Businesses praised but gently chided.

• Author: McCorkle, Vern C.
• Position: From the Publisher - Single voice of Alaska business could neutralize environmental lobby - Column

Every October we take time out to praise the work of Alaska businesses that are owned and operated by Alaskan businessmen and businesswomen and that have been successful in making major contributions to our economy. And so it is this year, as we take special note of 49 businesses that have achieved outstanding successes in the operation of their businesses. It's all in this 'Alaska's Top 49er" special issue, and there are, as usual, a couple of surprises. We know you'll want to look over our lists, the company rankings, and to read special profile stories of some of the 49er companies.

But while we are passing out kudos for good work, we take this opportunity to challenge the business community in general, to take more responsibility for putting the record straight when it comes to refuting much of the monkey wrenching and obstructionist actions of an over zealous and money-hungry environmental and conservationist lobby. They have banded together and brought much of their mission-setting and fundraising/distribution activities under the auspices of a couple of well-healed, omnibus organizations. The business community is splintered in many ways and lacks organization and leadership.

Businesses, Unite!

Business, in general, also has great power, if it could just get itself saddled on one horse and ride off in one direction. But it can't, or, worse, won't. That's not a condemnation-it's a fact.

We have businesses to run, and businesses can't run themselves. There seems to be just not enough time to traipse off to every hearing or call to action that is important, and still run the business.

When one considers all of the economic development and business improvement organizations that operate today, and all of the critical and vital work that they do, all totaled it amounts to a mighty force. And...