Business Briefs

Chambers set schedules

n The Soldotna Chamber of Commerce meets noon today at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex for a presentation from Alaska State Troopers. There will be a free in-depth background check workshop from 1:30-3 p.m. following the luncheon. Preregistration is required for the workshop. RSVP to 262-9814.

n The Kenai Chamber of Commerce next meets March 29 at noon at the Kenai Visitor Center. A presentation from Tim Dillon, executive director of the Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District, is planned. RSVP to 283-1991.

Builders to meet

The Kenai Peninsula Builders Association will be holding their March membership meeting on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Mykel’s Restaurant. Guest speakers will be Dan Gregory and Jack Porter, representing “Incorporate Nikiski.” For more information, please contact the KPBA at 283-8071.

Weed-Free Gravel Workshop

Kenai Soil and Water Conservation District announces a workshop entitled “Weed-Free Gravel &Roads: What contractors need to know,” to be held from 2-4:30 p.m. Wednesday at Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association. Bids for the Sterling Highway upgrade MP 60-79 between Cooper Landing and Sterling will require certified weed-free material. This workshop is designed to inform potential bidders, gravel and construction companies, about the certification process. Register on-line at www.kenaisoilandwater.org/events.

Volunteers needed for JA in a Day

Junior Achievement and Redoubt Elementary in Soldotna are excited to put together another JA in a Day event for the spring semester. This event will take place on April 14. Junior Achievement programs align with state standards and teach students the value of workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. The hands-on, age appropriate curriculum equips students with the knowledge needed to be successful in today’s ever changing global economy. Volunteers are needed for this event. A light breakfast, lunch, training and program materials will be provided. Visit alaska.ja.org to learn about the JA programs that will be offered to all K-5 students. For more information, contact Amarin Ellis, Program Manager, at 907-344-0101 or aellis@ja-alaska.org.

Free F/V Drill Conductor Workshop for Commercial Fishermen

The Alaska Marine Safety Education Association (AMSEA) will offer a 10-hour Fishing Vessel Drill Conductor workshop in Kenai on March 31, 2017 from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The workshop will be conducted at Challenger Learning Center of Alaska, 9711 Kenai Spur Highway.

AMSEA Drill Conductor workshops meet the training requirements for drill conductors on board documented commercial fishing vessels operating beyond the federal boundary line. This workshop is free to commercial fishermen, thanks to support from the U.S. Coast Guard, the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community &Economic Development, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety &Health. The cost for all others is $195.

Instructor Greg Olcott will cover cold-water survival skills; EPIRBs, flares, and maydays; man-overboard recovery and firefighting; immersion suits and PFDs, helicopter rescue, life rafts, abandon ship procedures, and emergency drills. This workshop is an excellent opportunity for commercial fishermen and other mariners to gain hands-on training with marine safety equipment and learn best practices for surviving emergencies at sea. Interested mariners may register at www.amsea.org or call 907-747-3287.

Businesses sought for Green Star program

The Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies is ready to enroll local businesses in a local Green Star program, a satellite of the Alaska Forum Green Star Program operated in the Anchorage/MatSu area. Green Star is an organization committed to helping businesses lower their ecological impact and recognizes those who take steps to increase their environmental sustainability. As an expansion of its marine debris program and efforts to support the reduction of single use plastics and other waste that can enter the marine environment, CACS will be taking the lead on expanding the program to the peninsula with a goal of 20 new business enrollees. Thanks to a grant from the NOAA Marine Debris Outreach and Education program, CACS is able to offer the first 20 businesses to enroll, a $100 scholarship. Any businesses interested in enrolling, or wanting more information can reach CACS through email at Henry@akcoastalstudies.org, or by phone at 907-235-6741.

What’s new in your business?

Have you opened a new business, moved to a new location, hired a new person or promoted an employee? Send us your information at news@peninsulaclarion.com, fax it to 907-283-3299, or drop it by the Clarion at 150 Trading Bay in Kenai. Questions? Call 907-335-1251.

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