The Best of the Best

From the Editor

t’s hard to believe that we’re finally presenting the fourth annual Best of Alaska Business Awards. After months (and months) of planning, promoting, data collection, analyzing survey results, and so much more… it’s finally here. What could be better? It’s summer, it’s sunny, and we get to celebrate by honoring your favorite Alaska businesses in this month’s special section and in less than two weeks on the rooftop of 49th State Brewing Co. We hope you’re as excited as we are about the many new companies you’ll see this year, as well as the companies you’ve chosen year after year as best in their field.

And while the Best of Alaska Business Awards have taken a lot of our time and attention over the past year, this issue contains a number of articles we’re just as enthusiastic about. We shine a spotlight on small business with a flair for art in this month’s retail-focused article Hustlin’ My Hoodies that features the work of four local boutiques created and operated by artists with a passion for the Alaska lifestyle. Each business owner offers aspiring entrepreneurs insight into how to get started, which organizations can and will help with planning and funding, and how to overcome some of the most common problems related to starting up your own company.

Kathryn Mackenzie
Managing Editor, Alaska Business

The July issue of Alaska Business is near and dear to our hearts because we get to show our love of Alaska’s business community throughout the month in a number of ways.

On another note, have you heard of the Internet of Things (IoT)? Probably. But if you haven’t, we break it down in the aptly named The Internet of Things. Oftentimes when we think of smart devices and their many uses, those uses have to do with making our personal lives easier or safer: a personal assistant to remind us of upcoming appointments; a home security system that alerts a smart phone when someone approaches the door; and even devices that keep us apprised of when our loved ones take their medication and alert us if they miss a dose or take too much. But the world of interconnected devices is far bigger than our personal lives, and Tracy Barbour does an excellent job of explaining the ways IoT is being used to create efficiencies, cut costs, and save time in a variety of industries, including oil and gas and healthcare.

The July issue of Alaska Business is near and dear to our hearts because we get to show our love of Alaska’s business community throughout the month in a number of ways. Starting with our cover, which each year features a local artist doing what he or she does best, throughout the special section in which we have the opportunity to celebrate your favorite businesses, and culminating in the party of the summer (if we do say so ourselves)—whether you’re a Best of Alaska Business winner, a voter, or both—this month is all about you.

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