|
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — The Alaska Legislature has confirmed Gov. Sean Parnell's appointees to Alaska boards and commissions, including two controversial picks. Bernard Washington was confirmed to theState Assessment Review Board on a 45-15 vote. Richard Rabinow was confirmed to the board of the Alaska Gasline Development |
Personal: Today we drive to Wasilla to offer comments at noon to members of the MatSu Business Alliance
Alaska's Most Under Reported News Events
Opinion By
Dave Harbour
It's somewhat ironic that there isn't more support for balanced, economic reporting when one considers that media ratings and circulation and advertising — in addition to every entitlement program in the state — all benefit from a robust, oil-fired economy.
Last Thursday's economic luncheon in Anchorage is a case in point. While the guest speaker's message conveyed economic risks that, "…families, businesses and government must consider," only those present heard the risks articulated. Citizens can't consider what wasn't reported. Several business publications were represented, but most mainstream media were noticeably absent from a standing room only event — filled with decision makers — in one of Anchorage's major convention venues!
This is not newsworthy?
If a tree falls in the forest and no one sees it, did it really fall? (More reports and event photos below.)
.JPG)
Last Friday's Commonwealth North Energy Action Coalition chaired by long-time Alaska energy expert Mary Ann Pease featured Scott Jepsen, Vice President of External Affairs, ConocoPhillips Alaska (NGP Photo), who gave a briefing on ConocoPhillips' extensive Alaska North Slope and Cook Inlet development activities resulting, in part, from SB 21, the production tax reform bill enacted by the Legislature a year ago. (More reporting and event photos below.)
During the winter, the Resource Development Council for Alaska and Alaska Support Industry Alliance provide — for members and the general public — weekly natural resource speakers who address the core issues of Alaska's economic prosperity. The Alaska Miners meet weekly in the winter.
Seldom do these events and compelling speakers receive widespread news media attention.
Readers interested in becoming more informed on critical issues may begin by attending another Commonwealth North event later this month…and an annual, Alaska Oil and Gas Association briefing in June.
And, having talked with my Canadian colleagues extensively on this subject, I know the concern is shared there, as well.
Hopefully, greater attention focused on balanced business reporting and improving understanding of critical issues will also improve our ability to better deal with today's myriad, economic — and national security — challenges throughout northern North America!
Last week, Northrim Bank hosted three economic update luncheons. The annual luncheons were held in Anchorage and Fairbanks, and this year Juneau as a result of the acquisition of Alaska Pacific Bank. Speakers included Northrim Bank President & CEO Joe Beedle (NGP Photo with Conerly), Northrim Bank Economist Mark Edwards (NGP Photo), and guest speaker Dr. Bill Conerly, business strategy consultant, online contributor to Forbes and author of Businomics. (More event photos below)
Guests heard updates on Alaska’s economy and a special presentation on the economic issues affecting Alaska and the nation. Beedle provided information specific to each region in his remarks. Each presentation is attached below.
Guests also received a copy of the Alaska Economic Update for Spring 2014. The update was written by Bank Economist, Mark Edwards, and in the coming weeks, Alaskanomics will review each of the sections and highlight information in individual blog posts. The full update is linked below.
To wrap up each luncheon, Northrim Bank presented donations to University of Alaska programs. Over the years, Northrim has given nearly $4 million to Alaskan higher education. Northrim invests in the community and is proud to support organizations that are helping build a stronger community for the future.
- University of Alaska Fairbanks School of Management-$50,000
- University of Alaska Anchorage Institute of Social and Economic Research $100,000
- University of Alaska Anchorage Small Business Development Center $50,000
- University of Alaska Knudson Scholarship Fund- $4,500
- University of Alaska Southeast School of Management -$25,000
- University of Alaska Ketchikan Campus- $5,000
- University of Alaska Sitka Campus $5,000
2014 Economic Luncheon – Fairbanks
2014 Economic Luncheon – Anchorage
2014 Economic Luncheon – Juneau
Commonwealth North Energy Briefing.
(More event reports to follow later today.)
Commonwealth North Event Photos.
MatSu Business Alliance Lunch Forum: NGP Event Photos
Friday | April 18 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM | Evangelo’s in Wasilla
Topic: Are You a Cracked or Hard Boiled Egg?
Since oil started flowing through the Alaska Pipeline, our economy has had all its eggs in one basket. If Prop 1 passes, that basket will end up full of cracked eggs that will start to stink. Regardless, we need to find fresh eggs and hard boil them so they don’t rot.
Join us Friday April 18, 2014 @ Evangelo’s from 12-1pm for our monthly luncheon.
Our program this month includes:
Dave Harbour,Commissioner Emeritus of the National Association of Regulatory Commissioners and Publisher of Northern Gas Pipelines. He is also founding President of Consumer Energy Alliance – Alaska
Tobias Schwoerer, Researcher and published author with the Institute of Social and Economic Research at UAA. He is currently working on a project to assess the economic value of environmental features in the Mat-Su Valley
Mike Heatwole is Vice President of Public Affairs for the Pebble Partnership.
Tables available for $200 (includes 8 lunches)..Only 10 available so reserve yours now…RSVP
RSVP individually (a new Internet window will open with an RSVP form) or call 907.373.6622
If you would like to save time at the door you can also purchase lunch cards for 4 lunches here.
To RSVP for lunch and pay at the door please click here.
To RSVP for coffee only and pay at the door please click here.
Cost:
$25.00 includes lunch
$10.00 meeting only with coffee service (no lunch)
Friday | April 18, 2014
Lunch is served at 11:45 a.m.
Evangelo’s – Downstairs Meeting Room
Leave A Comment