New Backpackers Inn in Girdwood a friend to Earth

The Girdwood Alaska Backpackers Inn has opened as a hostel in Girdwood. The hostel has capacity for 39 guests, with five private rooms with double beds and a bunk, and dorm-room beds in separate male and female quarters, said Amy Johnson, co-manager.

Owner James Boring, who also owns the Alaska Backpackers Inn in Anchorage, said he aims to make the inn the first hostel to be granted a Gold-Level LEED for Homes rating for energy-efficient construction techniques and environmentally friendly operations. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and the criteria for being LEED certified is strict, he said. Boring said planned and existing features of the hostel include low-flow/dual flushing toilets, passive solar heating and use of locally available, recycled building materials. It also has incorporated use of alternative energy sources, soy foam insulation and energy-efficient technologies such as LED lighting and Energy Star appliances.

Brandon Follett co-manages the inn at 365 Gold Ave., near the Tesoro station along the Seward Highway, along with Johnson. The phone is 727-4678, and the Web site is www.hostelgirdwood.com.

Parnell to address Chamber 'Make It Monday' forum

The Anchorage Chamber of Commerce's "Make it Monday" forum features Gov. Sean Parnell, who will discuss his administration's priorities and issues affecting Alaska's business community. The forum begins at noon at the Eagan Center. RSVP to www. anchoragechamber.org, 272-2401.

RAIS honors NMS for its employment of refugees

Refugee Assistance & Immigration Services recently named NANA Management Services of Anchorage as its employer of the year for its work in hiring refugees, according to NANA. The company employs 30 RAIS clients at its operations at Providence Alaska Medical Center and at the Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Anchorage. RAIS is a program of Catholic Social Services and is the refugee resettlement program for Alaska. NANA provides food, facilities, camp, lodging, security and other management and services.

Revenues up sharply but losses mount at APC Group

APC Group Inc. reported a second-quarter loss of $181,641, compared with a $88,419 loss in the April-June period of last year, according to the company's financial statements filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Second-quarter revenue was $28,434, up from $13,697 from the same period of last year. APC is a Fairbanks company that manufactures and distributes the Arctic Leash retractable extension cord reel for consumer use and a hospital-grade version of the device.

For the year's first six months, APC's loss totaled $264,259, compared with $189,467 a year earlier. Six-month revenue was $68,399, up from $37,358 a year earlier.

APC's stock is traded publicly on the over-the-counter bulletin board under the ticker APCU.

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