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CONTENTS JANUARY 2026 | VOLUME 42 | NUMBER 1 | AKBIZMAG.COM
10 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
18 FINANCE
Uncertainty balanced by great potential
How a compact team leads the nation in distributing funds
Alaska’s Economic Forecast for 2026 By Terri Marshall
Alaska State Small Business Credit Initiative By Tracy Barbour
72 CONSTRUCTION
DBE Program Under Construction New federal contracting rules for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises By Rachael Kvapil
78 CHARACTERISTICS OF LEADERSHIP
Ego: Doing Good By Being Good
Local Beauty
Personal care brands thrive on sweat equity and natural ingredients
Kaia Seafoods
26 MANUFACTURING
Alaska Glacial Essentials Skincare
By Lincoln Garrick
By Jamey Bradbury
HIGHLIGHTS 87 THIS ALASKA BUSINESS
8 FROM THE EDITOR 82 THE FOCUSED MANAGER
Greatland Studios
86 INSIDE ALASKA BUSINESS
4 | January 2026
88 RIGHT MOVES 90 ALASKA TRENDS 92 OFF THE CUFF
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
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CONTENTS JANUARY 2026 | VOLUME 42 | NUMBER 1 | AKBIZMAG.COM
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT 32 JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT AND THE ALASKA BUSINESS HALL OF FAME The value of legacy, leadership, and the next generation By Flora Teo and Kelly Moghadam
42 EDUCATOR AND VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
34 2026 ALASKA BUSINESS HALL OF FAME Laureates seize opportunities and persevere By Scott Rhode
Outstanding JA teachers learn from students By Vanessa Orr
48 TOUGH QUESTIONS SHAPE A WINNING PLAN A Junior Achievement experience By Olivia Okeahialam
49 WHAT IT MEANS TO BE AN ENTREPRENEUR
A Junior Achievement experience By Harper Smith
50 NO ORDINARY LEMONADE A Junior Achievement experience By Rylan Shiryayev
INDUSTRY SUPPORT SERVICES Building and operation of mancamps By Amy Newman
52 REMOVE AND RESTORE Spill response teams protect Alaska’s land and waters By Rachael Kvapil
66 OFF-GRID AND BACKUP SOLUTIONS
Tailoring renewable hardware to Alaska’s needs By Christi Foist
Tatitlek Chenega Chugach
60 HUT AWAY FROM HOME
ABOUT THE COVER Who’s supporting who? When it comes to industry support services, niche vendors could not exist without industrial clients—whether in oil and gas, mining, or other sectors—that hire them. Yet those clients are free to focus on their main business thanks to the scaffold of support services, whether supplied by multinational or mom-and-pop contractors. Spill response is one example. Our cover shows Alaska Chadux Corporation teamed up with the US Coast Guard Pacific Strike Team in Utqiaġvik, demonstrating response equipment for North Slope residents. Read more about spill prevention and response in Rachael Kvapil’s article “Remove and Restore.” This issue also features stories about off-grid energy and mancamp maintenance. These are the jobs that must be done, often without glamor or glory, to hold together the metaphorical bricks of Alaska’s economic foundation. Photography by Pet t y Of f icer 1st Class Jon-Paul Rios. | US Coast Guard Arc tic
6 | January 2026
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FROM THE EDITOR
D
VOLUME 42, #1
uring proofing for every issue, we edit out at least one reference to Alaska’s challenging weather or terrain. This has held true for
EDITORIAL
the more than 150 issues I’ve worked on. We don’t delete earnest
Tasha Anderson, Managing Editor Scott Rhode, Senior Editor
references to Alaska’s extraordinary conditions because they don’t matter
Rindi White, Associate Editor
but because even Alaskans living in urban areas are confronted with their
Emily Olsen, Editorial Assistant
reality regularly. Alaska Business’ editing team lives in Alaska. We wake up occasionally on an
PRODUCTION
icy winter day and wonder how we’re going to traverse our driveway safely,
Monica Sterchi-Lowman, Art Director
much less the roads to work. And considering that minor challenge (that
Fulvia Caldei Lowe, Production Manager Patricia Morales, Web Manager
nonetheless may take preparation, care, and specialty equipment), we are aware of the major challenge of transporting say, pre-fabricated walls, armor
BUSINESS
rock, or steel pipes to locations without roads and with limited or constricted
Billie Martin, President
access by air or boat. We may need to plan weeks ahead to order a specialty tool; remote projects may need to order supplies months or even a year ahead
Jason Martin, VP & General Manager James Barnhill, Accounting Manager
SALES
to make sure the right parts are on site on time.
Charles Bell, VP Sales & Marketing
These logistics are important and notable, but they are also known to our
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readers, wherever they may reside. Thus, the editorial team trims even beautiful, poetic, or poignant expressions of Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes
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and exhilarating weather. One of this month’s special sections, Industry Support Services, inspired
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this reflection, as those stories are almost without fail drafted with a weather/
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terrain double header. It’s hard to fault the writers: support services are
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We’re going to keep cutting them though. Taking those challenges as given creates more space to share the many other ways that Alaska’s businesses are
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ECONOMIC DE VELOPMENT
Alaska’s Economic Forecast for 2026 Uncertainty balanced by great potential
By Terri Marshall
C
hallenges and opportunities influenced by dynamic global markets, shifting energy trends, and ongoing fiscal constraints confront Alaska’s economy heading into 2026. Although oil and gas continue to be the primary sources of state revenue, fluctuating market prices and consistently ho-hum production levels raise concerns regarding long-term budget sustainability. On the bright side, sectors such as
tourism, transportation, mining, and renewable energy are demonstrating steady growth, presenting prospects for economic diversification. “This is going to be a challenging year, as the state continues to wrestle with a lack of revenue to meet its obligations. Federal uncertainty and a shifting landscape have resulted in the loss of grant funding for some municipalities but also for partners within the community,” says Nils Andreassen, executive director at Alaska Municipal League. “Local governments will be expected to make up for gaps elsewhere. Costs are going up, generally, and while true this next year.” Housing shortages and workforce retention challenges are also likely to influence economic growth and municipal budgets in 2026. “Alaska’s net outmigration is a real and present danger to community sustainability. It directly affects our schools, the heart of many communities, and also our
Black salmon | Adobe Stock
consumer spending has stayed steady, that may not remain
local economies. Housing availability and affordability remain a pervasive problem for most of our members, which compounds the workforce
a Chugach company
attraction issue,” shares Andreassen.
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“As costs go up in Alaska, already a very expensive state, retention will also matter more. There will be more demand for increased salary and benefit packages to offset the decreasing purchasing power of residents.”
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“While there is less funding available, overall,
for
intergovernmental
transfers and in support of capital projects, shifting costs like school
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Chenega and Chugach shareholder Thomas Kompkoff participates in TCC’s Step-Up Program to develop leaders.
to communities might continue and
exacerbate
local
funding
challenges,” notes Andreassen. “Just as important as directly funding local governments for services they provide, Alaskans will be making sure the State doesn’t further restrict the ability for local governments to
bring
in
the
necessary
revenue to cover costs that are increasingly being borne alone.”
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those
challenges, surely the oil industry represents a bright spot. Santos is poised to deliver first oil from the Pikka Project, helping to fill the Trans Alaska Pipeline System. Rebecca
Logan,
CEO
of
the
Alaska Support Industry Alliance, is optimistic about the potential growth for the oil and gas industry, www.akbizmag.com
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907.230.3638 January 2026 | 11
as well as the mining industry.
Lower oil prices globally could
For whatever reason, the Alaska
“People feel pretty good about
translate into hesitance to invest
oil patch is already staring down
the work they have for 2026,” says
in
some
Logan. “The big excitement is about
current prices and below, Alaska
observes,
what can be solidified in 2026.”
d ev e l o p m e n t
has announced global staffing
However,
projections
for
the
oil and gas industry in 2026, as
Alaska.
Wa t s o n will
says,
unlikely
“A t be
favorably assessed.”
personnel
cuts.
Wa t s o n
“Conoco[Phillips]
reductions, but it is unclear how
Furthermore, even if activity
this will impact their Alaskan
and
keeps up its tempo, fewer Alaskans
operations. As construction wraps
balance
are likely to draw paychecks from
up
between optimism and realism.
it. “Like many industries, oil and
Pikka and Willow, we will likely
“Global
uncertainty,
gas has achieved more operational
see
strong US production, geopolitical
efficiencies over the last decade
indirect employment, as there
events in Russia and Iran, and
or so as it was forced to slim
are no similarly sized projects
OPEC policy have led to a decline
down employment in the face of
that are in the pipeline—except
in oil prices in the last six to
lower prices. Wells require fewer
the Alaska LNG pipeline, which
twelve months. OPEC has signaled
workers and are drilled in faster
would likely not be due to break
a willingness and ability to put
than in years past. Horizontal
g ro u n d
further pressure on US producers
drilling accommodates many wells
does receive a favorable final
in order to reclaim market share,”
to a pad. Artificial intelligence [AI]
investment decision.”
says Brett Watson, UAA associate
presents new opportunities for this
professor of Applied and Natural
(and every other industry) to do
developer Glenfarne Group had not
Resource Economics.
the same,” Watson says.
made a final investment decision.
presented
by
researchers,
economists strike
economic
a
As
and a
p ro d u c t i o n
reduction
of
n ex t
in
year
p re s s
begins
at
aggregate
ev e n
time,
if
AK
it
LNG
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akbizmag.com 12 | January 2026
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Off the Leash
seeing production increasing from
The glow of the AK LNG brass ring,
the Pikka and Willow projects. These
encapsulated in Executive Order
tantalizingly close, inspires optimism
two major fields are really driving
14153,
in Dan Stickel, chief economist at
activity on the Slope,” Stickel says.
Extraordinary Resource Potential,”
Alaska Department of Revenue. “The
“We’re seeing robust exploration
signed by Donald Trump on January
oil and gas industry is generally an
activity and continued plans for a
20, 2025, within hours of starting
area of strength right now,” says
very busy season up on the Slope
his second term as US president.
Stickel. “Prices are not great, but
into
restrictive
The order directs federal agencies
they are sufficient to allow quality
policies from the federal government
to prioritize the AK LNG project. It
projects to proceed.”
have
optimism
also led to a direct presidential order
regarding opportunities for more
in October to authorize the Ambler
exploration and development.”
Access Project, a proposed 211-mile
Tangible progress is manifesting this year. “We’re looking forward to
2026. led
The to
less some
Those
f e d e ra l
policies
“Unleashing
a re
A l a s k a ’s
“This is going to be a challenging year, as the state continues to wrestle with a lack of revenue to meet its obligations. Federal uncertainty and a shifting landscape have resulted in the loss of grant funding for some municipalities but also for partners within the community.” Nils Andreassen, Executive Director, Alaska Municipal League
Grounded in place, driven by purpose.
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Alaska Business
January 2026 | 13
“Global economic uncertainty, strong US production,
important to both our state and
economics Brock Wilson. “However,
our nation. Moving this project
policy carve-outs and the Rural
forward means jobs for Alaskans,
Health Transformation Program
strength for our economy, and
complicate the picture, as they
new opportunities for our rural
moderate the net effects.”
communities, as well as a stronger
Over the last decade, healthcare
supply of critical minerals America
has been the primary driver of
in Russia and
needs. Alaska is ready to do our
employment
part for the national economic and
This is driven by demographic
Iran, and OPEC
energy security needs.”
change
geopolitical events
in the last six to twelve months.
Consequential Hurdles
a willingness
Alaska.
population),
Cheers
for
a
turnaround
(e.g. Medicaid expansion). While in
the Alaska population aged 65
federal policy are tempered by the
and above is projected to continue
consequences of other presidential
growing over the next ten years,
actions.
federal policy regarding healthcare
“Tariffs
are
definitely
impacting operations,” says Logan
OPEC has signaled
aging
in
federal policy, and state policy
policy have led to a decline in oil prices
(an
growth
of
market
uncertainty.
remains highly uncertain.
“We’re
hoping to see some resolve in the
Decline, not Collapse Fear that federal immigration
coming months.” Beyond rippling through global
policy might sour the summer
oil markets, import taxes (and
tourism season turned out to be
further pressure
ongoing legal disputes imperiling
exaggerated. Although nationwide
on US producers
their permanence) are affecting
border
employees’ pocketbooks. For the oil
into the United States between
industry, that means higher payroll
May and August dropped by 24
costs. “The only way to attract
percent compared to a year earlier,
people to the North Slope to work
Skagway and Haines saw smaller
shifts like two weeks on, two weeks
decreases of 4 percent and 16
off is with money,” says Logan. “If
percent, respectively, in visits from
the pay is significant, it will work.”
their international neighbors. Those
and ability to put
in order to reclaim market share.” Brett Watson Associate Professor of Applied and Natural Resource Economics UA A
crossings
from
Canada
While the healthcare sector has
lower numbers came as a relief to
industrial road connecting the Dalton
seen strong employment growth,
merchants anticipating a full-on
Highway to the mineral district about
it must overcome federal policy
boycott, and tourism-dependent
100 miles east of Kotzebue.
hurdles too. “Changes to federal
communities head into 2026 with
Both orders buoyed the mood
health policy under the recent One
more realistic expectations.
of the annual conference of the
Big Beautiful Bill Act, particularly
Resource Development Council for
around Medicaid eligibility, may
reports of a drop-off in independent
Alaska (RDC) in November. Shortly
be
Alaska’s
tourism generally. Part of that
before
RDC
healthcare sector given the state’s
is due to reductions in foreign
executive director, Leila Kimbrell
reliance on Medicaid—we are fifth
visitors. We’ve noticed this in the
noted, “It is a welcome message
overall for Medicaid enrollment
reduction of vehicle rental tax
to see the law applied approving
(as a percentage of population)
receipts,” says Stickel.
access to resources that can be
across all states,” says UAA research
responsibly developed and are
assistant
her
departure
14 | January 2026
as
consequential
professor
for
of
applied
However,
“ There
have
been
Watson adds, “The 2025 summer season saw what I understand
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
January 2026 | 15
“The federal budget environment
And Stickel notes, “Cruise ships
“We’re seeing
plan their schedules several years
signals
in advance and there’s strong
spending growth. This may mean
incentives to fill the cabins, so we
lower growth in federal agency
expect the number of cruise ship
operating budgets and hiring in
passengers to remain fairly steady.”
the medium term,” explains Wilson.
Fishing seasons have had a rough
Recent federal workforce directives
a very busy season
go lately, but hope is on the horizon.
hint at reductions in force in
“We’ve seen signs of recovery in
Alaska, but the magnitude of these
up on the Slope
the fisheries industry since 2023,
reductions has not been identified
into 2026. The less
which was a very challenging year,
yet. Overall, federal policy suggests
followed by 2024, which was even
a more modest federal spending
worse in terms of total value in the
outlook beyond 2025.
robust exploration activity and continued plans for
restrictive policies government have led to
we did see a little bit of recovery in
expected
2025, and our forecast is that there
growth in 2026, while others will
will be continued slow recovery
remain uncertain. Balancing both
within the fisheries industry.”
sides is key to achieving goals
However, “Preliminary pre-season
some optimism
d i s c re t i o n a r y
As in any year, some sectors are
industry,” says Stickel. “It looks like
from the federal
s l ow e r
to
experience
strong
for Alaska’s economy.
forecast for Bristol Bay estimates 45
“You know, I’m really excited
regarding
million sockeye for next year. That’s
about the pro-growth agenda that
a little lower than last year’s run and
is being advanced by the federal
opportunities for
the ten-year average. Processors
and state administrations. If some
more exploration
continue to face significant cost
of these big projects become a
headwinds,” says Watson. “Alaska
reality, or even the myriad other
has seen the closure of several
efforts proposed around the state,
major facilities in recent years,
it could make a real difference
which have had a substantial impact
in Alaska’s economy and in the
on the communities where those
condition of communities,” says
closures have occurred.”
Andreassen. “The trick, in my mind,
and development.” Dan Stickel Chief Economist Alaska Department of Revenue
to be roughly flat numbers from the
year
prior.
Favorable
foreign
exchange
rates
against
immigration
US-
Once the industry turns the
is to make sure that revenues from
might
this development are sufficient to
take a long time to get back to
make the necessary investments
in
where we were before the crash in
in
the international market, while
2023, but I know we’re moving in
housing, infrastructure.”
economic uncertainty in the rest
the right direction.”
traded
policy
corner,
Stickel
says,
“It
of the United States led to reduced
our
future—education,
Andreassen those
cautions
investments
should
that be
Balancing Benefits
spread statewide, even though
Both economists see reasons to
Compared to 2025, in which
the bonanza projects are highly
anticipate a normal tourist season.
the country adjusted to a new
localized. “Ensure that benefits
“Alaska travel tends to be booked
presidential administration, the
are
in the winter ahead of the coming
outlook for 2026 should be relatively
state, so that we don’t leave some
summer
heard
stable. Yet several federal actions
communities behind,” he says.
widespread
will continue to shape Alaska’s
“Working together toward these
economy in the near term.
goals will be critical.”
travel for many families.”
few
season,
indications
and of
I
cancellations,” says Watson. 16 | January 2026
spread
evenly
across
the
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
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Alaska Business
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FINANCE
Alaska Business
Alaska State Small Business Credit Initiative How a compact team leads the nation in distributing funds By Tracy Barbour
A
laska’s
State
Small
Development Center (SBDC), which
of Alaska,” explains Alaska SSBCI
Business Credit Initiative
leads the program. And the Alaska
Director Jay Halverson. “We designed
(SSBCI)
SSBCI program was operating at a
the program from the beginning to
pace six years ahead of schedule.
get the funding out quickly to the
stands
out
as
a national leader in supporting small businesses, startups, and
The program’s remarkable ability
people who need it most: the small
the
to rapidly deploy funds stems from
business community. By not requiring
state. In September, the Alaska
its distinctive approach. Managed
extra items that are not mandated by
SSBCI achieved the top ranking in
by a team of just
the US Treasury Department, we have
the country for funds deployed as a
five professionals,
streamlined the process.”
percentage of its total allocation.
Alaska’s
entrepreneurs
throughout
SSBCI
The
federally
funded
SSBCI
Out of 131 jurisdictions, Alaska
was structured to
program gives small businesses
had deployed 92.5 percent of its
prioritize speed
access to capital to expand, create
$59.9 million allocation, narrowly
and accessibility.
employment
opportunities,
surpassing Montana at 92.3 percent
“ We
s t re n g t h e n
local
and significantly ahead of New
but we are able
Hampshire at 79.8 percent, according
to
to
program as necessary for the state
the
Alaska
18 | January 2026
Small
Business
are modify
lean, the
Jay Halverson
Alaska Small Business Development Center
and
economies.
Originally launched in 2010 and expanded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the program
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
allocates
states,
their [lenders’] ability to go out to the
coming out to them,” says SSBCI
territories, and tribal governments to
community and bring deals so that
Lending Program Assistant Director
bolster small business financing.
we can help the small businesses.”
Aurora
The
$10
Alaska
billion
SBDC,
to
housed
Agee.
in
This approach is well-suited to
“They don’t know
UAA’s Business Enterprise Institute,
Alaska’s vast geography. It’s allowed
what they don’t
oversees the $60 million, state-
the team to ensure funds are
know, and trying
level SSBCI program as well as $83
distributed efficiently across urban
to get in front of
million awarded to the Alaska SSBCI
and remote communities. “It’s really
all those small
Tribal Consortium program. The
difficult for small businesses to
business owners
SSBCI Tribal Consortium program
parse through all of the information
can be difficult.
Aurora Agee
Alaska Small Business Development Center
partners with 125 Alaska Tribes— half of the 250 tribes in the state— to foster investment, job creation, and economic growth. These SSBCI programs distribute funds through banks, credit unions, and investment funds—which, in turn, extend loans and investments to qualified small businesses throughout the state. The funding supports credit and investment programs for existing small businesses and startups as well as technical assistance.
Leveraging Partnerships Support from key partners has been vital to the success of the state SSBCI program, Halverson says. The Alaska SBDC and UAA have contributed valuable guidance and resources to ensure the initiative’s effectiveness. Lenders like First National Bank Alaska, Northrim Bank, Nuvision Credit Union, and Spruce Root also play a vital role, serving as the program’s “immediate” clients. Instead
of
business
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owners
applying directly to the government for loans, Alaska’s SSBCI program leverages the underwriting expertise and networks of local lenders. “The reason we went that way is if we were trying to directly make these loans to the community, we would need fifty
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people,” Halverson notes. “We utilize www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
January 2026 | 19
So
we
and
educate
they
can
the
lenders,
educate
their
borrowers when they come in.”
program might not be suitable
transportation, retail, wholesale,
for all institutions. “We do have a
manufacturing, commercial fishing,
rigorous lending compliance process,”
construction, and beyond.”
The Alaska SSBCI program remains
Halverson explains. “If we sign
flexible within federal guidelines
someone up, we want to make sure
Guarantee
to
they are going to be doing deals.”
Tribal Guarantee
expedite
fund
distribution.
The SSBCI State and
This practice differs from other
First National exemplifies active
p ro g ra m s
a re
jurisdictions that require borrowers
participation in the program. The
designed
to
to submit documentation to multiple
bank provided $18 million for thirty-
support
entities or restrict specific loan sizes
one loans in 2024 and more than
or
and project types. “We created a
$26 million for nineteen loans as of
disadvantaged
program that was as permissive
September 2025, according to Lending
businesses.
as the Treasury would allow us
Unit Team Leader Shin Suzuki.
National has seen a notable increase
socially
economically
Shin Suzuki
First National Bank Alaska
Consequently,
First
to be so that the funds could get
The Alaska SSBCI program has
in participation from applicants who
out to Alaska and be a part of our
allowed First National to finance
have historically faced challenges
economy faster,” Agee says.
borrowers
traditional
accessing traditional financing. “These
barriers to funding. “The types of
programs have also played a vital role
Meeting Unique Needs
businesses that have most benefited
in helping businesses recover from the
Alaska’s SSBCI team continues to
from SSBCI-backed funding are as
financial hardships of the pandemic—
build its list of participating lenders,
diverse as Alaska’s economy,” Suzuki
stabilizing cash flow and enabling
which
dozen
says. “First National has helped
many to return to pre-pandemic levels
financial institutions. However, the
businesses ranging from tourism,
of performance,” Suzuki says.
includes
about
a
who
face
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Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
Borrowers who obtain a loan with
of its efforts to adopt the Icelandic
Native-owned resort, located 35
First National or an SSBCI guarantee
chilling and handling method in its
miles from Kodiak on 24 acres of
can use the funds in various ways.
Pacific cod fishery.
oceanfront property in Chiniak,
For instance, they can support
First National’s
capitalized on a 50 percent guarantee
short-term cash flow with a line
loan strengthened
from the Tribal SSBCI Loan Guarantee
of credit, long-term financing for
Kaia
Program.
purchasing real estate or equipment,
ability to maintain
refinancing and working capital,
or business expansion. “Programs
its rigorous quality
covering construction debt while also
like SSBCI allow us to support more
standards, from
supporting final build-out, furniture,
Alaska businesses and find solutions
onboard handling
for the unique lending situations
to optimized cold
they face,” Suzuki says.
chain control, while ensuring fair
lending partner in Alaska’s SSBCI
One unique lending situation was
pricing and working conditions for
programs,
the $200,000 loan that Homer-based
Alaska’s fishing families. “Working
for a variety of businesses and
Kaia Seafoods received from First
with First National was really easy,”
entrepreneurs across the state.
National in January 2025 through
Velsko says. “They acted fast—
Businesses that have benefited
the Tribal SSBCI program. Co-owner
and that’s essential when you’re
from the program the most include
Lacey Velsko used the funds to
trying to get projects done and
startups, rural/remote businesses,
upgrade a fishing vessel with more
start a fishing season.”
companies that are expanding or in a
Seafoods’
Lacey Velsko Kaia Seafoods
The
loan
provided
fixtures, staffing, and marketing. Northrim Bank, another active has
provided
loans
efficient fish-handling equipment:
Last year, Friends by the Ocean
rapid growth phase, and businesses
a liquid slurry ice machine and fish
received a $2.5 million SSBCI-backed
in higher-risk industries, according to
totes. The enhancements were part
loan from First National. The Alaska
Chief Banking Officer Jason Criqui.
Alaska Owned & Operated Since 1979 www.chialaska.com info@chialaska.com ph: 907.276.7667
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Alaska Business
January 2026 | 21
For example, in March of 2024, Northrim provided Cheeky Med Spa
lending out the money, and we are
might have cash flow but have
guaranteeing the money.”
a
weak
secondary
source
of
with SSBCI-supported financing to
As part of federal requirements,
repayment. Or they could have
expand. The company had been
Alaska’s SSBCI loan borrowers must
collateral that is not traditionally
in business for
operate within the state and must
accepted at the bank or located in a
more than seven
have fewer than 750 employees. They
place that is difficult to reach.
years and had a
cannot be registered sex offenders,
To qualify for an SSBCI guarantee
strong portfolio
and their loans and investment
through Northrim Bank, businesses
for
obtaining
rounds must be $20 million or less.
do not apply for an SSBCI loan.
loans, according
Program funds cannot be used
They first must have a loan request
for cannabis-related businesses,
that Northrim would not approve
passive real estate investments,
without the guarantee. “If it is
the biggest challenge we faced
gaming, to pay off an existing loan
determined the bank is unable to
as a business was securing a 25
(with some limited exceptions), or
provide the financing as requested,
percent down payment for the
to purchase an owner’s share in the
then
size of building we needed for
business or reimbursement of owner
explore alternative options,” Criqui
the level of service we were and
contributions. And SSBCI funds
explains. “This is when the lender will
wanted to continue offering while
cannot be combined with other
introduce the options of a potential
simultaneously growing two other
federal funding programs.
guarantee program to mitigate any
to owner Randi Coray. “However,
Randi Coray
Cheeky Medspa
the
lender
will
begin
to
clinics,” she says. “We had been
Beyond these conditions, lenders
shortcoming in the underwriting
working with Mike Dye at Northrim
determine borrower suitability for
process. The flexibility provided
Bank, and he was a lifesaver…
Alaska SSBCI funding. The program
by the SSBCI program makes it a
guiding us through the entire loan
seeks
great fit for many requests where a
process,” says Coray, a board-
lenders would not make without
certified family nurse practitioner.
its involvement. The first step for a
to
facilitate
loans
that
government guarantee is needed.” Like First National, Northrim Bank
Thanks to the funding, Coray was
business is to reach out to a lender
uses
able to accelerate her expansion
to discuss their financing needs
criteria to process
efforts—accomplishing more with
and options. “Once the borrower
all
her company in less time. Today,
applies for a loan with First National
loan
re q u e s t s
she operates locations in Soldotna,
and provides the required financial
and
considers
Fairbanks, and Homer.
information,
a
we
process
the
the
same
commercial
variety
of
application and help the borrower
factors
Loan Options and Criteria
complete the SSBCI application
underwriting.
Alaska’s SSBCI programs distribute
documents,” Suzuki explains. “The
Criqui elaborates: “What is the
loan
SSBCI office typically provides a
borrower’s ability to repay? Is it a
participation, loan guarantee, and
response within ten days. Depending
sound business model? Do we have
equity/venture capital programs,
on the due-diligence requirements,
primary, secondary, and tertiary
along with loan collateral programs
loans are closed in a timely manner
sources of repayment? What is the
for tribal loans. For example, with
after the SSBCI approval.”
strength of the guarantors? What
funds
primarily
through
when
Jason Criqui
Northrim Bank
loan guarantee—its key program—
First National applies its standard
is our collateral? Does the business
Alaska’s SSBCI provides a 1:1 match
underwriting criteria for every loan
have a demonstrated track record for
with private funding. Halverson
request,
success or is it a start up?”
explains, “The bank is at risk for
the SSBCI assists applicants with
50 percent, and we’re at risk for
credit challenges or unconventional
comprehensive list; depending on
50 percent. The bank is actually
collateral. For instance, applicants
the request, the list of questions
22 | January 2026
Suzuki
says.
However,
He
adds:
“ This
is
not
a
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
January 2026 | 23
One of Cheeky Medspa’s treatment rooms.
Kaia Seafoods of Homer uses efficient fish-handling practices and equipment to optimize its family-run fishery.
Cheek y Medspa
Kaia Seafoods
The Subway in Nenana reduced unemployment there by 50 percent. Alaska Small Business Development Center
can be quite lengthy as we assess
53 loans, 51 businesses funded,
SSBCI team has created a program
the viability of the loan. A loan that
50
economically
that is efficient and thoughtful, and
requires a government guarantee
disadvantaged
individual-owned
it has driven meaningful economic
would
businesses,
have
a
material
credit
socially
and 33
very
small
growth for our state.”
deficiency. There may be an issue with
businesses, and 21 communities.
Likewise, First National appreciates
the collateral, or inconsistent cash
The program was implemented on
the program’s ability to support
flow, or insufficient operating history.”
August 1, 2024 and closed its first
Alaska’s small businesses. “This
loan on September 4, 2024.
has put more money to work in
Program Impacts
The trickle-down effect of SSBCI
Alaska’s economy,” Suzuki says.
The Alaska SSBCI programs have
loans can add significant value—
“We value how SSBCI enables us to
significantly increased economic
especially in rural areas, Halverson
provide critical funding for Alaska
activity
says. Take, for example, the SSBCI-
businesses,
the state, benefiting communities
guaranteed
growth and create opportunities
from Wrangell and Dillingham to
Bank made to a Subway restaurant
the Kenai Peninsula, Anchorage,
in Nenana, which has fewer than
and Interior. As of November 4,
400
residents.
“It
reduced
the
goal is to leverage its $60 million
the Alaska SSBCI program’s impact
unemployment
of
Nenana
by
allocation tenfold, driving $600
encompassed
50 percent,” he says.
and
investment
across
$101,388,363
in
total loan value, 114 loans, 98
loan
that
Northrim
helping
to
foster
in our communities.” Ultimately, the Alaska SSBCI’s
million into Alaska’s small business
Northrim’s participation in the
community. “We want to be good
socially
Alaska SSBCI has positively affected
stewards of these funds, and so
and economically disadvantaged
its ability to support small businesses
far we have done a great job,”
individual-owned businesses, 66 very
throughout Alaska. “It has helped us
Halverson says. “Our default rates
small businesses with fewer than
preserve local jobs, support resource
are negligible compared to the
10 people, and 28 communities,
development, grow tourism, increase
expectations of those who set the
according to the Alaska SBDC.
the property tax base in communities
program up, and that means the
Consortium
across the state, and provide working
underwriting
program’s impact was reflected in
capital to companies driving Alaska’s
has been significant to avoid any
$61,286,921 in total loan value,
economy,” Criqui says. “The Alaska
kind of drawback.”
businesses
The
funded,
Tribal
SSBCI
24 | January 2026
82
from
our
lenders
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
January 2026 | 25
M A N U FAC T U R I N G
Local Beauty
Alaska Glacial Essentials Skincare
Personal care brands thrive on sweat equity and natural ingredients By Jamey Bradbury
T
he moment spring hits,
brand, Michelle Sparck says, “Running
a laugh. “People ask, ‘Why are
local beauty and hygiene
a small business in Alaska is not for
your
manufacturers like Susan
the faint of heart.”
expensive?’ Pick it for a week, and
Houlihan of Alpenglow Skin Care head outdoors. Spring is harvest time. “Our first harvest is cottonwood
devil’s
club
[products]
so
we’ll talk about why.”
Hand-picked Ingredients
A common theme among local
Also not for the faint of heart:
makers of beauty products is a do-
buds—about six gallons collected
picking
devil’s
club,
before the trees leaf out, which
Behrendt
of
takes
Botanicals
discovered
as
Alaskan
Jarred
it-yourself mentality familiar to
Dream
Alaskans. The Behrendts recruit
he
friends and family to help with
loaned his puncture-proof gloves to
harvesting ingredients like fireweed
After that comes horsetail, yarrow,
his wife and business partner, Renee.
and balsam fir, yet they do much of
nettles, and fireweed. Alaska’s bounty
He came away from that harvest
the gathering themselves.
keeps local beauty manufacturers
with hundreds of devil’s club spines
busy all summer. But the hustle
embedded in both hands.
roughly
25
hours
of
wildcrafting,” Houlihan describes.
doesn’t stop after harvesting. As coowner of ArXotica, an Alaska skincare 26 | January 2026
“ We
called
it
when
‘devil’s
“Stoop labor,” as Sparck calls it,
club
acupuncture,’” Renee recalls with
is
an
unavoidable
part
of
incorporating Alaska’s naturally beneficial
plants
into
beauty
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
Caiti Alexander of Wanderflower Body Co. sources seaweed from Kachemak Kelp, so she must estimate in the fall how many bottles and jars she'll produce so the farmers can sow the right amount for the spring harvest. Wander f lower Body Co.
products.
Like
the
Behrendts,
she does the picking for ArXotica herself, alongside her sisters and co-owners, Cika Sparck and Amy Sparck Dobmeier. Because
they ’re
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hand-carrying
whatever they pick, the sisters are careful not to over-harvest. Their business was inspired by the Cup’ik traditions and ancestral
Done with cramped hotel rooms?
knowledge they grew up with. “ We’d and
been
berries
picking since
plants
we
Stretch out at Sophie Station Suites, where you’ll get a full kitchen, a private bedroom, and a comfy living space-just like home, but better.
could
walk, so we went with what we knew,” explains Sparck.
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Beauty Brand The
Behrendts
made
use
of
Jarred’s interest in ethnobotany and wild gathering to start Alaskan Dream Botanicals. A sensitivity to sulfates—which show up in many common
beauty,
hygiene,
and
cleaning
p ro d u c t s — p e r s u a d e d
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Renee to try making her own soaps.
Reach out to our reservations team:
The couple’s shared love of the
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outdoors,
especially
the
scents
of nature, sealed the deal, and a
FountainheadHotels.com
small business was born. The
hands-on
labor
doesn’t
stop with the harvest season. The Behrendts
handle
aspect
growing,
of
www.akbizmag.com
almost
every
Locally-owned in Fairbanks, Alaska
harvesting, Alaska Business
January 2026 | 27
The "glacial facial" was inspired by the "luxurious buttery mud" of the Copper River delta (pictured left). Alaska Glacial Essentials Skincare
manufacturing, marketing,
and
packaging, shipping
their
some of the plants they rely on,
Today, she’s shifted to direct-to-
such as devil’s club.
consumer and business-to-business
products themselves—most of the
wholesale
accounting
for
80
time. “When [Renee’s] folks come up,
Careful Cultivation
her mom sits in a chair all day, every
While the Behrendts are steadily
Rather than bring on additional
day, labeling products—and she is a
growing their business to the point
help or hand over aspects of her
machine,” Jarred says.
of hiring a full-time employee,
business to contractors, Padawer is
Since the couple’s early days
Lauren Padawer of Alaska Glacial
keeping things close to home.
selling lip balms and soaps at local
Essentials Skincare is happy being
“A lot of businesses find ways
markets in 2015, Alaskan Dream
a one-woman show. The Cordova-
to outsource, but I found a way to
Botanicals has expanded in more
based entrepreneur got her start
‘insource’ as I grew because I felt like
ways than one. Their products come
when, on a rafting trip down the
it brought more control and integrity
in
scents,
Copper River, she smeared mud on
to the brand,” she says. “I’m able to
and they now have more than 950
her skin and discovered the benefits
scale up or down according to what I
SKUs (stock keeping units) in their
of a “glacial facial.”
have going on in my life.”
forty-seven
different
percent of her sales.
With the help of cosmetic chemist
Eliana McKee of Eira Cosmetics,
ingredients
Charlie Kim, Padawer launched a
meanwhile, is on the threshold of
in their kitchen to working in a
glacial mud-based skincare line
expanding; her new luxury skincare
dedicated facility with a warehouse,
she initially considered marketing
line, Eirwen, launches soon. What
storage, and retail space. In addition
to spas—a business plan that led
started as a hobby making soap
to harvesting in the wild, they
her to an eventual appearance
led McKee to pursue a degree in
maintain a garden and propagate
on the ABC TV show Shark Tank.
cosmetic chemistry. Soon, she
inventory. They’ve transitioned from experimenting
28 | January 2026
with
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
was buying a house—not only to live in, but to operate her business from. Like Padawer, McKee runs every aspect of Eira Cosmetics herself, including researching the properties
of
her
ingredients,
such as locally harvested sugar kelp,
and
conducting
monthly
microbiological tests to ensure her lab area is safe. “If you want to do things by the book, it’s a lot of work,” she admits. “Before you even start making money, you are already spending a lot.” Expenses have gone up recently, with higher shipping costs and increased tariffs on international goods. With each hurdle she’s faced
The Sparck triplets of Chevak saw the potential for beauty products using local botanicals, including salmonberry, sage, and tundra cotton grass.
as a business owner, though, McKee says she has advanced a little bit further in her journey.
ArXotica
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Alaska Business
January 2026 | 29
A personal need for gentler acne treatment led Susan Houlihan to develop products crafted from cottonwood buds, horsetail, yarrow, nettles, and fireweed. Alpenglow Skin Care
“The first thing was setting up a website. Then it was, can I do barcodes? I was petrified of bar
knowledge to understand which
she orders raw materials. “The kelp
plants grow best together.
farms plant in the fall and harvest
Even
the
most
independent
in the spring, so they ask me, ‘How
codes! But I learned about them,”
local business owner can’t do it
many pounds do you want for next
McKee says. “So the next step will
all. Wanderflower Body Co.’s Caiti
year?’ It’s a lot of looking ahead—and
be having an employee, getting a
Alexander relies on tallow rendered
then, it’s a farm, so if the weather isn’t
loan, and setting up my own factory,
from Alaska-raised beef fat from
ideal, you don’t always get what you
once I recover some of my initial
a supplier in Delta Junction and
think you’re going to get,” she says.
investments.”
seaweed from Kachemak Kelp. Alexander, who worked as a nurse
What Price Beauty?
In the Weeds
prior to launching Wanderflower Body
The same state that provides
Houlihan worked as a ranger
Co., learned the ropes of running
the lush glacial mud and delicately
at Denali National Park before
a small business by observing the
scented fireweed also roadblocks
she started Alpenglow Skin Care,
operations of her suppliers.
local
indulging her interest in Alaska’s
manufacturers
with
high
“Working with different businesses
shipping costs and supply shortages.
background
and farms, I meet a lot of people who
“If I could source everything
served her well when she started
understand what my priorities are,”
locally, I’d be thrilled,” Houlihan says.
looking
skincare
she says. “Building partnerships that
Shipping costs to get ingredients
after struggling with reactions to
are real partnerships… has taught
from the Lower 48 and to export
adult acne products.
me that I can set the boundaries
her
I need to keep handcrafting my
are a constant struggle. She has
and a high tunnel to provide her
products
concentrated on budgeting wisely;
with the herbs and flowers that go
keep the quality high.”
native
plants. into
Her
natural
Today, Houlihan relies on a garden
into her infusions and extracts. She
Timing
in is
small
batches
everything
to
product
to
her
rather than spend on advertising when
or “flashy” packaging, she invests
has dug deep into the science of
ingredients are harvested seasonally.
her
“companion” planting, using local
Alexander must plan carefully when
quality of her products.
30 | January 2026
customers
profit
into
ensuring
the
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
Renee and Jarred Behrendt acknowledge that "wildcrafting" ingredients from local sources is hard work, which can drive up production costs. Alaskan Dream Botanicals
“One of the biggest complaints we
A co-op might be one approach,
Helping peers control costs is, the
hear from other makers is, they can’t
but the Behrendts have a different
Behrendts believe, one more way
get things up here,” says Renee.
idea: creating a supply company.
to keep things local.
Purchase minimums at wholesalers
“We’ve got the storage, and when
“So many Alaska businesses, once
are often much more than some
we’re bringing a pallet at a time, we
they get to a certain level, they move
small businesses need, so they
can take a little bit of a hit on the flat
out of state,” Jarred points out. “We
either have to “scrimp and save and
fee for that,” Renee explains, and
refuse to do that. Some businesses
figure out how to use that huge
Alaskan Dream Botanicals can take
will say, ‘It was born in Alaska.’ But
amount,” Renee says, or they must
the delivery at a lower price than
that’s not made in Alaska. It’s not the
figure out an alternative.
fellow small manufacturers.
same thing at all.”
FOR the BENEFIT of OUR PEOPLE. FOR the BENEFIT of ALL PEOPLE.
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Alaska Business
January 2026 | 31
J U N I O R AC H I E V E M E N T
Junior Achievement and the Alaska Business Hall of Fame The value of legacy, leadership, and the next generation By Flora Teo and Kelly Moghadam
J
unior Achievement ( JA) of Alaska inspires and prepares young people to
students’ stories—their ambition,
succeed in a global economy through hands-on programs in financial
curiosity, and leadership—remind
literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness. Reaching 20,000
us that the investments we make in
K–12 students in Alaska annually, JA connects volunteers from the business
education and opportunity today will
community with classrooms statewide—helping students build confidence,
determine the strength of Alaska’s
explore career paths, and develop the skills needed to thrive in work and life.
economy tomorrow. The
Alaska
Business
Hall
of
On January 15, 2026, Alaska’s
business legacy. From pioneering
Fame is more than a celebration of
business community will gather for
industries to mentoring the next
achievement; it is a key fundraiser
one of its most anticipated annual
generation of leaders, these honorees
supporting JA’s mission to prepare
traditions: the 38th Annual Alaska
exemplify what it means to build a
young people for success in a global
Business Hall of Fame, presented
stronger, more resilient Alaska. Our
economy. Proceeds from the event
by
Publishing
congratulations to Ed Gohr, Delta
help JA deliver hands-on programs in
Company and JA of Alaska. Each
Constructors; Carol Gore, Cook Inlet
financial literacy, entrepreneurship,
year, this signature event honors
Housing Authority; Meg Nordale,
and career readiness across the
business
vision,
GHEMM Company; Rudi von Imhof,
state—from Anchorage to rural
integrity, and innovation have shaped
Delta Leasing; and Dean Weidner,
communities
Alaska’s economic landscape and
Weidner Apartment Homes.
Southeast to the Arctic. Each year,
Alaska
Business
leaders
whose
strengthened its communities.
stretching
from
Adding to the evening’s inspiration,
20,000 Alaskan students gain the
each inductee will be introduced
skills, confidence, and real-world
five new inductees, each representing
by
JA
understanding they need to navigate
the
and
students, representing the promise
their futures and contribute to
Alaska’s
of Alaska’s future workforce. These
Alaska’s long-term economic vitality.
The 2026 Hall of Fame will celebrate entrepreneurial
dedication
that
32 | January 2026
spirit
define
one
of
five
outstanding
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
January 15, 2026 | Dena’ina Center
General Reception: 5:30 p.m. | Dinner & Awards Ceremony: 6:30 p.m. Tickets: Individual – $175 | Table of 10 – $1,750 All proceeds benefit Junior Achievement of Alaska. Purchase online at alaskabusinesshalloffame.com Questions? Contact Flora Teo at fteo@ja-alaska.org or 907-344-0101
JA is helping Alaska’s students connect
their
dreams
to
real
opportunities. By linking business and education, we’re helping prepare the next generation not just to participate in the workforce but to lead it. This year’s theme—honoring the past, empowering the present, and investing in the future—captures the enduring role that the Hall of Fame
Anchorage 907-276-5050
Fairbanks 907-452-1152
Soldotna 907-262-5977
Wasilla 907-376-3838
Winter Approved
plays in uniting Alaska’s business community around a shared purpose. It’s a night to celebrate leadership, acknowledge
mentorship,
and
reaffirm the importance of investing in youth as the foundation of sustainable economic growth. As JA celebrates five decades of impact in Alaska, the organization is also looking ahead. New initiatives are on the horizon that promise to reshape how Alaska thinks and talks about work readiness and career pathways. These efforts will expand access to opportunity and help ensure that every student in Alaska can envision—and achieve—a successful future. Flora
Teo
is
president
of
Junior
Achievement of Alaska. Kelly Moghadam, a senior attorney at Brena, Bell & Walker, is the board chair for 2026. www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
January 2026 | 33
J U N I O R AC H I E V E M E N T
39TH ANNUAL ALASKA BUSINESS HALL OF FAME
Kondratova Ekaterina | AdobeStock
J U N I O R AC H I E V E M E N T
2026 Alaska Business Hall of Fame Laureates seize opportunities and persevere By Scott Rhode
F
ive Alaska business leaders
serve
as
lessons
for
joining the Alaska Business
striving toward success.
Alaskans
Hall of Fame share some odd
coincidences. Two of their names sound the same; two run “Delta”
what it is now,” von Imhof recalls. Von Imhof landed his current position as president and part-owner
Rudi von Imhof
of Delta Leasing about twenty years ago. “I was coming off about three
companies; two are builders. Business
The summer after Rudi von Imhof
or four serial entrepreneur attempts
peers selected them for their lifelong
was announced as an inductee was a
that didn’t go so well, and I kinda
support of Alaska’s economy and for
rough one. A bear tore into supplies
got cold feet” when the opportunity
commitment to Junior Achievement
he had cached at a landing site in the
arose, he says. He received a lot of
of Alaska, so only one coincidence is
Brooks Range, he says, and cleaning
encouragement and support from
intentional: the two who remain good
up was a chore. He persevered,
his wife, Natasha, a member of the
friends and still work closely together.
though—an attitude he learned
Rasmuson family that built National
through mentorship from three
Bank of Alaska. Through her, Ed
previous Hall of Famers.
Rasmuson remained part of his life
Alaska
Business
magazine
partnered with Junior Achievement of Alaska to launch the hall of fame
The first was his father, Chris von
in 1987 to recognize outstanding
Imhof, a German immigrant who was
individuals.
Junior
the state’s tourism director in 1967
“It was pretty intimidating,” he
Achievement of Alaska celebration
when he was hired to manage the
says of his father-in-law. “He was
in January will induct the new class
nascent Alyeska Resort for its owner
the CEO of the largest bank in the
consisting of Rudi von Imhof, Ed
at the time, Alaska Airlines. “He really
state. But what amazed me was
Gohr, Meg Nordale, Carol Gore,
is the driving force that basically took
he
and Dean Weidner. Their life stories
Alyeska from a rope-tow operation to
banking scion taught him to treat
The
34 | January 2026
annual
as the second Hall of Famer who mentored von Imhof.
was
so
approachable.”
The
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
everyone with respect, as Rasmuson treated even the newest teller or smallest customer.
J U N I O R AC H I E V E M E N T
Delta Leasing’s customers are chiefly construction or transportation contractors. It rents a fleet of 2,500 pieces of industrial equipment and pickup trucks. North Slope activity has boosted the company. “On top of that, we’ve even (by virtue of tough times) made the investment in a consumer division, where we are in the Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Deadhorse airports, and we rent vehicles to consumers, toe to toe with the Hertz, Avis, and Enterprises of the world.” The consumer division was a twist, he admits. “We thought we had it all figured out on the commercial cars to tourists? A lot harder than you’d think,” von Imhof says. “We’ve overcome a lot of obstacles.” The
majority
Leasing
is
Old
owner
of
Harbor
Alaska Business
side, so how hard can it be to rent
Rudi von Imhof Delta Leasing
Delta Native
Corporation. Its recently retired CEO,
roses. You have to have a tolerance to
payment before we had to pay our
deal with tough times.”
truck loan, so it was really zero money down,” he says. The company was still
Carl Marrs, is the third Hall of Famer to inspire von Imhof. “A couple times I went to Carl and said, ‘Maybe we
Ed Gohr
in startup mode when he sold Delta Leasing to Rudi von Imhof and Old
just shut this thing down. I’m not
The “delta” in Delta Leasing comes
sure if we can continue.’ And he said,
from Delta Junction, where the
‘Rudi, manage your cash, power
company was started by another
Delta
through this. You’ll get through this,’”
inductee, Ed Gohr.
to service the fracking boom in
Harbor Native Corporation. A decade later, Gohr started Constructors,
originally
In 2002, Gohr was anticipating a
North Dakota’s oil fields. Within
Perseverance applies not only to
surge of North Slope investment. “It
three years, he had more than 600
his business but to his hobby: von
was a billion dollars, at least, coming
employees. He notes that he’s now
Imhof enjoys flying his plane to
to Alaska, and it was going to be
employing the grandchildren of some
remote sites, like the Brooks Range
spent in Delta Junction,” he recalls.
people he knows.
cache, and hunting for Dall sheep.
“How can you spend a billion dollars
Gohr grew up in Palmer, where
“Sheep hunting is a bit like being in
in a town of eighty-five people? That
his mother ran a variety of small
business because it entails a lot of
was the genesis of starting a light-
businesses: drilling water wells,
work. Climbing up the hills. There’s
equipment leasing company.”
a flower shop, and managing the
he recalls.
nothing easy about it,” he says. “It’s
Gohr used $2,000 to finance four
Palmer Visitor Information Center. “So
not always gonna be peaches and
vehicles. “We got our first cash
I grew up always thinking that having
www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
January 2026 | 35
Achievement curriculum to students. His main advice, he says, was to seek the drive within.
J U N I O R AC H I E V E M E N T
Now that he’s going into the Alaska Business Hall of Fame, Gohr calls the experience surreal. “I’ve always been a person who keeps my head down, keeps pushing and working. I don’t think about what I’ve accomplished,” he says. “But I’m getting to the point in my life when I can look back and say I’m proud of what I’ve done.”
Meg Nordale Another
bigwig
in
Alaska
construction calls Fairbanks home. Meg Nordale has been president of GHEMM Company (pronounced Alaska Business
“gem”)
Ed Gohr Delta Constructors
for
a
decade.
Whereas
Delta Constructors has a niche in building
industrial
and
process
facilities,
GHEMM
erects
more
familiar buildings, such as Bassett your ownership was the way to go,”
at Delta Constructors, where he is
Army Community Hospital at Fort
says Gohr.
CEO and majority owner.
Wainwright and the Chief Andrew
An early goal was to earn $1,000
von
Isaac Health Center, not to mention
per day, so he started a snow
Imhof, Gohr enjoys hunting, and
the E.L. Patton Bridge spanning the
shoveling business. “I bid to do snow
he is a devotee of golf. “Just shot
Yukon River.
removal for the rest of the year
a 76 yesterday at Palmer, which
Nordale started at GHEMM in
at Palmer Pioneer Home. It was a
I’m pretty proud of,” says Gohr.
1994 as an office manager and
$1,500 bid, just myself,” says Gohr.
“Golfing brings out the good and
accountant, hired by the original
“The best part was that it didn’t snow
bad in people. You can see how
owners who founded the company in
the rest of the year.”
they are on the golf course—if they
the ‘50s. “GHEMM” is an acronym, she
Gohr studied finance in college,
cheat, if they’re honest—and that’s
explains, standing for their names:
and after the Exxon Valdez oil spill, he
very indicative of who they are in
Clyde
figured he’d cash in on the cleanup.
the business world.”
Carl Erickson, Bob Mitchell, and
Like
his
fellow
laureate
Geraghty,
Carl
Heflinger,
Instead of scrubbing rocks, Gohr
His other keys to success are
was tapped for his computer skills
perseverance and good decisions.
Nordale’s father was born in
to handle accounting. He worked
“I believe in my spot I’m supposed
Fairbanks; her mother was born
for cleanup contractor VECO for
to make about five big decisions
in Juneau. They met in eastern
sixteen years. He can still point to
a year,” Gohr shares.
Washington, though, before returning
modules fabricated for the North Slope, which remains a specialty 36 | January 2026
While working at VECO in the ‘90s,
Gohr
taught
the
Junior
Harvey Marlin.
to Alaska. The family lived in Juneau, Anchorage, the Kenai Peninsula,
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
and Fairbanks, moving around with
By 2000, Nordale was offered
her father’s public law career. “I feel
an ownership stake. GHEMM is
like that has really been a benefit
now a component of Bristol Bay
Nordale says she still enjoys going
for me in my business career, that
Industrial, an investment bank
to work every day. “I absolutely love
I’ve had the opportunity to live in
owned
it. Why do I love it? Because we help
lots of different parts of Alaska,”
Corporation.
Bay
Native
people bring their dreams and their by
plans to fruition,” she says. “And I
Associated General Contractors
feel like we’re making contributions
finance at the University of Denver
of
Hat
to our community and to our state.”
and took a job with insurance firm
Award in 2022. The organization,
Those dreams and plans are not
Willis Corroon Corporation. “GHEMM
of which Nordale was a past
just blueprints for bridges and
Company happened to be one of
p re s i d e n t ,
most
hospitals; GHEMM and Nordale also
the clients that I worked on when I
prestigious prize for those with a
contribute as role models for good
was there doing risk management,”
distinguished record of improving
business practices. “You have to be
she says. That relationship led to
the construction industry. Former
personally committed to the role of
the invitation to transition into the
GHEMM executives Conrad Frank
money in your life, and then you can
construction industry.
and
practice your own good skills using
Nordale studied marketing and
“I knew nothing about how to build a building,” Nordale admits, “and still today that's not my role.” Her interest
Nordale
Bristol
Marlin as a group in 1999.
Alaska
Bert
was with
honored its
re s e r v e s
Bell
w e re
Hard
its
l i k ew i s e
bestowed Hard Hat awards in 1981 and 2006, respectively.
One of those skills is prudent
Now Nordale joins the Alaska
lies in maximizing rates of return,
Business
profitability, and efficiencies.
previously
Hall
of
Fame,
inducted
the owner’s money,” she says.
which
Geraghty,
saving. “I want to make sure that on the last day I have enough money to pay the bills,” Nordale advises.
From everyone at
GHEMM Company & Bristol Bay Industrial
Congratulations Meg on being inducted in the 2026 Alaska Business Hall of Fame
GHEMM Company, LLC 3861 Schacht Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701
C O M PA N Y L L C
www.akbizmag.com
(907) 452-5191 | WWW.GHEMM.COM
Alaska Business
January 2026 | 37
J U N I O R AC H I E V E M E N T
Nordale says.
by
Heflinger, Erickson, Mitchell, and
management office in San Francisco, CIRI gave Gore a new responsibility. “When I was with a land company,
J U N I O R AC H I E V E M E N T
they bought a couple of multi-family [complexes], and everybody went on vacation and left me holding the bag,” she recalls. CIRI eventually sold the portfolio of 3,000 apartments to five buyers for a 30 percent return on investment after ten years. Gore had to come by her business savvy naturally. She had a job from the time she was 12 and never went to college. “I didn’t grow up in a business environment, but I grew up with parents that worked very hard,” she says. “It was never dark or negative; it was fun, surrounded by family, surrounded by neighbors.” Creating neighborhoods was Gore’s job for the last twenty-five years Alaska Business
Meg Nordale GHEMM Company
at Cook Inlet Housing Authority, a nonprofit affiliate of CIRI. “When I moved to a nonprofit from a for-profit business, I didn’t think any different: the bottom line mattered,” says Gore.
Carol Gore
That three-letter word turned Gore’s
“If you’re investing in people and
“I’m probably the only person
résumé into a “scramble” of jobs:
you’re investing in community, you
you’ll ever meet who played classical
guitar teacher, print shop apprentice,
will get a return on investment.”
and jazz on accordion,” says Carol
debt collector for airlines, accountant
Gore. The squeezebox led her to her
for a construction company that
became her new family, so it was
first job.
also disbursed fishing crew shares.
hard to leave in 2023. However, she
Whenever
an
says the response to the COVID-19
opportunity, Gore said, “Wow, they
pandemic convinced her she had
think I can do this. I think I’ll try it.”
taught her team everything they
Growing up in a trailer home in
Anchorage’s
Mountain
View
neighborhood (plus some time spent
someone
offered
Cook
Inlet
Housing
Authority
at grade school in Cordova), Gore
As another example, she didn’t
needed. “My best achievement is
was taking accordion lessons until
know anything about marketing
knowing when the next generation
her parents could no longer afford
when she was hired to do marketing
was ready to take leadership at Cook
the $3 fee. Her music tutor made a
for Cook Inlet Region, Incorporated
Inlet Housing, having the courage to
deal: she could study for free if she
(CIRI). Gore is a shareholder of the
give up what was family to me… to
worked in the office on Saturdays.
Alaska Native regional corporation
know it was time to ‘pass the drum’ to
“That’s where I learned accounting,”
and an enrolled tribal member of
that generation,” she says.
says Gore. “If someone asks you to
Ninilchik, where her mother is from.
do something, you should probably say ‘yes.’” 38 | January 2026
After uncovering embezzlement at
the
c o r p o ra t i o n’s
m o n ey
No one would’ve intentionally designed a path like hers, Gore admits, but it makes sense because,
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
at every turn, it was all about understanding people. She says, “If I didn’t say ‘yes’ to things I didn’t
J U N I O R AC H I E V E M E N T
have a clue how to do, I wouldn’t have had the career that I had. And it’s been amazing.”
Dean Weidner He owns more homes in Alaska than anyone else, yet none are where he hangs his hat. Dean Weidner of Kirkland, Washington, is the closest thing to an Alaskan billionaire. He doesn’t live here anymore, but he’s touched countless lives. One of those lives was Gore’s. “I’d eight years, and I get a call from a guy named Dean Weidner. Well, I don’t know who he is,” she recalls. “Turns
Carol Gore Cook Inlet Housing
out he thought I was a competitor.”
www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
Alaska Business
been at Cook Inlet Housing for, like,
January 2026 | 39
from Fresno State University). Last fall, he received the Chancellor’s Award from the Wisconsin school.
J U N I O R AC H I E V E M E N T
“The multifamily portion of real estate is possibly the best business ever because we provide one of the three critical needs of life. Everyone needs air to breathe,
Weidner Apar tment Homes
food to eat, and shelter,” Weidner said in his acceptance speech. “Regardless
of
the
economy,
our product is needed.” He
cautioned
that
property
management is hard work, involving physical and financial maintenance. “It also requires ‘people skills’ to assist in management as well as thoughtful analysis and research. Consequently, if you are willing to work hard, set goals, and patiently work your asset, you will be greatly rewarded,” he said. Weidner’s company hasn’t yet
Dean Weidner Weidner Apartment Homes
achieved the co-located project with Cook Inlet Housing Authority that Gore proposed; the proposal is tied
Gore and Weidner arrived at a
properties, renting nearly 73,000
up with the D Street District Plan. His
new understanding. “I think we
units. The National Multi-Family
staff, though, sometimes co-locates
should be partners,” Gore told him.
Housing Council ranks him as the
workspace with the nonprofit.
“You build market [-rate] housing, I
twelfth largest apartment owner
build affordable; why can’t we be co-
in the United States.
located? I didn’t know he was a really big shot, and he never partners!”
in Anchorage for his team; they
To give back some of those billions,
to our office. He made donations
Weidner got his start in the
Property Management and Real
to our housing, and away went the
industry as a teenager in Colorado.
Estate Program at the UAA College
competitor. Who cared? We were
His mother taught him how to
of Business and Public Policy. For
all in it together.”
manage his family’s duplex and
that
the
Indeed, when Gore retired from
fourplex apartments at 14. He
Alaska Chapter of the Association of
Cook Inlet Housing Authority, she
bought his first property in Seattle
Fundraising Professionals honored
went to work directly for Weidner,
in 1977. He became an executive
him with the 2021 Outstanding
overseeing his philanthropic giving,
for
Philanthropist of the Year award.
special projects, and advocacy. She
West,
and
and
e n t e re d
Tours,
Alaska
Cruise
and
endowed
other
the
have an office here, but they came
Weidner
TravAlaska
Weidner
Gore says, “We became his office
donations,
Sightseeing
Weidner has also donated millions
says she’s working more hours
A n c h o ra g e
to the University of Wisconsin-Stout
than ever, it seems. “We have just
in Menomonie (not his alma mater;
a
Homes
his bachelor’s degree is from the
says of Weidner. “I would work
has grown to approximately 320
University of Colorado and his MBA
for him for free.”
the
apartment market in 1981. We i d n e r
Apartment
40 | January 2026
delightful
relationship,”
she
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
J U N I O R AC H I E V E M E N T
www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
January 2026 | 41
J U N I O R AC H I E V E M E N T
Educator and Volunteer of the Year Outstanding JA teachers learn from students By Vanessa Orr
W
hen
children
think
To
reach
as
many
children
about the future, they
as possible, JA relies on a lot of
dream about a world
educators and volunteers; in fact, the
of possibilities. Whether that’s finding
program couldn’t run without them.
a career they love, owning their own
Two Alaskans have been honored this
business, or being financially secure
year for going above and beyond for
in whatever field they choose, there
JA and the children it serves.
are no limits as to what they believe they can accomplish. To achieve these goals, they need
Educator of the Year
to start smart—and that’s where
Cindy Trawicki, a teacher at Mears
Junior Achievement ( JA) comes in.
Middle School in Anchorage, first
JA helps teach children the skills
learned about JA in 1998 when she
they need to succeed in life—from
was hired to teach fifth grade.
being ready for the workplace or
“The [ JA] program is wonderful;
buying a first car to starting and
volunteers come into the classroom
successfully running a company.
and teach students about money,
42 | January 2026
Cindy Trawicki
Mears Middle School Cindy Trawicki
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
“Students don’t want to spend a lot of money on technical few jobs available in that field… The JA curriculum projects where job market needs will be in the future.” Cindy Trawicki Family and Consumer Science Educator Mears Middle School
finance,
budgeting,
earning
or
paying interest, and more,” she says. “It not only teaches financial literacy but JA makes lessons relevant to students’ lives.” When Trawicki was transferred to teach kindergarten the next year, and later as an elementary art teacher, she wasn’t able to take part in the JA program. But in January 2024, she took on a new role, teaching Family and Consumer Science (FCS) at Mears Middle School. “Since the Anchorage School District didn’t have an adopted curriculum for FCS, I used the Family
and
National
Consumer
S t a n d a rd s
to
Science
Come Together Your space for any occasion
guide
curriculum decisions,” she says. “I focused on four main learning goals: and
cooking,
food
kitchen
handling;
safety,
hand
and
machine sewing; the American Red Cross babysitting class including first aid, CPR, and how to use an AED; and Junior Achievement financial literacy programs.” Trawicki got in touch with Flora Teo,
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CEO and president of JA of Alaska, to bring the program to her classroom. Trawicki now teaches three different JA curricula to students in 6th to 8th grade, a different curriculum at each grade level. www.akbizmag.com
907.263.2850 Anchorageconventioncenters.com ASM Global is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management – delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 350 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention, and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues.
Alaska Business
January 2026 | 43
J U N I O R AC H I E V E M E N T
schools or a higher education only to discover that there are
J U N I O R AC H I E V E M E N T
“I’m spoiled
“It’s really important to introduce
when you’re 16?’ and we figure
students to this material,” she says.
out how much they need to save
because my dad
“So many Americans are in debt;
monthly,”
many can’t pay their credit card
are actively planning their future
balances in full each month. They
instead of passively watching life
don’t know how to create and stay
unfold. They are also becoming goal
within a budget and are not saving
oriented, learning how to fund big
in terms of what
and investing enough money for their
expenses without going into debt.
futures. Unfortunately, many parents
These are great life skills that will
things cost… For
aren’t knowledgeable about or take
stay with them forever.”
me, it was second
financial literacy.”
was a banker, and we always thought
nature, but it’s not for most kids. JA helps to teach them about handling money.” Carl Propes Former President Scan Home Furniture
the time to teach their children about
Trawicki.
“They
Trawicki sees value in preparing pre-teens for their teenage life
She adds that many middle school
choices. “When they get that first
students have never balanced a
job and are excited to have cash in
budget and don’t know how to make
their pocket, it’s up to them to make
informed
their
decisions on how they will save,
money. “They haven’t learned to
invest, or use the money they earn,”
differentiate between wants versus
she adds. “The more information
needs,” she says with a laugh. “In this
people have, the better decisions they
age group, everything is a need.”
make. This knowledge puts them in
decisions
about
One way to get students excited
control of their destinies.”
about saving money is by teaching
In Anchorage schools, FCS is part
them about interest rates and how
of the district’s Career Technical
money can grow over time, says
Education (CTE) Department, which
Trawicki. “In the 6th grade, most
focuses on offering courses that
students don’t understand passive
prepare students for a variety of
income,” she explains.
high-wage, high-skill, and high-
The
curriculum
also
covers
demand
careers.
setting prices for work that young
the
CTE
entrepreneurs
might
ASD
Both
JA
and
department
help
do,
like
students focus on the future by
lawns,
or
using a national framework called
shoveling snow. “JA teaches students
“career clusters”—groups of related
about the fixed and variable costs
jobs and industries that share
of running a small business, how to
common
calculate profits, the soft skills that
educational pathways.
babysitting,
mowing
skills,
interests,
and
employers are looking for, and so
Through career mapping, students
much more,” she adds. “Students
can see what steps are required
are definitely interested in learning
to work and grow within their
about how to earn money.”
preferred career cluster. Becoming
Students also learn how to set
an electrician, for example, requires
goals and save for items they really
a high school diploma or GED,
want like a car, technical school, or
enrolling in a technical training
a college education.
program, then taking part in an
“I ask them, ‘How much money do you need to save to buy a car 44 | January 2026
says
apprenticeship. CTE and JA walk students through the process.
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
“The JA lessons include time for
them to focus on the future, they
students to learn about their values,
them, but one of our Mears Middle
start asking themselves, ‘What do
abilities, talents, and interests to see
School
be
I want and how do I get there?’ This
what types of careers might be a
resilient. I teach students that they
type of forward thinking is very
good fit for them,” says Trawicki.
can do hard things.”
meaningful, motivational, and life-
before
hitting
concepts
may
expectations
is
to
the
Another life lesson that JA teaches
workforce, students can put these
is to get into an education program
She adds that the JA curriculum
lessons to work, earning college
and stick with it. Trawicki says, “Some
is easy for teachers to use and
credits and certifications at ASD’s
middle school students have never
includes
King Tech High School.
set goals before, but by getting
slideshows that are relevant and up
changing for students.”
t e a c h e r ’s
manuals,
“JA and CTE classes teach students how to find a job, which includes résumé writing, interview skills, how to present themselves, and how to stand out in the field,” says Trawicki. “I directly teach the soft skills of polite, professional communication, teamwork,
p ro b l e m
solving,
adaptability, critical thinking skills, punctuality, work ethic, interpersonal skills,
dependability,
so
that
the
level
students of
and
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more
understand
professionalism
employers are seeking.” Trawicki
notes
that
JA
also
focuses on careers that will be in demand in the future. “Students don’t want to spend a lot of money on technical schools or a higher education only to discover that there are few jobs available
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in that field,” says Trawicki. “The JA curriculum projects where job market needs will be in the future, so students can study in a field that will be hiring when they are looking for full-time employment.” Now in her twenty-eighth year of teaching, Trawicki continues to promote JA for the positive influence it has on young people’s lives. “Children
are
doing,
asking,
becoming, and are excited to do things that they never thought they could,” she says. “Some of www.akbizmag.com
907-746-6750 907-746-6750
I
JDSteel.com I JDSteel.com
Alaska Business
I
511 East East Steel Steel Loop Loop I 511
I
I
Palmer, AK Palmer, AK 99645 99645
January 2026 | 45
J U N I O R AC H I E V E M E N T
challenge
Even
these
to date, excellent lesson topics, and
which in some ways is easier than
numerous extension activities to
teaching high school students or
pique students’ interest.
middle schoolers. In other ways, it’s
J U N I O R AC H I E V E M E N T
“I recently had a 6th grader with
Carl Propes
his cellphone out during the JA
“It’s always fun for kids to have a
lesson, and I confiscated it since
different teacher—it’s like being a
students are not allowed to have
substitute teacher, but the regular
phones out during school hours,”
teacher is usually on the premises to
says
he
keep control, which is important at
apologized, saying that he had his
these grade levels,” he observes with
phone out so he could take photos
a laugh. “The kids seem to really enjoy
of the JA slides. He was so interested
it; oftentimes after you leave, they
in the material that he wanted to
deliver thank you cards to show how
make sure he didn’t forget it. That’s
much they appreciated you coming
how meaningful this information
into their classroom.”
Trawicki.
“After
class,
was for a 12 year old!”
Volunteer of the Year For more than twenty years,
JA Our Nation curriculum, says that the lessons are good for young kids, especially since they
Carl Propes has volunteered with
contain
JA. Now retired as the president
keep their attention.
numerous
activities
to
of Scan Home Furniture, which
“I talk to them about businesses
he sold in 2021, the businessman
and how they work. And, in a
believes not only in giving back
short amount of time, they get
to the community but in teaching
to brainstorm to start their own
students skills for life.
business, keep track of what they sell,
“It’s pretty obvious that kids today
track revenues and expenses, and
need more grounding in math, in
learn how to price things… most of
business, and in a lot of the basics
which they’ve probably never thought
that you use in everyday life,” he
of before,” he says.
explains. “They don’t seem to get that
“I’m spoiled because my dad
at school or at home anymore a lot
was a banker, and we always
of the time, so I’m really glad to have
thought in terms of what things
found JA.”
cost and what was a fair price
Propes, 72, came to Alaska in the
and the importance of saving
mid-‘70s to work on the oil pipeline
m o n ey
and started his furniture business
account,” he adds. “For me, it was
in the early ‘80s. He joined JA as a
second nature, but it ’s not for
volunteer because he believed in its
most kids. JA helps to teach them
mission and has taught almost every
about handling money.”
grade level during his two decades of service.
Propes
and
opening
volunteers
a
bank
three
to
five times a school year, fitting it
“The last couple of years, I’ve specialized in the 3rd and 4th grade, 46 | January 2026
Propes, who teaches the JA Our Region, JA Our Community, and
Scan Home Furniture Patricia Morales | Alaska Businesss
more challenging,” he says.
around his busy travel schedule now that he is retired.
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
you for who you are and what you
the kids do,” he says of his interaction
know,” he adds. “I totally encourage
with
generation.
more people to take the first step
“My own kids are long gone, and
and try it. See if you like it. If you
I live alone; it’s kind of a lonely
find value in it for yourself and
existence. So it’s great to go into the
for the kids, maybe you’ll want
classroom and be surrounded by all
to do it more often.”
the
younger
of these young minds, absorbing
Propes, who also volunteers at the
things, and seeing their hands
food bank and frequently donates
go up—it’s exciting.”
blood, says that he has noticed an
He adds that JA is always looking for
volunteers
and
that
first-
timers shouldn’t be intimidated by
the
idea
of
standing
in
front of a classroom.
uptick in recently retired people volunteering their time. “Junior Achievement is a great opportunity
for
people
looking
for something to fill their days; it
“If I can do it, it’s not that difficult,”
challenges us to get us out of our
he quips. “The first time might make
comfort zones and do things for the
you a little uneasy, but it’s just a
kids,” he says. “It’s been a great fit for
bunch of kids. You can’t do anything
me, which is why I think more people
wrong if you just talk to them.”
should get off their duffs and try it.
Propes generally feels welcome in the classroom. “They’ll appreciate
You may find it reinvigorates your retirement!”
“I get at least as much out of it as the kids do… It’s great to go into the classroom and be surrounded by all of these young minds, absorbing things, and seeing their hands go up—it’s exciting.” Carl Propes Former President Scan Home Furniture
proudly supporting
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Alaska Business
January 2026 | 47
J U N I O R AC H I E V E M E N T
“I get at least as much out of it as
J U N I O R AC H I E V E M E N T
Tough Questions Shape a Winning Plan A Junior Achievement experience By Olivia Okeahialam
I
wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to Junior Achievement of Alaska for the opportunity to participate in the Alaska Entrepreneurship Week Youth Shark Tank pitch program. Winning
the competition was an amazing honor, but what I value most is everything I learned along the way. The process pushed me to think critically about my business plan, from identifying my target audience to refining how I present my ideas with confidence and purpose. Nightlight Labs is my idea for a business to bring back the magic of sleepovers, without the overnight stress. I created a place where kids can enjoy themed rooms, pajamas, and fun, science-inspired activities while parents get a worry-free night out. As a 15-year-old student who loves creativity, learning, and helping others, I want Nightlight Labs to glow as bright as the ideas it inspires. The feedback I received from the judges during Alaska Entrepreneurship Week was truly an invaluable bonus. Your dedication to dig deep and ask the tough questions helped awaken perspectives I hadn’t considered before. It challenged me to look at my plan through new lenses and think more strategically about how to grow and improve it. That type of insight is something I’ll carry with me far beyond this experience. Through Junior Achievement, I have learned that experience really is one of
Olivia Okeahialam Alaska Entrepreneurship Week Youth Shark Tank Winner
life’s best teachers. I’m so thankful for the time, effort, and expertise each of you shared to make this opportunity possible. It’s definitely earned a top spot on my list of meaningful learning moments. 48 | January 2026
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
J U N I O R AC H I E V E M E N T
What It Means to Be an Entrepreneur A Junior Achievement experience By Harper Smith
A
ttending Junior Achievement of Alaska Biz Kids Summer Camp this summer was an incredible experience for me. Before camp, I had the opportunity to participate in JA in a Day at my former elementary
school and learned about financial literacy in a fun and engaging way. The camp allowed me to meet with kids my age from other schools across the city and opened our eyes to the world of business. My idea was called Get Sporty, a unique retail and entertainment experience where you can try on and test out sports gear. From softball and baseball to skiing and snowboarding, my store would offer a variety of products and allow customers to test out their gear and make their purchase. Through hands-on activities and lessons at camp, I learned about finance, entrepreneurship, profits, and investing. JA Biz Camp felt like school—but better. We created posters to help judges visualize our ideas and pitched our businesses for a chance to win $50 for our startup. One of the most valuable lessons I learned was what it means to be an entrepreneur: someone who builds a business from the ground up. That idea really stuck with me and made me excited about my future. I am incredibly grateful to all the businesses and donors who support
Harper Smith Junior Achievement of Alaska Biz Kids Summer Camp Attendee
JA programs. Whether I am participating in JA in a Day or attending Biz Camp, your support is helping shape my education and giving me the tools for financial literacy and business ownership. www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
January 2026 | 49
J U N I O R AC H I E V E M E N T
No Ordinary Lemonade A Junior Achievement experience By Rylan Shiryayev
M
y name is Rylan, and I went to Junior Achievement of Alaska Biz Kids Summer Camp. When I was at Biz Kids camp, I got to do lots of things like play fun games and learn lots of interesting
things about businesses. I learned about debt, taxes, income, money, and how to invest. I played games to learn about debt and income. One of the games that I
played was a game where I owned a hot dog stand, and I would roll a die, and whatever number the die landed on, I would match it with the number on the paper that had a scenario to run your business. You could roll something really good or bad. For example, one of the scenarios was that you would buy the hot dogs for $20 but sell them for $10, resulting in loss of profit. One of the other activities we did was to think up an idea for a business. My business was called Sunshine Lemonade. It was no ordinary lemonade stand; it was a lemonade truck with a vast menu. My idea at first was just a regular lemonade truck, but before I knew it, it had turned into a lemonade truck with dragon fruit lemonade, peach lemonade, and even weekly specials. There were several things that I learned from JA that helped me. Learning about debt and income really helped because I had to calculate how much the ingredients would cost and how much I would make. Then I had to combine how much I made with how much everything cost to see if I would have made
Rylan Shiryayev Junior Achievement of Alaska Biz Kids Summer Camp Attendee
money or lost money. I would like to thank JA’s supporters for continuing to sponsor the camp and teach kids about important stuff like debt, income, and investing. 50 | January 2026
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
J U N I O R AC H I E V E M E N T
Cheers to
ED GOHR Hall of Fame Inductee Delta Constructors proudly congratulates our CEO, Ed Gohr, on his induction into the Alaska Business Hall of Fame. His steady leadership and commitment to excellence have guided our team and contributed to Alaska’s economic strength. We’re honored to celebrate this remarkable achievement.
deltaconstructors.net www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
January 2026 | 51
Judy Patrick | Tatitlek Chenega Chugach
I N D U ST RY S U P P O RT S E RV I C E S
Remove and Restore Spill response teams protect Alaska’s land and waters
T
By Rachael Kvapil hirty-six years have passed
spill
since
the
organizations
Exxon
Valdez
response
Conservation
to
avoid
incidents are generally small and
Spill
another catastrophic event. Cook
quickly contained, and the substances
(EVOS), when 11 million gallons of
Inlet Spill Prevention and Response,
are removed before any major impact
crude contaminated Prince William
Inc. (CISPRI) and the Southeast Alaska
can occur. This is due to careful
Sound (PWS). The memory of the
Petroleum Response Organization
planning among spill response teams,
event remains strong, as oil and gas
(SEAPRO) both formed in 1990 and
private companies, and dedicated
producers maintain close alliances
registered with the state as primary
community involvement.
with spill response organizations
response action contractors (PRACs).
“People tend to focus on big oil
and
they
These nonprofit cooperatives draw
spills,” says David Owings, general
have developed plans, acquired
their membership from companies
manager of SEAPRO, “but in my
equipment, and maintained training
operating in their respective regions.
opinion, there is no such thing as a
to ensure any hazardous material
Currently, there are fifteen registered
small oil spill. People are very alert
spilled on land or in water is
PRACs statewide.
to oil in the water.”
companies.
catastrophic Oil
Together,
immediately contained and removed.
prevention
and
formed
each
year.
These
EVOS was an extreme event that
Owings says SEAPRO typically
has not been repeated in Alaska;
receive several spill notifications
From Sheen to Clean
however, on average, approximately
a year. Once notified, it begins a
The aftermath of EVOS changed
2,000 oil and hazardous substance
safety assessment that includes
how the United States prevents and
spills are reported to the Alaska
identifying the type of product
responds to oil spills. Several regional
Department
spilled, the amount, the location,
52 | January 2026
of
Environmental
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
and the current weather forecast.
respecting those boundaries is
Chugach Alaska Corporation began
He says this assessment occurs
just as important as completing
providing
quickly
and
response and remediation.
response, and support maintenance
people
looking
at
many
d i f f e re n t
PRACs work with private spill
prevention,
services to Alyeska Pipeline Service
Stewardship in Action
facets of the equation.
spill
Once
the
visible
surface
Company in Valdez through its Ship oil
Escort Response Vessel System
response companies under the
from EVOS was cleaned up from
(SERVS)
incident command system (ICS), a
PWS beaches, Tatitlek Chenega
later, Chugach teamed up with
national standard for emergency
Chugach (TCC) formed to become
Tatitlek Corporation and Chenega
response. This framework brings
stewards of the region. In 1990,
Corporation to form TCC.
together
multiple
contract.
A
few
years
agencies,
including local, state, and federal representatives; remediation
response
teams;
and
and
any
responsible parties into a unified command
structure
for
better
planning,
communication,
and
resource management. For SEAPRO, this structure may also include representatives from Canada. Owings says SEAPRO has maintained an incredible
working
relationship
with its counterparts in Canada, including
collaborating
on
the
EQUIPMENT RENTAL & MAINTENANCE | OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE PRODUCT SOLUTIONS | WELL TESTING | COILED TUBING CONSTRUCTION | CONFINED SPACE TRAINING R-STAMP PRESSURE VESSEL REPAIR
equipment and vessels used for response and remediation. “What they use, we use,” says Owings. “We train so that either side can step on each other’s vessels and automatically know how to run them and the equipment on them.” Other important relationships factor into a successful response,
LEADERS IN ALASKA’S ENERGY INNOVATION
Owings adds. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration generates site-specific forecasts that help response teams move people on
and
water
equipment or
land.
safely
Likewise,
representatives from the State Historic
P re s e r v a t i o n
Office
will identify culturally sensitive
PROJECT MANAGEMENT | ENVIRONMENTAL | REMEDIATION MULTIDISCIPLE ENGINEERING | TALENT SOLUTIONS SPILL PREVENTION & RESPONSE PLANNING
areas that may be off limits or require
special
Owings
says
www.akbizmag.com
requirements. honoring
and
(907) 339-6200
|
Alaska Business
INFO@ASRCENERGY.COM
|
ASRCENERGY.COM
January 2026 | 53
I N D U ST RY S U P P O RT S E RV I C E S
involves
oil
I N D U ST RY S U P P O RT S E RV I C E S During Alyeska’s Fishing Vessel Training program, TCC crews deploy oil spill response equipment, ensuring local mariners are ready to protect Alaska’s coastline if called upon. Tatitlek Chenega Chugach
For the past thirty years, it has
minimizes the risk of spills and
and
legacy
trained SERVS crews, the cornerstone
contamination.
sites
with
of oil spill prevention in PWS.
rare
Likewise, TCC supported Alyeska
waters, lands, and communities,
Much
Pipeline with oil spill and emergency
TCC is fully prepared to respond
tailors
response services, oil spill prevention
swiftly and effectively.
ICS framework. After an initial
support, and oil spill boom and
events
However, threaten
when
Alaska’s
contamination historical
at
pollution
requiring long-term cleanup. like its
other
PRACs,
TCC
response
within
the
Several types of events require
assessment, it deploys measures to
during
spill response and remediation.
contain the spill to prevent further
normal and emergency operations,
Andersen cites triggers such as
spread; removes spilled material and
drills, exercises, and training.
vessel groundings, where marine
protects sensitive areas; segregates,
“TCC has stood guard over Prince
accidents risk fuel or cargo release;
transports, and documents waste
William Sound for more than three
pipeline leaks caused by failures
for compliance; addresses residual
decades,” says Chugach Alaska COO
along the Trans Alaska Pipeline
contamination
Peter Andersen. “Our mission is
System or related infrastructure;
recovery;
stewardship in action: Honoring our
industrial
as
reports and reviews actions taken;
lands and communities, maintaining
chemical or petroleum releases at
and restores the impacted area and
an exceptional performance and
refineries, tank farms, or transport
updates plans based on lessons
safety record, and ensuring Alaska’s
hubs;
learned during the event.
most critical waters are protected by
via rail, truck, or air involving
people who know them best.”
h a z a rd o u s
equipment
deployments
Andersen says prevention is the
accidents
transportation
disasters
materials; such
as
such
incidents n a t u ra l
earthquakes,
and
monitors
prepares
regulatory
Traditional Ecological Knowledge
priority. Through rigorous planning,
floods, or severe weather that
TCC blends Native heritage with
maintenance, and monitoring, TCC
compromise containment systems;
environmental stewardship in its
54 | January 2026
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
approach to protecting PWS, relying on traditional ecological knowledge ground team
decision-making.
members
are
Many
from
local
Native communities and have a generational understanding of tides, currents, weather patterns, wildlife behavior, and shoreline conditions. Andersen
says
this
knowledge
directly strengthens TCC’s ability to respond effectively in complex marine environments. “Our playbook blends traditional ecological knowledge, regulatory standards, and decades of hardearned experience,” says Andersen. “We tailor each response to local conditions because what works in
By training the crews of fishing vessels in marine hazardous waste operations, response contractors strengthen on-the-spot readiness.
Prince William Sound is informed by us, the people who live there.”
Judy Patrick | Tatitlek Chenega Chugach
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January 2026 | 55
I N D U ST RY S U P P O RT S E RV I C E S
in planning, training, and on-the-
I N D U ST RY S U P P O RT S E RV I C E S
From Prince William Sound to the waters off Homer and Kodiak, and even along the Trans Alaska Pipeline System in the Interior, TCC crews provide vital oil spill response and prevention services that safeguard Alaska’s lands and waters. Tatitlek Chenega Chugach
TCC has logged more than a million hours without a lost-time
its unique, niche expertise to meet
all oil products are the same. For
challenges in other locations.
instance, crude oil has a different
accident, earning multiple safety
viscosity and different properties than
Equipped for the Challenge
refined oil, and those characteristics
Alyeska Pipeline and the State of
Since a spill could occur at any
affect
Alaska. That reputation has spread
time, at any size, PRACs and other
far and wide. When the Deepwater
spill
need
During the recovery process, solid
Horizon oil spill occurred in the Gulf
sufficient equipment and trained
waste is often removed, along with
of Mexico in 2010, responders there
staff to handle any situation. For
oil, making it necessary to segregate
requested TCC’s services to help
oil spills, the most common types
the different contaminants before
train local fishermen. TCC received
of equipment are water vessels;
they are transported to certified
follow-up
support
floating booms of various sizes to
treatment and disposal facilities.
operations and training in nearly
contain the spill; skimmers, sorbents,
When possible, responders try to
every area of the Deepwater Horizon
and vacuum systems to remove oil
recover and recycle “weathered”
response. At the height of the
from the water surface; portable
oil,
effort, TCC hired 66 oil spill trainers/
tanks and bladders to hold and
However, Paxton says this only
specialists
and
transfer recovered materials; and
occurs if the weathered oil is
trained more than 5,000 personnel
personal protective equipment that
re c ov e re d
and provided oversight services
ensures responder safety.
evaporation,
and
performance
requests
who
awards
to
performed
from
response
companies
Todd Paxton, general manager
at several locations in the Gulf of
says
the
variety
contamination
is
contained and recovered.
crude,
or
refined
b e f o re
product.
significant
emulsification,
oxidation, or biodegradation.
Mexico. The spill response effort
of
of
“It depends on how long weathered
demonstrated TCC’s ability to apply
equipment is necessary because not
oil floats around,” says Paxton.
56 | January 2026
CISPRI,
how
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
piece of equipment and how to deploy
starts retaining more water, and the
it but it also allows crews to develop
characteristics of oil change from
contingency
viscous to tar balls. If we pick it up
situations,” says Paxton. “This means
soon enough, the product could be
crews are ready 24/7, 365 days a year,
returned instead of being disposed of
should a spill occur.”
as hazardous waste.”
plans
for
different
In his fifteen years with CISPRI,
Weathered oil that can’t be recycled
Paxton says he hasn’t had to respond
and returned to the owner will be
to a major spill in the Cook Inlet.
treated biologically or chemically
Given the organization’s success,
at a regulated site.
Paxton says he plans to expand
Responders
must
complete
CISPRI’s reach to other parts of
Hazardous Waste Operations and
Alaska. In the next year, he plans to
Emergency Response training and
reorganize as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit
attend annual refresher programs,
social welfare group to rebrand
in addition to learning ICS protocols.
several of its services.
Depending on their experience, skill acquisition is progressive and handson, given that PRACs conduct spill response training regularly. “Regular training not only ensures that crews know the location of every
The Final Farewell While
memories
of
E VO S
have sharpened the focus of oil spill prevention, other types of contaminants
have
also
made
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Alaska Business
January 2026 | 57
I N D U ST RY S U P P O RT S E RV I C E S
“The longer it’s exposed, the more it
I N D U ST RY S U P P O RT S E RV I C E S
The oil spill response vessel Rudyerd Bay practices deploying skimmers, the first line of defense among containment equipment. The 48-foot boat, carrying three personnel, was designed for precisely this purpose. SE APRO
involved, and any nearby sensitive areas to ensure the right response from the state. Teams are outfitted with vacuum trucks, boom and skimmers, pumps, and portable tanks for product recovery, as well as heavy equipment to excavate soil and haul it to a treatment facility. When conditions dictate, liquids are transported by vacuum truck, tanker, or standardized portable tanks mounted on trailers. Smaller volumes may be packaged and shipped in drums or intermediate bulk containers. Soil and solid materials are loaded into dump trucks,
side-dump
trailers,
or
intermodal open-top containers, which can be hauled by chassis, rail, or barge. All materials are packaged in regulatory-compliant containers
appropriate
for
their specific classification and transport requirements. “Our treatment facilities are capable of handling all types of contaminated headlines in Alaska. Across the state,
temperature thermal oxidizer capable
materials, including water and soil,”
per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
of remediating hydrocarbons at any
says Melton. “Recovered fuels are
(PFAS)
contamination level.
recycled, and
have
been
identified
in
thermally
treated
groundwater. This “forever chemical,”
“We also have the capability to
soils may be beneficially reused in
a synthetic substance used in many
treat low levels of PFAS in soil and
accordance with State regulations.”
products, is one contaminant Republic
water,” says Matt Melton, Republic
Services knows how to manage
Services general manager for Alaska.
off-site
management,
Republic
from beginning to end.
“Additionally, our facility is equipped
Services
p rov i d e s
compliant
Republic Services, which entered
with an advanced wet scrubber on
solutions that include shipment to
Alaska in 1995 as Republic Waste
the exhaust stack, ensuring that air
US Environmental Protection Agency-
Industries, is not a registered PRAC,
emissions consistently meet stringent
permitted treatment, storage, and
but it does provide oil response and
state air quality regulations.”
disposal facilities in the Lower 48
For hazardous wastes requiring
plan compliance services, in addition
Republic Services staff operate
for further treatment and secure
to disaster response on land and
a dedicated call center to provide
landfill disposal, as required by
water, biohazard decontamination,
comprehensive support. Every call
regulation. Through effective cleanup
and the treatment of contaminated
is routed directly to a Spill Project
and remediation, Melton says these
materials
Republic
Manager, an experienced specialist
sites are restored and no longer
Facility
who quickly assesses the scope and
present a threat to human health or
in North Pole operates a high-
scale of the incident, the materials
ecological well-being.
Services’
statewide. Moose
58 | January 2026
Creek
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
I N D U ST RY S U P P O RT S E RV I C E S
www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
January 2026 | 59
Alaska Native village corporation
thousands
for Wainwright, which operates and
of
workers
rotate through micro towns
located in some of the coldest,
Hut Away from Home
From
preventing
equipment
most remote regions of the state to
breakdowns to serving hot meals to
work on projects for the oil and gas,
ensuring polar bears don’t crash the
mining, or construction industries.
camp, it takes knowledge, experience,
For weeks (sometimes months) at
and a dash of adaptability to ensure a
a time, these workers live, sleep,
smooth, efficient operation.
will disappear once the project is
A Home in the Middle
completed, leaving behind minimal
of Nowhere Early mancamps were makeshift
evidence of its existence.
Building and operation of mancamps By Amy Newman
Known as mancamps, though they
affairs. That changed when the Trans
house both men and women, the
Alaska Pipeline System was built
temporary housing is a necessity,
in the ‘70s, Church says. Canadian
born
companies like ATCO Structures
of
the
impracticality
and
astronomical cost of transporting
began
workers to remote worksites on
modular buildings that could be
a daily basis. Depending on the
loaded onto flatbeds or skis and
project’s size, camps can house
delivered to remote worksites, where
anywhere from dozens to hundreds
construction crews would assemble
of workers. Making sure these camps
and configure them to meet the
are comfortable, well-stocked, and
company’s needs.
p ro d u c i n g
stackable,
well-run is integral to maintaining a
“What we’ve evolved from is making
workforce that is happy, productive
a makeshift wooden cabin or a
and, above all else, safe.
dugout to now having a consistent
“[Mancamps] fulfill a critical need
product that can protect and make
in Alaska’s infrastructure world,” says
you safe, warm, and comfortable
Seth Church, owner of Fairbanks-
while extracting resources or creating
based
infrastructure in Alaska,” Church says.
general
contractor
Jewel
Isaac, which offers camp setup,
The
means
and
methods
of
relocation, logistics management,
constructing mancamps vary and
and deconstruction. “From the time
depend largely on the project’s
of gold being found up here to now,
duration, location, the building
if you don’t have good housing, you’re
timeline—and,
not safe.”
business is involved, finances.
Setting up the camps and keeping
60 | January 2026
leases camps in the North Slope.
and eat in temporary housing that
Olgoonik Oilf ield Ser vices
I N D U ST RY S U P P O RT S E RV I C E S
E
very year across Alaska,
as
always
when
“Generally, it’s all a matter of
them operational requires an entire
economics
and
time,”
Church
crew and paying attention to lots of
says. “Do [employers] need to get
moving parts.
what will work to satisfy a housing
“There’s a lot going on with these
requirement, or do they have time to
little remote camps,” says James
plan? When they have time to plan,
Nunley, general manager of Olgoonik
they care very much about what they
Oilfield Services, a subsidiary of the
want and can be very choosy.”
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
Drill camps or projects that will
connected
wagon-train
style
is the power car, and power cords
take several years are typically nicer
groups of three to five, loaded onto
run down and over the top to bring
and more complete than camps for
skis, and hauled to the worksite.
the entire train online. It’s quite an
seasonal projects or ones that will
“The cat camps are really unique,
move every few months as work
like a self-contained RV on skis,”
progresses, such as building a
Nunley says. “They’re 40-foot trailers,
Happy, Healthy, and Fed
pipeline, Church adds.
10-feet wide. When you stop, they
While the method and means
intricate system.”
What’s considered nice is, of
put the stairs down. One trailer might
of
building
a
camp
vary,
the
course, relative. No matter the type
just be three rooms to sleep six men,
goal of every camp is simple and
of accommodations or amenities
two guys in a room. The front car
straightforward.
provided, a mancamp will never be mistaken for an upscale hotel. “A mancamp is not fancy by any means,” says Tyler Loken, owner of
Olson
Creek
Alaska,
which
rehabilitated two permanent camps
Innovative, cost effective housing with all the comforts of home
in West Cook Inlet and is working to bring a third online. “We try to make
Air Systems Deliver Fresh Air to Each Room!
it as nice as possible, but at the same time, it is a mancamp.” Olson Creek’s Beluga camp does fall on the upper end of the luxury scale, at least from a mancamp perspective, and is a departure from more traditional modular structures. Its double bunk rooms are housed in individual cabins, giving workers more privacy, a better night’s sleep, and the ability to semi-escape the work atmosphere. “It has a lot less mancamp feel, and the guys really appreciate that because they can have their own rooms,” he says. “In a mancamp scenario, they usually work on shifts, so if a guy gets up to go to the bathroom at midnight, he has to walk down a creaky hall past everybody’s room.” Olgoonik Oilfield operates and
• Arctic tough • Turn-key set up • Rapid mobilization • Custom built • Easy to relocate
d your il u b s u et
L
leases mobile camps called cat trains. The
camp
ility
ne
r fac a l u d o m xt
907-952-2067 877-929-9902
structures—sleeping
quarters, dining room, kitchen,
www.MTHousing.net office@MTHousing.net
showers, laundry room, workshop, medical clinic, and office car—are www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
January 2026 | 61
I N D U ST RY S U P P O RT S E RV I C E S
in
I N D U ST RY S U P P O RT S E RV I C E S
Food is key to happiness at the camps, and with fromscratch hot meals, a fully stocked spike room, and creative use of leftovers for on-the-go lunches, the chefs get it right. Olgoonik Oilf ield Ser vices
“Having
a
good,
clean,
safe
aren’t typical; but for companies that
we have a ski plane come in that has
space with some amenities is what
want it, their recreation cars are set
a 2,200-pound capacity filled with
companies usually strive for,” Church
up movie-theater style, with couches
perishables and stuff like that.”
says. “The most comfortable for
arranged in a stadium-seating format.
Staying connected to family and
everybody is to have their own room,
If comfortable accommodations
friends back home is also helpful to
and that depends on whether it
are priority number one, then a plentiful
keeping workers happy, Nunley says.
pencils out for the customer.”
supply of good, hearty food is a close
That’s become easier in recent years,
second when it comes to keeping
thanks to the increased reliability and
workers happy and morale high.
reach of the internet.
For projects that last only a few
months
or
a
year,
single
rooms may be impractical or too costly, Church says. But because
“What the camps do well is have really good food,” Church says.
“Back in the day when the internet had less technology, I had to shut
companies want to attract and
Every camp has chefs, provided
everybody off [it] for business
retain a workforce, they may strike
either in-house or through a contract
reasons,” Nunley explains. “I couldn’t
a balance and provide single-status
catering company, who prepare
even send a daily report if a guy
Jack and Jill accommodations, with a
three hot meals a day. Spike rooms
was over there playing Minecraft.
bathroom sandwiched between two,
are stocked with cold drinks, coffee,
But today, it’s very economical
two-person bedrooms.
grab-and-go snacks, sandwiches, and
to put together, and the crew
Adding creature comforts helps
repurposed leftovers, so workers can
and the business side have their
boost the comfort level. Towels, bed
grab a bite when the kitchen is closed
own isolated internet.”
linens, and pillows are provided, and
or pack an on-the-go meal for days
every room typically has a television,
they won’t be able to return to the
small desk, and cabinets. Loken says
main camp for meals.
Roughing It Building the camp is only one piece of the puzzle. Ensuring it
Olson Creek tries to have a game
“The food is the key to [workers’]
room and a large TV room stocked
happiness, and the cooks are special,”
runs
with DVDs at every camp. Olgoonik
Nunley says. “They’re very good at
safely for the duration of the
Oilfield rents its camps out at a day
taking leftovers and making stuff for
project, particularly during Alaska’s
rate, so Nunley says recreation cars
people’s lunches. Every three days,
cold, harsh winters, is the other.
62 | January 2026
smoothly,
efficiently,
and
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
Both
building
and
operating
have their challenges.
I N D U ST RY S U P P O RT S E RV I C E S
“There’s just a pile of logistics,” Loken
says.
West
Cook
Inlet’s
proximity to Anchorage does give Olson Creek the ability to make a same-day flight in and out of Anchorage’s Merrill Field Airport to pick up a needed item. But that depends partly on the weather and partly on the items they need. “There are some products you can fly over, like pillows, but 2x4s and sheets of plywood aren’t really flyable in an economic fashion,” Loken says. “So we barge materials over to do a project, but the barge only runs spring through fall; they don’t run all winter. It’s just a lot of logistics and planning.” The ability to quickly adapt can help when the inevitable snafu arises. The nature of the project helps with that. “We’re not building the Taj Mahal over here,” Loken says. “It’s not an architectural dream house we’re building, so we have more options to adapt and switch if we need to.” That could mean repurposing materials the
on
initial
hand design
or to
altering build
something different than originally planned, he adds. “Instead of all matching screws on a roof, there’s a line of off-color, or instead of a 14-foot laundry room build out, there was 10-feet of material previously stored for a different project [that] will still work,” Loken says as examples of the type of adaptations he’s had to make on site. “This doesn’t work in every situation, but adapting gives you chances to be
ALASKANS BUILDING ALASKA WWW.GREERTANK.COM
creative and useful.” www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
January 2026 | 63
I N D U ST RY S U P P O RT S E RV I C E S
Olson Creek’s West Cook Inlet camp has two-bunk, standalone cabins, a departure from the traditional modular structures with Jack and Jill style rooms found in other camps. Olson Creek Alaska
The modular structures used at many mancamps can be configured in a variety of ways, including being stacked, like at Jewel Isaac’s 208-unit Frontier Camp. Jewel Isaac
The weather, unsurprisingly, poses
equipment from freezing. They also
Camp managers ensure rooms
numerous challenges in both building
take proactive measures to prevent
are cleaned and linens laundered;
the camp and keeping it running.
equipment breakdowns.
they’re also “trained to pay attention
“One of the biggest challenges in
“Mechanics
have
monitor
to the weather and forecast at least
Alaska is the weather,” Church says.
the equipment,” Nunley says. “Air
48 hours in advance” and ensure
“You have short windows, so you
filters will get clogged, choke the
that protocols to protect against
have to get your camps put together
engine, and kill [the machine].
wildlife encounters are followed,
before winter. You’ve got to have the
Power
be
Nunley says. Mobile camps like
design [done] and get it contracted.
monitored and kept going. They
Olgoonik Oilfield’s must also adhere
Then you’ve got to get the camps up
have to make sure the snow is not
to stringent stipulations dictated
here, so all the dirt work and gravel
blocking any ventilation.”
in their operating permits and take
generators
to
have
to
hauling has to be done. You have to
Other weather challenges are
have the pads and the infrastructure
unique to the type of camp. For
environment,
ready so [the units] can sit where they
Olgoonik Oilfield’s cat train camps,
activities of local communities.
need to sit. To do all that in a safe
weather
manner when you’re working in some
position and how frequently it
mancamps
of the most remote places on earth is
moves during a season.
of every project—without a safe,
an extreme challenge.”
dictates
the
camp’s
measures to protect the wildlife, and
subsistence
Though born of necessity, Alaska’s are
the
foundation
“If you’re mobile and get hit with a
comfortable place for workers to
storm, you can be in trouble,” Nunley
hang their gear after a day-long
Keeping Camps Running
says. “Wherever your camp is, you
shift in beyond-bitter cold, the job
The challenges don’t end once
have to park the nose of the buildings
would never get done.
the camp is completed; they simply
into the predominant wind. You have
change. Maintenance may need to
to make it so that the snowdrifts
environments
level out buildings that shift with
will not bury all the stairs. A three-
Church says. “Dying out there is
the freeze-thaw cycle, and they must
to-four-day storm will bury your
easy if you don’t have the proper
adhere to best practices to prevent
camp up to the roof.”
housing conditions.”
64 | January 2026
“Alaska is one of the harshest in
the
world,”
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
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Alaska Business
January 2026 | 65
David Cate, Director of Sales • 907-349-3606 • partner@spanalaska.com • spanalaska.com
I N D U ST RY S U P P O RT S E RV I C E S
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Tailoring renewable energy to Alaska's needs By Christi Foist
James Evans | UA A
I N D U ST RY S U P P O RT S E RV I C E S
Off-Grid and Backup Solutions
66 | January 2026
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
“We really have this depth of from the US Department of Energy operational experience of what put it, “Americans living in remote it takes to make power in rural reaches of the country pay some of the highest prices for electricity, yet Alaska.” high cost. As a June 2025 funding
announcement
their service is often below modern
Emilia Sakai Hernandez Research Project Manager UAF Power Systems Integration Lab
standards.” Nick Lochard, owner and operator of Wasilla-based solar equipment supplier All Off Grid, says one of his clients had been paying almost $50 per gallon for fuel when he did a retrofit on the location, which was only accessible by helicopter. Even slightly more accessible but still diesel-dependent communities can sometimes pay $1 per kilowatt hour (kWh)—several times what urban communities pay. To put that in context, the power required to run a load of laundry would cost more than $5 at $0.56 per kWh, according to Brian Hirsch, co-owner and CEO of Deerstone Consulting in Anchorage. At $1 per kWh, the same load would cost almost $9 just for electricity, never mind costs for water use and treatment. Off-grid energy suppliers and renewable
energy
consultants
are working to improve efficiency
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and resilience for Alaska’s remote communities
and
work
sites.
“There’s a great opportunity to reduce the dependence on diesel fuels,
fossil
fuels,”
says
Jacob
Pomeranz, vice president of Electric Power Systems (EPS) in Anchorage. Battery storage and wind turbine technologies have evolved while installation and operation costs
CROWLEY.COM/Alaska
have come down. www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
January 2026 | 67
I N D U ST RY S U P P O RT S E RV I C E S
R
emote power comes at a
I N D U ST RY S U P P O RT S E RV I C E S
However, many technologies need
consistent flying schedules. In 2025,
grids, but many do not. Of the
adaptation to work in the Alaska
both Ravn Alaska and Kenai Aviation
14 communities AEA shows using
context. And at the same time, the
shut down, reducing many villages’
more than one type of renewable
federal government’s willingness
already-limited air service.
energy—i.e., diesel alongside a
to provide funding for renewable
These stakes helped drive Alaska
combination of solar, hydro, wind,
projects has shifted. Greg Porter—
to a leading role in alternative
and/or biomass—only two are on
the founder, president, and CEO
energy use. According to the US
the road system.
of
Arctic
Department of Energy, Alaska has
Porter, Pomeranz, Lochard, and
of
Capstone
in
“more than 200 remote microgrids—
others agree that Alaska has many
Anchorage, says, “There’s no silver
the most in the United States.” Data
opportunities to use alternative
bullet... but there sure is a lot of
compiled by Alaska Energy Authority
energy sources. At the same time,
silver buckshot.”
(AEA) show increased adoption of
the state faces challenges ranging
renewable energy sources: while
from upfront costs and the limits
Resilient Renewables
151 communities only use diesel for
of existing infrastructure to the
Heavy reliance on diesel that
power, 46 use diesel in combination
unknowns of federal funding and
comes by barge or plane brings
with at least one renewable source.
whether a manufacturer will stay in
Energy,
a
distributor
microturbines
certain vulnerabilities. In 2007, bad
All told, AEA shows 118 projects
business, so vendors devise creative
weather delayed some fuel deliveries
o p e ra t i n g
g ra n t s
solutions. “We’ve all been part of
for at least three months, imperiling
and loans from its Renewable
these projects where the technology
the residents of St. George in the
Energy Fund, with another 49
came in… but when we put it in
Pribilof Islands. Air-delivered diesel
in development. Some of these
Alaska, we… had to tweak them,”
also depends on good weather and
projects connect to existing power
Porter says.
68 | January 2026
thanks
to
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
chance to test equipment, pre-
In one case where the lab played a
Whether it’s the need to account
installation, on a setup similar to
key role, a company tested a battery
for arctic engineering or lower-than-
what many villages have, Hernandez
system that supposedly could connect
urban power needs, few things just
says. For example, the lab has both a
to a local grid without a transformer.
work out of the box. “You can’t just
500 kW and 125 kW diesel generator.
(The utility involved didn’t want a
cookie cutter the same projects into
The lab is also unique in both
transformer.) But the battery maker
multiple villages,” says Pomeranz.
being on the road system and
had only tested its equipment on
Successful alternative energy projects
offering a test environment that’s
a grid connected to a larger power
require thoughtful study to fully
“electrically isolated” from the grid
system. At the PSI Lab, “It blew a
understand the community or client’s
the university’s on. Hernandez says
bunch of fuses because it had been
needs, the surrounding environment,
that’s
many
expecting a grid that could regulate
and all the system parts that need to
microgrid setups designed outside
itself,” Hernandez says. “If that had
work together.
Alaska assume the ability to connect
happened when the battery went out
One place that happens is the
and disconnect from a larger grid. A
to the village… it would have been
power systems integration laboratory
hospital, for example, might want its
catastrophic.”
(PSI Lab) at UAF. “We really have this
own microgrid to sustain operations
depth of operational experience of
during a power blackout. But “in the
Lifespan Assessment
what it takes to make power in rural
villages, they’re always going to be
The remoteness of projects can also
Alaska” says Emilia Sakai Hernandez,
islanded because of the geography,”
affect the timeline for planning and
the lab’s research project manager.
Hernandez
power
implementation. At Susitna Energy
systems might also have lower inertia
Solutions in Anchorage, co-owners
than manufacturers expect.
Andrea and Jordan Dubron like to
When companies or utilities come to the PSI Lab, they get an important
www.akbizmag.com
important
says.
because
Village
Alaska Business
January 2026 | 69
I N D U ST RY S U P P O RT S E RV I C E S
Islanded by Geography
I N D U ST RY S U P P O RT S E RV I C E S
“Sometimes companies will want to test things in Alaska… But they will just build it as a one-off system, and they won’t actually make a commercial product that can be used by Alaskan villages. That’s a persistent problem.” Emilia Sakai Hernandez Research Project Manager UAF Power Systems Integration Lab
have enough lead time to leverage
requires good maintenance. All the
seasonal barges. “If we’re able to…
factors that make power expensive
get [project supplies or equipment]
in such places, however, can likewise
on a barge, we’re able to cut the price
limit communities’ ability to handle
down… by hundreds of thousands of
upkeep. Because of that, Pomeranz
dollars,” Jordan says. “If somebody
says EPS does “very thorough”
gives us a year to work on a project
commissioning for their projects.
with them… that can be a difference
“There’s a lot higher risk of causing
of a $3 million project or a $6
damage, not being able to start
million project.”
the system, if you don’t understand
Whatever a project’s cost, installing
what you’re affecting,” he says.
durable systems is a priority. “We
“When you’re commissioning it… you
like to see a system like what
need to run through every scenario
we’re describing… have at least a
that’s possible”—both intended and
twenty-five-year lifespan, at least,”
unplanned.
Lochard says. Arctic
Energy
guarantees
projects for twenty years. Porter says
the Wrench
that’s because renewable energy
Reducing diesel-produced power
companies “come and go about
has different effects on labor needs,
every five years.” The company
depending on the context. In some
whose microturbines he distributes
villages, Pomeranz says adding
(“specialized jet engine[s] that can
alternative energy sources can
burn pretty much anything” and
lead to new jobs in the community.
use air-lubricated bearings) has a
In village contexts, that’s a good
decades-long track record, but that’s
thing.
not always the case.
Electric Association’s wind and
For
example,
Kotzebue
For example, the maker of some
solar systems have saved “well over
of the smallest wind turbines on the
250,000 gallons of diesel fuel a
market—Dutch company Emergya
year,” says Hirsch. “This effectively
Wind Technologies, whose small
creates a part- or full-time job
turbines help power Kotzebue and
for maintenance and continuing
St. Mary ’s—declared bankruptcy
to pursue more renewables.” He
this past summer. To Hernandez,
expects a Galena project that’s
that leaves the future of such
close to completion will also create
Alaska-sized turbines in question.
a “full time equivalent job.” The
“Sometimes companies will want
Yukon River community, home to a
to test things in Alaska,” says
former US military base, is installing
Hernandez. “But they will just build it
a solar farm to supplement an
as a one-off system, and they won’t
existing
actually make a commercial product
and
that can be used by Alaskan villages.
hydrokinetic power.
That’s a persistent problem.”
70 | January 2026
The Hand that Turns
its
On
the the
wood-chip-fired village other
boiler,
is
studying
hand,
Lochard
Whatever a product’s best-case
says some of his projects reduce
lifespan, maximizing its “career ”
the use of diesel so much that it
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
helps some clients reduce their maintenance workload. Achieving
Specialized Fleet • Local Expertise • Proven Safety
RAIN OR ICE, WE DELIVER
counterintuitive changes. For one recent All Off Grid project near Trapper Creek, the site originally had a 5kW generator that powered the whole space. When he recommended a 13.5kW generator, the owner was taken aback, Lochard recalls: “‘Why would I want something that big?’” The difference was that the new, larger generator would power the
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batteries, not the property load itself. “Now when their generator starts, it only runs 3.5 hours” and powers them for more than four days, he says. In another project across the Susitna River on Bald Mountain, he reduced the client’s fuel consumption by more than 80 percent while increasing the power available from
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info@cookinlettug.com
one of two existing generators. Bringing in batteries, an inverter, and solar panels allowed them to do that. Now the generator only powers the inverter. With
more
than
200
rural
communities
using
microgrids
and many individuals setting up their own off-grid systems, Alaska is on the forefront when it comes to
testing
and
implementing
alternative energy systems. But funding,
implementing,
In everything we do—from oil field services, to
land management, we strive to nurture our Native way of life. Learn more at www.doyon.com
and
integrating the new systems with existing technology is a bit like tracking the wind many communities seek to harness. Sometimes it blows where and how one expects it to, other times it surprises. The key is to keep observing, testing, and learning, and, like many facets of living in Alaska: always be prepared to innovate. www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
January 2026 | 71
I N D U ST RY S U P P O RT S E RV I C E S
those savings can also require some
CONSTRUCTION
DBE Program Under Construction
New federal contracting rules for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises
D
econstruction
the
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
(DBE)
began
Donald
program
before
Trump returned to the presidency, yet the changes align with the administration’s agenda on civil rights. DBE is a certification that federal contractors can obtain for preferential access when bidding on
highway,
transit,
national
recreational trails, or transportation technology projects. The disadvantages, specifically, are defined in the Small Business Act of 1958, which states: “Socially disadvantaged
By Rachael Kvapil
of
individuals
are
those who have been subjected to
racial
or
or
c u l t u ra l
ethnic bias
prejudice
because a
of
their
identity
as
member
of
a
g ro u p
without
to
their
individual
qualities.”
The
law
specifically
includes
re g a rd
Native tribes and, as a class, all women, although the size of a contracting business is capped, for purposes of the program. The
language
formed
the
basis of a preference in federal transportation
contracting
established
more
than
years
Congress
the
ago. DBE
program
nondiscrimination
to in
forty
enacted ensure federally
assisted contracts and help remove
Monica Sterchi-Lowman
barriers for those who certify with
72 | January 2026
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
the program. This was followed by a
“There is still a DBE program in
statutory provision requiring state-
law,” noted Lauren Little, acting
level regulators to ensure that at
director
least 10 percent of highway transit
of
funds were expended with DBEs.
Transportation and Public Facilities
A companion program, the Airport
(DOT&PF) Northern Region, during
Concession DBE program, was added
the November conference of the
in 1987. Both programs have been
Associated General Contractors of
reauthorized by Congress many
Alaska. “We still have a program-
times, notably in the "SAFETEA-
level goal. Obviously, our state is
LU" bill authored by the late Alaska
race-neutral, which means we don’t
Representative Don Young. The
have project-specific goals but a
law was most recently amended in
program goal to attain.”
December 2024. The
the
and Alaska
DOT&PF
amendment
chief
is
engineer
Department
adjusting
its
of
DBE
followed
programs to align with an interim
a ruling by one federal judge
final rule (IFR) issued in October by
that has effectively nullified all
the US Department of Transportation
current DBE certifications.
(USDOT). The rule eliminates the presumption
At a Standstill Amended,
however,
of
“We’re hoping for guidance from the Federal Highway Administration on how the recertification criteria will come soon.” Lauren Little Acting Northern Region Director and Chief Engineer Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
disadvantage
based on race or sex. This change
does
not
mean eliminated.
has suspended all DBE goals and mandated that all currently certified
What Clients Really Want (But Rarely Say Out Loud)
I
n account management, clients may be clear about deliverables and timelines, but their deepest expectations often go unspoken. What they truly want isn’t just a service provider. They want a partner who anticipates their needs before they have to articulate them. They want someone who reads between the lines, understands internal pressures, and brings clarity to the chaos. Most clients won’t say, “Please make my life easier,” but that is exactly what they expect. They value responsiveness because it creates trust. They appreciate proactive updates because it removes uncertainty. And they remember every
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their challenges are understood, and their business is in capable hands. At your company, that confidence is our commitment.
Chelsea Diggs is a strategist and connector inspired by the beauty and landscape of Alaska. Living in Alaska has shaped her adaptive approach: she’s resourceful in challenging conditions, values community support, and knows that small actions can yield big transformations.
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CO N T E N T –
Alaska Business
January 2026 | 73
“There is still a DBE program in law… Obviously,
DBEs recertify once USDOT provides
She emphasized that contractors
further guidance to state-level unified
must still complete DBE paperwork
certification programs (UCPs), which
for
DOT&PF manages for Alaska.
the program still exists. A USDOT
The IFR came a year after Judge
current
webpage
contracts
with
because
commonly
asked
Greg Van Tatenhove of the US
questions states that contracts with
District Court for the Eastern District
DBE goals that were executed prior
neutral, which
of Kentucky granted a preliminary
to October 3, 2025, are not required
injunction in Mid-America Milling Co.
to be modified, but DBE participation
means we don’t
v. US Department of Transportation
on such contracts cannot be counted
have project-
when he found that USDOT could
toward the DBE contract goal or
not prove a previous pattern of
toward the recipient’s overall DBE
discrimination against minority and
goal until the UCP completes the
women-owned contractors and failed
reevaluation process. In Alaska,
to narrowly tailor its presumptions
DOT&PF manages applications and
because the program continued
certifications, and therefore sets
without
overall DBE goals for federally funded
our state is race-
specific goals but a program goal to attain.” Lauren Little Acting Northern Region Director and Chief Engineer Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
a
prescribed
endpoint.
The plaintiffs, an asphalt grinding
projects in the state.
contractor and a trucking company,
If, after the reevaluation, every
alleged that they could not compete
DBE performing work on a current
on an equal footing with women
contract is recertified under the new
and racial and ethnic minorities that
standards, the contract need not
were DBE certified. Van Tatenhove,
be modified. In contrast, if a DBE
appointed to the bench in 2006 by
performing work on a contract is not
then-President George W. Bush, did
recertified during the reevaluation
not rule on the merits but issued the
process,
injunction finding that plaintiffs were
required to take appropriate action
likely to prevail in their argument that
to discontinue the effect of the
DBE regulations violated the equal
unconstitutional
protection guarantee of the Fifth
DOT&PF does not take appropriate
Amendment to the US Constitution
action with respect to a contract,
and the Administrative Procedure Act.
USDOT will not make any payments
then
DOT&PF
will
certification.
be
If
related to contract.
Just Like Starting Over Without
the
disadvantage, c o n t ra c t o r s
presumption however,
that
had
Until
recertification
occurs,
of
DBE work on existing contracts
many
will not be reviewed because DBE
been
participation on a project can’t
bidding as DBEs might lose that
be properly counted.
certification. Exactly how many, no one knows for sure.
74 | January 2026
Dos and Don’ts
“We’re hoping for guidance from
While existing contracts must
the Federal Highway Administration
continue reporting as normal, the
on how the recertification criteria
IFR requires changes to pending
will come soon,” said Little after her
authorized/advertised projects and
conference presentation.
contracts. If DOT&PF has advertised a
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
contract that contains DBE goals but the bids have not yet been opened, USDOT
states
on
its
question/
answer webpage that advertisement amendments
must
be
issued,
removing the DBE contract goals. If bids have been opened on a project that contained DBE contract goals but the contract has not yet been awarded, DOT&PF must zero out the DBE goal. USDOT states recipients may amend contracts without re-advertising the projects, but leaves it up to recipients to determine if state law requires the contract to be readvertised. That’s not to say a contractor can terminate a DBE or any part of a DBE company’s work because it is now decertified, just because the DBE program is in a reevaluation period. “Good cause does not exist
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if the prime contractor seeks to terminate a DBE or any portion of its work that it relied upon to obtain the contract so that the prime contractor can self-perform the
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contractor can substitute another DBE or non-DBE contractor after c o n t ra c t
a w a rd , ”
the
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U S D OT
question and answer page states. However,
if
a
DBE
loses
its
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certification after the reevaluation process and becomes ineligible to receive DBE credit for the type of work required, the ineligibility would constitute good cause for termination, the USDOT page states.
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That said, Little says DOT&PF
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encourages prime contractors in
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Alaska to continue including smaller contractors
on
their
projects.
“Whether you get credit or not, it’s www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
January 2026 | 75
“Even if the DBE program’s presumptions
obviously important to the industry
to determine its overall DBE goals.
and the survivability of our whole
Goals are based on evidence that
program that we keep utilizing those
DBE firms are capable of working on
smaller resources, helping build
federally assisted contracts.
them up,” says Little.
overall goals will be met through
were enjoined, the program would
DOT&PF also determines whether either race-conscious or race-neutral
The Alaska certification program
means. In this case, a race-conscious
reevaluate
program is one that focuses on
still continue
certifications that originated within
and provides benefits only to DBEs
to operate with
Alaska. DBEs that received interstate
(e.g., contract goal setting), while a
certification will be reevaluated
race-neutral program benefits DBEs
by UCPs in the jurisdiction where
without being solely focused on DBE
their
was
firms (e.g., customary competitive
issued. If DBEs are recertified
procurement). According to DOT&PF’s
by the original UCP, they will be
Federal
required to reapply for interstate
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
certification in the areas for which
Goal Methodology report released
they wish to be certified.
September 1, 2024, the department
its race- and gender-neutral requirements— including social and economic
is
Establishing Eligibility only
allowed
original
to
certification
For now, though, it’s a waiting
Fiscal
Year
2025-2027
had established an overall DBE
disadvantage,
game for everyone involved in the
goal
program. Each UCP is required
business size
through race-neutral means.
to reach out to currently certified
and structure,
documentation
ownership, and wealth limits— intact.” Gregory Van Tatenhove US District Judge Eastern District of Kentucky
76 | January 2026
DBEs,
inviting
them
to
of
1
percent,
achieved
If the DBE program certification
submit
process isn’t based on race or
d e m o n s t ra t i n g
gender, what will it be based on? In
eligibility under the new standards—
his injunction order, Van Tatenhove
but that won’t happen until new
wrote, “Even if the DBE program’s
standards are identified. During this
presumptions were enjoined, the
limbo period there is no deadline for
program would still continue to
a currently certified DBE to submit
operate with its race- and gender-
documentation to recertify; however,
neutral
companies that fail to submit the
social and economic disadvantage,
required information after new
business
standards are created will no longer
ownership, and wealth limits—intact.”
be considered DBEs. There is also no
While DOT&PF sorts out the new
deadline for UCPs to complete their
DBE framework pending USDOT’s
certification reevaluation process.
revised
USDOT regulations only require UCPs
legal question has yet to reach
to complete the reevaluation process
finality. Plaintiffs in Mid-America
“as quickly as practicable.”
Milling offered in May to settle in
requirements—including size
rules,
and
the
structure,
underlying
DOT&PF’s DBE goals are on hold
exchange for terms later advanced
until the reevaluation process is
as the IFR. However, a coalition
complete. The state uses a three-
of DBEs filed to intervene in the
year methodology, developed in
case so they can argue for the
accordance with federal regulations,
program’s continuation.
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
January 2026 | 77
Adobe Firef ly
CHAR AC TERISTIC S OF LE ADERSHIP
Ego: Doing Good By Being Good
J
By Lincoln Garrick ason, the executive director at
misspent money, Jason’s towering
when
a
ego eroded staff morale and trust.
c u r re n t
hypothetical
organization,
past
successes
judgment.
poison
T h e re f o re ,
drummed his pen. “Your input
The themes behind this story may
ego is the first topic of this year-
isn’t needed. My funding decision
feel familiar: leaders making bad
long leadership series examining
stands. It’s based on my many years
decisions because of unconscious
performance killers.
of experience and the policies I’ve
biases, emotional influences, and
created here.”
skewed judgement from deeply held,
The Dual Nature of Ego:
quietly
pre-existing beliefs. It happens so
Confidence and Conceit
stepped back. The data undeniably
often that cognitive psychologists
Ego can be thought of as a sense
showed a safer, more impactful
and decision scientists have a name
of self-importance or perceived
allocation path for the nonprofit
for it: “The Power Paradox.” Dacher
standing
re l a t i v e
to
others.
given the clear changes in the
Keltner first wrote about it in his
American
psychologist
George
market, and the whole planning
2016 book The Power Paradox: How
Kelly referred to it in 1955 as
team
a
We Gain and Lose Influence; the
one’s “constructed self ”—the set
familiar rush from being the sole
term describes the observation
of beliefs, stories, labels, roles,
decision-maker.
that the qualities needed to gain
and attachments people identify
Six months later, the results of
power through competency—like
with. It is one of the lenses that
his under-informed gamble were in:
empathy, collaboration, and focusing
forms worldviews and influences
massive failure. He dismissed the
on the needs of the group—often
how people treat others. A healthy
setback to his board as “unforeseen
vanish once a leader actually holds
ego is crucial in business, fueling
volatility,” burying the data and the
that power.
the
The
junior
strategist
a g re e d .
Jason
felt
confidence,
ambition,
and
dissent, costing the organization
That quiet rush from authority is
assertiveness to lead, negotiate, and
vital momentum. Far worse than the
an evolutionary trap, the moment
take calculated risks. It provides the
78 | January 2026
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
self-belief necessary to overcome setbacks and drive innovation. C o n v e r s e l y,
an
unhealthy
and extreme ego manifests as arrogance,
defensiveness,
and
an inability to listen or change course. A “toxic” ego often leads to poor decision-making because the leader prioritizes being right over doing what’s best for the organization. It stunts team growth by discouraging healthy dissent and makes employees resentful, ultimately creating a dysfunctional work environment. Having an extreme ego doesn’t require someone to be unpleasant. In fact “being nice” is common, protecting them from scrutiny or criticism. Kindness is often conditional, however, lasting only as long as the other person is useful, admiring, or non-threatening. Once a person stops providing validation or poses a challenge, the façade of niceness often disappears. For
Alaskan
professionals,
the
business cost
of
an
unchecked ego is amplified by the
A leader who operates with an
In Alaska,
extreme ego—refusing feedback
defensiveness
or hoarding credit—will quickly
and arrogance,
them, damaging the long-term
common to a
talent retention.
find that reputation preceding trust essential for partnerships and
person with
Balancing Confidence
an unhealthy
with Humility
ego, are not just character flaws— they are business liabilities. Trust,
In the pursuit of sustainable performance, effective executives are moving past the trappings of personal ego, embracing humility and vulnerability as core strategic assets. I sat down with a leader with
deep
experience
across
earned through
public service, healthcare, and
years of respectful
president and CEO of the Rasmuson
philanthropy—Gretchen
Guess,
and transparent
Foundation—to discuss how to lead
dealings, functions
Her answers model how leaders
as the most
with self-awareness and servitude. can
proactively
seek
criticism,
cultivate dissent while promoting
valuable currency in the state.
psychological
safety,
redefine
failure, and embody humility. Q: Can you share a time when you received candid, unexpected feedback
state’s distinct relationship-based
interconnected. Commercial success
that fundamentally challenged your
economy. In Alaska, defensiveness
often
hinges
on
self-perception or a strategic decision
and arrogance, common to a person
capital
gained
from
with an unhealthy ego, are not just
collaborations. This is driven by
character flaws—they are business
the state’s combination of vast
spanning eight years in public
liabilities. Trust, earned through
geography, limited infrastructure,
service and fifteen in healthcare,
years of respectful and transparent
deep reliance on natural resource
has provided constant, unfiltered
dealings, functions as the most
sectors,
significant
feedback. Early on, my first bill
valuable currency in the state.
economic and cultural influence
in my public service days taught
of Alaska Native business and
me a tough lesson: I failed to
tribal entities.
build alignment. I acted with the
A look at the thousands of Alaska Native corporation joint ventures,
and
reputational
the
long-term
you had championed? Guess:
My
c a re e r
j o u r n ey,
Additionally, Alaska’s well-known
best intentions, but I neglected
ethos of “rugged individualism”
the crucial step of engaging key
management projects, and remote
values
h u m i l i t y,
stakeholders. The feedback—that
community developments illustrates
and the ability to work shoulder-
I did not engage stakeholders
h ow
to-shoulder, regardless of title.
in
resource development agreements, c o - s t ew a rd s h i p
Alaskans
www.akbizmag.com
and
a re
re s o u rc e
especially
competence,
Alaska Business
problem-solving
or
vetting
January 2026 | 79
my ideas—was the takeaway. In
approach based on what I learn. It is
right questions. While it can feel
healthcare, particularly as a non-
harder, though, the higher you go in
chaotic, there is a richness to the
clinical leader in a clinical space,
leadership. Creating an atmosphere
conversation that emerges from
you quickly learn that if you want
where people feel empowered is
diversity
genuine impact, you must take
difficult and never-ending work.
empower a group and ask effective
the feedback offered by subject
We are working to build genuine
questions, they will develop a
matter experts.
collaboration
superior solution.
where
even
the
of
voices.
When
you
I now actively seek it out. I’m
most junior team member feels
In terms of success, I believe in
a strong believer in “rounding”—
secure constructively challenging
radical humility. My personal metric
spending time with staff at all
leadership.
for success is entirely tied to the
levels with no specific agenda—
Q: When an important project under
achievements of the people who
and analyzing anonymous surveys
your leadership fails to launch, how
report to me and the entire team.
verbatim. Yes, it hurts to hear
do you pick up the team afterward
Ensuring recognition and credit
criticism, but you have to move past
and ensure focus remains on growth
are distributed—never hoarded—
that initial sting and get to the other
rather than assigning personal blame?
reinforces that I view my role as
side. The benefit is in modeling
Guess: As a leader, and now as
servitude. The goal is to maximize
that growth is possible, showing
a CEO, a project never fails; I have
their impact, which is ultimately
your team you’re committed to
failed. Even if I’m not involved
the strongest reflection of effective
receiving feedback and getting
directly in the project, any failure is
leadership. When I can be absent
better.
actions
one of leadership, not the project or
from the office or transition jobs,
matter profoundly as a leader, and
the team. The first step is to clarify
and my team functions well without
this modeling is key to setting the
the nature of the failure: Did the
me, I know I have succeeded.
right culture.
project fail completely, did it not
My
words
and
Q: How do you invite and reward
go as planned? Or was it timing—
Measuring & Taming
counterarguments and dissent in a
just a fail for now? Often it’s a
Destructive Ego
decision-making process to ensure
matter of poor alignment, timing,
you’re building a culture where ideas
or bandwidth, not a fundamentally
who
resist
are welcome from anywhere?
bad idea. If needed, I’ll jump into
have
t ra n s a c t i o n a l
an
a project and just listen, trying to
relationships are more likely to
dissecting
discern from those on a project
have
adverse
what is causing the hiccup and
trouble attracting top talent. Human
outcome or near miss is studied
providing the resources, direction,
resources
to determine the root cause and
and adjustments needed.
have long established a connection
Guess:
H e a l t h c a re
excellent
model
for
adverse
ev e n t s :
any
has
Organizations
high
between
with
leaders
feedback
turnover
e m p l oy e e and
management job
and
have
studies
dissatisfaction,
corrections needed. When an issue
Q: How do you approach leading
occurs, healthcare professionals
subject matter experts on a complex
stress, emotional exhaustion, and
dissect the system, not the people
problem, and how do you measure
workplace bullying. These firms
involved. When you solely assign
your own success by the achievements
are, on average, less profitable due
personal
of the people who report to you?
in part to increased costs, reduced
blame,
you
prevent
systems of improvement.
Guess: Leading experts requires
productivity, staff turnover, poor
m o re
shifting my role from a leader
customer
challenging than healthcare. There
to a facilitator. My job is not to
organizational knowledge with little
is no wrong way, no best practice,
provide the solution but to get
ability to innovate.
and fewer processes. I do my best to
the right people in the room, set
While ego has no single dashboard
build an atmosphere where I want
the right parameters (in-bounds
metric, its presence is painfully clear
feedback and regularly change my
and
through its effects on both individual
P h i l a n t h ro py
80 | January 2026
can
be
out-bounds),
and
ask
the
relations,
and
weak
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
behavior
and
organizational
driving force and not a destructive
radical
humility
outcomes.
Behavioral
and
servitude
patterns,
one. Consider some ego-taming
ensures
accountability
like defensiveness and arrogance,
techniques. Find a critic you trust—
collective intelligence and builds the
can be measured using tools like
indeed, appoint one person on your
enduring trust that drives long-term
360-degree feedback assessments
team, an “ego auditor,” to help you
organizational value.
and emotional intelligence (EQ)
see it. Model ego taming for others,
testing. For a hard look at the costs,
for example by publicly owning a
examine organizational data:
non-catastrophic mistake once a
unlocks
Join us next month as we explore hubris.
• Employee turnover, especially
quarter to signal to your team that
Lincoln Garrick is an associate professor,
in the most senior ranks.
vulnerability is safe. Track your trust
MBA director, and alumnus at Alaska Pacific
• Results from Employee
score by comparing your employee
University. He has decades of experience in
Engagement Surveys (a “trust”
engagement survey results against
business, marketing,
score).
high-turnover
and communications
• Frequency and severity of
leadership metric.
corporate ethical violations,
industries
as
a
fields,
p rov i d i n g
The story of Jason the hypothetical
public affairs and
lawsuits, or regulatory penalties.
executive director is a cautionary
strategy services for
• Sudden financial spiral caused
tale of the Power Paradox played
national and Alaska
by delayed innovation or market
out
organizations.
denial.
extreme ego is not just a soft
Throughout 2026, Garrick’s leadership
is
skill—it is a strategic imperative
series will explore different ways for leaders
the first step in moderating ego,
for sustainable success in Alaska’s
to align their values with ethical conduct
ensuring it remains a positive
relationship economy. Prioritizing
and create lasting positive impact.
Developing
self-awareness
in
real
time.
Taming
the
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THE FOCUSED MANAGER vec tor fusionar t | AdobeStock
Training Creates Potential, Practice Builds Value How managers can turn learning into lasting results By Brian Walch
W
hen I was 12, I had
old nonprofit CEO, and I had a
percent of organizations fund formal
a paper route. Every
revolutionary
model:
training programs, only 31 percent
morning, I’d get up
deliver great service, then never
believe they are effective at improving
collect payment.
business outcomes.
before the crack of dawn, fold
business
newspapers, and deliver them across
I was doing the work but not
the neighborhood. At the end of each
realizing the return. That same thing
month, I’d go door to door collecting
happens every day in professional
the $3.75 subscription fee. The
development: managers get training
Leadership’s 70-20-10 model shows
newspaper company took its cut, and
and walk away inspired, but they never
that about 70 percent of growth
I kept the rest.
collect on what they’ve learned.
comes from experience, 20 percent
There was one big problem in my
Training creates potential, but practice builds value. The
Center
for
C re a t i v e
from feedback and coaching, and only
business model: I hated collecting. I’d
Training Alone Is Insufficient
10 percent from formal learning. For
do just enough to pay what I owed
A 2023 McKinsey study found
every hour you spend learning, you
the paper company, then stop. Some
that fewer than 20 percent of
should spend several more applying
customers went three or four months
training programs result in lasting
the learning and seeking feedback.
without paying. I had a large route
performance improvement unless
Without practice, learning remains
and delivered hundreds of papers
participants practice new skills on the
an uncollected invoice. Just as I
every week, but I barely made a profit.
job and receive feedback. Similarly,
needed a system for collecting
I didn’t realize it at the time,
the Society for Human Resource
newspaper payments, you need a
but I was the world’s first 12-year-
Management reports that, while 82
system for skill development.
82 | January 2026
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
The first step is to decide where you
Nobody seems to get excited about
specific as possible. For example,
the annual cybersecurity refresher
instead of “Leadership skills,” write
course until they’ve been the victim of
down “Giving direct feedback” or
Identify Your Investment
an attack. Real growth happens when
“Running effective meetings.”
Here is an obvious but often
the learning connects to something
want to invest.
underutilized principle when it comes
that matters to you.
to training: You are more motivated
Next, create a system for tracking your development.
What would help you advance in your career, improve your work life,
Create a Skill Ledger
For example, if you know that
and allow you to be more effective?
Just as accountants use a general
developing better listening skills will
Considering new projects, leadership
ledger
improve the relationship with your
opportunities, and organizational
and returns, you’ll create a Skill
boss, you will invest more. If you
changes,
Ledger
think that improving your persuasion
personally relevant in the next six to
visible and focused. This can be a
skills will help you close more deals
twelve months?
simple spreadsheet or note with
when it is personally rewarding.
and get a promotion, you’ll dedicate more time.
what
skills
would
be
Pick one to three skills that feel both energizing and useful. Be
to to
track make
investments your
practice
four columns: Date, Skill, Action, and Result.
Fewer than 20 percent of training programs result in lasting performance improvement unless participants practice new skills on the job and receive feedback.
38th Annual
Alaska Business Hall of Fame
Ed Gohr
Delta Constructors
Carol Gore
Cook Inlet Housing
Meg Nordale
GHEMM Company
Rudi von Imhof Delta Leasing
Dean Weidner
Weidner Apartment Homes
Thursday, January 15, 2026 Dena’ina Center, Anchorage, AK
Celebrating the past, present, and future of Alaska business. www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
January 2026 | 83
The format isn’t as important as
people stop. They finish the training,
Each time she did so, she logged
building a habit of recording your
feel inspired, and move on. That’s
the action and the result. After
efforts. Write down the skills you’ve
like delivering newspapers but never
a few weeks, she met with her
decided to focus on, and use the
collecting payment.
boss, shared what she learned,
ledger to track the actions you take to make the learning tangible and
The training isn’t the investment; it’s the practice that follows.
and received coaching that helped her improve.
practical. Then note what you learned
Bob read the same resources and
Put It into Practice
delegated a few things. But he didn’t
It’s tempting to wait for just
track what worked or didn’t. When
the right opportunity to practice
things went bad, he blamed the
• Date: October 22, 2025
a
for
employee or the task. He couldn’t
• Skill: Active listening.
example, about giving feedback
identify patterns and didn’t adjust
• Action: Counted to three before
and think, “I’ll try this during the
his approach. His discussions with
speaking during today’s team
next review,” which is three months
his boss focused on his frustration
meeting.
away. Or they learn about strategic
rather than improvement.
• Result: Noticed that a normally
thinking and wait for the next big
reserved member spoke up
planning session.
from the practice. For example, an entry might look like this.
more and shared good ideas for
new
skill.
People
read,
Six months later, Sally ’s team was thriving. She had successfully
Instead, create opportunities to
delegated
large
parts
of
her
improvements.
practice your new skill, and use the
workload, freeing up time to invest
Setting up a Skills Ledger ensures
Skill Ledger to record your efforts
in strategic initiatives, and putting
and results.
her on the path to a promotion.
you focus on the most important part
Want to practice giving feedback?
They both trained, but only one
Give a piece of specific positive
practiced with purpose, and only
reinforcement to a co-worker before
one used a Skill Ledger to hold
Do the Training
the day ends. Want to improve your
themselves accountable. That made
Now it’s time to actually learn
presentation skills? Volunteer to
the difference between potential
the skill. Unless your organization
do the team update at the next all-
and value.
provides specific training material,
hands meeting. Want to get better
you’ll need to survey the options
at delegation? Look at your calendar
Reinvest for Growth
available to you.
for next week and find one meeting
Your Skill Ledger can be a source
of the learning process: putting it into practice.
• Who are the recognized experts
of long-term growth too. Every few
you could send someone else to. When you create a system, you
months, take some time to review
• What books, articles, or
see returns. For example, Sally and
it and reflect on your progress.
podcasts exist?
Bob are two managers who were
When you recognize and celebrate
• Who in your network has
both told they needed to “delegate
your achievements, you fuel your
this skill and could recommend
more,”
motivation and confidence. You can
resources?
directive.
on this topic?
• What formal training (courses,
Sally
a
common
but
vague
also identify what works and capture added
“Delegation”
to
insights about how you learn.
seminars, conferences) is
her Skill Ledger. She read a few
Ask yourself:
available?
articles, listened to podcasts, and
• Which of my target skills
Choose one resource to start, and
decided on an approach to test. She
showed the most improvement?
do the training. Read the book, take
identified two employees she would
Should I keep practicing, or is it
the course, or listen to the podcasts.
delegate to. She reviewed her tasks
good enough for now?
But remember, this is only 10 percent
and upcoming calendar and found
• What new challenges am I
of the equation, and it’s where most
things she could delegate to them.
facing that require different skills?
84 | January 2026
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
• Where is my energy and curiosity pointing me next? Most managers wait for others to identify training opportunities. They attend, and then never put it into practice. Great managers build a skill development system. They design their own learning, track progress, and collect the full value of every investment they make. The system is straightforward: practice
d e l i b e r a t e l y,
track
consistently, and reflect regularly. Each time you use a new skill, log it in your Skill Ledger. Every few months, review what’s working so you realize the full return on your investments. If I’d collected every dollar owed on that paper route, I’d have been the richest kid in my neighborhood. More importantly, I would have learned earlier that there’s a difference between
activity
and
results.
Completing the work is only half the equation. The value comes when you collect on what you’ve earned. The
same
is
true
for
your
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professional development. Training creates
potential,
but
practice
builds value. Don’t leave money on the table. Create
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skill
development
system today. Brian
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shiftfocus.com. www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
January 2026 | 85
INSIDE ALASKA BUSINESS Alyeska Pipeline Service Company
near Quartz Creek Campground,
bought the other two Breeze In
where the Sterling Highway bends
convenience stores in Juneau last
The operator of the Trans Alaska
by the glacier-blue Kenai River.
year, as well as the liquor license at
Pipeline System heads into 2026
The store selling groceries, liquor,
the Douglas location. The license
with about 8 percent fewer workers
and gas opened in the fall. The
transferred to the Foodland IGA
than a year earlier. Alyeska Pipeline
Cooper Landing location has room
supermarket on the opposite side of
Service Company announced in
for campsites, RV parking, rental
Gastineau Channel. Kenny's Liquor
October it would reduce its total
cabins, and a laundromat, which the
Market, a neighboring store to the
payroll of about 700 employees by
company plans to add eventually.
IGA, closed in October.
an estimated 60 positions, for the
threebearsalaska.com
breezein.com
sake of efficiency. Alyeska Pipeline is jointly owned by the companies
Alaska Commercial Co.
Mosaic Media | MSI Communications
that produce the North Slope oil
A grand opening in October
transported by the 800-mile pipe to
welcomed Alaska Commercial
In a merger of marketing muscle, MSI
Valdez: ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil,
Company (AC) back to its
Communications and Mosaic Media
and Hilcorp affiliate Harvest Alaska.
northernmost store, a site it
formed a strategic partnership.
alyeska-pipe.com
previously occupied until 2019. The
Laurie Fagnani, who founded MSI in
largest retail building in Utqiaġvik
1995, plans to remain engaged with
had been lately occupied by Stuaqpak
the team for the next year through
“I believe that Flight 144 will board
(the Iñupiaq word for “general
the transition; Mary Ann Pruitt, who
again,” wrote Kenai Aviation owner
store”), a business venture of former
founded Mosaic in 2011, becomes
Joel Caldwell while announcing
US Senator Mark Begich. By 2024,
owner of Mosaic Collaborative,
a shutdown in service in early
though, Stuaqpak was struggling and
a holding company for both
November. He said the company is
the building’s landlord, Ukpeaġvik
businesses. Because Mosaic Media
operationally strong, but debt from
Iñupiat Corporation, committed to
has a direct seat to a demand-side
the COVID-19 pandemic left the
finding a new tenant. Turns out it
platform, the combined company can
regional carrier financially insolvent.
was the same as the old tenant. AC
automate the purchase of digital ad
“We need capital, we need partners,
had retained a presence in town near
space across websites and apps in
we need a lifeline. That investor is
the airport, which continues as AC
real time.
out there; we just need to find them,”
Utqiaġvik. The new/old store borrows
mosaic.agency | msialaska.com
Caldwell elaborated. “I refuse to
the previous name and is called
give up. I don’t know how.” Caldwell
AC Stuaqpak.
bought the company in 2017 to keep
alaskacommercial.com
Kenai Aviation
it flying after its founder died. kenaiaviation.com
Breeze In
GRSM The law firm of Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani (GRSM) now has a permanent location in Anchorage.
A sentinel on the island side of the
GRSM has maintained a presence
Douglas Bridge in Juneau closed for
in Alaska since 2019, but the office
The newest location for Three
good in October. The owners of the
at Fifth Avenue and L Street marks
Bears Alaska opened in Cooper
Douglas Breeze In were retiring and
a milestone in the firm’s investment
Landing. The Wasilla-based retail
sold the shop to the Myers Group,
in the region. GRSM touts itself as
chain purchased 13 acres in 2020
a Washington-based company that
the only full-service law firm with
Three Bears Alaska
86 | January 2026
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
offices and attorneys in all fifty states.
communities find events, services,
Most Innovative category with its
“Anchorage represents a vital part
and benefits in one simple hub.
wellFURst Calming Support Freeze-
of our fifty-state platform and our
That innovation took first prize in
Dried Health Supplement for Dogs,
long-term commitment to serving
Alaska’s inaugural AI Pitch Showcase
and the People’s Choice award
clients wherever their business takes
as part of Alaska Entrepreneurship
went to Trident’s Crispy Battered
them,” says Allen Estes, Anchorage
Week at the end of September.
Sauceable Wild Alaska Pollock
Managing Partner. The firm plans to
Chu was awarded up to $50,000 in
Nuggets. Homer-based seaweed
grow its team to fifteen attorneys in
Amazon Web Services and hands-
processor Kachemak Kelp won the
the coming years. Focus areas include
on mentorship from PREDICTif
Beyond the Plate category with its
finance, construction, consumer
Solutions, the co-hosts of the event
Selkie Soak bath product. And the
protection, labor, and government
with the Alaska Small Business
Best New Retail Product honored at
contracts.
Development Center.
the gala in Seattle was a Wild Salmon
grsm.com/office/anchorage
aksbdc.org
Curry dished up by Thunder’s Catch,
Arcnito
Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation
The first AI-enabled startup in the
an Idaho-based small business that fishes in Bristol Bay. Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation organizes
North Slope is the brainchild of
The largest seafood employer
the event to recognize excellence
Lorenzo Chu. He created Arcnito,
in Alaska wowed judges at the
in value-added Alaska seafood
a community calendar and
2025 Symphony of Seafood in
innovation.
resource navigator that helps tribal
October. Trident Seafoods won the
afdf.org
THIS ALASKA BUSINESS Greatland Studios
Subscription boxes have been arriving on doorsteps for a decade, yet nobody thought to combine early
childhood
enrichment
with
educational Alaska-made
arts and crafts until Kris Merizon started Play and Learn Company last spring. A retired teacher, Merizon
designs
lessons
for
preschool-aged children, centered on a different theme each month. At her home workshop in Chugiak she packs boxes with materials— some she makes herself, others sourced from local artisans. She personally delivers to about two-
THIS ALASKA BUSINESS Play and Learn Company
dozen subscribers, and she sells her overstock at local markets for $25 to $30 apiece. “Something in each
Scan the QR code to watch the video featuring Play and Learn Company.
box will really resonate with each
Part 38 of an ongoing video series.
child,” Merizon says. www.akbizmag.com
youtube.com/@alaskabusinessmagazine Alaska Business
January 2026 | 87
RIGHT MOVES
·
Denali State Bank
and she previously worked for MSI Communications, Brilliant
Denali State Bank selected Ryan Strong to
Media Strategies, NANA Management Services, and the
serve as President and CEO upon the retirement
Alaska Gasline Development Corporation.
in January of Steve Lundgren. Most recently the Strong
Landye Bennett Blumstein
·
chief banking officer at First National Bank Alaska,
Strong also chaired the board of the Anchorage Economic
Dezi Robb joins the Anchorage law firm
Development Corporation. Strong is relocating from
of Landye Bennett Blumstein as an Associate
Anchorage back to Fairbanks, where he previously lived and
Attorney with a focus on business litigation,
earned his MBA from UAF.
·
Lindskoog
Robb
employment law, and labor matters. Robb
holds a bachelor’s degree from UAA and earned a JD from
Donlin Gold
Willamette University College of Law in Salem, Oregon. She
Donlin Gold, the company leading Novagold
has represented employers and individuals on complex
Resources’ development of a gold mine in the Upper
employment disputes, workplace investigations, non-
Kuskokwim River region, hired Wendy Lindskoog as
compete and employment agreements, Equal Employment
External Affairs Manager. A veteran of public policy
Opportunity matters, and separation negotiations across
and stakeholder engagement, Lindskoog was previously regional
public and private sectors in Oregon and Alaska.
vice president of government relations at Royal Caribbean Group, vice president of communications and external affairs at BP
Nortech
Exploration Alaska, chief administrative officer and corporate
Staffers at Nortech—an environmental, energy, health, and
board secretary at the Alaska Railroad Corporation, and director
safety services firm with offices in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and
of communications at the Alaska Legislature.
Juneau—earned certifications to expand the firm’s capabilities.
·
Hendrix
·
HEX/Furie
Environmental Staff Professional Janine
Way received certification as a Lead-Based
After spearheading a rebranding at ASRC
Paint Inspector. The credential from the US
Energy Services as director of marketing and
Way
Environmental Protection Agency allows Way to
proposals, Lauren Hendrix is taking a job in
conduct paint inspections across federally administered sites.
the family business. She becomes Director of
Way earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering
marketing from the University of Mississippi and a master’s
·
degree in corporate public relations from Boston University,
expands Nortech’s capacity to provide compliance services for
Marketing for the HEX family of companies led by her father, John Hendrix. Hendrix earned her bachelor’s degree in
from UAF and joined Nortech in 2023. Environmental Scientist Jacob Ferrill earned state certification
as an Alaska Underground Storage Tank Worker. The credential
RIGHT MOVES IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY NORTHERN AIR CARGO
Committed to the Alaska Spirit 88 | January 2026
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
petroleum storage systems across Alaska. Ferrill
additional degree in ministry, and she earned an MBA from
holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from UAS
Northwest Nazarene University.
·
and joined the Juneau office of Nortech in 2023, Ferrill
supporting site assessments, contaminated site
Communications Officer, a title granted to Erin
investigations, and remedial action projects statewide.
· Miranda
MSHF leadership also gained a new Chief
Messmer, previously the foundation’s director of Messmer
public relations. In her new role, Messmer leads
Great Alaskan Holidays
strategic communications including marketing, media, and public
Great Alaskan Holidays—the largest RV rental,
relations. Born in Juneau and raised in Seward, Messmer was
sales, and service business in the state—promoted
previously the director of client services at a marketing agency in
Josh Miranda to Shop Foreman, overseeing daily
Anchorage. Messmer holds a bachelor’s degree in strategic and
operations of the company’s fleet service shop.
corporate communication from Chapman University.
Miranda has been with the Great Alaskan Holidays team since 2016, most recently as facilities manager. Miranda is a graduate
Rasmuson Foundation
of Bartlett High School in Anchorage and the UAA automotive
The state’s largest philanthropic organization is combining
diesel technology program. Before joining Great Alaskan
its core and strategic grantmaking under one leader. The
Holidays, he worked as a seasonal shop foreman for Holland
reorganization at the Rasmuson Foundation unifies all
America Princess, managing operations at the passenger train
grantmaking programs and partner relations.
·
yard in Healy.
Tasha Pineda, previously Vice President of
Strategy, is promoted to the new role of Chief
Mat-Su Health Foundation
Program Officer. Pineda joined Rasmuson
Under the leadership of new President and CEO Esther
Pineda
Foundation in 2022 and has led major initiatives
Pitts, new executives joined the team at Mat-Su Health
focused on homelessness, developing young Arctic leaders, and
Foundation (MSHF), the nonprofit co-owner of Mat-Su
the Grantmakers tour. Her career spans public health, nonprofit
·
Regional Medical Center.
leadership, and government service. Pineda holds a bachelor’s
Taking over Pitts’ previous role as Chief
degree in business administration from Alaska Pacific University
·
Community Impact Officer, MSHF promoted
and a master’s degree in public health from UAA.
Vandana Ingle to lead the foundation’s Ingle
programmatic and philanthropic work. Ingle
To support strategic grantmaking, the
foundation adds Issa Spatrisano to its strategy
moved to the Matanuska-Susitna Borough in 2012 and joined
group as a Program Officer. Spatrisano earned a
MSHF in 2016 as a program associate. She previously served
Spatrisano
bachelor’s degree in history and political science
as executive director of Frontline Mission, a community-based
from Western Michigan University and a master’s degree in
food distribution center. Ingle holds a bachelor’s degree in
teaching and learning from UAA. Spatrisano previously served
commerce and finance from the University of Pune (now called
as Alaska’s State Refugee Coordinator, managing more than
Savitribai Phule Pune University) in western India and an
$20 million in federal grants.
Northern Air Cargo is committed to getting your cargo where it needs to be, on time, so you can worry about what really matters.
For more information, please visit us at www.nac.aero. www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
January 2026 | 89
ALASKA TRENDS
Q
uonset huts rust at the defunct Naval Arctic Research Laboratory, yet the comfortable confines of Iḷisaġvik College (IC) nearby keep 462 credit-seeking and 717 non-credit-seeking students warm and educated. The school was established in 1996 upon the bones of the North Slope Higher Education Center developed by UAF
and the North Slope Borough (NSB) in Barrow, now known as Utqiaġvik. Alaska’s only tribal college offers one bachelor’s degree in business administration and several associate degrees: Iñupiaq studies, Indigenous education, accounting, office management, construction technology, information technology, and allied health, plus endorsement programs in medical coding, heavy equipment operations, and industrial safety. When North Slope employers promise to hire locally, IC trains that workforce. Does it succeed? To find out, IC commissioned a study by Lightcast, a firm that crunches economic and labor data for educational institutions and regional developers. Based on figures from fiscal year 2022–2023, “The results of this study show that IC creates a positive net impact on the borough economy and generates a return on investment for students, taxpayers, and society,” the authors state. For instance, operations and student spending, combined with enhanced productivity of alumni, approximately equals the impact of the real estate sector, or about 0.7 percent of the North Slope Borough economy. The 2022-2023 graduates, the study found, are projected to receive a present net value of $17.7 million in increased earnings over their working lives, or a 25.5 percent rate of return. This edition of Alaska Trends unravels that net of impacts, illustrating the college’s role in supporting Alaska industry and the North Slope community. SOURCE: “ The Economic Value of Iḷisaġvik College,” Februar y 2025
$11.7M
spent on payroll and benefits
$4.9M
spent on goods and services
$34.9M added income generated
Iḷisaġvik College supports 1 job for every 68 in the NSB.
Student
34% of credit-seeking students came from otuside
alone added
3
$31
approximately $313,100
the NSB.
90 | January 2026
spending
in income,
66% are local
supporting
students.
four jobs. Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
$25.6M
added income from alumni
$9.1M
$1.8M
labor income from operations
total spending by students
IC Revenue by Source State Government (3%) Tuition and Fees (3%) All Other Revenue (10%)
Federal Government (31%)
94% of the students
Local Government
stay in Alaska after
(53%)
117
total faculty and staff
graduating from IC.
77%
1,179
employees lived in the NSB
IC Expenses by Function
total students
Average Earnings by Education Level
Employee Salaries (68%)
Borough State
www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
Bachelor’s Degree
0
Associate Degree
All Other (23%)
Certificate
Operations (5%) Depreciation (3%)
Less than high school
$50K
High school or equivalent
$100K
January 2026 | 91
What book is currently on your nightstand?
Rabbit at Rest by John Updike. What’s your favorite local restaurant?
Arctic Roadrunner. Dead or alive, who would you see perform in concert?
Tom Petty. What vacation spot is on your bucket list?
Palm Springs, California. If you could domesticate a wild animal, what animal would it be?
Photos by Jovell Rennie
Has to be an American Eagle.
92 | January 2026
Alaska Business www.akbizmag.com
OFF THE CUFF
B
Sean McLaughlin reak ing his leg during a chi ld hood soccer game gave Sean McLaughlin spare time to
AB: What are you superstitious about? McLaughlin: Bad things happen in threes. When the
learn computer coding. Sof tware engineering
first thing happens, I slow everything down to avoid the
sk i l ls took him as high as COO of the A merican
second and third problem. That’s a big aviation thing.
Red Cross, and then he star ted over in A laska. First, he bought Craig Taylor Equipment.
AB: What’s your greatest extravagance? McLaughlin: The aircraft, for sure… The Super Cub is
Next, McLaughlin took f ur ther ownership
practically business because I make all the airplane parts,
stakes in diverse manufacturing concerns
but the R44 is pure extravagance.
that he unified as A laska Gear Company.
AB: Is there a skill you’re currently developing or have
These days, he spends his time at Flynt lok, maker of the customer relationship management platform his other businesses use. “It’s almost li ke I’m in the cockpit of the other two companies by work ing on the sof tware
always wanted to learn? McLaughlin: Writing fiction. AB: What charity or cause are you passionate about? McLaughlin: Anything that
side,” he says. He sti l l codes for f un, and he r uns his life li ke a program too. “I am a ritualistic g uy,” McLaughlin confides. “Ever y day, I do the same
affects people within three miles of me. You don’t have to move far to find someone in need. And when you
thing. I make a list of the things I’m supposed
do, you’re probably
to accomplish, and I get ‘em done.”
solving some other problem.
Alaska Business: What’s the first thing you do when you
AB: What’s your best
get home after a long day at work?
attribute and worst
Sean McLaughlin: Dinner, then I read the news. I limit
attribute?
myself to read the news only once per day so I don’t “light
McLaughlin: I have to
myself up.”
answer this stuff like
AB: What do you do in your free time? McLaughlin: Flying my R44 helicopter or PA-18 Super Cub.
my dad: “hard working, relentless.” And my worst attribute would be, oh, I swear a lot. I’m Boston
AB: What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
Irish; what can I
McLaughlin: Brooks Range hunts that I’ve gone on.
say?
www.akbizmag.com
Alaska Business
January 2026 | 93
ADVERTISERS INDEX Airport Equipment Rentals................... 95 airportequipmentrentals.com
Denali Commercial.............................. 77 denalicommercial.com
N C Machinery.................................... 59 ncmachinery.com
Alaska Dreams Inc............................... 68 alaskadreamsinc.com
Denali Universal Services..................... 57 denaliuniversal.com
NANA Regional Corp............................ 13 nana.com
Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA)................................ 25 aidea.org
Doyon, Limited................................... 71 doyon.com
NCB................................................... 85 ncb.coop
Altman, Rogers & Co............................ 21 altrogco.com Anchorage Convention Centers............ 43 anchorageconventioncenters.com Anchorage Sand & Gravel.................... 69 anchsand.com ASRC Energy Services, LLC................... 53 asrcenergy.com Avis Rent-A-Car................................... 41 avisalaska.com Birch Horton Bittner & Cherot.............. 20 birchhorton.com Chugach Alaska Corporation................ 11 chugach.com
First National Bank Alaska...................... 5 fnbalaska.com Fountainhead Development................. 27 fountainheadhotels.com GCI...................................................... 3 gci.com Ghemm Co......................................... 37 www.ghemm.com Great Originals Inc.............................. 19 greatoriginals.com Greer Tank.......................................... 63 greertank.com Huna Totem Corporation..................... 31 hunatotem.com
Nenana Heating Services, Inc............... 75 nenanaheatingservicesinc.com Northern Air Cargo....................... 88, 89 nac.aero Northrim Bank.................................... 23 northrim.com Oxford Assaying & Refining Inc.............. 9 oxfordmetals.com Personnel Plus Employment Agency..... 63 perplus.com Port Mackenzie................................... 29 portmackenzie.matsugov.us Span Alaska Transportation LLC............ 65 spanalaska.com
Conrad-Houston Insurance Agency...... 21 chialaska.com
Infinity Commercial Real Estate............ 11 alaskacommercialproperties.com
Construction Machinery Industrial......... 2 cmiak.com
JD Steel Co Inc..................................... 45 jdsteel.com
Cook Inlet Tug & Barge Inc................... 71 cookinlettug.com
Junior Achievement............................. 83 ja-alaska.org
Craig Taylor Equipment........................ 33 craigtaylorequipment.com
Lynden............................................... 96 lynden.com
Crowley Fuels..................................... 67 crowley.com
Material Flow & Conveyor Systems, Inc...55 materialflow.com
The Wildbirch Hotel............................. 81 wildbirchhotel.com
Davis Constructors & Engineers Inc...... 75 davisconstructors.com
Matson Inc......................................... 15 matson.com
TOTE Maritime Alaska LLC...................... 7 totemaritime.com
Delta Constructors.............................. 51 deltaconstructors.net
MT Housing Inc................................... 61 mthousing.net
Western Pacific Crane & Equipment...... 39 wpcrane.com
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