Committee explores gas taxes

The Alaska Legislative Budget and Audit Committee is looking at how the state might change its natural gas taxes ahead of possible construction of a gas pipeline from the North Slope. The committee is looking for a contractor that will do economic analysis and modeling of different tax scenarios. The contract work is estimated to cost up to $500,000 for work done between Sept. 1 and June 30, 2010, according to Petroleum News.

The work includes reviewing and analyzing the state's current oil and gas tax regime; comparing that to other tax structures; and beginning to set parameters for maximizing the value of gas to Alaska while keeping adequate incentives for exploration and development. The contractor also would analyze any gas-tax changes the governor would propose, Petroleum News said.

Hall of Fame nominations wanted

Junior Achievement of Alaska Inc. is seeking nominations for individuals to be inducted into the 2010 Alaska Business Hall of Fame. Junior Achievement and Alaska Business Monthly magazine sponsors the hall of fame. Individuals are recognized for their significant contributions to the Alaska economy and community and demonstrated support of Junior Achievement's mission, educating and inspiring young people to value the free enterprise system, said Flora L. Teo, president of Junior Achievement of Alaska. The deadline is Aug. 21. More information is available at http://alaska.ja.org; click on "Special Events."

Seven Glaciers makes diners' list

OpenTable.com diners have voted Seven Glaciers Restaurant, located at Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, onto the OpenTable Diners' Choice list. The Diners' Choice lists are generated by the feedback that OpenTable.com receives from diners who book through OpenTable. OpenTable e-mails these diners asking them to complete a dining feedback form about the different aspects of their dining experience. In addition, these forms are used to generate the local "top restaurant" lists published monthly on OpenTable.com.