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Hello Alaska,
I had a lovely visit to Fairbanks this week. Even at 38 degrees below zero I find the city a warm place. No, actually that's a lie. I find the locals warm, but the city really cold. Regardless, I'm a fan of FBX. I like the geographic location, layout of the city, ease of navigation and as I said, the locals are good folk (Fairbanks also has a real summer!). The primary reason for my trip was to participate in the PTAC Interior Regions Procurement Fair. Like last year the event went very well, thanks to the program's capable staff under the expert leadership of Carolyn Pratt. I was able to speak to the attendees for a few minutes and interact with local contractors and vendors. I also sat in on a few of the interactive presentations offered throughout the day and found a question and answer session with gentlemen from CH2MHILL and KIEWIT very informative. Specifically their comments on the importance of existing safety protocols, when evaluating the capabilities of potential sub-contractors. Mistakes cost money and few cost more than employee accidents. A program that addresses employee safety to minimize such occurrences was as important to these prime contractors as the general capabilities of the companies.
In the afternoon I squeezed out to meet with Cassie and Paul of the Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation (www.investfairbanks.com), who among their many projects are working on a buy local program. Turns out, that's right up my alley. Fighting nostril freezing cold my pal Heather Heineken, the director of the Fairbanks SBDC office, then dragged me a couple of blocks through downtown to visit the local chamber http://www.fairbankschamber.org). I am uncertain whether this is a local phenomenon, or true for the lower 48 as well, but it is intriguing to me that predominantly female executives take on the challenges of managing Alaska's chambers of commerce. Bar none, these are some of the most capable, professional and knowledgeable business people I meet in my travels. Fairbanks is no different and I look forward to working closely with both of these groups in the upcoming weeks and months.
It's always nice to see friends when I'm on the road. This time I ran into Diane Shoemaker, Sales Director for the Fountainhead Hotels (www.fountainheadhotels.com). The group includes the Wedgewood Resort, Bridgewater Hotel, Sophie Station and the Bear Lodge, all offering different amenities, room sizes and configurations. I was upset that I missed the world-renowned Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum at the Wedgewood (http://www.fountainheadmuseum.com). I was told that this is a must-stop during my trip to Fairbanks regardless of the temperature, but I ran out of time. Next month for sure!!
Also disappointing is that I was a week early for the 2011 World Ice Art Championships (http://www.icealaska.com). This event doesn't only feature the carving competition anymore, but is a month long celebration of all that is frozen. This year's theme is "Dream Big". I'm feeling a follow-up visit to the interior in the next four weeks!!
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 Yet another example that Alaska offers some of the most beautiful scenery and photography opportunities, comes from the Hallo Bay Camp. Tommaso Balestrini an Italian photographer recently beat out over 10,000 entries when his picture "Piscator" won the "World Best Photography" prize in a contest organized by the Italian magazine "Oasis" The professional naturalist guides of Hallo Bay Camp consistently get the majestic Alaskan brown bears from Katmai National park into the media, as they did with BBC/Discovery in "Life", "Big Bear Week", an effort that is attracting new visitors to our Great State. Keep up the good work Clint!! -------------------- Don't forget to check out "Ladies Night" with the Alaska Aces next weekend, February 24 & 25 Visit www.alaskaaces.com, or call Lindsey Whitt lindsey@alaskaaces.com or 907-375-6816 for more information -------------------- Its not too late to register for the: Alaska State Chamber of Commerce 2011 Legislative Fly-In February 22-23 Westmark Baranof Hotel Juneau, AK Call Cheryl Eluska at 907-278-2727 or email her at celuska@alaskachamber.com to secure your spot today -------------------- Anchorage ATHENA Society: Camp $tart-Up & Alaska Business Week The Anchorage ATHENA Society's Camp $tart-Up program awards scholarships each year for local girls (ages 14-18) to attend the Camp $tart-Up business camp, an eleven day program designed to teach entrepreneurial skills and encourage attendees to become self-sufficient young businesswomen, as well as Alaska Business Week, a business management program, hosted by the Alaska State Chamber. During Camp $tart-Up and Alaska Business Week, young women discover how their interests and dreams translate into enterprise and independence. -------------------- 2011 GOLDEN DAYS THEME CONTEST!! It's that time of year again, when the Fairbanks Chamber begins to plan for this year's Golden Days celebration, and would like you to be involved! Submit a historically creative Golden Days theme for a chance to win a $100 gift certificate to Bruegger's Bagels to be applied towards a breakfast or lunch party for your business on them! -------------------- You are cordially invited to the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting February 23, 2011, Noon-1:30pm at the Palmer Moose Lodge - Featuring Keynote Speaker:
Neal Fried, Economist with the State of Alaska Department of Labor - Pioneer Award Presentation
- Board Elections ( 4 Seats available)
Your 2011 GPCC Board Candidates are: Lorali Cater - Usibelli Coal Mine Don Benson - Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority Jehnifer Ehmann - Excel Physical Therapy Beth Fread - Valley Views Realty (Incumbent) Jaccie Gaines - Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union (incumbent) Tia Strahler - Wells Fargo - Music By The Palmer High School Jazz Band
- Catered By Blueberry Moose dba Coffee and Cream
Meeting Fee: $4.00 / Lunch: $14.00 / Soup and Salad: $7.00 Please RSVP by emailing info@palmerchamber.org or call 907-745-2880 -------------------- Luncheon with Al Anderson! Alaska State Chamber of Commerce Luncheon Feb. 23, 2011 @ 11:30 AM Treadwell Room , Baranof Hotel, Juneau, AK Listen how North Dakota is encouraging oil production and how Alaska needs to follow suit $45 individual and $450 for a table of 10 -------------------- Crowne Plaza Hotel Wild and Woolly Package Visit the Anchorage Museum's new exhibit, Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age, and delve deep into the mysteries of these ancient beasts. Included in your package is: - 1 night standard accommodations at the Crowne Plaza Anchorage Hotel
- Two adult admission tickets to Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age
- 10% discount at the Anchorage Museum Shop
- 10% discount at Muse Restaurant located inside the Anchorage Museum
- Two adult admission tickets to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
- 10% discount at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center gift shop
Complimentary with every room is airport shuttle, parking, wireless internet, pool, hot tub, fitness center, business center, 37" flat screen, fridge and microwave in every room. Package valid March 4 through October 9, 2011. Call 907-433-4100 for reservations or information. | 
