Announcing the New Anchorage Service Center
Brand New 54,000 Square Foot State-of-the-art Facility
Increased Capacity with an 83 Door Cross-Dock Terminal
We’re Committed to Alaska
November 2019 | Volume 35 | Number 11 | AKBIZMAG.COM

Contents

Features

There’s an Alaska App for That

Alaska companies take advantage of the latest app development technology
By Tracy Barbour

Sacred Objects

Returning Alaska Native artifacts to their rightful homes
By Vanessa Orr

What about the Water?

Hydrological environmental engineering in high demand
By Isaac Stone Simonelli

The Private Collection

Alaska’s “smaller” oil and gas companies are making big moves
By Tasha Anderson

Convening in the Arctic

Event planners, conference organizers discuss Alaska and conventions
By Vanessa Orr
Image of Alaska coastline
© ShoreZone Alaska

Imaging Alaska Coast to Coast

From oil spill response to climate change, Alaska Shore Zone provides essential insights
By Isaac Stone Simonelli

EMT

How Alaska’s emergency experts extend a helping hand
By Isaac Stone Simonelli
© Alyeska Ski Patrol

About The Cover

Alaska Business Magazine November 2019 Cover Turns out the Alaska flag and the Australian flag have a striking similarity: they both feature prominent constellations utilized by navigators for generations. Astrological features such as the North Star and Southern Cross are aids in charting a course and setting a solid (gold) program for success. So for our November cover we are headlining Australia-based Northern Star Resources and the exciting plans it has for Pogo Mine, a staple in the far north mining industry.
Cover Art by Monica Sterchi-Lowman
Alaska EMT with their K9s

EMT

How Alaska’s emergency experts extend a helping hand
By Isaac Stone Simonelli
© Alyeska Ski Patrol

There’s an Alaska App for That

Alaska companies take advantage of the latest app development technology
By Tracy Barbour

Sacred Objects

Returning Alaska Native artifacts to their rightful homes
By Vanessa Orr

What about the Water?

Hydrological environmental engineering in high demand
By Isaac Stone Simonelli

The Private Collection

Alaska’s “smaller” oil and gas companies are making big moves
By Tasha Anderson

Convening in the Arctic

Event planners, conference organizers discuss Alaska and conventions
By Vanessa Orr
Image of Alaska coastline

Imaging Alaska Coast to Coast

From oil spill response to climate change, Alaska Shore Zone provides essential insights
By Isaac Stone Simonelli
© ShoreZone Alaska

About The Cover

Alaska Business Magazine November 2019 Cover Turns out the Alaska flag and the Australian flag have a striking similarity: they both feature prominent constellations utilized by navigators for generations. Astrological features such as the North Star and Southern Cross are aids in charting a course and setting a solid (gold) program for success. So for our November cover we are headlining Australia-based Northern Star Resources and the exciting plans it has for Pogo Mine, a staple in the far north mining industry.
Cover Art by Monica Sterchi-Lowman

Natural Resources Special Section

The Outback in the Interior

Northern Star Resources revitalizes Pogo Mine
By Amy Newman
© Alyeska Ski Patrol
Norther Star Resources pogo mine

The Outback in the Interio

Northern Star Resources revitalizes Pogo Mine
By Amy Newman
Photo courtesy Northern Star Resources Limited

Young Growth, New Opportunities

Timber, forestry industry hold on amidst multitude of obstacles
By Brad Joyal
2019 Alaska Business Mining Directory

The Year in Review

Success, results, and what’s next for Alaska’s mining industry
By Curtis J. Freeman
Correction:
In Alaska Trends in the September edition of Alaska Business, in the Operating Mines legend, the color icons for Fort Knox and Kensington were transposed. Kensington Mine is located in Southeast; Pogo is in the Interior. In addition, Kensington was misspelled.

A Silver (Fox) Lining

Formerly defunct mine now enriches UAF mining curriculum
By Amy Newman
UAF Department of Mining and Geological Engineering

Young Growth, New Opportunities

Timber, forestry industry hold on amidst multitude of obstacles
By Brad Joyal
2019 Alaska Business Mining Directory

The Year in Review

Success, results, and what’s next for Alaska’s mining industry
By Curtis J. Freeman
Correction:
In Alaska Trends in the September edition of Alaska Business, in the Operating Mines legend, the color icons for Fort Knox and Kensington were transposed. Kensington Mine is located in Southeast; Pogo is in the Interior. In addition, Kensington was misspelled.
Formerly defunct mine now enriches UAF mining curriculum

A Silver (Fox) Lining

Formerly defunct mine now enriches UAF mining curriculum
By Amy Newman
UAF Department of Mining and Geological Engineering
Volume 35, #11
Published by Alaska Business
Publishing Co. Anchorage, Alaska
Editorial Staff
Managing Editor
Kathryn Mackenzie
257-2907 editor@akbizmag.com
Associate/Web Editor
Tasha Anderson
257-2902 tanderson@akbizmag.com
Digital and Social Media Specialist
Arie Henry
257-2906 ahenry@akbizmag.com
Art Director
Monica Sterchi-Lowman
257-2916 monica@akbizmag.com
Art Production
Linda Shogren
257-2912 production@akbizmag.com
Photo Contributor
Judy Patrick
Photo Contributor
Kerry Tasker
BUSINESS STAFF
President
Billie Martin
VP & General Manager
Jason Martin
257-2905 jason@akbizmag.com
VP Sales & Marketing
Charles Bell
257-2909 cbell@akbizmag.com
Senior Account Manager
Janis J. Plume
257-2917 janis@akbizmag.com
Advertising Account Manager
Christine Merki
257-2911 cmerki@akbizmag.com
Accounting Manager
Ana Lavagnino
257-2901 accounts@akbizmag.com
Customer Service Representative
Emily Olsen
257-2914 emily@akbizmag.com
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Alaska Business (ISSN 8756-4092) is published monthly by Alaska Business Publishing Co., Inc., 501 W. Northern Lights Boulevard, Suite 100, Anchorage, Alaska 99503-2577; Telephone: (907) 276-4373; © 2019 Alaska Business Publishing Co. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Alaska Business accepts no responsibility for unsolicited materials; they will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self addressed envelope. One-year subscription is $39.95 and includes twelve issues (print + digital) and the annual Power List. Single issues of the Power List are $15 each. Single issues of Alaska Business are $4.99 each; $5.99 for the July & October issues. Send subscription orders and address changes to circulation@akbizmag.com. To order back issues ($9.99 each including postage) visit simplecirc.com/back_issues/alaska-business.

From the Editor

The Beauty of Natural Resources
P

art of our mission at Alaska Business is to support businesses engaged in responsible resource development. This means we help spread the word about those companies that take the extra step to ensure the resources developed in Alaska are extracted with respect for the environment—both on land and sea. Whether they’re operating on public or private land, right next door to a village or town, or in the farthest reaches of the state, the majority of those who work in Alaska’s natural resource industry live here and have families and friends here, so they understand how important safe and responsible resource development is. It’s important to all of us that Alaska remains as glorious as it is; that it remains a bucket list location for Outside visitors and even for residents who, after spending a lifetime here, are still discovering splendid new hiking trails, striking new vistas, and even traveling to urban centers for the first time.The production value of the mining sector in 2018 was approximately $2.2 billion, according to the Resource Development Council for Alaska. That amount is divided between exploration and development investments. Minerals produced here include zinc, gold, silver, lead, copper, coal, rock, gravel, and sand. Minerals (primarily zinc and lead) are the state’s second largest export commodity, accounting for 36 percent of the state’s total export value in 2017.

Kathryn Mackenzie

Kathryn Mackenzie
Managing Editor, Alaska Business

There’s
an Alaska
App for
That
Alaska companies take advantage of the latest app development technology
By Tracy Barbour
T

oday, “There’s an app for that” is more than just a casual axiom. Apps have become ubiquitous as most organizations—including those in Alaska—leverage technological advances to enhance access their products, services, and information.

An app, or application, is a piece of software that can operate through a web browser or offline on a computer as well as a smartphone, tablet, or other electronic device like smart TVs and smartwatches. Apps are typically developed for a specific purpose, such as a shopping app for a smartphone, but some are designed for broad use and perform multiple tasks.

There’s an Alaska
App for That
Alaska companies take advantage of the latest app development technology
By Tracy Barbour
T

oday, “There’s an app for that” is more than just a casual axiom. Apps have become ubiquitous as most organizations—including those in Alaska—leverage technological advances to enhance access their products, services, and information.

An app, or application, is a piece of software that can operate through a web browser or offline on a computer as well as a smartphone, tablet, or other electronic device like smart TVs and smartwatches. Apps are typically developed for a specific purpose, such as a shopping app for a smartphone, but some are designed for broad use and perform multiple tasks.

Healthcare
Alyeska Avalanche Rescue dogs are trained to detect the scent of a person trapped below layers of snow.

© Alyeska Ski Patrol

Healthcare
Alyeska Avalanche Rescue dogs are trained to detect the scent of a person trapped below layers of snow.

© Alyeska Ski Patrol

EMT
How Alaska’s emergency experts extend a helping hand
By Isaac Stone Simonelli
An updated emergency medical service regulations package in Alaska has further broadened the scope of practice for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) who face some of the most challenging conditions in the United States.

Even prior to the updates, EMTs in the Last Frontier—many working with medevac teams or on ski patrols—were trained to deal with a broader array of medical issues than entry-level EMTs in the Lower 48, explains Todd McDowell, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program manager at the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services.

Alaska Native
By Vanessa
Orr
Returning Alaska Native artifacts to their rightful homes
The Birnirk Collection was excavated in the 1950s by a group of Harvard students and was housed for decades at the Harvard Peabody Museum. In 2011, it was returned to Fairbanks.

©University of Alaska Museum of the North

Alaska Native
By Vanessa
Orr
Returning Alaska Native artifacts to their rightful homes
The Birnirk Collection was excavated in the 1950s by a group of Harvard students and was housed for decades at the Harvard Peabody Museum. In 2011, it was returned to Fairbanks.

©University of Alaska Museum of the North

F

or years, people traveling through Alaska—whether as prospectors, military personnel, academics, or tourists—have taken pieces of its history home with them. In many cases, these artifacts belonged to Alaska Natives, who, despite being the rightful owners, were not able to bring these items back to the 49th State and return them to the tribes and villages where they belong.

Since the establishment of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) in 1990, however, greater attention has been given to this issue. More and more people recognize the cultural significance of these items and are working to return them to their proper homes.

Environmental
©Steve Reidsma | Stantec
What about the Water?
Hydrological environmental engineering in high demand
By Isaac Stone Simonelli
H

ydrological environmental engineers in the Last Frontier are not entirely sure how the rollback of Obama-era clean water regulations will impact their work. However, there is no question that their services will remain in high demand for the foreseeable future.

The Trump Administration announced the repeal of the 2015 Waters of the United States rule, which placed limits on polluting chemicals that could be used near streams, wetlands, and other bodies of water, in September.

RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL SECTION
The Outback in the Interior
Northern Star Resources revitalizes Pogo Mine
By Amy Newman
A

ustralia-based Northern Star Resources Limited staked its claim in Alaska’s mining industry last year, paying $260 million to purchase the Pogo Mine from joint partners Sumitomo Metal Mining Company and Sumitomo Corporation. Located roughly 90 air miles (137 land miles) southeast of Fairbanks in Delta Junction, Pogo sits on the Tintina Gold Province and controls some 42,206 acres of mining and exploration leases. The acquisition joined the gold producer’s two other Tier-1 projects, Jundee and Kalgoorlie.

Now two-thirds of the way through an eighteen-month transition plan focused on modernization and increased production, CEO Stuart Tonkin says that the Pogo investment has exceeded expectations.

Resource Development Special Section
Viking Lumber Mill on Prince of Wales Island.

© Division of Forestry

Resource Development Special Section
Viking Lumber Mill on Prince of Wales Island.

© Division of Forestry

Young Growth,
NEW
Opportunities
Timber industry holds on amidst multitude of obstacles
By Brad Joyal
F

or decades the forest sector was Alaska’s second-largest industry, reaching its peak in the ‘70s. But since the early ‘90s, federal policies and management practices have failed to provide a sufficient timber supply. New government policies and federal land use shifts have particularly affected Southeast, which saw allowable harvest levels reduced significantly after the Tongass Land Use Management Plan was issued in 1997 and then amended in 2008 and 2016.

“Southeast has really struggled,” says John “Chris” Maisch, state forester and director. “Most of the struggles are based on timber supply and availability of supply, in addition to what has happened with the Tongass. Less wood has meant less employment and less economic diversity. That’s the bottom line.”

Resource Development Special Section
Mining Directory

Alaska Aggregate Products

Kirk Zerkel, Pres.
Year Founded/Established in Alaska: 2006/2006
Worldwide/Alaska Employees: 70/60

809 S. Chugach St., #2
Palmer, AK 99645
Phone: 907-746-4505
ak-gravel.com
Kirk.Zerkel@aicllc.com

Recent Projects: Ft Knox–multiple projects; Northstar Island Armor Blocks; Chicken AK Field Station Renovation; Mentasta AK Pedestrian Pathway.

Avalon Development Corp.

Curt Freeman, Owner/Pres.
Year Founded/Established in Alaska: 1985/1985
Worldwide/Alaska Employees: 75/75

PO Box 80268
Fairbanks, AK 99708
Phone: 907-457-5159
avalonalaska.com
avalon@avalonalaska.com

Recent Projects: Mineral exploration.
Mining District: Multiple
Commodity: Precious metals, base metals, platinum group metals, strategic metals

Bering Shai Rock & Gravel

Diane Shaishnikoff, Owner/Mgr.
Year Founded/Established in Alaska: 2004/2004
Worldwide/Alaska Employees: 6/6

PO Box 196
Unalaska, AK 99685
Phone: 907-581-1409
beringshairock@gmail.com

Recent Projects: City of Unalaska annual aggregate supply, local armor, rip-rap sales.
Mining District: Aleutian Chain
Commodity: Spec rock, rip rap, armor stone, gravel

Alaska Aggregate Products

Kirk Zerkel, Pres.
Year Founded/Established in Alaska: 2006/2006
Worldwide/Alaska Employees: 70/60

809 S. Chugach St., #2
Palmer, AK 99645
Phone: 907-746-4505
ak-gravel.com
Kirk.Zerkel@aicllc.com

Recent Projects: Ft Knox–multiple projects; Northstar Island Armor Blocks; Chicken AK Field Station Renovation; Mentasta AK Pedestrian Pathway.
Mining District: Statewide
Commodity: Mine development and infrastructure. Earth moving. Liner installation and welding. Roads, dams and bridge construction. Shotcrete and slurry. Structural steel. Concrete structures and foundations. HDPE Piping.

Avalon Development Corp.

Curt Freeman, Owner/Pres.
Year Founded/Established in Alaska: 1985/1985
Worldwide/Alaska Employees: 75/75

PO Box 80268
Fairbanks, AK 99708
Phone: 907-457-5159
avalonalaska.com
avalon@avalonalaska.com

Recent Projects: Mineral exploration.
Mining District: Multiple
Commodity: Precious metals, base metals, platinum group metals, strategic metals

Bering Shai Rock & Gravel

Diane Shaishnikoff, Owner/Mgr.
Year Founded/Established in Alaska: 2004/2004
Worldwide/Alaska Employees: 6/6

PO Box 196
Unalaska, AK 99685
Phone: 907-581-1409
beringshairock@gmail.com

Recent Projects: City of Unalaska annual aggregate supply, local armor, rip-rap sales.
Mining District: Aleutian Chain
Commodity: Spec rock, rip rap, armor stone, gravel
RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL SECTION
Mining in 2019: The Year in Review
Success, results, and what’s next for Alaska’s mining industry
By Curtis J. Freeman
Usibelli Coal Mine.

alamy.com

RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL SECTION
Mining in 2019: The Year in Review
Success, results, and what’s next for Alaska’s mining industry
By Curtis J. Freeman
Usibelli Coal Mine.

alamy.com

In mid-2019 Constantine Metal Resources finalized its lease agreement with Cook Inlet Region, Inc. on the 20,942 acre Johnson Tract project. Shortly afterwards, Constantine spun the Johnson Tract out into a new public company, HighGold Mining, which then closed $7.65 million in financing and initiated a planned eight- to ten-hole, 2,000 meter diamond drill program at the project.
Curtis Freeman is the owner and president of Fairbanks-based Avalon Development Corporation. He may be contacted via phone at 907-457-5159; email at avalon@avalonalaska.com; or online at avalonalaska.com.
RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL SECTION
A Silver (Fox) Lining
Formerly defunct mine now enriches UAF mining curriculum
By Amy Newman
F

ive years ago, students at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) College of Engineering and Mines performed a controlled blast at the University-owned Silver Fox Mine. It was the first blast conducted in more than twenty years, and the first since completion of a four-year, student-led rehabilitation project on a 300-foot portion of the mine.

“It was the first time the blasting was supposed to happen after the rehabilitation had taken place, and there was lots of anxiety about how the mine would react,” says Dr. Tathagata Ghosh, chair of the Department of Mining and Geological Engineering.

FISHERIES
Imaging Alaska Coast to Coast
From oil spill response to climate change, Alaska ShoreZone provides essential insights
By Isaac Stone Simonelli
A semi-protected shoreline on Snettisham Peninsula with rock/partially mobile substrate and an alongshore kelp forest typical of glacial fjord habitats in Southeast.

© ShoreZone Alaska

FISHERIES
Imaging Alaska Coast to Coast
From oil spill response to climate change, Alaska ShoreZone provides essential insights
By Isaac Stone Simonelli
A semi-protected shoreline on Snettisham Peninsula with rock/partially mobile substrate and an alongshore kelp forest typical of glacial fjord habitats in Southeast.

© ShoreZone Alaska

A

single high-resolution, attribute-rich dataset created from Alaska’s coastline has become much bigger than its original purpose to support oil spill response efforts. In addition to helping with such environmental crises, Alaska ShoreZone data is also assisting with fisheries research, providing reconnaissance for recreation, establishing a base point for climate change, inspiring artists, and even helping calibrate drone software for NASA.

The estimated shoreline of the Last Frontier measures more than 46,600 miles, far more than the entire combined coastline of the Lower 48. To map and classify such an enormous, remote swath of land seems nearly impossible, yet the value in the geomorphic and biological data that can be derived from doing so has driven scientists, GIS specialists, web specialists, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies to work together to create the Alaska ShoreZone project.

Oil & Gas
Oil & Gas:
The Private Collection
Alaska’s “smaller” oil and gas companies are making big moves
By Tasha Anderson
I

n the past much of Alaska’s oil and gas industry was dominated by large, international corporations. While their presence has been vital in developing oil and gas operations and infrastructure around the state, over the decades smaller and often privately-owned companies have found opportunities throughout the state to pursue oil and gas industry exploration, production, and even refining. It’s privately-owned Hilcorp that has agreed to acquire BP’s Alaska assets for $5.6 billion, and hopes are high that the company that specializes in revitalizing fields in decline will have a bright, long future in Prudhoe Bay. But Hilcorp is far from the only privately-owned oil facility operator in the state.

Prudhoe Bay oilfiled..
alamy.com

Oil & Gas
Oil & Gas:
The Private Collection
Alaska’s “smaller” oil and gas companies are making big moves
By Tasha Anderson
I

n the past much of Alaska’s oil and gas industry was dominated by large, international corporations. While their presence has been vital in developing oil and gas operations and infrastructure around the state, over the decades smaller and often privately-owned companies have found opportunities throughout the state to pursue oil and gas industry exploration, production, and even refining. It’s privately-owned Hilcorp that has agreed to acquire BP’s Alaska assets for $5.6 billion, and hopes are high that the company that specializes in revitalizing fields in decline will have a bright, long future in Prudhoe Bay. But Hilcorp is far from the only privately-owned oil facility operator in the state.

Prudhoe Bay oilfiled..
alamy.com

Worley

Global expertise delivered locally

Left: Jim Lenton, President Integrated Solutions – Upstream/Midstream/LNG and Jeff Doyle, Vice President of Operations, Arctic

© Kerry Tasker Photography

E

arlier this year, WorleyParsons acquired Jacobs’ Energy, Chemicals, and Resources division to become a new company: Worley. The amalgamation of the complementary global providers of professional project and asset services in the energy, chemicals and resources sectors created an exciting new brand in the market. Today, Worley’s world encompasses almost 60,000 people across more than 50 countries.

In Alaska, Worley has 1,000 employees delivering services in Anchorage and on the North Slope— where it has operated for 50 years—as well as 300 employees for the NANA WorleyParsons joint-venture. Worley has an industry-leading position as a service provider in hydrocarbons and chemicals as well as a leader in mining, minerals and metals. “But it’s not about the number of our people; it’s about our capabilities,” says Jim Lenton, President Integrated Solutions – Upstream/ Midstream/LNG.

​Comprehensive Services

Worley’s customers now have access to a broader spectrum of highly capable people around the globe to help them meet the world’s evolving energy, chemicals and resources needs. Worley has tremendous resources, skills and equipment to supplement what is already available in Alaska. “We have the capabilities to deliver end-to-end services to our customers,” Lenton says.

For example, Worley can provide full turnkey solutions to help customers install and support a drill rig on the North Slope, including engineering procurement, fabrication, construction, operations, and maintenance, as well fluid hauling and camp services. “We do true end-to-end right into decommissioning and return to tundra,” says Jeff Doyle, Vice President of Operations, Arctic. “We have a pretty unique position in this space in Alaska.”

Worley also distinguishes itself by maintaining a customer-centric approach designed to make the best use of resources for its clients. This entails focusing on execution processes and planning, along with accurately forecasting materials, people, equipment and other resources. “We integrate technology so that we are able to track our equipment locations and record non-productive time to drive in further efficiency,” Doyle says.

Quality, Efficiency and Relevancy

Worley’s long-standing success is closely connected to its ability to constantly reinvent itself and remain relevant as the industry changes. Hence, the company makes extensive investments in people, facilities, equipment and technology to deliver more services for lower costs. “You have to provide services that customers are looking to acquire,” Lenton says. “We equip our people with the right tools, equipment and processes that are relevant.”

Over the years, Worley has worked with major and independent oil and gas companies, and it prides itself on providing high-caliber, sustainable and safe projects. For example, Worley recently achieved 14 million barrels of fluids hauled on the North Slope without a human error spill. As such, the company has also earned impressive safety awards, including the 2017 Alaska Trucking Association Fleet Safety Award and the 2017 Modular Building Institute Award of Distinction (for its Arctic Oilfield Hotel).

Worley is excited about the future digital transformation and expansion of the oil and gas industry. “It’s a great time to be an Alaska company now with what’s coming along,” Doyle says. “We will continue to transform with the industry to create value for our customers and local communities.”

Worley - Energy, Chemicals, Resources - Logo
For more information, contact:
Worley
Jeff Doyle, Vice President of Operations, Arctic
949 E. 36th Ave., Suite 500
Anchorage, Alaska 99508
(907)275-5117
www.worley.com.
Alaska Business Profile
– PAID ADVERTISEMENT –
Tourism
Convening in the Arctic
Event planners, conference organizers discuss Alaska and conventions
By Vanessa Orr
A

laska is a bucket-list destination, making it the perfect place to host a meeting or convention. But while planners certainly won’t have any issues getting people interested in the location, there are factors that need to be taken into consideration when planning to bring a large group to the 49th state.“While the demand curve is consistent in Fairbanks and for the state of Alaska, planners do need to remember that it is a long-haul destination,” explains Helen Renfrew, director of meetings and conventions for Explore Fairbanks. “It is a fair bit away, and it takes a lot to get to us. If you need to ship things up, it takes a little longer to get from Dubuque, Iowa, to Fairbanks, Alaska.

At a Glance

What book is on your nightstand?
Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. I also have three others in a pile: Raising Fire (A Ben Garston Novel) by James Bennett; The Serpent of Venice by Christopher Moore; and Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed.

What movie do you recommend to everyone?
One is Jaws—it has such classic one-liners and has really good acting. The second is Castaway; there are themes in that movie about self-resilience and being introspective and coming to terms with trauma that I think really touch people.

What’s the first thing you do after work?
I’ll get into my outdoor or running clothes and take my puppy Kumu for a walk.

If you couldn’t live in Alaska, where would you live?
I dream a lot about living on the islands or the coast of Italy. The food, the wine, the coffee, the old architecture, and the European feel really appeal to me.

If you could domesticate a wild animal what animal would it be?
From a wildlife biologist perspective, I’d say we shouldn’t domesticate any animal. That being said, I really love elephants.

At a Glance

What book is on your nightstand?
Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. I also have three others in a pile: Raising Fire (A Ben Garston Novel) by James Bennett; The Serpent of Venice by Christopher Moore; and Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed.

What movie do you recommend to everyone?
One is Jaws—it has such classic one-liners and has really good acting. The second is Castaway; there are themes in that movie about self-resilience and being introspective and coming to terms with trauma that I think really touch people.

What’s the first thing you do after work?
I’ll get into my outdoor or running clothes and take my puppy Kumu for a walk.

If you couldn’t live in Alaska, where would you live?
I dream a lot about living on the islands or the coast of Italy. The food, the wine, the coffee, the old architecture, and the European feel really appeal to me.

If you could domesticate a wild animal what animal would it be?
From a wildlife biologist perspective, I’d say we shouldn’t domesticate any animal. That being said, I really love elephants.

Off the Cuff

Sarah Leonard
S

arah Leonard is the President and CEO of the Alaska Travel Industry Association; she took the position in 2012 after twenty years of working in Alaska in roles ranging from wildlife viewing coordinator to various fundraising positions. “I love working with the team [at the Alaska Travel Industry Association],” Leonard says. “Everyone is passionate about travel… people here really believe that visiting and experiencing Alaska is a special thing and they want to share that.” She lives in Anchorage with her husband Chris, son Jacob, and dog Kumu.

Events Calendar
Events Calendar
Anchorage
NOV
1-9
Wilderness Week
Fat tire bikes, photography, writers, films, and a camp stove cook-off—all are part of this year’s Wilderness Week celebrating the urban and not-so-urban wilderness of the Circumpolar North. As part of Wilderness Week, the Great Wide Open Party, an immersive experience celebrating Anchorage’s distinct urban wilderness that features live music, food trucks, DJs, artist inventions, and other activities, takes place November 2. anchoragemuseum.org
NOV
16
Alaska Jewish Cultural Gala
Dance the night away celebrating Jewish culture, cuisine, and music in Alaska at the 16th annual gala. Enjoy live music by a renowned orchestra from Los Angeles, savor a tantalizing array of the finest Jewish entrees, and join in the bidding frenzy of the extravagant live and silent auction. alaskajewishgala.org
NOV
19
Big Band Bash
Join the Alaska Aviation Museum for the Big Band Bash. This 1940s-themed dance includes vintage photos, a photo booth, live and silent auctions that benefit the Alaska Aviation Museum, and a sit-down dinner. alaskaairmuseum.org
NOV
28
Skinny Raven Turkey Trot
The annual Turkey Trot, brought to you by Skinny Raven, is back and warmer than ever. The event will start and finish inside the Dena’ina Center so runners can stay warm. Adults run a one-loop 5K and young runners complete a 3K. Turkey Trot collects food items and will match cash donations (up to $1,000), all of which is donated to the Food Bank of Alaska. skinnyraven.com/event/turkey-trot/
AUTO DEALERSHIPS
AUTO DEALERSHIPS

Cash for Chassis

Cash for Chassis

Cash for Chassis

B

uying a car can feel intimidating: new vehicle models sporting an endless array of the latest features and technology can make it difficult to narrow down what you want, need, or can even afford. There are many online resources that can send you in the right direction, but it’s hard to beat going to a lot and getting behind the wheel to test a vehicle. But you’re in luck! There are auto dealers around the state that are anxious to help you find your favorite new car. Below we’ve highlighted just a few.

Kendall Auto Alaska promises “no gimmicks, no pressure, no kidding” at its locations in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Wasilla, and Soldotna. Kendall locations around the state specialize in Honda, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Ram, Ford, Lincoln, Lexus, Subaru, Toyota, and Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz Anchorage, Porsche Anchorage, and Audi Anchorage are also part of the Kendall family. kendallautoalaska.com

Business Events

November
November 1-3
AASG Fall Conference
Palmer High School: The purpose of the Alaska Association of Student Government is to provide leadership training, communication, and a student voice of issues at the local, state, and national levels.
aasg.org
November 3-9
Alaska Miners Association Conference
Dena’ina Center, Anchorage: The fall convention includes technical sessions, short courses, a trade show, and networking opportunities.
alaskaminers.org
November 6-9
AGC of Alaska Annual Conference
Hotel Captain Cook, Anchorage: The mission of AGC of Alaska is to advocate for its members and the Alaska construction industry; to provide educational opportunities for its members; and to make the public aware of its members’ skills, responsibility, and integrity.
agcak.org
November 7-10
AASB Annual Conference
Anchorage Hilton Hotel: The mission of the Association of Alaska School Boards is to advocate for children and youth by assisting school boards in providing quality public education, focused on student achievement, through effective local governance.
aasb.org

Jeff Doyle, Vice President of Operations, Arctic and Jim Lenton, President Integrated Solutions – Upstream/Midstream/LNG
© Kerry Tasker Photography

Jeff Doyle, Vice President of Operations, Arctic and Jim Lenton, President Integrated Solutions – Upstream/Midstream/LNG
© Kerry Tasker Photography

Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum

A unique place with something for everyone

T

he Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum features an impressive array of vintage automobiles and other rare objects at Fairbanks’ Wedge- wood Resort. It also has the distinction of being a “living museum” with operable cars, most of which cruise around the 105-acre resort during summer months. “Our goal is to create an immersive experience for visitors who come to Fairbanks,” says Tim Cerny, the museum’s owner and car/fashion curator.

Not Just a Car Museum

Attracting 30,000 visitors annually, the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum is the only place visitors can see a Compound, an Argonne, an Argo Limousine, a Columbia Mark XIX or a McFarlan Type 125—all of which are the last of their kind in the world. The museum’s collection of 100 pristine vehicles range from horseless carriages to roadsters and racers, and some have won best in their class at premier shows around the country. There’s also a detailed write-up on each of the cars and the technology behind their construction and design.

The museum is, however, much more than a place that showcases old cars. It also displays an assortment of antique bicycles and vintage clothing dating back to the 1740s. Boasting 1,000 clothing items, it houses the largest collection of vintage apparel in the Northwest and provides a stunning illustration of fashion design stories. Like the cars, the elegant outfits are rotated periodically through- out the building. “It’s part of keeping the museum fresh and interesting,” says Museum Manager Willy Vinton.

Something for Everyone

The Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum is also a repository for Alaska’s unique motoring history. Large scale photos accent the walls surrounding the cars and clothing, along with write- ups of the historical significance of the photo and locations around Alaska. The museum also offers a book about transportation in Alaska, informative videos running on TV screens, and an outdoor display of unrestored items that depict the story of Alaska. “It’s not justforcarlovers,”Cernysays.“Thisis a museum for everyone.”

Guests of Wedgewood Resort can enjoy convenient access to all the museum has to offer, plus the amenities of Fairbanks’ largest hotel. The expan- sive facility has much to see, fabulous food, and plenty of space for people to wander around or gather in groups. This makes the resort and museum a unique meeting venue. “We get rave reviews when people come for events,” Vinton says. “There’s nothing else in the state that compares to it at all.”

Currently, the museum is working on expanding its story on the horsepower wars of the 1930s. It’s also enhancing an outdoor display designed to give people a better feel of what it’s like to walk through an old mining site. “Every time you come into the museum, you will see something new and different,” Cerny says.

The Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Fairbanks. Cerny says: “We are a world-class museum in a relatively remote location. You have to come see it to believe it.”

Fountainhead Museum Antique Autos & Fashion
For more information, contact:
Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum
Tim Cerny: 907.458.6101
Willy Vinton: 907.450.6101
212 Wedgewood Dr.
Fairbanks, Alaska 99701
www.fountainheadmuseum.com.
Alaska Business Profile
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Inside Alaska Business
Bay Welding

Homer-based Bay Welding launched the Goldbelt Seawolf, commissioned for Goldbelt Transportation. The 74-foot catamaran was engineered by Anchorage-based Coastwise Corporation to provide transportation to and from the Kensington Mine, as well as to provide Goldbelt Transportation with the flexibility necessary to explore other business opportunities.

The project took eleven months, and the Seawolf is the largest vessel ever built in Homer. Two cranes operated by Alaska Crane were necessary to launch the vessel. For this entirely-Alaska project, all of the companies involved are based in Alaska and employ a local workforce. Each business sources materials and services in-state wherever possible, doing their part to keep business in the state and continue to grow Alaska’s economy. bayweldboats.com

Right Moves
First Bank
Rocky Elerding has been promoted to Vice President, Mortgage Sales Manager for First Bank in Ketchikan. He’s been with First Bank since 2004 and has worked in the field of finance for the past twenty years. He manages all the bank’s mortgage lenders in Southeast Alaska. Elerding graduated magna cum laude from the University of Washington’s MBA program.
Rocky Elerding
Elerding
Alaska Humanities Forum
Alaska Humanities Forum hired George Martinez as its new Director of Leadership Programs. In this role, Martinez will be the lead for Leadership Anchorage and he will oversee leadership programming across the organization. Martinez comes to the Forum from the Municipality of Anchorage where he spent the past four years as special assistant to Mayor Ethan Berkowitz, focusing on economic development, youth development, education, and diversity.
George Martinez
Martinez

Alaska Trends -Mine,Mine,Mine

Government Jobs in Alaska
Map with stats for government jobs in Alaska vector image
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