Search

In July of 2005, U.S. airlines were losing money. Some were in bankruptcy or on the verge of bankruptcy. The world's Number 1 auto producer, General Motors, was losing money [...]

Abstract With the need for evaluating the utilization of veneer peeler log cores in higher value products and the increasing importance of utilizing round timbers in poles, posts, stakes, and [...]

172Business clusters are geographic concentrations of companies that provide mutual advantages for their participants. Clusters can include diverse members including competitors, customers, partners, and/or suppliers. In Alaska, wood products business clusters can have unique challenges associated with remote locations, high raw material costs, limited local markets, and potentially long transportation distances. Further, multiple land ownership near communities (for example state versus federal ownership) can influence raw material procurement, since different administrative processes for timber harvesting may be required. This study evaluates 2 resource dependent communities in southeast Alaska (Haines, AK and Craig, AK), seeking to identify elements that could enhance their potential for wood products clusters and new business formation. We consider how the flow of forest resources, from harvest to finished product, can influence local communities and either enhance or limit opportunities for wood products businesses. We evaluate the effect of various product mixes—including firewood, woody residues, house logs, lumber, and secondary wood products—on the composition, scale, and dynamics of wood products firms. We consider the effect of harvesting practices and proximity to timber sales in evaluating how land ownership can influence the viability of wood products clusters. Lastly we consider the impact of transportation costs on serving local and export markets. Our research builds upon past work in Alaska that evaluated national-forest based communities in Alaska, finding opportunities for greater innovation, higher productivity, and greater social well-being associated with wood products clusters.

The article discusses how the author prepared for the Burning River 100 held in August 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio and the Ironman Competition on October 10, 2009. According to the author, he trained by running 175 miles in January, 165 miles in February and 160 miles in March. Furthermore, the author swam for 60-90 minutes three to four days a week and biked for four to five hours per week during May, June, and July of 2009.