March - 2012 - Alaska Business Monthly

Deadhorse Aviation Center | Construction Contractor Directory

MARCH 2012

$3.95

Icebreakers Importance in the Arctic The Healy, the Renda and Vitus Marine

Page 96

Alaska’s Tenuous Rural Fuel Distribution Tactical infrastructure improvements needed Page 92

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TA B L E

ABOUT THE COVER

D E PA R T M E N T S

The Coast Guard Cutter Healy guides the Russian tanker Renda closer to the fuel transfer mooring point Jan. 14 near Nome. Fuel transfer preparations are in full swing as the vessels maneuver into fuel transfer position. (Story begins on page 96 about this historical event.) U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Charly Hengen.

From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Inside Alaska Business . . . . . . . 10 Right Moves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Market Squares . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Alaska This Month . . . . . . . . . 106 Events Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Alaska Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Ad Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

R E G U L A R F E AT U R E S

View From the Top 12 | Carla Hendrix, Founder Alaska Web Designs LLC

By Peg Stomierowski HR Matters 14 | Concerted Activities Trump Confidentiality Revising employee policy for NLRB compliance

By Richard Birdsall

MARCH 2012 OF CONTENTS

ARTICLES

Environmental 66 | Air and Water Quality Testing Keeping communities and companies safe

By Vanessa Orr Financial Services 72 | Commercial Lending in Alaska Banks and credit unions eager to make loans

By Tracy Barbour Telecom & Technology 77 |Mobile Broadband is Wireless

By Kent Colby

86 78 Telecom & Technology 78 | Field Testing Tech Gadgets Finding the best chargers, storage and signal extenders

By Kent Colby

16 Regional Focus 16 | Fairbanks North Star Borough

By Tracy Barbour

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Oil & Gas 92 | Alaska’s Tenuous Rural Fuel Distribution Tactical infrastructure improvements needed

By Mike Bradner

Mining 81 | Gold Projects Shine Producing and prospecting Au

By Tracy Kalytiak

Transportation 96 | Icebreakers Importance in the Arctic The Healy, the Renda and Vitus Marine

By Susan Harrington, Managing Editor

Transportation 86 | Rural Logistics Multimodal cargo shipments

By Vanessa Orr

Health & Medicine 104 | Stroke Science

By Jody Eliis-Knapp

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

(continued on page 6)

TA B L E

MARCH 2012 OF CONTENTS

special section CORRECTIONS

BUILDING ALASKA 22 | Winter Construction in Alaska Working through weather challenges

By Paula Cottrell 28 | Yukon Gateway Project Skagway’s $80 million port plan

By Dimitra Lavrakas

32 32 | West Dowling Phase II Decreasing congestion with road extension

By Stephanie Jaeger 34 | NANA Partners with RurAL CAP Energy Wise Program cultivates energy efficiency

By Louise Freeman

30 30 | 1% for Art Helps Drive Economy Public art program underwrites jobs, displays local history and culture

By Gail West

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42 | Deadhorse Aviation Center Providing new infrastructure for North Coast activity

By Paula Cottrell 48 | 2012 Alaska Business Monthly Construction Contractor Directory

Correction: ECI/Hyer Architects was incorrectly identified in a photo caption in the Notable Buildings Notable Artchitects article on page 50 of the February issue.

Correction & Clarification: Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority officials say the cost for the Knik Arm Crossing will be approximately $1 billion, including the bridge and 19 miles of road. This figure is for both Phase I and Phase II of the project and is estimated in today’s dollars. The cost was incorrect in the Commuting Alaska article on page 71 of the January issue.

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

FROM THE EDITOR Follow us on and

Volume 28, Number 3 Published by Alaska Business Publishing Co. Anchorage, Alaska Vern C. McCorkle, Publisher 1991~2009

EDITORIAL STAFF Managing Editor Art Director

Art Production Photo Consultant

Contributing

Photographers

Susan Harrington Candy Johnson Linda Shogren Chris Arend Judy Patrick Azimuth Adventure Photography

BUSINESS STAFF President Jim Martin

Vice President

Sales & Mktg. Charles Bell

Account Mgr. Anne Campbell

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Accountant Mary Schreckenghost

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$7.7 Billion Construction Forecast Increased spending expected in 2012

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issing breakfast doesn’t usually upset me. I hardly ever make time for it, except on weekends. However, I was dismayed to discover one morning last month that I’d completely forgotten to attend the early morning annual AGC/CIPF Construction Spending Forecast presentation. I read about the $7.7 billion announcement online.

I got the forecast in the mail the next week.

I devoured it, reading about all the money that’s hitting the street this year.

Every year for the past nine years, the Construction Industry Progress Fund (CIPF) and the Associated General Contractors of Alaska (AGC) have teamed up to produce “Alaska’s Construction Spending Forecast,” an appraisal of expectations for the coming year. Economists Scott Goldsmith and Mary Killorin of the Institute of Social and Economic Research at the University of Alaska Anchorage compiled and wrote the $7.7 billion forecast of what is to be spent on construction in 2012. The new figure represents a 3 percent increase of about $200 million over last year’s revised estimate. The forecast was underwritten by Northrim Bank.

The biggest spender is, of course, the oil and gas industry. Construction related work in Alaska’s oil patch, the North Slope and Cook Inlet, accounts for 41 percent—a hefty $3.2 billion. The authors cited “regulation, litigation and taxation issues” as factors keeping Point Thomson, Alpine West, Liberty and offshore Chukchi and Beaufort seas projects out of the mix this year. The big three—BP, ConocoPhillips, Exxon—are sustaining, maintaining and developing what they’ve already got and spending less doing it. No exploratory work planned—again.

Drilling and feasibility work is planned by Eni, Pioneer, Linc, Anadarko, Brooks Range Petroleum, Savant, Great Bear, Repsol, the North Slope Borough, and possibly Shell.

That’s all up north. In Cook Inlet, where spending is up, the list of companies with planned construction activity includes Furie (formerly Escopeta), Buccaneer, Linc, Nordaq and Apache.

The other $2 billion categorized under private spending is listed as utilities $794 million (up 29 percent), followed by residential $400 million, mining $340 million, health $325 million, other commercial $120 million, and rural other basic industry $10 million. It’s noted that some of the health and utilities projects are supported by public funds. Which brings me to the public side of this year’s spending forecast, which, at $2.6 billion, is more than half a billion dollars less than forecast construction in the oil and gas sector alone, and only about half of all private spending.

Highways, at $585 million, top the forecast public spending list and while that may sound like a lot of money, it doesn’t build very many miles of roads. The rest of the public spending categories and amounts are: other state and local $474 million; national defense $460 million (down 17 percent); education $408 million; airports, ports and harbors (mostly airports) $375 million; other federal $207 million (down 27 percent); Alaska Railroad $55 million; and Denali Commission $20 million (down 67 percent). Ouch!

Goldsmith and Killorin attribute private investment (mostly petroleum and mining), federal spending (military, grants to state and local government, and nonprofits) and state capital spending (dependent on petroleum) as the three main drivers of construction spending. As for jobs, the authors stated there were 16,000 workers in 2011 with an average annual payroll of $70,000 per worker, an estimated 9,000 self-employed in the industry, plus “hidden” construction workers in other industries (i.e., oil and gas, mining, utilities and government).

It’s a really great forecast, and if you haven’t already read it you should. It’s a quick read and available online (iser.uaa.alaska.edu or agcak.org). That way you’ll know what’s going on when the heavy construction season commences. Don’t miss our Building Alaska Special Section this month—we’ve brought you details on a few projects that are already under construction.

—Susan Harrington, Managing Editor

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

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INSIDE ALASKA BUSINESS By Nancy Pounds

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GCI Opens New Store in Anchorage

eneral Communication Inc. opened its new store in Mountain View earlier this year. The 1,000-squarefoot store is at 4211 Mountain View Drive in Park Place Village. Cook Inlet Housing Authority developed Park Place Village to offer retail space on the first floor with residential space on the second and third floors. GCI now operates 13 stores in Anchorage and 35 stores statewide. Anchorage Community Land Trust also has participated in the Mountain View revitalization.

GCI planned to open two other stores in early 2012.

Alaska Airlines Lands Industry Service Award

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laska Airlines received Air Transport World magazine’s Joseph S. Murphy Industry Service Award for outstanding public and community service. Alaska Airlines is the only North American carrier honored by the magazine this year and the first U.S. carrier to win the magazine’s industry service award.

“The Joseph S. Murphy Award honors an individual or organization that makes the airline industry a better place,” magazine chief editor Geoffrey Thomas said. “Alaska Airlines, through its numerous environmental and corporative giving initiatives, has benefited the people and communities in which it serves, as well as has brought credit to the industry as a whole.”

ATW editors noted Alaska Airlines’ outstanding industry service record and leadership in technology and customer

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innovations. These include the airline’s pioneering work on satellite-based navigation procedures that are part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s NextGen air traffic control system, and the carrier’s Airport of the Future, a more efficient check-in process than the traditional ticket counter for travelers and airline workers.

nity to provide freight service to Kodiak Island. Southern Alaska Freightways later expanded service to include Kenai and Cordova. Pacific Alaska Freightways has retained many of the Kodiak employees. Pacific Alaska Freightways has been providing freight transportation services to Alaska since 1961.

ASMI Seeks Cook-Off Chefs

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he Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute is looking for chefs to participate in the Great Alaska Seafood Cook-Off on May 14. Entries for the event, which will be held in Anchorage, will be accepted until April 1. The winner will represent Alaska in August at the Great American Seafood CookOff in New Orleans. A panel of judges will choose the six winning chefs that will advance to the live competition in May. During the live competition, the contestants will have an hour to prepare and plate a dish highlighting Alaska seafood. A panel of past Great American Seafood Cook-Off contestants and culinary experts will judge the entries. For more information, visit greatalaskaseafoodcookoff.com.

Pacific Alaska Freightways Buys Kodiak Company

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acific Alaska Freightways of Fife, Wash., acquired Southern Alaska Forwarding of Kodiak. The acquisition was completed Jan. 1. The companies have worked together since 1979 when Alain Smith and Ron Sears established Southern Alaska Freightways. Sears, who had started Pacific Alaska Freightways 13 years earlier, saw an opportu-

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Hilcorp Alaska Buys Cook Inlet Assets

ilcorp Alaska LLC acquired the Cook Inlet oil and gas assets of Chevron’s wholly owned indirect subsidiary, Union Oil Co. of California.

Hilcorp Alaska, part of Hilcorp Energy Co., based in Houston, Texas, added more than 230 employees from the acquisition. The acquisition was completed in January. Hilcorp officials plan to continue to develop and produce Cook Inlet resources. The company is a large independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company.

It operates in the Texas/Louisiana Gulf Coast region, the Gulf of Mexico and the Rockies.

State Seeks Aquatic Farm Lease Applicants

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he Division of Mining, Land and Water is accepting aquatic farm lease applications for shellfish operations in state waters through April 30.

The applications are now offered annually, instead of previous openings every other year. Division officials aim to offer economic opportunities for rural Alaskans. During the application period, existing farmers may apply for lease amendments.

An aquatic farm lease enables the

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

INSIDE ALASKA BUSINESS recipient to use state waters to commercially farm Pacific oysters, mussels, littleneck clams, geoduck clams or other shellfish.

Applications and information can be viewed and downloaded from the division’s Web site at dnr.alaska.gov.

SBA Offers Course for Native American Business Operators

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he U.S. Small Business Administration is offering a new online course for Native American entrepreneurs. Native American Small Business Primer: Strategies for Success is a free, self-paced online business course developed for Native American business owners. The course provides an overview of basic business principles and details programs and services available from SBA. The course emphasizes business planning and market research as vital pre-opening steps and includes information on legal aspects of starting a business, including type of ownership and licensing. The course is available from the SBA’s Online Small Business Training Web page under Online Courses for Starting Your Business at sba.gov. Participants completing the course will receive a certificate. SBA also offers nearly 30 free tutorials on starting, managing and financing a business and contracting among others.

ASRC Subsidiary Buys Southeast Construction Firm

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SRC Construction Holding Co. has acquired McGraw Custom Construction, a 30-year-old Southeast Alaska firm handling residential, industrial and government construction.

ASRC Construction Holding Co. is a subsidiary of Arctic Slope Regional Corp. and provides oversight and support for six construction companies.

The Southeast company, now called ASRC McGraw Constructions, is based in Sitka and employs about 30 people. The acquisition will allow the ASRC company to handle projects in Southeast. Chuck McGraw formed McGraw’s Custom Construction Inc. in 1978, a company responsible for many Southeast projects, including the construction of the Sitka Fire Hall, Craig High School and the renovation of Harbor View Elementary School. McGraw and his sons are now employees of the new company.

Kodiak Fisheries Center Earns New Moniker

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he University of Alaska Fairbanks has renamed its facility in Kodiak.

The former Fisheries Industrial Technology Center will now be called the Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center. Center officials say the new name more accurately describes the work being done there. A task force conducted a program review last year and recommended the name change.

The group included members of Kodiak and other coastal Alaska communities, statesmen, commercial fish processors, and faculty and staff members from Kodiak College and UAF. The center was created in 1981 by the Alaska Legislature to provide research support for Alaska’s seafood industry. The program was one of several grouped together to create the UAF School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences in 1987.

Olive Garden Debuts in Alaska

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laska’s first Olive Garden Italian Restaurant opened Jan. 23 in Anchorage. The 7,441-square-foot restaurant, at 1186 N. Muldoon Road, can seat 246 diners. Company officials say a second Olive Garden location will open later this year in South Anchorage.

The opening of the first eatery added 165 jobs, Olive Garden officials said.

The restaurant is a division of Darden Restaurants Inc. of Orlando, Fla. Dawn Bellerose serves as general manager. Bellerose most recently served as general manager of Olive Garden in Worcester, Mass. Olive Garden operates more than 750 restaurants with more than 88,000 employees. The restaurant tallies more than $3 billion in annual sales.

Perkins Coie Ranked Among Top Employers

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erkins Coie was included on FORTUNE magazine’s “The 100 Best Places to Work For” list for the 10th consecutive year. The Seattle-based law firm, which has operated an Anchorage office for 35 years, was ranked 58th.

The list was published in the Feb. 6 issue and is available online at www. fortune.com/bestcompanies.

To pick the “100 Best Companies to Work For,” FORTUNE partners with the Great Place to Work Institute to conduct employee surveys. This year’s survey garnered responses from 280 companies. The survey’s questions queried employees about management’s credibility, job satisfaction and camaraderie. The list is open to companies in business at least seven years and employing more than 1,000 U.S. citizens.

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www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

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INSIDE ALASKA BUSINESS

Exports Tally New Record

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laska exports recorded a new top milestone in 2011, tallying $5 billion in exports from January to November. The U.S. Census Bureau recorded the figures. Total state exports were $4.2 billion for 2010. China was the new top market for Alaska exports through November 2011, according to state trade officials. The other top markets are Japan, South Korea, Canada, Germany and Switzerland. Seafood exports posted the largest gain from 2010 during this period. Seafood exports climbed nearly 34 percent to $2.4 billion. Mineral ore exports rose 31.4 percent to $1.7 billion compared to the same period in 2010.

Energy exports declined 6 percent to $348 million due to the closure of the Kenai liquefied natural gas plant.

Wasilla and Soldotna and provides tires and auto service for more than 100,000 vehicles annually.

Youth Group Grants Fund Health Projects

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nitedHealthcare presented $1,000 in grants to two Alaska groups.

The HEROES grants support youth-led projects aimed at addressing childhood obesity. The grants were awarded to Boys & Girls Clubs of Alaska Healthy Habits program in Anchorage. The Woodland Park Boys & Girls Club teens are conducting research on issues contributing to childhood obesity. The teens will plan and lead the Healthy Habits curriculum and physical activities.

Johnson’s Tire Renovates Store, UA Retains Washington DC Firm for Federal Relations Contract Plans New Locale

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ohnson’s Tire Service is renovating its Midtown Anchorage store and opening a new location in South Anchorage later this year. Johnson’s Tire closed its Minnesota Drive shop when the lease expired and then relocated employees to the Midtown store on Denali Street. Renovations should be complete in April, company officials said. Upgrades will spruce up the ladies room and showroom, where customers can watch their cars being washed in the refurbished carwash. The renovated store will offer free lattes and Internet access via Apple iMacs.

The new South Anchorage store, at Old Seward Highway and O’Malley Road, is set to open in August. Johnson’s also has stores in Eagle River,

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he University of Alaska has secured the Washington, DC-based firm Patton Boggs to assist with federal relations, following the retirement of federal relations director Martha Stewart the end of December.

Stewart, founder of the Arctic Sounder newspaper, a former nurse and legislative aide to former Sen. Al Adams of Kotzebue, served as UA’s federal relations director for more than 12 years. Her retirement provided the opportunity to reduce an executive position on the UA System staff and instead contract for the services.

The year-long contract with Patton Boggs represents about the same annual expenditure as would hiring a full-time UA employee.

Due to the importance of the federal government to UA’s mission, Beam stressed that it’s critical to present a coordinated approach in Washington across a broad federal front. This allows the university not only to successfully navigate the complexities of the federal government, but also to tap into new opportunities.

Ceremony in Anchorage to Commission USS Anchorage

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.S. Navy officials will commission the USS Anchorage during a ceremony this fall in Anchorage.

Members of the Alaska congressional delegation –Sen. Mark Begich, Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Rep. Don Young – wrote letters to Navy Secretary Ray Mabus pitching Anchorage as the locale for the ceremony.

“This commissioning will give Alaskans from across the state a chance to come out and show the pride and respect we feel for having a Navy vessel bear the name of Alaska’s largest city,” Begich said.

“Alaska has missed the Navy’s yearround presence since the closure of the Adak station almost 15 years ago, so we hope this is the first step in a more significant naval operation as the U.S. presence in the Arctic develops,” Murkowski said.

“Whether it’s the thousands of active-duty men and women that call our state home or the crucial role we play in defending this nation, Alaskans know and are proud of the unique bond we have with the military,” Young said. q

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Working in the Alaska market for over a decade, our team is dedicated to the preplanning, schedule control and logistical support required to deliver projects in this environment.

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www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

View

from the

Top

Compiled By Peg Stomierowski

Carla Hendrix, Founder

Alaska Web Designs LLC

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fter 20 years in a family-owned ceramics business, Carla Hendrix decided to further her education at the University of Alaska Anchorage. She worked toward a history degree and took additional pre-law studies at Yale. Then she took a web-design class for fun. That move proved fateful. Her first website, undertaken as a class project, became the UAA journalism department’s web presence for several years. Her newfound passion refocused her study on graphic arts, digital media, programming and other computer-related courses. After graduating with honors, she chose web design over law, and Alaska Web Designs emerged.

Over 12 years, Carla’s underplanned startup grew into a thriving enterprise in which a work week extends well beyond 40 hours.

She has worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Army, the State of Alaska, Black Elk Leather and Alaska Auction. Her clients include governmental, military, nonprofit, Native and business organizations large and small.

TEMPLATES NOT! All of our clients can expect an attitude of respect and attention to detail. Whether the customer is a small business, large corporation or governmental agency, we provide customized work. We do not use templates or other cookie-cutter approaches to website design. And we do not consider a website done until it meets the client’s satisfaction. This has earned us the respect of most clients and the undying gratitude of some.

WEB 101: Web sites are a compilation of files that must be located on a web server to be accessed through the Internet. Hosting occurs when a domain name is set up on a server and associated with these files, as well as with e-mail addresses. For convenience, we provide hosting on our servers and domain registration for the majority of sites we design. This simplifies the process. For better reliability, our servers are located in a controlled environment out of state.

MANAGING CHANGE: Websites inevitably need their content changed.

Depending on the frequency and complexity of the changes required, clients may choose to perform their own updates or to have us do the work for them on an hourly or a contractual basis. While they can update strictly informational sites with relative ease, some have databases or other programming that makes it more difficult.

KEEPING UP: Given the rate of technological change, we are forced to learn something new almost daily. Web design is a competitive field, with new companies continually emerging. We stay quite busy concentrating on effective design and customization.

PROMOTING ALASKA: Alaska scenery provides an excellent backdrop for most sites. Many of our sites are tourism related. Most provide a lot of information about our state with links to additional informational sources for visitors. Combined with the use of as many visuals as each design permits, this contributes to a great image of Alaska.

©2012 Chris Arend

Carla Hendrix

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‘AH’ MOMENTS: My most memorable and enlightening job involved a trip to Gambell on St. Lawrence Island in 2002. I never dreamed my job would take me to such a remote location to meet a client. I actually could see Russia from there. The way of life in the village was amazing. Other than a sporadic Internet connection, and lots of four-wheeler traffic, it was like stepping back in time to a different world. Weather kept me there for several extra days, and I was able to spend time with the locals learning more about q their way of life. www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

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Parker, Smith & Feek combines a collaborative team approach to client service with 74 years of experience to create lasting value for businesses like Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation. That’s why over 96% of our clients retain our firm year after year.

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I N S U R A N C E

•

S U R E T Y

www.psfinc.com 2233 112th Ave. NE, Bellevue, WA 98004 425.709.3600 | 800.457.0220 4000 Old Seward Hwy., Suite 200, Anchorage, AK 99503 907.562.2225

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E M P L O Y E E

B E N E F I T S

HR M at t e r s

By Richard Birdsall

Concerted Activities Trump Confidentiality Revising employee policy for NLRB compliance

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ompany Alpha, as do many companies, has annual performance reviews timed with decisions regarding pay increases, if any. The amounts can vary depending upon each employee’s performance.

Because the pay increases are tied to performance, Alpha likes to keep the salary and pay increase information confidential. Accordingly, Alpha has a policy requiring employee confidentiality with respect to their salary and benefit information.

Employee Bravo observes a number of coworker evaluations on his boss’s desk along with their respective pay increases. Bravo passes the information on to the affected coworkers but, of course, word leaks out. Alpha disciplines employee Bravo for breaching its policy regarding pay and benefit confidentiality. Bravo cries “foul.” Is there a problem here?

An HR client, Patricia, posed this particular question citing the case of Brookshire Grocery versus National Labor Relations Board, the generic facts of which you have just read.

My initial thoughts were that such limitations must be okay. After all, I have observed restrictions such as this in numerous employee handbooks. So many of us couldn’t be wrong —right?

Furthermore, what do the National Labor Relations Act and the NLRB have to do with non-union shops?

omitted) which includes the right to discuss wages,” (Brookshire). There is little doubt this can be comfortably extended to discussions about working conditions as well.

In translation, even though you may be a non-union employer, employees have protections to enable discussions that could lead to potential unionization. Wage-and-benefit discussions fall into this category. Therefore, an employee handbook or manual that prohibits employees from discussing their personal wages and benefits with coworkers restricts “concerted activities” for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection. It could be construed as an unfair labor practice putting a chill on such discussions. So, if you have a provision such as this in your handbook or an unwritten policy to the same effect, consider eliminating it. However, at a minimum, employees should not be disciplined for this type of activity because you may be inviting an action by the NLRB. The NLRB discusses employee

Concerted Activities

Section 7 of the NLRA (29 U.S.C § 157) guarantees employees the right to engage in “concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection.” Section 8(a)(1) of this same act makes it an unfair labor practice for an employer to interfere with section 7 rights. “Concerted activities include matters of common concern (citations

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©2012 Chris Arend

Richard Birdsall

rights on its website. It lists a “few” examples of “protected concerted activity,” which is when two or more employees take action for their mutual aid or protection regarding terms and conditions of employment. The examples given are: n “Two or more employees addressing their employer about improving their pay.” n “Two or more employees discussing work-related issues beyond pay, such as safety concerns, with each other.” n “An employee speaking to an employer on behalf of one or more coworkers about improving workplace conditions.”

New Issues

What constitutes “protected concerted activity” will undoubtedly be stretched with time and the presentation of new issues. In the case of Bowling Transportation versus NLRB, (352 F.2d 274), protection was extended to employee complaints to third parties concerning wage issues. This raises interesting questions about employee complaints in social media applications such as Facebook. q About the Author Richard Birdsall, B.A., J.D., is a senior consultant for The Growth Company.

Birdsall uses his broad experience conducting training in legal compliance, investigation, risk assessment, team building, mediation and alternative dispute resolution. He is particularly adept at ferreting out troublesome HR problems and then finding creative ways to solve them. If you have an HR question you would like addressed in a future column, send it in a pithy e-mail to Richard@the growth company.com.

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

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©2012 Kevin G. Smith/AlaskaStock.com

Twilight view of Pioneer Park in downtown Fairbanks decorated for Christmas, Interior Alaska

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estled in the heart of Alaska’s interior region, the Fairbanks North Star Borough (FNSB) is the state’s second-largest borough.

A local government unit similar to a county, the borough occupies an area slightly smaller than the state of New Jersey. Founded in 1964, FNSB features two incorporated cities: Fairbanks and North Pole.

Fairbanks, the Golden Heart City

Fairbanks, called the “Golden Heart City,” was founded in 1901 by Captain E.T. Barnette as a trading post on the Chena River, and was named after Sen. Charles Fairbanks. When gold was discovered in the hills just north of Fairbanks, the area was flooded by opportunists seeking to increase their fortunes.

One of few places in the world where there’s a sizeable concentration of people living at such an extreme northern latitude, Fairbanks residents experi-

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ence extreme variations in weather, from winter lows colder than minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit to summer highs of more than 90 degrees F. The summer sun appears above the horizon 18 to 21 hours per day, which is partly why Fairbanks is one of Alaska’s most popular tourist destinations.

With its unpaved roads, mining camps and rustic style, Fairbanks has the feel of a small frontier town. Yet, it features an internationally acclaimed research university, numerous museums and other modern amenities.

According to Mayor Jerry Cleworth, Fairbanks has a fortuitous location on the river system that allows people to reach the great outdoors within minutes. The city’s proximity to the wilderness and the diversity of its people are, in part, why some people say Fairbanks is the “real” Alaska.

“It’s such a composite of cultures and opportunities,” Cleworth said. “It’s centrally located, so you get a touch of everything.”

Elsewhere in the Borough

North Pole is a unique town that capitalizes on its moniker to create a perpetual holiday atmosphere. The city’s Christmas-themed streets display candy-cane shaped light posts and names such as St. Nicholas Drive, Santa Claus Lane and Chris Kringle Drive North Pole is the entry to the Chena Lakes Recreational Area and features the Beaver Springs Slough Nature Trail, which runs right through the middle of the city. It also has dozens of restaurants featuring cuisine from around the world.

There are a number of unincorporated communities in the Fairbanks area, including College (which includes UAF and Eielson Air Force Base), the U.S. Army’s Fort Wainwright, Chena Hot Springs, Ester, Fox, Harding-Birch Lakes, Moose Creek, Pleasant Valley, Salcha and Two Rivers. These communities offer residents and visitors a quality of life they won’t find elsewhere, according to FNSB Mayor Luke Hopkins.

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

the week,” Hopkins said. FNSB also represents a financially stable community with very low debt. “Our borough government is stable,” Hopkins said.

“We’re ensuring that we’re spending money wisely and conservatively.”

Photo courtesy of City of Fairbanks

FNSB Economy and Trends

Fairbanks Mayor Jerry Cleworth

Recreational and cultural events include sled dog races, ice carving championships, arts festivals, conventions, conferences, and the Midnight Sun Game, where participants can play basketball at night in summer without lights. “We have so many choices of what to do on so many evenings in

According to Alyssa Shanks, economist for the Alaska Department of Labor, the three components that make up the local economy are the military, the university, and what she calls “everything else.”

Shanks says: “I can’t think of another place in Alaska where these two pieces play such a large role,” University of Alaska Fairbanks employs more than 3,400 people and has nearly 5,700 students enrolled at its Fairbanks campus alone. The military installations and their members bring a great deal of money from Outside. “The military supports a lot of the economy,” Shanks said. “If you lump the military with federal government, it’s a big segment.”

Mayor Cleworth agrees that Fort Wainwright and Eielson are critical to the area. “The military has been a great stabilizer on the economy. Its importance

cannot be overstated,” Cleworth says.

Additionally, the economic contributions of the travel and tourism industry are not to be overlooked. The Alaska Vital Statistics Program indicates that Fairbanks is the only Alaska destination that has increased market share since 1993-94. According to Deb Hickok, president and chief executive officer of the Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau, Fairbanks area visitors are expressing a growing interest in seeing the Aurora Borealis and participating in winter activities. This year, FCVB is working to promote a number of major events in order to draw year-round visitors to the Golden Heart City.

Other significant economic drivers include oil and gas refining, health care, private education, leisure and hospitality.

Last year the primary economic trend for the FNSB was the continuation of slow employment growth. In 2011 Fairbanks experienced growth in the areas of education, health care, mining, trade, transportation and utilities. But job losses in construction—about 200 positions— equaled the gain in health care.

UAF had high enrollment and

Photo by Jesse Hoff

UAF photo by Todd Paris.

Photo by C. Hiemstra

Preparing tomorrow’s engineers today.

College of Engineering and Mines

Institute of Northern Engineering Learn more about our accredited engineering education and research programs at www.alaska.edu/cem/.

UAF is an AA/EOE and educational institution.

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012 AKBizAd-2009.indd 1

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6/25/2009 9:46:07 AM

employment, which bodes well for Fairbanks. And there’s good news for the leisure and hospitality industry: there’s supposed to be space for 50,000 additional cruise passengers, according to Shanks. “We won’t know if our expectations are true until all those cruise ships arrive,” she said. “Even though it’s not a huge number, it still looks a little bit better than last year, and last year wasn’t horrible.”

Transportation

As the transportation hub for Interior Alaska, Fairbanks has extensive road, rail and air connections to the rest of Alaska and Outside. Main transportation conduits include an easily accessible road system, the Fairbanks International Airport and the Alaska Railroad Corp. Most communities in the borough are easy to access via the road system, but air and rail provide necessary infrastructure and to keep FNSB operating smoothly.

Fairbanks International Airport has direct international passenger and cargo traffic, as well as a robust domestic market. Fairbanks is one

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of the smallest U.S. markets with charter passenger service to Europe and Asia. Both Condor Airlines and Japan Airlines operate charter flights with international destinations.

The Alaska Railroad Corp. provides regular freight and passenger service between Fairbanks and Seward.

Housing, Health, and Education

Fairbanks has a stable housing market. Most housing for sale in the area consists of single-family homes, with an increasing number of condominiums and townhouses. New construction has increased in the past several years due to an influx of military members assigned to the area.

The city has a variety of housing options spread across a number of neighborhoods. Prices for commercial properties run anywhere from $100,000 to $3.5 million.

Standing at the crossroads of many remote communities, Fairbanks North Star Borough boasts a variety of clinics, hospitals and medical services for a community of its size. Fairbanks Memorial Hospital

and Denali Center is a general medical and surgical facility, which has served the community since 1972.

The Tanana Chiefs Conference’s (TCC) Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center is an ambulatory care center dedicated to providing quality health services to Alaska Natives and Native Americans with an emphasis on health promotion, education and preventative care. A number of community health outreach programs are available through TCC, the traditional tribal consortium of the 42 villages on Interior Alaska.

Tanana Valley Clinic has also provided a variety of medical services to the Fairbanks community and Interior Alaska for 50 years. In addition to offering various medical services, the clininc maintains a 1st Care Center that offers immediate walk-in treatment of non-emergency illnesses and injuries seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Bassett Army Community Hospital (BACH), a full-service medical center at Forth Wainwright, provides services to active-duty military

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

members, military retirees and dependents at Forth Wainwright, Fort Greely and Eielson Air Force base and remote military sites. BACH also directs the medical activities of Alaska’s other Army facilities, the Fort Richardson Troop medical Clinic and the Fort Greely Aid Station.

The FNSB School District operates 35 schools, including a correspondence/ home school component called Fairbanks BEST. The 14,300 students in the FNSB School District tend to perform well on standardized tests: The average student in the district outperforms the average student in both the state and the nation on academic assessments such as the Alaska Standards Based Assessments, Scholastic Aptitude Test, American College Test and Terra Nova.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks is the flagship campus of the University of Alaska system, which is headquartered in Fairbanks.

Originally founded in 1917 as the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines, it has the distinc-

tion of being America’s northernmost Land, Sea, and Space Grant institution.

UAF encompasses the central campuses in Fairbanks as well as many others throughout the State.

Fairbanks is also home of the UAF Center for Distance Education, an independent learning and distance delivery program.

UAF is the main research campus in the UA system, with at least 90 percent of the research funding in the UA system coming to UAF researchers, according to UAF Public Information Officer Marmian Grimes. Recently, UAF earned a gold rating in the Association for the advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s evaluation program. Officially called the Sustainability, Tracking, Assessment and Rating System, the program evaluates universities on a variety of criteria, including operations and planning, and education and research.

The Tanana Chiefs Conference also provides numerous education programs to help Alaska Natives pursue post-secondary vocational and professional opportunities and to secure employment. TCC also has an Adult Basic Education Program for students who are completing high school equivalency examinations or are seeking vocational training.

Wayland Baptist University is another educational asset to the FNSB. The university combines nontraditional and traditional credits to offer a variety of masters, bachelors, and associates degrees, providing resources and services at Fort Wainwright and Eielson Air Force Base to any student over the age of 18.

Continued Growth

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There are a number of development projects on the horizon for the FNSB, including a new life sciences facility at UAF. The new facility will provide multi-use teaching and research labs, classrooms, and office space for life-science research and academic purposes. The building is on schedule to be completed by September 2013.

TCC is constructing a new facility to replace Chief Andrew Isaac

Health Center. The $72-million project will allow the Alaska Native Health Center to expand its medical services, including limited radiology and physical therapy. Much of the cost to fund the project will be provided through the federal Indian Health Service and bonds. The new medical center is expected to be completed in early 2013.

In the near future, North Pole residents will be receiving a new library—completely debt-free, according to FNSB Mayor Hopkins. The expanded layout will allow more room for services, as well as public meeting spaces—which is something North Pole desperately needs. “It will serve the community for the estimated 20 to 25 years of population growth,” Hopkins said.

ARRC has a number of important improvement projects underway, ©2012 Patrick Endres/ including the Northern Rail ExtenAlaskaStock.com sion (NRE) project, which includes building a bridge over the Tanana River in Salcha with an associated levee, and an enhancement of the freight intermodal area of Fairbanks rail yard. These projects are expected to boost local and state economies with millions of dollars spent on local equipment, materials, supplies and lodging. More than 200 construction jobs are projected during the summer months, and dozens year-round.

Doyon, along with several partners, also began conducting a 2D seismic program in the unexplored northern portion of the Nenana basin which may yield natural gas or oil.

The borough itself is also moving through a six-month project to study distribution models for natural gas.

“We’re looking at a trucking project which would deliver (liquefied natural gas) from the North Slope down the Haul Road,” Mayor Hopkins said.

There’s also a proposal to expand the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, which would have a significant impact on Eielson Air Force Base. The environmental impact statement on the proposed project should be out the first quarter of 2012, Hopkins said. “It’s an opportunity for Alaska to be a stronger anchor for the military.” q

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

Fairbanks North Star Borough Demographics People QuickFacts Fairbanks NSB Population, 2010 97,581 Population, percent change, 2000 to 2010 17.8% Population, 2000 82,840 Persons under 5 years, percent, 2010 8.1% Persons under 18 years, percent, 2010 25.6% Persons 65 years and over, percent, 2010 6.5% Female persons, percent, 2010 47.2% White persons, percent, 2010 (a) 77.0% Black persons, percent, 2010 (a) 4.5% American Indian and Alaska Native persons, percent, 2010 (a) 7.0% Asian persons, percent, 2010 (a) 2.7% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, percent, 2010 (a) 0.4% Persons reporting two or more races, percent, 2010 6.8% Persons of Hispanic or Latino origin, percent, 2010 (b) 5.8% White persons not Hispanic, percent, 2010 74.1% Living in same house 1 year & over, 2005-2009 74.5% Foreign born persons, percent, 2005-2009 5.0% Language other than English spoken at home, pct age 5+, 2005-2009 10.7% High school graduates, percent of persons age 25+, 2005-2009 93.6% Bachelor’s degree or higher, pct of persons age 25+, 2005-2009 26.3% Veterans, 2005-2009 12,037 Mean travel time to work (minutes), workers age 16+, 2005-2009 17.4 Housing units, 2010 41,783 Homeownership rate, 2005-2009 59.3% Housing units in multi-unit structures, percent, 2005-2009 28.8% Median value of owner-occupied housing units, 2005-2009 $198,200 Households, 2005-2009 32,211 Persons per household, 2005-2009 2.88 Per capita money income in past 12 months (2009 dollars) 2005-2009 $28,373 Median household income, 2009 $64,691 Persons below poverty level, percent, 2009 7.9% Business QuickFacts Fairbanks NSB Private nonfarm establishments, 2009 2,445 Private nonfarm employment, 2009 26,479 Private nonfarm employment, percent change 2000-2009 22.5% Nonemployer establishments, 2009 5,147 Total number of firms, 2007 6,481 Black-owned firms, percent, 2007 2.0% American Indian and Alaska Native owned firms, percent, 2007 3.8% Asian-owned firms, percent, 2007 3.4% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander owned firms, percent, 2007 F Hispanic-owned firms, percent, 2007 2.3% Women-owned firms, percent, 2007 32.5% Manufacturers shipments, 2007 ($1000) D Merchant wholesaler sales, 2007 ($1000) D Retail sales, 2007 ($1000) 1,574,267 Retail sales per capita, 2007 $16,072 Accommodation and food services sales, 2007 ($1000) 221,600 Building permits, 2010 42 Federal spending, 2009 1,644,275 Geography QuickFacts Land area in square miles, 2010 Persons per square mile, 2010 FIPS Code Metropolitan or Micropolitan Statistical Area

Fairbanks NSB 7,338.21 13.3 090 Fairbanks, AK Metro Area

Alaska 710,231 13.3% 626,932 7.6% 26.4% 7.7% 48.0% 66.7% 3.3% 14.8% 5.4% 1.0% 7.3% 5.5% 64.1% 77.9% 6.6% 15.5% 90.7% 26.5% 72,494 17.9 306,967 63.8% 26.4% $221,300 234,779 2.82 $29,382 $66,712 9.1% Alaska 19,901 252,882 23.4% 51,137 68,728 1.5% 10.0% 3.1% 0.3% S 25.9% 8,204,030 4,563,605 9,303,387 $13,635 1,851,293 904 11,922,341 Alaska 570,640.95 1.2 02

(a) Includes persons reporting only one race. (b) Hispanics may be of any race, so also are included in applicable race categories.

FN: Footnote on this item for this area in place of data NA: Not available D: Suppressed to avoid disclosure of confidential information X: Not applicable S: Suppressed; does not meet publication standards Z: Value greater than zero but less than half unit of measure shown F: Fewer than 100 firms Source: US Census Bureau State & County QuickFacts www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

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special section BUILDING ALASKA

Photo courtesy of Criterion General Inc.

Winter Construction in Alaska Criterion General, Inc. work crews battle record snowfalls in Thompson Pass to complete the rebuild of the Tsaina Lodge which broke ground Oct. 1, 2011, and is scheduled for completion a record six months later in March 2012.

Working through weather challenges

By Paula Cottrell

H

istorically, large scale construction projects in Alaska would shut down during the winter months. This trend changed in the early 1990s when the demand for new construction forced companies to rethink how to quickly, safely and effectively construct buildings that are not only designed to meet their clients’ needs, but could withstand every force Alaska’s sub-Arctic weather has to offer. Record cold temperatures and snow falls this winter have provided their challenges to many people working outdoors in Alaska, but it has not stopped construction on several large scale commercial projects across the state.

Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center (ANHC) Strategic Initiatives Director Joan Fisher can hardly contain

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her excitement over the progress of the new ANHC facility being constructed on C Street between International and Tudor roads. The ANHC is a clinic structured to serve all individuals with or without insurance. In addition to its sliding fee payment schedule, ANHC offers health care to the homeless and it is the largest HIV/AIDS practice in the state of Alaska.

As the former ANHC executive director, Fisher resigned that position to work solely on the construction of the state-of-the-art building that will bring the Fairview clinic and the administrative offices to one single location.

“Transitioning into one location has been a long-time goal of the ANHC. I have been with the organization for 13 years and we have been working on

this project at least that long. There is a strong need in our community for more cost effective health care and we are here to provide it,” Fisher says.

By combining administrative offices with the clinic, ANHC will allow for a more efficient work flow and delivery system that will benefit staff and patients alike.

One of the biggest challenges for ANHC was finding a location for its main facility, according to Fisher. The selected site had some challenges, starting with the land on which they wanted to build. Extremely marshy, Roger Hickel Contracting, the general contractor overseeing the project surcharged the site with more than 55,000 tons of gravel. This two-step process was performed in 2009 and 2010 to

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

B U S I N E SS

PROFI LE

Pinnacle Mechanical, Incorporated innacle Mechanical Incorporated is a commercial plumbing, heating and air conditioning business that focuses on providing services in a knowledgeable, efficient and friendly manner. Hence the name “Pinnacle” and bold slogan: Expect perfection. Accept excellence. The slogan—adapted from a quote by legendary football coach Vince Lombardi—is more than a motto. It’s the way Pinnacle Mechanical does business.

It all boils down to treating people the way you want to be treated, according to Co-Owner Dan Kittoe. He says: “It’s not rocket science. You go out and do your job. That’s what keeps us competitive.”

Established in 1999, Pinnacle Mechanical has built a successful business by being responsive to its customers’ needs. The company’s employees strive to listen to clients’ problems, understand their needs and create timely solutions.

“Our employees understand that they are a major part of the solution to our clients’ needs, and we provide them with the tools, information and materials to be successful in their daily routines,” says Owner Janice Kittoe, Dan’s wife.

For example, Pinnacle’s HVAC service, maintenance and plumbing departments are able to complete quickturnaround projects. They also have the expertise to work on a wide range of heating, plumbing and air conditioning equipment. “Whether it’s a gas or oil-fired burner that needs combustion analysis, an IT room that is overheating and requires AC cooling, or a bathroom needing to be upgraded to ADA compliance, we have the personnel and knowledge to provide the service,” Dan says.

Pinnacle provides services for a variety of clients. Recently, it worked on an AC cooling renovation project for Alaska Communication Systems’ East Wire Center, a new commercial office/retail building with a commercial kitchen for Arcticorp, and a 32-unit

© 2012 Chris Arend Photography

P

Expect Perfection. Accept Excellence

boiler replacement project for Anchorage Neighborhood Housing.

As a family-owned business, Pinnacle Mechanical operates with a distinctive mom-and-pop style. The company has 25 permanent and seasonal employees, many of whom have been employed there for years—including the Kittoes’ daughter, Kari, and several in-laws. The low employee turnover rate has a positive impact on customers.

“It establishes loyalty and trust with our clients when they recognize the same technicians and plumbers responding to their issues year in and year out,” Janice says.

Pinnacle’s technicians, plumbers, estimating personnel and management are constantly enhancing their expertise to better serve customers’ current and future needs. In addition, the company is always expanding its services.

For example, it now offers temporary AC cooling systems that clients can rent while their existing mechanical systems are being renovated. Dan explains: “We can provide the contractor/owners with portable temporary cooling units, PAID

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from 3 to 15 tons, along with the install, set-up, service and demobilization of the units. We believe this could provide a substantial savings to the client by eliminating equipment shutdowns and scheduling conflicts.”

Whatever the situation, Pinnacle Mechanical is committed to operating with its clients’ best interests at heart.

“We expect to be here for some time, and the only way that will happen is if we stay true to our customers by maintaining our honest, loyal and friendly service,” Janice says.

For more information contact Pinnacle Mechanical, Incorporated Dan and Janice Kittoe, Owners 5821 Arctic Blvd., Unit D Anchorage, Alaska 99518 Phone: (907) 336-HEAT (4328) Fax: (907) 336-4329 www.pinnaclemechanicalinc.com

prepare the site for construction in the early spring of 2011.

For the structure to be enclosed before the winter months, construction had to begin early.

Planning Vital

Roger Hickel Contracting Senior Project Manager Thomas Ojala says planning was the key. “We were able to get a two-month jump start on the foundation work by thawing the ground early,” he says. “We used ground thawers which thawed the ground about three to four inches each day. We needed to go at least eight feet down to set the foundation, so that project took some time.”

Ground thawers are not always the first choice for getting an early start on spring dirt work. At the new Chugach Electric power plant site, Roger Hickel Contracting crews used D9s to remove the frozen soil so foundation work could begin. This is the more traditional method for preparing ground work, according to Ojala. “Heavy equipment wasn’t an option on the ANHC job site,” he says. “The space we had to work in was not large enough to accommodate the necessary equipment.

The ground thawers proved to be an ideal solution.”

Newer technologies such as fuel-efficient heating systems have certainly played a part in winter construction advancements, but according to Roger Hickel Contracting Superintendent John Barnes, the single greatest jump in the advancement of construction projects was the fax machine. “The ability to communicate quickly among contractors with drawings and plans was a big factor in increasing work efficiency,” Barnes says.

The Internet, smartphones and mobile communication technology has furthered the ability of contractors to work together and with their clients. “Current information is a critical resource when working on such large commercial projects where everything must be choreographed and timed perfectly,” says Project Manager Sean Hickel.

Weather Challenges

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Criterion General Inc. has been working in Alaska’s winter conditions since 1992. Currently they have two large commercial winter projects—the new Alaska USA office building located www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

©2012 Edward Wilson

The new Alaska USA Building on B Street broke ground in August 2011 forcing Criterion General employees to battle cold temperatures, high winds and record snowfalls while construction continued throughout the winter months in the unenclosed structure.

on B Street next to Tudor Road and a new hotel, restaurant and ski resort in Thompson Pass near Valdez. Both projects present their own challenges when it comes to winter construction, according to Criterion General President Dave DeRoberts.

The Alaska USA building broke ground in August 2011. While this

was not early enough to get the facility fully enclosed before winter, this has not stopped Criterion’s crews from forging ahead with construction. “For many reasons, projects don’t always start at the most opportune time, but with our experience, we are able to handle most any working situation,” DeRoberts says.

In addition to the late start, extreme weather has challenged the Criterion crews. “We plan for every condition possible, but this winter has been harder than most,” DeRoberts says. “If it wasn’t high winds, it was incredible snow storms or frigid temperatures. Each day the crews came in ready to brave the elements, shovel snow and repair the temporary enclosure as needed.”

Private investors contracted Criterion General to do a complete rebuild of the Tsaina Lodge near Valdez. The new complex will provide first class accommodations, a fine dining restaurant and heli-ski resort. The Thompson Pass project, however, has proven to test even the best of construction companies. Originally built in the 40’s and 50’s, this historic lodge needed a total retrofit to bring to life the vision of a high-end, 24-room boutique hotel.

Breaking ground on Oct. 1 last year, Criterion had less than six months to complete the project to ensure the facility would be ready for operations by the first week in March.

“With less than six months to complete this project, planning was crucial.

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We had a lot of heavy equipment on hand to deal with the snowfall, but we had no idea we would be doing a fast paced construction project with the record snowfalls that Thompson Pass has seen this winter,” DeRoberts says.

Along with the weather concerns are the logistics needs for maintaining a crew of 50 employees in a remote site. Criterion crews are being housed in onsite cabins, yurts, local lodges and other private accommodations. Fuel costs are much higher in remote rural areas and the constant need to have the heavy machinery moving the seemingly constant snowfall can drive up the cost of any winter construction project.

DeRoberts attributes his company’s success to his experienced personnel.

“It’s all about attitude and preparation,” he says. “Alaska construction workers know how to handle these working conditions better than anyone else in the country. They are tough and resilient.

Without their positive attitudes and experience, we couldn’t pull off the work that we do. “

Cold Work Considerations

Kristian Moistner, a Criterion employee working on the Alaska USA facility does not mind working out in the cold.

“It sure beats how things were in the late 80’s when construction would shut down for the winter, Moistner says. “At least we can still work, even if it means battling some brutal weather. You just need warmer clothes and the ability to work at a safe pace.”

It is not just the elements that challenge workers, but the risk factors as well. “It is definitely more dangerous to perform construction work in the winter,” Ojala says. “Reduced visibility due to the shorter winter days as well as the hazards that come with snow and ice on steel framework is something we deal with every day. There is the potential danger for slips and falls as well as frostbite and other cold related injuries. We believe in planning and safety and are proud to say we have had no loss time accidents or injuries on this project.”

Regardless of the weather conditions, demand for building drives the industry to continue working yearround. Three Cedars LLC tasked Roger Hickel Contracting with constructing a

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

©2012 Edward Wilson

Roger Hickel Contracting used ground heating technology in spring 2011 to ensure the new Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center could break ground as early as possible so it would be fully enclosed prior to the winter months, allowing for an August 2012 completion date.

Class A office building located at New Seward and Northern Lights Boulevard because of their experience working in Alaskan conditions, according to managing partner, Geraldine Estabrook.

The Three Cedars building has three floors with 11,000 square feet of office space that are set above a heated parking garage structure.

“We have excellent floor plans with fabulous views of Anchorage,” Estabrook says. “The ability of incoming tenants to work with our general contractor to customize their build outs during our final phase of construction is a huge bonus to any incoming tenants.”

It is this collaborative relationship that Roger Hickel Contracting has

developed with clients that makes winter construction projects, not just feasible, but often times, ideal. With an estimated completion date of late Summer 2012, the folks at ANHC will be able to transition into their new location. “The phased move will mean we can furnish our clinic and offices with state-of-the-art equipment while work crews finish our parking lot and landscaping,” Fisher says. “Both projects should be completed around the same time for a seamless transition into the new facility. We couldn’t have done it without years of planning with our contractor and design team.”

This project has been Fisher’s swan song, and she plans to retire upon completion of the building and once everyone has moved in. “I have put a lot of time and effort into this project,” she says. “A lot of funding has come together to make this clinic a reality, and the ability of Roger Hickel Contracting to plan and execute this undertaking will bring this project to completion at least a year earlier than it normally would have, benefiting a number of Alaskan residents.” q ConstruCtion

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27

special section BUILDING ALASKA

Yukon Gateway Project

Photo by Dimitra Lavrakas

At Skagway’s Ore Dock, a barge waits to be filled with ore before shipping out.

Skagway’s $80 million port plan

By Dimitra Lavrakas

T

here is so much at stake, yet so much is up in the air. Tiny Skagway in Southeast is blessed with a deep-water port that has served the shipping needs of Canada’s Yukon Territory for over a century. Now, three mining companies look to it to transport ore. One is even willing to build a new dock, but here’s the rub: a tidelands lease with White Pass & Yukon Route Railway gives the company control until 2023. The mining companies want access within the next couple of years.

Mines

Capstone’s Minto Mine has been using the Ore Dock on and off for years, but it’s shipping steadily right now. The

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Minto Mine, just south of Carmacks in the Yukon, has its concentrates trucked to Skagway and on to smelters in Asia for treatment and sale. It is projected to operate until 2020.

The Chinese mining company Selwyn Chihong Mining Ltd. has started a feasibility study for its western Yukon mining prospect that sits close to the border of Canada’s Northwest Territories, foresees shipping concentrates though Skagway beginning 2014—possibly for 30 years.

And Alexco Resource Corp.’s Bellekeno Mine, located in the Yukon’s Keno Hill Silver District, hopes to produce 250 metric tons per day of leadsilver concentrate and 8,400 metric tons

of zinc concentrate annually to generate up to 2.8 million ounces of silver.

Meetings

In a late November 2011 meeting in Anchorage, representatives of the Municipality of Skagway, WP&YR, Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority and an attorney representing the city tried to deal with the conflicting interests of the parties: WP&YR’s desire to see the trucking replaced by rail and its tidelands lease extended; the Municipality of Skagway’s desire to regain control of the tidelands; a concern that the suspension bridge on the Klondike Highway may need replacing because of heavy truck use

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

and age; and WP&YR’s intention of building a floating dock extension to the Ore Dock to accommodate the larger cruise ships that are expected and the company’s demand that it be released from any environmental contamination at the Ore Dock, which the city considers a no deal.

In a Dec. 23, 2011, letter to WP&YR President Eugene Hretzay and Clublink Enterprises Chairman and Chief Executive Officer K. Rai Sahi, Skagway Mayor Stan Selmer outlined the hurdles all parties must leap over before any of them move ahead, adding: “In closing, we request your best written offer to jump start this renewed effort and that we would be pleased to meet with you and Mr. Sahi anytime, anywhere.”

In mid-January, all the partners were to meet in Vancouver, British Columbia, home to WP&YR’s parent company, ClubLink Enterprises Ltd., Canada’s largest owner and operator of golf courses with 42 sites among Ontario and Quebec in Canada, and Florida in the U.S. The railroad is its only tourist-based business.

Paul Taylor, former WP&YR president and now manager of ports and transportation for the Chihong Mining Ltd. Selwyn mining project, predicts the “next couple of quarters will be interesting,” given all the different parties. The company is trying to find a place on the waterfront over which it has control.

“We have the same problem as AIDEA, we don’t have site control,” he says.

This is key to Chihong’s long-term strategy. Chihong proposed building a separate dock at the mouth of the Skagway River, but the environmental hurdles of the river’s salmon run along with the dock’s location in front of the airport and busy tourism helicopter pads saw them back away.

Port Expansion

According to Skagway’s $80 million port development plan, the Yukon Gateway Project focuses on separating, as much as possible, the cruise and industrial port traffic and developing the ore-handling facilities at Ore Dock. In 2010, the municipality applied unsuccessfully for an $11.5 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

However, $10 million was added to the state’s budget for the project with the city readying to issue a $5 million bond and AIDEA looking to finance a $27 million ore facility improvement.

According to project plans, Phase I aims to complete the existing ore storage facility, rehabilitate the feed and feed reclamation conveyors, upgrade the dust control system, and modify the power supply. In addition, a considerable amount of dredging is likely needed to accommodate ore-filled Panamax or Capesize ships.

Phase II would expand the port site by creating uplands with a new bulkhead structure to increase the Ore Dock’s capacity to serve ore vessels and cruise ships simultaneously. Phase III sees the old ore loader being replaced with a new one built within a sheet pile bulkhead site. The loader would be in a better location to do its q job efficiently.

Dimitra Lavrakas is a freelance photojournalist who lives in Skagway.

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www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

29

special section BUILDING ALASKA

1% for Art Helps Drive Economy

Public art program underwrites jobs, displays local history and culture

By Gail West

©2012 Chris Arend

Habitat at the Anchorage Museum exterior front allee was designed by internationally acclaimed British artist Antony Gormley.

O

ne small economic driver often overlooked in the search for big dollars is the 1% for Art program, which offers artists and fabricators additional employment every year on many public projects. Through

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a law passed by the Alaska Legislature in 1975 and an ordinance passed by the Anchorage Assembly three years later, both the state and the Municipality of Anchorage are adding public art to many projects funded by public dollars.

The Alaska State Council on the Arts administers the 1% for Art program for the state, and can purchase a work of art that is to become, according to its mission statement: “a permanent part of, or placed on loan in, a building or

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

facility owned or leased by the state that has substantial public use.”

In Anchorage, Jocelyn Young, curator of public art for the Municipality’s Public Works Department, said the Municipality’s ordinance is based on the state law but is much more specific.

“Basically, it encompasses all construction and major renovations of buildings and parks,” she said. “Trails and roads aren’t included, but it covers nearly everything else.”

Anything with a price tag of more than $250,000 carries the art requirement of 1 percent, except for buildings without employees or that aren’t used by the public, she added.

Young also said there is a separate public art committee composed of seven individuals that oversees and advises the program for each project. The makeup of each committee varies to encompass representatives of affected communities, architects, professional artists and representatives of the facilities being built.

The first piece added to the Municipality’s public art collection in 1981 was a series of panels installed at Girdwood Elementary School. The panels, depicting the life and history of Girdwood, were carved by artist Robert Bursiel, a long-time resident of the community.

Now, Young said, there are 445 pieces in the collection in more than 100 facilities and Young calls it “a museum without walls.”

“Because of the 1% for Art program Anchorage now has many pieces by important Alaska artists who have passed away such as John Hoover and Catherine Doss,” Young said, “and that’s a wonderful legacy for our history and our culture.”

Alaska Artists Compete with Outsiders

Although Alaska artists are encouraged to participate in the program, it’s not necessarily a shoo-in for them. “It’s up to every committee as to whether they want to restrict the art to Alaskans or whether they want to open it wider to national or international artists,” Young said. “Particularly with some of the higher budget numbers, committees want to go wider.” She says they want to make sure artists don’t commit to something beyond their

abilities, adding that she has seen some artists struggle.

“They didn’t realize the costs of the materials or the time involved in fabrication of their work,” she said. “Most installations require some engineering expertise and carry installation costs as well as fabrication costs.”

However, Young is still insistent that Alaska artists have what it takes to provide the public with quality pieces.

“Over the years, I’ve seen more and more Alaska artists become totally capable of competing with the national and international artists,” Young says.

A recent addition to Anchorage’s public art collection is the “Habitat” sculpture of a crouching man installed in 2010 at the corner of Sixth Avenue and C Street in front of The Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center. International artist Antony Gormley’s first U.S. public art commission is 57 welded stainless steel boxes standing 24 feet tall and weighing 37,000 pounds.

The $487,000 price tag makes it the “largest commission awarded for the Municipality’s 1% for Art program,” Young said. Habitat was entirely fabricated in Anchorage by STEELFAB, providing an entire winter’s work for two or three welders who would ordinarily have been laid off for the season.

“The tallest piece in the program, ‘Northern Lens,’ is at Chugiak High School, and was designed and fabricated by Ray King of Philadelphia. It is more than 30 feet high and cost $140,000.

“For most artwork we commission, it’s less expensive to fabricate in Alaska than it is to ship,” Young said.

“So that keeps much of our funding circulating locally.”

Another recent piece of art commissioned by the Municipality was “Big Game,” an installation by Sheila Wyne at Anchorage’s Dimond High School. “Twenty-three people made that happen,” Young said. “Walsky Construction did the installation, Nelson Franklin did the engineering, and there were several electricians working on pieces of it. There are many subcontractors with every piece of artwork.”

Young says she feels the program is a good way to support professional artists, and a way to enhance our community, making it a pleasure to live in. q

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

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special section BUILDING ALASKA

West Dowling Phase II

Decreasing congestion with road extension

By Stephanie Jaeger

S

Graphic courtesy of HDR Alaska

ince 1971, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) has been working on a way to improve east to west travel in Anchorage to reduce congestion on Tudor Road and Dimond Boulevard. The Anchorage Long Range Transportation Plan categorized the Dowling Road Extension as a top priority and the project has evolved in two phases. Phase I connects Dowling between Old Seward Highway and C Street and went to bid last fall. Construction is expected to begin this spring and be substantially complete by the end of next October by Quality Asphalt Paving, the low bidder at $13.486 million, according to ADOT&PF Project Manager Jim Amundsen.

Project Status

Phase II connects Dowling from C Street to Minnesota Drive, and is in the design and acquisitions stage. The West Dowling Phase II project begins with an exit from C Street south of West 59th Avenue. The highway continues along the shores of Tina Lake proceeding west and then south. A new bridge will be built over Arctic Boulevard and the Alaska Railroad tracks that run parallel to it. The bridge will be 35 feet high to accommodate the Alaska Railroad’s need for access. Ramps to and from the bridge will have a five-percent grade and a steep berm. From there, the new highway passes through wooded and industrial land to an intersection with Raspberry Road at West 68th Avenue.

Shortly after this intersection, Raspberry Road has an on and off ramp to Minnesota Drive, connects with the Old and New Seward highways and becomes O’Malley Road. This route, the “Rovenna concept,” named after Rovenna Road, was approved in the 2007 Environmental Assessment, which evaluated several alternate routes. HDR Alaska, a multi-national

32

engineering firm, is designing the project and continues to work on the details.

The new highway will alternate between four and five lanes. In some areas, there will be a raised median, in others, a center-left or right-hand turn lane. The project includes two new intersections: Raspberry Road and 68th Avenue and the Minnesota Drive northbound off-ramp. A sidewalk is planned for the north side of the highway, bicycle lanes on both sides and a 12-foot separated pathway on the south side. A Campbell Creek Trail crossing will be constructed under West Dowling Road.

Decreased Congestion

“The decreased traffic congestion created by this road should help businesses along Tudor and Dimond,” Amundsen says. “Based on our current growth rates, by the time we get this constructed

we’ll need it just to keep up. The road is an arterial to move traffic from east to west. Driveways and side streets to get to businesses or a place to build strip malls are not planned. People wanting to access businesses on Tudor and Dimond should find it easier to shop there when the congestion is decreased.”

According to Amundsen, the overall projected cost of Phase II is $66 million. This includes $3 million in design costs, $21 million for right-of-way purchases, $7 million to relocate utilities, and $35 million for construction. Phase II requires buying some industrial and business property but no residential property. Amundsen said he expects the project to bid sometime between October and December, once rightof-way is complete. Construction is expected to begin in 2013, with completion in 2014. Learn more at the project website (dowlingroad.com). q

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

special section BUILDING ALASKA

NANA Partners with RurAL CAP

Photos by Kent Banks, RurAL CAP

Energy Wise Program cultivates energy efficiency

RurAL CAP’s Energy Wise program helps Alaskans reduce their energy consumption, lower their home heating and electric bills, and save money. Noorvik Energy Wise crew members include (L-R): back row: Lawrence Wells, George Smith, and Jason Smith; middle row: William Field, Tommy Snyder, Luke Snyder, Marty Smoke and Murphy Patterson; front row: Elmer Melton (crew leader) and Clayton Ballot.

By Louise Freeman

W

ith high energy costs causing financial hardship for rural residents throughout the state, Alaska Native corporations, NGOs and state and federal agencies have been scrambling to find ways to address the problem. Weatherization programs are one answer, but however effective these programs are, they are expensive to fund—up to $35,000 per home—complex to plan, and often take years to implement.

There has been a need for simple and cost-effective solutions that can be put in place immediately.

The cost of energy in rural Alaska “is an issue we are working in partnership with other regional organizations to address, but it is the single largest barrier to regional economic develop-

34

ment,” said Marie Greene, president and CEO of NANA Regional Corp.

Inc. (NANA). In 2010, Rural Alaska Community Action Program (RurAL CAP), a statewide, private, nonprofit organization, used approximately $2.5 million in federal 2009 Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to launch a pilot program to address one aspect of rural energy use that has often been ignored: education. “We can’t overlook the importance of the human factor of what goes into using energy. We help people understand where their energy money is going.

And based on that, they can make their own decision on how to use that energy,” said Cathie Clements, community development director at RurAL CAP.

Community Education

Energy Wise focuses on communities with especially high fuel costs and that are low on the wait list for weatherization. These high-need villages are provided with a local crew of trained employees who help educate their neighbors by organizing a community conservation fair and making home visits. Interested residents are visited in their homes by a trained Energy Wise crew. The crew leader works oneon-one with them to assess household energy/kilowatt consumption.

In addition to demystifying the often confusing heating and electric bills, the crew leader helps residents to make the connection between how they use energy and what that looks like on their bills. Crew members then install

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

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$300 of efficiency upgrade equipment, including compact fluorescent lights, weather-stripping and water heater blankets. (Energy Wise is designed to complement, or piggy-back on weatherization programs, which make larger-scale upgrades such as adding insulation and new windows.) The crew leader follows up with a visit three to six months later to answer any questions.

In the first year of the Energy Wise program, 7,500 residents in 32 highneed villages from Savoonga to Huslia received energy conservation education, 2,000 homes were given lowcost, efficiency upgrades, and 160 area residents were provided with seasonal employment. The village of Selawik, a community of about 800 residents in the NANA region, was one of the villages in the pilot program. NANA liked the results they saw in Selawik—an effective, low-cost program that used local hire, involved the whole community, and saved the residents an average of 20 percent on their energy bills.

“NANA shareholders in Selawik felt they benefited from the program,” said Greene. “We evaluated the program and our board felt that it would be beneficial to our shareholders to roll out regionally. Board members felt that the Energy Wise program fit with NANA’s mission to improve the lives of our shareholders. More than half of our (12,900) shareholders live within the borders of our region and the high cost of fuel impacts their lives daily.”

With sky-high heating and electrical bills, rural residents have less money to buy groceries and other necessities.

In rural Alaska, an average of 47 percent of household income goes to pay energy costs.

Diversified Funding

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NANA will be expanding the Energy Wise program to include all eleven communities in the NANA region.

The three-phase program started in the fall of 2011 and will be completed in 2013. The NANA board approved an $860,000 expenditure, which provided the majority of funding for Phase I, covering the villages most in need: Ambler, Buckland, Kivalina, Noatak, Noorvik and Shungnak. A contractual agreement was entered into with RurAL CAP to implement the program. www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

Phase I, now in progress and to be completed in the spring of 2012, is providing efficiency upgrades to more than 500 homes, education to more than 2,000 people, and employment to approximately 50 local residents. “NANA was really interested in doing something right away with the energy burden,” said Ellen Kazary, Community Development manager at RurAL CAP. NANA is the first private organization to fund the program, and once NANA stepped forward with private dollars, other public partners came on board. The Denali Commission/State Department of Labor ($297,239 to train crews in 2011-12 and 2012-13); U.S. Department of Energy National Renewable Energy Laboratory ($50,319 for planning and evaluation planning); Alaska Works Partnership (in-kind training support); Northwest Inupiat Housing Authority (in-kind support); and Northwest Arctic Borough (tech support and “smart meters” that track energy use). Local partners include tribal and city councils, churches, youth groups, and parks and recreation programs, which provide in-kind support.

The result of all these organizations working together is the type of effective public-private partnership the stimulus funds were supposed to generate.

Local Hire

Not content with simply dispersing information and calling it “education,” RurAL CAP designed Energy Wise using behavior change theory to positively affect how people use energy in their homes. “It takes not just one but several encounters with the message on a variety of levels, Kazary said. “(With Energy Wise) they hear the crew leaders talking about it, they see their neighbors implementing it, and they themselves have one-on-one discussions with the crew, not just once but several times. That really helps to sustain behavior change.”

To convey this information in a friendly, culturally acceptable way, it was important to hire local people.

“Local hire is a huge part of why it is a success. It makes it so much more comfortable and easy for crew members to be training friends and relatives,” Kazary said. “They take a leadership role that is endorsing change in a socially acceptable and positive way. You www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

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can’t just come in and lecture people as an outsider. Also, crew members live in the villages so they can continue to answer questions. It leaves that knowledge base there.”

The local hire component was one of RurAL CAP’s goals in designing Energy Wise and was one of the elements of the program that attracted NANA’s interest. “The program also addresses some of our Village Economic Development needs by creating local jobs and offering training opportunities,” Greene said. The four to 10 crew members and one crew leader hired in each participating community receive training leading to Weatherization Tech I, OSHA and First Aid certification.

“Certification will be a big bonus for the crews,” said Clements, preparing them for future employment on weatherization crews, or working for the housing authority, or in the construction industry. Training and implementation of the program take place September through January, offering eight to 12 weeks of full-time employment in the off-season when construction and other summer work is not available.

Cultivating Energy Conservation

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Shungnak is a community of 270 people located 150 air miles east of Kotzebue on a scenic bluff above the Kobuk River.

Local resident and Energy Wise crew leader Harry Commack said Shungnak is the kind of place where “you can walk out of the store with one plastic grocery bag and it’s $100.” The village has one of the highest energy costs in northwest Alaska. Residents pay $0.38/kilowatt hour, compared to Chugach Electric customers in Anchorage, who pay less than $0.14/kilowatt hour. Fuel is normally barged in from Kotzebue, but with area rivers running low in recent years, there are times when the barge cannot make it to upriver villages such as Kobuk and Shungnak. Fuel must then be flown in from Fairbanks. Shungnak suffers from the additional problem of inadequate fuel storage capacity.

Even with the tanks topped off in the summer, the village often runs out of fuel by April, requiring fuel be flown in from Fairbanks. Stove oil, which costs an already high $4 per gallon in Fairbanks, sells for more than $9 per gallon in Shungnak www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

Shungnak Energy Wise crew members include (L-R): Harry Commack (crew leader), Brandon Woods, Jarraine Collini, William Sheldon IV and Jamey Gilila.

In late November, Commack led a crew on their first day of training installing energy efficiency equipment in retiree Susie Sun’s house. Dressed in blue sweatshirts with the Energy Wise logo on back and the NANA logo on front, crew members William Sheldon IV, 20, and Jarraine Collini, 24, applied window insulation film.

Standing back to admire her work, Collini crowed, “I did it again!” Collini said what she likes about the job is “helping people, making sure they stay warm and helping them save a little bit of money.”

Sun stood over a pot of caribou soup bubbling on the stove and spoke with approval about the Energy Wise

program. “I’ve learned something new this morning—how to use a power strip.

It will save energy. Instead of plugging (an appliance) into the wall, the power strip has an on off switch you can just turn it off.”

Power strips are used to eliminate what is called “phantom power” use, which is the slow drain of electricity that appliances used when they are plugged in, even if they are not turned on. Sun continued, “It has made me much more aware of what to do to save energy. Everybody in town should really look into this. They’re doing a really good job.”

Kazary echoed Sun’s enthusiasm: “That’s what I love about this program.

It’s contagious—you watch the whole community get involved.”

The Energy Wise goal is to include 100 percent of households in each village, rather than restrict services to lowincome households. Kazary explained why “low-income” is an almost meaningless designation in Alaska’s rural communities. “What is considered a middle-income family elsewhere isn’t really if they are spending half their

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

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Jarraine Collini, along with other Energy Wise crew members, conducts inventory on the supplies in preparation for installing energy saving measures in each home in Shungnak.

income on energy bills,” Kazary said.

“A lot of those that had the highest savings have been among middle-income households that hadn’t previously been

eligible for weatherization resources before. It’s been a huge eye-opening experience on how much they could save.”

Preliminary results indicate house-

holds participating in the Energy Wise program in 2010 saved an average of 90 kWh/month, resulting in savings of $20 to the resident. An additional $39 in savings goes to the state’s Power Cost Equalization program, which partially subsidizes the cost of electricity for residents of rural Alaska. When the cost of heating is included, residents’ savings go up to $50. Each household upgrade costs less than $2,000. With an average combined yearly savings of $1,068 to the resident and the state, the project payback in savings is less than two years. In a follow-up survey of 700 households that participated in Energy Wise in 2010, 86 percent reported they were still practicing energy efficiency and conservation measures; 80 percent reported decreased electric bills and 82 percent reported decreased home heating costs.

RurAL CAP would like to expand Energy Wise to cover other communities throughout the state struggling with high energy costs. Tanana Chiefs Conference and other tribal organizations have expressed interest q in the program.

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www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

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Providing solutions for Alaska’s work force

laska’s economy depends on process industries. Oil and gas production, refining, mining, power generation and utilities, wastewater treatment, manufactured forest products and large-scale food processing all play a part in keeping Alaska’s economy strong and growing. Skilled-worker shortages threaten the stability, growth and development of these industries upon which we all depend. In 1998, Alaska Process Industry Careers Consortium (APICC) was formed to address the interdependence between process industry jobs and a trained Alaska work force, and to protect and foster our economic security by defining industry needs and responsively targeting resources to keep a steady supply of skilled workers to fill them. According to APICC’s vision, an Alaskan labor force that is well-trained, available and working to meet the work force needs of the Alaska process industry will allow industry and workers to thrive in the coming decades.

MEETING WORK FORCE CHALLENGES APICC is an industry-based work force development nonprofit consortium of Alaska companies, Native organizations and educational and governmental institutions working together to ensure the availability of enough highly trained Alaskans to staff Alaska’s process and support industries. APICC grows Alaska’s economy by working to create, connect and enhance the quality of career development, training and educational programs available to prepare Alaskans for careers and ensure Alaska’s priority industries have immediate local access to skilled workers.

“APICC monitors future industry needs and current worker shortages to focus efforts on closing the gaps with Alaskans,” says Sue Moore, planning and operations team leader at Shell Alaska and APICC Board Chair.

APICC facilitates industry-led engineering academies for high school students, mobile career exploration labs, and externship programs for educators.

The consortium helps ensure a qualified work force can be accessed within Alaska by reaching out to rural and urban communities with its programs.

“APICC has several programs focused on energizing and helping to enable rural and urban Alaska students to be prepared for the career opportunities in Alaska,” Moore says.

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The Consortium does this through education, including K-12 systems, private and public post-secondary systems and the University of Alaska system. APICC also builds understanding and promotes engagement among the process industry, education, labor organizations, government agencies and Native organizations using targeted messages and a variety of career media.

APICC also manages the North Slope Training Cooperative (NSTC), maintaining high-quality, standardized health, safety and environmental training for Alaska’s process and support industries.

“APICC is dedicated to facilitating and collaborating to help create Alaska’s work force for the industry needs of tomorrow,” Moore says.

For more information contact Alaska Process Industry Careers Consortium Cari-Ann Ketterling, APICC Manager 2600 Cordova Street, Suite 105 Anchorage, AK 99503 Office: (907) 770-5250 Fax: (907) 770-5251 cketterling@apicc.org www.apicc.org

special section BUILDING ALASKA

Deadhorse Aviation Center

Photo by Judy Patrick/ Courtesy of Fairweather LLC

Providing new infrastructure for North Coast activity Deadhorse Aviation Center is front and center in this aerial photo of Deadhorse.

By Paula Cottrell

A

t a time when some feel the future of North Slope operations is declining, one company believes in the future of Alaska’s oil and gas industry and the need for infrastructure to support its future growth.

That is why in June, Deadhorse Aviation Center LLC will be opening the Deadhorse Aviation Center (DAC), a 70,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility unlike any seen before on the North Slope.

What once started as a vision for Sherron Perry, founding owner of Fairweather LLC, is turning into a reality as final completions on the DAC structure are under way. Originally designed in 2006 to support offshore activities by Shell Oil Co. and smaller ventures in the

42

Arctic Ocean and Beaufort Sea, the design concept has since grown into that of the largest facility of its kind on the North Slope. “Offshore Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) exploration is an important part of Alaska’s future and the DAC will provide an integral part of the framework necessary for successful offshore programs and operations,” Perry says.

Jointly owned by Fairweather LLC, Offshore Support Services LLC and Kaktovik Inupiat Corp., the DAC is a multimodal aviation facility complete with a large hanger, logistics and incident command centers, a full-service medical clinic, airport terminal, cargo handling capabilities, personnel accommodations, offices, conference rooms and dining facilities.

“The Deadhorse Aviation Center goes a long way to providing the infrastructure needed to respond to any incident on the North Slope or the Outer Continental Shelf and will be a crucial component when an Alaska gas line is finally under way,” Perry says.

Secure Access

Conveniently located to the north of runway 5, the DAC has secure access to the Deadhorse taxiway and runway.

With perfect proximal access to roads, airport and the ocean, it is an ideal solution for oil companies and their suppliers to successfully manage their North Slope onshore and offshore exploration and production operations in the safest, most cost-effective

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

also influenced by the Transportation Security Agency (TSA) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG).

Photo by Laura Stoddard/Courtesy of Fairweather LLC

manner possible, according to Perry.

The final building concept was redesigned over the last few years to accommodate a wide range of users from the OCS exploration projects to independent exploratory wells. “This structure is perfect for some of the smaller oil companies actively engaging in the marketplace that lack the framework necessary to expand their operations,” Perry says.

Careful consideration was given to anticipating and meeting the needs of present and future development of North Slope resources. The success of the Deadhorse Aviation Center required a thorough understanding of the deficiencies that currently exist on the North Slope. According to the Deadhorse Airport Master Plan, current North Slope airport facilities and infrastructure that were constructed in the 1970s are inadequate to meet the current needs of the oil industry. Input was sought from multiple sources, including OCS operators, security concernss, aviation companies, and IT and communications specialists along with various drilling groups. Design was

Large Hangar

The Deadhorse Aviation Center has a hanger capable of accommodating two to three large helicopters or fixed wing aircraft and is equipped with state-ofthe-industry safety, fire suppression, environmental and ergonomic features required by most international operating companies, according to Perry.

The DAC terminal will be TSA/US Customs and Border Protection compliant, offering passenger and baggage screening, secure baggage handling and secure cargo handling. Additionally, the DAC will be the only airport in the area with design for heated Jetways.

The DAC will also facilitate cargo handling requirements unique to both onshore and offshore operations. This includes everything from counter-to-counter package service to managing heavy equipment loads and hazmat materials handling.

The facility will have the capacity to load and unload all aircraft

Sherron Perry Founding Owner Fairweather LLC

systems from C-130’s to helicopters.

Logistics on the North Slope is a continual challenge for all companies working in the area. The logistics center at the Deadhorse Aviation Center will provide a secure full-service solution at the north end of the Alaska road system. The facility will combine stateof-the-industry personnel and cargo

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P.O. Box 3467

Valdez, AK 99686

BEACHES VEGETATION

We are general contractors employing modern, green architectural design and construction practices.

Contact us to learn how you can save on your energy bill and help maintain Alaska’s pristine environment with AK GREEN.

1-800-243-3690 New website coming soon at akgreendesign.com!

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

43

.

Ukpeagvik Iñupiat Corp. was contracted for building out the interior of the Deadhorse Aviation Center, an ambitious winter construction project. Mechanical Foreman William Clements is looking over blueprints in January.

Photo by Lori Davey/Courtesy of Fairweather LLC

handling systems with 10.4 acres of pristine gravel perfectly situated for staging, storage and materials handling.

Medical Clinic

area will save lives. Acute care, including advanced cardiac life support and ER physician consultation will be an integral part of the Fairweather Medical Services Clinic. In the event a medical evacuation is necessary, near-future plans include a full-time Medevac jet available for immediate transport, after a patient has been stabilized, to larger hospitals in the state. This reduction in transit time will ensure critical care patients are given the best chances of survival.

Rendering by Curtis Bingham of Architects Alaska/Courtesy of Fairweather LLC

The DAC has a fully equipped Fairweather Medical Services Clinic that will be staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year to respond to everything from routine medical care to emergency triage, stabilization and evacuations. While current clinics on the

North Slope cater almost exclusively to larger oil company clients, the DAC will have complete state-of-the-art medical facilities that will provide quality services to companies of any size in the area.

Occupational health screenings, drug and alcohol testing, return to work examinations, fit for duty evaluations, as well as case management will all be offered at the Fairweather Medical Clinic.

Without question, the added medical capabilities the DAC will bring to the

Medical clinic floor plan.

44

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

Photo by Mike Terminel/Courtesy of Fairweather LLC

communication systems for phones, satellites and voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) technology. Rental equipment such as vehicles, fork lifts and survival suits will be available in addition to other marine and offshore gear.

Project Synergy

A Gulfstream 4 jet parked in front of the Deadhorse Aviation Center.

Offices and Accommodations

Beyond the aviation and logistical capabilities available at the DAC, newly designed and furnished office suites and personnel accommodations are available at the facility for its tenants.

This state-of-the-art building is not only beautiful, but highly functional and comfortable. There are generous living accommodations for 48 personnel that include private bathrooms and satellite television as well as laundry

46

and exercise facilities. The kitchen and dining room facilities comfortably accommodate 60 people.

The fully secure professional suites are designed in office clusters, which provide privacy and functionality to each of the building tenants. Also available are training facilities; conference rooms complete with video conferencing capabilities; IT systems that include high speed Internet access and Wi-Fi throughout the building; as well as

The companies behind the Deadhorse Aviation Center LLC are Offshore Support Services LLC (an Edison Chouest company), Fairweather LLC and Kaktovik Inupiat Corp. These diverse companies bring a unique synergy to the project.

Fairweather LLC is an Alaskabased company founded in 1976 by Sherron Perry. He started his business providing aviation weather observation services. Responding to the needs of the growing oil and gas industry, Perry started performing logistics and expediting services. Over the years, Fairweather has grown into a fullservice company providing a diverse scope of remote services, which include full medical support services, meteorological and oceanographic forecasting, aviation equipment and

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

lighting, weather observers, bear guards and a full staff of health, safety and environmental professionals.

Offshore Support Services and their parent company Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO) has built its reputation as one of the most diverse and dynamic marine transport solution companies by staying at the forefront of new technologies and recent advances in the areas of subsea support and global communications. Founded in 1960 in Galliano, La., ECO operates a growing fleet of more than 200 vessels and serves a continually expanding customer base.

Chouest’s experience in marine services, logistics and technologies brings a level of expertise to the Deadhorse Aviation Center that will elevate the capabilities of companies on the North Slope, according to Perry. A solid working relationship with the USCG has been instrumental in addressing the needs of not only the tenants of the DAC, but also ensuring all compliance requirements imposed by the USCG are met as well.

Combining efforts with the Kaktovik Inupiat Corp. was a natural choice—not only because of the long standing relationship the Native corporation has with Fairweather, but also for the local knowledge the organization brings to the project. “Working with Native corporations has always been a symbiotic relationship,” Perry says. “Not only do they bring us knowledge about the areas we do business with, we are able to provide employment and education opportunities to their people that might not otherwise be available. Building confidence between villages and oil companies is what makes North Slope drilling projects possible.”

While there has been great interest in the Deadhorse Aviation Center, no firm leases were in place at the time of this interview in mid-January. The cost of constructing the facility is estimated at $35 million. The investors of this ambitious project are not concerned.

“We are in this for the long haul,” says Perry. “The backers of this project see the need and demand for a facility like ours. We are confident that the increased production and drilling activity on the North Slope and offshore will fully utilize the new Deadhorse Aviation Center.” q www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

47

2012 CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR DIRECTORY

Construction

GENERAL CONTRACTORS

Company Top Executive Estab.

Company

Top Executive

ABC Inc. 401 Driveway St. Fairbanks, AK 99701 Phone: 907-457-2221 Fax: 907-457-5045

Susan Ellison, Pres.

Alaska Dreams Inc. 2081 Van Horn Rd., #2 Fairbanks, AK 99701 Phone: 907-455-7712 Fax: 907-455-7713

Meini Huser, Pres./CEO

Alaska Interstate Construction LLC 301 W. Northern Lights Blvd., Ste. 600 Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: 907-562-2792 Fax: 907-562-4179

Steve Percy, Pres.

Alaska Mechanical Inc. 8540 Dimond D Cir. Anchorage, AK 99515-1938 Phone: 907-349-8502 Fax: 907-349-1324

Larry Buss, Pres.

Alaska Quality Builders PO Box 674 Willow, AK 99688 Phone: 907-495-6200 Fax: 907-495-6200

Karrol Johnson, Pres.

ASRC Energy Services Inc. 3900 C Street, Suite 701 Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: 907-339-6200 Fax: 907-339-6212

Jeff Kinneeveauk, Pres./CEO

BC Excavating, LLC 2251 Cinnabar Anchorage, AK 99507 Phone: 907-344-4492 Fax: N/A

Gordon Bartel, Pres.

Brechan Enterprises Inc. 2705 Mill Bay Rd. Kodiak, AK 99615 Phone: 907-486-3215 Fax: 907-486-4889

Michael R. Martin, Pres.

Brice Environmental Services Corp.

PO Box 73520 Fairbanks, AK 99707 Phone: 877-902-5122 Fax: 907-452-1067

Craig Jones, Gen. Mgr.

Bristol Construction Services LLC 111 W. 16th Ave., Third Floor Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-563-0013 Fax: 907-563-6713

David O'Donnell, Gen. Mgr., Civil

Bristol Design Build Services 111 W. 16th Ave., Third Floor Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-563-0013 Fax: 907-563-6713

Benjamin English, Gen. Mgr., Vertical

Bristol General Contractors LLC 111 West 16th Avenue, Third Floor Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-563-0013 Fax: 907-563-6713

Scott Grigg, Regional Ops Mgr.

Building Hope Construction LLC 43335 K-Beach Rd. #14 Soldotna, AK 99669 Phone: 907-260-8041 Fax: 907-262-7144

Mark Hill, CEO

CDF General Contractors Inc. PO Box 211586 Anchorage, AK 99508 Phone: 907-337-7600 Fax: 907-272-2209

Gary Murphy, Pres.

Chugach Alaska Corporation 3800 Centerpoint Drive Anchorage, AK 99503-4396 Phone: 907-563-8866 Fax: 907-563-8402

Sheri Buretta, Chairman

Criterion General Inc. 2820 Commercial Dr. Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-277-3200 Fax: 907-272-8544

Dave DeRoberts, Pres.

48

AK Empls.

AK Estab. Empls.

Services

Services

1995

21

General contractor specializing in energy efficient remodeling and product sales.

Seamless siding and gutters, windows, doors, all remodeling. Material Sales include: Commercial doors, windows, store front, metal siding, metal flashing, door hardware, window wells.

1994

25

Design, Sales and Construction for Fabric Covered Steel Buildings and Pre-Engineered Steel Buildings.

1987

400

AIC builds builds ice and snow roads, well-site pads, gravel roads and islands, bridges and culverts, structures, airstrips and helipads, dock and port facilities, pipeline installation and more.

1975

75

General contractor.

1994

5

New residential and commercial construction, additions, remodels, garages, shops, saunas, insurance losses, custom homes and don't forget landscaping. "We Build Dreams"

abcincak@gmail.com www.akabc.com

info@alaskadreamsinc.com www.alaskadreamsinc.com

info@aicllc.com www.aicllc.com

www.amialaska.com

akqual@mtaonline.net www.alaskaqualitybuilders.com 1985

info@asrcenergy.com www.asrcenergy.com

3,797 AES offers expertise from the earliest regulatory stage to exploration, drilling support, engineering, fabrication, construction, project management, operations and maintenance and field abandonment.

1982

45

Complete hauling and excavation services environmental, water, sewer and storm utilities, site work, fabrication.

1954

80

General contractor specializing in site work, asphalt, concrete, general carpentry and metal buildings.

1991

3

Small business Native-owned environmental company specializing in remediation of heavy metal contaminated soils, and remote site demolition, environmental construction and remediation. Project history throughout Alaska and the lower 48 states and Hawaii.

Pending 8(a) status.

2003

9

Heavy construction, utilities, site restoration and development, civil construction and range development and construction. ANC 8(a).

2005

16

Design build construction and facilities construction. Design build construction management and vertical construction services. ANC 8(a).

2010

1

Bristol General Contractors, LLC (Bristol Contractors) is an 8(a) firm that specializes in general building and civil engineering construction services, as well as design build and bid build construction services for federal, state and commercial clients throughout the United States.

2009

2

Residential construction for the Central Kenai Peninsula.

1983

3

Tenant improvements, commercial, residential, renovation and repair of damaged buildings, new construction, commercial, elevator installation and general contracting.

Focused on Green building practices. Another service we offer is construction consulting.

1971

722

Chugach is a premier provider of services: base operations and facilities maintenance, construction, civil engineering, oil and gas, manufacturing, education, environmental/oil spill response, IT, etc

1992

100

Commercial building construction.

admin@bcxllc.net www.bcxllc.net

www.brechanenterprises.com

craigj@briceinc.com www.bricecompanies.com

info@bristol-companies.com www.bcs.bristol-companies.com

info@bristol-companies.com www.bdbs.bristol-companies.com

bristol-companies.com/ general_contractors

bhc@aecak.org

cdfinc@alaska.net

bwelty@chugach-ak.com www.chugach-ak.com

traciel@criteriongeneral.com www.criteriongeneral.com

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

2012 CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR DIRECTORY

Construction

GENERAL CONTRACTORS

Company Top Executive Estab.

Company

Top Executive

Davis Constructors & Engineers Inc. 740 Bonanza Ave. Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: 907-562-2336 Fax: 907-561-3620

Josh Pepperd, Pres.

Door Systems of Alaska Inc. 18727 Old Glenn Hwy. Chugiak, AK 99567 Phone: 907-688-3367 Fax: 907-688-3378

Beth Bergh, Owner

Golden Heart Construction PO Box 72728 Fairbanks, AK 99707-2728 Phone: 907-458-9193 Fax: 907-458-9173

Craig Robinson, Pres.

Granite Construction Company 11471 Lang St. Anchorage, AK 99515 Phone: 907-344-2593 Fax: 907-522-1270

Joe Spink, Region Mgr.

Jay-Brant General Contractors 460 Grubstake Ave. Homer, AK 99603 Phone: 907-235-8400 Fax: 907-235-8731

Charles Jay Robert Brant, Principals

K & W Interiors 9300 Old Seward Hwy. Anchorage, AK 99515 Phone: 907-344-3080 Fax: 907-349-5373

Dale Kaercher, Pres.

K-C Corp.

2964 Commercial Dr. Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-258-2425 Fax: 907-278-8018

Byron Kohfield, Pres.

AK Empls.

AK Estab. Empls.

Services

Services

1976

175

Commercial construction and design-build.

2000

10

Commercial and industrial doors, rolling doors, grilles, shutter. Fire-rated rolling door and accordion fire-rated side folding partitions. Flat wall partitions. Dock equipment. Hangar doors. Blast-resistant doors.

1982

8

Commercial remodel and new construction.

1922

52

Public and private heavy civil and design-build, construction aggregates, recycled base, warm and hot mix asphalt, road construction, bridges, piling, and sitework.

1983

20

Public works, military and commercial construction.

1985

15

K&W Interiors is a family owned business serving Alaska for over 25 years. We are a full service company with Alaska's largest showroom for all types of flooring and cabinetry.

We are a licensed, bonded, and insured general contractor and we do the it all from design to install.

1986

28

General contracting commercial/industrial . Specializing in light gage metal framing, sheetrock, taping, painting and specialty coatings.

admin@davisconstructors.com www.davisconstructors.com

www.doorsystemsak.com

craig@goldenheartconstruction.net

alaska.projects@gcinc.com www.graniteconstruction.com

cjay@jaybrant.com jaybrant.com

knwinteriors@alaska.net www.k-winteriors.com

bkohfield@kccorporation.com

Where the road ends…

Our Work Begins

We are proud to announce the launch of our latest division, Cruz Marine LLC. Our ABS Loadline Class tugs are the only double-hulled shallow draft tugs in Alaska and the Northwest. We can transport equipment, materials, and supplies to sites along the Arctic Ocean and Beaufort Sea, the west coast of Alaska or up inland waterways.

Whether by land or water, we can deliver what you need, when and where you need it.

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

MARINE LLC

cruzconstruct.com Main Office (907) 746-3144 North Slope (907) 659-2866

49

2012 CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR DIRECTORY

Construction

GENERAL CONTRACTORS

Company Top Executive Estab.

Company

Top Executive

Kiewit Building Group Inc. 2000 W. International Airport Rd., Ste. C-6 Anchorage, AK 99502 Phone: 907-222-9350 Fax: 907-222-9380

Kevin Welker, Sr. VP & Alaska Mgr.

Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. 2000 W. International Airport Rd. Anchorage, AK 99502 Phone: 907-222-9350 Fax: 907-222-9380

Pat Harrison, Pacific NW Area Mgr.

Knik Construction Co. Inc. 6441 S. Airpark Pl. Anchorage, AK 99502-1809 Phone: 907-245-1865 Fax: 907-245-1744

Steve Jansen, Pres.

Kuk Construction 3201 C Street, Suite 700 Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: 907-562-8708 Fax: 907-562-8751

Tom Tyler, Gen. Mgr.

Little Susitna Construction Co. 821 N St., Ste. 207 Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-274-7571 Fax: 907-277-3300

Tammie Smith, Gen. Mgr.

Loken Construction, LLC 4011 Arctic Blvd. Suite 105 Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: 907-868-8880 Fax: 907-563-8881

Tyler Loken, Pres.

Marsh Creek LLC 2000 E. 88th Ave. Anchorage, AK 99507 Phone: 907-258-0050 Fax: 907-279-5710

Mick McKay, CEO

Neeser Construction Inc. 2501 Blueberry Rd., Ste.100 Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: 907-276-1058 Fax: 907-276-8533

Jerry Neeser, Pres.

Norcon Inc. 4600 Debarr, Suite 100 Anchorage, AK 99508 Phone: 907-275-6300 Fax: N/A

John J. Mahoney, Pres.

North Country Builders of Alaska 440 S. Denali St. Wasilla, AK 99654 Phone: 907-373-7060 Fax: 907-373-7061

Thomas Smith, Pres.

North Pacific Erectors PO Box 240748 Douglas, AK 99824 Phone: 907-364-3288 Fax: 907-364-3464

Jim Williams, Pres.

Northern Dame Construction PO Box 871131 Wasilla, AK 99687 Phone: 907-376-9607 Fax: 907-373-4704

Doris Coy, Owner

Northland Wood Products 1510 E. 68th Ave. Anchorage, AK 99507 Phone: 907-452-4000 Fax: 907-452-1391

James Enochs, Anchorage Mgr.

Osborne Construction Co. 3701 Braddock St. Fairbanks, AK 99701 Phone: 907-451-0079 Fax: 907-451-1146

George Osborne, Pres.

Pacific Pile & Marine 602B East Whitney Road Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-276-3873 Fax: 907-278-0306

Wil Clark, Managing Partner

Paug-Vik Development Corp.

PO Box 429 Naknek, AK 99633 Phone: 907-258-1345 Fax: 907-222-5423

Maurice Labrecque, Gen. Mgr.

50

AK Empls.

AK Estab. Empls.

Services

Services

1949

100

Commercial and industrial building projects throughout Alaska. State, federal, local government and health care.

1947

85

Heavy civil construction including transportation, marine, dams and resource development.

1973

85

Knik Construction is a general heavy construction company specializing in remote-site projects. Knikﾃ不 experience includes heavy construction, road building, asphalt paving, foamed asphalt treated bases, airport construction and reconstruction, excavation, crushing and transportation.

1999

1

Provides pre-construction, construction and construction management services for government and commercial clients. KUK personnel have extensive experience with Job Order and Task Order contracts and a broad range of international experience.

1980

20

General, mechanical and electrical contractor. Architects, civil, mechanical and electrical engineers, licensed in 11 states. Construction project management. Importer, exporter and global project consultation.

2002

14

Light commercial and residential framing, steel siding, general contracting, and boom truck services

2004

140

Energy Systems, Environmental Construction, Telecommunication Towers, Civil Construction

1974

320

General contracting firm.

1974

400

Mechanical, electrical and general contractor.

1998

6

Commercial and residential general contractor for new, remodel and all phases of construction.

1978

50

General contractor specializing in metal building erection. All aspects of construction from site prep to remodels. Locally owned since 1978.

1992

14

Excavation, site development, subdivision roads, clearing, septics and traffic control services.

1965

45

Building supplier. Produce WWPA-graded surfaced lumber, rough lumber, large timber and house logs. Stocks materials to fulfill all building needs from the foundation piers to the roof screws.

1987

216

General contractor focusing on design/build housing, commercial, industrial, civil and military projects for state and federal agencies. Selective work in private market.

2008

60

Pacific Pile & Marine specializes in marine construction, pile driving, dredging, and heavy civil structures. Pacific is dedicated to safety and quality. In addition to performing hard bid public works Pacific excels at meeting the unique needs of our private and design build clients.

1996

7

General contracting and environmental services.

kbgalaska@kiewit.com www.kiewit.com/building

pat.harrison@kiewit.com www.kiewit.com/northwest

information@lynden.com www.lynden.com/knik/

kukinfo@olgoonik.com www.kukconstruction.com

littlesu@ak.net littlesu.com

info@lokenconstructionak.com www.lokenconstructionak.com

gina.heath@marshcreekllc.com www.marshcreekllc.com

jerry_neeser@neeserinc.com www.neeserinc.com

www.norcon.com

tsmith@northcountrybuilders.com www.northcountrybuilders.com

jim@northpacificerectors.com www.northpacificerectors.com

doris@northerndame.com

northlandwood@acsalaska.net northlandwood.com

occ@osborne.cc www.osborne.cc

jasond@pacificpile.com www.pacificpile.com

info@pdcnaknek.com pdcnaknek.com

www.akbizmag.com 窶｢ Alaska Business Monthly 窶｢ March 2012

2012 CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR DIRECTORY

Construction

GENERAL CONTRACTORS

Company Top Executive Estab.

Company

Top Executive

PCL Construction Services Inc. 1400 W. Benson Blvd., Ste. 510 Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: 907-243-7252 Fax: 907-272-1905

H. Scott Ivany, Construction Mgr.

Price Gregory International 301 W. Northern Lights Blvd., Ste. 300 Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: 907-278-4400 Fax: 907-278-3255

David Matthews, VP, AK Area Mgr.

Pruhs Construction 2193 Viking Dr. Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-279-1020 Fax: 907-279-1028

Dana Pruhs, CEO

R H Development LLC PO Box 32403 Juneau, AK 99803 Phone: 907-790-4146 Fax: 907-790-4147

Richard Harris, Managing Member

Roger Hickel Contracting Inc. 11001 Calaska Cir. Anchorage, AK 99515 Phone: 907-279-1400 Fax: 907-279-1405

Mike Shaw, Pres.

Spinell Homes Inc. 1900 W. Northern Lights Blvd., Ste. 200 Anchorage, AK 99517 Phone: 907-344-5678 Fax: 907-344-1976

Charles Spinelli, Pres.

STG Inc. 11710 South Gambell St. Anchorage, AK 99515 Phone: 907-644-4664 Fax: 907-644-4666

James St. George, Pres.

AK Empls.

AK Estab. Empls.

Services

Services

1906

40

The PCL family of companies has a century-long tradition of excellence, hard work and a can-do attitude. They are construction leaders in buildings, civil infrastructure and heavy industrial markets.

1974

210

Pipeline, power, heavy industrial construction, EPC and consulting services.

Infrastructure construction services provider.

1958

105

Heavy Civil contractor, roads, airports, site work, underground utilities, industrial.

1992

5

Residential and light commercial construction and development. All aspects of construction and development. Certified green professional and member of SEBIA.

1995

50

General contractor - commercial and road work.

1987

22

New home and light commercial construction.

1991

55

Renewable energy systems, tower construction, power generation and distribution facilities, pile foundations and bulk-fuel systems.

lpgire@pcl.com www.pcl.com

dmatthews@pricegregory.com www.pricegregory.com

dana@pruhscorp.com www.pruhscorp.com

info@rhdalaska.com www.rhdalaska.com

contact@rhcak.com www.rogerhickelcontracting.com

spinell@spinellhomes.com www.spinellhomes.com

info@stgincorporated.com www.stgincorporated.com

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

51

2012 CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR DIRECTORY

Construction

GENERAL CONTRACTORS

Company Top Executive Estab.

Company

Top Executive

Toghotthele Corporation PO Box 249 Nenana, AK 99760 Phone: 907-832-5832 Fax: 907-832-5834

Jim Sackett, CEO/Pres.

Tunista Construction LLC 745 W. 4th Ave., Suite 306 Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-646-2214 Fax: 907-646-2244

Justin Robertson, Pres.

Tutka LLC (Anchorage) 620 E. Whitney Rd., Ste. B Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-272-8010 Fax: 907-272-9005

Keith Guyer, Operations Mgr.

Tutka LLC (Fairbanks) 3002 Industrial Ave., #1 Fairbanks, AK 99701 Phone: 907-452-7100 Fax: 907-452-7102

Mick Neary, Project Mgr.

Tutka LLC (Wasilla) 5825 E. Mayflower Crt., Ste. B Wasilla, AK 99654 Phone: 907-357-2238 Fax: 907-357-2215

Amie Sommer, Managing Member

UIC Construction LLC 6700 Arctic Spur Rd. Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: 907-762-0114 Fax: 907-762-0131

Chris Phillips, Gen. Mgr.

UNIT COMPANY 620 E. Whitney Rd. Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-349-6666 Fax: 907-522-3464

Michael J. Fall, President

Watterson Construction Co. 6500 Interstate Cir. Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: 907-563-7441 Fax: 907-563-7222

Bill Watterson, Pres.

Weldin Construction Inc. 561 E. Steel Loop Palmer, AK 99645 Phone: 907-746-3200 Fax: 907-746-3237

Richard Weldin, Pres.

West Construction Co. Inc. 6120 A St. Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: 907-561-9811 Fax: 907-561-9844

Brad West, Pres.

Construction

AK Estab. Empls.

Services

Services

1973

6

Village Corporation - Project management, land development, fabrication services and timber sales.

2009

20

We are a commercial general contractor that offers vertical and civil construction, design-build, remote Alaska projects, and construction management. Our bonding and support from Calista Corporation allows us to do small or large projects.

1999

20

HUBZone, WBE/DBE (DOT&PF, MOA), WOSB, CCR/ORCA registered. General Contractor, heavy civil construction, environmental cleanup and consulting, wastewater pre-treatment systems operations and maintenance services.

1999

20

HUBZone, WBE/DBE (AK DOT&PF, MOA), WOSB, CCR/ORCA registered. General Contractor, heavy civil construction, environmental cleanup and consulting, wastewater pre-treatment systems operations and maintenance services.

1999

20

Certified DBE (ADOT&PF, MOA),WOSB, HubZone, CCR/ORCA registered. General Contractor, heavy civil construction, environmental cleanup and consulting, wastewater pre-treatment systems operations and maintenance services.

1978

97

Commercial building and civil general contractor focusing primarily on Arctic construction through hard-dollar bid, design/build turn-key, and construction management. Services include pre-construction and planning, cost estimating, remote logistics, scheduling, and best-value engineering.

1977

50

Commercial general contractor.

1981

90

Jim Watterson, Executive Vice President | General building contractor. ANTHC Office Building; American Fast Freight; Fort Wainwright Hangar - Design Build Construction. Ft. Rich - COF

1983

63

Commercial and military construction throughout the state of Alaska and the Pacific Rim.

1997

90

Bridges, docks and heavy construction.

toghotthele@hotmail.com www.toghotthele.com

rgluth@tunistaconstruction.com www.tunistaconstruction.com

keith@tutkallc.com www.tutkallc.com

mick@tutkallc.com www.tutkallc.com

amie@tutkallc.com www.tutkallc.com

cphillips@ukpik.com www.ukpik.com

info@unitcompany.com www.unitcompany.com

info@wattersonsconstruction.com www.wattersonconstruction.com

jenniew@weldin.com weldin.com

bwcc.us

Top Executive

AK

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS Estab. Empls.

Company

Company Top Executive Estab.

Anchor Electric Bill Shattenberg, Owner 1982 5362 Commercial Blvd.

Juneau, AK 99801 sue@anchoralaska.com Phone: 907-780-3690 Fax: 907-780-3692 www.anchoralaska.com City Electric Inc. 819 Orca St. Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-272-4531 Fax: 907-264-6491

Gabriel Marian, Pres.

Fullford Electric 303 E. Van Horn Rd. Fairbanks, AK 99701 Phone: 907-456-7356 Fax: 907-456-7288

Michael Fullford, Pres.

Norcon Inc. 4600 Debarr, Suite 100 Anchorage, AK 99508 Phone: 907-275-6300 Fax: N/A

John J. Mahoney, Pres.

Power & Light Inc. 7721 Schoon St., # 1 Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: 907-522-5678 Fax: 907-349-5678

Todd Houston, Pres.

52

AK Empls.

Services

AK Empls.

Services 12 Industrial and commercial electrical wiring.

1946

130

Electrical and communications contracting NAICS; 237130, 238210.

1975

84

FEI is a full service electrical and communications contractor.

1974

400

Mechanical, electrical and general contractor.

2004

9

gabrielm@cityelectricinc.com www.cityelectricinc.com

mike@fullfordelectric.com

www.norcon.com

toddhouston@alaska.net www.Powerandlight.Biz

Commercial, residential and industrial electrical installations. Automation, audio, video, CCTV security systems, fire detection and controls.

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

2012 CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR DIRECTORY

Construction

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

Top Executive Company Top Executive Estab.

AK

AK Empls.

Estab. Empls.

Company Raven Electric Inc. 8015 Schoon St. Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: 907-349-9668 Fax: 907-522-3995

Art Stemen, Manager

STG Inc. 11710 South Gambell St. Anchorage, AK 99515 Phone: 907-644-4664 Fax: 907-644-4666

James St. George, Pres.

The Superior Group Inc. PO Box 230387 Anchorage, AK 99523 Phone: 907-344-5011 Fax: 907-344-5094

Michael Blake, Pres./Corp. Gen. Mgr.

Construction

Services

Services

1978

35

Full service electrical company, residential commercial, industrial and generators. Tony Sellen, Dave House and Matter Lederhos are also managers.

1991

55

Renewable energy systems, tower construction, power generation and distribution facilities, pile foundations and bulk-fuel systems.

1964

150

Full service mechanical, electrical, design support and maintenance contractor.

www.ravenelectricinc.com

info@stgincorporated.com www.stgincorporated.com

tmentzer@superiorpnh.com www.superiorpnh.com

MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS

AK

AK Company Top Executive Estab. Empls.

Empls.

Company Top Executive Estab.

Air Temp Alaska 5406 Lake Otis Pkwy.

Anchorage, AK 99507 Phone: 907-349-4503 Fax: 907-344-1230

Dana Bertolini, Pres.

Altrol Inc 2295 Van Horn Rd. Fairbanks, AK 99701 Phone: 907-452-8680 Fax: 907-452-6778

David A. Bridges, Pres./Gen. Mgr.

Arctic Chain Plumbing & Heating 1200 E 76th Ave # 1220 Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: 907-344-2060 Fax: 907-349-2398

Jeff Gilfillan, Owner

Services Services

1991

12

Service, repair and maintenance of commercial and residential heating and air conditioning systems; airflow, ventilation, controls and trouble-shooting.

1982

32

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, sheet metal and refrigeration contractor and service company.

1976

10

Residential Plumbing

dana@airtempalaska.com www.airtempalaska.com

dave@altrolinc.com www.altrolinc.com

arcticchain@alaska.net

SPAN ALASKA

has our Alaska market covered.

.....

Our customers depend on us for quality, consistency, and expertise. We expect the same from our shipping company – and Span delivers with flying colors.

– Michael Schreurs, Regional Director of Transportation, Sherwin-Williams

SHIPPING TO ALASKA? CALL. 1.800.257.7726 www.spanalaska.com

promises made, promises delivered

Matt Stabio, Zone Manager, Alaska, Sherwin-Williams

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

53

2012 CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR DIRECTORY

Construction

MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS

Company Top Executive Estab.

Company

Top Executive

Behrends Mechanical Inc 1782 Anka St. Juneau, AK 99801 Phone: 907-780-6766 Fax: 907-780-6063

Richard Behrends, Pres.

Circle Plumbing & Heating Inc 2317 Raspberry Rd Anchorage, AK 99502 Phone: 907-243-2171 Fax: 907-248-6135

Ken Embley, Pres.

Industrial Service Corp.

2017 S. Cushman St. Fairbanks, AK 99701 Phone: 907-456-7663 Fax: 907-452-2824

AK Empls.

AK Estab. Empls.

Services

Services

1994

13

Mechanical contractors.

1971

30

Commercial and residential plumbing and heating repairs and new construction.

W.C. Simmons, Owner

1966

7

Mechanical contractor.

Klebs Heating & Air 1107 E. 72nd Ave. Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: 907-365-2500 Fax: 907-365-2540

Gary Klebs, Pres./CEO

1986

60

Commercial & Residential HVAC and Plumbing. Design build; Full mechanical capabilities; Commercial and Residential Service Dept; Residential replacements; Indoor Air Quality

Norcon Inc. 4600 Debarr, Suite 100 Anchorage, AK 99508 Phone: 907-275-6300 Fax: N/A

John J. Mahoney, Pres.

1974

400

Mechanical, electrical and general contractor.

Refrigeration & Food Equipment Inc. 1901 W Tudor Rd. Anchorage, AK 99517 Phone: 907-248-2525 Fax: 907-243-6709

David Agosti, VP

1965

8

Sales & service for all commercial restaurant equipment; subcontracting for kitchen installations and refrigeration. Exhaust hood systems. Repair parts. Warranty service.

Scientific refrigeration. Custom stainless steel. Used equipment. Licensed Mechanical Contractor serving Alaska since 1965

Schmolck Mechanical Contractors Inc. 110 Jarvis St. Sitka, AK 99835 Phone: 907-747-3142 Fax: 907-747-6897

Gary Smith, Pres.

1927

40

Mechanical contracting - HVAC, piping and plumbing.

The Superior Group Inc. PO Box 230387 Anchorage, AK 99523 Phone: 907-344-5011 Fax: 907-344-5094

Michael Blake, Pres./Corp. Gen. Mgr.

1964

150

Full service mechanical, electrical, design support and maintenance contractor.

behrendsmech@gci.net www.behrendsmech.com

circle@alaska.net www.circleplumbingandheating.com

info@klebsheating.com www.klebsheating.com

www.norcon.com

Construction

salesrfei@gci.net www.refrigerationfoodequip.com

gary@schmolckmechanical.com www.schmolckmechanical.com

tmentzer@superiorpnh.com www.superiorpnh.com

SPECIALTY CONTRACTORS

AK

AK Company Top Estab. Empls.

Empls.

Company TopExecutive Executive Estab.

Active Inspection & Energy Ratings, LLC 529 South Knik St. Wasilla, AK 99654 Phone: 907-376-0402 Fax: 907-376-0492

Carol J. Perkins, Owner

Alaska Countertops Inc. 122 W. 92nd Ave. Anchorage, AK 99515 Phone: 907-561-9299 Fax: 907-561-9298

John Anderson, Pres.

Alaska Crane Ltd. 11900 S. Gambell St. Anchorage, AK 99515 Phone: 907-522-9004 Fax: 907-522-9047

James St. George, Pres.

Alaska Dreams Inc. 2081 Van Horn Rd., #2 Fairbanks, AK 99701 Phone: 907-455-7712 Fax: 907-455-7713

Meini Huser, Pres./CEO

Alaska Elevator Co Sales & Service 1220 E. 68th Ave, Suite 104 Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: 907-561-3100 Fax: 907-569-2515

Gerry Farnich, Pres.

Alaska Premier Closets LLC 507 E Ship Creek Avenue Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-278-2288 Fax: 907-278-2330

Luis Suarez, Owner/Partner

Alaska Stairlift & Elevator 230 E Potter Dr., # 5 Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: 907-245-5438 Fax: 907-245-5439

Kevin Bennett, Managing Member

54

Services Services

2001

2

Residential inspections and energy ratings.

1996

23

Furnish only or fabrication and installation of laminate, solid surface, quartz, and granite countertops, sills, tub/shower surrounds, fire place hearth/mantle.

2001

5

Crane services and heavy lifting.

1994

25

Design, Sales and Construction for Fabric Covered Steel Buildings and Pre-Engineered Steel Buildings.

1998

6

We sell, install and service home elevators, some commercial elevators, stair-lifts, wheelchair-lifts, dumbwaiters, and conveyors throughout the state of Alaska

2003

6

Providing residential and commercial custom storage solutions ranging from closets to wine rooms to garages. Specialize in retail displays, medical and business offices. Offer modular flooring system useful in unlimited application. Professional Organizer Cheryl Cummings is on staff.

1998

8

Elevator and lift specialists for State of Alaska. Elevators, stairway lifts, and platform wheelchair lifts for your home, business, or vehicle. Code compliant maintenance and repairs. Also Medicaid/Medicare providers for environmental modifications, patient ceiling lift systems, and DME.

office@activeinspections.net www.activeinspections.net

alaskacountertops@alaska.net www.alaskacountertops.com

akcrane@gci.net www.alaskacraneltd.com

info@alaskadreamsinc.com www.alaskadreamsinc.com

alaskaelevator@gci.net

alaskapremierclosets@alaska.net www.akclosets.com

info@alaskastairlift.com www.alaskastairlift.Com

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

2012 CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR DIRECTORY

Construction

SPECIALTY CONTRACTORS

Company Top Executive Estab.

Company

Top Executive

Arctic Refrigeration & A/C 500 West Potter Dr. Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: 907-562-8856 Fax: 907-562-8857

Bobby Gordon, Pres./Owner

Aurora Glass 1025 Orca St., # N5 Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-277-1058 Fax: 907-274-2509

Anthony D. DeLucia, Owner

BC Excavating, LLC 2251 Cinnabar Anchorage, AK 99507 Phone: 907-344-4492 Fax: N/A

Gordon Bartel, Pres.

Cabinet Fever Inc. 4551 Fairbanks St., #C Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: 907-349-4871 Fax: 907-349-4891

Kurt Vincent Echols, Pres.

Capitol Glass/Northerm Windows 2300 E. 63rd Ave. Anchorage, AK 99507 Phone: 907-272-4433 Fax: 907-272-3747

Walt Murphy, Gen. Mgr.

CCI Industrial Services, LLC 560 East 34th Avenue, Suite 200 Anchorage, AK 99503-4161 Phone: 907-258-5755 Fax: 907-770-9452

A. Ben Schoffmann, Pres./CEO

Chinook Fire Protection 12651 Old Seward Hwy. Anchorage, AK 99515 Phone: 907-344-3473 Fax: 907-344-3411

Jeffrey Wilcheck, Pres.

AK Empls.

AK Estab. Empls.

Services

Services

1991

20

Sales, service and installation of commercial refrigeration equipment. Refrigeration Contractor.

1991

3

Glass repair and replacement, windows and doors, all types, shower doors and mirrors.

1982

45

Complete hauling and excavation services environmental, water, sewer and storm utilities, site work, fabrication.

1999

5

Commercial and residential custom cabinet shop producing high-end custom kitchen cabinets, counter tops and installation as well as custom furniture, entertainment centers, reception desks, medical, dental and retail casework, store fixtures. Also carry two lines ofmanufactured residential cabinets.

1951

47

Manufacturer of high quality vinyl windows, insulated glass units. Commercial aluminum, Skylites, shower doors. All types of glass replacement. Sliding patio doors, Garden Terrace door systems. Loewen window dealer.

1988

91

Asbestos and lead surveys and abatement; specialty coatings and sandblasting; corrosion under insulation refurbishment; oil spill response; tank and vessel cleaning; hazardous waste removal; operations, maintenance and construction; biodegradable cleaning solutions; fire proofing

2004

24

Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems New Installation and Service of Wet, Dry, Pre-Action, and Foam water based fire sprinkler systems.

arcticrefrigeration@acsalaska.net www.arcticrefrigeration.biz

auroraglass@acsalaska.net auroraglassak.com

admin@bcxllc.net www.bcxllc.net

kurtechols@cabinetfever.net www.cabinetfever.net

www.cgnw.com

info@CCIindustrial.com www.CCIindustrial.com

dave@chinookfire.com www.chinookfireprotection.com

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

55

2012 CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR DIRECTORY

Construction

SPECIALTY CONTRACTORS

Company Top Executive Estab.

Company

Top Executive

City Electric Inc. 819 Orca St. Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-272-4531 Fax: 907-264-6491

Gabriel Marian, Pres.

Denali Crane Inspection LLC PO Box 92291 Anchorage, AK 99509 Phone: 907-245-0261 Fax: 907-276-0608

Darren Folkers, Pres.

Door Systems of Alaska Inc. 18727 Old Glenn Hwy. Chugiak, AK 99567 Phone: 907-688-3367 Fax: 907-688-3378

Beth Bergh, Owner

Doors/Windows 43961 Kalifornsky Beach Rd., # C Soldotna, AK 99669 Phone: 907-262-9151 Fax: 907-262-6433

AK Empls.

AK Estab. Empls.

Services

Services

1946

130

2008

2

Crane inspections, load testing, dielectric testing of bucket trucks and hotsticks, technical training.

2000

10

Commercial and industrial doors, rolling doors, grilles, shutter. Fire-rated rolling door and accordion fire-rated side folding partitions. Flat wall partitions. Dock equipment. Hangar doors. Blast-resistant doors.

John Straume, Pres.

1979

10

Commercial storefront, commercial overhead doors, Kawneer and commercial hardware.

Glacier Painting & Decorating 7721 Schoon St., # 4 Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: 907-344-8988 Fax: 907-344-3302

Horace Byes Sr.

1985

4

Taping and painting and wallcovering

Granite City Alaska 12243 Spring Brook Dr, Eagle River, AK 99577 Phone: 907-694-6900 Fax: 907-694-6912

Barry Anderson, VP

2005

12

Fabrication and installation of granite, quartz, solid surface countertops.

Greer Tank & Welding 3140 Lakeview Dr. Faribanks, AK 99701 Phone: 907-452-1711 Fax: 907-456-5808

Mark E. Greer, VP

1952

35

Vessel fabrication, structural steel production built specifically for arctic environments.

Carbon steel, Stainless Steel and aluminum manufacturing.

Hawk Consultants LLC 670 W. Fireweed Ln. Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: 907-278-1877 Fax: 907-278-1889

Maynard Tapp, Managing Member

1985

100

Consulting services, project control, management, cost engineers, QA/QC consultants, maintenance coordinators, supervision/project coordinators.

ICRC 421 W. First Avenue, Suite 200 Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-561-4272 Fax: 907-561-4271

Carl Williams, CEO/President

1983

40

ICRC provides project owners with strategic planning and technical guidance to achieve construction safety, quality, design, and regulatory compliance goals.

K & W Interiors 9300 Old Seward Hwy. Anchorage, AK 99515 Phone: 907-344-3080 Fax: 907-349-5373

Dale Kaercher, Pres.

1985

15

K&W Interiors is a family owned business serving Alaska for over 25 years. We are a full service company with Alaska's largest showroom for all types of flooring and cabinetry.

We are a licensed, bonded, and insured general contractor and we do the it all from design to install.

K's Construction Inc. 2301 S. Knik Goose Bay Rd., Ste. 4 Wasilla, AK 99654 Phone: 907-357-8453 Fax: 907-373-5471

Carrie Kay, Owner

1982

15

General contractors specializing in installation of ceramic, quarry, and porcelain tile; stone, slate and granite.

Kuk Construction 3201 C Street, Suite 700 Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: 907-562-8708 Fax: 907-562-8751

Tom Tyler, Gen. Mgr.

1999

1

Provides pre-construction, construction and construction management services for government and commercial clients. KUK personnel have extensive experience with Job Order and Task Order contracts and a broad range of international experience.

Mac Cheyne's Carpets Plus Inc. 2060 Peger Rd. Fairbanks, AK 99709 Phone: 907-479-9193 Fax: 907-455-9193

John Mac Cheyne, Pres.

16

20

Commercial and residential flooring.

Monrean Engineering & Associates PO Box 9343 Ketchikan, AK 99901-4343 Phone: 907-247-5920 Fax: 907-247-5918

Fred D. Monrean, PE

1997

1

Civil Engineering, Surveying, Wastewater design, subdivisions, structural engineering, storm drainage design, foundation engineering, inspections, Engineering reports, Etc.

Nenana Gravel LLC PO Box 249 Nenana, AK 99760 Phone: 907-832-5833 Fax: 907-832-5834

Jim Sackett, CEO/Pres.

2

4

Excavation - Dirt work - Material - Gravel Sales and Road Buildings

NortHeat Hearth & Home 2020 E. Dowling Rd., # 4 Anchorage, AK 99507 Phone: 907-562-2249 Fax: 907-561-8348

Michael Jefferies, Pres.

1977

5

Sale, installation and service of stoves, inserts and fireplaces (wood, gas, pellet, coal, oil & electric). Chimney design, sales, installation and service. Parts, supplies and accessories. Wholesale and retail.

56

Electrical and communications contracting NAICS; 237130, 238210.

gabrielm@cityelectricinc.com www.cityelectricinc.com

dcinspt@gci.net

www.doorsystemsak.com

glacierpd@ak.net www.glacierpaintingakla.com

gc2@mtaonline.net

mgreer@greertank.com Greertank.com

info@hawkpros.com www.hawkpros.com

info@ICRCsolutions.com www.ICRCsolutions.com

knwinteriors@alaska.net www.k-winteriors.com

ksconst@ak.net

kukinfo@olgoonik.com www.kukconstruction.com

Macsplus.Net

fmonrean@kpunet.net

nenanagravel@hotmail.com

northeat@gmail.com northeat.com

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

2012 CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR DIRECTORY

Construction

SPECIALTY CONTRACTORS

Company Top Executive Estab.

Company

Top Executive

Northern Dame Construction PO Box 871131 Wasilla, AK 99687 Phone: 907-376-9607 Fax: 907-373-4704

Doris Coy, Owner

Olgoonik Specialty Contractors LLC 3201 C Street, Suite 700 Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: 907-562-8712 Fax: 907-562-8751

Marty Miksch, Pres.

Paint By Magic Touch 5306 Arctic Blvd., # 4 Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: 907-222-7650 Fax: 907-279-3126

Scott Kim, Gen. Mgr.

Rain Proof Roofing 2201 E. 84th Ct. Anchorage, AK 99507 Phone: 907-344-5545 Fax: 907-349-3386

Pat Reilly, Pres.

Refrigeration & Food Equipment Inc. 1901 W Tudor Rd. Anchorage, AK 99517 Phone: 907-248-2525 Fax: 907-243-6709

David Agosti, VP

Rizzo & Company 1115 Whitney Rd. Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-522-9855 Fax: 907-522-9856

Valerie A. Rizzo, Principal Designer

Steelfab 2132 Railroad Ave. Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-276-4303 Fax: 907-276-3448

Richard Faulkner, Pres.

AK Empls.

AK Estab. Empls.

Services

Services

1992

14

Excavation, site development, subdivision roads, clearing, septics and traffic control services.

2006

47

Provides pre-construction, construction and construction management services for government and commercial clients. OSC has proven success with SABER, Job Order and Task Order Contracts, and is a U.S. General Services Administration MATOC contractor.

1995

6

Fire & Water Damage Restoration Kitchen & Bath Remodeling Interior & Exterior Painting Residential & Commercial

1962

75

We specialize in residential as well as commercial roofing and waterproofing, we have a full service sheet metal shop for all your metal needs. Re-roofs, new construction, shingles, shakes, metal, built-up roofing as well as single-ply.

1965

8

Sales & service for all commercial restaurant equipment; subcontracting for kitchen installations and refrigeration. Exhaust hood systems. Repair parts. Warranty service.

Scientific refrigeration. Custom stainless steel. Used equipment. Licensed Mechanical Contractor serving Alaska since 1965

1996

4

Award winning custom kitchen and bath designers. Retail showroom for WoodMode, Omega, Hertco, Pacific Crest and Woodland cabinets, Wolf and Sub-zero appliances, plumbing and granite. All designers on staff have degrees in Interior Design, members of ASID and NKBA. M-F 8-5 and by appointment.

1988

53

Alaska Steel Source

doris@northerndame.com

mmiksch@olgoonik.com www.olgoonik.com

scottskim@hotmail.com

info@rainproofroofing.com www.rainproofroofing.com

salesrfei@gci.net www.refrigerationfoodequip.com

rizzo@gci.net www.kitchensbyrizzo.net

steelfabak.com

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

57

2012 CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR DIRECTORY

Construction

SPECIALTY CONTRACTORS

Company Top Executive Estab.

Company

Top Executive

STG Inc. 11710 South Gambell St. Anchorage, AK 99515 Phone: 907-644-4664 Fax: 907-644-4666

James St. George, Pres.

TecPro Ltd. 816 E Whitney Rd Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-348-1800 Fax: 907-348-1830

Cynthia Saunders, Pres.

The Superior Group Inc. PO Box 230387 Anchorage, AK 99523 Phone: 907-344-5011 Fax: 907-344-5094

Michael Blake, Pres./Corp. Gen. Mgr.

Washington Crane & Hoist 1200 E. 76th Ave. Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: 907-336-6661 Fax: 907-336-6667

Mike Currie, VP

Wilbur Brothers Sheet Metal 1241 Noble St. Fairbanks, AK 99701 Phone: 907-452-3838 Fax: N/A

Roy Wilbur, Owner

Construction

AK Empls.

AK Estab. Empls.

Services

1991

55

Renewable energy systems, tower construction, power generation and distribution facilities, pile foundations and bulk-fuel systems.

1997

20

TecPro offers Electrical Contracting Services, UL Listed Industrial Controls integration, and Video Security Integration services. Specialities include SCADA & PLC design, fabrication, installation, and programming.

1964

150

Full service mechanical, electrical, design support and maintenance contractor.

1975

5

Crane builders, crane design, new crane sales, new hoist sales, lifting equipment design and sales. material handling solutions for industry, hoists, job cranes, work stations, chain falls, lever hoists, crane upgrades, crane maintenance, crane inspection, crane repair, hoist repair, crane parts.

1915

2

Custom fabrication, heat shields, flashing, and drip pans.

info@stgincorporated.com www.stgincorporated.com

info@tecpro.com TecPro.com

tmentzer@superiorpnh.com www.superiorpnh.com

www.washingtoncrane.com

HEAVY EQUIPMENT CONTRACTORS

AK

AK Company Top Estab. Empls.

Empls.

Company TopExecutive Executive Estab.

Automatic Welding & Supply 3038 Rampart Dr. Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-272-2457 Fax: 907-277-3919

Vern Christianson, Pres.

Construction Machinery Industrial 5400 Homer Dr. Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: 907-563-3822 Fax: 907-563-1381

Ken Gerondale, Pres./CEO

Craig Taylor Equipment 733 E. Whitney Rd. Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-276-5050 Fax: 907-276-0889

Lonnie G Parker, Pres.

Delta Leasing LLC 4040 B St., Ste. 200 Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: 907-771-1300 Fax: 907-771-1380

Rudi von Imhof, Partner

Independent Lift Truck 1200 E. 70th Ave. Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: 907-344-3383 Fax: 907-344-8366

Wayne Dick, Pres.

Motion Industries Anchorage 611 E. International Airport Rd. Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: 907-563-5565 Fax: 907-563-5536

Chris Ransom, Anchorage Branch Mgr.

N C Machinery Co. 6450 Arctic Blvd.

Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: 907-786-7500 Fax: 907-786-7580

John J. Harnish, Pres./CEO

Tog Rentals LLC PO Box 249 Nenana, AK 99760 Phone: 907-832-5832 Fax: 907-832-5834

Jim Sackett, CEO/Pres.

TrailerCraft / Freightliner of Alaska 1301 E. 64th Ave. Anchorage, AK 99518-1908 Phone: 907-563-3238 Fax: 907-562-6963

Lee McKenzie, Pres./Owner

US Bearings & Drives/Motion Industries 1895 Van Horn Rd., Unit A Fairbanks, AK 99701 Phone: 907-452-4488 Fax: 907-456-8840

Brad DeWeese, Fairbanks Branch Mgr.

58

Services

Services Services

1958

10

Cedarapids, Canica, Finlay, Simplicity, Columbia Steel, Western Wire, Berco, Spokane Steel Foundry, Fab Tec, Superior Equipment and Eagle Iron Works. Sale, manufacturer of crushing, screening, conveyor plants.

1985

109

CMI sells, rents and services heavy equipment.

1954

60

Factory authorized dealer for: Komatsu construction and mining, Bobcat loaders and excavators, John Deere commercial and lawn tractors, Dynapac compaction rollers, Fecom land clearing attachments and carriers. Providing sales, parts and service.

2002

24

Leasing of remote camps and facilities, trucks and vans, construction and mining equipment, oil and gas equipment, modular offices. Partners: Rudi von Imhof, Ed Gohr, John McGrew, Matt Thorpe.

1982

22

Dealers for CAT, Mitsubishi, Manitou, Maximal and Bendi Forklifts. GEHL Construction Equipment, Skid Steer Loaders, Telehandlers and Mini Excavators. Skytrack Manlifts, Scissor Lifts and Zoom Booms. Suppliers of New and Used construction equipment, parts, sales and service all makes.

2007

2

A leading distributor of industrial maintenance, repair and operation (MRO) replacement parts (over 4.3 million parts), including bearings, power transmission, hydraulic/ pneumatic components, linear, hydraulic/industrial hose, industrial supplies, process pumps and equipment, and material handling.

1926

220

2010

2

Equipment leasing and rentals.

1969

41

Freightliner distributor, parts, sales and service for all transport equipment.

1970

3

A leading industrial maintenance, repair, and operation (MRO) replacement parts distributor (over 4.3 million parts), including bearings, power transmission, electrical/ industrial automation, hydraulic/industrial hose, hydraulic/pneumatic components, process pumps, ind. supplies & material handling.

awsc.com

o.prestwick@cmiak.com www.cmiak.com

anc.sales@craigtaylorequipment.com www.craigtaylorequipment.com

info@deltaleasing.net www.deltaleasing.net

bary.ilt@gci.net iltalaska.com

www.motionindustries.com

www.ncmachinery.com

Caterpillar machine sales, parts, service, and rental. Caterpillar engines for marine, power generation, truck, petroleum, and industrial applications. Sales and rental of Caterpillar and other preferred brands of rental equipment and construction supplies.

toghotthele@hotmail.com

sales@trailercraft.com www.trailercraft.com

www.motionindustries.com

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

2012 CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR DIRECTORY

Construction

HEAVY EQUIPMENT CONTRACTORS

Company Top Executive Estab.

Company

Top Executive

Washington Crane & Hoist 1200 E. 76th Ave. Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: 907-336-6661 Fax: 907-336-6667

Mike Currie, VP

West-Mark Fairbanks Service Center 3050 Van Horn Rd. Fairbanks, AK 99709 Phone: 907-451-8265 Fax: 907-451-8273

Grant Smith, CEO

Yukon Equipment Inc. 2020 E. Third Ave. Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-277-1541 Fax: 907-258-0169

Morry Hollowell, Pres.

Construction

AK Empls.

AK Estab. Empls.

Services

Services

1975

5

Crane builders, crane design, new crane sales, new hoist sales, lifting equipment design and sales. material handling solutions for industry, hoists, job cranes, work stations, chain falls, lever hoists, crane upgrades, crane maintenance, crane inspection, crane repair, hoist repair, crane parts.

2009

9

Liquid Transportation | Tank Repair

1945

32

Sales, service, parts, rental and lease equipment, including Case, Trail King, Elgin, Vactor, Oshkosh, Etnyre, Monroe, Trackless, Bomag, Thawzall, Snow Dragon.

Fairbanks location: 3511 International St.; phone: 907-457-1541; fax: 907-457-1540.

Yukon became part of the Calista Corporation in 2010.

www.washingtoncrane.com

wwalker@west-mark.com www.west-mark.com

info@yukoneq.com www.yukoneq.com

COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIERS

AK

AK Company Top Executive Estab. Empls.

Empls.

Company Top Executive Estab.

Alaska Concrete Casting 5761 Concrete Way Juneau, AK 99801 Phone: 907-780-4225 Fax: 907-780-4230

Dave Hanna, Managing Member

Alaska Dreams Inc. 2081 Van Horn Rd., #2 Fairbanks, AK 99701 Phone: 907-455-7712 Fax: 907-455-7713

Meini Huser, Pres./CEO

Alaska Hearth Products 8600 Airport Blvd.

Juneau, AK 99801 Phone: 907-789-1332 Fax: 907-789-5132

Larry Traeger, Owner

Alaska Road Boring Co 1600 A Street Suite 302 Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-344-6895 Fax: 907-344-4489

Services Services

2004

4

Full service precast concrete supplier, furnishing utility, traffic and retaining wall products as well as custom casting, building panels and foundation systems. Rebar fabrication and supply house stocking 20' and 40' bar in #2 through # 10 bar. Detailing, bending and cage tying services

1994

25

Design, Sales and Construction for Fabric Covered Steel Buildings and Pre-Engineered Steel Buildings.

1984

4

Retail and service of pellet, wood, gas, oil stoves and inserts. Pellet fuel.

2000

60

Horizontal / Directional drilling, cured in place pipe for sewer, water and storm systems.

Pipe TV inspection.

1981

45

Industrial and hydraulic hose and fittings, pumps, kamloks, belting, Enerpac and Landa.

Hydraulic sales and repair. Certified wire rope and nylon slings with InfoChip Tracking technology. Anchorage, Fairbanks and Wasilla locations.

1965

11

Instrumentation & Fluid Control, Swagelok Distributor of Alaska

1999

8

Manufacture roofing.

1982

32

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, sheet metal and refrigeration contractor and service company.

1949

20

Traditional Retail Hardware store with core departments: tools, hardware, plumbing, electrical, paint and seasonal products.

alaskaconcretecasting@gci.net

info@alaskadreamsinc.com www.alaskadreamsinc.com

ahp@gci.net www.alaskahearthproducts.com www.arbcalaska.com

Alaska Rubber Group 5811 Old Seward Hwy. Anchorage, AK 99518-1479 Phone: 907-562-2200 Fax: 907-561-7600

Janeece Higgins, Pres.

Alaska Valve & Fitting Co. PO Box 230127 Anchorage, AK 99523 Phone: 907-563-5630 Fax: 907-563-4721

Ron Tharp, Pres.

All Steel 1974 Livengood Ave. Fairbanks, AK 99701 Phone: 907-479-6002 Fax: 907-479-7662

Michael Kralman, Pres.

Altrol Inc 2295 Van Horn Rd. Fairbanks, AK 99701 Phone: 907-452-8680 Fax: 907-452-6778

David Bridges, Pres./Gen. Mgr.

Anchorage True Value Hardware 9001 Jewel Lake Rd., # 5 Anchorage, AK 99502 Phone: 907-248-9211 Fax: 907-248-6976

Tim Craig

Architectural Supply Co. Inc. 3699 Springer St. Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: 907-561-1919 Fax: 907-562-5540

Jennifer Mattingly, AHC, Pres.

1977

7

Supplier of Division 8 & 10 - commercial doors, frames, hardware, toilet partitions and toilet accessories.

Arctic Controls Inc. 1120 E. 5th Ave. Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-277-7555 Fax: 907-277-9295

Scott Stewart, Pres.

1985

5

Arctic Controls Inc. is Alaska's leading expert in valves, flow meters, actuators, instrumentation, and process controls for commercial oil, gas, and water management.

Providing professional expertise for all commercial applications and can assist you with estimates and recommendations.

Arctic Fox Steel Buildings 751 S. Reeve Circle Wasilla, AK 99654 Phone: 907-376-5443 Fax: 907-357-7663

Chuck Morris, Owner

1985

18

Supply and erect pre-engineered steel buildings.

60

info@alaskarubber.com www.alaskarubber.com

AVF@alaska.net swagelok.com

steelsdeal@alaska.net www.steelsdeal.com

dave@altrolinc.com www.altrolinc.com

anchoragehardware@truevalue.net Truevalue.Com

customerservice@arcticcouriers.com www.arcticcontrols.com

arcfox@mtaonline.net www.arcticfoxsteelbuildings.com

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

2012 CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR DIRECTORY

Construction

COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIERS

Company Top Executive Estab.

Company

Top Executive

ATCO Structures & Logistics Ltd. 425 G St. Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-677-6983 Fax: 907-677-6984

Harry Wilmot, Pres./COO

Aurora Construction Supply Inc. PO Box 83569 Fairbanks, AK 99708 Phone: 907-452-4463 Fax: 907-456-3414

R L "Dick" Engebretson, Pres.

Aurora Glass 1025 Orca St., # N5 Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-277-1058 Fax: 907-274-2509

Anthony DeLucia, Owner

Cabinet Fever Inc. 4551 Fairbanks St., #C Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: 907-349-4871 Fax: 907-349-4891

Kurt Echols, Pres.

Capitol Glass/Northerm Windows 2300 E. 63rd Ave. Anchorage, AK 99507 Phone: 907-272-4433 Fax: 907-272-3747

Walt Murphy, Gen. Mgr.

Door Systems of Alaska Inc. 18727 Old Glenn Hwy. Chugiak, AK 99567 Phone: 907-688-3367 Fax: 907-688-3378

Beth Bergh, Owner

Doors/Windows 43961 Kalifornsky Beach Rd., # C Soldotna, AK 99669 Phone: 907-262-9151 Fax: 907-262-6433

John Straume, Pres.

AK Empls.

AK Estab. Empls.

Services

Services

1947

2

ATCO Structures & Logistics offers complete infrastructure solutions to customers worldwide, including remote work force housing, portable offices and trailers, innovative modular facilities, construction, site support services, operations support, catering and noise reduction technologies.

1978

2

Specialty items in Division 10.

1991

3

Glass repair and replacement, windows and doors, all types, shower doors and mirrors.

1999

5

Commercial and residential custom cabinet shop producing high-end custom kitchen cabinets, counter tops and installation as well as custom furniture, entertainment centers, reception desks, medical, dental and retail casework, store fixtures. Also carry two lines ofmanufactured residential cabinets.

1951

47

Manufacturer of high quality vinyl windows, insulated glass units. Commercial aluminum, Skylites, shower doors. All types of glass replacement. Sliding patio doors, Garden Terrace door systems. Loewen window dealer.

2000

10

Commercial and industrial doors, rolling doors, grilles, shutter. Fire-rated rolling door and accordion fire-rated side folding partitions. Flat wall partitions. Dock equipment. Hangar doors. Blast-resistant doors.

1979

10

Commercial storefront, commercial overhead doors, Kawneer and commercial hardware.

atco@atcosl.com www.atcosl.com

aurorasupply@gci.net

auroraglass@acsalaska.net auroraglassak.com

kurtechols@cabinetfever.net www.cabinetfever.net

www.cgnw.com

www.doorsystemsak.com

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61

2012 CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR DIRECTORY

Construction

COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIERS

Company Top Executive Estab.

Company

Top Executive

Glass Sash & Door Supply 500 E. Ship Creek Ave. Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-276-1655 Fax: 907-276-6712

Tom Dooley AHC/CDC

Greer Tank & Welding 3140 Lakeview Dr. Faribanks, AK 99701 Phone: 907-452-1711 Fax: 907-456-5808

Mark Greer, VP

Hayden Electric Motors Inc. 4191 Old Seward Hwy. Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: 907-561-1073 Fax: 907-561-5867

Roger Saunders, VP/Gen. Mgr.

Independent Lift Truck 1200 E. 70th Ave. Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: 907-344-3383 Fax: 907-344-8366

Wayne Dick, Pres.

Mac Cheyne's Carpets Plus Inc. 2060 Peger Rd. Fairbanks, AK 99709 Phone: 907-479-9193 Fax: 907-455-9193

John Mac Cheyne, Pres.

Motion Industries Anchorage 611 E. International Airport Rd. Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: 907-563-5565 Fax: 907-563-5536

Chris Ransom, Anchorage Branch Mgr.

N C Machinery Co. 6450 Arctic Blvd.

Anchorage, AK 99518 Phone: 907-786-7500 Fax: 907-786-7580

John Harnish, Pres./CEO

NANA Construction LLC 1800 W 48th Ave., Ste. G Anchorage, AK 99517 Phone: 907-265-3600 Fax: 907-265-3699

Ralph McKee, Pres.

Nenana Gravel LLC PO Box 249 Nenana, AK 99760 Phone: 907-832-5833 Fax: 907-832-5834

Jim Sackett, CEO/Pres.

Polar Supply Co. 300 E. 54th Ave. Anchorage, AK 99518-1230 Phone: 907-563-5000 Fax: 907-561-1850

Ed Waite, Executive VP

Puget Sound Pipe & Supply Co. 2120 Spar Ave. Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-277-7473 Fax: 907-277-9656

Scott English, Alaska Sales Mgr.

Spenard Builders Supply Inc. 810 K St., Ste. 200 Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-261-9105 Fax: 907-261-9142

Ed Waite, Exec. VP Local Markets

Surveyors Exchange Co. 3695 Springer St. Anchorage, AK 99503 Phone: 907-561-6501 Fax: 907-561-6525

David Wilmarth, Owner

Totem Equipment & Supply Inc. 2536 Commercial Dr. Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-276-2858 Fax: 907-258-4623

Mike Huston, VP

US Bearings & Drives/Motion Industries 1895 Van Horn Rd., Unit A Fairbanks, AK 99701 Phone: 907-452-4488 Fax: 907-456-8840

Brad DeWeese, Fairbanks Branch Mgr.

Valley Sawmill 10600 Cordova St. Anchorage, AK 99515 Phone: 907-563-3436 Fax: 907-522-3980

Greg Bell, Pres.

62

AK Empls.

AK Estab. Empls.

Services

Services

1952

6

Builders hardware, commercial wood and steel doors and frames, toilet partitions and accessories.

1952

35

Vessel fabrication, structural steel production built specifically for arctic environments.

Carbon steel, Stainless Steel and aluminum manufacturing.

1959

12

Sales, service and rewinding of electric motors and generators and associated equipment. On-site service calls. Re-Certification of explosion-proof motors.

1982

22

Dealers for CAT, Mitsubishi, Manitou, Maximal and Bendi Forklifts. GEHL Construction Equipment, Skid Steer Loaders, Telehandlers and Mini Excavators. Skytrack Manlifts, Scissor Lifts and Zoom Booms. Suppliers of New and Used construction equipment, parts, sales and service all makes.

16

20

Commercial and residential flooring.

2007

2

A leading distributor of industrial maintenance, repair and operation (MRO) replacement parts (over 4.3 million parts), including bearings, power transmission, hydraulic/ pneumatic components, linear, hydraulic/industrial hose, industrial supplies, process pumps and equipment, and material handling.

1926

220

Caterpillar machine sales, parts, service, and rental. Caterpillar engines for marine, power generation, truck, petroleum, and industrial applications. Sales and rental of Caterpillar and other preferred brands of rental equipment and construction supplies.

2008

192

Truckable modules, Blast resistant walls and modules, Remote worker' camps, offices and office complexes, Envirovacs, Tool Cribs, Pipe and steel fabrication, Field Construction, Project and Construction Management.

2

4

Excavation - Dirt work - Material - Gravel Sales and Road Buildings

1985

30

Polar Supply is Alaska's leading supplier of industrial products and construction materials. Putting customer service first, Polar has consistently delivered for clients large and small. A Division of Spenard Builders Supply with locations in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Kenai.

1984

30

Alaska's largest supplier of pipe, valves and fittings to Alaska oilfields. Two locations in Alaska: Anchorage and Kenai.

1952

750

Provides a full line of building materials and home-improvement products to fill the needs of residential and commercial contractors.

1969

30

Satellite phone and two-way radio specialists, auto-desk software, surveying instruments, sales, rentals and service.

1961

25

Totem heaters, Frost Fighter heaters, Sure Flame heaters, Terex, Mustang, Sky Jack, Clemco, Wacker, MultiQuip, Honda, Alkota, Genie, Vector,Wyco, Weber,Wacker,Biljax,Blast-pro,Toro/Dingo, Munter heaters

1970

3

A leading industrial maintenance, repair, and operation (MRO) replacement parts distributor (over 4.3 million parts), including bearings, power transmission, electrical/ industrial automation, hydraulic/industrial hose, hydraulic/pneumatic components, process pumps, ind. supplies & material handling.

1979

5

Mill heavy timbers, house logs, rough lumber.

info@glasssashanddoor.com

mgreer@greertank.com Greertank.com

ask@hayden-ak.com www.hayden-ak.Com

bary.ilt@gci.net iltalaska.com

Macsplus.Net

www.motionindustries.com

www.ncmachinery.com

mel.porter@nana.com www.nanaconstruction.com

nenanagravel@hotmail.com

dshooner@polarsupply.com polarsupply.com

senglish@pspipe.com www.pugetpipe.com

info@sbsalaska.com www.sbsalaska.com

garza@tse-ak.com tse-ak.com

sales@toteminc.com toteminc.com

www.motionindustries.com

valleysawmill@yahoo.com www.valleysawmill.com

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

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RIGHT MOVES Compiled by Nancy Pounds SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium

Charles Clement was hired as president and chief executive of Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium. He replaced Roald Helgesen, who was appointed chief executive of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. Clement Clement is based at SEARHC’s Juneau campus. He previously served as vice president of operations and chief operating officer for Southcentral Foundation.

Wells Fargo

Christie Watson was appointed senior business relationship manager and vice president for Wells Fargo’s Alaska Commercial Banking Group. Watson previously worked five years as a Wells Fargo commercial credit analyst.

Alaska Railroad Corp.

Dale Wade was hired as vice president of business development for the Alaska Railroad Corp. Wade most recently served as president of GoldStar Logistics Solutions. His experience also includes roles as national account executive Wade for FedEx Corp. and sales manager for CF Freight in Anchorage.

State Government

Meadow Bailey earned the Accredited Public Relations designation from the Public Relations Society of America. Bailey is a public information officer with the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Northern Region in Fairbanks.

Gov. Sean Parnell appointed Michael Geraghty to serve as Alaska’s attorney general. Geraghty most recently served as a partner with DeLisio, Moran, Geraghty & Zobel P.C. of Anchorage. He has worked at the firm since 1979, specializing in complex litigation and trial work before state and federal courts.

Rasmuson Foundation

Leary

Pokryfki

Towns-Bain

Linda Leary was appointed to the Rasmuson Foundation board of directors. Leary is president and co-owner of Carlile Transportation Systems.

Sammye Pokryfki was promoted to senior program officer. Pokryfki joined the group in 2005 as a program officer. She manages the foundation’s Sabbatical Program, which awards grants supporting nonprofit leaders’ extended leave. Aleesha Towns-Bain was promoted to senior program associate. She served last year as interim executive director for the Alaska Children’s Trust through the Rasmuson Foundation. Nancy Haag, Jill Hodges and Susan Mustante were chosen to participate in the 2012 Rasmuson Foundation Sabbatical Program for nonprofit leaders. Haag is executive director of Standing Together Against Rape. Hodges has worked as executive director of Alaska Brain Injury Network for nearly six years and began as the group’s only staff member. Musante manages Soteria-Alaska and CHOICES, nonprofit organizations providing services to individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness.

Denali State Bank

Steve Lundgren was appointed president and chief executive for Denali State Bank in Fairbanks.

Lundgren replaces Jo Heckman, who has retired.

Lundgren joined the bank in 2008 as executive vice president. He has more than 30 years of financial industry experience, mostly in Fairbanks.

Mutual

Omaha Bank

K r i s G j y l a m e t i wa s appointed assistant vice president and regional account executive for M u t u a l o f O m a h a ’s Pacific Northwest region Community Association Banking operation.

Gjylameti, based in Seattle, Gjylameti serves Alaska, Oregon and Washington. Gjylameti, who joined the company in 2006, most recently served as assistant vice president for Hawaii.

MyHealth Clinic LLC

Erdrich

Brian Erdrich joined MyHealth Clinic LLC in Anchorage as an advanced nurse practitioner. Erdrich previously spent 13 years working at Providence Alaska Medical Center.

He handles family health care and has specialized cardiac care training and experience.

Providence Behavioral Medicine Group

Erica Coady joined Providence Behavioral Medicine Group as a neuropsychologist. She earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from Seattle Pacific University in Seattle and completed her neuropsychology fellowship training at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at University of California Los Angeles and the Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Los Angeles.

International Tower Hill Mines Ltd.

Thomas Irwin was appointed Alaska general manager for International Tower Hill Mines Ltd.’s Livengood gold project near Fairbanks. Irwin joined the company last year as Livengood construction

work TegeaThm er we To geT The job done

64

of

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

RIGHT MOVES

Sponsored by Northern Air Cargo

manager. He has more than 37 years of natural resource industry experience working for Amax Gold Inc. and Kinross Corp.

Junior Achievement of Alaska

Luke Fulp received the 2012 Junior Achievement of Alaska Volunteer of the Year Award. Fulp is chief financial officer for the Kodiak School District. The Kodiak Junior Achievement program has expanded under Fulp’s leadership in two years.

Junior Achievement preFulp sented the award at the Alaska Business Hall of Fame in Anchorage. Alaska Business Monthly and Junior Achievement of Alaska Inc. sponsor the Hall of Fame program.

tions, marketing and operational roles. Jim Rogacki now serves as benefits manager. He previously served as head of benefits for Apartment Investment and Management Co. in Denver.

Alaska Communications

James Johnsen was appointed senior vice president of human resources and process transformation for Alaska Communications. He previously served as senior vice president of administration at Doyon Ltd.

Fairbanks 4-H

Becky Osimowicz received the Western Region 4-H Salute to Excellence Volunteer of the Year award.

The award was presented at a 4-H leaders forum in Cheyenne, Wyo. Osimowicz serves as co-leader of the Amour de Cheval 4-H Club, a horse club.

Credit Union 1

Denali Alaskan Federal Credit Union

Ryland

Fanny Ryland was hired as retail sales branch manager for Denali Alaskan Federal Credit Union’s Juneau branch. Ryland has worked in the banking industry for seven years, including a previous stint with Denali Alaskan serving in management and member service.

Bristol Bay Native Corp.

Anecia O’Carroll was hired as development officer for Bristol Bay Native Corp.’s Education Foundation.

Her career experience includes fund-raising experience at Bates and Smith colleges. Verna NanalookAdams joined BBNC as an executive assistant. She previously worked for BBNC from 1996-2005 as an administrative land technician. Carmell Shade was hired as communications specialist. She previously worked for Ahtna Inc. subsidiaries in communica-

Berry

Pat Berry was promoted to vice president and chief audit executive. Berry previously served as internal auditor. He has worked 16 years as developing programs in the internal audit programs.

U.S. Sen. Mark Begich’s Office

Agatha Erickson was hired as rural liaison for U.S. Sen. Mark Begich. She previously worked as communications director for Tanana Chiefs Conference.

She is based in Anchorage. U.S. Air Force Maj. Leigh Hasson was appointed military fellow for the senator’s Washington, D.C., office. She recently completed a fellowship at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy in Washington, D.C. Hasson has served deployments in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

University of Alaska Fairbanks

University of Alaska Fairbanks zoophysiologist Brian Barnes was selected as a 2011 Fellow of

the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The association publishes the journal Science. Barnes was recognized for contributions to leadership in arctic science and research in hibernation and cryobiology: the study of the effects of low temperatures on living things. Barnes is the director of the UAF Institute of Arctic Biology and the science director at Toolik Field Station on the North Slope.

Alyeska Title Guaranty Agency

Karen Goentzel was hired as a senior escrow officer at Alyeska Title Guaranty Agency. She has 30 years of experience in the finance and real estate industries.

Nuvista Light & Electric Cooperative

Patty Murphy has been selected as Nuvista Light & Electric Cooperative’s project administrator. Murphy is responsible for managing Nuvista’s many energy projects and activities for the Yukon-Kuskokwim Region. She will report to Executive Director Elaine Brown. Murphy, a Calista Shareholder originally from Kasigluk, previously worked for the Coastal Villages Region Fund and for the State of Alaska in various departments.

Alaska Association Secondary School Principals

of

The Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals chose Patricia Walker as Assistant Principal of the Year for 2011-12. Walker is assistant principal of Dimond High School in Anchorage.

Walker is a candidate for the 2012 National Association of Secondary School/National Assistant Principal of the Year recognition. Walker will attend a three-day Assistant Principal Recognition program in Washington, D.C. in April. She began her career as an Alaska educator in 1980, working as a teacher at Newhalen School in the Lake and Peninsula School District. She has worked for the Anchorage School District since 1984 at various schools. q

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www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

65

ENVIRONMENTAL

Air and Water Quality Testing Keeping communities and companies safe

By Vanessa Orr

Photos courtesy of DOWL-HKM

Storm water protection barriers are seen on a pedestrian path designed by DOWL HKM for the Municipality of Anchorage.

F

or most people, dealing with fumes, dirt and dust is just an inconvenience, and often part of everyday life. But when these issues begin to affect not just the environment, but Alaskans’ health, it becomes the job of air and water quality testing companies to identify the problems and offer workable solutions.

66

Air Testing

According to the Department of Environmental Conservation, indoor air pollution, which can exist at levels two to five times more than outdoor levels, can be caused by any number of pollutants, including radon, asbestos, tobacco smoke, solvents, cleaning solutions, carbon monoxide, mold and fungi.

Short-term effects can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat; headaches; asthma attacks and decreased reaction time, and other nervous system impacts.

Long-term effects may include cancer, chronic bronchitis, asthma and decreased lung capacity and performance.

Alaskans may be at more risk of these issues since homes and office

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

Steven K. Noble, PE Vice President DOWL-HKM

buildings in the state are more tightly sealed against the cold weather, and cold weather keeps people indoors longer and more often.

While some building owners may believe that a complaining employee is just that, Bob French, PE, principal in charge at EHS-Alaska Inc., says that it is in the building owner’s best interest to investigate employees’ concerns. “A lot of times, building owners don’t take these complaints seriously; they think someone on their staff is just a little whiny, but they need to realize that these people are actually on their side.

Not only are building owners required to provide a building that doesn’t make people sick, but if these problems are left alone, it could cause structural problems in the future.

“We try to convince owners to think of the example of a canary in a coal mine,” he added. “His employees are helping him to find potential problems.

A mold issue, for example, means that there is some kind of water leak coming from somewhere. If it is not found and fixed, it could cause long-term damage.”

Focusing on Indoor Air

EHS-Alaska Inc. focuses on indoor air quality testing for buildings www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

67

and residences, with the majority of their work concentrated on hazardous building materials, lead-based paints, PCBs, mercury and asbestos. “A lot depends on what activities go on in the building; in an industrial setting, we may be testing for welding fumes or paint fumes, or if the company is running a Bobcat, carbon monoxide,” French said. “In a regular office building, we may test for carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, relative humidity and temperature. We want to see how well the building systems work.”

EHS-Alaska Inc. may also take a micro-vacuum sampling of dust in the ductwork to see if ducts need to be cleaned, and test for molds, mildews, spores, pollens and allergens. After a water incident, the company can provide post-remediation testing.

Since 1996, White Environmental Consultants Inc. has provided workplace monitoring for potential hazards such as airborne asbestos, metals and biological hazards, dusts, fumes, gases and heat and cold stress. Its clients include office and residential buildings, hospitals, state and federal buildings

and the Department of Defense.

“At this time of year when the temperature is below zero, we often see sick-building syndrome,” said owner Matt White, PE, CIH in January. “Employee complaints are often vague; their eyes water and they feel that the work environment is irritating them.

Symptoms can be very broad and not very specific. This is what makes indoor air quality testing a challenge.

“One particularly troubling issue with indoor air quality is that it is not specifically regulated,” he continued.

“You have to chase down problems with no real regulatory guidelines; it’s not codified anywhere. For this reason, it’s often hard to get building owners to make changes.”

Problems seem to be worse during the winter when buildings are shut up tight. “Mold comes and goes, but because our environment is so dry, it’s not really a big issue here,” White said. “What we mainly see, especially at this time of year, is that owners are trying to make their buildings as energy efficient as possible; the building envelope is very tight and may not

have operable windows. It is not uncommon to see that there are not as many air changes as recommended; again, because there are very few requirements as to what actually needs to be done.”

Not Just in Older Buildings

While some older buildings may have problems because they are not up to code, surprisingly, these buildings are not the only offenders. “A building built in the 1980s might have passed inspection then, but today may not be up to code,” White said. “But these building owners are only obligated to bring the building up to the new code if they undertake a major renovation.

“On the other hand, I have been involved in several LEED-certified buildings that were still problematic,” he added. “For example, I worked on a project in Hawaii that was built to LEED standards, but we found problems when we began doing air testing.

It turned out that a couple of the suites in the building, which was used for training dental students, contained off-gassing latex training dummies. In

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www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

this case, it was the downstream use of the building that created indoor air quality problems—not the building itself.”

French also has found that newer buildings can have air quality problems. “Once a building is made tighter and tighter to conserve energy, not enough clean, fresh air gets in,” he said. “This can lead to high carbon dioxide levels, stuffiness and people complaining of odors.

“We also have a problem with drier relative humidity in our buildings in Alaska than in the Lower 48,” he added.

“Once cold air that has little moisture in it comes into a building, the relative humidity really drops. In an older building where the windows are not as efficient as they should be, or if there are air leaks, pumping up the humidity can cause even more problems.”

“Every building is unique, every building system is unique and every problem is unique,” White said. “Some problems are simple to solve, and some may require a total rework of the air handling system. But they are usually all fixable.”

Water Testing

Just as it’s important to keep employees safe while working inside buildings, it’s also important to protect the environment and the community at large when designing any project that affects aquatic resources.

“Virtually every project we do that has runoff in any fashion requires us to address water quality issues,” said Steve Noble, PE, vice president, DOWLHKM. “We need to design storm drain systems to meet water quality certification requirements and have a stormwater prevention pollution plan for any project that disturbs an area’s footprint.”

A planning, surveying, civil/transportation and environmental services firm, DOWL-HKM provides site investigations for hazardous materials, wetlands and other environmental resources, environmental assessments and environmental impact statements.

“Our ecology is driven by the quality of our water,” Noble said. “The objective of water testing is to protect our aquatic resources, including rivers, lakes, streams and wetlands. If a project is discharging a lot of contami-

nation—even dirt that is carried down storm runoff drains into streams—it can affect the quality of the habitat and the viability of aquatic organisms. We are not necessarily protecting our water from hazardous resources; it can be anything from dirt to oil and grease.”

Regulated Water Quality

While projects using federal money are required to have air and water quality testing as part of NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act), the state and many local municipalities also have regulations in place to protect Alaska’s water. “Virtually every road project needs to get approval from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for stormwater treatment,” Noble said.

“For example, recent projects that we worked on, including West Dowling Road, East Dowling Road and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, all had sensitive water issues that needed to be considered.”

DOWL HKM is currently working on a project with the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public

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Another issue facing those in the field is Alaska’s short construction season.

Facilities (DOT&PF) to evaluate all materials sites along major highways to make sure that runoff, for example, from a gravel pile, is not affecting adjacent streams.

“At any site development, such as that of a Wal-Mart or office building, each site has to have a stormwater permit,” Noble added. “The contractor is not only responsible for water quality during construction, but for creating permanent stormwater treatment at that site.” Once best management practices are in place, it is rare that water quality testing is required for effluent discharge.

Treatment plans can take a number of forms, from structures that separate oil and water or grit from water to routing of water to grassy areas. “The biggest challenge we face is that there is so much water here in Alaska; it affects virtually every project,” Noble said. “Stormwater treatment in Alaska

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can vary widely, depending on where you are in the state. In Ketchikan or in Fairbanks, the water conditions are dramatically different.”

Another issue facing those in the field is Alaska’s short construction season. “Our best management practices have to be in place and functioning by the end of winter,” Noble said. “If you’re using grass seed to stabilize the soil, you have a relatively short period of time to get it in place.”

The location of a project can also make a difference in how water runoff is monitored and treated. “If you’re working in downtown Anchorage, there is not a lot of space to put roadside ditches in to collect and treat runoff, so you’ll probably end up with a structural oil and water separator,” Noble said. “This requires more maintenance and upfront costs to install.

“A lot of it is a matter of cost,” he added. “Planting seed has a lower cost than installing a stormwater oil and grease separator. The costs can be quite large, depending on how big the project’s footprint is.”

Emerging Field

According to Noble, over the past 20 years, the testing and treatment of stormwater has become an emerging field as a result of Water Quality Act legislation. “The policies and criteria have gotten stricter, and the ways in which they are being interpreted has become stricter,” he said. “As people get more education, they are beginning to look to different jurisdictions to see what is being done in other places. New technologies are being developed.

“It’s an evolving practice,” he added.

“Still, Alaska is a few years behind other states in the policies and practices that they require.”

As the state’s focus on water quality continues to evolve, Noble hopes to see more training, not just for those in the profession, but for building developers and contractors. “We need to come up with solutions that still make land development affordable,” he says. “We don’t want to see policies that are so stringent that no one can afford to develop property. Working with agencies and the private sector, we can come up with solutions that work for everyone.” q

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

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FINANCIAL SERVICES

©2012 Chris Arend

Cook Inlet Region Inc. maintains a $50 million revolving line of credit with Wells Fargo for CIRI investments. Margie Brown, CIRI president and CEO is in the foreground with Chris Clifford, Wells Fargo principal business relationship manager; directly behind them are Joe Everhart, Alaska regional business banking manager for Wells Fargo and Stig Colberg, CIRI CFO; in the back are Sophie Minish, CIRI COO and Sam Mazzeo, Alaska commercial banking group manager with Wells Fargo.

Commercial Lending in Alaska Banks and credit unions eager to make loans

By Tracy Barbour

D

espite economic uncertainty among some Alaskans, the state’s financial institutions claim to have ample resources and are intent on finding qualified borrowers.

Contrary to popular belief, there’s no scarcity of money available for business financing in Alaska, according to Len Horst, senior vice president and commercial loan manager with Northrim Bank. While there is considerable controversy over the structure of Alaska oil taxes, which generate

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up to 90 percent of state revenue, the Alaska economy is stable and strong, says Horst, who also serves on the board of the Resource Development Council, a statewide, multi-industry association that promotes the responsible development of Alaska resources.

“We have a good diversification of projects going on,” Horst says.

“The mining sector has multitudes of money being invested. Fisheries have a positive outlook. Military spending is up. All those factors come together

to make it more of a stable economy than the rest of the country.”

Consequently, Alaska’s financial institutions say they have plenty of money available to help businesses start, expand, purchase equipment or meet their working capital needs, according to Horst. “We all have money to lend,” he said, “and we all are looking for those deals.”

Northrim Bank provides personal and business banking services through locations in Anchorage, Eagle River,

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

Wanted: Borrowers

First National Bank Alaska painted a similar picture about Alaska’s credit market. Senior Vice President and General Counsel David Lawer said: “We don’t believe that the market for credit has tightened. There are fewer commercial loans being made, but it’s not because we are changing our credit standards. It’s a function of what is going on with the economy.”

For example, there are fewer people buying houses, so fewer builders are borrowing because there’s a lower demand for what they are producing. “We’re fighting for borrowers,” Lawer said.

Senior Vice President Corporate Lending, Bill Inscho says First National has more than enough capital to fund loans for Alaska businesses. “We have the resources and we are anxious to lend,” he added.

According to Lawer, First National does more than 1,000 commercial loans annually. It has a total loan portfolio of approximately $1.1 billion, more than a $1 billion of which is in commercial loans. First National is the state’s largest Alaskan-owned and operated bank, with ATMs and 30 branches in 18 communities throughout Alaska.

First National’s commitment to commercial lending recently earned recognition from the United States Small Business Administration when it was named the 2011 SBA 504 Lender of the Year. The bank approved nine SBA 504 loans totaling $11,858,093 during the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, the highest number of approved loans in the state, according to a November 28 company news release. The SBA 504 loan program provides longterm, fixed-rate subordinate mortgage financing for acquiring or renovating capital assets including land, buildings and equipment.

Business Loan Commitment

Wells Fargo is also committed to funding business loans in Alaska. A

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nationwide, diversified, communitybased financial services company with $1.3 trillion in assets, Wells Fargo is the top business lender and provider of treasury management services in the country, according to its Alaska Commercial Banking Manager Sam Mazzeo. “We’re very well positioned to deliver credit and treasury services to small and large businesses in Alaska,” he said. “For 2011, we will top out at $475 million in new loan commitments to Alaska businesses.”

One of those businesses is Cook Inlet Regional Inc. (CIRI), an Anchorage-based Alaska Native corporation.

According to CIRI President and Chief Executive Officer Margaret Brown, CIRI used Wells Fargo financing when it purchased the USKH building on A Street in September 2009. In addition, Wells Fargo provides a revolving line of credit for Alaska Interstate Construction, a subsidiary CIRI owns 50 percent of. The bank also provides a $50 million revolving line of credit for possible use for future CIRI investments. “These instruments help us manage the company’s liquidity needs as we grow CIRI’s businesses,” Brown said.

In Alaska, Wells Fargo has more than 40 business relationship managers available to assist businesses with their financing needs. That includes a 17-person commercial banking team that works with larger businesses, five additional business banking teams and a specialized commercial real estate team.

Headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgages, and consumer and commercial finance through more than 9,000 stores, 12,000 ATMs, the Internet and other distribution channels across North America and internationally.

Credit Unions Also an Option

Alaska’s credit unions are another viable source for commercial loans, including Credit Union 1, Denali Alaskan and Alaska USA. As member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperatives that operate to promote thrift, credit unions generally offer commercial financing options with lower interest rates and fees.

Photo Arts by Janna

Wasilla and Fairbanks, Alaska; and includes an asset-based lending division in Washington. “We are a strong bank and we are well capitalized,” Horst said.

Sam Mazzeo, Alaska Commercial Banking Group Manager, Wells Fargo

In terms of their geographic presence, Alaska USA Federal Credit Union has 60 branches in Alaska, California and Washington state. Denali Alaskan Federal Credit Union, with more than 58,000 members, primarily serves Anchorage, Eagle River, Fairbanks, Juneau and Wasilla. Credit Union 1 is headquartered in Anchorage and has additional branches in other parts of the state.

Alaska’s banks and credit unions offer an array of commercial loans to meet just about any need. The most common type of financing is for business acquisition, equipment and inventory acquisition, commercial real estate, working capital, accounts receivable and lines of credit. Borrowers with impeccable credit and a strong relationship with their banker may be fortunate enough to qualify for unsecured loans.

Commercial Lending Trends

Despite the state’s overall economic strength, Alaska’s financial institutions are experiencing a lower demand

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

for commercial loans. For example, First National Bank of Alaska is seeing fewer applications, not necessarily from start-up businesses, but from its traditional customers.

Lawer explained why: “A lot of people who are recurring customers are saying, ‘This is not the time I want to buy new equipment, to buy a new location or to expand my business.’ They’re the wait-and-seewhat-happens folks.”

At Wells Fargo, the demand for commercial loans has been stronger in Alaska than it has been nationally, according to Mazzeo. However, the bank has received fewer loan requests from smaller Alaska businesses—the segment hit hardest by the economic slowdown.

But the opposite is true for the state’s bigger companies. “Loan demand from the larger businesses in Alaska has been relatively strong,” he said.

Mazzeo has also noticed that more borrowers are maintaining higher cash balances and are requesting lower loan amounts. In essence, they’ve become better borrowers and are better positioned to garner financing approval.

“In a way, it’s more of a borrowers’ market today than several years ago,” he said.

As another trend, Alaska’s financial institutions are dealing with tighter regulations. Federal regulators are imposing more consumer-oriented guidelines on the business lending side, according to Horst. There’s more documentation being required for every decision made and this has the potential of slowing down the commercial lending process, he says. He added: “The more paperwork the higher the costs and those costs get passed on to the borrower.”

Financial institutions need and appreciate good guidelines, but too many of them have a counterproductive effect, Horst says. “I don’t think it’s improved the process,” he added.

Lawer expressed similar sentiments.

Because of changes in the regulatory environment, new appraisals are being required more frequently for commercial real estate loans. Lawer said: “Appraisals are expensive and it takes time to get them. It does have a negative impact on demand, particularly in Alaska where we have so few appraisers.”

Advice for Getting Financing

So what’s the best approach to obtain financing in the current credit climate?

It all amounts to preparation and planning, says Inscho of First National. “Be prepared,” he says. “Have your financial data put together.”

This includes having a financial statement, balance sheet, profit and loss statement and three years of tax returns. It’s also a good idea to have a detailed business plan—especially for a start-up company—and personal funds to invest. The bank wants the business owner to have at least 25 percent equity in the deal.

It’s important to bring in a financial package that banker can understand and analyze. Borrowers who are new to the corporate lending arena should consider visiting with their loan officer for advice on how to proceed. The loan officer can explain all the requirements and refer the borrower to the SBA to get help creating a business plans and financial statements. In addition, borrowers must be able to demonstrate to their banker that they have the management, technical expertise and

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capital to make it happen, Inscho says.

Horst advises loan applicants to also have a personal financial plan that shows what they want, where they’re going and their exit strategy.

It makes it easier for loan officers to work with people if they know what they want and why they want it. “As bankers, we make decisions based on information,” he said. “The more information we have and the better quality of information we have results in a better decision.”

He also recommends that business managers and owners get to know their banker and thoroughly communicate what they’re trying to accomplish.

“The customer and banker need to understand each other, so they can help each other achieve their common goals,” Horst said. “We want to be there to find a way to help people achieve their dream.”

Mazzeo also emphasizes the need for borrowers to develop solid business and personal credit histories. It’s equally important for companies to establish a credit relationship before they need it. “If you wait until it’s an emergency, you’re not necessarily going to get what you need in the time you need it or get the preferred terms,” he said.

The final decision often depends on the size of the business and loan being sought, as additional information is often requested of businesses asking to borrow more than $1 million Mazzeo encourages businesses to develop multiple points of contact within their financial institution. They should meet their relationship manager’s supervisor and even his boss. “We want to ensure the business manager/owner has another point of contact if turnover happens or if issues need to be escalated,” he says, adding that companies need to develop a strong relationship with a bank that has the capacity to help them grow into the future.

That’s exactly what CIRI has done.

The company’s association with Wells Fargo goes back to its earliest history when it worked with the bank’s predecessor, National Bank of Alaska. “The relationship continues to this day and CIRI considers its relationship with Wells Fargo to be strong and lasting,” Brown said. q www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

TELECOM & TECHNOLOGY

Mobile Broadband is Wireless

By Kent L. Colby In other words, if it can move from one place to another, and stay connected or reconnect at speeds higher than dialup; it fits into the broad category of mobile broadband, pun intended.

Alaska Abounds with Mobile Broadband

©2012 Leigh Prather

“B

roadband” has become an ubiquitous term to include most any data connectivity…on almost any device…connecting to virtually any form of data network. That data can occur in the form of voice and video, as well.

Mobile broadband is more or less a marketing term for Internet access on devices ranging from mobile computers to smart phones. In turn, mobile computers can be any computer that is wireless, enabled with anything from a built-in wireless card to an external dongle. The mobile broadband technology world has expanded to include tablets, notebooks, netbooks, and cell or mobile phones and spans a multitude of technologies like EVDO, G3 and G4, piggybacking on mobile phone infrastructure. Connectivity also includes Wi-Fi, satellite and other proprietary wireless networking.

It’s a broad state for broadband, but Alaska actually stands out in broadband availability. Rural Alaska is better served than most U.S. rural locales, thanks to the major investments from our Big Four providers, and from initiatives and grants funded by the state in the Rural Alaska Broadband Internet Access Program (grant program). This program, now in its fifth round, “provides funding to assist telecommunications companies and cable operators in deploying broadband Internet service in rural Alaska,” according to the state’s web site. The program continues to utilize federal and state efforts to facilitate Internet service and make such connectivity more affordable to communities in rural Alaska. The primary function of the grants is to defray the costs of deploying broadband service.

In the state’s more populated corridors, the big players are Alaska Communications Systems (ACS), General Communications Inc. (GCI), AT&T Alaska and Matanuska Telephone Association (MTA). Together, they provide broadband to Alaska’s businesses and citizens with efficient, effective, broadband data. Broadband coverage can be linked to in-state data-storage centers, hosting servers and even fleet management. Alaska’s providers are partnered with national, Canadian and global partners to keep the state internationally concentric to the world of business.

All this mobile broadband connectivity enables our business community to mobilize the work force with wireless solutions just about any place in

the state, and allows workers to take their office on the road via a smart phone or laptop.

For businesses in the state’s more rural settings, there is a plethora of smaller providers with equally impressive offerings. They are frankly too plentiful to list in this update.

How Fast Is It?

In the general sense, broadband is anything faster than dial-up for those of us who remember dial-up. However, in today’s telecommunications, the tech industry is rolling out the fourth generation of cellular wireless standards, or 4G. With 4G, a mobile user on a train or in a car experiences speeds of 100 Mbit/s (high mobility communication). When the user slows down, the speeds go up. Pedestrian or coffee shop users (i.e., low mobility communications) are delivered 1 Gbit/s to their mobile device. This compares to 3G’s 28Mbit/s speeds.

As the mobile broadband becomes more “broad” with 4G, the user is introduced to Open Wireless Architecture (OWA), which supports or will soon support multiple wireless air interfaces in an open-architecture platform. Alaska is on the precipice of providing comprehensive and secure all-IP based mobile broadband to laptops, wireless modems, smartphones and other mobile devices.

Alaskans are receiving nearly seamless mobility, with high data rates enabling high-definition video and videoconferencing features on their mobile devices. No longer are we tethered to a portable hard drive synced to our home server or computer. Through cloud computing (the subject of future discussion) and a broadband connection, the vastness of Alaska and the confines of the traditional office cube are melding. q

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

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TELECOM & TECHNOLOGY

Field Testing Tech Gadgets

Finding the best chargers, storage and signal extenders

By Kent L. Colby

I

n most every airport you find a clutch of well-dressed men and women huddled around a central pillar, sitting on the floor like it were a campfire on a cold night. Each is tethered to an umbilical cord flowing power back into the drained batteries of their Pads and Pods and exhausted laptops.

Travel without a Berry, an Apple or an Android appears to be the unthinkable in today’s business world. But keeping these fruits fed can be a challenging task for the time-sensitive business traveler. These energy-hungry devices have become even more critical given that airlines like Alaska Airlines are making your flight time legitimate work time through onboard Wi-Fi systems, like Go-Go. To maximize productivity, it’s not uncommon to see, once passengers deplane, a mad dash for the nearest outlet to seek a recharge.

To help our readers, we’ve field tested instant battery chargers, external secure-storage devices, and signal extenders. We field tested two products from each category, arriving at the following results.

PRODUCT: ZAGGsparq 2.0, manufactured by Zagg Inc., retail range $99

To avoid or minimize the power-pole huddle, this little device resolves the risk of low batteries that is so significant to gadget users, especially when traveling. The ZAGGsparq is a pocket-sized power supply that the Salt Lake City-based company touts as “portable, convenient, compatible, powerful, versatile.”

The ZAGGsparq is compatible with any USB-charged device and can charge up to two devices simultaneously. It’s more than just

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an extended battery. This author watched two episodes of “Warehouse 13” on an iPad during a recent Alaska Airlines flight from Ketchikan to Denver, via Seattle. Simultaneously I wrote email on an iPhone. The ZAGGsparq kept both devices fully charged and saved me from the power-pole sprint upon landing.

PRODUCT: Duracell Instant Charger, manufactured by Duracell, retail range $29.99

During recent travels, the Duracell Instant Charger—barely thicker than a credit card—doubled the battery life of my iPhone and, later, that of my wife’s BlackBerry. The recharge rate is fast. The product utilizes a Lithium Ion rechargeable battery to provide reserve power to devices such as an iPod, BlackBerry, cell phone and any similar device using USB-powered cords. The handy device comes with a USB-to-mini-USB cord and retails for little more than four mocha-lattes at your favorite coffee house. The Duracell Instant Charger is available nearly any place where Duracell-brand batteries, such as your local supermarket.

PRODUCT: My LOK, by ii2P, retail range $69 to $79

To help manage all those passwords and security phrases that seem required these days to exist in the business and private world—from online banking, society media, work networks, even your own personal email—ii2P has come up with a compact and secure solution. As one user was overheard saying, “It is the best thing I didn’t know I needed.”

The My LOK Personal, which I tested, came complete with 8 GB of storage, which allowed it to serve as a memory stick for taking presentations, photos, and other working documents on the road. However, the primary attribute for my use is the product’s password-management capability. It uses a microprocessor-based IC chip to ensure security. The MULTOS chip protects IDs, passwords and other private information. Upon request, it can store, retrieve and auto log-in your credentials, according

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

to the company. The product also features a random complex-password generator, and the ability to bookmark websites and folders.

Additionally, it allows the user to backup and restore IDs and passwords.

Best of all: because the application does not reside on your computer, you can go from computer to computer without needing administrative rights. Plug the device in to any computer and you are able to log in to any network application requiring a secure password, as the device remembers. One of my favorite attributes is the retractable stem that doesn’t require a cap. Also, its hefty construction appears indestructible.

The product, manufactured by Southlake, Texas-based ii2P, comes in a variety of versions, including business and enterprise focus.

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PRODUCT: IronKey Personal S200 1 GM Secure Drive,

by IronKey Inc., retail range $79+

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This device is not only indestructible, it’s waterproof!

(Special notice to residents of Southeast Alaska and the commercial fishing fleet.)

The product has always-on data encryption, which provides high security and high performance results. As a special heads up to CIOs, the IronKey enterprise version allows the company to take control of all company portable storage devices. Policies can be administered remotely across the Internet to thousands of IronKey devices.

When you are carrying personal or business information that is too valuable to risk, the IronKey protects with military-grade hardwarebased encryption. According to the company, this “always-on protection cannot be disabled and is protected against cold boot and bruteforce attacks. No one can access files stored on an IronKey unless they authenticate with the correct password. All encryption and password verification are performed in hardware, and it cannot be disabled by worms, viruses, or other malware.”

The Sunnyvale, Calif.-based manufacturer offers models up to 16 GB. www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

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Alaska Ferry Reservation System RFP to be Released Reservation and Schedule Development and Passenger Self-Service System (RSD/ PSSS) Acquisition and Implementation.

The State of Alaska (SOA), Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF), Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) is looking for: 1) a single centrally managed and supported Passenger, Berth and Vehicle Reservations solution, with 2) vessel sailing schedule development and optimization functionality, and 3) passenger self-service capabilities that will replace their existing custom developed reservation (RMS3), FoxPro schedule builder and eCommerce web reservation (OARS) passenger self-service system. This system can be either a Hosted (SaaS) or a Non-Hosted System. Because this new system will support a variety of operating departments, the core system must be customizable to meet the needs of each functional work group.

PRODUCT: Wilson Sleek, by Wilson Electronics, retail range $129

A

laska’s terrain offers many challenges to cellular telephone connectivity. Despite the best efforts of its progressive and innovative cellular companies, the reality is that Alaska’s geography is one tough nut to crack. One solution this author tested was the Wilson Sleek, which is a mobile device designed for cars but can also be used indoors.

The Wilson Sleek reduced dropped calls and increased data coverage for those fringe areas, such as when driving from Mountain Point, south of Ketchikan, into town. Also, I went from almost-no-signal to nearly four bars inside a corporate office building where I spend way too much time. The magnetic antenna mounts easily on a filing cabinet and plugs in to a USB port for power. I tested the device during cross-country travels via car in the Lower 48 and had similar success.

Interested parties who want to receive notification of the posting of the actual RFP #2512S004 should contact John Wynne, Procurement Officer, 907-465-8446 or john. wynne@alaska.gov.

Manufactured by St. George, Utah-based Wilson Electronics, the device is wholly American made and allows for hands-free use while driving (a legal requisite in many states). The model tested was a dual band, so worked on both GSM and CDMA cellular networks. The product works with any carrier except Nextel, according to the company; and any technology except iDEN. It works with the new 4G networks, increasingly prevalent through Alaska’s cellular carriers.

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PRODUCT: DB Pro Cell Phone Signal Booster, by Wilson Electronics, retail range $359

T

he DB Pro Cell Phone Signal Booster is Wilson Electronics’ highest-gain, dualband (800 and 1900 MHz) wireless amplifier for home use, as well as at the office.

This author tested the unit in a home office at South Tongass Highway in Ketchikan—traditionally on the fringe of local cellular phone coverage—with positive results. Prior to installation, I had one bar available on my phone (when standing with my left arm in the air and on a big rock in the front yard). After installation, I had three to four bars regardless my location on the property.

The product works with multiple cell phones and data cards simultaneously, using all major Alaska phone carriers. Several high-gain antennas are available that can be placed outside the building. The product then is a wireless signal booster that has enough coverage area to saturate the building’s interior with usable service. There is no physical connection required to the cell phone. Utilizing an omnidirectional exterior antenna, the user does not have to research cell tower locations for good service.

Just slightly larger than a sandwich, the DB Pro has a power injector to streamline the hookup. Like the Wilson Sleek, the DB Pro works on GSM, CDMA, TDMA and 3G networks. “Power-control logic ensures maximum gain is within cellular standards,” according to the company.

Additional applications for this device include: conference rooms and offices located deep inside buildings with construction not conducive to strong cellular coverage; and those remote areas with nearly zero coverage.

Valuable Commodity

So, when you or someone you know needs a new tech gadget for a charge, storage, or improved signal coverage, consider any of the reviewed products. You’ll be buying the most valuable commodity on the market today—time (saved from sprinting for that power outlet in the airport). q

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

MINING

Photo by Patricia Jones/Courtesy of Tower Hill Mines Inc.

Photo by James Barker/Courtesy of Tower Hill Mines Inc.

Above: Money Knob, visible in the upper left of the photo, holds a huge gold deposit beneath the surface at the Tower Hill Mines Livengood project.

Right: Helicopter-supported drill rig at Livengood project.

Producing and prospecting Au

By Tracy Kalytiak

F

ifty miles northwest of Fairbanks stands a hill known as Money Knob. It looks almost exactly like the countless other hills undulating over Interior Alaska, except dirt roads etch a zig-zag pattern through the trees, and drill rigs penetrate Money Knob’s surface.

The rigs are there because rocks beneath Money Knob and nearby ridges clench a deposit of gold within an irregular oval about one and a half

miles long and half a mile wide. Tower Hill Mines Inc. (THM) owns the approximately 77 square miles of Livengood property where Money Knob is situated.

Thomas E. Irwin, THM’s Alaska general manager for the Livengood gold project, estimates the deposit in the Tolovana mining district of the Tintina Gold Belt contains 16.5 million measured and indicated ounces of the precious metal from Money Knob and

the land around it. The prefeasibility study, including metallurgical test work and optimization studies, is expected to be complete by the middle of this year, Irwin said.

“We made a decision as a company: Let’s not piecemeal this. Let’s do this project correctly,” Irwin said. “We are testing more samples, and we have contracted with a metallurgical test lab. We want (the prefeasibility study) to be as accurate as possible.”

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Pogo Mine

About 140 miles to the southeast of Livengood and 38 miles northeast of Delta Junction is the site of Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. Inc.’s Pogo mine.

Pogo’s origin dates back to 1994, when Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corp. surveyed a 62-by-86-mile area in the Goodpaster River Valley and discovered a vein of gold ore 14.7 feet wide and graded at 27 grams of gold per ton.

Drilling between 1997 and 1999 confirmed the major gold source at Pogo. Underground development began in January 2005, and the first gold pour occurred in 2006. Pogo produced 500,000 ounces of gold in June 2008.

Teck Cominco sold its 40 percent interest to the Sumitomo Group in July 2009, making Sumitomo Pogo’s sole owner. That October, Pogo produced 1 million ounces of gold. Sumitomo projects it will produce 2 million ounces by mid 2012, according to Chris Kennedy, Pogo’s general manager.

Pogo’s economic impact in Alaska is substantial. Sumitomo spends $75 million within the state to support Pogo’s operation, and an annual $50 million on labor. The mine’s license, tax and other payments to the state of Alaska totaled $2.9 million last year. Its 2012 local donations will total more than $1 million.

The mine is expected to continue producing gold for several more years.

“Current mine life is out to 2017 with positive exploration results that can extend this out to 2021 or longer,” Kennedy’s information stated.

Pogo is a fully operational mine with approximately 300 employees and 100 contractors.

“Pogo is not just a mine, it is a small city, with housing, dining, commons, small store, water treatment facilities…”

Kennedy said. “So keeping Pogo operational does not just involve breaking and processing rock. (It is) challenging at best, as camp life is not for everyone.

So one of my goals is to create Pogo as a place where people want to come to work and not have to come to work.”

Fort Knox

Twenty-six miles northeast of Fairbanks is where the Fort Knox mine opened in 1994 and conducted its first gold

Photo by Patricia Jones/Courtesy of Tower Hill Mines Inc.

The company is performing environmental baseline work—including studying fish, hydrology and endangered species—as well as examining the ore body and grade, drilling and possible designs for the facility. “We can be a mine, I believe, but we have to do everything correctly,” Irwin said, referring to the big hardrock lode project.

It is also investigating the possibility of extracting placer gold deposits.

Miners, over the past 98 years, have pulled 500,000 ounces of gold from an adjoining valley north of Money Knob.

Irwin says the prospective Livengood gold mine would generate more than 1,000 construction jobs, and then a subsequent 400 to 500 jobs for employees who would operate the mine.

The prospective Livengood mine is almost ideally situated. The paved allweather Elliot Highway passes within a few miles of the Money Knob area.

The ports of Anchorage and Valdez are situated south of Livengood. Fiberoptic communications run to the North Slope just west of Livengood. The mine would also have convenient access to the Alaska Railroad, major airports, and the Railbelt electrical grid.

Irwin says the company has launched preliminary discussions with Golden Valley Electrical Association, but while it has estimates, THM does not yet have final power requirements for the prospective mine. Golden Valley has previously stated that 80 to 100 megawatts of electrical power could be available for the project.

Irwin expects the studies, engineering and design, and permitting tasks will be completed by 2016. Then, construction will begin in the middle of that year and continue for about two years.

Irwin expects production to begin in 2018 and, if the ore body exists as it’s defined now, production could continue for 23 years, yielding an estimated annual 562,000 ounces of gold though the milling of about 100,000 tons (91,000 tonnes) of ore per day.

“We certainly think we can make an economic property,” Irwin said.

“That’s why we’re able to hire such quality people here, and we have the potential of bringing so many jobs. This is good for our community and a major economic boost to the Interior. I think it’s a real benefit.”

Livengood water testing.

pour in 1996. Fairbanks Gold Mining Inc., a subsidiary of Canadian-based Kinross Gold Corp., has owned the conventional open-pit mine since 1998.

Fort Knox sits on land owned by the State of Alaska and the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority. The mine is open year-round, operating 24 hours per day, seven days a week.

Development of a heap-leach facility in late 2009 extended the mine’s life.

Fort Knox is expected to close in 2017 and heap-leaching there is estimated to continue until 2021.

Fort Knox employed an annual average of 502 workers in 2010, the most recent figure Kinross made available, making it the fifth-largest private-sector employer in the Fairbanks North Star Borough and 10th largest employer overall. Fort Knox’s total 2010 payroll for mine employees was $45.3 million, averaging $90,280 per employee.

“On average, Fort Knox employees have wages approximately 2.1 times higher than the 2010 average income of private sector workers in the FNSB,” stated an October 2011

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McDowell Group report studying the socioeconomic impacts of the mine. “Fort Knox spent $171.4 million with approximately 400 private sector vendors in Alaska, representing 62 percent of its total spending on goods and services (both in and outside Alaska) in 2010.”

Donlin Gold

NovaGold’s Donlin Gold project is an undeveloped gold deposit located on land owned by Calista Corp. and the Kuskokwim Corp., 10 miles north

of the Kuskokwim River and the village of Crooked Creek.

Exploration and research estimates the gold deposit there to be more than 33 million ounces. Donlin Gold estimates the mine will produce approximately 1.3 million ounces of gold annually. The prospective open-pit mine would use trucks and shovels during its estimated life span of more than 27 years.

Up to 3,000 jobs could be created during the expected three- to four-year construction phase and an estimated 1,000 jobs could be created during production.

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“Donlin Gold is committed to hiring local, with a record of over 90 percent of camp employees being regional shareholders and descendants,” a Donlin Gold executive summary stated.

Donlin Gold is drafting a work force development plan and will begin community outreach during the permitting phase to inform residents of employment opportunities the project would provide. The plan will include information about training programs and facilities available to help prepare residents for jobs that would become available as the project proceeds.

Operating the mine will require at least 157 megawatts of electricity. Donlin is studying the possibility of a 312mile, 14-inch buried pipeline to bring natural gas to the site for producing that electricity. The proposed gas line would run from the Cook Inlet region, over the Alaska Range to the Donlin project site. That pipeline would reduce the amount of barge traffic on the Kuskokwim River.

“On average, two barges would transport supplies and small amounts of fuel daily during the summer from the Bethel area to a port upriver,” Donlin’s executive summary stated.

“One item of note is that our operations work force needs have changed a bit,” Kurt Parkan, manager, external affairs, at Donlin Gold LLC, said.

“We have just finished studying the feasibility of the 312-mile pipeline from Cook Inlet to the project site and once our parent companies give us the goahead, we hope to begin the permitting process this year.”

Nixon Fork

Nixon Fork gold mine is located in a swath of the Tintina Gold Province about 32 miles northeast of McGrath, between Donlin Gold and the Pogo and Fort Knox mines.

Fire River Gold Corp. bought the mine in 2009 for $3.1 million in cash and shares from St. Andrew Goldfields Ltd. Nevada Goldfields owned the mine through most of the 1990s. The replacement value of the 11,000-acre property and its associated equipment and infrastructure is approximately $150 million, according to Nina Lafleur, investor relations manager for Fire River Gold.

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“Alaska’s a great place to run a mine,” she said. “It’s very mining-friendly.”

Lafleur said the company’s production goal is 50,000 ounces of gold a year, about 4,000 ounces a month. Currently, the company produces 2,000 ounces a month.

Nixon Fork began operating last July and plans to ramp up to full production this summer. Its year-round mining program will produce goldrich copper concentrate and doré bars, with silver as a byproduct. Fire River Gold will try to replenish what is mined on an annual basis by further drilling exploration targets on surface and underground, with the goal of extending the life of the operation.

The company soon will release data about 2010 and 2011 drilling results.

With the price of gold rising above $1,500 an ounce and expected to continue climbing, the mine became a financially viable acquisition for Fire River Gold.

“It is a fly in, fly out only,” Lafleur said. “That creates some boundaries for some people. It was the right time, right place.”

Kensington

Coeur Alaska’s Kensington mine, located in Southeast between Juneau and Skagway, is expected to enter a sixmonth period where processing levels will be reduced by 50 percent, to approximately 700 tons per day.

This is intended to allow the mine to accelerate underground development, “resulting in more working faces and greater operational flexibility,” according to a Coeur Alaska third-quarter 2011 release.

The company will also activate an aggressive in-fill drilling program to better define high-grade ore zones and convert existing resources into proven and probable reserves; upgrade and complete construction of several underground and surface facilities and improve the overall safety of the mining operation.

Coeur expects operational effects of its strategy will result in 2012 production being similar to production in 2011—approximately 85,000 ounces of gold and costs of about $990 per ounce—declining in the second half of the year as production levels increase.

Production levels in 2013 and beyond are expected to rise to approximately 125,000 to 135,000 ounces at substantially lower operating costs than current levels.

The mine has 238 full-time employees and contributed $44.2 million in sales and $14.5 million in operating cash flow in the third quarter, according to Coeur Alaska. Capital expenditures were $9.2 million.

“2012 is expected to represent a transition year at Kensington as these projects are completed and operating activities resume at increased levels,” said K. Leon Hardy, Coeur Alaska’s chief operating officer. “We recognize that we need to take a step back in the ore production profile in order to advance these initiatives that we expect to ultimately reduce costs and ensure higher, more consistent production levels. “Kensington is an underground operation with one primary portal,” Hardy continued, “which means we will need to curtail some ore production in order to advance installations and other work in the mine.” q

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TRANSPORTATION

Rural Logistics

Rural air cargo carriers address village residents’ diverse shipping needs.

Photo courtesy of Everts Air Cargo

Multimodal cargo shipments

F

By Vanessa Orr

or the majority of people living in Alaska, making a quick trip to the grocery store for milk or going to the mall for a new pair of shoes isn’t such a big deal. But for those living in rural Alaska, buying these same commodities requires a lot more work than just driving a short distance to do a little shopping.

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Living in the Bush means living without what most of us take for granted. Whether a family needs groceries, or a business needs fuel, or a construction company needs new equipment, all of these things have to be transported in from outside—and that’s not always easy.

“I’d call us a lifeline—we provide the

medical supplies, food and the equipment that people need to be able to live out in rural Alaska,” says Mark Liland, director of sales for Northern Air Cargo. “Anything villages need that we can fit in a plane we’ll carry, and that includes mail, food, household goods, project freight for construction and the oil and gas industries, mining

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

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equipment, hazmat and explosives, and even live animals. It runs the gamut.”

“On a scale of one to 10, I’d say that we’re a 10 when it comes to how important we are to rural Alaska,” says Steven Smith, sales manager, Everts Air Cargo. “Not just our company, but any of the air cargo companies that serve the Bush communities. In many cases,

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Photo courtesy of Everts Air Cargo

there’s just no other way to get these products to the villages.”

Transporting cargo to rural Alaska often takes more than one mode of transportation, however. Depending on where freight is going, it may be barged in from the Lower 48, flown in from major hubs in Alaska, or even trucked in on highways or ice roads.

What seems key to its delivery, however, is that all of the companies that provide these services work together to untangle what in most places would be a logistical nightmare.

You Can Get There from Here

Before products can be delivered to smaller communities, they need to reach the Last Frontier. Much of what is transported to Alaska comes by barge, through companies such as Totem Ocean Trailer Express, or TOTE. Now in its 37th year, the fleet sails twice a week from Tacoma to Anchorage, where its cargo is picked up and transported by road and rail to other hubs. It is then transported to outlying villages.

“We ship everything; most of what goes to Alaska goes by water—

A passenger vehicle awaits air transport to its remote off-road destination.

groceries, large construction materials, office equipment, military supplies— everything you can imagine,” says Stephanie Holthaus, vice president of sales and customer service for TOTE. “Our most unusual cargo was live animals; we shipped an entire circus, including the animals, to Anchorage, and we’ve shipped reindeer from Anchorage to Tacoma.”

According to Holthaus, TOTE’s ships are designed to ensure speed and safety in harsh winter environments.

“Our ships were specifically built for this trade lane,” she says. “They feature covered decks so that cargo is protected from the elements, which results in minimal damage claims. As a roll-on/roll-off operation, all of our

a MeMber of the ukpeagvik iÑupiat corporation faMily of coMpanies

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©2012 Kevin G. Smith/AlaskaStock.com

containers are on chassis or on wheels, which enables us to provide much faster service with no delay in unloading or loading. We have a 99 percent on-time performance record.”

Once cargo arrives in Alaska, it can be flown to other destinations, or in some cases, trucked to where it needs to go. Carlile Transportation Systems, which has been serving the state since 1980, transports goods to six terminals in Alaska, including Kodiak, Seward, Kenai, Anchorage, Fairbanks and Prudhoe Bay. The company coordinates with air, water and rail carriers to move freight all over the state.

“We ship everything, including a lot of construction materials, oilfield equipment, fuel and other commodities, as well as freeze-and-chill to the Slope,” says Peggy Spittler, director of marketing, Carlile Transportation Systems. “We also carry goods the other way, including a lot of fish to Minnesota and Tacoma.”

With a fleet of 350 tractors, 1,600 pieces of trailering equipment and a brand new dual-laner, Carlile is the largest oversize heavy haul provider in

Rural Alaska residents offloading supplies from large hovercraft on shoreline of Kuskokwim River near Akiak.

Alaska. The company also does a lot of work in the Pacific Northwest. “We’ve hauled a quarter of a million pounds up to the Slope through the passes using push trucks,” Spittler says. “When loads are really heavy, we may use up to five push trucks, literally backed up behind one another to push heavy loads over the pass. That takes a lot of teamwork.”

For businesses that are on the road system, using a trucking service can save money. “If these companies had to fly in the fuel and the products we carry, it would be a drastic expense,” Spittler says. “Look at what some of the communities that are not on the road system have to pay for milk, fuel, etc.

It’s incredible.”

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©2012 Chris Arend/AlaskaStock.com

Rural Alaskans taking groceries home via fourwheeler in Buckland, a community in Western Alaska where goods arrive by barge and plane.

Carlile also saves customers money through its new e-commerce service, which originally started as its Santa Express program this past winter. “If a company offers free shipping in the Lower 48, customers can have their goods shipped for free to our Tacoma terminal,” Spittler says. “We will put it on trucks, which take about 52 hours to get to Anchorage.” The company will also offer this service in Fairbanks.

Air Cargo

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Getting products from the larger cities in Alaska to smaller, outlying communities requires the talents of a number of aviation companies, including ACE Air Cargo, Everts Air Cargo and Northern Air Cargo, among others. ACE Air Cargo, which was established in 1996, travels to 18 different communities daily, including Aniak, Bethel, Dillingham, Illiamna, King Salmon, Kodiak, Cold Bay, Dutch Harbor, Port Heiden, Sand Point, St. George, St. Paul, Chenega, Cordova, Juneau, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Sitka, Tatitlek, Wrangell and Yakutat. The company will also make flag stops (on demand as necessary) in Nelson Lagoon, King Cove, Port Heiden and Togiak, and

recently began offering scheduled passenger service to Dutch Harbor.

“We carry anything and everything, including hazardous materials,” said Greg Hawthorne, senior director of cargo and passenger operations, ACE Air Cargo. “We’ve also carried lots of animals, including reindeer, grizzly bears, three live buffalo and lots of eagles.”

Because the airline has a 5,500 pound payload, they are often able to put together loads that other airlines that carry payloads of 28,000 to 40,000 pounds can’t. “The planes we fly are very well equipped to get in and out of more rural areas where other companies have a hard time,” Hawthorne says. “We have great airplanes, very well equipped with good navigational aids to get out of difficult places. We know how important this cargo is to our customers, so we try really hard to get airplanes to their locations.”

Everts Air Alaska, which was originally established as Tatonduk Flying Service in 1978 in Eagle, provides passenger service to the Interior, as well as cargo service through its sister company Everts Air Cargo. The company flies to 12 major hubs in Alaska,

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including Nome, Kotzebue, Unalakleet, Emmonak, St. Mary’s, Aniak, Bethel, Dillingham, King Salmon, Iliamna, Fairbanks and Galena, and also offers seasonal service to Deadhorse, as well as charter and flag-stop services.

“Because we have an array of aircraft, including eight DC-6s, two C-46s, two DC-9s, two C-46s, two EMB 120 freighters and two EMB 120 passenger aircraft, we have a lot of flexibility,” Smith says. “We can pretty much land any place with a suitable runway. And if there’s not enough freight to fill a larger aircraft for a flight to Unalakleet, for example, we can take an Embraer.”

In addition to typical cargo, Everts Air has transported 50 reindeer from Kotzebue to Anchorage, as well as dogs and dogsleds, horses, autos, boats and snowmachines. “We recently transported dogs and dogsleds to Unalakleet for the Paul Johnson Memorial 450, and we also support the Iron Dog by moving snowmobiles between Unalakleet and Galena,” Smith says. “We’ve even shipped a whole aircraft in the belly of one of our aircrafts.

“Before we arrange to transport anything of size, however, we have to first verify that they can transport it outside the village hub,” he added. “We can get it there, but we need to know that our partners have the capability of moving these items once they arrive. If we can’t do it, we will refer the customer to someone else who can; that’s part of our customer service.”

Northern Air Cargo provides service to 14 major hubs in the state including Anchorage, Aniak, Barrow, Bethel, Deadhorse, Dillingham, King Salmon, Kodiak, Kotzebue, McGrath, Nome, Red Dog, St. Mary’s and Unalakleet, as well as various flag stops. “I believe that what sets us apart is our longevity,” said Blake Arrington, marketing manager, NAC. “We’ve been doing this for 56 years; we were the first all-cargo airline, and are the largest all-cargo operated airline in the U.S.” NAC’s fleet of four Boeing 737-200 jets can carry up to 30,000 pounds of payload and provide fast service to state-maintained, paved runways longer than 5,000 feet. “What’s nice about these more modern aircraft is that they are highly efficient and mostly maintenance-free,” Liland says.

Biggest Challenge

No matter what type of aircraft, or for that matter, ship or truck is used to transport goods to Alaska and in turn, to rural communities, they all agree that there is one huge challenge they face when providing services to the Bush. “Our number one concern is weather, especially in the winter months, when everything is more affected,” Liland says. “It is a huge factor. The cost of fuel is a challenge for customers, and sometimes the freight itself is difficult as we are

limited by what we can fit in the aircraft, but above all, weather affects us the most.”

“The weather conditions can be a challenge,” Spittler says. “Not just snow or ice, but even earthquakes, avalanches and roads washing out.”

No matter what the challenge, however, Alaska’s transportation companies are ready and willing to take them on. “What is most important to us is the level of service we provide and the loyalty of our customers,” Smith says. q

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OIL & GAS

Photo courtesy of Crowley Marine Services

Crowley Marine tug and fuel barge at Barrow in late summer, 2011. This equipment is typical of what is used

by Crowley Marine Services on its rural Alaska fuel deliveries.

Tactical infrastructure improvements needed

By Mike Bradner

A

laskans were transfixed by the drama that played out in Norton Sound in early January, as the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy, the nation’s only operating icebreaker, cut a path through several hundred miles of ice so the Russian tanker M/T Renda could deliver fuel to Nome. The successful delivery, the first in mid-winter, caught the imagination of the nation, and comparisons were made to the emergency delivery of serum to Nome by dog team to counter an outbreak of infectious disease.

Nome’s situation wasn’t as serious as had been portrayed in the national media because if it were a true emergency, fuel delivery by air. However, that would have been complex, costly and potentially hazardous because of the large numbers of fuel flights that would have been required. Fuel is

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routinely supplied by air to a few small villages in rural Alaska, but nothing has been attempted on the scale of supplying the 1.5 million gallons Nome needed, which was ultimately delivered by the Renda.

However, the venture illustrates the tenuousness of the Alaska fuel rural supply network. Western Alaska mainly depends on tugs and barges to make fuel deliveries during summer, which deal routinely with bad weather, shallow water, and tricky winds, tides and currents, often in combination with each other.

In many locations there are primitive or nonexistent shore facilities.

Western Alaska Fuel Fleet

To deal with this, marine fuel suppliers have marshaled a fleet of tugs and barges, some of them very specialized, to take on the seasonal operation.

Crowley, the major company in the rural fuel business, employs about 80 in its operations, which generally run from late March through October. One economic problem facing the industry is that much of the equipment is designed for Alaska and can’t be easily moved to other places to work, unlike, for example, cruise ships. That means the equipment can only be used for part of the year, and this built-in inefficiency helps drive up fuel costs.

Weather events and delays are a normal part of this business too. Nome’s final fuel delivery by barge was blocked by a fierce, hurricane-strength winter storm in the Bering Sea, which created the need for the unprecedented midwinter delivery. The delayed shipment to Nome captured the nation’s attention, but delays of two weeks or more in barge fuel deliveries brought about

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by fall storms isn’t all that unusual.

Here’s an illustration of the routine complexities of the rural fuel business that drives up costs. The waters off Kotzebue are shallow. Companies bring fuel in large barges as close to shore as possible, then transfer it to smaller, shallow-draft “lightering” barges to get it to shore. For delivery to small communities upriver, fuel must be reloaded again into smaller river barges. Loading and unloading three times is one reason gasoline costs $7 and $8 a gallon in many villages. In some communities the prices are $10 a gallon.

Hooper Bay, in the Yukon-Kuskowkim Delta, presents a different kind of challenge. The river channels providing access to the community of more than 1,000 are so narrow and shallow that fuel must be delivered by smaller barges and in small batches. These are typically spread out across three or four deliveries through a summer. It would be much more economical for the community if one large shipment could be made, but access to the community is too constricted.

In many places there are no docks, and hardly anything else. At Savoonga and Gambell on remote Saint Lawrence Island, and at Diomede in the Bering Straits, a hose must be extended from a barge anchored offshore to the shore and across the beach to the fuel tanks.

The barge is double-anchored and is secure, but the hose laid across the beach always presents challenges. In some other locations the fuel barge must be landed directly on the gravel beaches, something the U.S. Coast Guard does not allow anywhere else than in Alaska.

Despite these problems, spills and accidents are rare, testimony to the skills of the vessel crews and captains.

Two companies, Crowley and Delta Western, supply most fuel in the region. A new company in the field is Vitus Marine, which coordinated the winter supply and Russian tanker operation to Nome. Much of the fuel delivered to Western Alaska comes from the Tesoro refinery near Kenai, where it is loaded and shipped by barge. Some fuel for Western Alaska also comes from the Flint Hills refinery in Fairbanks and is shipped by rail to Anchorage, where it is loaded on barges. Some also comes from the

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Petro Star refinery in Valdez, although Petro Star mainly serves the marine fuel markets in Kodiak and Unalaska.

There are “mainline” hauls to communities which are major fuel hubs— near Naknek, Bethel, Dillingham and Nome—and a typical barge load on mainline runs are about 3 million gallons. Crowley, however, has been able to use much larger barges carrying 6 million to 7 million gallons over the past two years, and may be able to do this again in 2012; using larger barges results in economies of scale, which lowers costs. While direct shipments with larger barges are made to near-thehub communities, shipments onward are transferred onto smaller lightering barges. Lighterage can become necessary for fuel transport for a few hundred yards to much longer distances.

In Bethel, for example, the fuel must be transferred and moved 100 miles up the Kuskokwim River. Marine transporters are limited to barges drawing about 12 feet in this part of the river.

Changing System in the Interior

In the Alaskan Interior, the rural fuel distribution system is changing. The M/V Tanana, a towboat built in the 1950s and operated for years by Yutana Barge Lines and later Crowley, was laid up at the end of the 2011 season. Fuel is delivered by truck from the Flint Hills Resources refinery near Fairbanks to Nenana, a 60-mile transit on the Parks Highway. At Nenana the fuel is loaded on barges.

Following the Tanana’s retirement, fuel will still be delivered from Nenana but by the Rampart, a newer towboat.

However, Crowley, which supplies the region, will also bring fuel to communities on the lower Yukon from the Bering Sea. This is made possible by new Crowley towboats and barges which can navigate very shallow waters such as those in the channels at the mouth of the Yukon. While this means less fuel will be shipped from Nenana, a loss of business for Flint Hills, it also means the barges pushed by the Rampart can go down the river fully loaded, supplying villages along the way. They can then refill in the lower Yukon and come upriver full, serving other communities. By cutting out an empty “backhaul” of barges

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there will be lower costs, and customers along the Yukon will benefit.

Fuel Storage Economics

Crowley has large terminals in Bethel, Nome and Kotzebue. Through an agreement with the state other fuel transporters can use these terminals.

The company also pays for storage in bulk tanks owned by others in Naknek and Dillingham, and also operates smaller terminals along the Yukon to serve customers in the Interior river region. There are costs in addition to the lightering that occur all along the chain of delivery, however, including fuel flowage fees at municipal docks and terminal service fees charged at the bulk storage facilities.

The larger customers on the rural fuel chain buy in bulk and enjoy economies. These are typically utilities, schools, local resellers like village stores and other large government fuel users. Commercial and government fuel customers who buy wholesale typically store their fuel in large tanks, and these buyers enjoy economies of scale.

At the retail level in villages, however, these economies are lost because purchases are usually small, and labor and infrastructure costs for the retailer are very high. There is a high cost of inventory—the cost of buying the fuel for storage and carrying the cost until the next delivery, which is typically through a winter. There is also a high credit risk in the retail customer base— people who don’t or can’t pay their bills on time.

Getting the money together to make the annual fuel purchase is always a challenge for small communities, and a community bulk fuel loan program operated by the Alaska Energy Authority, a state agency, plays a crucial role in helping small villages finance their purchases. However, each year’s loan must be paid back to the AEA before a new loan can be made. AEA operates the program as a revolving loan fund, which means the annual repayments maintain the liquidity of the fund. Getting the application in on time is important, and after a few small communities missed their fuel deliveries because the loans weren’t approved on time, the AEA now monitors things closely, working with the communi-

ties to ensure the paperwork gets in.

Barge operators’ schedules are very tight, and on occasion, partial deliveries have been made to communities that couldn’t get the cash together to make the full purchase.

Meanwhile, the timing of the fuel buy plays a critical role in the final price paid by the customers because the price paid for fuel when it is loaded into the barge in Kenai or Anchorage is the price that must be paid typically all winter by the final customer, after delivery and handling costs are added.

If oil and fuel prices happen to be high when the fuel is purchased and loaded, the customers are stuck with the high price until the next delivery. On the contrary, if fuel prices happen to be low when the purchases are made, the customers benefit.

Purchases are made periodically through the summer, of course, because there are several deliveries to western Alaska and fuel is purchased as each loading is made. There is a belief that fuel prices usually soften a bit in midsummer, and that prices for gasoline tend to drop later in the summer or early fall. This creates a temptation for some customers to try and time their purchases to catch these dips in price, if they occur. There’s always a risk that a delayed fuel purchase, in the fall, for example, can risk hitting bad weather and a delayed delivery or even a cancelled delivery, as happened at Nome.

It’s all a gamble.

Aviation in the Supply Chain

Fuel delivery by air offsets some problems but creates others. It occurs regularly now for a few communities now cut off on river delivery, such as in Northwest Alaska where river water levels have been dropping. There are also emergencies, where the barge delivery is not made because of weather or other problems.

There is a large cost of transportation—flying is more expensive than barging—but one advantage is that because the fuel is purchased in smaller increments as it is delivered through a winter, the customer doesn’t have to pay for the entire year’s supply at once, as happens with barges. Fuel delivered by air is on a “just in time” basis, and there is less working capital required. There

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are still problems, however. In a small number of villages where air deliveries are routine the equipment and piping has been installed so that fuel can flow directly from a tanker aircraft to the fuel tanks. However, where there are emergency deliveries by air, there is no such infrastructure: Fuel is typically pumped into trucks and then re-pumped from the trucks to the storage tanks. It works, but it is inefficient and costly.

Another problem is that there are only a handful of air operators with planes equipped with tanks for such deliveries. The planes are not large, as they mostly serve remote mining operations or small communities. A fuel emergency in Nome, which would have required a delivery of over a million gallons of fuel, would have outstripped the available capacity of tanker planes. It would have required a large number of flights, too, which always raises concerns for safety.

A New Era in Remote Site Access

Efficiency is Feasible

However, it is possible to make the marine fuel system more efficient with selective and strategic improvements in infrastructure, such as docks. What is particularly needed are docks with deeper drafts to reduce the need to use small barges for lightering. Selected dredging of channels, to allow deeper-draft barges, would also help.

Combined storage on a village level, having the community store fuel for all users, would reduce costs and the risk of small spills. Improvements in purchasing procedures, with more bulk fuel purchases, would help.

Many of these improvements are relatively simple, and not hugely expensive. For example, in one coastal community one piling that was installed with a chain allowed the fuel barge a place to tie to securely, eliminating the need for the tug to push the barge against the shore with power on to keep it stable.

Gov. Sean Parnell has recognized the importance of basic facility improvements in rural coastal communities to provide better access to offshore fisheries.

Selective improvements in fuel infrastructure should be added to the list. q

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Mike Bradner is publisher of the Alaska Legislative Digest www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

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TRANSPORTATION

Icebreakers Importance in the Arctic The Healy, the Renda and Vitus Marine

By Susan Harrington Managing Editor

BERING SEA - The Coast Guard Cutter Healy makes relief cuts in the ice around the Russianflagged tanker Renda 97 miles south of Nome, Alaska, Jan. 10, 2012. The Healy is the Coast Guard’s only operational polar icebreaker. The Coast Guard regularly conducts icebreaking activities in the Great Lakes and northern ports of the contiguous U.S. to facilitate the flow of commerce but this Alaska-based operation is a new experience for the crew of Healy.

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www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Sara Francis

Northland Holdings Inc., and Northland became part of an even larger company, Australia-based Adsteam Marine Ltd. However, due to market issues Adsteam had to divest its Northland interests by 2005. In the meantime, Crowley Maritime Corp. had agreed to acquire the assets of Yukon Fuel, Yutana Barge Lines and two other Northland companies, which resulted in a lawsuit being filed by Alaska Village Electric Cooperative Inc., INN Electric Cooperative Inc., Kotzebue Electric Cooperative Inc., Naknek Electric Cooperative Inc., City of Nome d/b/a Nome Joint Utility System, Nushagak Electric and Telephone Cooperative Inc., and Unalakleet Valley Electric Cooperative. Following that lawsuit, a State of Alaska Consent to Decree requiring Crowley to divest some of its Western Alaska assets to Delta Western Inc. was issued, with the intent of creating competition.

Fast forward five years to 2009 and the creation of Vitus Marine.

“Members of the Alaska Village Electric Cooperative wanted to stabilize fuel and transportation costs,” Smith says. “AVEC financed the tugs and barges, and Vitus agreed to supply fuel and operate the vessels under charter for five years.”

Two sets of tugs and barges were built and delivered over the next two years, and in 2011, “although our vessels were late coming out of the shipyard,

Vitus delivered fuel to several utilities in Western Alaska, including Kotzebue, Nome, Dillingham, Naknek,” Smith added.

He was back in the fuel supply business in Western Alaska, seemingly born to it.

Back to the Story

Smith says he heard in late November from Bonanza Fuel manager Scot Henderson that Delta Western hadn’t yet made the Nome delivery. Bottom line: Nome didn’t get their fuel. Smith said he thought of the Russian-flagged tank vessel Renda, a 370-foot, doublehulled, Russian-registered vessel with an ice classification. Smith had looked at the T/V Renda earlier in the year for possible Dutch Harbor deliveries.

He knew it had recently undergone a double-hull refit, and thus could legally deliver fuel in Alaska. He said the Renda’s owner was contacted about a Nome delivery and they said sure. The “northern router” was on the tail end of their delivery season and had been delivering fuel to the Russian Northern Coast, following Russian ice breakers through up to five feet of sea ice.

By the first week of December, Smith was working with the Alaska Native village corporation Sitnasuak Native Corp. to get a delivery to its subsidiary Bonanza Fuel.

“We were trying to do our best to lay out a contract,” he said. “The challenge NASA Earth Observatory image created by Jesse Allen, using data obtained from the Land Atmosphere Near real-time Capability for EOS (LANCE).

S

ome may think this story started Nov. 8 last year when a winter storm churned the seas near Nome so roughly a barge was prevented from supplying final shipment of the town’s winter fuel. The storm in early November brought sea ice to Norton Sound by wind and ocean current and prevented the late delivery of 1.6 million gallons of diesel and gasoline ordered last May by Bonanza Fuel to top off the Sitnasuak Native Corp. subsidiary’s 3.6 million gallon tank farm near the Port of Nome.

The canceled delivery created a bit of a problem for the 3,600 Nome residents living in the Western Alaska coastal community on Norton Sound.

There wouldn’t be enough fuel to make it through the winter.

“They had an issue where an ‘outside’ company couldn’t complete a delivery and we found a solution,” Vitus Marine co-founder Mark Smith says.

“Two Alaska-based companies solved the problem—an Alaska-centric solution. It took a group of Alaskans that sat down and marshaled the resources to get the job done.”

Those resources turned out to be rather large and encompassing, with involvement among federal, state and local governmental agencies and officials, the Alaska congressional delegation, the U.S. Coast Guard, business and industry. Before delivery was finally made in mid-January, more than two months after the big November storm, the solution to the Nome fuel situation became an international collaboration.

A situation, Smith pointed out, that was a critical resupply and not an emergency. There were two options, he said: they could attempt a marine resupply or they could wait and fly it in by planeload.

Earlier Beginnings

This story really started in 1935 with a family tug and barge lighterage service founded by Mark Smith’s grandfather.

Smith Lighterage Co. covered fuel sales and freight deliveries in Bristol Bay and grew to serve much of Western Alaska, according to Smith, who was born with a relationship to Western Alaska fuel delivery.

Eventually, the family business became part of a larger company,

A rare, extremely powerful winter storm hit northwestern Alaska Nov. 8 and 9, 2011, bringing hurricane-force winds, high seas and heavy snow.

This satellite image was taken at 2:45 p.m. Nov. 8. www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

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Photo by Michail Shestakov Courtesy of Vitus Marine LLC

The Russian-flagged T/V Renda preparing to fuel in Dutch Harbor Jan. 3 for the historic voyage across the frozen Bering Sea to deliver 1.3 million gallons of winter fuel to Nome with an escort by the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy, the Coast Guards only operational polar icebreaker.

was to keep the customer out of risk if the fuel didn’t arrive.”

Smith and his people at Vitus Marine got busy with the logistics of the operation and started making contact with all the parties that would be involved in what was to become the history making first commercial winter delivery of petroleum through sea ice to Nome.

“Sitnasuak and Vitus Marine inquired and appealed for support to Lt. Governor Meade Treadwell and the congressional delegation,” Smith says.

“John Kotula of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and USGC Captain Jason Fosdick were instrumental in providing regulatory oversight and prevention strategies.

Bob King, legislative assistant for Sen. Mark Begich provided a lot of sup-

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port as did Bob Walsh from Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s office.”

Sitnasuak announced the contract Dec. 5 last year for Vitus Marine LLC to deliver, via the Renda, the rest of Nome’s winter fuel, approximately1.3 million gallons.

“The Coast Guard has done an excellent job in working with us to execute an innovative and complex solution to the fuel crisis that currently faces the community of Nome,” said Sitnasuak Board Chairman Jason Evans when announcing the contract Dec. 5. “They are currently investigating the use of the Coast Guard icebreaker Healy to ensure the Russian tanker is able to make it through the ice to Nome. We really appreciate their assistance.”

US Coast Guard to the Rescue

The Healy happened to be on its way home from a seven-month scientific mission in the Arctic Ocean and extended its Alaska stay another month to make sure the Renda made it through the sea ice to Nome. The Seattle-based 420-foot polar icebreaker with 80 crewmembers onboard is the country’s largest, and only working, icebreaker. The Coast Guard agreed to help, with conditions: “The Healy’s participation is contingent upon the following four items: the Renda passes the Coast Guard port state control exam, there are no inordinate delays, the fuel transfer plans meet federal and state requirements and on scene weather conditions permit safe passage. If all these conditions are met the Healy will assist the Renda’s transit

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

by breaking ice along the nearly 300 mile route from the ice edge to Nome.”

Capt. Beverly A. Havlik, Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Healy, headed her ship and crew to Dutch Harbor in mid-December. The Renda left its homeport of Valdivostok Dec. 17 and headed to South Korea to load 1 million gallons of No. 1 Arctic grade diesel fuel for the Bonanza Fuel tank farm at the Port of Nome. The next hurdle to clear turned out to be the Jones Act due to another winter storm, this time in northern Japan, preventing the Renda from making a planned stop to load 300,000 gallons of Arctic grade unleaded gasoline after loading diesel in South Korea.

Jones Act Waiver

The Renda could go to Dutch Harbor for the fuel before heading north to Nome, but that would require a Jones Act waiver, which was granted Dec. 30 by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano after a positive determination by the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration.

By Jan. 2, both the Healy and Renda were in Dutch Harbor, ready to commence. The Renda, captained by Sergey Kopytov, passed Coast Guard inspections Jan. 3 and after loading ~300,000 gallons of unleaded gasoline the ships readied for the journey north to Nome and the Bering Sea winter ice pack. Coming onboard the Renda in Dutch Harbor was Michail Shestakov, Vitus Marine supply and logistics manager, who served as Russian interpreter for the Renda’s captain on the voyage to Nome.

Besides the Jones Act waiver, an amendment to Vitus Marine’s Oil Discharge Prevention and Contingency Plan was required by ADEC to “include information specific to the T/V Renda and to cover ice operations,” was also expedited. ADEC shortened the public comment period from 30 days to seven and approved the amendment Jan. 5.

There was an “alignment of interests to make a timely and safe delivery,” Smith said.

The list of stakeholders gives an indication of the sense of involvement and

And the whole world tuned in. readiness, and included 22 agencies and offices at the federal, state, regional and local levels.

As the journey got under way, ADEC issued situation reports and the Coast Guard released video and photographs in real time of the progress of the Healy and Renda making their way across the Bering Sea to Nome—first in open water, then through more than 300 miles of the ice pack.

And the whole world tuned in.

At least, Smith says, “it is fresh new ice, not ancient ice,” making it easier

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

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U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Charly Hengen

Greg Walker, with the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, prepares an Aeryon Scout unmanned aerial vehicle at the Nome causeway Jan. 10. Walker is using the UAV drone to gather aerial photos and video of daily ice conditions in preparation for the planned Nome fuel transfer.

for the Healy to break through and create “leads” for the Renda. Sometimes the leads quickly closed due to pressure from the wind and ocean currents, causing the Healy to have to go back to re-open a path through the ice and relieve ice pressure squeezing the Renda. And it wasn’t always a straight path—many times the Healy had to zig zag and circle around in order to for the Renda to progress.

UAF Drone

During this time preparations in Nome included a University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute research team. Dr. Andy Mahoney took core samples to measure ice thickness and salinity near the Port of Nome. Professor Greg Walker and a support team deployed an experimental drone that provided still and video images for a mile surrounding the Nome harbor.

Smith said the team helped figure out where to park the Healy and Renda, what ice preparation was needed, and

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provided real-time mapping of the ice around the port.

Just after midnight Jan. 13, lights from the two ships were visible from Nome, although they were still miles from shore. Once the ships made their final approach on Jan. 14, the Healy parked a mile out due to its draft, and the Renda parked closer in, but still almost 500 yards outside the Nome breakwater. After working on the final approach all day, the vessels stopped all activities and the ice was allowed to refreeze for 12 hours to stabilize the ships before beginning fuel transfer operations.

“It was the most monitored fuel transfer I’ve seen in 35 years—24/7,” Smith says. “It posed a lot of unique challenges and questions, every one of them was new and unusual. We had work crews to coordinate from the Renda, Vitus Marine, Bonanza Fuel, Port of Nome, numerous contractors, and at the same time coordinate with compliance crews from

ADEC and USCG. The whole team was highly invested in not spilling a drop of fuel.”

On Jan. 15, two, 2,200-foot-long, four-inch fuel lines were attached to valves on the Renda and rolled out to the onshore marine header facilities at the port to offload the gasoline and diesel.

‘Walking on the Moon’

“It looked like they were walking on the moon,” Smith says.

Safety and environmental inspections were performed prior to commencement of fuel transfer on Jan. 16.

Meanwhile, as fuel transfer operations were under way, representatives from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Coast Guard were in Nome planning the return voyage, including use of an MH-65 helicopter for ice reconnaissance.

The fuel transfer was completed Jan. 19 and the lines were pigged to remove any remaining fuel before being rolled

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

B R I S T O L B A Y N A T I V E C O R P O R AT I O N

I teach our children

Yup’ik language

the

and our Native dance... to keep our

traditions alive.

— Ina Bouker, School Teacher

HELPING PRESERVE OUR HERITAGE. It’s Always Been.

www.BBNC.net

Photo by Michail Shestakov Courtesy of Vitus Marine LLC

The Coast Guard Cutter Healy cuts through the sea ice to escort the Russian-flagged tanker Renda across the Bering Sea.

up and returned to the Renda, a procedure that took until the next day.

Preparations were made for the Healy and Renda to depart Nome.

“The town of Nome got together as a community and wanted to participate in a meaningful way,” Smith says.

“They brought boxes of goodies and hand-knit hats to the Renda crew—third graders made cookies—there was even pizzas delivered.”

The Healy began breaking ice around the Renda for final departure on Jan. 20.

In its final situation report issued Jan. 24, ADEC reported: “The T/V Renda and CGC Healy departed Nome on Saturday, Jan. 21. Currently, both vessels are halfway through approximately 360 to 400 miles of sea ice.”

The vessels made it through the ice and reached open water Jan. 29: the Healy headed for Seattle, the Renda for Russia.

The U.S. Coast Guard Base at Pier 36 in Seattle welcomed the Coast Guard Cutter Healy’s arrival Feb. 5 after a deployment lasting 254 days at sea.

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The T/V Renda arrived on Feb. 10 at its homeport in Vladivostok on the Kamchatka Peninsula in the Russian Far East.

What’s Next?

“Development will float all our boats,” Smith says. “Increased resource development in Western Alaska will keep our fleets busy. We can navigate the ice in winter through the Bering Straits. One little ship to Nome is small potatoes compared to what could be. Look at Russia and Norway, what ice operations means to their countries. Development of Alaska resources is needed to serve our state.”

Historical? Yes. Possible? Yes. Routine? No. Will future village deliveries be made this way?

“Not in this fashion,” Smith says.

“No one would choose a winter delivery unless they were desperate. Every year has its unique challenges. Can we offer winter services to other communities? No, not until we’ve developed deepwater ports. The biggest challenge is ports. Hundreds of millions of dol-

lars are spent on airports, not so much on ports. We need aids to navigation, channel dredging, accurate mapping and substantial government investment in order to develop safe places to dock ships and barges.”

As with many firsts and significant endeavors, there is an opportunity for knowledge.

“What I learned is that through cooperative effort you can do something you might not be able to imagine possible to do otherwise,” Smith said. “A lot of folks got together and made the operation happen—Vitus, Sitnasuak, the Coast Guard, crews of NOAA and National Weather Service. There was a lot of support.

“It was just about out of the box in every conceivable manner,” Smith added. “All the participants were willing to take some risks, but did not want to be wildly cavalier, that was understood. Safety and spill prevention were critically important. Truly this exercise demonstrates the results you can get when you have alignment of interests.” q

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

B U S I N E SS

PROFI LE

MagTec Alaska, LLC Equipment, maintenance and project support from beginning to end

R

yan Peterkin, coowner of MagTec Alaska, has seen extraordinary growth in his company since he began operations in 2008.

With locations in Kenai and Deadhorse, this full service company provides equipment rental and project support to companies operating in the Cook Inlet and North Slope oil fields.

Beyond the traditional oil field equipment rentals such as portable heaters, generators, light plants, man lifts, and zoom booms, MagTec provides a wide range of specialized portable buildings and fit-for-purpose job site buildings and equipment.

Roger Wilson, North Slope operations manager for MagTec says, “We take a proactive approach to equipment rentals. Full service project support means providing top quality equipment to the job site complete with personnel capable of servicing and maintaining the equipment onsite. This cradle to grave approach to service ensures our customers are able to complete their projects efficiently and with the best equipment available.”

Growth for MagTec took a significant upswing as business development and operations on the North Slope increased. Supporting projects for Eni Petroleum at Oliktok Point and other prominent locations, MagTec built a presence in Deadhorse that includes a new shop on a 6.5 acre pad, a 50-man single-status camp, 12 full-time rotating positions, and a fleet of over 200 new heavy duty Ford pickup trucks.

Wilson brings to his position at MagTec 37 years of experience working on the North Slope. A Barrow high school graduate, his familiarity with logistics in the Arctic makes him a valuable asset in providing unique and specialized service to their clients across Alaska.

“People need specialty equipment for their individualized projects. We help locate, transport and maintain that equipment onsite for our clients in the harshest conditions Alaska has to offer,” says Wilson.

By increasing the variety of specialty equipment available to their clients, MagTec outperforms other leasing companies.

“We work with our clients to identify their specific needs. Whether it is an outdoor building complete with toilet facilities or a 2 megawatt generator to support power requirements on a drill site, we can make it happen,” Wilson adds.

And when that equipment requires servicing or repair, MagTec’s experienced staff is available on site to provide fast PAID

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response, enabling companies to get back to their operations quickly, safely and efficiently. “No other leasing company on the North Slope provides this value added service,” says Wilson. “This proactive approach to equipment staffing is what makes us a leader in what we do at MagTec.” While a large percentage of operations happen on the North Slope, MagTec also has a significant presence on the Kenai Peninsula supporting Cook Inlet drilling operations. Wilson says, “Our company originally began in Kenai and we have not forgotten the value of the projects in the area as well as the potential for future growth in oil and gas development in Cook Inlet.

We are pleased to be increasing our business lines on the North Slope, but we have never forgotten our loyalty to our Kenai client base.”

For more information contact Roger Wilson North Slope Operations Manager Magtec Alaska LLC Pouch 340024 Prudhoe Bay, Alaska 99734 rwilson@magtecalaska.com (907) 394-6350

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Stroke Science

By Jody Ellis-Knapp

Y

ou think of it as something that can only happen to elderly people, or people who are extremely unhealthy. You think your risk is low because you are under 50 or because you’ve cut down significantly on that smoking habit. To some degree, you’re right, but strokes—while a higher risk to those over the age of 55—can happen to anyone. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, there are more than 700,000 strokes each year in the United States, and it is the third leading cause of death in the country. Women are at higher risk than men, but men are more likely to have strokes at a young age than women.

Scary statistics, especially when most of us in the general public have a limited knowledge about strokes and why they happen. But there are risk factors that are important to consider, health changes that can be made, and warning signs that can predict an impending stroke or identify one occurring. Early detection and treatment, as well as preventative care, can not only help those in recovery from a stroke, but also can give us all a chance to keep strokes at bay and maintain a healthier lifestyle.

What Happens

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving the brain tissue of oxygen and food. Brain cells begin dying immediately making a stroke a medical emergency. According to

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Catherine McVey, director of Critical Care Services and Stroke Program Coordinator at Alaska Regional Hospital, almost 90 percent of strokes are what are called “ischemic strokes,” a result of the arteries to the brain being narrowed or blocked. The strokes can be classified as thrombotic or embolic. A thrombotic stroke is caused by a blood clot forming in one of the arteries that supply blood to the brain, while an embolic stroke occurs when a clot forms in blood vessels away from the brain (commonly in the heart) and is swept through the bloodstream to lodge in the brain arteries.

Sometimes referred to as a “ministroke”, a transient ischemic attack is yet another type of stroke, caused by a temporary decrease in blood flow to the brain. Mini-strokes are usually caused by a clot or plaque and most last about five minutes. Many people don’t find out until long after the fact that the stroke even occurred. These mini-strokes put them at a higher risk for a major stroke.

Why

Chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and smoking are all contributors to strokes. “No one is immune,” McVey says, “but strokes happen most often to those over age 55 with highrisk health issues.”

Symptoms can be subtle, but should never be ignored. “If you notice numbness, tingling, or weakness affecting

one side of your body, sudden changes in vision or balance, change in cognition, loss of speech or comprehension, call 911,” says Erica Coady, Ph.D., a neuropsychologist with Providence Behavioral Medicine Group. “The thing that makes a stroke so devastating is that brain tissue is exquisitely sensitive to any type of disruption, which is why an individual having a stroke will typically begin showing signs almost immediately.”

According to the National Stroke Association, 2 million brain cells die every minute during a stroke, increasing the risk of permanent disability or death. Acting as fast as possible is imperative, in order to minimize damage to the brain.

Surviving

Providence Alaska Medical Center has a strong team to work with stroke survivors. “I’ve worked in a number of rehabilitation settings in the Lower 48,” Coady says. “I’m impressed with the quality and comprehensiveness of the care Providence offers. The team includes top-notch physicians, a superb nursing staff, well trained occupational and physical therapists, speech and language pathologists, dieticians, spiritual care, as well as my role as a neuropsychologist.”

Therapy and treatments vary, based on the severity of the stroke. Depending on the location of the stroke, different functions may be affected. Some strokes affect motor functioning on one

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

side of the body, while others might impact memory and thinking abilities.

“Therapy may involve work with a physical therapist to improve strength and coordination in the case of motor function impairment,” Coady says, “or speech and cognitive therapists if there are memory issues. A stroke can also cause emotional and behavioral changes, another area of stroke medicine we address.”

New Treatments

Providence is a designated site for the Crystal AF (Cryptogenic stroke and underlying atrial fibrillation) clinical trial being conducted internationally by Medtronic Inc. “Previous clinical trials have shown that a heart condition called atrial fibrillation may be the cause of a stroke,” said Christie Artuso, director of Neuroscience Services. “The clinical trial randomizes eligible patients to either a control group or a continuous monitoring group. Patients are randomly placed in either group. Those in the continuous monitoring group are monitored for previously undiagnosed atrial fibrillation through a small implanted device that detects cardiac rhythm problems.”

Alaska Regional Hospital is also on the cutting edge of stroke treatment and rehabilitation. They were certified as a stroke center in 2007, the first in the state, and recertified in both 2009 and 2011. Alaska Regional’s stroke center consists primarily of two units, the Critical Care Unit and the Progressive Care Unit. “All stroke patients go to one of these two units,” McVey says. “The nurses there are specifically trained to care for stroke patients.”

Alaska Regional is the only hospital in the state to provide endovascular coilings, a minimally invasive procedure to treat aneurysms, and offers treatment for stroke patients from the Emergency Department through the Rehabilitation Department. Other treatments include thrombolytic therapy, which is considered best for those patients treated within a three- to four-hour window. Hemorrhagic strokes sometimes respond to interventional radiology treatments and endovascular coilings.

as possible. Our brains tend to recover more quickly in the months immediately following an injury.”

While some stroke patients can have almost a full recovery, for others it is a matter of a little bit of recovery and then learning new strategies for living with the impairments caused by the stroke.

“I would add that if a stroke patient or a family member is concerned about any changes in cognition, he or she should ask the doctor about a neuropsychological evaluation,” Coady says.

Devastating as they might be, strokes should not necessarily be considered a death knell, and many people go on to live full and active lives.

Recovery “In dealing with a stroke,” Coady Recovery rates depend upon the in- says, “it is important to find a good dividual and severity of the stroke. comprehensive stroke rehabilitation “Our medical team assesses exactly team to help manage your care. It is what areas of function have been af- also important to utilize the support fected and based on that information, services of one’s family and commutailor a rehabilitation program to the nity connections. Social and familial person’s needs,” Coady says. “I think support are known to be some of the it is important for someone who 1has1/10/12 strongest of functional re4.6x4.8 MPFC AKbusmo AD.pdf 1:40 predictors PM had a stroke to be evaluated as soon covery after stroke.” q

of prevention is the most important way to deal with the issue of strokes.

“The most important thing you can do is reduce your cholesterol, watch your blood pressure and treat it if it is high, reduce obesity and stop smoking,” McVey says.

“We all have a few bad habits, but it’s never too late to modify them.” Coady says. “Sometimes even making one or two small changes in your routine can decrease your chance of stroke. Talk to your doctor if you have questions. As a neuropsychologist, the behavioral contributions to disease interest me—there is a lot of research about therapeutic interventions that can potentially reduce the risk of stroke.”

C

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Reducing Risk

Both Providence and Alaska Regional emphasize that the proverbial ounce

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(907) 279-8486 • 1(888) 382-8486 Proud to be Alaska’s Medical Home for over 40 Years

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ALASKA THIS MONTH Compiled By Nancy Pounds

DINING •••

The promotion runs through April 30.

A

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promotion pitching Anchorage eateries has dished up healthy benefits for participating businesses. Anchorage Downtown Partnership’s 100 Days of Downtown Dining program features sticker-collection cards for frequent diners in 20 Downtown restaurants. Restaurant gift certificates are awarded to people earning 6, 12 or 20 stickers.

The event, which began Jan. 21, continues through April 30.

A grand prize drawing from all completed cards presents a spa package, a night at the Hotel Captain Cook and other prizes.

Anchorage Downtown Partnership began the program in 2008 to draw diners to eateries during winter months November through April, said Christopher Schutte, executive director. Winter Wednesday Dining Downtown showcased restaurants’ midweek specials.

Organizers revamped the program in 2010 to its current structure, Schutte said. Diners earn one sticker per restaurant per visit.

“The loyalty reward program was a huge success in its first year, so much so that ADP decided to continue the program the following year and expand it to include more restaurants and prizes,” Schutte said.

In 2010, more than 7,000 stickers were handed out to participating diners. Organizers tallied more than $85,000 in estimated sales to 16 participating restaurants in 2010. The program expanded in 2011. Twenty eateries participated last year. Estimated sales from the program topped $156,000, Schutte said.

This year’s restaurants include Ginger, ORSO, Sack’s Café and Simon and Seaforts. For a complete list, visit www. anchoragedowntown.org. •••

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

Photo by Oscar Avellaneda

Frequent Downtown Diners Tally Awards

ALASKA THIS MONTH

ENTERTAINMENT •••

Photo by Barbara Miller

Garden Conference Heralds Planning Season

An herb garden at the Alaska Botanical Garden.

T

he Alaska Botanical Garden’s Sixth Annual Spring Garden Conference cultivates gardeners’ dreams of summertime. Gardeners in Southcentral can anticipate prolific homegrown harvests due to this winter’s record snowfall.

This event, entitled “Cultivating Community,” will feature Alaskan garden experts presenting a variety of gardening topics, including foraging for wild edible plants, growing dahlias, beneficial insects, season extension, and growing herbs and vegetables in containers, and more.

The conference is March 9-10 at the University of Alaska Anchorage Consortium Library. Friday’s program features the Alaska Botanical Garden’s annual meeting and a lecture from keynote speaker Eliot Coleman. Coleman is the author of “The New Organic Grower” and “The Winter Harvest Handbook.” He and his wife, writer and gardener Barbara Damrosch, own and operate Four Season Farm, an experimental market farm in Harborside, Maine. Alaska gardening specialists Verna Pratt and Jeff Lowenfels are scheduled to speak at the Saturday session.

The Alaska Botanical Garden, a 110-acre site featuring area plants in a birch-forest setting, is located at 4601 Campbell Airstrip Road. Those interested in helping with this year’s garden spring cleanup can volunteer by contacting the Alaska Botanical Garden. This year’s spring cleanup is set for March 15-18. Online registration is available at www.alaskabg. org/events. •••

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

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ALASKA THIS MONTH Compiled By Nancy Pounds

TRAVEL •••

©2012 Mike Criss/AlaskaStock.com

Iditarod Boasts Pack of Champions

Newton Marshall’s lead dogs running during the 2011 Iditarod Ceremonial Start in Anchorage the first Saturday in March.

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his year’s Iditarod Sled Dog Race boasts a roster of imposing champions and features the return from retirement of past winner Jeff King. The race begins Saturday, March 3 with the Anchorage ceremonial start at 10 a.m. Seventy mushers, including 17 rookies, will run the 20-mile stretch from Fourth Avenue and D Street to the wooded Campbell Airstrip. The restart is Sunday, March 4 in Willow.

Last year’s winner, John Baker, will defend his title against consecutive four-time champion Lance Mackey and other champs Martin Buser, Mitch Seavey and Rick Swenson. Swenson is the Iditarod’s only five-time winner. Four-time winners lining up again this year are Buser, King and Mackey. The 2012 Iditarod also features the return of Buser’s son, Rohn, 22, who first ran the Iditarod in 2008. He ran the Junior Iditarod four times, winning in 2007.

Trail conditions are always a factor in determining the winner. This year, Alaska towns have experienced extreme cold and record snowfall, which can provide both challenges and benefits to this year’s mushers.

Prime viewing spots in Anchorage include downtown streets, the Chester Creek trails or Goose Lake Park. The site of Saturday’s finish at Campbell Airstrip and the Bureau of Land Management facility features shuttle bus service from nearby parking sites and offers viewing along birch-lined trails.

The awards banquet is set for March 18 at the Nome Recreation Center.

For more information, visit www.iditarod.com. •••

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

EVENTS CALENDAR

2/24-3/4

Anchorage

Fairbanks

Anchorage Fur Rendezvous Celebrating winter like nowhere else! Alaska’s largest and oldest winter festival features tons of fun events. Zany events include outhouse races, snowshoe softball and the Running of the Reindeer, a mass dash down Fourth Avenue with sprinting caribou giving chase. These are just a few of the delights in store at “Rondy” 2012. Times vary and events are held at locations around the State. furrondy.net

19-24 23rd Biennial Alaska Miners Association Conference:

2-3

3/9-4/1

Othello with special guests from Pacific Northwest Ballet The premiere non-profit dance company in Alaska presents its 20112012 season! Exceptional concerts of exquisite dancing come to life.

Celebrate our 30th anniversary season-- four wonderful productions in store this season. Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m. alaskapac.centertix.net 3

Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Ceremonial Start Come get started! World-class mushers and their dog teams mush toward the Bering Sea coast through rugged remote mountain ranges and snowcapped forests in the “Last Great Race on Earth.” Anchorage.

Time: 10 a.m. and held downtown Anchorage. iditarod.com 3

The Anchorage Symphony presents Great Opera-tunity Nearly 200 vocalists join the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra for the most dramatic and compelling music written for the opera stage.

The choruses of Mozart, Verdi, Mussorgsky and more spark the imagination, bringing magnificent battles, huge celebrations and tremendous processionals to life through music. Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, 8 p.m. anchoragesymphony.org 4

25th Annual Tour of Anchorage Rush hour takes on a whole new meaning! Glide into a pair of skis, grab some poles and be a part of North America’s longest running and largest citizen’s ski racing and touring series and designed for all abilities. 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. tourofanchorage.com 23-25

Pirate Tales Join Anchorage’s favorite storytellers and balladeers as they bring to life the adventures of the world’s most famous pirates and seafarers such as Blackbeard, Calico Jack Rackham, and Captain Hook. This is a toe-tapping, sing-a-long good time for the whole family! Alaska Pacific University, Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 3 p.m. ticketturtle.com 3/29-4/1

The Great Alaska Sportsman Show The social event of the spring season in Alaska! Featuring speakers, vendors, fly tying workshops, casting clinics for women and girls, book signings and more. greatalaskasportsmanshow.com 31

Lily Tomlin The incomparable Lily Tomlin brings many of her classic characters to life in a one-woman show. One of America’s foremost comediennes, Tomlin continues to venture across an ever-widening range of media starring in television, theater, motion pictures, and even animation. Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. alaskapac.centertix.net

110

Exploring technologies & challenges for mining in cold climates, includes technical sessions, banquet mining product and services trade show daily breakfast and luncheon speakers, and Alaska resource education raffle with prizes. Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center, 8:30 a.m. arcticminers.org.

Juneau

Perseverance Theatre’s “A Raisin in the Sun” In one of the greatest domestic dramas about the American Dream, four generations face the cost of dreams deferred and struggle with the decision to move out of a Chicago ghetto. Juneau Arts & Culture Center. perseverancetheatre.org 18-24

66th Gold Medal Basketball Tournament Watch the teams from throughout Southeast Alaska meet in Juneau for a tradition-rich tournament filled with rivalries and community pride. Juneau Douglas High School Gymnasium, various start times. goldmedalbasketball.org/.

23-25

SE Alaska Sports & Recreation Show Three days of informative exhibits, product demonstrations and sales, and workshops designed for the Southeast Alaska sport, recreation and outdoor enthusiast. Centennial Hall Convention Center. traveljuneau.com/events/. ??

Nome

Main Street, Nome. iditarod.com 18

Recreation Center, 3 p.m. iditarod.com Every Friday

Iditarod Finish Iditarod Awards Banquet

Seward

Story Time Youth events (especially) for children ages 3 through 6 and their caregivers. Stories, music, games, activities. Held at the Seward Community Library, 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., free. Contact: 907-224-4010 2-10

Sitka

Arti-Gras Featuring regional artists, musicians, live music, workshops, gallery walk, and a Wearable Art Show. Various locations and times. artigras.info 1-31

Herring Fishery Opening Herring gather and spawn in Sitka waters, turning the Alaska blue waters a milky green! The exact date of the opening is announced by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Contact: 907-747-5940 23-25

Wasilla

Mat Su Outdoorsman Show Come and see what is new for the Outdoorsman! Produced by: Chinook Shows Held at the Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center. chinookshows.com q

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

ALASKA TRENDS By Paul Davidson Alaska Trends, an outline of significant statewide statistics, is provided by the University of Alaska Center for Economic Development.

Alaska Work-Related Injuries Illnesses and Fatalities 2003 – 2010

T

he United States Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes data on Alaskan work-related injuries, illnesses and fatalities for 2003 to 2010. While every job has a risk of injuries, illnesses and fatality, Alaskans hold many professions with higher risks than others. Commercial fishing, construction and motor vehicle operation have the highest number of fatalities making up 27 percent, 9.89 percent and 6.46 percent of total Alaskan work-related fatalities respectively.

The graph shows the number of work-related cases of injury and illness per 10,000 full-time employees involving one or more days away from work and total work-related fatalities from 2003-2010. The rate of injury and illness decreases significantly with a high in 2003 of 253.8 and a low in 2010 of 166.8. Fatalities do not

show a significant decrease. Data for 2010 is preliminary and could be overly pessimistic towards fatalities, yet the real explanation for fatalities not decreasing similarly to the rate of injuries and illnesses is unknown. q

SOURCE: United States Bureau of Labor Statistics: Injuries, Illnesses and Fatalities: www.bls.gov/iif/

Alaska Trends has been brought to you this month courtesy of American Marine/Penco

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

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ALASKA TRENDS

Indicator

Units

Period

Latest Report Period

Previous Report Period (revised)

Year Ago Period

GENERAL Personal Income – Alaska US $ 3rd Q11 32,574 32,564 31,751 Personal Income – United States US $ 3rd Q11 12,953,429 12,934,733 12,441,541 Consumer Prices – Anchorage 1982-1984 = 100 1st H11 200.28 195.46 194.834 Consumer Prices – United States 1982-1984 = 100 1st H11 223.60 218.58 217.535 Bankruptcies Alaska Total Number Filed November 72 98 73 Anchorage Total Number Filed November 51 74 54 Fairbanks Total Number Filed November 11 16 13 EMPLOYMENT Alaska Thousands November 340.08 341.47 331.36 Anchorage & Mat-Su Thousands November 189.91 188.92 186.84 Fairbanks Thousands November 44.76 45.14 43.60 Southeast Thousands November 36.16 36.65 35.05 Gulf Coast Thousands November 35.56 36.38 33.66 Sectorial Distribution – Alaska Total Nonfarm Thousands November 318.0 327.2 317.9 Goods Producing

Thousands November 38.5 44.0 39.2 Services Providing Thousands November 279.5 283.2 278.7 Mining and Logging Thousands November 16.6 16.8 15.8 Mining

Thousands November 16.1 16.4 15.5 Oil & Gas Thousands November 13.6 13.6 13.0 Construction

Thousands November 14.5 174.0 14.7 Manufacturing

Thousands November 7.4 9.8 8.7 Seafood Processing Thousands November 3.6 4.8 5.2 Trade/Transportation/Utilities Thousands November 62.4 63.1 61.7 Wholesale Trade Thousands November 6.0 6.1 6.0 Retail Trade

Thousands November 35.8 35.9 35.1 Food & Beverage Stores Thousands November 6.1 6.2 6.2 General Merchandise Stores Thousands November 10.7 10.5 9.9 Trans/Warehouse/Utilities Thousands November 20.6 21.1 20.6 Air Transportation Thousands November 5.4 5.7 5.6 Truck Transportation Thousands November 3.5 3.5 3.1 Information

Thousands November 6.5 6.5 6.4 Telecommunications Thousands November 4.4 4.5 4.3 Financial Activities Thousands November 14.9 15.1 15.2 Professional & Business Svcs Thousands November 26.2 26.9 25.7 Educational & Health Services Thousands November 43.8 43.9 43.0 Health Care Thousands November 31.9 32.0 30.9 Leisure & Hospitality Thousands November 29.3 30.5 28.9 Accommodation

Thousands November 5.6 5.3 6.2 Food Svcs & Drinking Places Thousands November 19.9 20.7 17.2 Other Services

Thousands November 11.1 11.3 11.6 Government

Thousands November 85.3 85.9 86.2 Federal Government Thousands November 15.9 16.5 16.3 State Government Thousands November 26.5 26.6 26.5 State Education Thousands November 8.7 8.6 8.5 Local Government Thousands November 42.9 42.8 43.4 Local Education Thousands November 25.3 25.1 25.2 Tribal Government Thousands November 3.8 3.9 3.9 Labor Force Alaska Thousands November 366.36 366.43 359.40 Anchorage & Mat-Su Thousands November 202.31 201.03 200.75 Fairbanks Thousands November 47.78 47.98 46.80 Southeast Thousands November 39.00 39.32 38.06 Gulf Coast Thousands November 39.10 39.50 37.38

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www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

Year Over Year Change

2.59% 4.11% 2.79% 2.79% -1.37% -5.56% -15.38%

2.63% 1.64% 2.67% 3.16% 5.66% 0.03% -1.79% 0.29% 5.06% 3.87% 4.62% -1.36% -14.94% -30.77% 1.13% 0.00% 1.99% -1.61% 8.08% 0.00% -3.57% 12.90% 1.56% 2.33% -1.97% 1.95% 1.86% 3.24% 1.38% -9.68% 15.70% -4.31% -1.04% -2.45% 0.00% 2.35% -1.15% 0.40% -2.56% 1.94% 0.78% 2.10% 2.47% 4.59%

ALASKA TRENDS

Indicator

Units

Period

Latest Report Period

Previous Report Period (revised)

Year Ago Period

Unemployment Rate Alaska Percent November 7.2 6.8 7.8 Anchorage & Mat-Su Percent November 6.1 6 6.9 Fairbanks Percent November 6.3 5.9 6.8 Southeast Percent November 7.3 6.8 7.9 Gulf Coast Percent November 9 7.9 10 United States Percent November 8.2 8.5 9.3 PETROLEUM/MINING Crude Oil Production – Alaska Millions of Barrels November 17.79 17.54 18.19 Natural Gas Field Production – Alaska Billions of Cubic Ft. November 9.64 9.17 11.66 ANS West Cost Average Spot Price $ per Barrel November 115.67 110.85 83.93 Hughes Rig Count November Alaska Active Rigs November 7 9 7 United States Active Rigs November 2011 2017 1683 Gold Prices $ Per Troy Oz. November 1,737.48 1,666.55 1,370.84 Silver Prices $ Per Troy Oz. November 33.08 31.97 26.54 Zinc Prices Per Pound November 0.96 0.93 NO DATA

Year Over Year Change

-7.69% -11.59% -7.35% -7.59% -10.00% -11.83%

-2.15% -17.33% 37.82% 0.00% 19.49% 26.75% 24.64% #VALUE!

REAL ESTATE Anchorage Building Permit Valuations Total Millions of $ November 20.92 17.41 12.80 Residential Millions of $ November 3.42 7.36 2.94 Commercial Millions of $ November 17.50 10.05 9.86 Deeds of Trust Recorded Anchorage – Recording District Total Deeds November 1044 1059 1,270

-17.80%

VISITOR INDUSTRY Total Air Passenger Traffic – Anchorage Thousands November NO DATA 363.12 338.47 Total Air Passenger Traffic – Fairbanks Thousands November 60.93 66.04 64.84

#VALUE! -6.03%

ALASKA PERMANENT FUND Equity Millions of $ November 38,566.00 39,002.20 37,002.60 Assets Millions of $ November 39,069.30 39,513.90 37,405.40 Net Income Millions of $ November 105.2 87.3 117.8 Net Income – Year to Date Millions of $ November (517.7) 1,962.4 ($353.5) Marketable Debt Securities Millions of $ November (108.3) 122.4 -142.8 Real Estate Investments Millions of $ November (5.60) 71.5 20.5 Preferred and Common Stock Millions of $ November (462.9) 1,677.3 (299.2)

4.23% 4.45% -10.70% -46.45% 24.16% -127.32% -54.71%

BANKING (excludes interstate branches) Total Bank Assets – Alaska Millions of $ 3rd Q11 2,105.62 2,050.03 2,068.99 Cash & Balances Due Millions of $ 3rd Q11 49.64 51.85 37.35 Securities Millions of $ 3rd Q11 156.23 158.58 131.40 Net Loans and Leases Millions of $ 3rd Q11 1,097.05 1,098.51 1,110.96 Other Real Estate Owned Millions of $ 3rd Q11 7.05 6.21 15.76 Total Liabilities Millions of $ 3rd Q11 1,847.06 1,796.24 1,823.80 Total Bank Deposits – Alaska Millions of $ 3rd Q11 1,800.05 1,756.69 1,785.53 Noninterest-bearing deposits Millions of $ 3rd Q11 543.72 643.96 479.89 Interest- bearing deposits Millions of $ 3rd Q11 1,256.33 1,114.74 1,305.64

1.77% 32.91% 18.90% -1.25% -55.26% 1.28% 0.81% 13.30% -3.78%

FOREIGN TRADE Value of the Dollar In Japanese Yen Yen November 77.52 76.62 82.45 In Canadian Dollars Canadian $ November 1.02 1.02 1.01 In British Pounds Pounds November 0.63 0.63 0.63 In European Monetary Unit Euro November 0.74 0.73 0.73 In Chinese Yuan Yuan November 6.36 6.38 6.65

-5.98% 1.19% 0.99% 0.78% -4.46%

63.50% 16.40% 77.54%

Data compiled by University of Alaska Center for Economic Development.

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

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Advertisers Index Able Body Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Alaska Air Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Alaska Dreams Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Alaska Housing Finance Corp. AHFC . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Alaska Marine Highway System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Alaska Media Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Alaska Process Industry Career Consortium . . . . . . 41 Alaska Rubber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Alaska Traffic Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Alaska USA Federal Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Ameresco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 American Fast Freight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 American Marine/PENCO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Anchorage Chrysler Dodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Anchorage Opera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Anchorage Sand & Gravel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Arctic Office Products (Machines) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Arctic Slope Telephone Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 AT&T Alaska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Azimuth Adventure Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Bell Tech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Boart Longyear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Bowhead Transport Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Bristol Bay Native Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Business Insurance Associates Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Calista Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

25, 27 Carlile Transportation Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Chris Arend Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Cloud49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Construction Machinery Industrial LLC . . . . . . . . . . . 2

114

Crowley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Cruz Construction Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Design Alaska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Donlin Gold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Dowland-Bach Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 EDC Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Emerald Alaska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 ERA ALASKA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 ERA Helicopters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 ESS Support Services/ESS Labor Services . . . . . . 24 Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau . . . . . . . 18 Fairweather LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 First National Bank Alaska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Fountainhead Hotels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 GCI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Golden Valley Electric Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Granite Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Great Originals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Green Star Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Holmes Weddle & Barcott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Judy Patrick Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Kendall Ford Wasilla . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Kinross Fort Knox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Lynden Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 MagTec Alaska LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Medical Park Family Care Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Microcom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 MT Housing Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 N C Machinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 NALCO Energy Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Native American Bank NA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 NCB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Northern Air Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64, 65 Oxford Assaying & Refining Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Pacific Alaska Freightways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Pacific Pile & Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 9, 10 Paramount Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Parker Smith & Feek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Pen Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Perkins Coie LLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Personnel Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Pinnacle Mechanical Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Princess Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Procomm Alaska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Rosie’s Delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Rotary District 5010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Shaw Environmental & Infrastructure Group . . . . . . 93 Span Alaska Consolidators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Spenard Builders Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Stellar Designs Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 The Growth Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Tikchik Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Totem Ocean Trailer Express TOTE . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Tutka LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 UAF-College of Engineering & Mining . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Unit Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Vitus Marine LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Washington Crane & Hoist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Waste Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Wells Fargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

www.akbizmag.com • Alaska Business Monthly • March 2012

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