Anchorage Daily News

State hires PR firm for gas line

The state recently hired Needham, Mass.-based MCB Communications to start a public relations campaign to promote efforts to build a natural gas pipeline, according to Petroleum News

The firm specializes in "media placement" and "reputation building," among other areas of expertise, according to its Web site.

Kurt Gibson, deputy director of the state Oil and Gas Division, recently said, "The idea is to talk with somebody who is a communications consultant, who has direct access, kind of desktop Rolodex access to major media outlets in major population centers, so that the governor's team can talk directly to those major media outlets."

A notice in the Boston Business Journal said the effort is designed "to promote greater understanding of the $30 billion project throughout the rest of the country." Although MCB won the job after a competitive bid, the state did not put the contract out to the broader public, choosing instead to target select companies. The state can bypass the public notice process for smaller contracts.

Gov. Sarah Palin's deputy press secretary, Sharon Leighow, said MCB bid $45,000, which was under the state's limit of $50,000.

Leading business woman touted

For her ongoing commitment to current and future business women throughout Alaska, Eleanor Andrews was selected as the 2008 SBA Alaska Women in Business Champion of the Year.

Andrews has served on the board of directors for the Anchorage Mutual Housing Association, the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, Commonwealth North, University of Alaska Anchorage and Anchorage East Rotary.

"No other person has done more for Alaska's current and future business women. She is truly a champion for Alaskan women," said Betsy Lawer, the vice chair and chief operating officer at First National Bank Alaska.

-- Anchorage Daily News

ADVERTISEMENT