Anchorage Daily News

Chugach certified as Tree Line USA utility

Chugach Electric Association has been certified as a Tree Line USA utility for the ninth year in a row. Patricia Joyner with the Alaska Community Forestry Program, Division of Forestry, made the certification presentation at a recent board meeting. The Tree Line USA certification is a National Arbor Day Foundation program that recognizes outstanding right-of-way and vegetation management practices, and community involvement in tree planting practices around power lines.

Interiors companies open in Palmer

Interiors by Mae and Interior Expressions by Matt have opened at 840 South Colony Way in Palmer. They are sharing space with Coverups, an existing business that provides custom blinds and draperies. The two new companies provide interior design consulting as well as sell cabinets and tile, carpet, vinyl and other flooring, said Matt Ess of Interior Expressions by Matt. The proprietor of the other business is Maelynn Pauling, and its Web site is www.interiorsbymae.com. The phone for both businesses is 907-745-8833.

Per-capita income grows in Anchorage

Anchorage's per capita personal income grew 6.8 percent last year to $43,911. That gave Anchorage the 32nd highest personal income per person among 208 metropolitan areas surveyed by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. The city's 6.8 percent growth rate was the 30th highest; that high growth was mirrored in many areas surveyed in oil and gas producing regions of Texas and Louisiana.

Personal income includes net pay before taxes, rental income, dividends and interest, and government payments.

Japanese carrier plans winter flights

Japan Airlines plans to fly at least 17 charter flights to Alaska this winter, according to the Alaska Travel Industry Association. The airline started the winter charters for passengers in 2004, and this winter's slate is up 500 percent from that initial set, the association said. JAL planned 15 charters to Alaska this summer. Ron Peck, ATIA president, said the Anchorage and Fairbanks visitors bureaus deserve some of the credit for the growth. "Many Alaska businesses have gone to great lengths to welcome these visitors by accommodating Japanese customs, serving Japanese-style food and learning Japanese (or hiring fluent speakers)," Peck said.

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