Parnell oil tax gets BP's praise but no promises

A spokesman for BP Alaska says Gov. Sean Parnell's proposal to slash oil production taxes is a good first step toward creating a more hospitable investment climate, but he stopped short of promising that tax cuts would lead to more jobs or investment in Alaska.

Conoco argues for tax cut as Alaska oil production falls

BUSINESS INSIDER BLOG

Is the downtown mall getting an Apple Store?

The Anchorage Fifth Avenue mall could be getting an Apple Store later this year. The retailing arm of Apple Inc. sells the company's computers and consumer electronics.

Thursday's oil, gas, gold, zinc prices

U.S. natural gas (Henry Hub): $4.40 per million BTU, unchanged

2 arrested on gold mine scam charges

Two Lower 48 businessmen who committed to raise millions of dollars to develop an Alaska gold mine on an island just south of Kodiak were arrested Wednesday on counts of securities and wire fraud.

Conoco argues for tax cut as Alaska oil production falls

Conoco Phillips on Wednesday announced its profits from Alaska grew to $1.74 billion last year, even as oil production declined. The company argued to the Alaska AFL-CIO and state legislators that oil taxes need to be cut so more oil can be produced.

Higher oil prices boost company's profits from Alaska

BUSINESS INSIDER BLOG

Pipeline flow returns to normal

The trans-Alaska pipeline returned to full production on Wednesday after a series of emergency shutdowns prompted by a leaky pipe in early January.

Anchorage business boosters predict double job growth rate

Anchorage's job-growth rate should double this year, although the growth will remain sluggish for many industries, an Anchorage booster organization said Wednesday.

Photos: Economic Forecast luncheon

Wednesday's oil, gas, gold and zinc prices

North Slope oil: $91.88, up $2.19; U.S. natural gas (Henry Hub): $4.40 per million BTU, down $0.05

BUSINESS INSIDER BLOG

Chugach Electric refinances $275 million in debt

The refinancing lowers Chugach Electric Association's interest rate. The utility pledges most of its assets as collateral.

BUSINESS INSIDER BLOG

Northrim profits rose 17 percent last year

Northrim Bancorp Inc. reported profits of $9.1 million last year, up 17 percent from a year earlier, citing improvement in credit quality, gains from selling foreclosed real estate and lower expenses, the Anchorage-based banking company said.

ALASKA POLITICS BLOG

Alaska lawmakers press oil spill panel on recommendations

The co-chairmen of the president's oil spill commission today testified about its findings before committees where Rep. Don Young and Sen. Lisa Murkowski are members. Meanwhile, Sen. Mark Begich introduced legislation on Arctic offshore development.

BUSINESS INSIDER BLOG

Conoco Phillips 4Q earnings jump 54 percent

Conoco Phillips said Wednesday its fourth-quarter profits totaled $2 billion, a 54 percent increase, as oil prices increased and its refining operations turned a profit. For the year, profits totaled $11.4 billion, up from $4 billion in 2009.

Tuesday's oil, gas, gold, zinc prices

North Slope oil: $89.69 per barrel, up $0.52

BUSINESS INSIDER BLOG

New rules could affect Alaska coal mines

The Obama administration's own experts estimate their proposal for protecting streams from coal mining would eliminate thousands of jobs and slash production across much of the country, according to a government document obtained by The Associated Press.

Alaska Air Group's profit nearly triples

Alaska Air Group, which operates Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, said today its fourth-quarter profit nearly tripled as traffic improved and it added routes. The company also said it will take delivery of an additional 15 Boeing 737s.

Alaska Air considers swapping jets for turboprops in state

Alaska Air considers swapping jets for turboprops in state

Amid skyrocketing profits and a major rebranding project, Alaska Airlines announced Tuesday it may replace jets with smaller turboprop planes on some of its less-trafficked routes in Alaska.

Alaska Air Group's profit nearly triples

INSIDE ALASKA BUSINESS

Former owner takes over roofing company

Pat Reilly, longtime owner and chief executive of Rain Proof Roofing in Anchorage, has resumed ownership and management of the roofing contractor.

Monday's oil, gas, gold, zinc prices

North Slope oil: $89.17 per barrel, down $1.29

Alaska seafood part of nationwide marketing coalition

The meat industry has its "Beef, It's What's for Dinner" promotion. Pork producers market their product as "the other white meat." Now, the U.S. seafood industry is preparing to cast its own marketing net in a bid to reel in more consumers.

LYNNE CURRY

Exempt worker can switch to hourly, part-time

Our whole senior management team works 40 hours plus. In our field, that's expected. When our clients have tough situations, we can't just say, "Sorry, it's 5, I've got to go. I'll pick up where we left off tomorrow." As a result, we pay high salaries.

Inside Alaska business

Alaska business news in brief