Bulletins 03/25/12

SBA and Mat-Su council united in aid to small businesses

The U.S. Small Business Administration and the Mat-Su Resource Conservation & Development Council Inc. are working together in their common mission to start, maintain and expand small businesses. The Mat-Su Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc. is the Mat-Su Borough’s premier provider of assistance to small businesses looking toward expansion of their business. Its mission is to assist in creating jobs, expanding the local economy, conserving natural resources and enhancing the quality of life for the residents and institutions of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. SBA aids, counsels, assists and protects the interests of small business by providing financial, contractual and business development assistance and advocating on their behalf within the government.

 Mat-Su Borough bonds rated

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough’s sound credit was reflected in the bond ratings assigned this week by three credit rating agencies. Standard & Poor’s gave the borough AA+, FitchRatings gave it AA and Moody’s Investors Service assigned Aa2 for bonds the borough is selling for schools and older bonds the Borough is refunding for schools and the port. Tammy Clayton, finance director for the borough, said this will help save the borough and state an estimated $3.5 million to $4 million over the life of the bonds.

Corps of Engineers awards dredging contract

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District, has awarded an annual dredging contract at three Kenai Peninsula locations to a locally owned firm. Alaska Marine Excavating of Anchor Point won the $5 million, 5-year contract to dredge the Ninilchik Harbor, the Homer Harbor and the U.S. Coast Guard’s Hickory Berth at Homer. Ninilchik Harbor dredging will begin in late April. Homer Harbor and the U.S. Coast Guard’s Hickory Berth dredging will be accomplished in September.

ASRC board declares spring dividend

The Arctic Slope Regional Corp. board has declared a spring dividend of $10.38 per share to be issued on April 13. The average ASRC shareholder owns 100 shares of ASRC stock and will receive $1,038. The total distribution will be approximately $12 million. The total dollar amount in the form of direct dividends paid out since incorporation is nearly $543 million. The ASRC board of directors typically authorizes one dividend distribution in the fall based on preliminary year-end financial performance estimates with a final “true-up” dividend in the spring that’s based on final financial results.

Alyeska Pipeline Service Co. recognized as one of the most ethical companies

Alyeska Pipeline Service Co. has been recognized as one of the 2012 World’s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute. The decision was based on Alyeska’s policies, direct lines of communication, corporate citizenship programs, safety and environmental records, open work environment and sustainability initiatives. The institute announced its selection on March 15 at the 2012 Global Ethics Summit in New York.

Alaska Communications launches new home internet service plan

Alaskans have a new choice for home internet with the launch of Alaska Communications Home Internet Service. With speeds up to 10 megabits per second – more than 7 Mbps faster than most current home Internet services – Alaska Communications delivers unlimited online home internet access with no data limits or overage charges for faster-than-ever gaming, streaming, downloading, browsing and shopping. Since there are no caps on download or overage charges, customers enjoy full, high-speed internet access without ever paying more than their monthly fee. Alaska Communications Home Internet Service does not require customers to install an additional phone line, and allows them to use their home phone and Internet connection simultaneously. With Home Internet Service delivered over a dedicated line, customers will not experience a decrease in their internet speed when their neighbors are online. Customers who purchase the Alaska Communications Home Internet Service kit will receive everything they need to be online within moments. Setup consists of five easy steps, and customers have access to live assistance as well as online technical support to answer questions or assist in troubleshooting.