UAF contributes to national climate change report

Two University of the Alaska Fairbanks researchers are among key contributors to a national report detailing visible effects of climate change in the United States and how today's choices stand to affect the future. The report, "Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States," is the first to focus on observed and projected climate change and its effects specifically in the United States. UAF scientists A. David McGuire and John Walsh were part of a consortium of experts from 13 U.S. government science agencies, major universities and research institutes that produced the report. The report is intended to better inform policymakers and members of the public. It is not intended to direct policymakers to take any one approach over another, but rather emphasizes that the choices people make now will determine the severity of climate change effects in the future. Over the past 50 years, Alaska has warmed at more than twice the rate of the rest of the United States. Its annual average temperature has increased 3.4 degrees Fahrenheit, while winters have warmed even more, by 6.3 degrees. As a result, climate change effects are much more pronounced here than in other regions. Higher temperatures already are causing earlier spring snowmelt, reduced sea ice, widespread glacier retreat, and permafrost warming. The 190-page report is available at www.globalchange.gov.

Sixth union offers concessions

The union representing 83 gardeners, parks caretakers and operators has approved a 3 percent wage roll back to help the municipality balance its budget. Local 71 public employees agreed to give up an increase received in January. The concession represents the sixth collective bargaining unit to offer up concessions. Under the Local 71 agreement, employees will get back 1 percent in 2011. In 2012 and 2013, they will receive an increase based on the five-year CPI, with a minimum of 2.5 percent and a maximum of 3.9 percent, plus 1 percent. The union proposal was to go before the Anchorage Assembly June 23. The assembly must approve the contract revision before it can take effect. To date, the assembly has approved three of the wage concessions offered up by unions representing city workers. The revised 2009 budget approved by the Assembly April 28 assumed further wage concessions such as that approved by Local 71.

Small businesses can apply for SBA ARC loans

U.S. Small Business Administration has begun accepting loans for a temporary new program called America's Recovery Capital. ARC loans of up to $35,000 are designed to provide a bridge for viable small businesses with immediate financial hardship - to keep their doors open until they get back on track. ARC loans are deferred-payment loans of up to $35,000, available to established, viable, for-profit small businesses that need short-term help to make their principal and interest payments on existing and qualifying business debt. ARC loans are 100 percent guaranteed by the SBA and have no SBA fees associated with them. ARC loans will be disbursed over a period of up to six months and will provide funds to be used for payments of principal and interest for existing, qualifying small business debt including mortgages, term and revolving lines of credit, capital leases, credit card obligations and notes payable to vendors, suppliers and utilities. SBA will pay the interest on ARC loans to the lenders at the variable rate of Prime plus two percent. Repayment will begin 12 months after the final disbursement. For more information on ARC loans, visit www.sba.gov.

ACS announces cash dividend

Alaska Communications Systems Group Inc.'s board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.215 per share on the company's common stock on June 16. The dividend is payable on July 15 to stockholders of record at the close of business on June 30. The company had approximately 44.2 million shares of common stock outstanding as of April 22.

Rotary seeks students for international scholarships

Rotary Internati onal's Ambassadorial Scholarship program is seeking undergraduate and graduate students as well as qualified professionals who are interested in studying at an academic institution abroad for the 2010-11 school year. Applications must be received by Aug. 15, and endorsed by a Rotary club in District 5010. Successful applicants will be notified by mid-September. The Ambassadorial Scholarship is the world's largest privately funded international scholarship program. Its purpose is to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries and geographical areas. To learn more, go to www.rotary.org and click on the Students and Youth tab.

Crowley nets Tesoro award

Tim Plummer, president of Tesoro Maritime Co., presented crewmembers of Crowley's tug Vigilant with an award recognizing their commitment to safety and the environment by concluding 2008 with zero spills and incidents. The Vigilant is on long-term charter to Tesoro and is stationed in Cook Inlet, where it provides ship assist and escort services for Tesoro-operated tankers moving in and out of the Tesoro refinery dock in Nikiski. Without regulatory requirement mandating it, Tesoro chose to station a tug in Cook Inlet year-round to provide a higher level of safety for its fleet carrying petroleum cargo. Through the partnership with Tesoro, the Vigilant also provides assists for ships and barges carrying Tesoro product and for other third-party entities needing an extra measure of safety and security in the heavy ice conditions that plague Cook Inlet during winter. Crowley has provided various marine, petroleum distribution and energy support services in Alaska since 1953

U.S. Senate donates computers to schools

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski said five Alaska schools will receive a shipment of surplus computers from the United States Senate. Schools in Hoonah, Kake, Metlakatla, Nome and Pelican will each receive five computers from the United States Senate's Computers for Schools Program. Schools were awarded computers based on the technological compatibility of schools' current computers with the donated computers. Preference was given to schools where it was determined that a donation of five computers would have a significant impact on students' academic achievement. The U.S. Senate Computers for Schools Program helps public schools take advantage of the information technology age by channeling surplus computers into classrooms throughout the country.

Swift Oil opens Anchorage office

Swift Oil and Gas, a specialist supplier of manpower resources to the global oil and gas industry, has opened a regional office in Anchorage. As part of its ongoing expansion, Swift selected Leslie Lockhart, director of recruitment, to lead the Anchorage office. Swift supports a client base comprised of major operators and service providers, including engineering, procurement and construction companies. Swift operates in more than 39 countries with international hubs in strategic oil and gas locations. Swift is currently expanding its database in an effort to network with other clients and contractors in Alaska. The new office is located at 3111 Denali St., Suite 102, in Anchorage. The phone number is (907) 222-4100.