Business Briefs

Credit Union 1 wins community service award

Credit Union 1 received first place in the 2001 Dora Maxwell Award, a distinction from the Credit Union National Association (CUNA).

Selected from a field of competitors nationwide, Credit Union 1 received first place in the top category, for credit unions with more than $200 million in assets. The award is for community service in the year 2000. Last year, Credit Union 1 took second place in the same category.

"We really feel honored," said Leslie Ellis, credit union president and CEO. "Community service is a benefit of working here, and it's a responsibility and one we enjoy. This award demonstrates the commitment of Credit Union 1 and its employees toward the communities we serve."

Credit Union 1 employees are involved with community programs in Soldotna, Anchorage, Ketchikan, Eagle River, Fairbanks and Kodiak. Soldotna employees worked on a variety of projects, assisting local organizations such as the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank, the Women's Resource and Crisis Center and the Forget-Me-Not Center. The credit union encourages multiple social projects throughout the year within each department and branch.

Credit Union 1 is Alaska's second largest financial cooperative, offering outstanding service at the lowest possible cost. Founded nearly 50 years ago to serve Anchorage School District teachers and employees, Credit Union 1 now has 10 branches, more than $350 million in assets and serves in excess of 40,000 members. Anyone who lives or works inAlaska is eligible to join Credit Union 1.

Commercial aviation trade show scheduled

The Alaska Air Carriers Association is planning its 36th annual Conference and Trade show to be held at the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage, Feb. 27 through March 2. "Serving Up Safety" is the theme for this four-day program, with prime educational events such as the Annual Alliance for Safety, co-sponsored with the Federal Aviation Administration Alaska Region (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety board (NTSB), and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NI0SH).

Highlights include: The Alliance for Safety, USPS semi-annual air carrier meeting, a huge selection of aviation breakout sessions, quality assurance, human factors training, purchasing decisions, commitment to safety, employee practice liability, legislative issues, one-on-one professional consultations, the annual AACA membership meeting and elections and more than 35 industry booths at the trade show representing airframe manufacturers, suppliers, financing and insurance representatives.

Information about AACA's annual Conference and Trade Show can be obtained by calling (907) 277-0071.

Coast Guard offers safety training to crab fleet

KODIAK -- The Coast Guard is offering safety training to the crab boat fleet prior to the opening of the crab fishery Jan. 15.

The crab fisheries are notoriously dangerous. Heavy crab pots and freezing spray can make boats top-heavy and more prone to capsizing.

The Coast Guard will be offering vessel stability and safety equipment training in Kodiak Jan. 3 and in Dutch Harbor on Jan. 8-9 and 12-13.

The agency will also be conducting vessel safety spot checks and voluntary dockside exams in Kodiak and at various ports on the Alaska Peninsula and in the Aleutians prior to the opening of the fishery.

--Peninsula Clarion and Associated Press reports