January Issue 4 2012

Nome-bound tanker turns back for minor repairs

The Coast Guard says the Renda was just 15 miles out from the Aleutian Islands port of Dutch Harbor when it turned back Wednesday to make minor repairs.

Associated Press

ACVB becomes Visit Anchorage, revamps website, logo

What’s in a name? It can actually mean a lot, which is why the Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau has changed its name to Visit Anchorage.

By Jonathan Grass, Alaska Journal of Commerce

Alaska still a cool destination for tourists, ski buffs in winter

In the dead of winter, the air outside swings past zero on the Fahrenheit scale around the Anchorage area. Further north around Fairbanks, it gets even colder. But none of this dissuades tourists who see this as a time to take in some of the attractions that have built Alaska’s tourism reputation.

By Jonathan Grass, Alaska Journal of Commerce

Nome-bound tanker turns back for minor repairs

The Coast Guard says the Renda was just 15 miles out from the Aleutian Islands port of Dutch Harbor when it turned back Wednesday to make minor repairs.

Associated Press

Judge dismisses government’s move to revoke BP’s probation

U.S. District Court Judge Ralph Beistline dismissed a claim by the U.S. Justice Department that BP had violated terms of a probation order when a field pipeline ruptured and spilled oil in 2009.

By Tim Bradner, Alaska Journal of Commerce

Pickens backing more natural gas stations

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The United States has record supplies of natural gas and plenty of reasons to promote natural-gas powered cars, but so consumers, manufacturers and fuel suppliers haven’t shown much interest.

By Alan Sayre, AP Business Writer

ACS takes long view with dividend cut

The board of directors of Alaska Communications voted Dec. 21 to lower its quarterly divided in a move that will free up nearly $30 million in cash flow annually for the Anchorage-based telecom.

By Andrew Jensen, Alaska Journal of Commerce

Expert’s outlook: Strong profits, rising stocks

BOSTON (AP) — There’s plenty for investors to worry about heading into 2012, from the European debt crisis to our own struggles to regain fiscal fitness. The economic recovery is picking up, but not so much that it inspires great confidence.

By Mark Jewell, AP Personal Finance Writer

China top market for Alaska exports

China will emerge as Alaska’s top export customer for 2011 when final trade statistics are counted for the last two months of the year, state officials say.

By Tim Bradner, Alaska Journal of Commerce

COMMENTARY: ADFG proposed budget gets increase in funds, but cuts in staff

Alaska’s commercial fisheries programs could get a slight boost if the governor’s budget for the next fiscal year gets a nod from legislators.

By Laine Welch, For the Journal

COMMENTARY: The Bookworm Sez: Think before you spend

On the list are things like “pay off credit cards” and “save for retirement.” You’ll be putting some money away for your business or for emergencies. There will be little splurges, sure, but cautiously.

By Terri Schlichenmeyer, For the Journal

EDITORIAL: Protect halibut, relationships while seeking solutions

Homer is fortunate. While fish wars have bitterly divided other Alaska communities, Homer’s commercial fishing and sport charter fleets have been able to avoid most of the acrimony that’s found in other fishing towns.

By the Homer News

Alaska still a cool destination for tourists, ski buffs in winter

In the dead of winter, the air outside swings past zero on the Fahrenheit scale around the Anchorage area. Further north around Fairbanks, it gets even colder. But none of this dissuades tourists who see this as a time to take in some of the attractions that have built Alaska’s tourism reputation.

By Jonathan Grass, Alaska Journal of Commerce

Happy New Year 2012!

China top market for Alaska exports

China will emerge as Alaska’s top export customer for 2011 when final trade statistics are counted for the last two months of the year, state officials say.

By Tim Bradner, Alaska Journal of Commerce

Movers & Shakers January 2012

Bulletins 01/01/12

Bulletins 01/01/12

Steller sea lion case now in hands of judge

The fate of wide-ranging fishing closures in the western Aleutian Islands is now in the hands of a federal judge after a Dec. 21 hearing in U.S. Alaska District Court.

By Andrew Jensen, Alaska Journal of Commerce

COMMENTARY: ADFG proposed budget gets increase in funds, but cuts in staff

Alaska’s commercial fisheries programs could get a slight boost if the governor’s budget for the next fiscal year gets a nod from legislators.

By Laine Welch, For the Journal

EDITORIAL: Protect halibut, relationships while seeking solutions

Homer is fortunate. While fish wars have bitterly divided other Alaska communities, Homer’s commercial fishing and sport charter fleets have been able to avoid most of the acrimony that’s found in other fishing towns.

By the Homer News

Top stories in ‘11: Europe, US, Jobs’ death

NEW YORK (AP) — Europe took the financial world on a stomach-churning ride in 2011.

By Jonathan Fahey, AP Business Writer