Andersen Consulting has changed its name to Accenture. According to Fraser Campbell, unit lead of the Accenture Alaska operation, the firm no longer is associated with Andersen Worldwide or Arthur Andersen. An advertising campaign, including television advertising, newspaper and airport advertisements and a major sponsorship program, is under way to build awareness of the new Accenture brand around the world. Accenture is BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc.'s accounting services provider.

The Foraker Group, an organization representing an innovative approach to building skills for Alaska nonprofits, has opened. The Foraker Group will provide financial services, grant writing, planned giving and information technology. Alaska corporations, foundations and the United Way of Anchorage are providing more than $2 million in initial funding. Initial supporters include BP, Phillips Alaska Inc. and the Rasmuson Foundation. Dennis McMillian continues as executive director of United Way of Anchorage while assuming the presidency of The Foraker Group. Fred Jenkins will serve as chief operating officer.

Chugach Alaska Corp. assumed management responsibilities Jan. 1. of Chugach North Technical Services, a joint venture it owns with North Employment Services Inc. Three of Chugach's shareholders with management capabilities will be trained for leadership roles in the agency that specializes in providing contract temporary personnel to its clients. As the majority owner of CNTS, Chugach entered into the joint venture in 1992 with an agreement that would allow Chugach to eventually assume direction and management of the company.

Gov. Tony Knowles introduced legislation Jan. 16 to establish a new position within the Alaska National Guard to aid in fielding and operating the National Missile Defense program. The position of assistant adjutant general for National Missile Defense would be entirely federally funded and take effect as soon as President George W. Bush makes a decision to base a national missile defense system in Alaska. Under current plans, more than 300 Alaska National Guard members would be assigned to operate the NMD sites. The assistant adjutant general's role will be to coordinate, support and facilitate the growth and deployment of the NMD program in Alaska.o

A centralized Web site for Alaska companies and organizations involved in international trade, investment and business development has completed changes. Along with a new look for www.wtcak.org, the Alaska organization listing has enhanced its navigational features and has added a more comprehensive interactive database. World Trade Center Alaska, in conjunction with the State of Alaska's Division of International Trade and Market Development, launched the Web site a year ago to provide a window for international markets into Alaska's commercial capabilities.

Much obliged

Four specific programs at the University of Alaska will benefit from a $19 million bequest specified by the late Elmer Rasmuson. The Rasmuson Library in Fairbanks will receive $5 million for the acquisition and care of rare books and periodicals. The University of Alaska Museum expansion fund will collect $5 million while the Rasmuson Fisheries Research Institute will receive $4 million for scientific fellowships. The Department of Economics at the University of Alaska Anchorage will receive $5 million for the purpose of endowing economics chairmen and/or chairwomen.

Totem Ocean Trailer Express has presented the first $50,000 of a $100,000 donation to the University of Alaska Museum's Northern Treasures Expansion Campaign in honor of the Morris Thompson family. Thompson, the late Doyon Ltd. chief executive, served on the board of directors of TOTE's parent company, Saltchuk, and volunteered for the Northern Treasures Campaign. The museum's expansion will include state-of-the-art research laboratories, a learning center, a multimedia auditorium, a cafe, expanded store and the Rose Berry Alaska Art Gallery.

Sundries

The American Russian Center at the University of Alaska Anchorage is conducting a small business management training program for 25 entrepreneurs and business people from the Russian Far East until Feb. 14. The program is sponsored by the U.S. Agency for International Development. The center is seeking local companies interested in meeting with members of the group or providing opportunities for observing American business practices. For more information, contact Joselyn Biloon at 907-786-4300.

The 2001 Science for Alaska lecture series, funded by a grant from the Alaska Science and Technology Foundation and the University of Alaska, is being presented at 7:15 p.m. on Mondays until Feb. 26 in the Wendy Williamson Auditorium. Topics range from the aurora to earthquakes, and from dinosaurs to the human immune system. For more information about the free lectures, call 907-786-1324.