In gear
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service has designated Seward "Tsunami-Ready." Seward is the first community in the state and the third in the nation to receive the designation. Communities achieve the designation by meeting specific requirements set by NOAA's National Weather Service in the areas of communications, warning reception and dissemination, public outreach and awareness, and administrative planning.
Scientific Fishery Systems Inc. has received a $600,000 sonar development contract from Sonetech Corp. of New Bedford, N.H. SciFish is being subcontracted by Sonetech to develop the detection and classification processing for its Parametric Sonar Test Asset system. Sonetech is under contract by the Office of Naval Research to develop the system which uses parametric sonar technology to send focused beams of acoustic energy long distances through water. The capability, coupled with the use of broadband sonar transmissions, provides a detection and identification capability that would serve the mine counter measure and anti submarine warfare missions of the U.S. Navy.
Kudos
Chugach Electric Association has received an "A" rating or better from three national rating firms in conjunction with its upcoming $180 million bond issue. Chugach's rating is considered investment grade and allows Chugach access to capital at favorable rates. The rating firms are Fitch Investors Service in New York City, Moody's Investors Service and Standard and Poor's.
The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers has awarded AMC Engineers of Anchorage with the 2002 Technology Award - Honorable Mention. The honor recognizes the technical design of mechanical systems for the Alaska Department of Fish & Game Hunter Education Building in Fairbanks. The national award recognizes innovative designs incorporating effective energy management, indoor air quality and mechanical design management technology.
The Alaska Chapter of the American Institute of Architects has awarded Livingston Slone Inc. two design awards for Excellence in Architecture. The Anchorage-based architecture firm received a Merit Award for the Public Health Laboratory and Office of the State Medical Examiner. An honorable mention was given for the design of the Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corp. Community Health Services Building in Bethel.
The American Institute of Steel Construction Inc. has recertified STEELFAB, a steel service center and steel fabricator in Alaska. The certification, given after an in-depth audit, recognizes the company as having the personnel, organization, experience, capability and commitment to meet the requirements of conventional and complex steel building structures and simple and major steel bridges in the certification program.
Much obliged
Aurora Electric DataTel has replaced the Alaska School Activities Association's state office phone system with state-of-the-art technology. The donation is valued at $16,000. The association's new Mitel SX-200 PBX telephone system handles ASAA's 11 phones but has the capability to expand up to 650 telephone extensions.
Wells Fargo Educational Financial Services has awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Noui Campbell of Anchorage, a senior at East High School. The award was given through its CollegeSteps college-planning program which offers high school students information on preparing for college, taking tests and applying for scholarships through a series of educational electronic postcards.
United Way of Anchorage's annual fundraising campaign has raised more than $9.1 million. The campaign began in early September. Kevin Meyers of Phillips Alaska served as chairman and his wife Dore Meyers was chairwoman. More than 350 companies participated in the fund-raising efforts either by running workplace campaigns or contributing corporate gifts. Money raised provides funding to 48 area health and human service agencies.
Sundries
The Alaska Native Heritage Center is seeking Alaska Native elders, tradition-bearers and experts to serve as members of the Council of Cultural Advisors. The council was recently established by the center's board of directors to help ensure the accuracy and quality of the center's programs and educational activities. For more information, contact Vernon Chimegalrea at 907-330-8021 or e-mail (vchimegalrea@alaskanative.net).
Parents Inc., an affiliate for Parents Anonymous in Anchorage and the Interior of Alaska, is holding regular meetings to form a network of support for parents looking to improve family relationships from 11 a.m. to noon every Saturday at 4743 E. Northern Lights Blvd. in Anchorage. For details, call 800-478-7678 or visit (www.parentsinc.org).
