The World Trade Center Alaska will host its third annual Statewide Economic Forecast Luncheon from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Hotel in Anchorage. A statewide economic review and 2006 forecast will be presented by Pat Burden, president of Northern Economics. A senior economist from Wells Fargo will give a Pacific Rim economic update and World Trade Center Alaska executive director Greg Wolf will report on Alaska's major export markets, export commodities and the impact of exports on Alaska's economic well-being. Tickets are $35 per person and $500 for a table on 10. Call (907) 276-6060 for reservations or go to www.wtcak.org.
The Procurement Technical Assistance Center will present a series of workshops on government contracting, called "The 10 Step Approach to Government Contracting." The first session takes place from 9 a.m. to noon at the Small Business Development Center in Anchorage, and covers obtaining a DUNS number, registering in government databases such as the Central Contractors Registry and ORCA (the online Representations and Certifications) and understanding government codes. There is no charge, however, registration is suggested and can be accomplished by calling (907) 274-7232.
The Alaska Association of Environmental Professionals presents Joe Reinermann of Natural Resource Group Inc., speaking on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's review process for natural gas pipelines starting at 11:30 a.m. at the BP Energy Center located off the Seward Highway between 36th Avenue and Benson Boulevard. There is no charge for the event, although donations will be accepted for a university scholarship fund. Bring a brown bag lunch.
As part of its series of classes on board and staff development for nonprofit organizations, the Foraker Group will offer a class on developing a volunteer program, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the United Way Fireweed Building in Anchorage at 1057 West Fireweed Lane. Information on course content, trainers, fees and registration is available at www.forakergroup.org (click on Register for Training) or call (907) 743-1200.
The Chugiak-Eagle River Chamber of Commerce will host a luncheon at noon a the North Slope Restaurant in downtown Eagle River. The guest will be Greater Anchorage Inc. executive director Mary Pignalberi, speaking on the 2006 Fur Rondy Festival. Lunches are $12.50 for chamber members, $14 for nonmembers, and $3 for coffee of tea only. Reservations are requested. For more information, contact the chamber office at (907) 694-4702.
The Kenai Chamber of Commerce holds its weekly membership luncheon at noon at Paradisos Restaurant, 811 Frontage Road. The scheduled program will feature Julie Niederhauser of the Central Peninsula General Hospital. Cost is $11. For more information call (907) 283-7989.
The Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce holds its weekly membership luncheon at noon at the Palmer Moose Lodge on the corner of Cobb and West Geranium streets. The scheduled program will feature University of Alaska president Mark Hamilton, who will speak on the future of the university system and the outlook for the Mat-Su College. Cost is $12 with lunch or $3 without lunch for chamber members. For nonmembers, the cost is $15 for lunch and $5 without lunch. For more information call (907) 745-2880.
