Upcoming Weekly Business Presentation

Mar 2: No Presentation




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Simplified Process

As we strive to bring a better virtual experience to our members and community we have adopted a new platform for our Weekly Business Presentations.

There are now clickable links found at the top of every event page, choose either member or non-member and it will take you to the free event. No more registration required!

Click the link, pick your ticket and click the blue "Checkout" button to let us know you're coming!

*If it is your first time attending a Hopin event, you will be prompted to create a very simple account.
Do you read this newsletter every Monday because you are interested in business advocacy or policy research? Do you scroll to the bottom anxiously to see what issues our committees are working on this week or whether your favorite bill has a hearing in the legislature? This one is for you!

Advocacy Program Manager

The Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce is seeking a proactive individual to join our team as the Advocacy Program Manager. This role will be focused on managing the Chamber’s advocacy efforts to create a positive environment for businesses of all sizes to prosper in our region. You will be responsible for leading maintenance and implementation of the Chamber’s Advocacy Agenda, communicating the Chamber’s positions, drafting resolutions and letters of support in cooperation with Chamber leadership, supporting the Chamber’s advocacy committees, and leading successful advocacy events.
Kinross Alaska recently reached a significant milestone at their newest project in Alaska, renaming it Manh Choh (formerly Peak Gold), after close consultation with the local Upper Tanana Athabascan Village of Tetlin. The project is situated within a mineral lease with the Village.
 
The name Manh Choh was chosen by the Village of Tetlin Chief, Michael Sam, and the tribal council and means “Big Lake” in the Upper Tanana Athabascan language, a reference to the nearby Tetlin Lake, a site of high cultural significance to the local community. The two words flow together quickly, almost as if they were one, and there is an emphasis on ‘oh’ (‘mon-CHO’).
 
Renaming the project with landowners marks an important milestone in their relationship with the community and is a key symbol of their approach in developing the project. It is a priority that they build a transparent and strong partnership based on trust and mutual respect.
 
In September 2020, Kinross acquired a 70% interest in this high-quality project, located approximately 250 miles southeast of our Fort Knox mine. They plan to process ore from Manh Choh at Fort Knox and utilize the existing mill and infrastructure to benefit both the project and the mine. As such, the project plan removes the need to construct a tailings facility, mill and other infrastructure, and results in a smaller project footprint. They have established a good working relationship with the Village as we commenced project development, and they have indicated support for the project plan.
 
“We look forward to the safe and responsible development of the project and the positive benefits it is expected to generate for our community,” said Tetlin Chief Michael Sam. “We also look forward to further building a relationship with Kinross, a company with a strong track record in Alaska.”
 
Fort Knox’s 27-year history of responsible mining is a testament to their approach to project development and community relations.
 
The Manh Choh project is expected to commence production in 2024.
Upcoming Committee Meetings

Please note that all committee meetings
will occur via videoconference until further notice.

March 2, 9:00-10:00 AM | Government Relations

March 4, 7:00-8:00 AM | Transportation & Infrastructure
National Build by the Fourth of July Initiative
featuring Marty Durbin, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

March 5, 9:00-10:00 AM | Education & Workforce Development

March 9, 9:00-10:00 AM | Government Relations

March 10, 7:30-8:30 AM | Energy, Environment & Natural Resources
Pumped Hydro and the Eklutna Complex Project
featuring Kerry Williams

March 11, 7:00-8:00 AM | Transportation & Infrastructure
FAST Planning Update
featuring Jackson Fox, FAST Planning

March 12, 9:00-10:00 AM | Military Affairs
Proposal for New Community Action Agency
featuring David Chapa, AK Coalition for Veterans and Military Families

Contact Jinnel with any questions about our advocacy committees.
The Fairbanks Chamber tracks bills moving through the Alaska Legislature which may impact the business climate in the greater Fairbanks area. The presence of a bill on this list indicates only that we are monitoring its progress. Official stances of the Fairbanks Chamber can be found on the Advocacy Agenda and Advocacy Actions pages.

Any member of the Fairbanks Chamber may bring bills to our attention to be added to this list. They will be reviewed by the relevant committee.
Education and Workforce Development

Last Action: REFERRED TO EDUCATION (February 18, 2021)
Summary:
An Act relating to the duties of the state Board of Education and Early Development; relating to statewide standards for instruction in social-emotional learning; and providing for an effective date.
 
Last Action: REFERRED TO EDUCATION (February 18, 2021)
Summary:
An Act relating to eligibility for the Alaska performance scholarship program.
 
Last Action: COSPONSOR(S): KAWASAKI, GRAY-JACKSON (February 3, 2021)
Primary Sponsor: Senator Tom Begich (D)

Scheduled Hearing:
Date: March 1, 2021
Time: 9:00am (AKST)

Summary:
An Act relating to early education programs provided by school districts; relating to school age eligibility; relating to funding for early education programs; establishing early education programs and a voluntary parent program; relating to the duties of the Department of Education and Early Development; relating to certification of teachers; establishing a reading intervention program for public school students enrolled in grades kindergarten through three; establishing a reading program in the Department of Education and Early Development; establishing a teacher retention working group; and providing for an effective date.
 
Last Action: REFERRED TO EDUCATION (January 22, 2021)
Primary Sponsor: Senator Gary Stevens (R)
Summary:
An Act relating to recognition of certificates of out-of-state teachers.
 
Last Action: REFERRED TO EDUCATION (January 25, 2021)
Primary Sponsor: Senator Gary Stevens (R)
Summary:
An Act establishing the Alaska middle college program for public school students; and relating to the powers of the University of Alaska.
 
Last Action: REFERRED TO LABOR & COMMERCE (January 25, 2021)
Primary Sponsor: Senator Jesse Kiehl (D)
Summary:
An Act relating to restoration of tenure for certain disabled individuals; relating to the Public Employees' Retirement System of Alaska and the teachers' retirement system; providing certain employees an opportunity to choose between the defined benefit and defined contribution plans of the Public Employees' Retirement System of Alaska and the teachers' retirement system; and providing for an effective date.
 
Last Action: REFERRED TO RESOURCES (February 17, 2021)
Primary Sponsor: Senator Gary Stevens (R)
Summary:
Urging the Alaska delegation in Congress, the United States Department of the Interior, and the Governor to facilitate the completion of a land grant endowment to the University of Alaska.
Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources

Last Action: REFERRED TO COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS (January 22, 2021)
Primary Sponsor: Senator Tom Begich (D)
Summary:
An Act relating to oil and gas exploration, production, and pipeline transportation property taxes; and providing for an effective date.
Last Action: REFERRED TO RESOURCES (January 29, 2021)
Primary Sponsor: SENATE RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
Summary:
An Act authorizing the commissioner of natural resources to modify a net profit share lease.
Last Action: REFERRED TO RESOURCES (January 29, 2021)
Primary Sponsor: SENATE RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
Summary:
An Act relating to surface use restrictions for oil and gas leases; relating to gas leases in Kachemak Bay; relating to the renewable energy grant fund; and providing for an effective date.
Last Action: REFERRED TO LABOR & COMMERCE (February 3, 2021)
Primary Sponsor: Senator Joshua Revak (R)

Scheduled Hearing:
Date: March 3, 2021
Time: 1:30pm (AKST)

Summary:
An Act extending an exemption from regulation as a public utility for plants and facilities generating electricity entirely from renewable energy resources; and providing for an effective date.
Government Relations

Last Action: REFERRED TO LABOR & COMMERCE (February 18, 2021)
Summary:
An Act providing immunity from liability and disciplinary action for occupational licensees for exposure of clients to COVID-19; providing immunity from liability for persons engaging in business and their employees for exposure of customers to COVID-19; and providing for an effective date.
 
Last Action: REFERRED TO STATE AFFAIRS (February 18, 2021)
Summary:
An Act relating to the taxation of income of individuals, partners, shareholders in S corporations, trusts, and estates; relating to a payment against the individual income tax from the permanent fund dividend disbursement; repealing tax credits applied against the tax on individuals under the Alaska Net Income Tax Act; and providing for an effective date.
 
Last Action: REFERRED TO HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES (February 18, 2021)
Summary:
An Act relating to licensure of nursing professionals; relating to a multistate nurse licensure compact; and providing for an effective date.
 
Last Action: COSPONSOR(S): NELSON (February 24, 2021)
Summary:
An Act relating to occupational licensing; relating to temporary licenses and permits; relating to certification of teachers; and providing for an effective date.
 
Last Action: REFERRED TO STATE AFFAIRS (February 18, 2021)
Summary:
An Act adding to the powers and duties of the State Commission for Human Rights; and relating to and prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.
 
Last Action: REFERRED TO LABOR & COMMERCE (February 18, 2021)

Scheduled Hearing:
Date: March 3, 2021
Time: 5:45pm (AKST)

Summary:
An Act relating to notice of workers' compensation death benefits; relating to the payment of workers' compensation benefits in the case of permanent partial impairment; relating to the payment of workers' compensation death benefits; and providing for an effective date.
 
Last Action: REFERRED TO COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS (February 18, 2021)
Primary Sponsor: Representative Adam Wool (D)
Summary:
An Act relating to deposits into the dividend fund; relating to income of and appropriations from the earnings reserve account; relating to the taxation of income of individuals, partners, shareholders in S corporations, trusts, and estates; relating to a payment against the individual income tax from the permanent fund dividend disbursement; repealing tax credits applied against the tax on individuals under the Alaska Net Income Tax Act; and providing for an effective date.
 
Last Action: REFERRED TO LABOR & COMMERCE (February 18, 2021)

Scheduled Hearing:
Date: March 5, 2021
Time: 3:15pm (AKST)

Summary:
An Act relating to presumption of compensability for workers' compensation claims related to contagious diseases; and providing for an effective date.
 
Last Action: REFERRED TO STATE AFFAIRS (January 22, 2021)
Primary Sponsor: Senator Scott Kawasaki (D)

Scheduled Hearing:
Date: March 4, 2021
Time: 3:30pm (AKST)

Summary:
An Act relating to temporary courtesy licenses for military spouses; and relating to the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development.
 
Last Action: REFERRED TO LABOR & COMMERCE (January 22, 2021)
Primary Sponsor: Senator Tom Begich (D)
Summary:
An Act relating to the authority and procedures of the State Commission for Human Rights; requiring an annual report concerning the payment of equal pay for comparable work; increasing the minimum wage; relating to and prohibiting wage discrimination based on the sex of an employee; and providing for an effective date.
 
Last Action: REFERRED TO EDUCATION (January 22, 2021)
Primary Sponsor: Senator Gary Stevens (R)
Summary:
An Act relating to recognition of certificates of out-of-state teachers.
 
Last Action: REFERRED TO STATE AFFAIRS (January 22, 2021)
Primary Sponsor: Senator Joshua Revak (R)
Summary:
An Act relating to proposing and enacting laws by initiative.
 
Last Action: REFERRED TO HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES (January 22, 2021)
Primary Sponsor: Senator David Wilson (R)
Summary:
An Act repealing the certificate of need program for health care facilities; making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date.
 
Last Action: REFERRED TO LABOR & COMMERCE (January 25, 2021)
Primary Sponsor: Senator Jesse Kiehl (D)
Summary:
An Act relating to restoration of tenure for certain disabled individuals; relating to the Public Employees' Retirement System of Alaska and the teachers' retirement system; providing certain employees an opportunity to choose between the defined benefit and defined contribution plans of the Public Employees' Retirement System of Alaska and the teachers' retirement system; and providing for an effective date.
 
Last Action: REFERRED TO FINANCE (January 25, 2021)
Primary Sponsor: SENATE RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
Summary:
An Act making supplemental appropriations; amending appropriations; and providing for an effective date.
 
Last Action: REFERRED TO FINANCE (January 25, 2021)
Primary Sponsor: SENATE RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
Summary:
An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government and for certain programs; capitalizing funds; amending appropriations; making reappropriations; making supplemental appropriations; making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska, from the constitutional budget reserve fund; and providing for an effective date.
 
Last Action: REFERRED TO FINANCE (January 25, 2021)
Primary Sponsor: SENATE RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
Summary:
An Act making an appropriation from the earnings reserve account for the payment of permanent fund dividends; and providing for an effective date.
 
Last Action: REFERRED TO JUDICIARY (February 24, 2021)
Primary Sponsor: SENATE RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
Summary:
An Act relating to use of income of the Alaska permanent fund; relating to the amount of the permanent fund dividend; relating to the duties of the commissioner of revenue; relating to an advisory vote on the permanent fund; providing for an effective date by repealing the effective date of sec. 8, ch. 16, SLA 2018; and providing for an effective date.
 
Last Action: REFERRED TO STATE AFFAIRS (January 22, 2021)

Scheduled Hearing:
Date: March 2, 2021
Time: 3:30pm (AKST)

Summary:
Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to the Alaska permanent fund and appropriations from the Alaska permanent fund.
 
Last Action: REFERRED TO JUDICIARY (February 24, 2021)
Primary Sponsor: SENATE RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
Summary:
Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to an appropriation limit; and relating to the budget reserve fund.
 
Last Action: REFERRED TO JUDICIARY (February 24, 2021)
Primary Sponsor: SENATE RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
Summary:
Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to the Alaska permanent fund, appropriations from the permanent fund, and the permanent fund dividend.
 
Last Action: REFERRED TO RESOURCES (February 17, 2021)
Primary Sponsor: Senator Gary Stevens (R)
Summary:
Urging the Alaska delegation in Congress, the United States Department of the Interior, and the Governor to facilitate the completion of a land grant endowment to the University of Alaska.
Military Affairs

Last Action: COSPONSOR(S): NELSON (February 24, 2021)
Summary:
An Act relating to occupational licensing; relating to temporary licenses and permits; relating to certification of teachers; and providing for an effective date.
Last Action: REFERRED TO STATE AFFAIRS (January 22, 2021)
Primary Sponsor: Senator Scott Kawasaki (D)
Summary:
An Act relating to temporary courtesy licenses for military spouses; and relating to the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development.
Transportation and Infrastructure

Last Action: REFERRED TO FINANCE (February 18, 2021)
Primary Sponsor: HOUSE RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
Summary:
An Act providing for and relating to the issuance of general obligation bonds for the purpose of paying the cost of state infrastructure projects, including construction, communications, major maintenance, public safety, and transportation projects; and providing for an effective date.
 
Last Action: REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION (February 5, 2021)
Primary Sponsor: SENATE RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR

Scheduled Hearing:
Date: March 2, 2021
Time: 1:30pm (AKST)

Summary:
An Act providing for and relating to the issuance of general obligation bonds for the purpose of paying the cost of state infrastructure projects, including construction, communications, major maintenance, public safety, and transportation projects; and providing for an effective date.