” and when a qualified employee is hired there’s the very real issue of a competitor hiring away the staffer.

The economy can also affect the patient population for a dermatology practice. In robust economies, many potential patients aren’t concerned about co-pay costs or paying out of pocket, if necessary, for services. But in a depressed economy patients are likely to put off dermatology services. “Dermatology is the sort of thing where if you have a heart disease you are definitely going to see the doctor, but if you

Fortson Dermatology & Skin Care Center

We All Have Skin in the Game

Alaska Business | August 2018 www.akbizmag.com

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have acne you may not see a doctor as it’s sort of a luxury. So sometimes people let things like dermatology go if the economy is bad,” says Fortson.

In Ehrnstrom’s experience, finding patients with dermatological needs is not generally a problem. “There’s more of a demand for dermatological services than capacity in almost all areas,” he says, adding that this is nationwide and not just in Alaska. “It’s been that way as long as I can remember, for thirty years.”

It helps that the Alaska Center for Dermatology, in its fifteen years in operation, has built a positive reputation. “Everyone in the medical community knows who we are and what we offer, so we get plenty of referrals. We treat that sacredly. We are proud of and humbled by other people’s recommendations—that is precious to us. But I also put a good effort into marketing to get our name out there and be visible in a way that, if somebody needs to find us, they can.”

The Alaska Center for Dermatology also believes in providing service to every person, accepting Medicaid and Medicare and supporting Anchorage Project Access. “We don’t turn anybody away,” he says. “We want to take care of everyone, and we do that well.”

Equipment Trends and Maintenance The Alaska Center for Dermatology is located in a 12,500-foot facility equipped with ten surgical suites and twenty-five exam rooms. Ehrnstrom explains that “dermatology has always been a specialty that looks at technology,” so it’s a regular characteristic of practicing to evaluate new technology or equipment to determine if it will add value to the practice and the patient experience. “I always ask the question, ‘How will this be different for the patient?’ If the difference isn’t significant, it doesn’t matter how many bells or whistles may be on a new machine,” he says.

Additional business challenges include ensuring the practice’s equipment is current and in top condition, as well as keeping the practice stocked with necessary supplies. According to Fortson, both quests can be directly impacted

by Alaska’s climate, which can hinder transport options. “We are very far away from everything, so shipping things up here, getting supplies, having machines repaired can be challenging.”

For example, a dermatology practice based in Seattle can call in a repair expert on an hourly cost basis to fix laser equipment or install new equipment.

But the scenario is different in Alaska. “I have to fly someone up and pay for their airfare, for their time from when they leave the house to when they arrive here, the cost of a rental car, and sometimes even an overnight stay,” notes Fortson. “So, the cost of doing business is more up here in general.”

Despite all the challenges, Fortson says she has no regrets.

“I’ve always wanted a life in Alaska and knew it [my career] was going to be about living in Alaska and it was just a question of how to make it work.”

R Judy Mottl writes about important issues nationwide with an affinity for Alaskabased topics.

Alaska Business | August 2018 www.akbizmag.com

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CONSTRUCTION

The Port of Alaska Construction moves forward on aging dock facilities

By Julie Stricker

A

laska is no stranger to disasters. The state has picked itself up and kept going despite oil spills, deadly earthquakes, volcano eruptions, and storms with hurricane-force winds. But it’s a slow-moving disaster that could change life in Alaska dramatically in the next decade if nothing is done: the steady disintegration of the Port of Alaska in Anchorage.

A Very Important Port The port was built in 1961 and rode out the Good Friday earthquake in 1964 with relatively little damage. But as the decades passed in Alaska’s harsh environment, the docks, which were designed for a useful life of about thirty-five years, are failing and could become unusable in as little as ten years, says Jim Jager, manager of external affairs for the port.

Anchorage’s deepwater port is a linchpin in Alaska’s infrastructure. It’s located near the head of Cook Inlet, where it is not subject to tsunamis like those that wiped out the harbor facilities in Whittier, Valdez, and Seward 40

“Our challenge is, in about ten years we’re going to have to start closing docks because they won’t have the working capacity to be operational. And that’s assuming there’s not an earthquake. If there’s a big earthquake, all bets are off.”

—Jim Jager Manager External Affairs, Port of Alaska

in 1964. About 90 percent of all of Alaska’s goods enter the state by water. Half of that crosses the docks in Anchorage.

The port’s three bulk carrier berths, barge berth, and two petroleum berths handle more than 3.5 million tons of food, consumer goods, building materials, cars, fuel, and other items Alaskans need, transferring the imports to Alaska’s roads, planes, and pipelines to reach every corner of the vast state. It is one of nineteen commercial ports around the country designated as a Department of Defense Strategic Seaport. Last year, the Municipality of Anchorage renamed the

facility, formerly known as the Port of Anchorage, to the Port of Alaska to better show its importance to the state.

Today, however, the 1,423 hollow steel piles that support the docks are eroding. Originally seven-sixteenths of an inch thick, some of the piles have lost up to three-quarters of their original thickness. The city of Anchorage budgets $3 million annually to encase the eroded piles with steel jackets and has covered nearly half of the piles to date. However, those jackets only last about fifteen years before they start to rust away.

“There’s no pile left underneath, so it’s really a one-time fix,” Jager says.

Alaska Business | August 2018 www.akbizmag.com

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“Our challenge is, in about ten years we’re going to have to start closing docks because they won’t have the working capacity to be operational,” he says. “And that’s assuming there’s not an earthquake. If there’s a big earthquake, all bets are off.”

Parts are already falling off. In June 2017, a 57,000-pound fender fell off as a cruise ship was docking because its corroded supports failed. No one was hurt, but it’s emblematic of the problems the port is facing.

“It’s not will we replace it. We have no choice,” Jager says. “The question is how soon can we get it replaced and what’s going to be the mechanism for paying for it.

“You know, the lack of a decision is a decision. We’re moving forward with the project.

It’s going to get built.”

Because time is of the essence, the city is embarking on a multi-year project to replace the existing docks with a modern port, even though financing hasn’t been secured.

It’s not an expansion, it’s simply a replacement of the facility at its current size, says Stephen Ribuffo, port director. At the same time, the facility will be modernized so that it works with today’s ships and cargo transfer technology.

“In 1961, when the existing docks were built, ships were much smaller,” Jager says.

“Cargo management technology was a lot different. So we’re going to replace it with docks that can handle larger ships. The draft will be forty-five feet instead of the current thirty-five feet. It also will be built to modern earthquake seismic standards.”

When the project is complete, the port will contain the same amount of dock space, only it will be located about 400 yards south of the current dock and 100 to 150 feet farther out into the ocean where the water is deeper, he says. It is projected to extend the life expectancy of the port another seventy-five years.

“The challenges are not only do we have docks that are wearing out, [but] because we are the main cargo port for the state of Alaska, we have to stay open the entire time we’re constructing,” Jager says. “We have to maintain our capacity otherwise you folks up in Fairbanks won’t have food on your Fred Meyer shelves.”

Build, Demolish, Build Again He describes the process as “build, demolish, build, demolish, build, demolish” so the same number of docks are kept open throughout the process.

“We need to keep the facility operating and not be a big hang-up in the supply chain,” he says. “That makes the project a little more complicated.”

Not to mention the fact that construction has to take into account the welfare of endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales, a short construction season, and Cook Inlet’s thirtytwo-foot tides.

Costs have been estimated as high as $700 million, but Jager says the exact cost is still unknown, as only about 35 percent of the design has been finalized.

Parts of the project will be funded by private entities that use the port, he says. Other funding may come from a settlement over

Alaska Business | August 2018 www.akbizmag.com

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The 1,423 hollow steel piles that support the docks are eroding. Originally sevensixteenths of an inch thick, some of the piles have lost up to three-quarters of their original thickness. the failed expansion project and from port revenues. State funding or a potential tariff passed on to Alaskans in the form of higher freight charges are also on the table.

CH2M Hill has been contracted to provide environmental, permitting, and construction management for the project.

“This summer we’re going to start the land side preparation for what will be a new petroleum-cement terminal,” says Ribuffo.

“It’ll be developed in the south end of the port in an area that really has no dock right now.”

Before shoreside construction can begin, the ground at the “south backlands” must be stabilized to prevent erosion, he says. Crews will also need to do some preparation work where the trestle for the new dock makes landfall so that it has a solid foundation.

“You’ve got to add a lot more structural elements to the ground here,” Ribuffo says.

“You can’t just come off the water onto the dirt. We’re going to dig down about forty or fifty feet and create a solid pedestal that will add to the structural integrity of the dock to be part of what is necessary to survive in a significant earthquake. It’s part of the design requirements of the whole thing.”

That foundation is a significant first step, which will be completed before piles are put into the water and the dock and trestles are constructed.

This summer’s construction work will entail employing about one hundred workers.

Next summer, additional dredging will have to be done. In addition, a section of sheet pile wall to the north of the port that was constructed years ago during an unsuccessful project to expand the port must be removed, as well as the embankment behind it, to allow ships better access to the docks during construction. That shoreline also will need to be reinforced, which will require an additional fifty to sixty workers.

After the petroleum and cement terminal is built and the old one demolished, the Matson berth will be rebuilt, followed by the Tote berth. Construction is estimated to take up to seven years and will employ 300 workers at its peak. Workers will include marine mammal observers to monitor the belugas. If the endangered whales travel near the port, construction will be stopped until they move to a safe distance, Ribuffo says. Construction also will employ sound suppression.

Bigger, Better, Faster With the new construction, the piles will be much thicker: forty-eight inches in diameter www.akbizmag.com

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“The reason Matson wants to go to the bigger cranes is not only can they use modern ships, but they’re also a lot faster. They’ll be able to turn a ship in about a third of the time.”

—Jim Jager Manager External Affairs, Port of Alaska

made of one-inch steel and filled with reinforced concrete. They will be 205 feet long and will be pushed deeper into the seabed to reach more stable soil to provide a stable foundation in case of an earthquake.

The docks will also be designed to accommodate today’s shipping technology, Jager says.

That includes larger ships and larger dockside equipment used to transfer cargo from ship to shore. While the port won’t be any larger, it will be much more efficient, which translates into additional capacity, he says.

Today, Matson owns the three cargo cranes on the dock. They are thirty-six gauge cranes, which means the rail of the tracks they run on are thirty-six feet apart.

Matson wants to replace those with four 100-guage cranes, which are three times larger than its current cranes. Matson is pay-

ing for the cranes, but whether that expense is included in the total cost of the project hasn’t been determined.

However, the new docks will have to be wider to fit those cranes. The reason they want those cranes is so they work with modern ships, Jager says. The arms on the thirtysix gauge cranes aren’t long enough to reach all the way across a modern ship.

“Ships aren’t like cars,” Jager says. “You can’t offload one side and turn it around and offload the other side. Something about weight and balances and ships rolling over.

Captains don’t like that,” he adds dryly.

The cranes in use today limit the size of the ships that can use the Port of Alaska. Both Kodiak and Dutch Harbor have 100-guage cranes, which means Matson has to use smaller ships to carry cargo to Anchorage. Thirtyfoot tides in Cook Inlet dramatically affect the height of the container stacks as they’re being unloaded, creating another limitation to what the company can ship to Anchorage.

“The interesting thing is the reason Matson wants to go to the bigger cranes is not only can they use modern ships but they’re also a lot faster,” Jager says. “They’ll be able to turn a ship in about a third of the time.”

Right now, it takes Matson about fifteen hours to offload 600 containers and load another 600 for export.

“With the new cranes, they think they can do that same turnaround in nine hours,” he says. “So we will effectively have more capacity, even though we won’t have more dock, just

because the ships will spend less time at dock, [and] there’s more vacant time for other users.”

The port is at about one-third capacity now, Jager says.

“So when people worry about ‘Have you got enough room for expansion?’ we could double our business and not add another dock. We’d have to hire a clerk to take care of the scheduling, which by the way is a lot cheaper than building a new dock.”

Keep in mind that Alaska only has so many people, he says. Even if the population increases considerably, the business of how much they consume is not going to go up that much. And, even if business triples in the future, the port still has plenty of land on its north side that could accommodate a future dock.

Another example of the efficiencies that will be brought by the new docks is on the cement dock. Currently, ships delivering cement are in port for about two weeks because the cement is stored 2,200 feet from the ship.

On the new dock, it’ll be about 800 feet.

“So between the fact that you cut your distance down almost a third of what it was, and you’re using a modern off-loading system, they’ll be able to offload that same ship in six days,” Jager says. “So that’s more capacity, even though you don’t have more dock.” R Julie Stricker is a journalist living near Fairbanks.

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SPECIAL SECTION

Environmental

Islands of Power Putting renewable energy sources in place

By Isaac Stone Simonelli

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enewable energy projects, especially solar, operate at a much larger magnitude in the Lower 48 than in Alaska.

But size isn’t everything, and there has been a strong uptick in the development of renewable energy projects in Alaska since 2008.

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“What makes Alaska’s brand of renewable energy projects particularly interesting and unique is that they are all operating within islanded electrical grids, most of which are very small,” explains Katie Conway, government relations, outreach, and efficiency manager for the Alaska Energy Authority.

The Alaska Energy Authority works to

reduce the cost of energy through projects, programs, and initiatives that identify and implement energy solutions unique to the state’s communities.

“Alaska is now recognized as a world leader in the development, installation, and operation of small, integrated microgrids, as well as for the innovation, collaboration, and tenacious persistence behind them,” Conway says.

The significant increase in renewable energy projects in the state is largely due to the Renewable Energy Fund (REF) grant program, which has seen eight rounds of funding over the last ten years.

“The state has invested nearly $260 million

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—Katie Conway Government Relations, Outreach, and Efficiency Manager, Alaska Energy Authority

in renewable energy projects… through the REF, which was leveraged or matched by hundreds of millions of federal and private dollars that, combined, jumpstarted a renewable energy industry in Alaska. More than seventy REF-related renewable energy projects are now operational throughout the state,” Conway says.

In many ways, high energy costs in Alaska establish a landscape for energy innovation, notes Chris Rose, founder and executive director of Renewable Energy Alaska Project (REAP), which played a key role in the creation of REF and the Emerging Energy Technology Fund. www.akbizmag.com

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“Senator [Lisa] Murkowski is saying the same thing that many of us are, which is that Alaska is a natural laboratory for energy innovation, and in part it’s because we have very high energy prices that allow for experimentation with new technology, even though many of these technologies are quite mature,” Rose says. “The experimentation is really in integrating them onto a diesel grid.”

Solar in Hughes The Hughes Village project, a joint effort between the Hughes Tribal Council, the City of Hughes, and Tanana Chiefs Conference, is doing exactly that in order to reduce the

isolated community’s 100 percent reliance on imported diesel fuel.

“Due to the remote location of the Alaska Native Village of Hughes, Alaska, the community relies upon air and boat transit for every non-harvested commodity they have; the costs of this transportation frames their dependence on fossil fuels,” the project website states.

The village originally considered tapping into wind resources, as it is one of only a few Interior communities with the potential to do so. However, a wind study revealed that transmission of electricity from a wind farm to the village could cost millions of dollars.

Instead, a solar project was initiated in 2016 and is on schedule to install a 100 to 150 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic (PV) array in conjunction with a lithium ion battery bank on the village’s electrical distribution system.

“The system is based off of some similar systems which are in place using lead-acid batteries and solar PV panels and a diesel generator on islands off of the coast of New England,” says Dave Pelunis-Messier, the rural energy coordinator for the Tanana Chiefs Conference.

Though the original goal was to offset “at least 30 percent of annual diesel consumption” of the village with the integrated system, expectations have been reeled in to about 25 percent, Pelunis-Messier says.

“We determined that the 30 percent was a little ambitious, and it’s more likely, through the modeling that we’ve done, that they use roughly 40,000 gallons of diesel a year and this will save them 10,000 gallons of diesel a year,” he says.

Further funding was procured through the Community Development Block Grant to upgrade the village to a three-phase system after realizing that the in-place, single-phase electrical distribution system (comparable to a residential line branching from a main power line to an urbanite’s home) was going to present a balancing issue for the integrated system. The unexpected hiccup has led to funders extending the project’s deadline by another year. Nonetheless, Pelunis-Messier August 2018 | Alaska Business

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIAL SECTION | RENEWABLE ENERGY

“Once a community has affordable energy, the opportunities that become available for community sustainability are endless.

Food production is an example. The Arctic growing season can be expanded with affordable heat and electricity supplying a greenhouse.”

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ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIAL SECTION | RENEWABLE ENERGY

“Alaska is a natural laboratory for energy innovation, and in part it’s because we have very high energy prices that allow for experimentation with new technology.”

—Chris Rose Executive Director, REAP

says the team is still working hard to have everything turned on by next summer.

“On an industrial scale, you typically want to put in three-phase pumps. The pumps work less hard and it’s more balanced,” Pelunis-Messier says. “So that is going to help spread the load in the community out across all three phases, and it’s going to make it much easier to integrate solar and battery into the community.”

In June, as the solar panels and racking landed on the beach after a roughly 800-mile barge ride, the final touches were being put on the three-phase system in the village.

The integrated system has been mostly funded through a $623,900 grant from the Department of Energy, and, when in place, will be a giant step forward for the community as it strives to hit its goal of 60 percent renewable energy by 2025.

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Range of Renewable Projects It is the “island” nature of many of the renewable energy projects in the 49th State that pose challenges to communities wanting to tap into intermittent renewables, such as wind and solar.

“Unlike larger grids, in these small, isolated systems, it is not possible to import and export power to balance the supply and demand of electrons,” Conway says. “These small, isolated electrical utilities need to be able to provide the exact amount of power that is demanded at any given time, which, in small systems, means the integration of intermittent renewables [such as wind or solar] must be managed very carefully.”

The Hughes Village solar project is just one of a number of community-sized renewable energy projects underway in the state.

“If it was installed today, I think it would probably be the largest. But by the time ours turns on, it will not be the largest,” PelunisMessier says, noting that Golden Valley Electric Association (GVEA), Homer Electric Association (HEA), and Chugach Electric Association are all developing 500 kW projects.

The GVEA solar project, a 563 kW solar PV system, is set to be online by October, confirmed project manager Nathan Minnema.

The installed price will be about $1.90/watt.

“GVEA is actively working on revising its renewable energy and emission goals. Right now GVEA’s goal is 20 percent renewable power, which is 20 percent of our peak load, which is accomplished through Eva Creek

Wind, Bradley Hydro, GVEA’s SNAP program, and smaller wind IPPs [independent power producers],” Minnema writes.

Though further away from completion, the Chugach Community Solar Project is on track to install an approximately 500 kW project. The project is under review by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA), which has until December to issue a final order.

“Subscriptions will become available after RCA approval. Financing options have been initiated, but no commitments have been made until RCA approval is issued,” Chugach Electric spokesperson Julie Hasquet says.

“Members can choose to pay a little extra and receive renewable energy at their home or business. This is a proactive way to reduce the family or business carbon footprint.”

The sustainability resolution passed by the Chugach Board of Directors in early 2017 is part of the association’s commitment to “long-term, sustainable energy resources.”

Even larger than the GVEA and Chugach projects is one being considered by HEA, which is reviewing the possibility of installing a 975 kW capacity solar system. However, the HEA project ground to a halt after the cooperative’s eight directors were split in March on a vote to award a contract for its construction. An unfilled seat, which could eventually offer a tie-breaking vote, was filled in May. “The problem with Alaska is we’re so far north, the space required really stretches out,” HEA Director of Power, Fuels, and

Alaska Business | August 2018 www.akbizmag.com

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Alaska’s Microgrids “Like the communities in which they’re deployed, the size of renewable energy projects in Alaska is wide ranging. On the smaller end of the spectrum are projects on the order of 10 kW such as those in Eagle (population 86) and Perryville (population 113). At the other end of the spectrum are large, multi-megawatt projects like Snettisham hydro in Juneau and Bradley Lake hydro in the Railbelt. In the middle are numerous projects on the order of hundreds of kilowatts all over the state, in communities of all sizes,” Conway says.

In fact, Alaska has more microgrids than anywhere else in the nation, she says.

“Our small communities are innovators in the development and maintenance of small integrated power systems. Even with declining grant funding, Alaska communities are

“What makes Alaska’s brand of renewable energy projects particularly interesting and unique is that they are all operating within islanded electrical grids, most of which are very small.”

—Katie Conway Government Relations, Outreach, and Efficiency Manager Alaska Energy Authority

seeking ways to generate energy that is clean and affordable,” Conway says. “Once a community has affordable energy, the opportunities that become available for community sustainability are endless. Food production is an example. The Arctic growing season can be expanded with affordable heat and electricity supplying a greenhouse.”

However, the state’s renewable energy projects don’t stop with power production.

Because upwards of 80 percent of some rural Alaska community energy costs go toward heat, there is a strong incentive to bring local, more cost-effective, and often renewable energy online as an alternative to the high cost diesel conventionally used for space heat in buildings, Conway notes.

“These alternatives include biomass, recovered heat from diesel power generation piped directly into buildings, air source and ground source heat pumps, and geothermal energy. All of these types of projects can range in size from residential scale to large industrial users like fish processing facilities

or water treatment plants,” she says.

Because necessity is the mother of invention, it should be no surprise that isolated, rural communities, supported by REAP, the Alaska Energy Authority, and other groups, are finding ways to better integrate renewable resources into their power grids, weaning themselves off the high costs associated with transporting fossil fuels.

Though Alaska projects will likely never compete with major solar plants in the Lower 48—such as the Solar Star project and the Topaz Solar Farm, both in California—they don’t need to. The state’s unique environment offers other opportunities to harness the power of renewable resources to bring power and heat to its communities.

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Isaac Stone Simonelli is a freelance journalist and former managing editor for the Phuket Gazette.

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ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIAL SECTION | RENEWABLE ENERGY

Dispatch Larry Jorgensen explained last year.

“The sun is so low on the horizon, you’ve got to space [the panels] quite a ways apart… It does make for an efficiency use factor.”

At the meeting, where all directors supported the move for increased renewable energy, some of them were concerned with what they saw as a lack of a clear financial structure. The association’s goal is to reach 18 percent renewable power by 2022. At this point, its renewable power comes from Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Plant, which provides about 10 percent of the community’s energy needs.

Serving all of Alaska August 2018 | Alaska Business

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SPECIAL SECTION

Environmental

Haul Out or Clean Up Preventing fuel tank contamination

By Vanessa Orr 50

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or many Alaskans it’s still necessary to use fuel tanks to heat their homes as well as to provide fuel for commercial businesses and government facilities. And while these tanks are vital to the state’s wellbeing, they are often out of sight and out of mind—which means that no one pays much attention to them until there’s a problem.

A leaking fuel tank causes nothing but problems, including contaminating groundwater, which not only adversely affects people in the community but also populations of fish and other wildlife. In some cases, under-

ground tanks have been left to corrode for so long that they have wreaked havoc on the environment, resulting in state and federal programs designed to address the damage.

According to the Alaska Department of Conservation, about one-third of the sites in its contaminated sites program are on federal lands, with most of these on military bases.

Another one-third are privately owned and can include commercial and/or industrial properties. The rest are owned by the state and local governments.

Whether dealing with an individual tank

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Ron Broyles | USACE

Dena O’Dell | USACE

Andy Sorum, project manager with the FUDS program, US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska District, looks on as employees with Bristol Environmental Remediation Services load and prepare to bag contaminated soil during an environmental cleanup project at Attu Island.

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIAL SECTION | FUEL TANKS

At the former Timber Pump Station of the Haines-Fairbanks Pipeline system, the FUDS program conducted a project in 2017 to remove aboveground storage tanks, underground storage tanks, and petroleum contaminated soils. More than 11,500 tons of petroleum soil was excavated and treated off-site.

Dena O’Dell | USACE

John Mura, an unexploded ordinance technician for Bristol Environmental Remediation Services, secures a load of contaminated soil before it is taken to a staging area, where it will be shipped out by barge in the fall to a permitted disposal facility in the Lower 48.

or sites with numerous abandoned tanks that need to be decommissioned, companies that maintain, clean, and remove dirty or damaged fuel tanks play a huge part in protecting Alaska’s environment.

Alaska Army National Guard Sites Eagle Eye Electric, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bering Straits Native Corporation (BSNC), is in the process of draining and closing—or bringing up to compliance standards—diesel fuel tanks in more than fifty Alaska communities. The forty-eight-month www.akbizmag.com

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contract for cleanup was awarded in September 2015 by the Alaska Army National Guard (AKARNG), which is funding the tank closure as a way to reduce federal liability associated with the sites. To date, the field effort is complete, though reporting is still underway.

“AKARNG has many facilities throughout the state of Alaska, and the vast majority of these sites have fuel oil storage tanks, many of which were not in compliance with federal regulations due to lack of required appurtenances,” says Miriam Aarons, corporate communications director, BSNC. “Remote sites may not have assigned personnel onsite to be able to regularly inspect these tanks, leaving them vulnerable to vandalism and [at] increased risk for spills.

“The old Scout Armory Program that allowed AKARNG to operate these small

facilities is no longer active, and since then the facilities have been sitting empty with very little use,” she continues. “Because AKARNG no longer has a mission requirement in these communities, the National Guard Bureau no longer funds their support, so they must be closed. The fuel tanks do not meet current regulatory safety standards, and due to high liability needed to be drained, capped, and marked as closed as part of a process of divesting the facilities.”

The work performed by Eagle Eye Electric not only assisted AKARNG and the Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs by satisfying regulatory requirements and reducing the threat of oil spills, it benefited local communities as well. After being filtered for water and sediment, unused fuel was donated to local tribal organizations.

August 2018 | Alaska Business

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USACE Alaska District

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIAL SECTION | FUEL TANKS

The FUDS program removed a large above ground storage tank from the former Nome Tank Site E FUDS property in 2015. The associated petroleum contaminated soil was excavated and has been treated using land farming techniques over the past three field seasons. The soils are expected to be remediated by 2019.

“BSNC donated 39,088 gallons to rural Alaska village corporations for use by residents,” says BSNC shareholder and Eagle Eye Project Manager Dawn Mocan. Eagle Eye encouraged tribal organizations to gift the fuel to elders or families in need.

“BSNC continues to nurture and grow an excellent business reputation with its biggest customer, the federal government,” adds BSNC President and CEO Gail R. Schubert of the contract’s success. “I am glad that this project provided a valuable benefit to rural Alaskans

who are impacted by the high cost of living.”

Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS) Program The FUDS program is responsible for sites formerly owned, leased, or operated by the

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Dena O’Dell | USACE

—Lisa Geist Acting FUDS Program Manager US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska District

An excavator operated by Bristol Environmental Remediation Services digs up contaminated soil and old, rusted diesel drums during an environmental cleanup project at Attu Island. During the project, the US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska District oversaw the removal of about 10,000 tons of petroleum, oil, and lubricant-contaminated soil; 5 tons of lead-contaminated soil; 70 tons of tar drums; and 52 above-ground storage tanks.

Department of Defense prior to 1986. Though they may no longer be the property owner, the government is still responsible for environmental liabilities present on these properties.

According to Lisa Geist, acting FUDS program manager for the US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska District, there were a total of

535 eligible FUDS properties in Alaska, of which 137 had Department of Defense impacts that needed to be addressed. So far, seventy-three of these properties have been closed out and sixtyfour properties have projects remaining.

“We concentrate on three areas: containerized hazardous, toxic, or radioactive waste

(CON/HTRW); hazardous, toxic, or radioactive water (HTRW); and the military munitions response program (MMRP),” Geist says.

Of the 428 total projects identified (properties can have multiple projects), 253 projects have been completed. There are still 69 CON/ HTRW projects, 66 HTRW projects, and 40 MMRP projects awaiting further action.

“It’s our priority to deal with hazardous and toxic waste sites first,” says Geist, adding that these sites are located all over the state from the Aleutians to Nome to Southeast Alaska. “When human or environmental health is at risk, we address it in the most proactive manner. For

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIAL SECTION | FUEL TANKS

“It’s our priority to deal with hazardous and toxic waste sites first. When human or environmental health is at risk, we address it in the most proactive manner. For example, if there is ground water contamination close to a village, that project would take priority over a less risky site.”

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August 2018 | Alaska Business

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ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIAL SECTION | FUEL TANKS

Alaska Clean Tanks cleaning a residential underground storage tank.

Alaska Clean Tanks

example, if there is ground water contamination close to a village, that project would take priority over a less risky site. Unfortunately, due to annual funding levels, we can’t work on every single site at the same time.”

The majority of CON/HTRW projects deal with petroleum contamination, when tanks or drums have leaked and tainted the soil.

The Corps follows the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act process for hazardous sites, which includes a preliminary assessment phase; site inspection and documentation; a remedial investigation to determine the nature of the damage and projected expense of clean up; a feasibility study of ways to clean up the site;

KEEPING ALASKA CLEAN

remedial alternatives that include a proposed plan that is open to public comment; and a decision document for approvals by those who will oversee or be involved in the project.

Once all of that is complete, the project moves into the remedial action phase.

While the Corps is working hard to clean up FUDS sites, funding limits what can be

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Residential and Commercial Tanks While government agencies are taking the lead in cleaning up sites affected by leaking tanks, individuals should also take the responsibility of making sure that their own home and business tanks are safe. Robert and Robin Wilson, owners of Alaska Clean Tanks, started their business in response to requests from homeowners who found themselves dealing with fuel tank issues.

“Bob was working as the general manager of a local heating company, and he’d be getting calls when people’s tanks weren’t working, especially in the winter months when furnaces and boilers failed,” says Robin Wilson, adding that problems are often attributed to water in fuel or frozen and clogged fuel lines. “There wasn’t a solution to dirty tanks and the issues that they caused. At the time, no one in town cleaned residential, commercial, or government fuel storage tanks; they would just pump out the water and keep changing filters.”

Alaska Clean Tanks was established in March 2013 to help customers with fuel issues, including damaged or dirty tanks. Even

Alaska Clean Tanks

Alaska Clean Tanks cleaning a residential aboveground storage tank.

more important, they maintain tanks so that these types of problems never have the chance to reach contamination level.

“We are, I believe, the only company in Alaska that offers the type of tank cleaning that removes fuel and cleans, polishes, and

stores it before the tank is cleaned,” says Bob Wilson. “You cannot effectively clean a fuel storage tank without removing the fuel first.”

A camera is used to view the inside of the tank multiple times: prior to cleaning and the fuel being returned. “Our methods result in

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done and how quickly projects can be completed. The Alaska District has spent approximately $980 million (through 2017) on FUDS investigations and clean-up work.

Current funding for fiscal year 2018 is $35 million, with next year’s budget estimated to be $30 million. The estimated cost of future environmental liability for all remaining projects in Alaska is $1.4 billion.

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a clean tank and clean fuel, with a minimal amount of HAZMAT to dispose of,” he adds.

Though headquartered in Fairbanks, Alaska Clean Tanks flies equipment wherever it is needed. “There is nowhere that we cannot go or will not go,” says Wilson, who has the capability of treating residential, commercial, and government aboveground storage tanks and underground storage tanks from 100 to 40,000 gallons.

One of the problems, according to Wilson, is that some tanks are not regulated by the federal government, such as those that hold heating oil, so there is no oversight of tanks in residences or on commercial properties.

“You can sell a home with a tank, and the tank does not have to be inspected,” says Wilson. “In Fairbanks, where the majority of homes use heating oil, some of these tanks may have been in the ground for fifty or sixty years. A buyer—and a seller for that matter— may be unaware of the environmental damage a leaking tank can cause.

“Fuel oil tanks cannot be insured in Alaska, so the liability falls on the owner if there’s a leak; that can easily be a $40,000 bill, and they have no recourse to get the money back,” he adds.

When fuel tanks need to be decommissioned or cleaned so that maintenance can be performed, Alaska Clean Tanks uses a microbial cleaner to eliminate sludge and residual fuel, as well as vapors and LELs (lower explosive limits) so that the tank can be safely entered or cut open prior to disposal. If the tank is removed, the hole is backfilled and compacted, and if it is left in the ground, it is filled with pea gravel or slurry.

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Bering Straits Native Corporation

(Above left) Eagle Eye Electric distributes cleaned and filtered fuel in Brevig Mission, and (above right) Brevig Mission residents load fuel to transport home.

All HAZMAT (sludge, water, and contaminated fuel removed from the tank) is disposed of according to federal, state, and local regulations at Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation-approved facilities. Tanks that are removed are cleaned, and a large hole is cut in the tank before it is delivered to a steel recycling facility.

According to Wilson, maintaining a tank is a good investment. “Homeowners’ insurance will not cover a fuel spill from an above or below ground fuel tank, with the exception of vandalism,” he explains. “It makes more sense to get a fuel tank checked out and

cleaned, especially if it is over fifteen years old. If it is over thirty years old, it may be time to consider replacing the tank.”

He adds that it is also a good idea to have the tank cleaned or even replaced if a homeowner is replacing a furnace or boiler.

“Most people will agree that the only time they have a problem with the heat not working in their homes or businesses is during the winter or at inopportune times; and we all know that after-hours furnace repairs are not inexpensive,” says Wilson, adding that if the problem is caused by clogged fuel lines, temporary tanks may need to be set up until the

tanks can be cleaned during warmer weather.

Clean tanks are also more economical, as they provide the best environment for fuel to burn efficiently. “Unclean fuel can clog nozzles, as well as cause other problems,” says Wilson, who suggests that home and business owners should plan tank maintenance the same way they schedule any other preventive maintenance.

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Vanessa Orr is a freelance writer and former editor of the Capital City Weekly in Juneau.

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SPECIAL SECTION

Environmental

The Alaska Business

2018 Environmental Services Directory ENVIRONMENTAL FIRMS

COMPANY TOP EXECUTIVE

YEAR FOUNDED / ESTABLISHED IN ALASKA

WORLDWIDE / ALASKA EMPLOYEES

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION

Stephanie Mathers, Reg. Mgr.

3M.com | innovation.3malaska@mmm.com | 3M 1902 90,000 3M manufactures a wide range of products covering many markets in Alaska. In the area of natural resources, we provide products and services that support the oil/gas and mining 1971 12 industries in worker safety, electrical and communications, welding protection, fire and corrosion protection.

ABR PO Box 80410 Fairbanks, AK 99708 Phone: 907-455-6777

Terry Schick, Dir. Business Dev.

1976 1976

Acuren 600 E. 57th Pl., Suite B Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: 907-569-5000

Frank Noble, Reg. Mgr. AK

1976 2002

AECOM 700 G St., Suite 500 Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-562-3366

Laura Young, AK Ops Mgr.

aecom.com 1904 92,000 AECOM Alaska is a team of engineers, scientists, planners and support staff providing 1948 50 Arctic-smart engineering & environmental services for the complete project life-cycle from permitting for air, water, soils and solid waste to planning, design and construction through production and site closure.

Ahtna Environmental Services 110 W. 38th Avenue, Suite 200A Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: 907-644-0760

Tim Finnigan, Pres.

2010 2010

172 67

aeiak.com Specializes in the execution of time-sensitive, complex, and multifaceted environmental, engineering, construction, and professional services projects for government and commercial clients.

Alaska Abatement Corporation 520 W. 58th Ave., Suite J Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: 907-563-0088

John Anderson, Pres.

1997 1997

75 75

Specializing in asbestos, mold, lead, and hazmat remediation services in the private, local, state, and federal sector statewide.

Beau Bivins, Pres./CEO

2014 2014

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akaerial.media | info@akaerialmedia.com | akaerialmedia | akaerialmedia Alaska Aerial Media is a sUAS (drone) enabled data collection company. While reducing risk and improving safety we allow enterprise to fully harness the usefulness of sUAS based data collection. We specialize in visual inspections of critical infrastructure and aerial survey including LiDAR.

Alaska Chadux Corporation 2347 Azurite Ct. Anchorage, AK 99507 Phone: 907-348-2365

Matthew Melton, GM

1993 1993

14 14

chadux.com | info@chadux.com Alaska Chadux Corporation is a member-funded, 501(c)(4) nonprofit oil spill response organization headquartered in Anchorage. Chadux is classified as an OSRO by the USCG and registered as a PRAC and an NTVCC with the State of Alaska. We provide resources to cleanup oil spills.

Alaska Clean Seas 3300 C St., Suite 200 Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: 907-743-8989

Barkley Lloyd, GM

1979 1979

85 85

alaskacleanseas.org We protect the environment by providing response services to the Alaska North Slope crude oil explorers and producers and the first 167 miles of the Trans Alaska Pipeline System in accordance with oil spill response agreements and plans.

Alaska Soil Recycling 1040 O’Malley Rd. Anchorage, AK 99515 Phone: 907-348-6700

Brad Quade, Mgr.

1988 1988

125 125

anchsand.com Remediation of petroleum-impacted soils by thermal desorption. Our process is capable of off-site and onsite remediation projects. Results are quick and guaranteed. Soils are recycled into beneficial products after treatment, thereby complying with green and sustainable recycling (GSR) practices.

Alaska Tent & Tarp 100 E. International Airport Rd. Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: 907-562-2293

Kelly Dart, Dir. Commercial Sales

1945 1945

24 24

alaskatent.com | anchorage@alaskatent.com | aktentandtarp Secondary containment production. Geomembrane liners and berms. Portable fabric structures.

3M Alaska 11151 Calaska Cir. Anchorage, AK 99515 Phone: 907-522-5200

Alaska Aerial Media 7447 Meadow St. Anchorage, AK 99507 Phone: 907-440-0088

58

42 42

abrinc.com | info@abrinc.com | abrincorporated | abrinc_ak Known for objective, rigorous work, ABR’s unrivaled experts provide innovative, costeffective solutions on wildlife science; wetland, vegetation & landscape ecology; fisheries & aquatic sciences; marine science; statistics, GIS & database management; and NEPA & permitting. We are GSA contractors.

acuren.com | sgreen@acuren.com 5,000 25 Materials engineering, nondestructive examination and integrity management for the oil and gas, power, mining, transportation and construction industries.

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YEAR FOUNDED / ESTABLISHED IN ALASKA

WORLDWIDE / ALASKA EMPLOYEES

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION

APC Services 301 Calista Ct., Suite 101 Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: 907-274-2433

Greg DuBois, Bus. Mgr.

2006 2007

Arcadis 880 H St., Suite 101 Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-276-8095

Kent Crandall, AK Ops Leader

1888 27,000 Arcadis is Alaska’s leading provider of construction and program management services 1994 15 and a leading global design, project management, and consultancy firm.

Arctic Fox Environmental PO Box 340043 Prudhoe Bay, AK 99734 Phone: 907-659-2145

Ralph Allphin, Pres.

2004 2004

6 2

arcticfoxenv.com | arcticfox@astacalaska.com Analytical laboratory and hazardous waste consulting office in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. Arctic Fox also has rooms available for rent in our brand new facility. Each room includes a private bathroom, flat screen TV, and individual climate control.

Jerry Fox, Owner

2004 2004

3 3

arcticfoxsafety.com | arcticfoxsafety@gmail.com | arcticfoxsafety We offer a full line of environmental and safety items including a large stock of DOT/UN containers and spill response supplies. Delivery available in Anchorage, Mat-Su, Fairbanks and Delta Junction areas. Bush deliveries also available. 100% Service Disabled Veteran owned by Alaskans.

ARCTOS Alaska, a Division of NORTECH 3105 Lakeshore Dr., Suite A106 Anchorage, AK 99517 Phone: 907-222-2445

Peter Beardsley, CEO

1979 1979

25 25

arctosak.com | info@nortechengr.com | nortechengr | company/2525754 Full service environmental regulatory compliance contractor, tank and piping inspection, field compliance services, permit and compliance management, oil discharge contingency plans, plan audits, full range spill prevention & response planning services, response management and support.

ARS Aleut Analytical 3710 Woodland Dr., Suite 900 Anchorage, AK 99517 Phone: 907-258-2155

Meghan Williams, Bus. Dev.

1991 1991

100 20

amrad.com | mwilliams@amrad.com | ARSAleutAnalytical | ARSAnalytical Full service state certified analytical laboratory with facilities located in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Wasilla. ARS specializes in drinking water, waste water, general water quality testing, contaminated sites, and RCRA waste characterization.

ATC Group Services 383 Industrial Way, Suite 300 Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-258-8661

Bobby Toups, CEO

1982 2018

B.C. Excavating 2251 Cinnabar Loop.

Anchorage, AK 99507 Phone: 907-344-4490

Gordon Bartel, Pres.

1982 1982

45 45

Remediation services, soil farming, site cleanup for PCB, TCE, diesel/gasoline contamination, UST removal/replacement, contaminated soils hauling and disposal, etc.

Bering Sea Ecotech 3601 C St., Suite 1000 Anchorage , AK 99503 Phone: 907-278-2311

Dean Hughes, CEO/Pres.

1994 1994

200 30

bseak.com Range management, munitions response, range environmental, structured cabling, electronic war fighter training.

BGES 1042 E. Sixth Ave. Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-644-2900

Robert Braunstein, Pres.

2002 2002

8 8

bgesinc.com | info@bgesinc.com Environmental site assessment, remediation, ground-water monitoring programs, project management and permitting. Lead and asbestos inspections.

Blue Skies Solutions 3312 Robin St. Anchorage, AK 99504 Phone: 907-230-4372

Michael Knapp, Principal

2003 2003

2 2

blueskiessolutions.net | info2@blueskiessolutions.net Blue Skies specializes in geographic information systems (GIS) training and consulting. Our instructor has been Esri Certified Trainer and also a Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+). We work with state, federal, local, non-profit, and private companies helping them to create and manage their GIS data.

CampWater Industries Box 309 Delta Junction, AK 99737 Phone: 907-895-4304

Jon Dufendach, Pres.

2009 2009

2 2

campwater.com | jondufendach@gmail.com Design/build portable and emergency drinking water plants. NSF61-approved models to meet USEPA drinking water standards available off-the-shelf. Affiliates Worldwide—see website.

CCI Industrial Services 5015 Business Park Blvd., Suite 4000 Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: 907-258-5755 cciindustrial.com

Bob Eubank, Pres./CEO

1989 1989

239 192

Corrosion-under-insulation refurbishment; asbestos and lead surveys and abatement; specialty coatings; sandblasting; tank and vessel cleaning; fire proofing; demolition and hazardous waste removal; operations, maintenance and construction; oil spill response; heat treat services.

Central Environmental 311 N. Sitka St. Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-561-0125

Stuart Jacques, Pres.

1983 1983

150 100

cei-alaska.com | stuart@cei-alaska.com Provides civil/environmental construction services including decontaminated soils handling, excavation and site restoration, asbestos abatement, lead abatement, hazardous materials abatement, and demolition.

ChemTrack Alaska 11711 S. Gambell St. Anchorage, AK 99515 Phone: 907-349-2511

Carrie Jokiel, Pres.

1973 1973

Chilkat Environmental 223 Old Hart Box 865 Haines, AK 99827 Phone: 907-303-7899

Elijah Donat, Sr. Project Mgr.

2007 2007

Arctic Fox Safety & Supply 1500 N. Post Rd. Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-278-1500

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10 10

alaskapeninsulacorp.com | gdubois@apcservicesllc.com Environmental consulting; environmental assessments; contaminated land evaluation and remediation, geochemistry, baseline environmental studies; mining and exploration services.

atcgroupservices.com | anchorage@atcgs.com 1,900 20 Environmental consulting; industrial hygiene services; asbestos, lead-based paint, and mold surveys; asbestos and lead laboratory; due diligence services; EHS training.

15-20 chemtrack.net 15-20 Please check out our Statement of Qualifications at chemtrack.net/about_us.htm.

5 5

chilkatenvironmental.com | chilkat@chilkatenvironmental.com Contaminated sites, NEPA, wetlands and permitting, fisheries studies, project management, tribal environmental services and grant writing.

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COMPANY TOP EXECUTIVE

YEAR FOUNDED / ESTABLISHED IN ALASKA

WORLDWIDE / ALASKA EMPLOYEES

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION

Clearwater Air 1100 Merrill Field Dr. Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-274-1705

Andrew Harcombe, Pres.

2010 2010

20 20

clearwaterair.com | info@clearwaterair.com Clearwater Air provides aerial observation, imaging, and remote sensing in support of research, emergency response, and development projects.

Coldfoot Environmental Services 6670 Wes Way Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: 907-770-9936

Cuauhtemoc Rodriguez, Pres.

2001 2001

45 45

coldfootenv.com | cuauhtemoc@coldfootenv.com Hazardous waste removal, demolition.

Colville Pouch 340012 Prudhoe Bay, AK 99734 Phone: 907-659-3198

Dave Pfeifer, Pres./CEO

1981 1981

187 187

Colville’s group of oilfield companies provides a full complement of Arctic logistics capabilities. Our services include fuel, aviation, waste management, transport, industrial supply, and camp services.

Cook Inlet Regional Citizens Advisory Council 8195 Kenai Spur Highway Kenai, AK 99611 Phone: 907-283-7222

Michael Munger, Exec. Dir.

1990 1990

7 7

circac.org | circac@circac.org | CIRCAC | RCACCookInlet@CookRcac Congressionally mandated citizens oversight council promoting environmentally safe marine transportation and oil facility operations in Cook Inlet.

Cook Inlet Spill Prevention & Response 51377 Kenai Spur Hwy. Kenai, AK 99611 Phone: 907-776-5129

Todd Paxton, GM

1991 1991

30 30

cispri.org Provides oil-spill response services to member companies in the greater Cook Inlet area.

Registered with the US Coast Guard, (OSRO) and ADEC (PRAC).

CRW Engineering Group 3940 Arctic Blvd., Suite 300 Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: 907-562-3252

D. Michael Rabe, Mng. Principal

1981 1981

72 71

crweng.com | cevans@crweng.com | crwengineering Civil, environmental, structural, electrical, mechanical, and geotechnical engineering, surveying, permitting, aviation design, and construction management.

Linda F. Yarborough, CR Specialist

1975 1975

5 4

crcalaska.com | lfy@crcalaska.com Specialize in identifying, evaluating, and mitigating historic, archaeological, and traditional cultural property sites on private and public lands in Alaska; advises clients on cultural resource issues and assists them with complying with their obligations under federal and state laws.

DOWL 4041 B St. Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: 907-562-2000

Stewart Osgood, Pres./CEO

1962 1962

350 120

dowl.com | info@dowl.com | DOWLHKM | company/dowl-hkm DOWL is a multi-disciplined consulting firm that has been serving Alaska clients for more than 55 years. We offer a full suite of environmental services, including biological and cultural resource surveys, environmental impact assessment and documentation, agency consultations, and permitting.

Eagle Enterprises 5849 Old Seward Hwy Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: 907-562-2331

Shane Langland

1972 1972

20 20

eaglesafety.net Authorized service facility for Lumidor, Scott, and RAE systems; Bacrach and Sierra monitors. Sales and rental of gas-detection equipment and PIDs. USCG and FAA life raft service station. Full line of industrial safety equipment.

EHS-Alaska 11901 Business Blvd., Suite 208 Eagle River, AK 99577 Phone: 907-694-1383

Robert French, PE, PIC

1986 1986

5 5

ehs-alaska.com | ecloudy@ehs-alaska.com Our staff of engineers and project managers is skilled in hazmat design for building remodel and demolition projects. Asbestos, lead, PCB and other hazardous building materials identification. IAQ, welding fume, ventilation studies. MOA 3rd Party Plan Review and ICC and IFC Code Consulting.

Environmental Management 206 E. Fireweed Ln., Suite 201 Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: 907-272-9336

Larry Helgeson, Principal Eng.

1988 1988

22 22

emi-alaska.com | lhelgeson@emi-alaska.com | EMIAlaska Environmental and civil engineering, Phase I and Phase II ESAs, asbestos mgmt. and design, HUD lead paint activities, UST closure, SWPPPs, SPCCs, GIS mapping, & safety training. A team of dedicated professionals working to make Alaska cleaner and safer.

Thomas Beckman, Partner/Area Mgr.

1995 1995

Fairweather Science 301 Calista Ct. Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: 907-267-4611

Sheyna Wisdom, GM

2010 2010

9 9

GeoCHEM PO Box 143226 Anchorage, AK 99514-3226 Phone: 907-341-3272

Joseph Neubauer, CEO

1961 1982

5-6 5-6

Geosyntec Consultants 4101 Arctic Blvd., Suite 206 Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: 907-929-3326

Ben Martich, Principal

1983 2012

Glenn Air PO Box 1924 Palmer, AK 99645 Phone: 907-746-2585

Doug Glenn, Owner/Pres.

1988 1988

Cultural Resource Consultants 3504 E. 67th Ave. Anchorage, AK 99507 Phone: 907-349-3445

ERM Alaska 825 W. Eighth Ave. Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-258-4880

60

erm.com | ERMInsight | erminsight | company/erm 4,800 Full environmental consulting services including ecological sciences (assessment, permitting, restoration), site remediation (investigation, engineering, closure), air quality, 21 EHS management (systems, compliance, auditing, sustainability) and water resources (engineering, hydrology, wetlands, etc.). fairweathersciencellc.com | sheyna.wisdom@fairweather.com Fairweather Science provides a wide range of environmental support services to industries and agencies throughout Alaska. These services include remote sensing and data collection, marine research, logistics and permitting, safety supervision, and subcontractor management. geocheminc.com | jbauer@hgeocheminc.com Specialty products for civil construction and land protection including plant nutrient extraction, also destruction of unwanted plants.

geosyntec.com | GeosyntecConsultants Geosyntec | company/geosyntec-consultants 1,300 A specialized consultant for complex site assessment and remediation projects in Alaska 4 focusing on innovative technologies, data management, litigation support, and managing risk with collectively more than 30 years of experience in Alaska.

2 2

glennair@alaskan.com Aerial application service, bulk fuel hauling.

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YEAR FOUNDED / ESTABLISHED IN ALASKA

WORLDWIDE / ALASKA EMPLOYEES

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION

Golder Associates 2121 Abbott Rd., Suite 100 Anchorage, AK 99507 Phone: 907-344-6001

Mark Musial, Pncpl./Sr. Geotech Eng.

1960 1980

Green Star PO Box 212409 Anchorage, AK 99521-2409 Phone: 907-202-9611 dhuntman@akforum.org

Doug Huntman, Program Dir.

1996 1996

5 5

Green Star is a green business certification program that promotes environmental protections and technical assistance and recognizes Alaskan businesses that are committed to fully integrating pollution prevention and resource efficiency initiatives into their business plans and practices.

HDL Engineering Consultants 3335 Arctic Blvd., Suite 100 Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: 907-564-2120

David Lundin, Principal/Pres.

2000 2000

70 70

hdlalaska.com | info@hdlalaska.com | HDLEngineeringConsultants HDL’s Environmental Services Group provides environmental permitting, regulatory compliance, and public involvement services. Their environmental expertise includes wetlands delineation, Sections 6(f) and 4(f) evaluations, Phase I ESAs, noise analysis, and invasive species identification.

HDR 2525 C St., Suite 500 Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: 907-644-2000

Tim Gallagher, AK Area Mgr.

Comprehensive engineering services for transportation, water/wastewater, solid waste, 1917 10,000 power, mining, federal, private land, and oil & gas. A full suite of infrastructure services 1979 125 including environmental, planning, permitting, cultural resources, and public involvement.

10,000+ employees worldwide.

Chris Hoffman, Owner

2010 2010

Jeff Doyle, VP/GM AK Ops

jacobs.com | JacobsConnects | JacobsConnects | company/jacobs 1946 74,000 Global professional services leader serving the Alaska oil & gas, transportation, port and 1962 1,200 maritime, environmental, and water and wastewater markets with camp, equipment, infrastructure, scientific, engineering, fabrication, construction, operations, maintenance, and turnaround services.

Ben Kellie, CEO/Co-Founder

2015 2015

6 6

Bob Eubank, Pres./CEO

1999 1999

403 394

High Tide Environmental 180 E. Hygrade Ln. Wasilla, AK 99654 Phone: 907-354-3132 Jacobs 949 E. 36th Ave., Suite 500 Anchorage, AK 99508 Phone: 907-762-1500 K2 Dronotics 601 W. Fifth Ave., Floor 2 Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 844-425-3766 Kakivik Asset Management 5015 Business Park Blvd., Suite 4000 Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: 907-770-9400

5,100 Arctic and geotechnical engineering, groundwater resource development, environmental 30 sciences, and remedial investigation.

2 2

hightidealaska.com | Chris@hightidealaska.com We provide marine mammal observers during construction and environmental permitting in Alaska focused on endangered species and underwater noise impacts. We also gather underwater video to depths of 1,000 feet using our Remotely Operated Vehicle throughout Alaska and locations worldwide.

k2dronotics.com | info@k2dronotics.com | k2dronotics UAV (drone) data analysis, flight service, and training. Gathering and processing of LiDAR, RGB, multispectral, and thermal imaging; mapping and 3D modeling; site planning and logistics for remote projects; inspections and spill monitoring. Mission planning and staff training available. kakivik.com | info@kakivik.com Kakivik is a full service industrial asset integrity management company specializing in nondestructive testing (NDT), external and internal corrosion investigations, quality program management, and field chemical and corrosion management including chemical laboratory and coupon/probe operations.

WE DO THE DIRTY JOBS Full Service Environmental, Health and Safety, Civil Construction Professionals We have completed projects around the state, from the Aleutians to Barrow and nearly everywhere in between for private parties, commercial customers, local, state and federal government clients.

• Civil Construction • Safety Training • Site Investigation/Soil Remediation • Asbestos Abatement • Biohazard Cleaning • Hazardous Materials Assessment • OSHA, EPA, CSP, ASP, OHST, CHST Certifications

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Please visit our website for more information on projects we have completed

(907) 942-0927 I www.ecsak.com

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COMPANY TOP EXECUTIVE

YEAR FOUNDED / ESTABLISHED IN ALASKA

WORLDWIDE / ALASKA EMPLOYEES

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION

Kinnetic Laboratories 704 W. Second Ave. Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-276-6178

Mark Savoie, VP

1972 1979

30 5

kinneticlabs.com Offers environmental consulting and oceanography; marine monitoring for biological, chemical, physical and toxicological parameters; oceanographic and current modeling, including APDES permit and mixing zone applications; storm water evaluations; and sediment monitoring and vibracoring services.

Kuna Engineering 3111 C St., Suite 300 Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: 907-339-6500

Keith Guyer, Dir. Env. Sciences

1981 1981

50 50

kunaeng.com Professional consulting services for energy, water/environmental, development/facilities, surveying, transportation, and construction/program management.

Lifewater Engineering Company 1963 Donald Ave. Fairbanks, AK 99701 Phone: 907-458-7024

Bob Tsigonis, Pres./PE

1998 1998

9 9

LifewaterEngineering.com Custom fabrication of welded plastic tanks, boats, and other products including sewage treatment plants for man camps, homes, and lodges in the most extreme climates and remote places. For Rough Duty Boats, visit www.Class5Boatworks.com.

Michael L. Foster & Associates 13135 Old Glenn Hwy., Suite 200 Eagle River, AK 99577 Phone: 907-696-6200

Michael Foster, PE/Owner

1998 1998

20 20

Full service architectural/engineering firm providing planning, investigation, design, permitting, oil spill cleanup, environmental remediation, construction, and expert witness/ litigation support services. Experts in civil, geotechnical, and environmental design, and cold regions construction.

New Horizons Telecom 901 Cope Industrial Way Palmer, AK 99645 Phone: 907-761-6000

Leighton Lee, CEO

1978 1978

80 80

General, electrical, and engineering contractor with emphasis in telecommunications. Inhouse engineering, installation, and project management services for urban and remote communications facilities, OSP and ISP cabling as well as electrical and communications equipment installation and integration.

Peter Beardsley, Pres.

1979 1979

25 25

nortechengr.com A multi-disciplined, full service firm with registered professional engineers and certified industrial hygienists on staff providing environmental, engineering, contingency planning water/wastewater, energy, compliance, industrial hygiene, and health and safety professional services throughout Alaska.

Northern Land Use Research Alaska 725 Christensen Dr., Suite 4 Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-345-2457

Lindsay Simmons, GM

1991 1991

6 4

northernlanduse.com | lja@northernlanduse.com | northernlanduseresearchalaska National Historic Preservation Act Sec. 106 assessments; identification, evaluation, mitigation services-prehistoric/historic archaeology, historic architecture, cultural landscapes, and subsistence; documents for NEPA and permitting; regulatory compliance; consultation; ground-penetrating radar.

NRC Alaska 425 Outer Springer Lp. Palmer, AK 99645 Phone: 907-258-1558

Blake Hillis, Sr. VP NRC Alaska

2014 2014

Organic Incineration Technology PO Box 55878 North Pole, AK 99705 Phone: 907-488-4899

Mark Sanford, Pres.

1990 1990

Orion Marine Group 740 Bonanza Ave. Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: 907-561-9811

DS Hogan, Dir. Ops

1994 2012

Brent Porter, AK Area Mgr.

1985 1994

110 80

penco.org Pacific Environmental Corporation (PENCO) specializes in land and marine spill response, environmental cleanup and remediation, and marine vessel remediation. PENCO’s array of environmental services includes supplying teams of highly skilled spill response technicians for emergency response.

Pacific Pile & Marine 700 S. Riverside Dr. Seattle, WA 98108 Phone: 206-331-3873

Wil Clark, CEO

2008 2009

150 30

pacificpile.com | info@pacificpile.com Pacific Pile & Marine is a heavy civil marine contractor. Our portfolio includes waterfront structures such as marinas and breakwaters; dredging and capping; sheet pile shoring; cofferdams; rock sockets and anchors; drilling; marine demolition; driven and drilled pile; and a host of other services.

PDC Engineers 1028 Aurora Dr. Fairbanks, AK 99709 Phone: 907-452-1414

Matt Emerson, Pres.

1975 1975

100 99

pdceng.com PDC is an all-Alaskan multi-discipline firm with five offices across the state. We are aligned with four sectors - transportation, facilities, utilities, and Land development services, with civil, electrical, structural, mechanical, fire protection, and environmental engineers.

Polarconsult Alaska 1503 W. 33rd Ave., Suite 310 Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: 258-2420

Michael Dahl, Sr. Engineer

1979 1979

4 4

Provides civil and electrical engineering services, hydroelectric assessments and design.

Pollen Environmental 3536 International St. Fairbanks, AK 99701 Phone: 907-479-8368

Jerry Pollen, Pres.

2009 2009

3 3

pollenenv.com Pollen Environmental is an Alaskan-owned small business. We are proud to be a minority owned and woman owned enterprise, with analytical laboratories in Fairbanks and Prudhoe Bay. Both laboratories are ADEC certified. The Pollen family and staff have over 75 years of combined experience.

Quantum Spatial 2014 Merrill Field Dr. Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-272-4495

Adam McCullough, AK Bus. Dev. Dir.

1960 1960

436 24

Quantum Spatial’s comprehensive capabilities encompass the acquisition, analysis, integration, and management of geospatial data. We offer a diverse portfolio of advanced imaging and remote sensing technologies, backed by powerful modeling, visualization, and GIS tools.

NORTECH 2400 College Rd. Fairbanks, AK 99709-3754 Phone: 907-452-5688

Pacific Environmental Corp. (PENCO) 6000 A St. Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: 907-562-5420

62

Emergency spill response, hazardous/non-hazardous waste disposal, petroleum product 1,000 recycling, industrial cleaning services, vacuum truck services, automotive fluids recycling 100 and sales, environmentally friendly cleaners/degreasers, site clean-up and remediation.

Anchorage/Kenai/Prudhoe/Fairbanks.

15 15

oitinc.net | mark.sanford@oitinc.net Soil remediation, transportation, gravel, and fuel.

orionmarinegroup.com | dhogan@orionmarinegroup.com 2,397 110 Marine infrastructure and heavy civil and hydro dam construction, dredging, quarry operations and mining. Pile driving, breakwater construction.

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YEAR FOUNDED / ESTABLISHED IN ALASKA

WORLDWIDE / ALASKA EMPLOYEES

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION

Rain for Rent 53325 Henley Ave. Kenai, AK 99611 Phone: 907-283-4487

John Lake, CEO

1934 2002

rainforrent.com | rharris@rainforrent.com 1,700 Pump, tank, pipe, filtration solutions for environmental, construction and oilfield opera4 tions.

Remote Access Technology Intl 600 E. 57th Pl., Suite B Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: 907-569-5000

Steve Green, Div. Mgr. AK

1995 1995

acuren.com | sgreen@acuren.com 5,000 Our core services are Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), maintenance and full service asset 25 installation & repair in difficult to reach areas of facilities such as confined spaces and high access structures.

Resolve Marine Services Alaska 6231 Airpark Pl. Anchorage, AK 99502 Phone: 907-243-0069

Todd Duke, Mgr. AK Ops

1980 2013

750 50

resolvemarine.com | tduke@resolvemarine.com Marine salvage, emergency towing and vessel repair, commercial diving, oil spill response, charter aviation for passengers and cargo.

SDG 247 S. Alaska St. Palmer, AK 99645 Phone: 907-745-3500

Luanne Urfer, Principal/Owner

2009 2009

4 3

sdg-ak.com | luanneu@sdg-ak.com SDG is a woman-owned, small business design firm in Palmer offering innovative land architecture & environmental solutions. Using our specialized process, we create exceptional, high quality, efficient planning and development services integrating our work with cultural and sustainable design.

SGS North America 200 W. Potter Dr. Anchorage, AK 99518-1605 Phone: 907-562-2343

Chuck Homestead, GM

sgs.com/alaska 1964 95,000 Environmental services: Providing full-service environmental testing since 1964. The 1964 63 Alaska division has branches in Anchorage and Fairbanks. Extensive experience in DoD, oil industry, NPDES, and mining.

Chris Darrah, FBX Ofc. Mgr.

1954 1974

shannonwilson.com | info-fairbanks@shanwil.com 300+ Environmental site assessments; soil/water sampling; hazardous materials surveys; 32 regulatory compliance; remediation design; storm water management. Also geotechnical analysis/design; frozen ground engineering; earthquake analysis; AASHTO-accredited testing lab for soils, concrete, asphalt.

Shannon & Wilson 5430 Fairbanks St., Suite 3 Anchorage, AK 99518-1263 Phone: 907-561-2120

Matthew Hemry, VP/Anch. Office Mgr.

1954 1974

shannonwilson.com | info-anchorage@shanwil.com | ShannonAndWilson | ShanWil_Inc 300+ Shannon & Wilson provides environmental and geotechnical engineering from our offices in 62 Anchorage, Fairbanks, Palmer, the Lower 48. Services include geotechnical analysis/design; frozen ground engineering; environmental compliance, assessments/remediation; earthquake analysis; and other services.

SLR International Corporation 2700 Gambell St., Suite 200 Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: 907-222-1112

Brian Hoefler, AK Mgr.

2000 2001

slrconsulting.com | company/65406 1,200 Air permitting and measurements, acoustics, project permitting, environmental compli65 ance, site investigation, water treatment, remediation, risk assessment, and oil spill contingency planning.

Shannon & Wilson 2355 Hill Rd. Fairbanks, AK 99709-5326 Phone: 907-479-0600

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.

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

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Stantec 725 E. Fireweed Ln., Suite 200 Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: 907-276-4245

YEAR FOUNDED / ESTABLISHED IN ALASKA

Gord Johnston, Pres./CEO

WORLDWIDE / ALASKA EMPLOYEES

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION

stantec.com | StantecInc | Stantec | company/stantec 1954 22,000 At Stantec we always design with community in mind. We care about the communities we 1972 86 serve—because they’re our communities too. We’re designers, engineers, scientists, and project managers, innovating together at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships.

Talarik Research and Restoration Services 301 Calista Court, Suite 101 Greg DuBois, GM Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: 907-274-2433

2015 2015

20 20

alaskapeninsulacorp.com | gdubois@apcservicesllc.com Environmental projects primarily for remediation of contaminated sites and restoration of impacted lands and streams from industrial activities.

TELLUS, Ltd. 2416 Loussac Dr. Anchorage, AK 99517-1148 Phone: 907-248-8055

1997 1997

1 1

Project management, environmental assessment and compliance, corrective action programs.

Travis/Peterson Environmental Consulting 3305 Arctic Blvd., Suite 102 Michael Travis, Principal Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: 907-224-337

1998 1998

10 10

tpeci.com | mtravis@tpeci.com Storm water management, environmental site assessments (phases I and II), LUST remediation, hazardous material management, facility compliance audits, engineering analysis and design, field sampling, surface water/groundwater evaluations, NEPA, and wetlands delineations.

Trihydro Corporation 312 Tyee St. Soldotna, AK 99669 Phone: 907-262-2315

Jack Bedessem, Pres./CEO

1984 2015

420 8

trihydro.com | information@trihydro.com | Trihydro Trihydro | company/trihydro-corporation Trihydro specializes in strategic project implementation, air quality & process management, engineering & surveying, environmental, water resources, and IT consulting. We serve: petroleum, federal & state, mining & natural resources, industrial & commercial, and infrastructure.

TTT Environmental Instruments & Supplies 4201 B St. Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: 907-770-9041

Deborah Tompkins, Owner

2003 2003

11 9

tttenviro.com | info@tttenviro.com Portable gas detection, health and safety monitoring, environmental equipment. Rentals, sales, service, and supplies. Warranty center. Alaskan-owned small business.

Tutka 2485 E. Zak Cir., Suite A Wasilla, AK 99654 Phone: 907-357-2238

Amie Sommer, Member

1999 1999

30 30

tutkallc.com | amie@tutkallc.com General contractor (roads, bridges, culverts, site work), environmental cleanup and consulting. WBE/DBE, WOSB/EDWOSB, HUBZone.

UMIAQ Environmental 6700 Arctic Spur Rd. Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: 907-677-8220

Terri Mitchell, GM

2016 2016

10 10

UMIAQ Environmental services include natural resource management, permitting, regulatory compliance support, stakeholder relations, spill response planning, and contaminated site clean-up.

Waste Management National Services 1519 Ship Ave. Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-274-0477

Mike Holzschuh, Sr. Territory Mgr.

Hazardous and nonhazardous waste disposal, project management, complete logistical 1971 ~43,000 oversight, complete US and Canadian manifesting, rail transportation, over-the-road 1971 7 transportation, marine transportation, and turnkey remedial services.

Scott Erdmann, Pres./Prof. Geologist

RECYCLING SERVICES

COMPANY TOP EXECUTIVE

Alaska Car Crushing and Recycling PO Box 875188 Wasilla, AK 99687 Phone: 907-357-5865

YEAR FOUNDED / ESTABLISHED IN ALASKA

WORLDWIDE / ALASKA EMPLOYEES

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION

Recycling of all kinds of scrap metal including appliances, junk vehicles, batteries, copper, aluminum and cats. We are a full service company; we have a fleet of tow trucks picking up cars and trucks; we have a baler; we are fully licensed and insured.

Gary Jacobsen, Owner

1998 1998

7 7

Alaska Soil Recycling 1040 O’Malley Rd. Anchorage, AK 99515 Phone: 907-348-6700

Brad Quade, Mgr.

1988 1988

125 125

Alaska Waste 6301 Rosewood St. Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: 907-563-3717

Craig Gales, Sales Mgr.

alaskawaste.com 1968 16,000 We are a refuse & recycling company that provides residential and commercial services 2003 275 throughout Alaska. We have a variety of containers to better serve our customers; check us out on our website.

Bin There Dump That PO Box 241311 Anchorage, AK 99524 Phone: 907-947-2844

Wade Kleven, Pres.

2013 2013

4 4

Provides waste bins for residential construction, roofing, and other projects. The bins are dropped off and picked up by a uniformed driver who will even sweep before leaving. Four bin sizes available to fit the specific project.

Dennis Wilfer, Pres.

1992 1992

50 50

crrecycle.com | lindsayj@crpipe.net | crrecycling Full-service metal recycling center serving Alaska’s Interior and surrounding areas for more than 20 years. Largest buyer of non-ferrous metals in the Interior. Ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal processor servicing industrial, commercial, and individuals throughout Alaska.

Stuart Jacques, Pres.

2009 2009

30 25

centralrecyclingsevices.com | crs@crs-alaska.com Scrap metal and inert debris recycling facility. Accepts separated and mixed loads of recyclable debris including wood, plastic, metals, concrete, asphalt, cardboard, tires, sheetrock, etc. Waste Management Plans and LEED consulting. Sales of salvaged and recycled building materials.

C & R Metal Recycling 401 E. Van Horn Rd. Fairbanks, AK 99701 Phone: 907-452-4417 Central Recycling Services 2400 Railroad Ave. Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-748-7400

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anchsand.com Remediation of petroleum-impacted soils by thermal desorption. Our process is capable of off-site and onsite remediation projects. Results are quick and guaranteed. Soils are recycled into beneficial products after treatment, thereby complying with green and sustainable recycling (GSR) practices.

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YEAR FOUNDED / ESTABLISHED IN ALASKA

WORLDWIDE / ALASKA EMPLOYEES

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION

Chena Power PO Box 58740 Fairbanks, AK 99711 Phone: 907-488-1505

Bernie Karl, Pres./Owner

1984 1984

35 35

chenapower.com Recycling centers (wholesale); municipal recycling programs; large facility recycling programs.

Green Star of Interior Alaska PO Box 82391 Fairbanks, AK 99708 Phone: 907-452-4152

Claire Stuyck, Exec. Dir.

1998 1998

3 3

Green Star provides recycling bins and coordinates volunteers to collect recyclables at special events, publishes and distributes the Fairbanks Recycling Guide annually, and offers waste reduction and recycling education and outreach to our community.

NRC Alaska 425 Outer Springer Lp. Palmer, AK 99645 Phone: 907-258-1558

Blake Hillis, Sr. VP NRC Alaska

2014 2014

Recycling Solutions of Alaska PO Box 110015 Anchorage, AK 99516 Phone: 907-242-9587

Sarah Robinson, Owner

2008 2008

1 1

Rsalaska.net | Sarah@rsalaska.net We provide office, business, and residential recycling services. Paper, cardboard, aluminum, glass, electronics, and more. We also recycle office furniture.

Shred Alaska 405 E. Dimond Blvd.

Anchorage, AK 99515 Phone: 907-929-1154

Clint Reed

2000 2000

14 14

shredalaska.com | info@shredalaska.com | shredalaskainc Onsite and drop-off document shredding and hard drive shredding services to all customers throughout Southcentral Alaska.

Total Reclaim Environmental Services 12050 Industry Way, Unit 10 Anchorage, AK 99515 Phone: 907-561-0544

Gary Smith, AK Branch Mgr.

1991 2005

150 5

Recycler for electronics, fluorescent lights, household batteries, and refrigerants. Community resource regarding information on recycling matters. Also non-ferrous metal buyer.

Valley Community For Recycling Solutions PO Box 876464 Mollie Boyer, Exec. Dir. Wasilla, AK 99687 Phone: 907-745-5544

1998 1998

8 8

valleyrecycling.org VCRS operates a community recycling center receiving and processing material kept out of the landfill into bales/feedstock to make new products. We provide education via field trips, curriculum kits and outreach to our community for people of all ages to learn how recycled resources rise again and again.

WN Recyclers PO Box 82193 Fairbanks, AK 99708 Phone: 907-488-4582

1985 1985

1 1

wnalaska@mosquitonet.com Recycling copper and brass.

Nancy Castle, Owner

Emergency spill response, hazardous/non-hazardous waste disposal, petroleum product 1,000 recycling, industrial cleaning services, vacuum truck services, automotive fluids recycling 100 and sales, environmentally friendly cleaners/degreasers, site clean-up and remediation.

Anchorage/Kenai/Prudhoe/Fairbanks.

Big Firm Experience.

Small Firm Approach Approach..

We’ll give you the personal attention only a small firm can provide.

Alaska’s largest locally owned and operated CPA Firm Audit, Review and Compilation Tax Consulting & Preparation Management Consulting Election & Tabulation Services

Anchorage I Juneau I Soldotna www.akbizmag.com

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www.altrogco.com August 2018 | Alaska Business

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIAL SECTION | ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DIRECTORY

COMPANY TOP EXECUTIVE

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SPECIAL SECTION

Environmental

O’Hara Shipe

Will Young (left) and Donald Forestner (right) of Central Recycling Services sweep up debris at the Central Recycling Services recycling facility.

Alaska’s Unnatural Resources Recycled and reused materials in construction

By O’Hara Shipe

C

onstruction projects can have a significant impact on the environment. To illustrate, it is estimated that the global cement industry contributes approximately 5 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions.

During the three-step production process required to create cement, combined minerals are crushed into three-inch pebbles before being sent to a kiln heated to 1,500 degrees Celsius (it is during this process that harmful carbon dioxides are released). The resulting material is called clinker. Once the clinker is cooled, it is ground into a super-fine powder and mixed with either gypsum to produce

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Portland cement or lime to produce masonry cement.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, the United States is the world’s third largest cement producer, with production occurring in thirty-seven states.

Alaska is one of nine states equipped to grind finished clinker into usable concrete or cement.

Cement Is Necessary, Environmental Contamination Isn’t Because cement is essential to the production of concrete, a primary building material for the construction industry, ceasing concrete production isn’t a solution. Instead, many environmentally-minded individuals and businesses search for ways to reduce waste or repurpose already manufactured products.

Recognizing the potential to reuse concrete as a building aggregate, Alaska’s Central Recycling Services (CRS) and sister company Central Environmental Inc. (CEI) combined

forces to offer grinding services to local contractors. The result is an aggregate that can be used for a variety of projects. Smaller pieces of concrete can be used as gravel for new construction projects. Sub-base gravel can be laid down as a base for fresh concrete or asphalt. Uncontaminated recycled concrete can also be crushed and used as dry aggregate for brand new concrete. Finally, wellgraded concrete can be provided as a substitute for landscaping stone or mulch.

CRS’s founders have been working in construction and demolition for the past twenty-five years, but according to Civil and Environmental Engineer Donna Mears, the company itself has been in operation for the past decade.

“About ten years ago we demolished Clark Middle School, and the Anchorage School District and the architect requested that we do material recycling to meet LEED standards. Recycled asphalt, pavement, and

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concrete crushing is something that happens a lot, so we’re not the only game in town for that, but we have pivoted to be able to process a variety of different materials,” Mears says.

Much of CRS’s work is repurposing concrete from CEI demolition projects, but they also focus on exploring potential uses for recycled glass, metal, and tires.

“The recycled glass is our success story because there was a use for it and it was supported by the municipality. Once a new material is proven as successful people kind of say, ‘Oh okay, maybe I will give it a try,’ and you end up getting attention for it. That’s when things really take off,” says Mears.

One early adopter of using recycled glass in new construction is Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility (AWWU). In the fall of 2017, AWWU undertook a major construction project to remove 4,000 feet of 1965 vintage ten-inch cast iron pipe and replace it with updated sixteen-inch PVC pipe between Northern Lights Boulevard and Bragaw Street in Anchorage. The project required a new bedding material to encase the updated pipes. In lieu of traditional Class E bedding material, which is primarily made of sand, AWWU partnered with Solid Waste Services and Southcentral Construction to use reclaimed glass produced by CRS. The AWWU project used glass from residential drop-offs to the CRS facility, but Mears hopes that as demand increases for glass aggregate, local businesses will contribute by providing glass for recycling.

“Right now, all [of the glass we have onsite] is residential drop-offs, but we are starting to get enough demand for the finished product to start increasing the material coming in on the commercial end,” Mears says. “The fee to drop off glass at CRS will be less than it is to take it to the central transfer station or to the landfill. But businesses will have to leverage the lower fee against pick-up costs to get a sense for cost effectiveness.”

Mears believes that if a business has multiple dumpster pickups each week and some of the dumpsters are only filled with recycled materials that cost less to be picked up, the cost effectiveness for businesses to recycle increases. Creating aggregate in an Anchorage location also cuts costs for contractors who would otherwise face trucking and material fees from outside vendors.

Located one mile from the CRS main Anchorage processing plant is their smaller metal yard. At this location, CRS can accept everything from steel, iron, and batteries to electronics and vehicles. Waste from this location is culled to be sold locally for reuse www.akbizmag.com

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Providing solutions for Alaska’s environmental engineering, construction, health & safety, and training needs since 1988

(907) 272-9336 EMI-Alaska.com

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, INC.

Consulting, Engineering & Training

Where Engineering Meets the Environment.

AGC Excellence in Construction Award 2017 for Meeting the Challenge of a Job Between $3-$8 million

Specializing in: • Bridges • Roads • Site Work • Environmental Cleanup

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIAL SECTION | INDUSTRIAL RECYCLING

Creating aggregate in an Anchorage location cuts down costs for contractors who would otherwise face trucking and material fees from outside vendors.

(907) 357-2238 | www.tutkallc.com SBA Certified HUBZone & EDWOSB/WOSB • DBE August 2018 | Alaska Business

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ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIAL SECTION | INDUSTRIAL RECYCLING

Workers add debris to an unsorted pile of materials awaiting processing at Central Recycling Services’ recycling facility.

O’Hara Shipe

or processed by onsite machinery to be sold out of state. The yard’s location near the railroad makes transportation of materials both affordable and possible.

When the Rubber Hits the Road Although CRS has successfully located markets for their aggregates and metal products, they have another innovative recycled material they hope to establish a market for—tires.

“There was a company in the late ‘90s— Alaska Tire Recycling out in the Valley—that [had the equipment] and were making crumb rubber, hoping to use it on highway projects.

It didn’t pan out, so they started making rubber shred for playgrounds and mats. In a lot of ways, I think maybe they were ahead of their time,” says Mears.

When CRS saw the potential for repurposing tires, they initially envisioned following in the footsteps of Alaska Tire Recycling and tried making shreds. They quickly realized that the twelve-inch threads of their industrial shredders were too large to process smaller tires into useable rubber chunks. Rather than abandon the enterprise, CRS discovered that by compressing the tires into large tire bales, they could craft non-frost susceptible fill for road construction.

“We have a monofill facility up in Salcha, and it was a little mucky, so we excavated the native material and placed the tire bales down as a driving surface. Since they are free draining and not susceptible to frost, they worked like a charm,” says Mears.

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“The recycled glass is our success story because there was a use for it and it was supported by the municipality. Once a new material is proven as successful people kind of say, ‘Oh okay, maybe I will give it a try,’ and you end up getting attention for it. That’s when things really take off.”

Donna Mears, Engineer, CRS

The tire bales, which measure approximately three by five by five feet and weigh between 1,750 pounds and 2,300 pounds, also have the potential to serve as temporary road structures linking oil rigs. Mears believes that the portability, endurance, and temporary nature of tire bale roads could be an asset to the Alaska oil industry.

“We’ve had some inquiries about using them on more remote exploration projects that are required to return sites to their natural conditions. So, if you bring in aggregate roads then you need to take those aggregate roads back out again. If you have a tire belt road, you lay the tire belt and then you can take them back out again and use them on another project,” she says.

At this time CRS is not actively working on a project, but Mears is quick to add that if the demand is there, CRS will likely jump on the opportunity. Until the demand for tire bale roads is established, CRS will continue to use their tire bales onsite for everything from retainer walls to gabions.

Although Alaska is slowly beginning to

incorporate the use of recycled materials in construction projects, there are factors that limit the viability of using such products: each item requires an immense amount of raw materials to produce (for example, it takes sixty to eighty tires to make one tire bale); the Alaska construction season is so truncated that is difficult to convince contractors to take a risk on a material that has not already been used successfully; and continued innovation depends on market demand.

“I wish I had a recipe book to make everything as successful as our glass aggregate has been. [In Alaska] we seem to stumble around with it more than we should, and it’s a little hard when you’re doing something cool and wondering why everybody can’t see the same potential you see, but sometimes it just takes a while for something to catch on,” says Mears.

R

O’Hara Shipe is a freelance writer in Anchorage.

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SPECIAL SECTION

Environmental

Transforming Trash to Treasure

Goodwill Industries of Alaska

Donors can drop off their goods at either of Goodwill’s attended donation centers in Anchorage.

Alaska nonprofits divert ‘trash’ from landfills

By Vanessa Orr

O

ne of the most noble goals of three Alaska nonprofits—Habitat for Humanity Anchorage, Anchorage re:MADE, and Goodwill—is to help people get back on their feet by providing access to homes, job training, networking opportunities, and more. What people may not realize, however, is that they are able to fund many of these programs by also helping the environment.

Habitat Anchorage ReStore Habitat for Humanity Anchorage, for example, raises money through Habitat Anchorage ReStore, which opened in 2006. All of the items they carry are donated and then resold at big savings to customers.

“The items that we receive come from small local businesses, large corporations, 70

and people who finish projects and have leftover materials,” says Norman Beasley, general manager of Habitat Anchorage ReStore, adding that donors include Grainger, Carlile, Lowe’s, and Target, as well as hotels, real estate agents, landlords, personal contractors, and homeowners. “Things go full circle here; materials that were once in a high-society home may now be decorating the house of a student.”

ReStore accepts almost any type of donation, though they are best known for the construction materials they carry. “Contractors like us because we get in commercial materials, like scaffolding joists, that they can’t get anywhere else for the same price,” says Beasley. “But we also carry personal items that people can use to dress up areas in their homes, sheds, or garages.”

“While our niche is building materials, we do want to open up our offerings to the broader community, so we’re looking at carrying more furniture and home décor,” agrees Erika Shedlarski, development director. “We work

with what comes in—we even partnered with a company that gave us shoes at one point.”

While ReStore is great for those looking for a bargain, the shop is even better for the environment. According to Beasley, roughly 36 tons of metal is recycled each year, keeping it out of the landfill. “For example, we accept refrigerators, and if they’re damaged, we give them to a company that recycles Freon and the materials inside the fridge,” he explains. “We probably get ten to fifteen refrigerators a month that we keep from going into the landfill.”

ReStore promotes recycling, repurposing, and reselling and tries to use everything they receive. “I tell my staff to say ‘no’ as a lastditch effort,” says Beasley. “We have customers who repurpose pallets as tables or wall surfaces and who recycle pipes and metal pieces into yard art or to make machinery.

We had a guy make a wrench out of metal he bought from us.”

If donated materials are of good quality, ReStore sells them to raise money that goes toward Habitat for Humanity’s mission,

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Anchorage re:MADE In 2015, Patti Buist started Anchorage re:MADE with the idea of rescuing items that were going into the landfill. The nonprofit has since partnered with other organizations to direct surplus items to people who need such items the most.

“We rescue items, redirect them to organizations that can use them, sell some items, and upcycle the rest,” says Community Networker Jill Kaniut.

On Tuesdays and Saturdays, volunteers from Anchorage re:MADE travel to the midtown transfer station to collect objects that are headed for the Anchorage Regional Landfill. “People can drop things off, and we’ll take them instead of them getting thrown away,” says Kaniut. “We repurpose a few things onsite, but the majority of things come back to the store.”

In October 2017, Anchorage re:MADE moved into its own building after previously working in borrowed space. The building includes a household section, clothing areas, commercial kitchen, and more. The organization also offers classes—available to the public— teaching participants everything from sushi-making basics to furniture painting.

“There are a lot of different things going on in one space,” says Kaniut.

Items that are sellable are put on the floor, and many are repurposed by volunteers. “We’re kind of a collaborative artists’ space,” says Kaniut of the all-volunteer organization. “We may paint or add pallets to mirrors or change In addition to construction materials, ReStore also offers various household goods.

ReStore recycles roughly thirty-six tons of metal each year in addition to other materials, keeping these items out of the landfill.

Habitat for Humanity Anchorage

cabinet doors into shelving. We also do a lot with clothes, making jackets into vests, jeans into shorts or capris, or dresses into shirts.”

The organization receives a lot of casement items, including wood chairs, desks, and file cabinets, as well as clothing. “We always collect shoes because we’re working to fill a Conex to send to Latin America as part of a ReSole program grant,” says Kaniut. “We also have a whole craft room at the store where we resell items for scrapbooking, as well as fabric and skeins of yarn.”

Every third Saturday of the month, the nonprofit hosts re:MADE Market in the parking lot, which brings together vendors, makers, and even those with garage sale-type items to find new homes for their goods. Food is provided in the nonprofit’s café and coffee bar.

While many businesses’ bottom line is to make money, Kaniut says that Anchorage re:MADE’s purpose is three-fold. “We have a financial, environmental, and social bottom line,” she explains. “We want to raise enough money to buy the building and keep the lights on, as well as to offer micro-grants and small business training.

“We also partner with thirty-eight organizations in Anchorage to keep things out of the landfill—last year, we rescued 15,000 pounds of goods,” she continues. “The social piece includes providing a platform for relationships, networking, and mentoring.”

Anchorage re:MADE works with numerous groups, including hospice, which sends volunteers every week, and church youth groups who transport furniture to families in need. Other groups include Alaska Medical Missions, the Municipality of Anchorage, the Salvation Army, Total Reclaim, and the Department of Art at the University of Alaska Anchorage.

“In the future, we’re hoping to work with Priceless and Chosen, which works with sex trafficking victims to teach their clients new life skills,” says Kaniut, adding that the organization is always looking for volunteers and

hosts a monthly lunch and overview for those who might want to become involved.

“I think the one thing that people love most about us is that we give their unused goods to organizations that meet tangible needs—that what they give us has a purpose,” says Kaniut.

“It’s not just thrown away.”

Goodwill Industries of Alaska According to Libby Steffen-Schafermeyer, spokesperson for Goodwill Industries of Alaska, the country’s leading workforce development nonprofit promotes conscious consumerism by encouraging reducing, reusing, and recycling.

“Goodwill is your best bet for reusing things you no longer need or want,” says Steffen-Schafermeyer, adding that Goodwill’s local donation centers stand ready to receive clothes, toys, furniture, electronics, and other items. “By donating to Goodwill, you know those items will be reused by someone else, rather than having them clog up the nation’s landfills.

“When individuals donate gently used merchandise to Goodwill, they also help put people to work,” she adds.

The Anchorage Goodwill, which opened in 2016, accepts clothing, purses, backpacks, shoes and accessories, furniture, toys, sports and camping equipment, dishes, flatware, pots and pans, toasters, blenders, electric skillets, televisions, cameras, and more.

“Revenue raised through the sale of donated goods creates employment opportunities and important social services that can help transform someone’s life, and it’s all done through the simple act of cleaning out a closet,” says Steffen-Schafermeyer.

Every donation at Goodwill Industries provides onsite training, access to computers for job search assistance, employment placement and job training, and other communitybased services such as career counseling, financial education, industry-recognized credentials, and résumé preparation all with the goal of helping those facing challenges finding employment. Last year, more than 1,100 people connected with jobs or earned employment through Goodwill’s Job Connections services in Anchorage.

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ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIAL SECTION | NONPROFITS

which is to build and maintain affordable housing for families in the community. According to Habitat for Humanity Anchorage’s website, the store has raised more than $350,000 toward this goal. Since 1992, Habitat for Humanity has built or rehabbed 104 homes in the Anchorage area alone.

“People think we give homes away, but that’s not true,” says Shedlarski. “Habitat families buy the home and pay affordable monthly payments and also provide up to 600 hours of sweat equity, helping to build their own homes. They need to qualify for the program, which includes having good or repairable credit, an income, and demonstrated need.

“It’s really wonderful to know that we’re helping kids grow up in safe homes,” says Shedlarski of Habitat for Humanity’s multigenerational impact. “Our primary goal is to build hope and homes and to change lives, and Habitat ReStore helps us to do that.”

Habitat for Humanity Anchorage

Vanessa Orr is a freelance writer and former editor of the Capital City Weekly in Juneau. www.akbizmag.com

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OIL & GAS

Oil Search Expands from the Tropics to the Arctic

Broadens portfolio, builds Anchorage-based team

By Isaac Stone Simonelli

A

t first glance, it’s hard to imagine why Papua New Guinea-based Oil Search decided to venture into the Arctic after almost ninety years in the tropics. Their acquired assets, which they took operatorship of in March, include a 25.5 percent interest in the Pikka Unit and adjacent exploration acreage and a 37.5 percent interest in the Horseshoe Block. These leases contain the Nanushuk field, thought to be one of the largest onshore conventional oil discoveries made in the United States in the last three decades.

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It could seem that oil and natural gas development in the jungles of the island nation of Papua New Guinea (PNG) are as far removed as possible from the North Slope.

However Ann Diamant, general manager of investor relations and communications at Oil Search, points out that Oil Search’s expertise operating in remote and challenging environments, combined with its ability to establish strong ties to local communities impacted by their work, has placed the company in a prime position to successfully operate the company’s newly-acquired Alaska assets.

Oil Search is also building a highly-experienced Alaska operational and technical team based in Anchorage.

“In PNG we operate in extremely remote areas requiring detailed planning, logistics, and a focus on community engagement. We have also operated safely and efficiently throughout

the Middle East in a variety of environments,” Diamant says. “Oil Search is focused on working closely with local communities and maximizing cooperation with other operators, and we see lots of opportunities to utilize these skills in Alaska.”

Working in Nuiqsut Oil Search is currently in discussions with local community entities in Nuiqsut closest to the company’s areas of interest. To gain a better understanding of North Slope indigenous communities and to showcase its PNG activities, Oil Search brought four members of Arctic Slope Regional Corporation to PNG, providing a first-hand look at how the company works with local communities and what services it provides.

“The way that we work in PNG,” Diamant says, “is that we want to do things that are

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Oil Search, based in Papua New Guinea and new to Alaska, has a long history of building partnerships with local communities, businesses, and other organizations, a legacy it plans to continue as it explores oil potential on the North Slope.

Global Reach,

Arctic Roots

Armstrong

NANA’s Iñupiaq values are rooted in commitment and cooperation, skills necessary to be a successful Hunter. This spirit defines our diversified businesses and partnerships around the world.

“In relation to our activities on the North Slope, the team in Alaska will work closely with the local community to build long-term relationships and ensure that any activity in the region is conducted in a way that minimizes environmental and social impacts to the community.”

NANA.com | P.O. Box 49, Kotzebue, Alaska 99752 | 800.478.3301

—Ann Diamant, General Manager, Investor Relations and Communications, Oil Search

www.akbizmag.com

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mutually beneficial for both the company and local people. Most of our staff is recruited from local villages or the province—83 percent of our workforce in PNG is [comprised of] PNG nationals—and we are actively involved in local business development. In our operated oil assets, our core services—such as transport, catering, and security—are all provided by local companies that Oil Search has helped set up and/or mentored. We want to make sure that our oil and gas activities benefit all stakeholders and are making life better for people in PNG. And, of course, we have to work closely with local regulators.”

As well as employment opportunities, Oil Search gives back to the country through a range of social programs, operated by the nonprofit Oil Search Foundation, which is dedicated to improving the lives of Papua New Guineans. Aside from the government, it is one of the largest providers of health and welfare programs for the country.

The wholly-owned, nonprofit foundation, which is primarily supported by Oil Search but also receives donor funds from a range of government and non-government organizations, focuses on health, leadership, education, and women’s protection and empowerment, aligning its work with the nation’s own development priorities and social objectives.

“In relation to our activities on the North Slope, the team in Alaska will work closely with the local community to build long-term relationships and ensure that any activity in the region is conducted in a way that minimizes environmental and social impacts to the community,” says Diamant. Oil Search has spent the first few months since taking on operatorship in March talking to the local community and other operators to develop longterm plans. These discussions are still in the early stages, and plans to support sustainable development and opportunity creation initiatives will be developed in close consultation with the community over the coming months.

Potential impacts, however, continue to be a concern for some in the Nuiqsut community according to records from public meetings, reports Alaska Public Media.

Oil Search staff are reviewing comments from the community and key stakeholders from previous public meetings and will work with the community to identify solutions and mitigations, Diamant says.

Balancing a Portfolio The assets Oil Search acquired cost $400 million. Oil Search’s analysis to support their acquisition suggests that the Nanushuk field and satellite fields contain around 500 million barrels (gross) recoverable oil. However, their joint venture partner, Repsol, estimates that there are more than 1 billion barrels.

Diamant notes that the area requires some additional appraisal drilling (which is planned for next year) to confirm the size of the field, which has also recently been tested by the Putu and Stony Hills wells drilled by ConocoPhillips earlier this year.

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Oil Search has entered into a cooperative agreement with Halliburton, which will provide resources and capability to supplement Oil Search’s technical and operating skills on the ground in Alaska.

Armstrong

that is less exposed to one single commodity and one country,” Oil Search Managing Director Peter Botten says. “The key challenge has been to achieve this without diluting the company’s world class, high-returning PNG assets. Utilizing our existing relationships, this

Alaska North Slope opportunity has been proactively pursued and an agreement structured to the benefit of all parties.”

Alaska is not the company’s first departure from PNG, as it did have some oil interests in the Middle East. While the company discov-

ered oil in Yemen, Egypt, and Kurdistan, the assets did not contain the same potential that the company sees in Alaska and were divested.

“The Alaskan interests acquired provide a unique opportunity for Oil Search to participate in a world class, high returning, proven

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oil province that can add material value to the company. Oil Search is also focused on establishing a quality joint venture focused on delivering full value from the assets. The option to acquire the remaining equity in the Nanushuk oil discovery and adjacent areas from Armstrong also allows us to increase our interest once appraisal drilling has taken place, as well introducing a strategic third party to create further value at the appropriate time,” Botten says.

The company’s desire to add oil interests to balance its portfolio is derived from having interests in a world-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in PNG, with plans to double LNG capacity through a major expansion.

“We have a 29 percent interest in a worldclass LNG project in PNG, operated by ExxonMobil PNG Limited. The project, which came on stream in 2014, has been a huge success— the project produced at rates 20 percent above nameplate capacity in 2017 and has put PNG on the world map as a reliable supplier of high quality gas. The country is very prospective for gas and we’ve discovered very substantial additional gas resources,” Diamant says.

In addition to the expansion of the existing PNG LNG project, Oil Search and ExxonMobil are also working with France-based Total; the two joint venture groups work cooperatively to develop new liquefaction capacity.

The need to include additional oil assets makes sense because LNG projects can take many years to bring online while oil projects are quicker to market. The diversification—

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Oil Search's substantial potential of the newly acquired Alaska assets will be tested through a comprehensive exploration and appraisal program starting in early 2019.

Armstrong

both by region and commodity—will also help protect the company from potentially volatile markets.

Striking a Deal with Options After more than five years searching for the

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right assets to balance its portfolio, in 2017 Oil Search got wind from one of its partners in PNG that Bill Armstrong was potentially looking at selling down or selling out some interest in Alaska.

“After a lot of analysis and discussion with

Armstrong, we were confident that the quality of the assets, combined with Oil Search’s operating capability in challenging environments and our focus on community relations, made these assets a compelling case,” Diamant says.

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“Timing is everything on these things. When we negotiated the purchase, the oil price had taken a bit of a dip, so the oil price represented in the transaction is a little lower than it is now.”

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—Ann Diamant, General Manager, Investor Relations and Communications, Oil Search

The assets were purchased from privatelyowned companies Armstrong Energy and GMT Exploration Company. And the timing could not have been better, with the transaction completed in early 2018.

“Timing is everything on these things,” Diamant says. “When we negotiated the purchase, the oil price had taken a bit of a dip, so the oil price represented in the transaction is a little lower than it is now.”

Oil prices have climbed back to more than $70 a barrel this year. Oil Search notes that even in this favorable environment, the $400 million transaction is still a fair price for everyone involved. In addition to climbing oil prices, Oil Search has benefited significantly from the unexpected tax reform pushed through by the Trump Administration, which reduced corporate tax rates.

Nonetheless, because the assets are not yet proven, Oil Search took a conservative stance on the deal while booking an option at a set price: $450 million for acquiring additional interests.

The option, exercisable at Oil Search’s discretion until June 30, 2019, allows the company to purchase the remaining Armstrong and GMT interest in the Pikka Unit and the Horseshoe Block (25.5 percent and 37.5 percent respectively), as well as an additional 25.5 percent interest in the adjacent exploration acreage and 37.5 percent in the Hue Shale.

Though there appears to be a great deal of potential with the assets and despite the favorable timing, Oil Search was hesitant to plunge all the way into the Arctic cold on the North Slope.

“We were excited by the potential, but we are new to Alaska. We wanted to put our toe in the water and get a really good look at what we’re acquiring before we took the next step,” Diamant says.

Additionally, the partnership with a proficient, proven explorer, such as Armstrong, has benefits for Oil Search. “We have a strong relationship with Bill Armstrong and his team. It’s an excellent partnership, as Bill and his team are proven explorers, while we’ve got more financial strength, skills, and expertise in partnering with local communities and landowners and are currently building an integrated Anchorage-based team to develop these assets,” Diamant says.

Building a Team Given the mountains, lack of infrastructure, and remote nature of operating in PNG, as

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well as a short exploration season of about six months a year, Oil Search isn’t at a complete loss for how to operate on the North Slope.

“Logistics and operating in very remote areas is something we’ve been doing very well for decades, and we operate on behalf of some of the world’s major oil companies. However, in terms of operating in Alaska, we are complementing our existing skills of operating in challenging environments with the selection of quality technical, operational, and environmental specialists with many years of proven Alaskan experience with the existing majors operating in the state. We have been very pleased by the quality of the people wanting to work on this exciting project and we are developing a truly quality team,” Diamant says. “While we initially brought a team in from Oil Search to ensure we have the right culture and focus, we are ensuring that the majority of the staff are local people.”

And it should be no surprise that when it comes to a workforce with the skills to handle the development, Alaska has plenty to offer.

“We’ve been really, really impressed by the absolutely top rate quality of people applying for jobs,” Diamant says.

By the end of the year Oil Search will have a team of about one hundred people working in the Anchorage-based office.

Good News for ConocoPhillips, Good News for Oil Search ConocoPhillips undertook its largest exploration program since 2002 this year, drilling six wells, including an additional Willow appraisal well on the North Slope. All six wells, plus a sidetrack, encountered oil and verified the potential of the play. The three Willow appraisal wells support the previously announced estimate of a recoverable resource potential of at least 300 million barrels of oil.

“The results of this year’s program are promising,” says Matt Fox, executive vice president of strategy, exploration, and technology at ConocoPhillips. “We are excited about the opportunity to extend our legacy in Alaska where we have a long track record of operational success and value creation.”

ConocoPhillips’ success on the North Slope is also good news for Oil Search.

“The Conoco drilling campaign this year has been absolutely fantastic,” Diamant says.

“I think the ConocoPhillips wells are very important because they have really validated the play.”

Success stories, such as ConocoPhillips’ recent drilling season, further fuel the current administration’s desire to support the oil industry.

Former Alaska Department of Natural Resources Commissioner and current Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management for the Department of the Interior Joe Balash said the agency is about to turn its attention to Willow “in a big way,” reported Alaska’s Energy Desk.

The administration’s aim is to speed up and simplify the environmental review process for projects such as Willow—which is good news for all of Alaska’s explorers and operators. www.akbizmag.com

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Given rising oil prices, federal support for the oil industry, and state support, it is no surprise that Oil Search is happy to have found such strong assets to balance its portfolio.

“We’re very comfortable with the acquisition, very happy to be in Alaska,” Diamant says. “We are building our team and doing a lot of listening to the community and other operators. We’re kind of taking it slowly.

We’re not rushing into things. We’d certainly like to see a comprehensive drilling program in the next season, that’s certainly our intention, subject to agreement with partners, the local community, and regulators.”

The exact cost and scope of the drilling program have yet to be set; however, once the team secures the necessary agreements

and jumps through regulatory hoops, they’re ready to see what 2019 holds for them beneath the Arctic tundra.

“We’d like to go forward with the development. The aim would be to make a decision to enter front end engineering and design in 2019 and make a final investment decision in 2020. And get to first oil production by 2023,” Diamant confirms.

R

Isaac Stone Simonelli is a freelance journalist and former managing editor for the Phuket Gazette.

Kuukpik 5 drilling rig, 2018 winter exploration

At a time when Alaska needs it most, ConocoPhillips continues to invest on the North Slope.

Later this year, we’ll finish a new drill site in the National Petroleum Reserve, adding tens of thousands more barrels of oil to the pipeline.

And, after our busiest exploration season in 15 years, we’ve announced new oil finds further west in the NPRA and near our other fields.

Our investment equals jobs, more oil production and increased revenue for the state.

Investment — It’s the smart bet for Alaska’s economy.

Unlocking Alaska’s Energy Resources

August 2018 | Alaska Business

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MINING

Mine Site Reclamation Renewing lost land

By O’Hara Shipe

I

n 1855, the first coal mine in Alaska was opened by the Russian-American Company near Port Graham on the Kenai Peninsula.

Fifteen years later in 1870, the first gold mine was established just outside of Juneau. After the construction of the Alaska Railroad in 1917, coal mining began on a large-scale mainly in the Nenana and Matanuska coal fields. Pre-World War II, coal mining in Alaska was dominated by underground mines until 1943 ushered in an era of combined underground and surface mining. By the early 1960s combined mines were replaced by the surface 80

mines that are still used today.

Coal and gold are only two of several precious resources produced in the state. Alaska’s six currently producing mines—Fort Knox, Greens Creek, Kensington, Pogo, Red Dog, and Usibelli—produce zinc, silver, gold, lead, and coal. Greens Creek Mine is among the world’s top ten silver producers and Red Dog is one of the world’s largest zinc concentrate producers.

The Reclamation Process No matter the size or quality of a deposit, natural resources are finite, and there are now depleted mines located throughout the state.

A 1983 broad survey of Alaska’s coal and noncoal abandoned historic mines inventoried

340 sites, but to-date the non-coal inventory remains incomplete for state, private, and Alaska Native lands.

In response to the number of abandoned mines, the Alaska Surface Coal Mining Control and Reclamation Act was approved in May 1983. The act effectively granted the commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources jurisdiction over surface coal mining and reclamation operations in the state.

Under the new state and federal laws, the Abandoned Mine Lands Program (AML) was created for the purpose of reclaiming abandoned mines of any type.

“Historic mining occurred in the 1920s through about the early 1970s, and it was all pre-environmental regulation, so these mining

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Justin Ireys | State of Alaska AML

Above photo shows the Hydraulic pit near Healy pre-reclamation. Photo on left is the same pit post-reclamation.

“The [Usibelli] mine is, quite literally, in the backyard of the people who work here, so employees have a deep personal stake in protecting the quality of the land, air, and water. Our reclamation program began in 1971, six years before federal law required it.”

—Lisa Herbert VP of Public Relations, Usibelli

Julia Fleming | State of Alaska AML

companies would go into an area and work for decades and then when they were done they would leave without cleaning up,” says National Association of Abandoned Mine Land Programs Manager Justin Ireys.

Under AML, lands that are eligible for reclamation must have been mined or affected by mining and left in an inadequate reclamation status before August 3, 1977. Additionally, there must be no continuing reclamation responsibility under state or federal law.

While there are a variety of mines that would fall under the jurisdiction of the AML, the program’s funding source dictates that coal mine reclamation is the number one priority.

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$0.28 per ton on surface mines and $0.12 per ton on underground mines from around the country. Those monies are then allocated to the different states around the country that have AML programs. Because these funds are generated through the coal industry and by the coal industry, our main priority is to reclaim coal mines. So, [reclaiming] non-coal mines is something that we can do, but only if they are rated as a priority one,” says Ireys.

According to the Alaska Department of Natural Resources Division of Mining, Land, and Water, AML eligible mines are rated using a three-tiered system. Priority one mines present an imminent danger to public health, safety, and general welfare. Priority two mines also present a danger to public health, safety, and general welfare but are not considered

to be an extreme danger. Priority three mines are lands that were previously degraded by the adverse effects of mining but do not pose a threat to public safety. Under the AML Program, priority three mines can be reclaimed in conjunction with priority one or two projects or after all priority one and two projects have been completed.

An AML inventory in May 2014 determined that there are a minimum of fifteen large coal project areas and eight non-coal projects that still need to be reclaimed.

Currently, AML is focusing its efforts on a mine a little north of Denali National Park.

The area, known as the Healy Creek Strip Pits, was the site of large-scale surface coal mining from the 1920s to the 1960s and is comprised of more than 300 acres of disturbed lands in seven individual pits. Two of the pits, the Hydraulic Pit and the Bill Pit, have undergone the reclamation process; now Ireys’ team is focused on the East Cripple Creek Pit, which is characterized by nearly a mile of significant highwalls.

Not surprisingly, mitigating a mine that boasts a mile long, 100-foot vertical wall is not without some unique challenges.

“The projects that we’ve been working on in the last four or five years have all been really big earthmoving projects and have required the use of scrapers, dozers, excavators, and trucks to basically lay these great big highwalls back. To lay a vertical wall, you have to dig into ground that was previously undisturbed, and we’ll take all the topsoil and the organics and everything that’s there and we’ll push it into a great big pile, so we save it for the very end of our project,” explains Ireys.

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“The projects that we’ve been working on in the last four or five years have all been really big earthmoving projects and have required the use of scrapers, dozers, excavators, and trucks to basically lay these great big highwalls back.”

Julia Fleming | State of Alaska AML

—Justin Ireys Manager, Abandoned Mine Land Program

The adit closure at the Inspiration Mine near Skagway.

three- to five-month window before permafrost sets in and they are unable to move the land.

Secondarily, the short growing season means that once the highwalls are adequately flattened, the salvaged topsoil must be redistributed before Ireys’ team can begin the challenging revegetation portion of the reclamation.

“As we’re doing these big reclamation projects, we’re racing against the clock trying to complete the regrading work, completing the earthwork, and completing spreading the topsoil in time to hopefully be able to do some revegetation work at the very end. But with Alaska we have something called the seeding window and we’re not allowed to go in and do any seeding and fertilizing and revegetation work after August 15 because there’s just not

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“Historic mining occurred in the 1920s through about the early 1970s, and it was all preenvironmental regulation, so these mining companies would go into an area and work for decades and then when they were done they would leave without cleaning up.”

—Justin Ireys Manager, Abandoned Mine Land Program

enough time left in the fall for things to start to sprout roots and establish themselves before the freeze comes,” says Ireys.

Highwalls and permafrost are not the only challenges AML has faced.

“There are so many different styles and types of mining, so each reclamation project is pretty unique in and of itself. As we’re going through and we’re developing mitigation plans, we first have to evaluate what type of mine that we’re dealing with and what our end goal is. With underground mines our goal is to essentially prevent access whether by a controlled blast to seal the mine shaft or by installing a steel door to keep the public out while still keeping the mine open for future use,” says Ireys.

Proactive Mining AML is not the only organization that is on the forefront of mine reclamation. Unlike the AML Program, which focuses its efforts on the reclamation of abandoned lands, Usibelli Coal Mine, based out of Healy, contemporaneously restores their mined lands.

“The [Usibelli] mine is, quite literally, in the backyard of the people who work here, so employees have a deep personal stake in protecting the quality of the land, air, and water. Our reclamation program began in 1971, six years before federal law required it,” says Usibelli Vice President of Public Relations Lisa Herbert.

At the cornerstone of Usibelli’s proactive restoration efforts is an exploration program that includes drilling exploratory holes to extract core samples in an effort to evaluate the quality of the coal before commencing mining activities. Once a high-quality area has been identified, Usibelli’s engineers calculate the volume of earth that must be removed to expose the coal in the most efficient way.

They also use a 3D model of the area to establish a restoration plan based on the natural contours and patterns of the land.

“Following recontouring, we begin revegetation by aerial seeding with a mixture of grasses and plants that are indigenous to the area. This mixture conditions the land by putting natural nutrients into the soil while holding it in place until slower growing native plants begin to grow in the area. After seeding, we begin planning seedlings of willow, spruce, alder, and birch. Each year, the mine plants approximately 20,000 to 25,000 trees,” says Herbert.

In the spirit of cleaning up their own backyard, Usibelli’s restoration teams are comprised of a mining engineering intern and three to five high-school or college students. Historically, Usibelli’s interns come from the University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Engineering and Mines and the members of the reclamation www.akbizmag.com

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crew are often Healy residents or children of mine employees.

“Those working on the reclamation crew come from a variety of backgrounds—for some it may be their first job, and for others it is an opportunity for them to come home from college during the summer and still earn wages to help pay for the following

year’s schooling,” Herbert says.

Usibelli has actively restored more than 5,500 acres of mined land in the Healy area. R

O’Hara Shipe is a freelance writer in Anchorage.

Our industry has__changed

OUR VALUES REMAIN THE SAME

During the past 75 years, we’ve grown from a small mining operation to one of Alaska’s leading businesses. Yet with all our progress, some things haven’t changed. Usibelli Coal Mine remains a family-owned and -operated company. We are still committed to producing affordable energy, while protecting the safety of our workers and the quality of our environment. Our future looks bright, thanks to the legacy we’ve been building since 1943.

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ALASKA NATIVE

Alaska Native Corporations and Federal Contracting Diversity, dollars, and jobs attract ANCs to government sector

F

By Julie Stricker

or thousands of years, the Tlingit and Haida have lived among the emerald islands, glacier-topped mountains, and azure inlets of Southeast Alaska. In recent years, however, the region’s economy has lagged, so when tribal leaders formed a corporation to generate revenue to benefit tribal members in 2010, its directors looked beyond the region to invest and grow its business.

“The Tlingit Haida Tribal Business Corporation [THTBC] was formed in 2010, but 84

it didn’t really get into business until 2014,” says CEO Richard Rinehart. “It had no past history, no experience. So we started a little janitorial company so that we could get into facility support services, which has a lot of opportunities in the federal contracting space.”

Federal contracting has been a mainstay for Alaska Native corporations for two decades.

Their subsidiaries work to fulfill government contracting in fields as diverse as satellite communications, manufacturing, military base operations, information technology, and logistics, among others. These contracts bring billions of dollars of revenue into the state and employ tens of thousands of people around the world.

THTBC is a federally chartered Indian Reorganization Act Section 17 corporation, but most Alaska Native corporations were created

under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act in 1971. The legislation aimed to settle indigenous land claims by distributing 44 million acres of land and $962.5 million among Alaska’s Native peoples. It created twelve regional corporations and about 200 village corporations that were tasked with dual social and economic mandates to improve the economic wellbeing of shareholders and support them through scholarships, internships, elder benefits, and programs to maintain their languages and cultures.

Overcoming Obstacles… to the Tune of $2 Billion Many of these corporations struggled in the 1970s and 1980s. Congress, urged by former Alaska Senator Ted Stevens, approved a provision in the 1986 Tax Reform Act that

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Federal contracting has been a mainstay for Alaska Native corporations for two decades.

Their subsidiaries work to fulfill government contracting in fields as diverse as satellite communications, manufacturing, military base operations, information technology, and logistics, among others. These contracts bring billions of dollars of revenue into the state and employ tens of thousands of people around the world. allowed Alaska Native corporations to sell their net operating losses and also introduced legislation opening federal contracting to the corporations. The Small Business Administration’s 8(a) program allows Native corporations to access a portion of government contracts set aside for small businesses and helps them grow into successful companies over a nine year span. Native corporations are allowed to open multiple businesses through the program, and many have graduated the program and become competitive in the open marketplace. This is one way Congress has helped Alaska Natives overcome barriers to economic development in rural areas.

In fiscal year 2016, Alaska Native regional corporations reported $2 billion in 8(a) revenue, according to the ANCSA Regional Association. That was nearly one-quarter of their total revenue of $8.2 billion. Alaska Native corporations are among the top twentyfive 8(a) firms. Within the 8(a) program and in the competitive marketplace, Native corporations have found a business model that has brought them tremendous success. So when THTBC started looking for business opportunities, it found them in government services.

In 2016, THTBC acquired a company called Kira, which had a nearly thirty-year history as a government services contractor in the facilities arena, Rinehart says. It was an ideal step.

“Our strategy has been to expand out more than just facilities and other areas besides facilities,” he says. “One of the reasons we picked facilities in the first place is that it has a lot of what I call adjacency strategy, a lot of adjacent groups for similar industries.”

Kira had a handful of contracts in place when it was acquired by THTBC and has since won several more. One of those was for base operation services at Fort Carson, Colorado, which has since been renewed as a sole-source contract, Rinehart says. All of the other contracts were won on the competitive market.

THTBC’s goal is to win contracts that will bring it hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue in the next five years, Rinehart says. The corporation is wholly-owned by the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, which has about 30,000 members, 40 percent of whom are still based in Southeast Alaska.

“Our profits do all go back to the tribe or tribal program,” he says. “They’re not paid out in dividends to tribal members.”

For ANCSA corporations, however, profits are also used for scholarships, elder benefits, dividends, and other direct benefits, which the companies are mandated to provide through the legislation. www.akbizmag.com

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Because of the vast reach of the government, opportunities exist in many different fields. The Eyak Corporation (TEC) is the village corporation for Cordova and is one of five villages in the Chugach region. It focuses its businesses on information

technology and related services, says Brennan Cain, vice president and general counsel for TEC, but also has subsidiaries working in telecom, base operations management, janitorial services, and general administrative services.

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“The Tlingit Haida Tribal Business Corporation was formed in 2010, but it didn’t really get into business until 2014. It had no past history, no experience. So we started a little janitorial company so that we could get into facility support services, which have a lot of opportunities in the federal contracting space.”

—Richard Rinehart CEO, Tlingit Haida Tribal Business Corporation

“We work with a variety of large and small government contractors, including regional and village ANCs,” Cain says. “We believe the value is that the team can bring unique advantages to capturing and supporting a specific project or customer.”

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The Benefits of the SBA and 8(a) When pursuing contracts, TEC looks for “opportunities where we have a unique competitive advantage and for business that has been consistent,” says Cain. “For strategic purposes, we also pursue contracts for business in industry or

agencies that is complementary to our current business and/or allows us to build new expertise and customer and partner relationships.”

For TEC, the 8(a) program has proven to be a valuable tool for industry, the government, and its shareholders, Cain says.

“We respect the purpose and intent of the 8(a) program and recognize it’s a privilege to be accepted as a participant in the program,” he says. “The 8(a) program provides valuable speed to market for a company that can leverage the program as another tool in its tool belt. The 8(a) program helps the participant quickly gain valuable past performance experience in government contracting, which is vital to securing larger and longer-term competitive contracts.”

By partnering with the SBA and utilizing its 8(a) status, TEC has honed the company’s skills beyond the initial learning curve of government contracting and has become a more diversified entity, Cain says.

“As a company, we internally share lessons learned across all of our subsidiaries, which has facilitated our growth, maturity, and sophistication as a high-quality government contractor,” he says. “Without 8(a), it can be nearly impossible for a new government contracting business to acquire contract revenue to survive and grow. It is a very competitive business environment. Even with 8(a) status, there are no guarantees and substantial risk exists. Eyak’s intention has always been to grow beyond the 8(a) program by developing businesses that can compete in the open market and deliver cost-effective quality services, while bringing financial and other benefits back to our shareholders.”

The huge revenue numbers associated with some multi-year government contracts— hundreds of millions of dollars in some cases—have brought increasing scrutiny and oversight to the program. But government contracting can be risky. Kira—which was named Army Department of Public Works Contractor of the Year in 2017—has made its mark by working efficiently, keeping overhead low, and using technology to its benefit.

While Native corporations are eligible for sole-source contracts, these are awarded less often and can carry a heavy oversight burden. In the open marketplace, Rinehart says, it can be a gamble as to whether a company makes money on a contract, especially a firm, fixed price contract.

“It has to be competitive or you don’t land it, so the margins are pretty small,” he says. “But then if it’s a cost-plus type of a contract, those are generally pretty low margin, where you have to keep your overhead low and your profits are not very high either. But there’s really not

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much risk with them losing money.”

THTBC notes that its strategy is “to partner with a limited number of best in class companies and provide innovative solutions which save our customers money and maximize productivity.”

There are benefits for other corporations to work with Alaska Native entities, Rinehart says. For instance, the government sets goals for small business. Much of that is directed to 8(a) certified firms, some to firms owned by women and disabled veterans and some to Hub-zoned companies. Contractors who subcontract with these 8(a) firms can reap the benefits of their status to help meet minority procurement goals.

Aside from base operations and facilities services in Alaska, Colorado, West Virginia, Washington, and Florida, THTBC also has subsidiaries working in aviation services; construction management at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; information services and waste collection in Boulder, Colorado; and security services in a number of locations.

They often partner with other corporations.

around the globe, as well as in Alaska. NANA Management Services provides security, food services, maintenance, remote camp management, hotels and hospitality, and staffing services and is the largest employer of NANA shareholders.

And although Alaska Natives make up about 19 percent of Alaska’s population, 35 percent of employees of Alaska Native regional corporations in the state are Native.

Like the corporations formed under ANCSA, THTBC is working to provide benefits for tribal members. While government services has proven to be a lucrative field, it can also be subject to the whims of politics, so corporations are also looking to diversify.

TEC has also invested in entities with business lines that are consistent with its mission to improve the lives of its shareholders. In 2011, TEC acquired an ownership interest in Native American Bank, which provides financing to Native individuals, Alaska Native corporations, tribes, and other Native enterprises. It also invested in Baxter Senior Living, which is building an assisted living/ memory care facility in Anchorage and will also provide hiring preferences for qualified TEC shareholders.

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Julie Stricker is a journalist living near Fairbanks.

Partnering for Success For instance, THTBC is a major subcontractor for Choctaw Defense Services, a whollyowned subsidiary of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, on a $95 million facilities maintenance contract for the Coast Guard base in Kodiak. And when THTBC subsidiary T&H Services won a $44 million contract for the US Marine Corps base in Beaufort, South Carolina, it brought in Choctaw Defense as its major subcontractor.

Cook Inlet Regional Inc. (CIRI) looks for businesses that provide a unique market niche, such as Weldin Construction. Weldin has completed hundreds of projects in Alaska and along the Pacific Rim, areas that sometimes create challenging work environments, according to its website. Another subsidiary, Silver Mountain Construction, provides specialized construction for vertical infrastructure, military fueling, and underground construction. ANC Research and Development is developing a US Army prototype mobile satellite communications platform and is also designing test missile defense infrastructure.

Contracts can also bring direct benefits to shareholders in the form of jobs.

Doyon, Limited is the regional corporation for the Interior. Its subsidiary Doyon Utilities has a fifty-year contract with the US Army to support the infrastructure for a dozen utility systems on three major military facilities in Alaska: Fort Wainwright, JBER-Richardson, and Fort Greely. It is the largest utility privatization contract awarded by the US military to date, according to Doyon Utilities. The initial contract value was about $4 billion over the fifty-year contract term. The contract was awarded after a thirty-month competitive solicitation process that started in 2004.

NANA Regional Corporation, headquartered in Kotzebue, puts particular focus on providing employment opportunities for its 14,300 Iñupiat shareholders. Its federal contracting companies have interests www.akbizmag.com

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WATER SPORTS EQUIPMENT

SHOP  Aquatic Gear EAT

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laska is home to a seemingly endless numbers of lakes, rivers, and streams and boasts more coastline than all the coastal states in the Lower 48 combined. With all this water there are thousands of opportunities for water-based sports and activities throughout the state. Whether you’re looking test the waters by renting or you’re ready to buy and commit to a life on the waves, the companies listed here provide all the equipment needed to get the most out of Alaska’s many waterways.

The Mountain Shop in Skagway provides outdoor gear and clothing sales and rentals. The store stocks fashionable and functional clothing for all types of adventures, including those on the water. The Mountain Shop offers pack rafts, paddles, personal flotation devices, and all the equipment necessary for a once-in-lifetime Alaska rafting trip. packerexpeditions.com

REI operates locations in Fairbanks and Anchorage and is staffed by local outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to camping, hiking, climbing, cycling, running, and winter equipment, REI offers a selection of watercraft and equipment, including kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards; personal flotation devices; wet and dry suits; and safety equipment, as well as related water gear such as vehicle racks, storage, and waterproof cases and bags. rei.com When it comes to water and the many sports one can enjoy on it, Alaska Raft & Kayak offers equipment sales and rentals for just about any water sport out there. The company offers a selection of inflatables, kayaks, pack rafts, and Hobie Cat watercraft, as well as dry suits, wet suits, and even paddling suits. Alaska Raft & Kayak also provides repair and custom frame services. alaskaraftandkayak.com Alaska Boat & Kayak Rental Shop offers kayak and paddle board rentals for those looking for water-related adventures around Juneau. Kayak rentals include a paddle, personal flotation device, spray skirt, paddle float, and bilge pump. Alaska Boat & Kayak also provides guided tours and classes. juneaukayak.com

PLAY Originally providing the Interior with water equipment through its familyowned Fairbanks location, Trax Outdoor Center opened a second location, Trax 2.0, in Anchorage. Trax carries a selection of Mastercraft boats as well as paddle boards and associated gear. For newbies looking to rent a paddle board or water skis, Trax experts provide lessons for an additional charge. traxoutdoorcenter.com West Marine’s mission is to be the best outfitter of boating-related products and gear for water recreation from its store in Anchorage as well as its many locations scattered throughout the rest of the country. The company offers products for every water adventure from paddling sports such as kayaking and paddle boarding to sailing and outfitting for a fishing expedition. Items include body boards for those small waves, wet suits, pool toys, and even anti-fog spray to keep your underwater view crisp and clear. westmarine.com The Alaska Kayaking Academy guides kayakers “throughout Alaska’s rivers and oceans.” The company also offers kayaking equipment sales and rentals for those looking to strike out on their own. Products include life jackets, paddles, outerwear, whitewater gear,

STAY

recreation kayaks, and sea kayaks, as well as new and used whitewater kayaks. kayakcenterak.com Four generations of Alaskans have owned and operated Alaska Outdoor Gear Rental, which rents both to individuals and hotels, cruise ships, the Alaska railroad, tour operators, and fishing charters. The company rents recreation, touring, and inflatable kayaks; kayak accessories; paddle boards; inflatable rafts, canoes, SUPs, float tubes; and other aquatic equipment. alaskaoutdoorgearrental.com The Alaska Kayak School, located in Homer, offers paddling instruction and coaching for sea, whitewater, and surf kayaking. To keep its equipment up-to-date, the school regularly sells off old inventory to make room for the new, and the company says its used gear is “typically in excellent working condition unless otherwise noted.” alaskakayakschool.com Alaska Adventure Gear calls itself the home of Alaskan Outfitters Inflatable Boats, which include rafts, kayaks, and catarafts. Located in Anchorage, in addition to inflatable boats the business also sells frames and rafting accessories. alaskaadventuregear.com R

AVISALASKA.COM/VIP

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SHOP

Ink Masters Tattoo Show

Ink Masters Tattoo show is a 10-12 The gathering for tattoo artists and body piercing experts to demonstrate their skills and provide their services to Alaska’s tattoo enthusiasts. inkmasterstattooexpo.com

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AUG

17-18

‘By the Sea’ Arts & Seafood Festival

The mission of the “By the Sea” Arts & Seafood Festival is to celebrate a marine-based lifestyle and bring together gifted vendors and performers with local and visiting patrons.

Events include the Lucky Ducky race, a lip sync contest, t-shirt design, Fish Poem Slam, fireworks, and lots of live music, good food, and vendors. artsandseafoodfestival.com

Festivities include a pet and doll parade, blueberry dish contest, art exhibits, the annual Gigglefeet Dance Festival, fun runs, the slug race, community art project, beard and moustache contest, handmade boat race, and poetry slam, as well as vendors and live entertainment. ketchikanarts.org

year’s theme is “May the Fair 3-11 This Be with You” It will feature Alaska produce and competitive exhibits, as well as commercial, craft, and food vendors onsite in addition to rides, games, and live entertainment, all at the Tanana Valley State Fairgrounds. tananavalleyfair.org AUG

Alaska International Senior Games

Tanana Valley Sandhill

AUG

AUG

The 2018 theme is “Get Your Fair Face On.” In addition to arts, crafts, and commercial vendors at the Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds, the fair features a Fair Queen contest, the Backwoods Girl Competition, a photo contest to win a pair of XTRATUF boots, exhibits, live music, fresh produce, food, and more. kenaipeninsulafair.com

Palmer AUG-SEPT

Salmonfest

Every year more than six thousand people turn the Kenai Peninsula village of Ninilchik into a city as families and friends fill the region with encampments packed with music, food, fish, and love. Over the three-day weekend many of Alaska’s top food, crafts, art, and brews are available throughout the Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds. salmonfestalaska.org

3-5

Festival 24-26 Crane Each August as thousands of Sandhill

and Lindsey Stirling. alaskastatefair.org

Kenai Peninsula Fair

17-19

Ninilchik

Alaska International Senior Games is the official Alaska state event of the National Senior Games, a national organization of athletes aged fifty and older. alaskaisg.org AUG

Ketchikan Blueberry Arts Festival

Alyeska Resort Blueberry Festival

A celebration of the lush blueberry season, this family oriented outdoors event features live music, berry picking, local arts and crafts booths, tasty blueberry treats, cooking demos, beer and wine garden, hiking and biking, chair massages, pie eating contest, and a blueberry creations contest, all at Alyeska R Resort. alyeskaresort.com

Whitewater and Denali Blueberry Festival

3-5

Tanana Valley State Fair

10-19

AUG

18-19

The Blueberry Festival takes place at Otto Lake in Healy and includes kids’ games, lake raft rides, a dunk tank, a barbeque, dancing, and music. The Wildwater Festival on August 18 is in Nenana River Canyon and includes the Blueberry 5k dash, whitewater races, the Great Denali Duck Race, and whitewater rodeo. denalichamber.com

AUG

Fairbanks AUG

Girdwood

Healy

Coffman Cove AUG

STAY

Cranes begin their southward progress from Alaska, the Tanana Valley rings with gathering calls. The festival includes talks, bird watching, nature walks, workshops, and many other activities with ample opportunities for observing Sandhill Cranes and other fall migrants. friendsofcreamersfield.org

Anchorage AUG

PLAY 

Alaska State Fair

AUG

Seward Silver Salmon Derby

The Seward Silver Salmon Derby is one of the oldest and largest fishing derbies in Alaska. Seward’s Derby is equally popular with locals, other Alaska residents, and visiting anglers from around the nation and world. seward.com

11-19

Valdez

The heart of the Alaska State Fair still centers on the people and things the original colonists started with—agriculture, produce, lots of food, flowers, friends and family, and live music. The 2018 AT&T concert series at the ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre features Stone Sour, Goo Goo Dolls, Midland, Three Dog Night, Jonny Lang, Bishop Briggs with Lovelytheband, Luke Combs, Jim Gaffigan,

23-3

Seward

AUG

Gold Rush Days

The theme for this year’s event is “Valdez Gold Rush Days Celebrates the Hoosegow!” The festival includes an open air market, featuring crafts, art, food, live music, and the Gold Rush store; a Dutch oven demonstration; a parade; children’s pioneer games and stories; the Golden Rock Awards, which is a gardening contest; the Copper Valley Telecom Duathlon; and more. valdezgoldrushdays.org R

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EVENTS CALENDAR AUGUST 2018

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Business Events AUGUST

AUG

8

AUG

Tech Forward Alaska Luncheon

Sheraton Anchorage Hotel: This is an opportunity to learn about Alaska’s growing high-tech industry. wtca.org

AML Summer Legislative Meeting

Denali Borough: The Alaska Municipal League is a voluntary, nonprofit, nonpartisan, statewide organization of 162 cities, boroughs, and unified municipalities, representing more than 97 percent of Alaska’s residents. akml.org

21-24 AUG

APA Annual Meeting

Wedgewood Resort, Fairbanks: The mission of Alaska Power Association (APA) is to assist members with accomplishing their goals of delivering electric energy and other services at the best value to their customers. alaskapower.org

22-24

SEPTEMBER Ambitions VII SEPT Arctic Sheraton Anchorage Hotel: Presenters

11-12

from major companies and organizations from across the Arctic and around the world focus on the challenges and opportunities they are facing as well as their vision for sustainable development of the region. This year’s theme is “Tradition.

Technology. Transformation.” wtca.org

Association of REALTORS SEPT Alaska Convention

11-15

Hotel Captain Cook, Anchorage: The annual convention includes keynote and guest speakers and opportunities for ECE credits. alaskarealtors.com

Museums Alaska Annual Conference

SEPT Nome: This year’s conference theme is

12-15

“Relationships,” addressing questions such as “As museums adapt to shifting climates, audiences, and economics, how can we build and maintain resilient relationships for both immediate and long-term success? How do we stress resourcefulness, collaboration, and engagement in our museum relationships?” museumsalaska.org

State HR Conference SEPT Alaska Anchorage Hilton: The 2018 Conference

20-21

theme is “From the Class Room to the Board Room.” alaska.shrm.org/conference

Fall Conference SEPT AASG Skagway High School: The purpose

21-23

of the Alaska Association of Student Government is to provide leadership training, communication, and to offer students a place to voice their opinions about local, state, and national issues. aasg.org

Fire Conference SEPT Alaska Kenai: Includes training, workshops,

24-28

lectures, and a firefighting competition. alaskafireconference.com

Superintendents SEPT Alaska Association Fall Conference

26-29

Anchorage: The Alaska Council of School Administrators’ unifying purpose is to support educational leaders through professional forums, provide a voice that champions possibilities for all students, and purposeful advocacy for public education. alaskaacsa.org

Business Top 49ers Luncheon SEPT Alaska Anchorage Marriott Downtown:

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Come honor the top forty-nine Alaska companies ranked by revenue at this annual luncheon. 907-276-4373 | akbizmag.com

OCTOBER

OCT

8-11

ATIA Annual Convention & Trade Show

Carlson Center, Fairbanks: 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 “The Great Escape.” alaskatia.org

OCT

AAHPA Annual Conference

Seward: This is the annual conference of the Alaska Association of Harbormasters & Port Administrators. alaskaharbors.org

8-12

OCT

All-Alaska Medical Conference

Alaska Native Heritage Center, Anchorage: A continuing medical education conference organized by the Alaska Academy of Physicians Assistants, providing up to twenty-five CMEs. akapa.org

11-14 OCT

17-19

Alaska Forest Association Annual Convention

Hotel Captain Cook, Anchorage: The Alaska Forest Association can be characterized as a high profile industry trade association. Its members hold in common general business interests in Alaska’s timber industry. This year is the 61st annual convention. akforest.org

OCT

18-20

Alaska Federation of Natives Annual Convention

Dena’ina Center, Anchorage: 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

OCT

23-25

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. alaskarpa.org

OCT

Alaska Chamber Fall Forum

Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center: 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 R

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BUSINESS EVENTS IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY CIRI

YOU HAVE EVENTS. WE HAVE SPACE. LET’S MEET. FIREWEEDCENTER.COM/CONFERENCE 725 East Fireweed Lane, Anchorage, Alaska 99503 | 907.263.5502 | corporateservicesbooking@ciri.com

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Inside

Alaska Business August 2018

David Lienemann | Office of Governor Bill Walker

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

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laska Governor Bill walker signed several pieces of legislation into law: HB 151, The Children Deserve a Loving Home Act, implements comprehensive national best practices for foster care, including strong training and workload standards for caseworkers in the Alaska Office of Children’s Services. New caseworkers will be provided six weeks of training and be given lower, nationally recommended caseload levels so they can get the work done to get youth back with their original families or into a permanent loving home faster and with less trauma. HB 151 also requires the sharing

of contact information so that siblings in separate foster care placements can maintain needed contact with the closest people in their lives. The bill also allows foster parents to make normal decisions for youth about sports, vacations, or other activities without clearing them through their caseworker, which creates extra work and unnecessary frustration.

Amongst this year’s budget bills (HB 286, the Operating Budget; SB 142, the Capital Budget; and HB 285, the Mental Health Budget) the Governor also signed SB 26, the Permanent Fund Protection Act. SB 26 guarantees the longevity

of the Permanent Fund and a robust dividend program by making sure draws from the fund are structured and sustainable. SB 26 reduces this year’s deficit from $2.4 billion to $700 million. Moving forward each Alaskan will receive a $1,600 Permanent Fund dividend.

HB 331 closed out the remaining debt the State of Alaska incurred under the defunct cashable tax credit program. The new law allows the state to issue bonds to pay the final debts carried over from the former tax system. The policy change will save state government money in the long run; immediately provides small, independent oil and gas companies cash to invest; and makes good on the state’s promise to incentivize industry investment in Alaska and exploration for new oil.

Walker also signed into law HB 176, which changes state law to ensure EMS providers can seek supplemental reimbursements from the Medicaid program that currently serves more than 200,000 Alaskans. EMS providers in Alaska are only reimbursed for about 30 percent of the cost of transporting Medicaid-eligible patients.

In fiscal year 2017, the average claim submitted was $1,100. However, the average reimbursement from Medicaid was only $300 for each ground-based EMS transport, leaving an average of about $800 unreimbursed to EMS providers. This bill will help cover those unreimbursed costs. Last year, HB 176 would have brought in an additional $11 million in federal funding based on the number of Medicaid patients who used EMS services.

HB 136 updates statutes relating to warranty repair work and warranty repair policies to be more consumer friendly. Specifically, the bill establishes new warranty repair work guidelines for

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INSIDE ALASKA BUSINESS consumers who live one-hundred miles or more away from a dealership and requires similar labor rates for both warranty and non-warranty repair work. Further, HB 136 details what constitutes good cause for dealership terminations and sets out the manufacturers’ and dealers’ financial responsibilities during terminations. The bill also updates the provisions for transferring or selling a dealership. gov.alaska.gov

RAVN

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avn Alaska completed the initial onsite phase of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) at the airline’s corporate headquarters in Anchorage.

IOSA Registration represents the global standard for airline safety management and currently thirty-three airlines from the United States are registered under IOSA. Following completion of the IOSA certification process, Ravn will join IATA’s IOSA Registry, becoming the first regional airline in the state to receive IOSA registration. flyravn.com

IMAGINE IT ALASKA

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magine It Alaska is Anchorage’s new centralized 3D printing center; founder Levi Basler recognized that additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, was a technology that would allow Alaskans finally to be competitive in manufacturing.

“It is really eye-opening what is going on with 3D printing,” says Carol Howarth, a manager of 49th Fund, a local investment fund that is financing Imagine It Alaska. “The technology is rapidly changing, so now virtually any material can be printed in varying degrees of quality. 3D printing isn’t just bright blue plastic with lines. And with the advances in material and the range of technologies, it takes specialized knowledge and expertise to do it right.”

Basler says, “Now, with our printing center, any businesses, entrepreneurs, scientists, or artists can get assistance. 3D printing enables you to turn an idea into reality.” imagineitalaska.com

APD

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he Board of Directors for the Anchorage Community Development Authority voted to accept the Anchorage Police Department’s (APD) letter of intent to lease the building at 716 West 4th Avenue to use as its expanded headquarters. The Anchorage Community Development Authority

announced its decision to purchase this property from EverBank in May. Several APD divisions will move to the new location, including command, detectives, crime suppression, some administration, and elements of patrol. Dispatch, records and classifying, property and evidence, most of IT, and the crime lab will remain at the Elmore location, which will be reconfigured to meet the needs of those divisions. muni.org

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AFD

odie Hettrick has been appointed as Chief for the Anchorage Fire Department (AFD) —Hettrick is the first female fire Chief for AFD. She joined AFD in 2012 and served as the Assistant Fire Chief until 2015, when she was promoted to Hettrick Deputy Fire Chief.

Prior to joining AFD, Municipality of Anchorage Hettrick worked for the State of Alaska’s Division of Fire and Life Safety, the Alaska Building Science Network, Cominco Alaska, the Valdez Fire Department, and the Central Mat-Su Fire Department. muni.org

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KINROSS

inross Gold Corporation is proceeding with the initial Gilmore expansion project at its Fort Knox mine in Alaska. The initial Gilmore project is expected to extend mining at Fort Knox by six years to 2027 and leaching to 2030 (at a low initial capital cost of approximately $100 million) and increase life-of-mine production by approximately 1.5 million gold equivalent ounces.

The project is expected to generate an internal rate of return (IRR) of 17 percent and net present value (NPV) of $130 million based on a $1,200/ ounce gold price and an IRR of 26 percent and NPV of $239 million based on a $1,300/ounce gold price.

The Gilmore feasibility study contemplates the first two phases of a potential multi-phase layback of the existing Fort Knox pit and construction of a new heap leach pad. The company expects to continue leveraging its extensive ex-

perience and knowledge operating cold weather, sub-arctic heap leaching, after having successfully operated Fort Knox’s current heap leach during the past ten years. kinross.com

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S&P GLOBAL RATINGS

&P Global Ratings revised its outlook to stable from negative and affirmed its AA rating on the state of Alaska’s GO debt outstanding, AA- rating on lease appropriation-backed debt, and AA- rating on Alaska Municipal Bond Bank debt secured through continuing appropriations and a moral obligation pledge from the state. The organization also raised to A+ from A its rating on bonds issued by the Alaska Energy Authority and backed by a moral obligation pledge from the state based on the application of its “Issue Credit Ratings Linked To US Public Finance Obligors’ Creditworthiness” criteria (published January 22, 2018, on RatingsDirect). The outlook on all ratings is stable. spglobal.com

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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

he Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development finalized regulations to protect employees’ right to keep the tips they receive on the job. The new regulations went into effect June 29 and prohibit employers from redistributing tipped employees’ tips among other workers.

The new regulations protect the wages of servers and the expectations of customers who presume the tips they give belong to the recipient. This regulation does not limit or prohibit the voluntary sharing of tips by employees, which is a common practice in many establishments. labor.alaska.gov

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AIDEA

he Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) sold Pentex Alaska Natural Gas Company and its assets, including Fairbanks Natural Gas, to the Interior Gas Utility (IGU).

Under terms of the sale, which closed in June, IGU purchased Pentex for $54 million, plus an agreed to rate of return to AIDEA from the date of AIDEA's acquisition of Pentex in 2015 until the transaction with IGU closed. The purchase price will be paid to AIDEA from funds made available to the IEP by the Legislature in SB 23.

IGU will use the remaining financial tools to establish an investment grade utility for the

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Interior that will deliver natural gas at competitive prices and help improve air quality in the region.

Loan terms include a 0 percent interest rate for the first fifteen years, with no payments due during that period, and an interest rate of 0.25 percent thereafter for thirty-five years. IGU will also have the ability to defer principal payments for an additional five years if expected natural gas demand is not achieved. Additionally, AIDEA is authorized to issue up to $150 million in bonds. aidea.org

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SEARHC | WRANGELL MEDICAL CENTER

outheast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) and Wrangell Medical Center will officially formalize an affiliation to transfer the operations of the hospital to SEARHC, creating sustainable, quality health services for Wrangell residents. Initially, SEARHC will acquire Wrangell Medical Center, assuming operational, financial, and legal responsibility of the Wrangell Medical Center, including a lease with the City and Borough of Wrangell for the hospital.

SEARHC will continue operating the center while building a new healthcare campus adjacent to the Alaska Island Community Services Medical

Clinic, which will include a critical access hospital and long-term care facility. The parties’ goal is to transfer the hospital to SEARHC on or after November 1 and complete the new campus within four years. searhc.org | wrangellmedicalcenter.org

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BBNC | CHOGGIUNG

hoggiung acquired a majority ownership of the Bristol Alliance of Companies, a group of Anchorage-based construction, environmental, and professional services companies formed by Bristol Bay Native Corporation (BBNC) in 1994.

BBNC will retain a minority interest in the Bristol companies. The Small Business Administration (SBA) approved the change in ownership. Both BBNC and Choggiung commend the SBA for its assistance and guidance through the development of the new partnership—a first of its kind. bbnc.net | choggiung.com

US COAST GUARD Petty Officer 1st Class Brad Pigage | US Coast Guard

Set Free Alaska

M.J. MURDOCK CHARITABLE TRUST

key state and federal permits and approvals are scheduled to be finalized concurrently with or shortly after the record of decision. novagold.com

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et Free Alaska is set to receive funding from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust to address substance abuse and mental illness in Alaska.

The $350,000 grant from the Murdock Trust will help Set Free Alaska remodel and expand into a new building with a capacity to serve more than 1,000 outpatient clients annually, including substance abuse treatment and children’s behavioral health services. At a total cost of $2.6 million, the building will also provide much needed space for counselors and administrative services. murdocktrust.org

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NOVAGOLD

he EIS for the Donlin Gold project, owned equally by NOVAGOLD Resources and Barrick Gold Corporation, has been published; the US Army Corps of Engineers filed the EIS notice of availability for the project in the Federal Register.

In addition, the project was issued an Alaska Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Wastewater Discharge permit in May; the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration issued a permit for the natural gas pipeline portion of the project in June; a single Federal Record of Decision for the project from the Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Land Management is expected in the second half of 2018; and other

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he Coast Guard has opened forward operating location (FOL) Kotzebue in support of Arctic Shield 2018 operations throughout the Arctic region.

As part of operation Arctic Shield 2018, Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak deployed two MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters and crews to Kotzebue to give the Coast Guard an opportunity to leverage existing infrastructure and strategically positions its crews to effectively respond to maritime emergencies in the Bering Strait and on the North Slope.

In addition to FOL Kotzebue, the Coast Guard will have cutters Healy, Stratton, and Douglas Munro engage in operations encompassing a variety of Coast Guard missions from Dutch Harbor through the Bering Strait and along the North Slope including the Northern Alaska Outer Continental Shelf.

Arctic Shield 2018 focuses on understanding and responding to the risks to the sea, risks to those on the sea, and risks from those who might use the sea to do us harm. Increasing maritime domain awareness, building and strengthening partnerships with both national and international Arctic stakeholders, and having an active presence in the region will enhance the safety, security, and stewardship of the nation’s Arctic waters.

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RIGHT MOVES Resource Data

Resource Data hired Alex Knight as Senior Business Analyst to their Anchorage Branch. Knight has his MBA from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, and he also attended the US Military Academy in New York. Most recently he worked for Alarium in Dallas as a strategy implementation Knight advisor where he coached leadership and developed and led an IT service management transformation.

Resource Data also hired Alvin Morris as Systems Engineer to their Anchorage Branch. Morris is pursuing a BS in computer science at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Most recently he worked as a logistics analyst for Lynxnet and previously worked as a systems Analyst for Morris SAVA Workforce Solutions.

Anchorage Museum

Mara Kimmel joined the Anchorage Museum as Deputy Director of Strategy, Research, and Scholarship where she will develop strategic partnerships; Arctic science and social science research and fellowship programs; and programs around equity, resilience, Kimmel and diversity. Kimmel holds a doctorate in environmental sciences and policy, a law degree, master’s degree in natural resources management, and a bachelor’s degree in political science.

Bristol Bay Industrial Fuels

Bristol Bay Industrial Fuels selected Sean P. Thomas, PMP, RES, as its senior vice president and chief operating officer. He will assume oversight of Bristol Alliance Fuels, an Alaska-based distributor of fuel products to commercial and residential customers in the Dillingham area of the Bristol Bay region.

Thomas comes to the organization with deep experience in the Western Alaska fuel market as the former vice president of Crowley Fuels’ marine division. He graduated from the University of Alaska Anchorage with a master of business administration.

Thomas He also holds a master of science in marine resource management from Texas A&M University and a bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences from the University of Notre Dame.

Alaskan Dream Cruises

Alaskan Dream Cruises hired cruise industry veteran Douglass McLatchie as its new Director of Sales. With more than fifteen years of experience in sales positions at Carnival Cruise Lines, McLatchie has a proven track record of driving sales and business operations. McLatchie will McLatchie manage the sales and reservations team while developing strategic plans to drive and maximize business sales. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business from the University of Phoenix.

AECOM

AECOM hired Cara Wright to serve as physical scientist for AECOM in Anchorage. In this role, Wright will support projects utilizing her more than thirty-five years of experience in geology, hydrogeology, geotechnical investigation, hazardous waste investigation, project coordination and management, Wright proposal preparation, and technical review, writing, and editing. Wright holds a master’s degree in economic geology from Colorado State University and a bachelor’s degree in geology from the University of Arizona. She is a licensed professional geologist in Alaska and Washington.

AECOM also hired Allison Payne to serve as Project Geologist. Payne brings with her a diverse background in geologic and environmental consulting and has worked with state and federal agencies, universities, and environmental firms during her twelve Payne year career. She holds a master’s degree in geology (volcanology) from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in addition to a bachelor’s degree in geology and environmental science from Carleton College in Minnesota.

Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority

The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority announced the hiring of three experienced Alaskans.

Eric Boyer is joining the Trust to focus on workforce related initiatives and to expand its behavioral health capacity. Boyer has more than twenty years of experience in youth and family community behavioral health and most recently worked with the Alaska Training Cooperative providing critical training and technical assistance to organizations across Alaska.

Travis Welch is joining the Trust to extend its work on criminal justice initiatives. Welch joins the Trust with more

than ten years of law enforcement experience, most recently as the chief of police for the North Slope Borough. Welch has a particular interest in prevention and juvenile justice and possesses substantial experience with rural communities.

He will be engaged in adult and juvenile disability justice initiatives.

Autumn Vea has ten years of experience with the statewide behavioral health system in the Department of Health and Social Services and most recently with the Department of Corrections. Her knowledge and skills will be an asset to the Trust and its beneficiaries. Vea will work closely with the Trust’s senior evaluation and planning officer to perform continuous reviews and analysis of internal data and policy functions.

Northrim Bank

Northrim Bank promoted Nicole Pintsch to Assistant Vice President-Assistant Controller and Danicia Shiryayev to Assistant Vice President-Small Business Loan Officer.

Pintsch has been with Northrim Bank since 2007 and has thirteen years of experience in banking. She started as the accounting specialist and worked her way up through the ranks of the accounting department at Northrim. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting Pintsch from the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Shiryayev has been with Northrim since 2016 and has ten years of experience in the banking industry. A longtime Alaskan, she is the chair of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Group and a member of the Salvation Army’s Advisory Board.

Shiryayev

Office of the Mayor

Mayor Ethan Berkowitz announced the appointment of Jodie Hettrick as the new Chief for the Anchorage Fire Department; Jamie Acton as Director of the Public Transportation Department; and Natasha Pineda as Director of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Hettrick joined the Anchorage Fire Department in 2012 and served as the assistant fire chief until 2015, when she was promoted to deputy fire chief. As Deputy Chief, Hettrick was responsible for the day-to-day management and operations for the department.

Acton has worked for the Municipality of Anchorage in various capacities since 2005, first as a recreation programmer for Parks and Recreation and later as mobility planner for the Public Transportation Department. She currently serves as a senior transportation planner for the

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Anchorage Metropolitan Area Transportation Solutions, where she is responsible for transportation planning and is the lead for all public involvement efforts.

Pineda comes to the Municipality from the State of Alaska, where she currently serves as a deputy health official with the Department of Administration. Prior to joining the State, Pineda worked for the Municipality as the community and family services division manager at the Department of Health and Human Services.

Gana-A’Yoo

Gana-A’Yoo, Limited’s Board of Directors appointed Dena Sommer-Pedebone as its new CEO. In her new position, Sommer-Pedebone will be responsible for leading the organization’s long-term direction and day-to-day operations.

Sommer-Pedebone is an accomplished executive with a diverse background in multiple industries: oil and gas, healthcare, and federal housing. She has a bachelor’s degree in administration-marketing from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. For the last five years, she has been with Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, where she graduated from their extensive leadership and management training program.

Cornerstone General Contractors

Cornerstone General Contractors named Pearl-Grace Pantaleone as its new Business Development and Marketing Manager. Pantaleone will work directly with Cornerstone leadership in all business development efforts and will lead the marketing department in Pantaleone opportunity strategy, communications, proposal production, and branding. She comes from a background in journalism and broadcast news, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and public communications from the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Ravn

Mark McGeorge—an accomplished aviation operations, training, and safety manager—has been hired as the Vice President of Safety, Security, and Compliance for Ravn Air Group. In this capacity he helps ensure the operational safety and security of the airlines operating under the Ravn banner. Prior McGeorge to joining Ravn he was a project manager and combat aviation training expert for AK Constructors in Palmer.

McGeorge has a bachelor of science in economics and mathematics, as well as a master’s in management from

Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. He also has a master’s in military operational art and science from Air University in Montgomery, Alabama.

Business Insurance Associates

Business Insurance Associates hired Caitlin Pobieglo as an Administrative Assistant in the accounting department.

Pobieglo, who graduated from the Raven Homeschool program this spring with a 3.2 GPA, will be joining the Anchorage brokerage founded by her grandmother twenty-three years ago. Pobieglo is in the Pobieglo process of studying for her property and casualty insurance license exam while training in the accounting functions of the brokerage.

TOTE

Saltchuk group member TOTE announced leadership changes in its TOTE Maritime division.

Michael Noone, currently president of TOTE Maritime Alaska, will transition and become president at TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico. Grace Greene, currently vice president and general manager at TOTE Maritime Alaska, has been promoted to President.

Greene will assume the role of president for TOTE Maritime Alaska on August 6. Greene has worked for TOTE Maritime since 2014 and served in the US Marine Corps as a helicopter pilot Greene and Aircraft Commander.

Rasmuson Foundation

The newest addition to Rasmuson Foundation’s team brings experience in philanthropy, government, and nonprofit work. The Foundation announced that Todd Shenk will begin work as a Senior Program Officer, building on a career that began in Alaska. Most recently, Shenk ran Shenk a consulting business based in Seattle that stretched to Alaska and included work on youth homelessness. Asked about his vision for the future, Shenk said: “I am hoping to bring a commitment to equity, a belief that Alaska’s most challenging problems are all solvable, and a love of Alaska’s amazing wild places.”

KPB Architects

KPB Architects announced that Troy Nesset obtained professional registration for architecture in Alaska. Nesset

received a bachelor of science in environmental design and a master of architecture degree from Montana State University. He is proficient in design technology and BIM modeling and also understands the importance of communication and interaction with the design team, client, and contractors.

PDC Engineers

PDC Engineers announced the promotion of Matt Emerson to President, stepping into the footsteps of Royce Conlon, who is retiring. Emerson has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and master’s degree from Bucknell University in Pennsylvania. Emerson Emerson has been with PDC Engineers since its inception, working most recently as the company’s principal engineer. He wants to do everything possible to continue to encourage the spirit of innovation at PDC and support its employeeowners’ ambitions.

PND Engineers

Amy Steiner and Jake Kopplow recently obtained professional engineer registrations from the State of Alaska.

Steiner obtained her master of science in geotechnical engineering from Delft University of Technology (The Netherlands) in 2016. She joined the PND team in 2017 and specializes in geotechnical engineering analysis and design.

Steiner Kopplow graduated from Idaho State University in 2013 with his bachelor’s in civil engineering and has been with PND fulltime since 2014. His responsibilities include civil and structural design, construction management, cost estimation, and scheduling.

Additionally, Connor Eshleman, EIT, joined the Anchorage office earlier Kopplow this year. Eshleman grew up in Wasilla, working for his family’s construction company in nearly every field of home construction—from equipment operation to residential plumbing and wiring. He graduated from University of Alaska Anchorage with a bachelor of science in civil engineering. His engi- Eshleman neering duties primarily consist of structural analysis and design, as well as field research.

R

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ALASKA TRENDS

NWSA: Three Years Strong I

TOP 10 International Trading Partners

n 2015 the Port of Tacoma and Port of Seattle partnered to form the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA), becoming the fourthlargest container gateway in North America and a vital piece of marine transportation to and from Alaska. In its 2017 Annual Report, NWSA states the value of two-way international trade moved across its docks was $75.3 billion.

This month marks the third anniversary of this strategic alliance, which was the first of its kind in North America. NWSA CEO John Wolfe states in the report, “Our organization is positioned strategically to navigate through this ever-dynamic shipping industry… We’re proud to report that this marine cargo operating partnership between the ports of Seattle and Tacoma is working.” R

1

China

2

Japan

3

South Korea

4

Taiwan

5

Vietnam

6

Thailand

7

Indonesia

8

Australia

9

Malaysia

10 India

TOP 10 International Impo

# $ 1 9.9 Billion Industrial Machinery and Computers

# $ 2 9.8 Billion Electrical Machinery and Electronics

# $ 3 7 Billion Vehicles and Parts

NWSA Cargo Highlights The Puget Sound’s annual trade with Alaska is estimated at $5.4 Billion.

If ranked with international parters, Alaska would be fourth.

Source: 2015 update to Ties That Bind study

#

Im po

# $ 4 4 Billion Toys, Games and Sports Equipment

5 $3.1 Billion—Furniture

6 $2 Billion—Knit or Crocheted Apparel

#

#

7 $1.9 Billion—Articles of Iron or Steel 8 $1.8 Billion—Footwear

# # #

9 1.8 Billion—Plastics and Plastic Articles $

10 1.5 Billion—Aircraft, Spacecraft and Parts $

n ni o i l Bil $ 58.3

r te n I

al n tio a n

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32.2 Billion

6

$

16.7 Billion

7

$

1

$

2

$

1

9

China (Inc. HK)

1.2 Billion

Thailand

ANS Crude Oil Production 07/01/2018 05/01/2015

3

2 4

7 5

5.9 Billion

3

$

4

$

5

$

Indoneasia

948.8 Million

01/01/2014 09/01/2012 05/01/2011 01/01/2010

8

$

3.8 Billion

9

$

886 Million

09/01/2004

Malaysia

05/01/2003

2.6 Billion

10

$

788.3 Million

09/01/2000

South Korea

Austrailia

09/01/2008 05/01/2007 01/01/2006

10 6

Japan

1.1 Billion

8

Taiwan

Vietnam

India

ANS Production barrel per day 459,834 July 1, 2018

01/01/2002 0

400,000

800,000

1,200,000

SOURCE: Alaska Department of Revenue Tax Division

ANS West Coast Crude Oil Prices

ional Import and Export Commodities

06/28/2018 09/01/2014 09/01/2012

1 $3 Billion Oil Seeds; Misc. Grain, Seed, Fruit, Plant

#

09/01/2010 09/01/2008 09/01/2006

2 $1.5 Billion Industrial Machinery and Computers

#

ANS West Coast $ per barrel $79.47 Jun. 28, 2018

09/01/2004 09/01/2002 09/01/2000

3 1.1 Billion Prepared Vegetables, Fruits and Nuts

#

4 $851.5 Million Fish and Seafood

#

5 $821.8 Million Cereals

#

in

6 $768.4 Million Meat and Meat Products

#

In

Im po rt s

1 7 B ill i o n

$

7 $686 Million—Edible Fruit and Nuts; Citrus Fruit or Melon Peel

#

te rn

at

al n tio a n

$

8 641.9 Million—Paper and Paperboard

#

io

na

lE

$

9 $616.1 Million—Inorganic Chemicals; Precious and Rare Earth Metals # 10 $601.4 Million—Edible Vegetables and Certain Roots and Tubers

#

xp o

rt s

Data Source: The Northwest Seaport Alliance 2017 Annual Report

$0

$20

$40

$60

$80 $100 $120 $140 $160

SOURCE: Alaska Department of Revenue Tax Division

Statewide Employment Figures 10/1976—5/2018 Seasonally Adjusted 05/01/2018 11/01/2012 01/01/2010 03/01/2007 05/01/2004 07/01/2001 09/01/1998

Labor Force 362,496 May 2018 Employment 336,245 May 2018 Unemployment 7.2% May 2018

11/01/1995 01/01/1993 03/01/1990 05/01/1987 07/01/1984 09/01/1981 11/01/1978 01/01/1976 0 100,000 200,000 300,000 400,000 SOURCE: Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Research & Analysis Section; and US BLS

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ADVERTISERS INDEX Afognak Leasing LLC..............................................74 Afognak Native Corp..............................................35 Alaska Air Cargo - Alaska Airlines....................39 Alaska Center For Dermatology.......................33 Alaska Humanities Forum....................................38 Alaska Mergers & Acquisitions LLC.................18 Alaska Soil Recycling............................................ 54 Alaska USA Federal Credit Union.....................57 ALSCO........................................................................... 86 Altman Rogers & Co................................................65 American Fast Freight............................................23 American Marine / Penco..........................96, 97 Arctic Catering & Support Services.................................................78 Arctic Chiropractic................................................. 89 Arctic Technology Conference.........................75 ARCTOS/NORTECH.................................................53 ATC Group Services................................................65 AT&T................................................................................ 11 Avis Rent-A-Car........................................................ 88 Beacon Occupational Health & Safety Services................................................55 Brilliant Media Strategies.....................................45 Calista Corp................................................................87 Carlile Transportation Systems............................3

CBI Media Group..................................................... 89 Central Environmental Inc..................................63 CIRI................................................................................. 90 ConocoPhillips..........................................................79 Conrad-Houston Insurance Agency...............18 Construction Machinery Industrial....................2 Cornerstone Advisors............................................19 Cruz Companies.......................................................52 Doyon Limited...........................................................85 Enviromental Contracting Solutions..............61 Environmental Management Inc......................67 First National Bank Alaska......................................5 Foss Maritime................................................................9 Fountainhead Hotels..............................................78 GCI............................................................................... 100 Great Originals Inc.....................................................9 ICE Services................................................................33 Jim Meinel CPA P.C................................................ 42 Judy Patrick Photography.................................. 98 LONG Building Technologies.............................10 Lynden Inc...................................................................41 NANA Regional Corp..............................................73 New Horizons Telecom Inc.................................25 Northern Air Cargo...................................... 94, 95 NRC Alaska................................................................. 49

NU FLOW Alaska.......................................................77 Pacific Pile & Marine...........................91, 92, 93 Parker Smith & Feek............................................... 69 PenAir............................................................................15 PIP Marketing Signs Print.....................................27 Port of Alaska.............................................................37 Price Gregory International Inc...................... 42 Quality Asphalt Paving..........................................43 Risq Consulting.........................................................56 Samson Tug & Barge...............................................38 SEATAC Marine Service.........................................14 SGS Environmental Services............................. 48 Shoreside Petroleum............................................. 82 Solstice Alaska Consuling Inc............................56 Span Alaska Transportation LLC...................... 30 Stantec......................................................................... 44 Tutka LLC......................................................................67 UAA Culinary Arts & Hospitality Administration.....................................................13 Usibelli Coal Mine....................................................83 Washington Crane & Hoist..................................76 Wells Fargo Bank Alaska...................................... 99 West-Mark Service Center...................................74 WesternAircraft......................................................... 31 Yukon Equipment Inc............................................43

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