Gems of the North: the brilliant and multi-faceted cornerstones of the Alaska economy.

• Author: Harrington, Susan
• Position: ALASKA'S TOP 49ERS: GEMS OF THE NORTH

Alaskan-owned and -operated companies are brilliant this year, that's why we've themed our Top 49ers "Gems of the North." Balance sheets for these 49 companies tallied $16.16 billion in gross revenues for 2011, a $912 million increase over 2010's $15.24 billion bottom line. Overall these companies employed 70,497 worldwide, with 25,138 of those employees in Alaska; increases over last year's figures, and indication that Alaska truly is forging ahead in the national and world economies with a diversification of interests and enterprises.

Sparkling the brightest are the 20 Alaska Native Corporations that made the list. These ANCSA businesses generated $11.89 billion in 2011, up $573 million over 2010. These companies, while representing 41 percent of the Top 49 Alaskan-owned and -operated businesses, took in 73.6 percent of the gross revenues reported and were responsible for 62.4 percent of the Top 49er jobs in Alaska, 83.3 percent of total Top 49er jobs worldwide.

Arctic Slope Regional Corp. tops the list for the 18th consecutive year with a 9 percent increase in gross revenue for 2011--$2.55 billion. How do they do stay in the lead year after year? "As celebrates its ruby anniversary, are reminded of the challenges the corporation has faced and overcome throughout the past 40 years. We have been successful by allowing our Inupiaq values to guide even our most critical business decisions, and look forward to continuing our journey of growth and opportunity. Navigating through this period of economic uncertainty across the U.S. and even outside is no small task, and I certainly congratulate the other companies on this list as well," says ASRC President and CEO Rex A. Rock, Sr.

Alaska Native Corporations are the mother lode of Alaskan-owned and -operated businesses. Plus, if all the companies that were actually eligible for inclusion in Top 49ers had returned surveys in time the numbers might be greater across the board in revenues and jobs. ANC interests are spread across nearly all economic sectors in Alaska and the companies offer a business model for successful diversification.

In reviewing the non-Native companies in the Top 49ers this year, we find nine sectors of the economy totaling $4.26 billion in reported gross revenues for 2011.

The next closest category in revenue happens to be the transportation industry--a real mover in the Alaska economy. The five transportation companies making the list generated $1.26 billion in gross...