July 2014 TAB LE
OF
CONTENTS
ABOUT THE COVER
DEPARTMENTS
With Alaska-born Bill O’Leary as CEO, the Alaska-owned railway moves forward. This month, we offer an in-depth look at the Alaska Railroad Corporation and the man in charge. Story begins on page 64.
From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Agenda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Right Moves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Inside Alaska Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Alaska This Month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Events Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 What’s Next . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Market Squares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Alaska Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Ad Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Cover photo by Chris Arend Photography
ARTICLES Stillpoint Lodge in Halibut Cove.
PUBLIC POLICY
8 | Voter Registration It’s not automatic, but it’s easy By Susan Harrington
Photo by Beka Thoning
special section Mid-Year Economic Outlook 10 | Mid-Year Economic Outlook ‘The Great Alaska Comeback’ Compiled by Russ Slaten
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INSURANCE
VISITORS INDUSTRY
22 | Special Circumstances Insurance Protection beyond normal policy coverage By Tracy Barbour
30 | Alaska Hotspots for Travelers Destinations and opportunities By Tasha Anderson
FINANCIAL SERVICES
HEALTH & MEDICINE
34 | US Small Business Administration Loan Programs Supporting business startup and growth By Tracy Barbour
26 | Alaska Telehealth Taking Hold Telemedicine technology expands healthcare delivery By Will Swagel
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38 | Subsidiary Acquisitions Provide Growth Alaska Native Corporation investment considerations By Russ Slaten 44 | Investing In Alaska Communities Helping entrepreneurs promotes economic development By Russ Slaten
ENERGY
©Elekta
46 | Alaska Center for Energy and Power’s Arctic Solutions Integrating traditional and alternative energy into power grids By Julie Stricker
Leksell Gamma Knife Perfextion.
29 | Gamma Knife Treatment Available in Alaska: Taking brain surgery to the next level By Will Swagel 4
ALASKA NATIVE CORPORATIONS
Alaska Business Monthly | July 2014
Marc Mueller-Stoffels, a research assistant professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the program director for Alaska Center for Energy and Power Power Systems Integration program. © UAF photo by Todd Paris
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