Niche Activities: Truly Unique Alaska Experiences
by Vanessa Orr | Oct 26, 2026
Niche Activities: Truly Unique Alaska Experiences
by Vanessa Orr | Oct 26, 2026
Betti’s Opens New Chapter in Familiar Bookstore Location
A new shop in Spenard, Betti’s, shares an emphasis on books and community like the building’s previous occupant, The Writer’s Block bookstore.
Boeing 737-8 Enables Alaska Airlines Nonstop Route from Anchorage to Tokyo
Alaska Airlines announced its first route to Asia in nearly 30 years, with flights from Anchorage to Tokyo starting next spring.
Six Alaska Port Projects Split $105M in Federal Funds
Six port and maritime infrastructure projects across Alaska split nearly $105 million in federal funds from the US Department of Transportation’s Port Infrastructure Development Program.
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AIDEA Buys $25M Equity Stake in Solid-State Nuclear Power Developer
The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority invested $25 million in Idaho-based NuCube Energy to develop compact, factory-built nuclear reactors.
Feds Put $249M Toward Port MacKenzie Railroad Extension
The Federal Railroad Administration awarded the Alaska Railroad Corporation $249 million to complete a half-built rail extension to Port MacKenzie.
‘Categorical Exclusion’ Simplifies NPRA Winter Exploration Permits
The US Bureau of Land Management says previous environmental assessments found that exploration activities in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska resulted in no significant impacts.
Tax Changes for Individual Contractors, Charitable Donors
Some non-employee compensation (1099-NEC) and miscellaneous payment (1099-MISC) situations demand careful attention from independent contractors or other freelance workers, and from businesses that pay them.
New CEO for First National Bank Alaska
After more than a decade with Betsy Lawer as President of First National Bank Alaska, a succession plan promotes Darren Franz to the top job, effective in January.
$150M in Federal Funds for Beluga-Healy Electrical Intertie
The US Department of Energy awarded $150 million in defense readiness funds for an electrical intertie between Beluga and Healy.
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October 29
Home Energy and Performance Forum
Concerned about how to efficiently heat your home or business? Come to a moderated panel discussion with an audience Q&A session featuring national and Alaska building performance and energy experts.
October 29 – 30, 2026
Alaska Home Performance Conference and Trade Show
For the first time, the Building Performance Association is bringing its regional conference to Alaska. Join the group for two days of education, collaboration, and cross-sector connection created specifically for people doing home and building performance work in Alaska.
November 2 – 5, 2026
Alaska Miners Association Annual Convention and Trade Show
Join the Alaska Miners Association November 2 to 5 at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center and Marriott Anchorage Downtown for a week of industry updates, learning, networking, and conversations focused on the future of mining in Alaska.
Spotlight Digital Profiles
Alaska Pacific University
Associated General Contractors of Alaska
Personnel Plus
Thomas Head & Greisen, PC
SeaTac Marine
Lynden
American Marketing Association Alaska Chapter
Anchorage Economic Development Corporation
Doyon, Limited
Oxford Assaying & Refining
ASRC Energy Remediation
New Program and Partnership Officers Complete Rasmuson Foundation Team
Rasmuson Foundation hired Molly Parkan and Calvin Chang as Program Officers and Gretchen Fauske as Partnership Officer.
Credit Union 1 Hires Chief Information Officer
Credit Union 1 hired Susannah Scholl as Chief Information Officer to lead the co-op’s information technology strategy and operations.
New CEO for First National Bank Alaska
After more than a decade with Betsy Lawer as President of First National Bank Alaska, a succession plan promotes Darren Franz to the top job, effective in January.
Niche Activities: Truly Unique Alaska Experiences
Off the routine tourist trail, Alaskans have established businesses to share truly unique experiences like surfing, snorkeling, and ice climbing.
Silver Surfing: Riding the Wave of Business Successions
The “silver tsunami” of retiring business owners presents a golden opportunity for sellers and buyers of established companies.
AI 101: Business Uses for Frontier Technology
To help Alaska businesses leverage AI’s potential, local experts have been staying abreast of the cutting edge of new technology. In simple terms, how can companies use the newest technology?
Characteristics of Leadership: Micromanaging
Throughout 2026, this series on effective leadership interviews knowledgeable Alaskans and shares their methods of aligning values with ethical conduct. This month’s topic: when micromanagers carry too much of the load.
Better Business Bureau: Tools to Grow a Small Business with Trust
The goal is not to have the newest software or the longest list of apps. It’s to build a business that works well even when you cannot personally have your hand in everything.
Better Business Bureau: Tips for Smarter Buying
When money is tight, price matters, but value matters more. It pays to remember that price is only one part of a good buying decision.