Up, up and away.

• Author: McCorkle, Vern C.
• Position: From The Publisher

Spring is just around the corner, daylight is getting longer, business projections have not been so good for a long, long time, the state Legislature seems to be positively focused on its work, economic indicators are giving signals that lead to reasonably optimistic hope for profits and job security in the near term, and that's not a bad way to start off this fifth year of the new millennium.

Frankly, we all need a little good news, considering what we have to look back on in the past 12 months: the wretched and continuing war in Iraq, the nastiest election season in recent memory and natural disasters of biblical proportions in the U.S. and abroad.

Looking forward, there is every reason to expect that short-term economics for Alaska are going to be on an upward track for the next few years. Now is the time for businesses to start making plans to take advantage of coming opportunities to grow and to profit from hard work and service.

Planning is a real key to future business success. At the pace business moves these days, not to plan is to surely fail. Plan not only for your own growth, but also be aware of the potential impacts your suppliers may have if they cannot meet your anticipated needs and demands. One needs to think about them, talk to them, and ensure that they are planning to grow just as you are planning to grow. Think logistically, and don't overlook your need for financing and growth capital. Identify business cohorts early and maintain relationships.

With the more than $1 billion military...