Telecommunications in Anchorage

Transcription

1 advancing anchorage APRIL 2013 Telecommunications in Anchorage 90% by Meeting the workforce needs of Anchorage Networking It s time to get out of the office School Business Partnership 28 Advancing school and business relationships PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID Anchorage, AK Permit #39 Anchorage Chamber of Commerce 1

2 Let s Keep First in Alaska to be certified by The Joint Commission for hip and knee replacements.

3 4 Feature story 22 Entertainment 18 Industry News Letter from the President 3 Advocacy in Action 12 90% by chamberology 16 Networking Advancing Benefits 24 Tax column 26 School Business Partnership 28 Business Leader Profile 30 Ambassador of the Quarter 31 Around Town Calendar 32 Chamber Events 34 New Members 36 executive members

4 board of directors Elected Board Members ( * Indicates Executive Committee Member) * Sandra Heffern EHD Enterprises, Owner (chair) * Bruce Bustamante chair, Princess Cruises (immediate past chair) Julie Anderson Alyeska Pipeline Service Co., Engineering Business Manager (at-large) * Chris Clifford Wells Fargo Bank, VP, Principal Business Relationship Manager (alternate) Andy Coon Alaska Communications, VP/General Manager Business & Consumer Sales * Mike Hayhurst KPMG, Office Managing Partner (at-large) * Bob Heinrich ConocoPhillips Alaska, Vice President of Finance (chair elect) Susan Jensen Bayshore Clubhouse, General Manager David Lamothe Chariot Group, Account Manager Eden Lovejoy Axis Management, Inc., President Greg Mattson BP Alaska, VP of Drilling & Completions * Bill O Leary Alaska Railroad Corporation, Chief Financial Officer (secretary/treasurer) * Janelle Pfleiger Re/Max Properties, Inc., Associate Broker (vice chair) Anne Reed Read Systems, Owner Colleen Starring ENSTAR Natural Gas Company, President Appointed Board Members Marti Buscaglia ADN, VP, Advertising Stig Colberg CIRI, Chief Business Development Officer Randy Cunningham KLEBS Mechanical, Sales Superviser * Bill Evans Sedor Wendlendt Evans and Filippi, LLC, Partner Bill Hannenberg ExxonMobil, Safety, Security, Health & Environmental Rochelle Marshall GCI, Director of Commercial Marketing Andy MacLeod Northern Lights Media dba KTUU Channel 2, General Manager Robert Honeycutt Providence Health & Services, Chief Operations Officer Morton Plumb The Plumb Group, Owner Matt Thiel Hickel Investment, Co., Corporate Controller Richard Watts Carrs Safeway, District Manager J.R. Wilcox Cook Inlet Energy, President 1016 W. Sixth Ave., Suite 303 Anchorage, AK phone (907) fax (907) [email protected] Anchoragechamber.org President Andrew Halcro Magazine Staff J.J. Harrier, managing editor Published By Northwest Strategies Publisher Amanda Combs Designer Stephanie Johnson Advertising Sales Amanda Combs phone (907) [email protected] Chris Munroe phone (907) [email protected] To purchase advertising space in this publication, contact Northwest Strategies. Ex-Officio Board Members Chris Birch Anchorage Assembly, Assembly Representative & Liaison Col. Mark Davis US Army Alaska, Deputy Chief of Staff Col. Brian Duffy US Air Force, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Commander Ed Graff Anchorage School District, Superintendent Col. Hunt Kerrigan Alaska Army National Guard, Deputy Chief Joint Staff Bill Popp Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, President & CEO Rashmi Prasad UAA College of Business, Interim Dean Julie Saupe Visit Anchorage, President & CEO Christopher Schutte Anchorage Downtown Partnership, LTD., Executive Director * George Vakalis Municipality of Anchorage, Municipal Manager (at-large) 441 W. Fifth Ave., Suite 500 Anchorage, AK phone (907) fax (907) [email protected] Nwstrat.com Photos submitted will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. The Anchorage Chamber reserves the right to edit all information submitted for publication. Cover Photo HagePhoto 2 advancing anchorage magazine APRIL 2013

5 The Anchorage Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome you to the inaugural publication of Advancing Anchorage Magazine. This quarterly publication is dedicated to providing our members with a wide array of relevant and topical articles that highlight everything from business features to current public policy issues that affect local businesses. As the Anchorage Chamber celebrates its 98th year in existence, we are constantly striving for new ways to be more efficient and informative in sharing critical information in an ever changing communication environment. The title of our new publication is a nod to our mission of advancing business and advancing Anchorage. April, May and June represent some of our busiest months of the year at the Anchorage Chamber. From our monthly Business After Hours functions and Citywide Cleanup Week, to Military Appreciation Week and weekly Make it Monday forums, the Anchorage Chamber offers a full calendar of opportunities to meet new business contacts while strengthening our community. Business After Hours, hosted by the Anchorage Chamber Ambassador Council, is a member exclusive networking event that provides an opportunity for members to mingle in a relaxed atmosphere while making those important business connections. Held at a different host location each month, this event has grown to be one of the Anchorage Chamber s most popular activities. Recent Business After Hours have been held at local hotels, retail stores, office spaces, warehouses and banks. Bring your business cards and join us at this month s Business After Hours. And if you suffer from shyness that make these types of meet and greet events difficult, as they say, we have an app for that. You can contact the Anchorage Chamber and be connected with an Ambassador liaison, at no cost, and they ll guide you through the event. We are all about connectivity for our members, and this is just another way we help you network within your comfort zone. Consult Anchoragechamber.org to find out when and where the next Business After Hours is being held. For the last 45 years, the Anchorage Chamber has hosted Citywide Cleanup Week, one of the city s largest outdoor community service events. The mission of this event is to remove unwanted trash from around the city s streets, parks and neighborhoods after the winter snow melts. Everyone loves a clean city, including our visitors. During the week, Anchorage businesses, schools and families take to the streets to return our city to its natural beauty, truly making this a citywide event. I can personally remember participating in the Citywide Cleanup in the 1970s as a student at Lake Otis Elementary School. The brightly colored bags, filled with trash lining the sides of Tudor Road made all the difference for a cleaner, brighter Anchorage. In 2012, the Citywide cleanup resulted in 1,500 tons of trash. That is the weight equivalent of 600 Chevrolet Silverado pick up trucks. This year the Citywide Cleanup Week is scheduled from April 27 to May 4, with our iconic orange trash bags available at all Fred Meyer locations throughout town beginning in mid-april. Consult Anchoragechamber.org to find out how you can help make a cleaner, brighter Anchorage. From June 10 to the 14 the Anchorage Chamber celebrates those that sacrifice letter from the president The title of our new publication is a nod to our mission of advancing business and advancing Anchorage. Andrew Halcro for all of us, the men and women of the U.S. military. The military is a billion dollar industry and has played a critical role in shaping Alaska, with state ties to the military dating back almost 150 years. Robert Atwood, an Alaska Pioneer and former Anchorage Chamber board chair described Alaska as a frontier community growing up around a military outpost. The Anchorage Chamber plays a leadership role in strengthening the relationships between the local military and business communities and is host to the largest military appreciation event in the state, and one of the largest in the nation. Anchorage Chamber members attend the Military Appreciation Luncheon, volunteer at the Military Appreciation Picnics, and provide military discounts during the week. Throughout the year, the Anchorage Chamber provides its members with unique opportunities to get connected with other members and the community. We feel our new publication is yet another unique way for members to connect through advertising and member profiles. We hope you ll enjoy the first edition of Advancing Anchorage Magazine, and hope you ll also take advantage of the variety of events the Anchorage Chamber hosts throughout the year to advance business and advance Anchorage. Anchorage Chamber of Commerce 3

6 Verizon Wireless Arrival Photo HagePhoto 4 advancing anchorage magazine APRIL 2013

7 Signals Change FOR Telecommunications Industry By Heidi Bohi Alaska s longstanding telecommunications wars are heating up again as residents and business leaders welcome Verizon Wireless, the country s largest provider. Joining Alaska Communications, GCI and AT&T Alaska, Verizon soon will jump into the race to connect every man, woman and child in the state. Verizon s arrival has been a source of street talk for a while, though during the past two years the country s telecommunications giant, which also provides international services, has made measurable progress readying for a 2013 summer activation of its Alaska network. The company s serious intent can be seen in its recent investments in spectrum, new infrastructure, local hiring and training, and tailoring its business model with the hopes of capturing the hearts of Alaskans, known for their love-hate relationships with large, Outside companies. Having our own network in Alaska allows us to control two things that are very important to us quality and reliability, Demian Voiles, Verizon Vice President for Alaska Sales and Operations, says. We re committed to having the most reliable network nationwide, and we are hearing from employees and customers who travel to Alaska and roam on other networks that they aren t getting the quality they ve come to expect. Alaskans have heard similar positioning statements from the other three largest wireless companies in the state. Still, they are eagerly listening to the new kid on the block, examining how Verizon invests in data speed and technology, which industry leaders say is encouraging the other carriers to upgrade their networks and make the marketplace even more competitive. Looking Back, Looking Ahead Verizon s arrival is testament to the growth of Alaska s telecommunications industry. Currently, national carriers without a local network have roaming agreements with Alaska companies, but the strength and size of the market today makes it attractive enough to draw the nation s leading companies in wireless telecommunications. Having four wireless providers in a market of 700,000 is consistent with other areas across the country, said Anand Vadapalli, Alaska Communications Anchorage Chamber of Commerce 5

8 Top: The Alaska offices for Verizon Wireless will be located at 188 Northern Lights Boulevard in Midtown. Above: A Verizon Wireless technician testing their network at their switch in Anchorage. President and CEO, though it is important to note that national carriers focus on wireless and are selective about the markets they cover. Alaskan customers, whether at home or at work, have data and communications needs that go far beyond wireless and the geographic reach of national providers in the state, Vadapalli says. Conversations with all the carriers indicate their focus on providing comprehensive solutions that meet local needs and are as attractive as offerings in other cities. However, the question remains: can all four succeed in the Alaska market? No one is willing to speculate, though simple economics dictate that new advancements in the market stimulate greater usage. At the same time, Alaska is a unique market. The vast territory presents geographic challenges that must be overcome to serve a smaller subscriber base than those in large urban areas in the Lower 48 States. The cost of this investment results in a smaller piece of the pie for all competitors. Photos HagePhoto 6 advancing anchorage magazine APRIL 2013

9 Verizon is ready to meet the challenge, reaching deep into its pockets to be the first carrier to build, from the ground up, an all-4g LTE market in the country. We are going to set the bar much higher than it has been set before and the industry here will have to play some significant catch up, Voiles says, adding that it is a familiar investment scenario he has seen happen in the Lower 48 States. As diverse as the state s geography are the messages in the market. The industry is aptly dubbed the evolution of confusion because of the constant state of technological and economic flux that is driven by intense competition and new technologies. With Verizon entering the local marketplace as the best carrier in the country, as ranked by Consumer Reports, Alaskans can expect product lines to be even more diverse, and they will have to navigate an even newer set of telecommunications acronyms and quality comparisons. Standing Ground & Joining Forces With 100 million customer connections, Verizon s anticipated entry into Alaska s market is a big game changer. Despite its size and deep pockets, the company will be up against competition that dates back more than 100 years: the Alaska Communications System was created and connected to Seattle by cable in Homegrown GCI prides itself in understanding the critical role telecommunications plays in rural Alaska and since its inception from a basement in 1979 continues to emerge as a leader in this market, providing service to more than 100 rural schools, a link for the largest medical network in the Pacific Northwest that connects more than 200 clinics, hospitals and medical organizations, and the most extensive wireless network in the state with more than 180 rural villages. In almost 35 years, it has invested more than $2.5 billion in capital in Alaska more than any other communications company in the state. GCI s success is driven by our understanding the market we live in, David Morris, GCI Vice President of Corporate Services says. This understanding is shown through diverse product offerings and ventures. GCI built on its 16-year investment in rural Alaska with the recent completion of TERRA-SW, an $88 million hybrid fiber-microwave network that connects 65 villages throughout Southwest Alaska to each other, existing Alaska fiber networks, and to the global Internet. Most recently, it also announced that its subsidiary Denali Media Holdings will acquire KTVA in Anchorage, KATH in Juneau and KSCT in Sitka, looking ahead to cross media applications and building on its cable television services, which are in 90 percent of the state s households with 64 percent penetration. Another competitor, Alaska Communications, is one of the state s leading telecom companies with a Anchorage Chamber of Commerce 7

10 Isis Mobile Wallet and the associated Isis logos are trademark of JVL Ventures, LLC. * ** ww.gsma.com/connectedliving/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/gsma2025everycarconnected.pdf *** Photo HagePhoto 8 advancing anchorage magazine APRIL 2013

11 100-plus-year history in the state and has spent more than $500 million in Alaska since Today its fiber optic network connecting Alaska to the Lower 48 States can carry 33 million calls simultaneously and 20 billion text messages per second. According to Vadapalli, one of its largest investments is in 4G LTE wireless service the latest generation of mobile wireless technology. The network is another example of Alaska Communications examining and anticipating customer needs, he says. Our focus is listening to our customers, understanding their needs and using IT and telecom technology to improve their lives, Vadapalli says. If it s a consumer, that means connecting them with what matters most in their life in a fast, reliable way. If it s a business, that means understanding its business challenges and using IT and telecom technology to address those challenges and improve business results. On the business side, this means that Alaska Communications is the only company in the state, the second in the country, and the third in the world to be certified to offer Ethernet 2.0 services, a world-class standard for the highest quality, most reliable and secure data services available, critical for oil and gas companies, government, Alaska Native Corporations and healthcare, along with small and medium-size businesses that connect multiple locations, or connect to networks outside of Alaska. Over the years, Alaska Communications and GCI have been fierce competitors, so Alaskans were surprised when the two companies recently announced that they are forming the Alaska Wireless Network (AWN), which will design and operate an Alaska statewide wireless network covering more than 95 percent of Alaska s population. The merger comes out of necessity: the wireless business is capital intensive, requires scale to compete successfully against national carriers, and demands more spectrum than either company individually owns. Alaska Communications and GCI see combining resources as the only way to new faces in anchorage Demian Voiles, Vice President of Service and Operations, Verizon Alaska Expanding new technology into the last frontier this is the motivation that brings Demian Voiles, vice president of Verizon Alaska, from Reno, Nevada, to Alaska s largest city. Riding into town on a 15-year tenure with Verizon, Voiles will act as Alaska s general manager for the Alaska expansion, leading a network and sales team through the activation of Verizon s network. Although it is too soon to quantify, he says Verizon s presence in the state will amount to hundreds and hundreds of jobs. In addition to the resulting economic development benefits, Voiles looks forward to offering Alaskans the technological solutions and high performance network that are now available in Outside markets. This is the last time in company history that we will be expanding and building out a completely new market from the ground up. I want to leave my fingerprints on the business, and it doesn t get any bigger or better than here, he says one year after moving here with his wife Kristi and six daughters, including a set of twins and a set of triplets. Voiles interest in Alaska isn t all business. After just one visit, he knew he wanted to raise a family here. People are so friendly, welcoming and honest, he said. And the girls are in love with this place. They will always remember when they caught their first fish and things like learning to look both ways for moose when they go in the yard. Anchorage Chamber of Commerce 9

12 compete with Verizon s purchasing power, which adds up to billions of dollars. By combining our wireless assets, AWN will provide a state-of-the-art Alaska wireless network owned and operated by Alaskans for Alaskans, Vadapalli says. AWN will provide the most geographically extensive network in Alaska, serving communities that would never be served by any national carrier. Verizon Hears Alaskans Now Nationally, AT&T is Verizon s largest competitor, though in Alaska Voiles sees all three existing competitors as forces to be reckoned with because each one brings something unique to the marketplace. We expect to peel customers off from all three, he adds. Besides investing in its own wireless network, Verizon also announced partnerships with Copper Valley Telecom and Matanuska Telephone Association to expand LTE service in those communities. These sites will also include back-up generators so customers can expect wireless service to continue during power outages. This extra step to ensure reliability, Voiles says, differentiates Verizon from its competition in Alaska and nationwide. According to Voiles, Verizon has a one-word mantra: reliability. Part of its investment is in what he calls the most advanced switch in the nation, which is essentially the brain of the wireless network, a state-of-the-art command center. This switch is a clear contrast to many of the aging switch facilities in Alaska, he says, and it is this new nerve center and network of cell sites that will allow Verizon customers to expect more from its service. While the difference in service remains to be seen, everyone agrees that adding another national carrier to the mix will be good for the state as it leads to new choices for Alaskans and pushes other carriers to adopt faster data technology and offer better customer service support. There is tremendous competition in the wireless industry. Wireless phones and devices are extremely popular and thanks to that competition, customers in Alaska and the Lower 48 States have more choices than ever before, Bob Bass, State President of AT&T Alaska says. AT&T Alaska has been here for 20 years and currently has the most wireless subscribers. It has invested $650 million into its wireless and wireline networks since In addition to focusing on expanding its 4G LTE mobile Internet coverage, it made about 250 wireless network upgrades including activating new cell sites, adding capacity, upgrading cell sites to provide fast 4G LTE mobile Internet speeds, and deploying high-capacity Ethernet connections to cell sites. With most Alaskans owning at least one wireless device, what will make them switch to Verizon, considering that all three major carriers have rolled out versions ECONOMIC ENGINE Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) is an important contributor to Alaska s economy and a critical link between Alaska communities, U.S. and international destinations. 1:10 Anchorage jobs is directly or indirectly related to ANC $8 of every $10 spent with Alaska s private sector 265 operating businesses Less than 9.5 hours from 90% of the industrialized world #2 in the country for landed cargo weight World s busiest and largest seaplane base Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (907) advancing anchorage magazine APRIL 2013

13 of 4G in key markets and are also vying for the title of Alaska s fastest network? According to Voiles the differentiator is, again, reliability and what he calls true 4G LTE technology. The difference, he says, will be apparent the first time a customer picks up a Verizon device: In terms of data traffic, it s like going from a one-lane road to a 10-lane freeway. Another added benefit will come through Verizon s international partnerships, which he says allow the company to introduce products and services into the marketplace that those in the Lower 48 States enjoy, bringing an end to Alaskans frustration with the not available in Alaska disclaimer that appears in many advertisements from Outside companies. Machine-to-machine or smart connection technologies will create efficiencies in business and add revenue streams. As an example, Voiles points to intelligent buildings in Alaska: real-time energy use will be tabulated with smart meters and sensors and sent over the Verizon 4G LTE network to cell phones, tablets or computers, so businesses and residents can track energy usage and see how much power they are saving through social media alerts. Along with the business opportunities in Alaska, there remain challenges including distance, high costs, and workforce recruitment. Named by Training Magazine as the No. 1 company in employee training for the second year in a row, in Alaska, too, Verizon is investing in hiring and customer service training. This includes learning about Alaskans and the idiosyncrasies that come with doing business in the last frontier. A class at the Alaska Native Heritage Center is helping shape its approach to hiring and customer service training by teaching managers about cross-cultural considerations and the different perspectives Alaska Natives offer. The wireless business changes every week, and beyond excellent customer service, we have to invest in training and educating our employees because they need to be on top of those changes, Voiles says. No one knows Alaska like we do. Trust your business banking to the local team with a genuine interest in your success. Where Alaska s business dreams grow. FNBAlaska.com

14 advocacy in action The Price of Funding Education By Andrew Halcro As Alaska lawmakers face growing state expenses, declining oil revenues and calls from economists to spend less, one issue under consideration that should be given extensive public vetting is the proposal to change the way Alaska funds education. Senate Joint Resolution 9 would allow public money to fund private and religious schools. Since this is a constitutional amendment, it requires a super majority of both the House and Senate to be placed on the 2014 ballot, so voters can make the ultimate decision. If approved by the public, lawmakers could begin adopting voucher programs as early as With ninety percent of Alaska children attending public schools, this constitutional amendment would turn Alaska s public school system on its head. It would also open the floodgates to the state treasury, which is a major concern of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce. With economists warning lawmakers that structural budget deficits are near, the thought of granting direct access to a politically connected group is fiscally reckless. The theory has always been that students will get a better education if government embraces competition and allows parents to use taxpayer money to pay tuition at private and religious schools. In Alaska, since residents contribute nothing to state education costs, the burden of funding this new program would fall on oil revenues or costs shifts to local property taxpayers. Adopting a voucher program would come at a time where oil revenues are declining quickly and local property tax payers are already being squeezed. But the biggest problem of all is that approving this amendment will grant direct access to the state treasury for some of the most well connected groups in politics. As a former state lawmaker, I ve had the unique advantage of being behind closed majority caucus doors when vouchers and school funding have been argued and I have no doubt this will blow the doors off the treasury. Examples include Florida where the cost of their McKay Scholarship program has grown 38 percent in the last five years alone. Last year, the Alaska state house education committee held hearings on a popular school voucher proposal that has been proposed again this year. The bill allowed parents who were already paying their child s private school tuition, to have the state pay the tuition instead. In addition to reimbursing parents who are already footing the cost of their child s private education, the proposal called for the state to pay the student s transportation cost based on the same cost per student as the host district. In Anchorage the allocation is $384 per student, per year. However, the $384 dollars the Anchorage School District (ASD) gets per student would not come close to covering private school transportation costs. The cost per unit paid by the ASD is base upon moving tens of thousands of students around Anchorage every school 12 advancing anchorage magazine APRIL 2013

15 day. Point being: How long do you think it takes before private schools begin lobbying lawmakers for an increase in transportation funding? The political reality is that many private schools are religion based and the religious community has a voice that carries weight with many lawmakers. If approved, voucher advocates would soon lobby lawmakers for a greater allowance for tuition and other operating costs. They d constantly be after lawmakers to allow them to operate privately with no conditions or accountability. And if there were any objectionable rules, lawmakers would consistently face pressure to issue waivers or exemptions. Several years ago, these same groups flexed their legislative muscle by getting a provision passed that expanded the definition of church homes that were exempt from local property taxes. But more importantly, the constitutional amendment (SJR9) proposed is so vague and broadly written, it could eventually be interpreted to mean any type of private school funding. The proposed amendment to Alaska s constitution would simply state nothing in this section shall prevent payment from public funds for the direct educational benefit of students as provided by law. From a fiscal standpoint, this arguably means that public funds could then be used to build private schools, pay for private student transportation, support private colleges or any other direct educational benefit of students. This year we re paying private tuitions, next year we re funding private school improvements. Anytime you give groups with political power direct access to state coffers, you re If approved, voucher advocates would soon lobby lawmakers for a greater allowance for tuition and other operating coasts. in for a penny, in for a pound. At the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, one of our top priorities is fiscally responsible budgeting, and given the current condition of state finances, lawmakers should proceed with caution before changing the constitution to allow for another expensive entitlement program. Expertise, Quality Work & Client Focus Tax and Business Planning Financial Statement Preparation Fiduciary Accounting & Taxation Business Valuations Tax Return Preparation Audits, Reviews and Compilations Estate & Gift Planning & Compliance Litigation Support 1400 West Benson Boulevard, Suite 400 Anchorage, Alaska (907) Anchorage Chamber of Commerce 13

16 Meeting the Workforce Needs of Anchorage By United Way of Anchorage By Name Lastname Are you finding all of the employees you need with the skills, attitudes and behaviors needed to grow your business? The question is rhetorical. According to a recent Anchorage Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) confidence index report, 51 percent of Anchorage businesses cite a shortage of semi-skilled workers while 50 percent cite poor job readiness of entry level workers. Anchorage businesses are not the only ones struggling. Many teenagers are not graduating high school on time (or at all) with the skills necessary to join local companies, or go on to higher studies. The reasons reported by students are varied and complicated: I stopped going to school because I didn t see the point. My best friend dropped out because he needed to support his family. Lisa didn t graduate because she had to stay home and take care of her baby. Teenagers are not seeing job or career futures for themselves and too many don t have enough supportive adults in their lives to motivate them. Our community needs to make sure that kids start school ready, stay engaged and on track throughout their education, and make good choices in order to graduate, equipped to join the workforce or continue on to higher education. These two problems, the lack of prepared workers and barriers to graduation, are interrelated but within the community s power to improve. Many business leaders are already aware of the issue and taking action to start developing Anchorage s workforce now. Karen King, president and CEO of the Nerland Agency, noted, Our city s ability to thrive economically and creatively depends on our workforce. We have to support our students, so they graduate ready to become the skilled workers and leaders we need. Bill Popp, president and CEO of AEDC agreed. Graduation rates are crucial for Anchorage to become the No. 1 city in America to live, work and play. Our community needs to rally for our students and offer the proper support and resources to help improve the current graduation rate in Anchorage. To help develop a prepared, skilled future workforce, United Way of Anchorage (UWA) and Anchorage United for Youth partners are leading a concerted effort to help youth stay in school and gain the skills and attitudes that lead to academic success. Our community goal is a 90 percent graduation rate by the year 2020, which would result in more students prepared for immediate careers or higher education. We are making progress. In the last six years, the graduation rate has climbed 13 percent. It s often said it takes 18 years to grow a graduate. Those same years shape Anchorage s future workforce and it will take the entire community, including business leaders to help achieve that goal. Anchorage businesses can start to shape our future workforce simply by engaging with students, but there are many ways to help by getting involved, taking a stand or spreading the word. Whether you would like to create opportunities within your organization for job shadowing or internships, advocacy, or becoming a school business partner, UWA can help you find the right opportunity. If all Anchorage businesses play a role in helping our kids succeed, the impact could be astonishing. Many of you are already engaging with students, but more are needed to achieve our goals of youth success in school, a 90 percent graduation rate by 2020, and ensure a stronger future workforce and local economy. For more information on ways your business can get involved with UWA s 90 percent by 2020 program, contact Sarah Sledge at or [email protected]. 14 advancing anchorage magazine APRIL 2013

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18 chamberology In reality, smart businesses don t join the local chamber of commerce; they pay the chamber s membership fee for the chamber to join them. What they really do is look at chamber membership fees as a retainer for consulting services at a fraction of the going rate for consultants like me. Smart businesses have business plans and those plans usually include research, data development, business insurances, human resource training and, of course, marketing. The intelligent strategy here is to contract with an organization that can support those strategies efficiently and at an amazingly low cost compared to private consulting firms, like mine. Smart Businesses Don t Join Chambers; They Retain Them By Patrick H. McGaughey Smart businesses know that data is king and the local chamber of commerce is the first resource for the demographics and other numbers needed to update our business plans and have a pulse of the numbers that feed our plans. For example, the chamber compiles key numbers like housing and unemployment updating them for an efficient look at our local community as we prepare to recruit new employees. It s amazing how major employers like hospitals are often the first to utilize the local chamber for recruiting physicians and highly sought after technical employees by using the data available and the community marketing material provided by the local chamber. When we hear, The Chamber doesn t do anything for me smart businesses understand that this is actually a good thing. What this really means is that we haven t had to call the chamber for help. It s similar to buying insurance. We all buy insurance hoping we never use it. If things are running smooth, we don t need the local chamber to do anything for us. But, if there is an issue such as an unfriendly local government regulation, education improvement or a need to improve our local transportation infrastructure, the chamber staff serves as your member agents to address the issues and they usually can t wait to help and prove the chamber s value to you. As for human resource training, smart businesses include the local chamber of commerce as a key part of their training strategy. Chambers historically contract with speakers and consultants to address leadership, management, marketing, sales and customer service courses for a fraction of the price a business would have to pay individually. Working cooperatively with the chamber s training agenda in these areas leaves thousands of dollars available for the technical trainers we must hire within our respective industries. Credibility and character is another reason why smart businesses have the local chamber join their business plan. For many businesses, 90 percent of their customers are out of town so they don t see the values listed above because they think it s just about doing business with each other on the local level. Smart businesses are sure to include their local memberships when marketing the credibility and character of their organization. It speaks volumes to a potential client when they see a corporation not only invests in their own business, but in their home community as well. A smart account representative will always include this in her or his presentation. This is a peek at why smart businesses don t join the chamber but why they have the chamber join their business plan. As for the bottom line, an average $500 annual (not monthly) retainer is a no brainer. Patrick H. McGaughey, CPF is an international business consultant, speaker and certified professional facilitator headquartered in Coeur d Alene, Idaho. For more about Pat, visit activatingpeople.com 16 advancing anchorage magazine APRIL 2013

19 Anchorage Chamber of Commerce 17

20 industry news By Julie Saupe No matter how far back you step, or how close you zoom in, tourism has some amazing benefits. Tourism is good for the national, state and local economies. It s good for the average American household and who knew it might just save your marriage too! Let s start big and drill down. Don t worry, we ll get to the relationship salvaging info in a minute. Nationally, tourism is leading the way in the national economic recovery. Travel ranks No. 1 among all U.S. industry exports. Last year our industry posted a trade surplus of $50 billion. That surplus is growing, too; it s up 16 percent year-over-year and outpacing all other industries. In fact, travel and tourism accounts for 2.7 percent of the nation s gross domestic product. Travelers in the U.S. spent $1.5 million per minute in The travel industry is responsible for 1 out of every 8 U.S. jobs. International tourist arrivals to the U.S. in 2012 grew 4 percent, setting a new record of billion according to the World Tourism Organization s World Tourism Barometer. Expect more records. The outlook calls for more strong growth from the U.K., German speaking Europe, Australia and Japan, and forecasts anticipate triple-digit growth in travel from emerging markets such as China and Brazil. Focus on our state alone, and there s growth as well. In Alaska, overseas visitors account for about 10 percent of our visitors. If we add in visitors from Canada and Mexico, the numbers jump to 16 percent. And we know that international visitors stay longer and spend more than their domestic counterparts; international visitors contribute more to our economy per person. Which is why new national programs, such as the efforts and funding put behind Brand USA, are important contributors to increasing tourism s overall impact nationally as well as here in Alaska. The economic contributions of our industry to the state economy and our state government are no less impressive. Contributions to state coffers from corporate taxes, non-resident fishing and hunting license fees, vehicle rental taxes and other fees total $107.8 million, according to a recent study by The McDowell Group* (Economic Impact of Alaska s Visitor Industry, ). Add local taxes, fees and registrations generated for Alaska cities and boroughs and tourism s contributions to governments in Alaska total $178.9 million. On the jobs front, tourism represents 8 percent of statewide employment. Imagine 13 Alaskans. Statistically speaking, at least one of them has a job in tourism. Tourism Pays in Anchorage Visit Anchorage has rolled out a Tourism Pays in Anchorage campaign and you may have seen these words on window clings or collateral distributed locally. According to the McDowell statewide study, Southcentral Alaska welcomed more than 1 million visitors between May 2011 and April These visitors supported municipal services through the bed tax, which totaled more than $22 million in Another McDowell study (Tax Impacts of Anchorage s Hotel and Accommodations Sector), shows that Anchorage s lodging sector alone contributes $30.2 million to the municipality of Anchorage. Of that, roughly $7.3 million is reinvested in tourism marketing and an equal amount from the accommodations taxes funds the bond debt on the convention centers. The remaining $15.6 million stays within the municipality s general fund. These visitor contributions are used to fund city services and help offset property taxes paid by residents. Anchorage s tourism community takes pride in these numbers and in the many ways that tourism is healthy for our economy. But it s easy to get bogged down by the big picture. So here s a figure that brings it home literally every household in the U.S. saves $1,000 in property taxes because of the contributions of tourism into government coffers. And if saving a grand doesn t inspire a little household harmony, think about this: according to a survey by the U.S. Travel Association, travel leads to increased satisfaction and romance. Couples who take time to vacation alone together at least once each year report happier, healthier relationships overall compared to those who do not travel as couples. Julie Saupe is the president and CEO of Visit Anchorage and is a board member with the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce. For more information on tourism in Anchorage, check out Anchorage.net. 18 advancing anchorage magazine APRIL 2013

21 Unleash your business potential: gci.com/cloud Anchorage Chamber of Commerce 19

22 networking 101 Ever wonder how some people in business just seem to land all the great deals? Do you notice these same people seem to know everyone in your local business community? Every one of these people has one thing in common; they network. Business networking is using business and personal relations to bring you a consistent stream of new business and resources. It is how people get things done in the modern world. From sales to project collaboration, the best networkers usually have the highest success rate in their profession. So how does one network? Business networking is more than showing up at networking functions, shaking everyone s hand and collecting a plethora of business cards. It is about getting out of your office and finding like-minded people who you can connect with and build relationships. Some of these relationships will yield immediate results and others will grow over time. The important thing is that you are constantly meeting new people. Where do you find these like minded people? Networking can happen almost anywhere if you keep an eye out for opportunities. When starting out, it is easiest to get your feet wet by attending networking specific functions. Trade associations and business related organizations like the Chamber of Commerce offer many networking specific opportunities. Most are listed on the organization s website. There are other organizations dedicated solely to business networking. They are usually exclusive in some form or fashion. It s time to get out of the office! By Michael Buzinski 20 advancing anchorage magazine APRIL 2013

23 Some examples are Woman Entrepreneurs (WE) and Business Network International (BNI) to name a couple. Other sources of networking opportunities can be found within charitable organizations through volunteering. Think of all the memberships you belong to like church, PTA, and Rotary. Each one of these organizations Upcoming Networking Opportunities Business After Hours, 5 to 7 p.m., third Thursday of every month at a different member business, at no cost to members! Speed Networking, 3 to 5 p.m., quarterly, Anchorage Chamber board room, $10 Visit Anchoragechamber.org and click on Programs & Events for details is a great place to build relationships with like-minded people. Choose your networking involvement based on what type of relationships you are looking to build. It might be futile to join a business referral club if you are solely looking to collaborate. In this case, it would be better to find a trade association where you can connect with colleagues willing to share information. Regardless of where you network or why you network, it is important to remember to stay proactive. Creating a plan and scheduling your networking activity will help incorporate networking into your daily routine. Keep track of your success by quantifying each networking event. Look at the quality of people you met and make sure they are professionals of the highest caliber. Be crucial of yourself as well and hold yourself accountable to meeting new people every time. Give yourself goals. Break your goals down from yearly to monthly and even weekly milestones. The clearer your goals, the more likely you are to realize how much you are reaping from your networking activities. Make your goals just out of your comfort zone, but be realistic. Remember that quality is always better than quantity when it comes to building relationships. Finally, stay positive. Business networking is like a sports activity; the more you practice, the better you get. If you are just starting out, don t be discouraged if you don t find your next big client the first time out. The best relationships evolve over time. If you are genuine and true to yourself, you will connect with the right individuals. Then you will be one of those people you envied before using business networking to your advantage. Michael Buzinsk is President/CEO of Buzzbizz Studios. Contact him at or [email protected] Investing in Alaska The Pebble Project is about more than just minerals. It s about delivering lasting benefits to all Alaskans. It s about creating jobs and business partnerships, providing revenue for the state, strengthening the economy and supporting local communities. Pebble is an investment in Alaska and Alaskans. Anchorage Chamber of Commerce 21

24 entertainment DJ Spencer Lee Mixes Business with Pleasure When Spencer Shroyer joined the Anchorage Chamber last year, it was with the same aspirations that draws most members to make professional connections, learn more about Anchorage s business environment and mix-it-up with local gurus and like-minded entrepreneurs. A University of Alaska Anchorage graduate, Shroyer worked in journalism and public relations before finding his niche in Anchorage s social scene performing as a disc jockey. Last summer things picked up to the point that I had a now-or-never moment with deejaying professionally, he said. I jumped in and haven t looked back. Shroyer plays for crowds at packed nightclubs, corporate events and weddings as DJ Spencer Lee. A 10-year veteran of Alaska nightlife, he was also called DJ Encyclopedia Brown, a nod to both the popular detective books and his personal music collection. Deejaying evolved from a part-time hobby into my full-time job and I decided to change my name up to reflect that, Shroyer said. And I was tired of people spelling and saying it wrong, he added with a laugh. While working as the entertainment editor of the Anchorage Daily News and later as an account executive at Thompson & Co. Public Relations, Shroyer spent weekends honing his skills and establishing his reputation in the local scene. His passion for music was fed by jobs in record shops during high school and college, but it was a summer fire fighting stint on the Kenai Peninsula that helped Shroyer finally buy his first pair of turntables. When I started deejaying, turntables and vinyl were still the standard. I would spend hours digging through piles of albums in second hand stores and a small fortune getting records shipped up from the Lower 48, he said. But, that feeling of getting a dance floor to come alive made it all worth it. Today, Shroyer plays several times a week and even takes trips to Homer, Seward, Girdwood and Fairbanks for gigs. In the last year, he has performed at a Bear Tooth First Tap concert, opened for legendary dance duo Crystal Method and recently spun 80s jams at Anchorage Downtown Partnership s New Year s Eve show in Town Square Park. He s also collaborated with local radio station KGOT and had live sets played on the air during prime drive time. I try to bring energy and a party when I get behind the turntables. he said. I m not just standing behind a laptop. I m mixing and scratching, interacting with the crowd. 22 advancing anchorage magazine APRIL 2013

25 The effort hasn t gone unnoticed. He was awarded Best DJ in the 2012 Anchorage Press Picks. While he appreciates the accolade, he knows that he still has something to prove every time he faces off with a dance floor. I m not there to play songs only I want to hear, or to force new music on people. I m there to facilitate a good time. I ll play everything from oldies and rock to funk, R&B and current radio hits. I love having the latitude to just get creative and build a connection with the audience, reading what they re responding to and working to keep them moving. Looking forward, Shroyer is hoping to take on more corporate events and sponsorship partnerships, which is where he hopes his Anchorage Chamber membership comes into play. Working in media and media relations has shown me the value of being a part of an organization like this. You guys have juice. DJ Spencer Lee plays every Thursday at Pioneer Bar. Find mixes, a full schedule and contact information at Djspencerlee.com. Connect with Spencer online at facebook.com/djspencerlee and twitter.com/djspencerlee Anchorage Chamber of Commerce 23

26 advancing benefits As a member of Alaska s No. 1 business organization, you are afforded numerous benefits and opportunities to assist you with your bottom line. Whether its access to numerous networking events, professional development programs or community service participation, the Anchorage Chamber has more for local businesses than you might think. How do I know if I m a member? All employees of an Anchorage Chamber member business are members. Are you too busy to attend an event? Invite a co-worker to go in your place. Pass information about upcoming events or advocacy issues of interest to your company s staff. Your personal account on Anchoragechamber.org can be updated to reflect all employees. Each can receive weekly e-news updates and event reminders. Looking for product and service discounts? Spending reduction is critical in today s economy. On Anchoragechamber.org s Business Directory, check out Member Deals and Hot Deals, two ways to help you save on upcoming purchases. Why not post your own Hot Deal and spread the word about an upcoming summer promotion? Posting a product and service promotion entices members to visit your business and helps you build new relationships at no cost! Spread the word! Want to promote an upcoming event or reach out to fellow Anchorage Chamber members? With mailing labels, either for one time or multiple usage, you can get the word out to nearly 1,100 other members, gaining exposure for your business and making new connections along the way. Now is the time to let Anchorage know you are out there! Please note that addresses are not included with the mailing labels or sold by the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce. Contact the Anchorage Chamber regarding the benefits listed above at or [email protected]. SUPPORT YOUR STAFF SAVE MONEY KEEP YOUR BUSINESS ON TRACK + = $ Customized lending and insurance solutions, fewer fees, and local service. BENEFIT YOUR BOTTOM LINE Transit tax benefits save you money when employees choose People Mover peoplemover.org Find out what Alaska USA can do for your business (800) alaskausa.org Federally insured by NCUA 24 advancing anchorage magazine APRIL 2013

27 INSPIRING IDEAS FOR YOUR HOME Find These Quality Product Lines At Your Local SBS: We bring expertise to your total project, not just a single task. Our team of professionals can help make your home energy-efficient, beautiful and unique. At SBS, we have the quality products you demand and the services you require assisting you with everything from foundations to roofing, door and windows to paint and appliances. Anchorage Chamber of Commerce 25

28 tax column The American Taxpayer Relief Act: What Does it Mean to You? The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, also known as the fiscal cliff legislation, was signed into law on January 2 of this year. What are some of the important changes individual taxpayers need to know? Tax Increases for Higher-Income Individuals These changes only affect individuals with taxable income as follows. Filing status taxable income Single $400,000 Married joint filer $450,000 Head of household $425,000 Married filing separately $225,000 Rates on Ordinary Income: For most individuals, the federal income tax rates for 2013 will be the same as they were for 2012: 10, 15, 25, 28, 33 and 35 percent. However, the maximum rate for higher-income folks increases to 39.6 percent (up from 35 percent). Rates on Long-Term Gains and Dividends: The tax rates on long-term capital gains and dividends will also remain the same as last year for most individuals. However, the maximum rate for higher-income folks increases to 20 percent (up from 15 percent). Important: These higher-income folks can also get whacked by the new 3.8 percent Medicare surtax on investment income, which can result in a maximum 23.8 percent federal tax rate on 2013 long-term gains and dividends. American Opportunity Higher Education Credit The American Opportunity credit, which can be worth up to $2,500 and can be claimed for up to four years of undergraduate education, was extended through The full credit is available to single individuals whose modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is $80,000 or less ($160,000 for married couples filing jointly). Single taxpayers cannot claim the credit if MAGI is more than $90,000 ($180,000 for married filing jointly). 26 advancing anchorage magazine APRIL 2013

29 Higher Education Tuition Deduction This tuition write-off, which can be $4,000 or $2,000 depending on income, expired at the end of The new law retroactively restores it for 2012 and extends it through Note: You cannot claim this deduction and the American Opportunity credit for the same student in the same tax year. Mortgage Insurance Premium Write-off Premiums for qualified mortgage insurance on debt to acquire, construct, or improve a first or second residence can potentially be treated as deductible qualified residence interest. Before the new law, this break was only available for premiums paid through The new law retroactively restores the break for premiums paid in 2012 and extends it to cover premiums paid in The deduction is only available for premiums for qualifying policies issued after December 31, 2006 and premium amounts allocable to periods before 2014 and it is phased out for higher-income taxpayers. For additional tax information, please call Mikunda Cottrell & Co. at Charitable Donations from IRAs In past years, IRA owners who had reached age 70 1/2, were allowed to make tax-free charitable donations of up to $100,000 directly out of their IRAs. The donations counted as IRA required minimum distributions. This break expired at the end of 2011, but the new law retroactively restores it for 2012 and extends it through To take advantage of the retroactive deal, you can treat donations made in January of this year as having been made in You can also donate IRA distributions taken in December of last year to charities and treat them as 2012 IRA donations. You must have transferred such amounts to qualified charities by January 31, Tax-Free Treatment for Forgiven Principal Residence Mortgage Debt For federal income tax purposes, a forgiven debt generally counts as taxable cancellation of debt (COD) income. However, a temporary exception applied to COD income from cancelled mortgage debt that was used to acquire a principal residence. Under the temporary rule, up to $2 million of COD income from principal residence acquisition debt that was cancelled in was treated as a tax-free item. The new law extends this break to cover eligible debt cancellations that occur in Energy-Efficient Home Improvement Credit In past years, taxpayers could claim a tax credit of up to $500 for certain energy-saving improvements to a principal residence. This break expired at the end of 2011, but the new law retroactively restores it for 2012 and extends it through Alaska s Premiere Business Publication for 29 Years As a specialized business-to-business company providing aviation, medical and logistics support to operations in remote regions of Alaska, it is critical that we efficiently target the right decision-makers in the natural resources industry. Thanks to their in-depth industry coverage and outstanding marketing support both in print and online we know we can count on Alaska Business Monthly to deliver the audience we need, consistently and cost-effectively. akbizmag.com Lori Davey Director of Business Development Fairweather LLC Scan to read articles from past issues online for FREE! Advertising: (907) Subscriptions: (907) Anchorage Chamber of Commerce 27

30 school business partnership Advancing School and Business Relationships In 1991, Anchorage School Business Partnership was formed by Anchorage Chamber of Commerce and Anchorage School District visionaries who recognized the role that businesses can play in the education and success of our youth. Twenty-two years later, we are experiencing a local, statewide and national trend towards business involvement in our schools. In his State of the Union address, President Obama mentioned the need to prepare our people with skills they need to get jobs while our Mayor s Education Summit identified a goal to have a minimum of five business partners per school. On a statewide level we have seen increased funding for Career and Technology Education (CTE) and the development of several high school academies including construction, engineering and health care, to name a few. What started as a vision has now expanded from 29 to 600 partner agreements between businesses and schools in the Anchorage School District. SBP makes it easy for businesses to partner with schools in our district and has created a formula based on a win-win approach. Partners agree on expectations and then fill out a simple online agreement. Business partners range from small to large businesses and are involved in many ways. Leverette Hoover of Siemens Industries is committed to growing Alaska s engineering work force by introducing engineering to students ranging in grades 5 to 12. Each spring, Siemens hosts an Egg Drop competition at Rabbit Creek Elementary School. Bringing with him a crew of engineers to act as mentors, some basic supplies and a scissor lift, he gets young students excited about engineering and math as they tackle the challenge of creating a protective encasement for a raw egg to keep it from breaking while being dropped at heights up to 40 feet. Siemens has also invested in the Dimond Engineering program that celebrated its first graduating class in There is no question that his efforts are making an impact. At Begich Middle School, student baristas greet teachers in the morning at their school café thanks to training and supplies provided by Kaladi Brothers. Students in the SBP class learn how to write a resume, prepare and interview for jobs in the cafe with the assistance of business partners. Upon a visit last month, I watched as two employees from FAA Alaska interviewed students who were applying for jobs in the café. The volunteers were impressed that the students were very prepared, composed and job ready. In the spirit of partnerships, the students give back the proceeds from their café to the community. Kaladi Brothers has helped start up coffee cafes in several of our schools, provided on-the-job training and increased the number of trained baristas in Anchorage. Bettisworth North Inc. is sharing their expertise by mentoring students at Romig Middle School in planning and design so that the students can improve the exterior landscape of the school. Each partnership is unique and designed to meet the needs and capabilities of the school and business partner. The success of the program can be attributed to its flexibility and the enthusiasm of its partners. The dynamic SBP board of directors provides the direction for our program. This year, improving communication, focusing on strengthening partnerships for long-term sustainability and providing support for career exploration and development has been the focus. We welcome new partners, advisory board members and continued involvement from Anchorage Chamber of Commerce members. For more information on the School Business Partnership program visit Asdk12.org/depts/sbp/, call or [email protected]. 28 advancing anchorage magazine APRIL 2013

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32 business leader profile Name Jim Posey Birthplace Beaumont, Texas Years in Anchorage 34 years What was your first job? Missile combat crewman in the U.S. Air Force What did you go to school for? I graduated from Wichita State University in Kansas with a bachelor s degree in history before earning my law degree from the University of Kansas. How did you get involved in the utilities business? I had been involved in the oil and gas industry for many years, working as a landman for ARCO in Dallas and as an attorney for Worldwide Energy in Denver before moving to Alaska with ARCO in There, I was a Resources Issues Manager and later a Federal Government Relations Manager. When I retired from ARCO Alaska in 1996, I was appointed to the Alaska Public Utilities Commission by Gov. Tony Knowles and served in that capacity through In 2000, I went to work for the municipality as the Director of the Cultural & Recreational Services Department, and from there was appointed as the General Manager of the electric utility. How long have you been general manager ML&P? Ten years as of January. How many employees? ML&P has between employees. How many people are plugged into ML&P? The downtown and midtown business and university-medical districts, the Ship Creek industrial and port areas and some of Anchorage s oldest neighborhoods are powered by ML&P. We also sell power to other Railbelt utilities and Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson. In all we have more than 30,000 customers in our roughly 20-square-mile service territory. What has been your biggest challenge running ML&P? Like utilities nationwide, we are faced with an aging infrastructure and workforce. On top of that, our fuel supply natural gas in the Cook Inlet is in serious decline. Even with our investment in the Beluga River gas field about a decade ago which ensured our customers a long-term natural-gas fuel supply we too may be importing some liquefied natural gas by 2016 if significant new discoveries aren t produced within the next two years. We re investing $459 million now through 2017 in new, clean and much more efficient generation, the Beluga River gas field, distribution system improvements and other capital projects. We re a 30 percent owner in the new Southcentral Power Project, along with our partner Chugach Electric. We re also building what will be one of the world s most energy efficient thermal generation plants at our George M. Sullivan plant in east Anchorage, and we re continually looking at our other options in wind, geothermal and additional hydroelectric power. What has been your greatest reward? Working with ML&P s talented and dedicated employees to ensure that we provide safe, reliable and the most affordable electric service in Alaska to our customers every day. Many of our employees have worked at ML&P for 10, 20, 30, even 35 years. There s a lot of historical knowledge there and a lot invested in doing it right. We take our 4-9 s of reliability very seriously as ML&P powers the military. For the last decade, our record shows we ve provided power to our customers percent of the time. Favorite recent book? Out of Order: Stories from the History of the Supreme Court, by Sandra Day O Connor Favorite recent movie? Lincoln is a film that I ve enjoyed recently. I found it very enlightening as history viewed from today s perspective. How do you de-stress from work? Working out at the gym; being a mentor to young adults, particularly those who don t have as many opportunities in life; and spending time with my family are all ways that help keep me balanced. Perfect retirement location? Anchorage, of course. 30 advancing anchorage magazine APRIL 2013

33 Michelle Gruber ambassador of the quarter Michelle Gruber, vice president of marketing with APT Alaska, was recently named Ambassador of the Quarter for her proven dedication to the Anchorage Chamber through its Ambassador Council. In the past year, Michelle has helped recruit five new members to the Anchorage Chamber and has worked above and beyond to engage current members by acting as a liaison at the organization s Business After Hours and the Annual Train Ride. I love my membership and all that it does for me, personally and professionally, Michelle said. The mission of the Ambassador Council is to promote Anchorage Chamber membership while developing and expanding personal business networks. The Ambassadors function is a goodwill extension of the Anchorage Chamber being involved in events, promoting a positive image to members, potential members and to the community as a whole. They also learn and refine networking skills and demonstrate positive networking at Anchorage Chamber events. Congratulations Michelle, we truly value your efforts demonstrating the value of membership to the Anchorage community! Are you looking to expand your networking and professional skills to the max? Consider joining the Ambassador Council, a fun energetic group of business professionals that act as the front line for new members of Alaska s No. 1 business organization. For more information about joining the Ambassador Council, contact Janna Ruggles, membership development coordinator, at or [email protected]. Our Future The easy oil on the North Slope is gone, and getting to the remaining oil will be a challenge that will require the state and the industry to work together for Alaska s future. Anchorage Chamber of Commerce 31

34 around town calendar April Anchorage Symphony Orchestra Promising the grandest of musical finales for its current season, the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra (ASO) presents Season Finale, starting at 8 p.m. on April 20 at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. Based on the iconic poem by Goethe, Berlioz s The Damnation of Faust is an alliance of drama and symphony that leaves audiences in astonished admiration. Witness the love, longing and final surrender when your ASO gives its premiere performance of this grandest of finales. Also featuring the Alaska Chamber Singers, Anchorage Concert Chorus and Alaska Children s Choir. To purchase tickets, visit Anchoragesymphony.org. Play: Dead Man s Cell Phone Through April 21 Thurs. - Sat. 7 p.m.; Sun. 3 p.m. Cyrano s Theatre Company Cyranos.org Alaska Center for the Performing Arts The Alaska Center for the Performing Arts presents Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour, beginning at 7:30 p.m. on April 28. The festival is the longest consecutively running jazz festival in the world and will feature jazz greats Dee Dee Bridgewater, Christian McBride, Benny Green, Lewis Nash, Chris Potter and Ambrose Akinmusire. The 55th Anniversary Tour reflects Monterey s traditional-untraditionalist attitude, jazz-with-a-purpose exuberance, and joyful fun that continue to be the hallmark of the festival to this day. To purchase tickets, visit Alaskapac. centertix.net. May Fundraiser: Walk of Hope May 1 10 a.m. Hope Community Resources Alaska Dream Center Hopealaska.org Entertainment: Arlo Guthrie May 4 7:30 p.m. Alaska Center for the Performing Arts MyAlaskaCenter.com Port of Anchorage On May 4, help the Port of Anchorage celebrate the commissioning of the USS Anchorage with a day full of events and activities. The commissioning ceremony celebrates the USS Anchorage, LPD-23, becoming a unit of the operating forces of the United States Navy. This is an occasion when the ship will come alive before being homeported in San Diego, Calif. The ship is an amphibious transport dock, serving our landing forces. For more information on events and activities, visit Ussanchoragenavy.com. Sports: Bike for Women May 5 9:30 a.m. Chugiak High School Chainreactioncycles.us Visit Anchorage Visit Anchorage will again host its annual Alaska Visitor Industry Charity Walk, starting at 6 p.m. on May 10 at the Dena ina Center. Often referred to as the Graze to Raise, the Visitor Industry Charity Walk is the only walk in Anchorage where participants probably won t lose any weight. Fabulous food villas dot the 5-K course that winds through downtown Anchorage. Finishers enjoy yummy desserts, a beer and wine garden, live music, jugglers, clowns, magicians, face and hair painting, massages, carnival games for all ages, toys and prizes for the kids, door prizes and much, much more. To get involved, visit Anchorage.net/charitywalk. 32 advancing anchorage magazine APRIL 2013

35 May cont. 9th Annual Bike to Work Day May 17 Register your team, become a sponsor or find out more about the event at Muni.org/ biketowork. June Three Barons Renaissance Fair Grab your eye patches and puffy shirts and join the Three Barons at their 21st anniversary celebration in revelry and merriment as they meet once more to shape the fate of nations. The Three Barons Renaissance Fair will be held from noon to 8 p.m. from June 1 to 8 in Anchorage and celebrates nation building and the arts in a unique way. The concept around this fair is simple: three barons are fighting to determine the ruler of the fair, including the fiercely competitive Blue Barony, Green Barony and Red Barony. There are several entertainment stages throughout the fair and they bring in people from around the area to put on shows of juggling, comedy, music, acrobatics and much more. For more information, visit 3barons.org. Entertainment: Tony Bennett in concert June 4 & 5 7:30 p.m. Alaska Center for the Performing Arts Community: Juneteenth Celebration June 18 to 20 Delaney Park Strip Juneteenth.com Entertainment: Downtown Summer Solstice Festival and Hero Games June 22 Noon to midnight Fourth Avenue and Town Square Anchorage Downtown Partnership Anchoragedowntown.org Entertainment: Alaska Scottish Highland Games June 29 All Day Eagle River Lions Park Alaskascottish.org Mayor s Marathon Health and fitness invested go-getters once again will converge at the 40th annual Mayor s Marathon & Half-Marathon at 8 a.m. on June 22. This popular running and walking event is 26.2 miles in length and starts at Bartlett High School, traveling through the eastern foothills and across Anchorage to the West High School finish line. Scenic city bike trails, gravel, rocky, and paved roadways make up this gently rolling to extended downhill course. The race is sanctioned by USA Track and Field and is recognized by the Boston Marathon as a qualifying event. More than 1,200 runners and walkers registered for last year s marathon. Visit Mayorsmarathon.com for details and registration. Want to add details of an upcoming event for your organization and invite other members? Visit Anchoragechamber.org and click on Chamberline. This service is for members only. Call for more information. Anchorage Chamber of Commerce 33

36 chamber events Chamber Academy April 17 4 to 6 p.m. Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Cost: $25 (Members only) The Anchorage Chamber began offering useful, hands-on educational opportunities to its small business members years ago, but hit a home run this year with Chamber Academy, a twohour, quarterly event that concentrates on providing tools members can use to improve their bottom line. Whether it s developing new social media tools, or giving Legislative testimony in Juneau, these members-only workshops are key to advancing a successful business climate in Anchorage. Light food and refreshments provided. For information on future topics, check out the event calendar on Anchoragechamber.org. Anchorage Chamber Citywide Cleanup Week April 27 to May 4 Municipality of Anchorage For 45 years, the Anchorage Chamber has hosted one of the largest, and dirtiest, community service efforts in the state Citywide Cleanup Week. What began as a delayed response to rubble left untouched after the 1964 earthquake has turned into an annual staple for families and businesses throughout the Municipality. It s literally a citywide effort! The week begins with orange bags. Fred Meyer will again distribute the official Citywide Cleanup bags beginning the second week of April. Kids will kick off the week on April 27 with the Super Sweeper Program, where civic-minded students target trash around more than 90 schools and neighborhoods. Good job, kids! All teams and families are encouraged to visit CitywideCleanup.org before they begin to scope out and claim their cleanup areas, using the interactive maps. Then its cleanup time! Wear gloves, work together and sweep up debris left behind by winter s uncovered loads and litterers. Finally, take all your filled orange bags to the Anchorage Landfill during the week for FREE! A cleaner Anchorage means a lot more local smiling faces this summer, not to mention the tourism industry. Join the team keep citywide clean! Visit CitywideCleanup.org for more details. Military Appreciation Week June 10 to 14 JBER-Elmendorf and JBER-Richardson When your local military community contributes roughly a billion dollars to the economy each year, you throw them a party. In the Anchorage Chamber s case, a weeklong party. The week begins with the popular Military Appreciation Luncheon, held at noon on June 10 at the Dena ina Center, where all branches of the military are honored with keynote addresses, a catered lunch, door prizes and the all-impressive color guard ceremony. But this is just the beginning. Anchorage Chamber Military Appreciation Week actually sprouts its roots each February, when more than 20 businesses sponsored bowling lanes and filled them with servicemen and women at the Military Appreciation Bowl-a- Thon. Funds raised from the bowl-a-thon go straight into the upcoming Military Appreciation Picnics, held on June 14 at both Elmendorf and Richardson. With more than 200 volunteers, the Anchorage Chamber feeds more than 8,000 servicemen and women, and their families, saluting them for their efforts. Anchorage is proud of its military community. Learn how you can show your support year-round by visiting Anchoragechamber.org. 34 advancing anchorage magazine APRIL 2013

37 Business After Hours April 18, May 16 and June 20 5 to 7 p.m. Various business locations Cost: Included with the price of your membership Want to start mingling with other members, but don t know where to start? Have a co-worker or colleague that wants to join you in making new connections? Head over to the Anchorage Chamber s Business After Hours and get started! For more than 30 years, Business After Hours has been one of Anchorage s premiere business networking events, hosted on the third Thursday of each month by a different member business. Nearly 150 members converge with business cards in hand to enjoy catered treats and cocktails, take tours of the business and enter to win fabulous door prizes, all while making new connections and brushing up on their elevator speeches. Take the leap in 2013 and start spreading the word about your business at Business After Hours. Visit Anchoragechamber. org for details on the next Business After Hours, or call to signup to host an event! FUELING ALASKA S ECONOMY 24/7. If you truck it, dig it, ship it, or fly it, no matter what the industry, Shoreside Petroleum has the products to keep your equipment running on all cylinders in any kind of weather Alaska delivers. Biodiesel Now Available FUEL Anchorage Chamber of Commerce 35

38 new members Automotive Rentals and Leasing Midnight Sun Car & Van Rental ineedacarrental.com Cabins and Lodges Bear Canyon Cottages bearcanyoncottages.com Construction Alaska Glazing Inc. alaskaglazinginc.com Employment Services UAA Career Services Center uaacareerservices.com Environmental Consultants Arni Thomson - Alaska Fisheries Consultant Hospitals/Clinics Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium anthc.org Information Technology Services Expert Approach, Inc. expertapproach.com Learning Services Frontier Tutoring LLC frontiertutoring.com Non-Profit Organizations, Associations Alaska State Hospital and Nursing Home Association ashnha.com Bean s Cafe, Inc. beanscafe.org Goodwill Industries goodwill-oregon.org Oil Field Camp Support Services Fairweather, LLC fairweather.com Plumbing, Heating and Supplies Living Green Insulation & Duct Service livinggreenalaska.com Professional Consultants RobbinsVoiceWorks robbinsvoiceworks.com Real Estate FSBO System LLC fsbosystem.com Mary Fairbanks - Remax Dynamic Realtor [email protected] Pettigen Team Real Estate, The thepettigenteam.com Restaurants DISH Japanese Restaurant dishsushibar.com Lucky Wishbone On The Menu Retail SoundWorks, LLC soundworksak.com Security APT Alaska aptsafe.com Toys Over the Rainbow Toys overtherainbowtoys.com Who are our Members? What makes the membership of the Anchorage Chamber so unique is the make-up of its members. You will find all industries represented from medical, advertising, non-protfit, retail and automotive. Employment Services Engineering Entertainment Event Management Fitness and Wellness Gift, Novelty, Souvenir and Specialty Governement Services Grocery Store Individual Insurance Legislator Lodging Manufacturer Medical Membership Native Corporations Non-Profit Organizations, Associations Office Equipment and Supplies Oil, Gas and Mining Past Presidents Photographers and Stock Photography Printers, Publishing and Signs Professional Real Estate Restaurants Retail Services Suppliers Tourism Information/Convention Marketing Transportation and Relocation Utilities Waste Management, Recycling and Composting advancing anchorage magazine APRIL 2013

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40 WHAT HE DOESN T HAVE TO TELL HER COULD KILL HER. TheRealCost.org Even a small amount of exposure to secondhand smoke can make you sick and die, yet more than 50% of Alaskans remain unprotected by a smokefree workplace policy. Even if you can live knowing this, maybe she can t. Think you aren t affected? Learn more at TheRealCost.org